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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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Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and get a $300 Amazon gift card

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 16:17

SAVE 17%: As of July 14, the brand new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is on sale for its best pre-order price at Amazon. Get it for $1,999.99, down from $2,419.99. Plus, if you pre-order now, you'll receive a $300 gift card and double the storage.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Cell Phone (512GB) + Gift Card $1,999.99 at Amazon
$2,419.99 Save $420.00 Get Deal

On July 9, 2025, Mashable’s Tech Team gave us a play-by-play of Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked livestream event, where the company finally announced the very real release of the Galaxy Z Fold7 — a new flagship foldable phone that’s basically a tablet when fully opened.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: Every phone announced, including Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7

Although the phone isn’t officially available until July 25, pre-orders have already started (as of this article’s writing), and as is typical with Samsung devices, there are some deals available for those who want to jump on board early. The best one, as of right now, is through Amazon: If you pre-order the Z Fold7 from the online retail giant, you’ll get a $300 Amazon gift card and double the storage for free. That means you'll get the 512GB model for the price of the 256GB one. But this offer ends July 24, so you'll need to act fast.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is available in three colors: Blue Shadow, Jet Black, and Silver Shadow. No matter which hue you pick, the Z Fold7 will run you $1,999.99, before any trade-in credits or discounts. If you order through Amazon, you'll receive the phone unlocked, meaning you aren't tied to a specific carrier.

SEE ALSO: Pre-ordering the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8? Here's how to get a free $50 Amazon gift card.

This phone features a design that’s “slimmer than ever” and is supposed to feel easier to hold than previous models. It has a massive 8-inch AMOLED display when unfolded, along with a 6.5-inch cover screen. It also comes with 512GB of storage (with this specific deal) and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.

For cameras, you’ll get a 200MP camera with Pro-Visual Engine on the rear, along with a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 10MP telephoto lens, plus two selfie cameras (one on the cover and one under the display).

This isn’t all the Galaxy Z Fold7 has to offer, but it’s a good glimpse at what to expect.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stock up on Duracell AA batteries while theyre at a record-low price at Amazon

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 15:44

SAVE OVER $4: A 28-pack of Duracell AA batteries is on sale for $17.74 at Amazon. That's down from $21.75 and the lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Duracell Duracell AA Batteries (28 Pack) $17.74 at Amazon
$21.75 Save $4.01 Get Deal

Prime Day is over, but if you forgot to shop the Amazon sale last week, there are still a few lingering deals that are worth grabbing. If you did shop the sale, you know some awesome boring but essential items were on a huge discount. And there's still a super essential item on sale today.

As of July 14, you can snag a 28-pack of Duracell AA batteries on sale for $17.74 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $21.75. That works out at an 18% discount. Today's sale price is also the lowest we've ever spotted at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Pre-ordering the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8? Here's how to get a free $50 Amazon gift card.

Batteries are on the list of home essentials you should always keep around. Like running out of toilet paper, searching for a battery when the remote is already dead only to find an empty box in the drawer is never fun. But thanks to this Amazon deal, you can restock with 28 Duracell AA batteries.

Since the 28-pack is on sale for $17.74, each battery costs an affordable $0.63. Aside from the sale price, the knowledge that you won't have to go searching for a device with AA batteries so you can swap them over is well worth the small investment. Keep in mind your work-essential mouse might very well require AA batteries and you don't want to be stuck with a dead mouse while working on a deadline.

Duracell claims these batteries can last for up to 12 years in storage, so there's no reason to not stock up during today's sale. The 28 batteries also come in a resealable pack, so they'll all stay neatly in one location instead of rolling around.

Save yourself a trip to Target and stock up on Duracell AA batteries while they're on sale post Prime Day.

The best tech deals to shop this week
Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on July 14, 2025

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 15:40

Interested in why the moon looks like it does tonight? Wonder no more, here's what you need to know about tonight's moon, as it moves through the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. 

See what's happening tonight, July 14.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Monday, July 14, the moon phase is still in Waning Gibbous. The moon is still mostly lit up, even days after the full moon. Tonight it will be 85% visible to us, NASA's Daily Moon Observation tells us.

It's day 19 of the lunar cycle, and here's what you'll be able to see when you look up. Without any visual aids, enjoy sights of the Aristarchus Plateau, the Copernicus Crater, and the Mare Serenitatis. With binoculars, you'll also spot the Clavius Crater, Alphonsus Crater, and the Mare Nectaris.

With a telescope, you'll see all this and more, including the Apollo 12 and 16. The rocks collected during the Apollo 16 mission are some of the oldest brought back from the Moon, according to NASA.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on August 9. The last full moon was on July 10.

What are moon phases?

Moon phases are part of a 29.5-day lunar cycle, NASA tells us, caused by the angles between the sun, moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. So, sometimes it looks full, sometimes half, and sometimes not there at all. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google is merging Android with ChromeOS

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 15:32

Google is looking to combine Android and ChromeOS into a single operating system.

Sameer Samat, president of Android Ecosystem at Google, revealed the news in an interview with TechRadar's Lance Ulanoff. "We’re going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into a single platform," he said, though Samat didn't say when the change may happen.

SEE ALSO: 3 new Android 16 features to try thanks to Android Canary

In fact, much of the interview revolves around other Android-related topics, including changes Google has made to Android 16, making it more customizable and integrating Gemini throughout many of its features.

Still, the prospect of Android and ChromeOS being combined into one operating system is the biggest news here, as we've heard rumors of it happening for years.

ChromeOS is Google's operating system for Chromebook laptops, and several other devices including an HDMI dongle called Chromebit, and a mini PC called Chromebox. It's designed to be light and fast, and relies heavily on Google's Chrome browser as well as Google's cloud for storage.

While Samat didn't share any details of what this merger may look like once it happens, he did tell TechRadar he's "very interested in how people are using their laptops these days and what they’re getting done."

Notably, Google recently introduced several features into Android that make it a bit more friendly for computers and tablets, including Desktop Mode, which turns a Pixel device into a mini PC of sorts.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Garmin Instinct 2X is still $150 off after Prime Day

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 13:24

SAVE $150: As of July 14, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Smart Watch is on sale for $299.99 at Amazon — that’s 33% off its regular price of $449.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Instinct 2X Solar $299.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $150 Get Deal

For those who’d rather be scaling trails than sitting at a desk, this smartwatch deal is calling your name.

As of July 14, Amazon has dropped the price of the Garmin Instinct 2X to $299.99, a hefty $150 off the usual $449.99 tag. That’s a full 33% discount on one of Garmin’s most rugged wearables. Built to U.S. military standard 810, the Instinct 2X is for anything — whether it be thermal extremes, shocks, or downpours. Its specs even note that the solar-charging Power Glass lens boosts battery life and can even deliver an infinite battery in smartwatch mode with sufficient sunlight.

SEE ALSO: iOS 26 adds 'Emoji Game' for Apple News+ subscribers

It’s also packed with useful tools like a built-in flashlight (with variable brightness and strobe modes), multi-band GNSS for next-level location accuracy, and a three-axis compass and barometric altimeter to help you navigate the wild.

But it’s not just about surviving the outdoors. The watch offers 24/7 health tracking, including heart rate, sleep monitoring, respiration, and more — all accessible from your wrist. And with Garmin’s Firstbeat Analytics, the Instinct 2X promises that you can dive deep into your recovery, stress levels, and performance metrics.

Whether you're logging miles, hitting the gym, or just want something that can keep up with your lifestyle, this watch has your back — literally.

This deal won’t stick around forever, and neither should you. Head to Amazon and snag the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar before the price jumps back up.

If you’re still on the hunt for great Amazon deals, the 10 top-rated post-Prime-Day discounts we found are still up for grabs. Plus, you can score a refurbished MacBook Air for just $200 over at the Mashable Shop.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Garmin epix Pro is still down to its lowest-ever price after Prime Day

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 13:11

SAVE $350: As of July 14, the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) is on sale for $649.99 at Amazon. This is 35% off its list price of $999.99 and marks its lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) $649.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $350 Get Deal

Prime Day may be over, but Amazon still has some excellent discounts hanging around. If you were looking to score a smartwatch from the sale event, we've stumbled across quite a few that are still at their lowest-ever prices, including this deal on the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2).

The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) is usually listed for a hefty $999.99, but you can still score it for $649.99 right now. As mentioned before, this marks its best-ever price, so now is a great time to pick it up. This high-tech watch is well worth the price tag if you're looking for the ultimate upgrade.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2025 is over-ish: We found 125+ deals that are still live from Apple, Yeti, Ninja, and Sony

Boasting a shiny and bright AMOLED display with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and titanium bezel, this beefy smartwatch is built for adventurous individuals. Its packed with plenty of advanced features as well. These include 24/7 health and wellness features like HRV status and Pulse Ox, a morning report, endurance score, advanced navigation sensors, and much more. It even features a built-in flashlight.

On top of that, the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) features an excellent battery life. It can last for up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode.

This deal may not last for long. Don't miss out on 35% off the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) at Amazon.

If you're looking for more Garmin deals after the Amazon Prime Day sale event, check out our roundup of the best Garmin Prime Day deals to see which discounts are still available.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Pre-ordering the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8? Heres how to get a free $50 Amazon gift card.

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 13:08

FREE GIFT CARD: As of July 14, Amazon is offering a free $50 Amazon gift card when you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. This deal is valid until July 24.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic + $100 Amazon Gift Card $349.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50 Get Deal

It's weird to float around on Amazon after Prime Day. Most of the best deals are gone, but some record-low prices are sticking around. It feels like Amazon is in limbo, which is why the latest preorder deal on the recently-announced Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is so significant. It's the only deal out there that truly feels "new."

Amazon is offering a free $50 Amazon gift card when you preorder the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. This promotional offer is only running until July 24, ahead of the smartwatch's release on July 25. If you know you want to upgrade, this deal makes a lot of sense. You can spend that $50 gift card on whatever you like, with no fees and no expiration date.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Unpacked was silent on Project Moohan and the rumored trifold phone

This smartwatch comes packed with advanced health and sleep tracking features, an Energy Score that helps you plot out your activities for the day based on stats from the previous day, and a Running Coach feature that tracks your key metrics to help you smash your goals.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 even offers insights into your diet, activity, and stress levels so you can keep a closer eye on your health. If you want something that can take control of your daily health and fitness goals, this is the model for you.

Score a free $50 gift card with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

The 65-inch Insignia F50 Series TV is down to under $300 on Amazon — score the lowest-ever price

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 12:49

SAVE $165: As of July 14, the Insignia 65-inch F50 Series 4K Fire TV is on sale for $284.99 at Amazon — that's 37% off its $449.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 65-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $284.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $165 Get Deal

For those who missed out on a great TV deal during last week’s Prime Day, Amazon still has a large 4K unit at its lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel.

As of July 14, the Insignia 65-inch Class F50 Series 4K UHD Smart Fire TV is on sale for just $284.99 at Amazon — that’s a $165 price drop and a solid 37% off the usual $449.99 price tag.

This set isn’t just about screen size — though at 65 inches, it’s certainly got your attention since it can fill any average living room’s entertainment space and then some. It delivers 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR10, offering stunning contrast and vibrant colours whether you're streaming a blockbuster or watching live sports. 

SEE ALSO: iOS 26 adds 'Emoji Game' for Apple News+ subscribers

And if your movies, shows, or live programmes aren’t in 4K; whether it be Gen V, Slow Horses, Severance, Heads of State, or even the local news; that’s no problem, either. The F50 will always try to upscale it to near-4K quality where possible — achieving breathtaking results depending on the content.

With Fire TV built in, you get instant access to apps like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and Prime Video, plus over a million free titles from services like Tubi and Pluto TV. You can even connect smart home gear, view security cams, and control lighting using the Alexa voice remote. It also promises to sound as good as it looks, thanks to DTS Virtual-X audio. You can hook up your game console or Blu-ray player easily with three HDMI ports, or use HDMI eARC for richer sound through a soundbar or receiver.

If you want that clean, cable-free look with more room on your display unit or TV cabinet, it’s even wall-mountable. 

With all of that for under $300, this deal feels kind of ridiculous. For extra savings on tech upgrades, check out our selection of the 10 best post-Prime Day deals that are still available to buy right now. And if you're seeking an extra screen, you can also grab a $200 refurbished MacBook Air at the Mashable Shop.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Score a free $100 Amazon gift card when you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 12:45

FREE GIFT CARD: As of July 14, Amazon is offering a free $100 Amazon gift card when you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. This deal is valid until July 24.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic + $100 Amazon Gift Card $499.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100 Get Deal

Alongside some great Prime Day deals that are still floating around after the sale event, Amazon has some exciting treats for shopper to check out. If you've had your eye on the recently-announced Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, Amazon is currently offering a free $100 Amazon gift card when you pre-order the sleek new smartwatch.

This bundle costs $499.99. It's an offer that's only running until July 24. So there's no better time than now to pick it up and upgrade your smartwatch game with a little bonus cash to spend on something else.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2025 is over-ish: We found 125+ deals that are still live from Apple, Yeti, Ninja, and Sony

This smartwatch is well worth the investment, too. Alongside a stylish design, it boasts advanced health and sleep tracking features, an Energy Score that helps you plot out your activities for the day based on stats from the previous day, and for those with a love of fitness, it even comes with a Running Coach feature that tracks various factors such as age, weight, oxygen levels, and heart rate to help you out.

The Galaxy Watch 8 even offers insights into your diet, activity, and stress levels so you can keep a closer eye on your health. If you're looking for a smartwatch that keeps up with your daily health and fitness goals, it's packed with features to help.

This offer only lasts until July 24, so act fast to get a free $100 Amazon gift card when you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic at Amazon. If you're curious to see preorders for the standard Galaxy Watch 8, check out our Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 preorder guide.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is at its lowest price this year — save over $100 for a limited time

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 11:40

SAVE $109: As of July 14, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is on sale for $190 at Amazon. That's a 37% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $190 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $109.99 Get Deal

Looking for a new smartwatch? For an all-rounder, check out the Garmin vívoactive 5, currently on sale at Amazon. This watch was released in late 2023, bringing a stark upgrade from the previous model. It boasts impressive health and lifestyle stats, and as of July 14, it's at its lowest price in 2025.

Right now, you can save $109 on list price. Prime Day may have come to an end last week, but deals like this are still lingering days later, and we're not mad about it.

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers 2025: Smartwatches and rings that you can buy during Amazon Prime Day

As an upgrade from the vívoactive 4, the 5 benefits from a bright and colorful AMOLED display, making everything look incredibly vibrant. It also has a much-improved battery life, boasting 11 days when in smartwatch mode.

As you'd expect from Garmin, the stats and tracking features are seriously next level; it offers an advanced range of health metrics, including heart rate, SpO2, stress levels, and detailed sleep analysis. The sleep tracking has been improved from previous models and now includes sleep coaching. For sports enthusiasts, it supports tracking for running, cycling, swimming, and a wide variety of other activities. Despite not being part of the more advanced Garmin ranges, this watch is more than capable of tracking long activities, up to marathon level and beyond.

However, it's worth noting that it does lack some of the more advanced training features, including training readiness and status. It is also no longer the newest in the range after the release of the vívoactive 6 earlier this year, but if owning the latest in the range doesn't matter to you, the 5 is still an excellent choice.

Get it from Amazon now, before the price goes back up to pre-Prime Day levels.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Grok is now in Tesla cars, but not in the way you think

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 11:39

Last week, Elon Musk said xAI's Grok chatbot would be coming to Tesla vehicles. Now, the company has made good on the CEO's promise, but perhaps not in the way many users had hoped.

Launched on Saturday, the latest firmware update for Tesla cars brings Grok functionality to some vehicles — namely, only those with an AMD chip inside. That means only Teslas produced around mid-2021 or later can access Grok.

SEE ALSO: xAI apologizes for Grok praising Hitler, blames users

There's a bigger caveat, though. According to Tesla's release notes for software version 2025.26, "Grok is currently in Beta & does not issue commands to your car — existing voice commands remain unchanged."

This means that Tesla owners won't be able to use Grok smarts to get better functionality out of the car's voice command interface, which often leaves a lot to be desired (I've personally struggled to issue basic commands to a Tesla Model 3, including choosing a song to play or simply getting it to understand what I'm trying to say).

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Instead, Grok can now be used for non-car.-specific queries, including (Tesla's example) asking the assistant what it would do on a first date with Tesla's robot, Optimus.

There's no word on whether Grok's behavior in Tesla cars may change in the future.

The new functionality came after a tough week for Grok (and those who had the misfortune of seeing its posts), as it went on an antisemitic tirade on X — just a few days after Musk announced that the chatbot had been "improved significantly." Per The Verge, the chatbot's system had been tuned to "not shy away from making claims which are politically incorrect." In an update over the weekend, xAI apologized for the issue and said the code negatively affecting the Grok's "horrific behavior" has been removed.

Shortly after the incident, xAI launched a new version of Grok, which beats other AI assistant in a number of AI benchmarks.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Meanwhile, Musk promised the "most epic demo ever" by Tesla "by end of year," without going into specifics.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still at their best-ever price after Prime Day, but for how long?

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 11:26

SAVE $100: As of July 14, Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still at their Prime Day price of $149. That's the best-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $149 at Amazon
$249 Save $100 Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day may be in the rearview, but thankfully quite a few deals have hung around after the sale. One of our absolute favorite discounts from the sale was on the AirPods Pro 2, which are still at their lowest-ever price.

This discount saves you $100 on their usual list price of $249, which is an excellent bargain to jump on. Who knows how much longer it'll stick around, so if these AirPods have been on your radar, now is the chance to score them at their best-ever price.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2025 is over-ish: We found 125+ deals that are still live from Apple, Yeti, Ninja, and Sony

I'm a very big fan of these AirPods. Not only do they offer stellar sound quality courtesy of the H2 chip, but the noise-canceling features always come in handy. Whether you're looking to block out the sounds around you or let some noise in so you can stay aware of your surroundings, Active Noise Cancelation and Transparency mode are here to assist. There's also Adaptive Audio, which works as a mix of the two features to adapt to your environment.

On top of that, they have a nice fit. The silicone tips feel comfortable in your ears and help create a seal to keep sound out. They're also IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistant so you can wear them in various environments without any worry of damage.

Act fast to scoop up the AirPods Pro 2 at this fantastic all-time low discount at Amazon. Looking for more AirPods deals? Check out our breakdown of the best Prime Day AirPods deals to see which offers are still live after the sale event.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Dreame X40 Ultra robot vacuum is heavily discounted to its best-ever price at Amazon

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 11:14

SAVE OVER $600: As of July 14, the Dreame X40 Ultra Robotic Vacuum is down to $699.99 at Amazon — that’s 50% off its $1,399.98 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DREAME Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum $699.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $700 Get Deal

The Dreame X40 Ultra robot vacuum is sporting a deep discount right now at Amazon — and if your home is begging for smarter, hands-free cleaning, this deal is hard to ignore.

As of July 14, the Dreame 40 Ultra is just $699.99 at Amazon. That's its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. That’s a whopping $699.99 off its usual $1,399.98 price tag — a 50% saving that’s unlikely to stick around for long.

SEE ALSO: iOS 26 adds 'Emoji Game' for Apple News+ subscribers

The Dreame X40 Ultra is built to deliver some serious cleaning. With a staggering 12,000Pa of suction, it’s one of the most powerful robot vacuums you can buy — easily pulling up embedded pet hair, fine dust, and more. It also comes equipped with OmniDirt detection and MopExtend RoboSwing tech, which means it can detect stubborn messes and scrub into corners and under furniture without missing a beat.

Another one of the standout features is its removable and liftable mop, which helps protect rugs from wet mopping. The mop lifts automatically or can be removed entirely — perfect for carpeted homes. The SideReach extendable brush even offers to get into baseboards and tight angles that most bots can’t reach.

When it’s done cleaning, the Dreame says the X40 takes care of itself. It returns to its dock to auto-empty, auto-refill, and even wash the mop with 158°F hot water to prevent odours and bacteria build-up — no hands required.

The Dreame app even adds smart mapping, pet zone control, and customisable cleaning settings, and the massive 6400mAh battery keeps the vacuum running for longer sessions.

For more high-value bargains from Amazon, check out these 10 popular post-Prime Day deals that are still available. What’s more, you can still get a refurbished MacBook Air for only $200 at the Mashable Shop.

The best deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Elmos official X account hacked, posts antisemitic tirade

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 11:13

The official X account for Sesame Street's Elmo was hacked on Sunday, publishing several antisemitic posts as well as calls for President Donald Trump to "RELEASE THE [Epstein] FILES" (emphasis original).

SEE ALSO: xAI apologizes for Grok praising Hitler, blames users

Sesame Street's lovable red monster appeared considerably less lovable this weekend, with Elmo's X account posting an onslaught of antisemitic statements and calls for genocide to its 645,000 followers. The hacked account further responded to other users with slurs against Black people and the LGBTQ community.

Users were quick to identify that Elmo's incredibly uncharacteristic behaviour was the result of a hacker, and the offending posts have since been deleted. Even so, the posts quickly garnered widespread attention.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

In addition to the aggressively racist comments, the hackers controlling Elmo's X account also took aim at Trump. Accusing him of being a "PUPPET" for Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the hacked account called for the U.S. president to publish files relating to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump has urged his followers to move on from the so-called "Epstein files," with the U.S. Department of Justice stating that no "incriminating 'client list'" of the deceased criminal's associates exists. Many of his followers have expressed scepticism regarding this claim.

Featured Video For You All You Need to Know About Neuralink's Telepathy Update

While Elmo's official X account has not made any posts acknowledging Sunday's hack, a Sesame Workshop spokesperson confirmed the incident in a statement shared with Mashable and other publications.

"Elmo’s X account was compromised today by an unknown hacker who posted disgusting messages, including antisemitic and racist posts," said the spokesperson. "We are working to restore full control of the account."

Hate speech has been a growing problem on X since owner Elon Musk acquired the microblogging platform in 2022 (known then as Twitter). X's integrated AI chatbot Grok went on its own antisemitic tirade just last week, labelling itself "MechaHitler." Grok creator xAI finally issued an apology for the chatbot's "undesired behavior" on Sunday.

UPDATE: Jul. 15, 2025, 11:21 a.m. AEST This article has been updated with comment from Sesame Workshop.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 14, 2025

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 11:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. 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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for July 14 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 14, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Reversed.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter D appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter U.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

UNDID.

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 14

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Give your snapshots the magazine cover treatment with this Luminar Neo bundle

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 11:00

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Your brain’s new favorite assistant is this AI note-taker

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 11:00

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Categories: IT General, Technology

IT career on your mind? Get lifetime access to CompTIA training for $40.

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 11:00

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop memorizing, start playing — language learning made fun for just $35

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 11:00

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Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for July 14

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 10:59

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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 preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 14 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 14 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Won't you be my neighbor?

The words are town-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are local occupations.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Community.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for July 14
  • Teacher

  • Mayor

  • Community

  • Librarian

  • Firefighter

  • Janitor

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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