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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
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Updated: 11 min 12 sec ago

New Matter 1.6 updates make your smart home devices truly plug-and-play

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 17:56

On Wednesday, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) announced Matter 1.6, which brings a number of new features and tools to the Internet of Things (IoT). 

Matter is basically CSA's smart home standard, which ensures that smart home product brands like Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon's Alexa are compatible with one another. Consumers may be unaware that Matter even exists, but it's important because it ensures they can buy any smart home devices from the brands of their choice.

Today's Matter 1.6 update is significant because it brings NFC-based Commissioning to IoT devices. As the CSA explains it, before this update, "ceiling fixtures, in-wall switches, and other installed products often [needed] to be configured before final installation due to awkward placement requirements, creating additional complexity during deployment."

However, that's no longer the case with Matter 1.6.

"In practice, this means a light bulb can be commissioned before it is screwed into a ceiling fixture, and an in-wall switch can be set up before mains power is on," CSA said in a statement. "For larger installations, multiple devices can be provisioned in advance and activated at their final locations. For end users, the experience is immediate and tactile: simply hold a phone near the device to commission it."

It will no longer be necessary to scan QR codes, enter passcodes, or go through other complicated processes to set up your smart home device. As the CSA explained, thanks to NFC-based Commissioning, users will just need to tap their smartphone near the device. 

Matter 1.6 also brings new additions called Joint Fabric and Thermostat Suggestions. With Joint Fabric, multi-user setups can be co-administered through a single shared Matter network. Thermostat Suggestions will allow users to send "time-bound suggestion tied to one of the thermostat’s supported presets." According to the CSA, "the thermostat then reacts accordingly based on preferences and current environmental conditions."

NFC-based Commissioning is easily the biggest news with this update. However, Matter 1.6 also adds other enhancements such as Security Sensor Event History, Unmounted State for Smoke and CO Alarms, and other upgrades as well.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best gaming laptop deals to grab before Prime Day — the ASUS TUF F16 is at its lowest price ever

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 17:52

Amazon’s latest Prime Day sale is still a little way off, but the retailer’s gaming laptop deals are already dropping hard across various brands to save you more cash on top-tier models. 

Ahead of the main sale, we’re seeing early discounts on machines built for much more than just everyday browsing. These include RTX-powered laptops, high-refresh-rate displays, sizeable SSDs, and models that can handle the latest PC games without needing a full desktop setup. 

Gaming laptops can be tricky to shop for, with specs, sellers, and inflated list prices all worth checking carefully. So, Mashable has gone through the early offers and picked out the best gaming laptop deals worth considering before Prime Day officially begins.

With that, here are the very best early Prime Day deals you can find right now. 

Best gaming laptop deal deal Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS TUF F16 RTX 5050 VR-Ready Gaming Laptop $1,399 at Amazon
$1,999 Save $600   Get Deal Why we like it

The TUF F16 was already a great pick as a gaming laptop, being a modernised entry in ASUS’s fantastic TUF range of gaming-ready laptops. To go along with its powerful specs, however, is its lowest price ever: now only $1,399 with $600 slashed off its $1,999 list price — and is now the lowest price it's ever seen, confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel. 

With that 30% discount, you’ll be buying a 16-inch FHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core i7-14650HX processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It also comes with useful extras like a MUX Switch with NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, 100% sRGB support, a 1080p webcam, RGB backlit keyboard, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and WiFi 6.

This particular model comes with an RGB backlight to illuminate your gaming displays even more.

With all that, you’re all set to play modern games with fantastic results — be it the usual multiplayer shooter fun in Fortnite, or a triple-A single-player gem like Cyberpunk 2077, with plenty of space available for more titles via its 1TB of SSD storage. 

On the other hand, for just $200 more, you can select the SKU with double the RAM at 32GB of DDR5 — which is also on sale at $1,599, $700 off. Then, you’ll be able to play more reliably while multitasking between admin and streaming, as well. 

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Acer laptops

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Early Prime Day toy deals are live: Shop Lego, Pokémon, and more at low prices

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 17:39
Best early Prime Day toy deals at a glance: Best overall Toniebox 1 Audio Player Starter Set with Playtime Puppy $79.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box (10698) $33.49 (save ) Get Deal Best Pokémon deal Funko Pop! Games: Pokémon Ivysaur Collectable Vinyl Figure $8.84 (save $6.15) Get Deal

Prime Day officially starts really soon, and Amazon is doing the most to keep us on edge. We're already seeing major discounts on items that usually don't drop in price until the actual event (almost every Fitbit is on sale right now!), and those markdowns are slowly trickling into other categories, including Lego, Pokémon, and other top-tier toys.

Whether you have a little one at home or you're a proud auntie like me and you need to pick up a birthday gift or a little "just because" treat, now's the time to start browsing.

SEE ALSO: Craving pizza? Prime members can grab $5 large pizzas from Little Caesars every day through Prime Day.

Here are the best early toy deals to add to your wishlist or cart before the official sale kicks off next week.

Best deal overall Toniebox 1 Audio Player Starter Set with Playtime Puppy $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you're looking for a "toy" that isn't really a toy, then the Toniebox is the way to go. It's a Mashable fave (our Director of Special Projects Nicole Cammorata swears by these little things), and it's on sale ahead of Prime Day. The Toniebox 1 is an earlier version of the collection, but it still has all the bells and whistles you need to give your kid a screen-free listening experience.

It's basically a soft, huggable little speaker that's super easy for young kids to operate on their own. You just pop the included Playtime Puppy figure on top, and it automatically starts playing songs and stories. They can even squeeze the little ears on the box to adjust the volume, or tap the sides to skip tracks.

Best Lego deal Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box (10698) $33.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $26.50   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

Lego sets are by far one of the most popular toys out there for both kids and adults. Every time I see my nephew, I take him to the local BrickinBad to pick out a set that we can build as soon as we get back to my apartment. The only problem is that Legos are notoriously expensive, so whenever they actually go on sale, it's a huge win.

If you're looking for a set that's suitable for all ages and offers hours of open-ended playtime without the headache of lengthy instructions, the Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box is my go-to. My nephew has this exact box, and he will just sit there for hours building his own little world.

Best Pokémon deal Funko Pop! Games: Pokémon Ivysaur Figure $8.84 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $6.15   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If your kid is into Pokémon but isn't quite old enough to start keeping track of actual trading cards, they'll probably be just as happy with this Funko Pop! Ivysaur figure. It's a fun, inexpensive way to let them have their own Pokémon merch without you having to worry about a rare card getting bent in half or lost at the playground. (My nephew has this one, too!)

More early Prime Day toy deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Here are some of the best Samsung deals available before Amazon Prime Day 2026 kicks off

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 17:38
Best early Amazon Prime Day Samsung Deals Best Smartphone Deal Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 1207.95 (save $292.04) Get Deal Best Monitor Deal Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 (G95C) Series DQHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor 664.99 (save $335) Get Deal Best Smartwatch Deal Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) 549.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best TV Deal Samsung 55-Inch Class S90F Smart TV 997.99 (save $400) Get Deal

The Amazon Prime Day sale event is nearly upon us — June 23 is the kickoff date, if you haven't marked your calendar for it yet — but if you don't want to wait until then to shop, you don't have to. The retailer has dropped quite a few early deals that have caught our attention, so you can take advantage of some stellar savings before the four-day sale event even begins.

Select Samsung products, in particular, have seen some nice price cuts ahead of the sale event at Amazon. From monitors to smartphones to smartwatches, there's a whole lot to look through right now that's been marked down from the company.

If you're curious what's on offer, we've gathered up some of our favorite early Prime Day Samsung deals that are already available at Amazon. As we get closer to the sale event, and as it's happening, we'll be sure to update this with even more deals that cross our radar.

Best early Prime Day Samsung smartphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB $1,207.95 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $292.04   Get Deal Why we like it

"If there's ever been a phone to make you ditch Apple, this is it." That's what Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth said in his Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review. The phone even earned a Mashable Choice Award. With that kind of praise, of course we're excited to see it get a price cut at Amazon before Prime Day.

The unlocked, 512GB model in black is currently on sale for $1,207.95 (incredibly close to its lowest-ever price of $1,199.99), though the sky blue model is also on sale for a few dollars extra at $1,209.99. If you've been looking for a phone upgrade, this is quite an awesome deal to jump on. Werth also adds in the review, "for dedicated Android users — or anyone who loves big phones and hates Liquid Glass — the S26 Ultra is worth the investment."

More early Prime Day Samsung smartphone dealsBest early Prime Day Samsung monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 (G95C) Series DQHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor $664.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $335   Get Deal Why we like it

For gamers looking to splash out on a fancy PC monitor upgrade, this deal on the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 gaming monitor is definitely worth a look. Right now, it's dropped to its lowest-ever price at Amazon of $664.99 exclusively for Prime members. Compared to its full price of $999.99, this is a great opportunity to save $335 on it.

It's quite an exciting upgrade, too. Boasting a 49-inch 1000R curved screen with QHD Ultra Wide 1440p resolution, you'll feel completely absorbed in every detail and color that pops up on its screen. It also has a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, so games will run smoothly and responsively.

More early Prime Day Samsung monitor dealsBest early Prime Day Samsung smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) 47mm $549.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

Looking for a durable wearable to take on your many adventures this summer? The Galaxy Watch Ultra is the ultimate smartwatch upgrade to help you out. It's definitely worth a look, especially now that Amazon's knocked $100 off its price tag, bringing it down from $649.99 to $549.99.

Alongside a variety of fitness features and health and sleep tracking features, our hands-on review from Kimberly Gedeon highlights that it's "designed for rugged adventurers." It can "handle temperatures between -4 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can tolerate deep-sea diving and other challenging environments." If it seems like the kind of fit for your lifestyle, this is an excellent time to scoop it up.

More early Prime Day Samsung smartwatch dealsBest early Prime Day Samsung TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-Inch Class S90F Smart TV (2025 Model, 55S90F) $997.99 at Amazon
$1,397.99 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're on the hunt for a TV upgrade this summer, Prime Day is a great time to shop, and Samsung is already seeing some nice discounts on some of its TVs at Amazon. This Samsung 55-Inch Class S90F Smart TV is already sitting on our list of the best TV deals ahead of Prime Day, and for very good reason, as it's already sitting at its lowest-ever price at the retailer.

With a 55-Inch screen size, 4K resolution, and an OLED display, this Samsung TV is well worth upgrading to, especially while it's still on sale. You can even get one month of Xbox Game Pass with your purchase, which is a nice little bonus.

More early Prime Day Samsung TV deals

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best PlayStation deals to grab before Prime Day — NBA 2K26 is down to an all-time low price

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 17:34

Amazon’s latest Prime Day sale is almost here, steadily building up to several days of huge deals on appliances, gadgets, and of course, offers on PS5 games, accessories, consoles, and more.

While the actual four-day Prime Day doesn't start until June 23, Amazon and third-party sellers are already dropping plenty of deals to save you cash ahead of the rush. The key thing to keep in mind when it comes to shopping for PlayStation is that there can be a lot of price drops on off-brand products to sift through. Luckily, Mashable has done that on your behalf — and will do so throughout the sale.

Whether you're shopping for a new DualSense controller, a discounted PlayStation 5 game, or even a PS5 console bundle when a rare price drop appears, Mashable has scoured the site and cherry-picked the best deals live right now.

Best PlayStation deal Opens in a new window Credit: 2K Store 'NBA 2K26' (PlayStation 5) $19.91 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $50.08   Get Deal Why we like it

NBA 2K26 has already had a massive price drop ahead of Prime Day — this is easily one of the best game deals live right now. Originally launched at $69.99, the new and sealed Standard Edition is now available from just $19.91, taking over $50 off the list price less than a year after release. That's its lowest-ever price according to Camelcamelcamel.

NBA 2K26 brings back MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now, with ProPLAY technology used to translate real NBA footage into more realistic movement, dribbling, crossovers, and on-court action.

As expected with annualised sports games, the next in the series is expected to hit consoles later this year. If you’ve not had the chance to play NBA 2K26 yet, now is the perfect time to catch up while we wait for news on the next full-price installment.

More early Prime Day PlayStation dealsPS5 gamesPS4 gamesAccessories and gadgets
Categories: IT General, Technology

ChatGPT’s AI market share slips to a historic new low

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 17:25

ChatGPT's sizable lead in the world of AI assistants is slipping, bit by bit.

Analytics firm Sensor Tower released its annual State of AI report (as cited by TechCrunch) this week, which contained the news that OpenAI's flagship chatbot no longer has a majority of market share in the AI space. As recently as January, ChatGPT still had more than 50 percent of total AI market share, but now, it's down to 46.4 percent, per Sensor Tower.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at WWDC 2026, the start of the Siri AI era

Let's put it this way: In a multi-candidate election, ChatGPT would still win by a landslide, but this is a sign that other AI tools are gaining momentum. Namely, Google Gemini is up to 27.7 percent, while Anthropic's Claude is up to 10.3 percent. Earlier this year, Anthropic even reported it was seeing a million new users every day. Other AI chatbots, including Grok and Meta AI, has less than 5 percent market share.

Even with its slight dip from majority to plurality, ChatGPT seems to be doing quite well. Sensor Tower said it has 1.1 billion monthly users, with Gemini fairly far behind it in that metric, with 662 million monthly users. As Gemini starts working its way into everyday devices and services, like Apple's new Siri AI coming later this year, that number could grow even further.

In another troubling sign for OpenAI, Microsoft recently indicated it may go with the lower-cost Chinese model DeepSeek to power some enterprise AI tools.

Lastly, don't forget that OpenAI is prepping for a possible IPO later this year. Declining market share is unlikely to improve its prospects in the market.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab a streaming stick for as low as $16 ahead of Prime Day

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 17:22
The best Prime Day streaming stick deals at a glance: best overall Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus 24.99 (save $25 with on-page coupon) Get Deal best budget deal Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $15.99 (save $19) Get Deal best non-Amazon deal Google TV Streamer 4K $79.99 (save $20) Get Deal

If you're not ready to completely replace your old TV (and dish out the money to do so), but you want a speedier, more modern streaming experience, grabbing a streaming stick is the move. Their simple plug-and-play design can completely transform any TV with an HDMI port for a whole lot cheaper than getting a new one — especially if you grab one during Prime Day.

While Prime Day doesn't officially kick off until June 23, our shopping team has spotted lots of early deals worth grabbing. From streaming services to devices, I'll be tracking all of the best streaming deals throughout the Amazon Prime Day shopping event. And yes, there are also plenty of TV deals up for grabs if you are ready to take the leap.

While Amazon Fire TV Sticks are definitely running the show so far, I'll be keeping an eye out for more Roku, Google, and Apple TV streaming devices as we inch closer to the official event.

Best early Prime Day streaming stick deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 with on-page coupon code 4KSAVE Get Deal Why we like it

The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the most affordable Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup that offers 4K quality with HDR10+ support, as well as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It still features the old Android-based operating system, which can be slightly laggy, but overall it's well-loved by many longtime users. It also still allows for sideloading apps if you're into that. (Starting with the 4K Select model, all future Fire TV Sticks will switch to the Linux-based Vega operating system).

Be sure to click on the "redeem" button next to the on-page coupon code underneath the Prime logo and pricing details to score 50% off this streaming stick ahead of Prime Day. While there's a chance we could see an even lower price come Prime Day proper, this is currently its lowest price on record.

More early Prime Day streaming stick deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Widows Bay cast breaks down their favorite scares from Season 1

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 16:48

It's almost unfair for Widow's Bay to be as hilarious and terrifying as it is.

SEE ALSO: 'Widow's Bay' review: Your new favorite TV town awaits in this tremendous horror comedy

Not an episode of Apple TV's latest hit went by without me belly laughing or letting out a shriek of terror. From Patricia's (Kate O'Flynn) cursed "Rhythm of the Night" dance circle to the finale's unsettling sacrifice, Widow's Bay crafted some of 2026's most effective horror moments. But which of these scares impacted the cast the most?

In an interview with Mashable, Widow's Bay stars Matthew Rhys, Stephen Root, and O'Flynn, as well as series creator Katie Dippold and director Hiro Murai, broke down their favorite scares from the season. Rhys's choice? The murderous Willy the Clown (Tim Baltz).

"He worked on that crawl, and the speed at which he came to me, I actually yelped," Rhys recalled. "I still look at it and go, 'How did he do that?'"

Elsewhere, O'Flynn recalled shooting Patricia's memorable final girl encounter with the Boogeyman (Airon Armstrong), a serial killer pulled straight out of Halloween.

"He did so many amazing stunts in one take, and it was quite extraordinary to watch," O'Flynn said. "I was worried about him walking through the fire, but he did it, no problem."

To hear more about the Widow's Bay team's favorite scares, as well as the show's many horror influences, check out the full video above.

Widow's Bay Season 1 is now streaming on Apple TV.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime Day is next week: Here are 50+ early deals to start shopping now

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 16:29
Best early Prime Day deals Best Apple Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179.99 (Save $69.01) Get Deal Best headphone deal Sony WH-CH720N $94 at Amazon (Save $85.99) Get Deal Best Amazon Device Deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 (Save $35) Get Deal Best speaker deal Sonos Era 300 $379 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $799.99 at Amazon (Save $699.01) Get Deal Best TV deal Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV $1,397.99 (Save $300) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 (Save $300) Get Deal Best home and kitchen deal Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer $59.95 (Save $30) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box $33.49 (Save $26.50) Get Deal

No matter what type of shopper you are, whether you use sales to stock up on household essentials like dish soap and paper towels or as a time to splurge, the time is nigh because Prime Day is coming.

Usually taking place in early July, Amazon has decided to shake things up this year and run the sale in June. Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs from June 23 to 26, and while the timing may have changed, we're still expecting the same great savings.

We're still a week away from the official start of Prime Day, the deals kicked off as soon as the sale was announced. Each day we get closer to the sale, more deals go live. Look for early savings on Amazon devices, toys and games, kitchen appliances, and gadgets from Sony, Sonos, and Apple.

So if you're eager to start saving, we rounded up the top early Prime Day deals to start shopping now — including nearly the lowest price ever on the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

Best early Prime Day Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $69.01   Get Deal

Leading up to Prime Day, we're obviously hunting for the best Apple deals, and a major one just dropped. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to $179.99, which saves you $69.01 off its $249 price tag. That's just $0.99 more than the earbud's lowest price ever.

This is the type of deal we normally see during Prime Day, so the fact that it's coming two weeks early is something to celebrate.

Apple Watch dealsAirPods dealsiPad dealsBest early Prime Day headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N $94 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $85.99   Get Deal

When Prime Day actually starts, our attention will be on the big names in headphones: the Sony WH-1000XM6s and the Bose QuietComfort Ultras. But leading up to it, those big brands still have lots of savings to give. Right now, the best deal on headphones is on the Sony WH-CH720N, an affordable pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. Normally $179.99, the WH-CH720N just dropped under $100 ahead of Prime Day. Snag them now for as low as $94 and save $85.99.

More headphone dealsMore earbud dealsBest early Prime Day Amazon device deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

Echo prices dropped in the week leading up to Prime Day. The latest Echo devices, the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio, both hit new, all-time low prices. But the biggest discount is on the Amazon Echo Spot, the smart alarm clock. This tiny speaker sits compactly on nightstands but provides everything you need to start your morning including a weather report and tunes to get you out of med.

Ahead of Prime Day, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $44.99. That saves you $35 off its $79.99 price tag for a 44% discount.

More Echo dealsBest early Prime Day speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Era 300 $379 at Amazon
$479 Save $100   Get Deal

Whether you're hosting summer movie nights or dinner parties, if you want to upgrade your home's audio, early Prime Day deals are coming in clutch. The advanced Sonos Era 300 is equipped with Dolby Atmos and powered by six drivers for surround sound. Right now, grab it for just $379, saving you $100 off its $479 price tag.

More speaker dealsBest early Prime Day portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $799.99 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $699.01   Get Deal

Ready for summer adventures? If you're gearing up to pack the car and head into nature, don't forget to invest in a portable power station to keep your campsite powered. Plus, it can serve as an at-home power backup in an emergency.

Right now, there's an outstanding deal on the Anker Solix C2000, which is 50% off. That takes it from $1,499 all the way down to $749. Ahead of Prime Day, that saves you $750.

More portable power station dealsBest early Prime Day TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV $1,297.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $400   Get Deal

Getting ready for the World Cup? If you want to watch every heart-racing moment in 4K and your TV isn't up to par, then shop the early Prime Day deal on the Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV. Normally $1,697.99, it's down to $1,397.99, saving you $300. That also means it's just $100 away from its lowest price ever. It's an exceptionally crisp TV with deep contrast and built-in AI.

More TV dealsBest early Prime Day vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Mashable in-house vacuum expert Leah Stodart named the Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop the best affordable vacuum-and-mop combo. Despite its budget price, Stodart says it's the most heavy-duty robot mop you'll find, and delivers spotless cleans. Ahead of Prime Day, get the Eufy C28 for just $499.99. That's the vacuums lowest price ever, and provides $300 in savings.

More robot vacuum dealsMore vacuum dealsBest early Prime Day home and kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer $59.95 at Amazon
$89.95 Save $30   Get Deal

Here's a summer hack to keep your house cool: Don't turn on the oven. That doesn't mean only eating cold salads all summer. What you really need is an air fryer. My air fryer has saved me countless times in the summer, letting me cook dinner without breaking a sweat. Ahead of Prime Day, grab the Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer for just $59.95 and save $30.

More home dealsMore kitchen dealsBest early Prime Day Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box $33.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $26.50   Get Deal

While novelty Lego sets are fun, there's something special about a set that gives you full creative control. The Lego Classic Large Brick Box has 790 pieces to build the neighborhood of your dreams. Just in time for summer break when kiddos need some entertainment, this box set is on sale for 44% off. Grab it now for under $30 ahead of Prime Day.

More Lego deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon devices are up to 65% off ahead of Prime Day — shop Fire TVs and Blink cameras

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 16:24
Best Early Prime Day Amazon Device Deals Best echo deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 (Save $35) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire TV Deals Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 LED 4K Smart TV $139.98 (Save $160.01) Get Deal Best Amazon Home Security Deal Blink Outdoor 4 XR 6-Camera System $146.99 (Save $273) Get Deal Best Amazon Smart Home Deal Amazon Eero Pro 6E Mesh WiFi System $329.99 (Save $120) Get Deal

The countdown is on for Prime Day. Amazon's annual flagship sale runs June 23 to 26, but deals are here already. We always expect some of the best deals during Prime Day to be on Amazon's very own devices, and that's certainly the case ahead of the sale. Prices have been slashed on Amazon devices with discounts up to 65% off.

Some of the biggest savings are on Amazon Fire TVs. Every size and a variety of brands are all on sale, saving you hundreds of dollars on 4K TVs. But there are also some big savings on home security and smart home devices, too.

So what's not on sale right now? Unfortunately, Kindles. That's not to say they won't be, we just expect those deals to drop once Prime Day actually starts.

Here are all the early Prime Day deals on Amazon devices to start shopping now.

Best early Prime Day Echo deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

Echo prices dropped in the week leading up to Prime Day. The latest Echo devices, the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio, both hit new, all-time low prices. But the biggest discount is on the Amazon Echo Spot, the smart alarm clock. This tiny speaker sits compactly on nightstands but provides everything you need to start your morning including a weather report and tunes to get you out of med.

Ahead of Prime Day, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $44.99. That saves you $35 off its $79.99 price tag for a 44% discount.

More Echo dealsBest early Prime Day Amazon Fire TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: Toshiba Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 LED 4K Smart TV $139.98 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $160.01   Get Deal

There's nothing better than a smart TV that provides access to all your favorite streaming services, no extraneous streaming sticks or devices needed. Ahead of Prime Day, the Fire TV sales are plentiful. The best deal is on the Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 LED 4K Smart TV, which is down to $139.98, saving you over $160 off. This 4K TV comes equipped with Dolby Vision Atmos for clearer sound and picture for the best possible viewing experience.

TV deals move fast during big sales so if this deal looks good to you, buy it quick before it sells out.

More Amazon Fire TV deals

Remote and soundbar deals

Streaming stick deals

Best early Prime Day home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Outdoor 4 XR 6-Camera System $146.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $273   Get Deal

Looking to boost your home's security? Well ahead of Prime Day, find major savings on Amazon's Blink security cameras. Right now the Blink Outdoor 4 XR is down to $146.99. That saves you $273 off the six camera system. The XR cameras in this bundle provides a 70% more reliable wireless connection with fewer disconnections to WiFi so you can feel more secure in your security system. Plus, the cameras have a two-year battery life.

More Amazon home security dealsBest early Prime Day smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Eero Pro 6E Mesh WiFi System $329.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $120   Get Deal

If your WiFi isn't cutting it, it might be time to optimize with Amazon Eero system. Ahead of Prime Day the Eero Pro 6E Mesh WiFi system is down to $329.99, saving you $120 off its $449.99 price tag. It supports over 100 devices over 6,000+ square feet. Even if you're not the most technologically savvy, set-up will be a breeze thanks to the step by step guide in Eero's app.

More early Prime Day smart home dealsMore early Prime Day Amazon device deals

Fire tablets

Kindle deals

Categories: IT General, Technology

Should you buy a robot vacuum before Prime Day? I test them for a living and found some early deals.

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 16:18
A quick look at the best robot vacuum deals ahead of Prime Day Best robot vacuum on sale overall Dreame L60 Ultra FE $849.99 at Amazon (save $250 at Amazon) Get Deal Best mid-range robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.98 at Amazon (save $270 at Amazon) Get Deal Best budget robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ $329.99 at Amazon (save $270 at Amazon) Get Deal

Don't ask ChatGPT which robot vacuum you should buy on Prime Day — ask the person who has tested nearly 40 robot vacuums in their own home. Most of the best robot vacuums of the past few years, including new 2026 models, will be on sale for Prime Day between June 23 and June 26. But if your floors need automated cleaning earlier than the end of the month, I found a handful of worthwhile robot vacuums on sale to buy ahead of Prime Day.

That doesn't just refer to the models with the biggest discounts. I've further whittled down the list to the robot vacuums with the best ratio of cleaning specs and smart features compared to their sale price.

SEE ALSO: HGTV hive, rise up: The best Shark robot vacuum and cordless stick vacuum just dropped in 4 earth tones

For example, the Roborock Saros 10R that I loved last year is $500 off, now back at its record-low price of $999.99. That sounds like a steal until I remind you that you can get significantly more suction power for $749.99 with the Dreame L60 Ultra FE. The self-emptying Shark Navigator for $246.95 sounds great until you realize that just $30 more can get you mopping and small obstacle avoidance with the Roborock Q10 S5+. (If you're shopping for a really high-end robot vacuum, I'd wait for the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete or Narwal Flow 2 to go on sale.)

So, here are the early Prime Day deals on robot vacuums that are worth your time so far:

Best Amazon robot vacuum deal ahead of Prime Day Dreame L60 Ultra FE $849.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $150   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Not to rope the Roborock Saros 10R back into it, but it really does make the Dreame L60 Ultra FE's value stand out. This model was just released at the end of April 2026, and its 30,000 Pa suction power isn't too far off from the 35,000 Pa of the most powerful Dreame robot vacuum. With accurate AI obstacle avoidance and heated self-washing mopping pads thrown in, this is a really solid vacuum for less than $800.

I can personally attest to the L60 Ultra FE's cleaning power for the price — it's currently sitting in my living room. I'm a sucker for the corner mopping of a spinning mopping pad, which still squeezes into 90-degree angles better than roller mop robot vacuums that can slide out to clean edges. This Dreame model has done a commendable job with cat litter, crumbs under the kitchen counter, and cat scratcher flecks stuck in the rug.

Deals on robot vacuum mop combos (+ self-washing mopping pads)Budget robot vacuum and mop dealsRobot vacuums that don't mop

Note: You don't need to be a Prime member to shop most of these early deals, but that will change come the official Prime Day kickoff on June 23.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The new Google Home Speaker can run your house with Gemini for $99

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 15:00

Google's first smart speaker in years is finally here.

Or, it will be when it launches on June 25, anyway. Google finally gave us all the details on the new Google Home Speaker, which it says is the first smart speaker in its portfolio that was built with Gemini AI commands in mind. The device costs $99 and comes in four colors: Hazel, Porcelain, Jade, and Berry.

The news from Google also confirms a leak from earlier this month, though now we have additional details and photos.

SEE ALSO: Apple reportedly turning to Nvidia chips for Gemini-powered Siri There they are. Credit: Google

As expected, since Google first teased the product last year, this is very similar to the old Nest line of smart speakers in appearance, but it is now a Gemini-powered device. That means it can (theoretically) take natural-language commands that are more complex than what the old Google Assistant devices could do. One example given in Google's press release was "turn off all the lights except my bedside lamp." You'll also be able to string multiple commands together in one sentence.

The main problem with all of this is that $99 doesn't get you access to everything this speaker can do.

If you want all the tricks, you'll need a Google Home Premium subscription (which starts at $10/mo) in order to access conversations with Gemini Live or to ask about things happening on any Nest cameras you have installed. There's also a Home Brief feature that can catch you up on anything that happened around the house while you've been gone, but that seems to be locked behind Home Premium, too.

On the plus side, users who already have a subscription to Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription plans will automatically get access to Google Home Premium at no extra cost. If you're on the more expensive AI Ultra plan, you'll additionally get access to Google Home Premium Advanced, also at no extra cost.

One potential issue here is the efficacy of AI voice commands. Last year, users of previous Google Home products complained about Gemini being worse at taking commands than Google Assistant was. It's been a year, and this is a new generation of more powerful hardware, so that doesn't necessarily mean the new Home Speaker will succumb to these same problems. However, Google may need to earn back some goodwill with the new speaker

Categories: IT General, Technology

New York Knicks championship parade: Parade route, start time, livestream details

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 14:33

TL;DR: The New York Knicks 2026 NBA championship parade starts on Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m. ET. If you can't make it to Lower Manhattan, you can livestream the entire celebration via FuboTV or DirecTV, both of which offer free trials for new users.

It actually happened. After a painful 53-year wait, the New York Knicks are NBA Champions.

Finals MVP Jalen Brunson put away the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5, ending the longest active championship drought among teams that had previously won an NBA title. Predictably, the city has lost its mind. Now it's time to party.

Whether you plan on skipping work to stand 10-deep on the sidewalk or want to stream the entire historic moment from the comfort of your living room, here is everything you need to know about the logistics, the route, and how to watch.

What time does the Knicks parade start?

The parade is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026. The floats are set to begin rolling at exactly 10 a.m. ET.

What is the Knicks parade route?

The procession will follow New York City’s legendary Canyon of Heroes pathway in Lower Manhattan. The parade kicks off at The Battery (Bowling Green) and travels directly north along Broadway before culminating at City Hall Park.

SEE ALSO: Knicks' Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mike Brown thank fans on 'The Tonight Show'

Following the float progression, Mayor Mamdani will host a civic ceremony outside City Hall to present keys to the city to Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and the rest of the roster. Keep an eye out for Mitchell Robinson driving his own custom raised pickup truck in the parade lineup. That's the kind of unhinged energy that Knicks fans relish.

How to watch the Knicks parade from home

If you aren’t willing to brave the swarms of fans taking over the subways (we get it), you will need a reliable livestream. The parade will be broadcast locally on New York news and sports networks (including MSG Network, FOX 5, and ABC 7). If you don't have a cable box, your best bet is a live TV streaming service.

How to live stream the Knicks parade: Our top pick for cord-cutters FuboTV 7-day free trial Get Deal Best Alternative DirecTV 5-day free trial Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

40+ Best Buy deals that match or beat Amazons early Prime Day deals

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 13:53
The best anti-Prime Day deals at Best Buy (so far): Best Amazon device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $15.99 (save $19) Get Deal Best headphones deal Beats Studio Pro (Black/Gold) $159.99 (save $190) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Shokz OpenFit 2+ (Stone Blue) $149.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,199 (save $499) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi + cellular, 128GB SSD) $749 (save $200) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $549 (save $250) Get Deal Best unlocked phone deal Apple iPhone Air (256GB) $929.99 (save $69.01) Get Deal Best video game deal "Madden NFL 26" (Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X) $29.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Star Wars Cobb Vanth’s Speeder 75437 $27.99 (save $7) Get Deal

Prime Day is just around the corner, but it won't be the only huge sale we get this month. Other major retailers are planning to host competing sales that run alongside Amazon's festivities, turning late June into a savings smorgasbord.

Best Buy, for its part, will be running a weeklong "Tech Fest" sale from June 22 to 28. (It's almost double the length of Prime Day 2026, which goes from June 23 to 26.) Historically, the tech retailer has been one of Amazon's biggest rivals when it comes to Prime Day counter-programming, and I expect that to be the case again this year.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is next week: Here are 20+ early deals to start shopping now

Already, the competition between the two retailers is vicious. Having spent several hours cross-checking their prices on popular gadgets, I've found many instances where Amazon is undercutting Best Buy by anywhere from two bucks to two cents. (That's just petty.) For now, its early Prime Day deals seem to be generally better the Best Buy's pre-Tech Fest offers.

That said, I've managed to scrounge up over 40 products that are price-matched or cheaper at Best Buy, or available exclusively there because Amazon's inventory has dried up. (There are some really good deals on older Apple devices that Amazon no longer stocks in new condition, including the M4 MacBook Air and M3 iPad Air.)

Check out the full list below. Just keep in mind that prices could get even better once Tech Fest officially begins next week.

Amazon device dealsHeadphones dealsEarbuds dealsLaptop dealsTablet dealsSmartwatch dealsUnlocked phone dealsVideo game dealsLego deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Tell your friends on Spotify what you really think about their music taste with an emoji

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 13:46

Sometimes, it's best said with an emoji, right?

Spotify is rolling out a feature that lets you emoji-react to collaborative playlists on the platform. Collaborative playlists are just playlists that let users build and edit a playlist together, and now, when someone adds a track to such a playlist, you can let them know with an emoji.

Unfortunately, the choice of emoji is pretty slim, and boils down to heart, thumbs up, ROFL, fire, sad, and headphones emoji. We suspect, given the low number of negative emoji here, that the sad face will be used quite often.

Only playlist owners and collaborators can see or add these reactions, so there won't be any randos laughing at your song choices. Once you do get a reaction to one of the songs you added, you can choose to receive a notification through Spotify messaging when you and the person reacting are connected.

Reactions are enabled by default on eligible collaborative playlists, but owners can turn them on and off in the playlist settings.

SEE ALSO: Spotify adds editor videos to New Music Friday. We asked its curators why.

According to a post on Spotify's Community pages, the feature will be rolling out "over the coming weeks in select markets," which is about as imprecise as it can be. Hopefully, it'll be showing up on your profile soon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get Jiro brings Anthony Bourdains graphic novel to TV (and we saw the first 2 episodes)

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 13:30

Anthony Bourdain's 2012 graphic novel, Get Jiro, has received the Adult Swim treatment, with a new animated series bringing the chef and author's enigmatic protagonist to the screen. And of course, it's set in a world where cooking rules.

It's been a long road for the adaptation, almost a decade of conversations, approvals, a writer's strike, and finally, two years of production — all notably after the famed chef's passing in 2018. Created by filmmakers Alessandro Tanaka and Brian Gatewood, this unashamedly bloody series transports us to a dystopian future where the ruling class is something only Bourdain (and his co-writer Joel Rose) could come up with: chefs.

Mashable was lucky enough to view the first two episodes at Get Jiro's SXSW London premiere. And friends, from the very first scene, you'll be hungry.

SEE ALSO: Genndy Tartakovsky breaks down the animation of "Fixed" while drawing his iconic characters

In this cutthroat future Los Angeles, economic collapse has left one only non-virtual experience: food, which means it's big business. Chefs are revered as gods. Waiting lists for the top restaurants are years long, with coveted spots to die for. Here, the stakes are a little higher than the Chicago Tribune review in The Bear. Food itself is scarce, meaning ingredients are precious. Hospitality groups are run like crime syndicates, with fresh produce providers treated like drug suppliers. Fish markets are hushed affairs with blacklists. Armed chefs patrol their turf in veste de chef outfits and terrorise anyone who dares to grow their own ingredients at home.

Here, we meet the mysterious sushi chef, Jiro (voiced by Brian Tee), who has just moved from Japan set up shop in LA's lawless Outer Rim. Class divide rules this city, with all the fanciest restaurants located within the Inner Rim. However, such a societal divide will not stop Jiro from making pristine, top-level sushi — with no soy sauce allowed. (Seriously, a man could lose his head for such a request — and that would be a health code violation.)

"The spirit and the energy of Bourdain loom very large on this series."

From the very first moments of episode 1, the team's animation, editing, cinematography, and foley skills are on full display, using Bourdain's narrative as a jumping off point but finding a new style — though the chef's signature adoration for both the beautiful and grotesque is absolutely here. Clean lines and visceral sound effects make every slice of salmon, the process of making rice, and the plating of perfect nigiri a feast for the senses. If you're a fan of kitchen/cooking dramas like The Bear, Boiling Point, or Chef, or cinematically-shot cooking series like Chef's Table, you'll appreciate the detail these scenes.

"Obviously, we had to get the food right, because it's Bourdain," said series co-creator Tanaka at SXSW, who added that the team recruited a friend of Bourdain's, Matt Goulding, to consult on the show. "He was basically our food guy. Every script, every animatic, every rough cut of every episode went through him," he said.

Despite being made after his death, Bourdain feels undeniably present in Get Jiro. There are cameos from famous chefs including David Chang, Eric Ripert, and José Andrés. Those who know the chef's love for meat and disdain for vegetarians will enjoy a storyline entirely based on a rival vegan chef's empire with harsh, even puke-inducing commentary on meat substitutes. And the production team recruited Bourdain's Get Jiro co-writer Rose for the writers room, even penning an episode.

"He was kind of always there to make sure that we were doing right by Bourdain," said Tanaka. "The spirit and the energy of Bourdain loom very large on this series."

Featured Video For You 'Bob's Burgers' creator Loren Bouchard credits 'early fans' for the show's success

In terms of cinematography in this animation, Get Jiro also leans into Bourdain's love of cinema, shared by Tanaka and Gatewood, with references ranging from the work of Japanese cinema icons Akira Kurosawa and Yasujiro Ozu to George Miller's Mad Max films, and more.

"Bourdain was a huge cinephile. Brian and I also love movies, and so for us, we wanted to explore different genres," said Tanaka, explaining each episode is its own genre. "We're constantly making references to movies, cinema history, and to other filmmakers," he said. "We have an episode that's coming up that is a prison episode, and we did it all as one take, which in live action, you see it a lot — you don't often see that in animation. We use a lot of the tools from film in order to make the show."

Get Jiro will premiere on Adult Swim in 2026, with dates TBC. The graphic novel is available on Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Hisense 100-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED 4K TV has never been cheaper — save over $1,000 at Amazon

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 12:57

SAVE OVER $1,000: As of June 17, the Hisense 100-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED 4K TV has returned to its lowest-ever price of $2,297.99 at Amazon. This is $1,202 off its full price of $3,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 100-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K UHD HDR TV $2,297.99 at Amazon
$3,499.99 Save $1,202   Get Deal

Amazon's big Prime Day sale event is one of the best times of year to shop for a new TV. If you've been thinking it's time for an upgrade, and you want to go all-out with a huge model, the good news is there are already some early deals popping up at Amazon worth checking out. The gigantic Hisense 100-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED 4K TV is among them, sitting at its lowest-ever price point.

As of June 17, this Hisense TV has plummeted to $2,297.99 from its original list price of $3,499.99 at Amazon. Overall, that saves you $1,202, which is a pretty fantastic discount, especially before Prime Day even begins. If you've been searching for a TV in this size range, now is your time to make a move on this model before its price goes back up.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

It's not just this Hisense TV's 100-inch screen size that's worth shouting about. While that will help transform your living room into a mini movie theater, it also boasts 4K resolution, Hi-QLED technology, and mini-LED backlighting that help bring out all of the colors, contrast, and detail in what you're watching. Summer streaming will look stunning on this TV.

And speaking of streaming, since it's a Fire TV, you'll also be able to easily access all of your favorite apps right from its home screen. On top of that, it even has a native 144Hz refresh rate, so no matter if you're watching the World Cup matches or booting up your favorite games, the action will look smooth and sharp.

If it sounds like the TV for you, act fast to take advantage of this huge deal on the Hisense 100-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED 4K TV at Amazon before it's gone.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

New York Knicks championship parade: Parade route, time, livestream details

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 12:12

TL;DR: The New York Knicks 2026 NBA championship parade starts on Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m. ET. If you can't make it to Lower Manhattan, you can livestream the entire celebration via FuboTV or DirecTV, both of which offer free trials for new users.

It actually happened. After a painful 53-year wait, the New York Knicks are NBA Champions.

Finals MVP Jalen Brunson put away the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5, ending the longest active championship drought among teams that had previously won an NBA title. Predictably, the city has lost its mind. Now it's time to party.

Whether you plan on skipping work to stand 10-deep on the sidewalk or want to stream the entire historic moment from the comfort of your living room, here is everything you need to know about the logistics, the route, and how to watch.

What time does the Knicks parade start?

The parade is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026. The floats are set to begin rolling at exactly 10 a.m. ET.

What is the Knicks parade route?

The procession will follow New York City’s legendary Canyon of Heroes pathway in Lower Manhattan. The parade kicks off at The Battery (Bowling Green) and travels directly north along Broadway before culminating at City Hall Park.

SEE ALSO: Knicks' Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mike Brown thank fans on 'The Tonight Show'

Following the float progression, Mayor Mamdani will host a civic ceremony outside City Hall to present keys to the city to Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and the rest of the roster. Keep an eye out for Mitchell Robinson driving his own custom raised pickup truck in the parade lineup. That's the kind of unhinged energy that Knicks fans relish.

How to watch the Knicks parade from home

If you aren’t willing to brave the swarms of fans taking over the subways (we get it), you will need a reliable livestream. The parade will be broadcast locally on New York news and sports networks (including MSG Network, FOX 5, and ABC 7). If you don't have a cable box, your best bet is a live TV streaming service.

How to live stream the Knicks parade: Our top pick for cord-cutters FuboTV 7-day free trial Get Deal Best Alternative DirecTV 5-day free trial Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 17, 2026

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 12:04

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're into folklore.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 17, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Crevice

  • Green: Getting smart

  • Blue: Ancient folklore

  • Purple: Classification

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Alcove

  • Green: Bodily words for attitude

  • Blue: Figures in Greek myth

  • Purple: Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1102 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Alcove: CAVITY, NICHE, NOOK, RECESS

  • Bodily words for attitude: CHEEK, LIP, MOUTH, NERVE

  • Figures in Greek myth: CALLIOPE, ECHO, IRIS, NEMESIS

  • Starting with synonyms for "Ilk": CLASSIC, KINDLE, SORTIE, TYPEFACE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 17, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for June 17, 2026

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 12:04

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you tend crops.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 17, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: In the barnyard

The words are related to agriculture.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a farmer's work.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Farming.

NYT Strands word list for June 17

  • Pitchfork

  • Sawhorse

  • Farming

  • Tractor

  • Wheelbarrow

  • Bucket

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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