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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: 16 hours 37 min ago

The Velvet Sundown changes Spotify bio, gives AI update

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 12:07

Remember The Velvet Sundown, that new Spotify group that people accused of being AI-generated? Welp, it turns out it's AI-generated. Or at least partly.

Over the weekend, the band – which currently has over a million monthly listeners on Spotify – updated its "About" page to address its use of artificial intelligence.

SEE ALSO: Spotify’s AI DJ now takes requests

Here's the update, in full:

“The Velvet Sundown is a synthetic music project guided by human creative direction, and composed, voiced, and visualized with the support of artificial intelligence.

This isn’t a trick — it’s a mirror. An ongoing artistic provocation designed to challenge the boundaries of authorship, identity, and the future of music itself in the age of AI.

All characters, stories, music, voices and lyrics are original creations generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools employed as creative instruments. Any resemblance to actual places, events or persons — living or deceased — is purely coincidental and unintentional.

Not quite human. Not quite machine. The Velvet Sundown lives somewhere in between.”

So there we go — it turns out pumping out two albums in the same year was a bit suspicious after all.

Mashable has reached out to Spotify for comment and we will updated this story if we hear back.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung’s 4TB 990 EVO Plus SSD drops to record-low price ahead of Prime Day

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 12:00

SAVE $93: As of July 7, Samsung’s 990 EVO Plus 4TB SSD is down to $234.99 at Amazon — its lowest price yet and a steal for Prime members.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 4TB $234.99 at Amazon
$327.99 Save $93 Get Deal

If your gaming PC is starting to feel a little sluggish and unable to hold enough games, Amazon has the upgrade your machine has been begging for — and it's at its lowest price yet ahead of Prime Day.

As of July 7, the 4TB Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD is available for just $234.99 — that’s 28% off its usual $327.99. This deal is exclusive to Amazon Prime members and marks the lowest price we’ve seen on this powerhouse drive. Both the 1TB SSD and 2TB SSD models are on sale, for $79.99 and $139.99 respectively, but grabbing this bargain on the 4TB version will grant you the best value for money.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Day

Samsung’s 990 EVO Plus doesn’t look like your average SSD. Designed with a PCIe Gen 4x4 interface (and Gen 5x2 compatibility), it offers read/write speeds up to a jaw-dropping 7,250/6,300MB/s. This means that massive files — aka, games and large video files — can transfer in seconds, and apps launch before you can blink. Whether you're rendering video, running simulations, or just loading up Baldur’s Gate 3 a little faster, this drive delivers as a must for gamers and content creators alike.

With a generous 4TB of storage, you’ll have plenty of room for all your creative projects, games, or mission-critical documents. The updated Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 tech ensures that even large transfers stay fast and smooth — no slowdown in sight.

Because of the ever-growing file sizes of games, a large SSD like this is more important than ever. With 4TB, you could pack in multiple huge games like Destiny 2, Metaphor: ReFantazio, The Last of Us Part 1 & 2, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and still have plenty more space to download extra titles — like those available on Xbox Game Pass for PC.

This SSDs' thermals make sure performance isn’t compromised either. The nickel-coated controller keeps things cool and efficient while using less power than older models. It's optimised to perform on the latest systems without turning your PC into a space heater. And with Samsung’s Magician Software, managing your SSD seems almost too easy. From firmware updates to encryption and performance monitoring, your drive should be running like new.

If you're building a rig, upgrading your laptop, or just want your PC to keep up with you, this is the moment to dive in. And for those after a shiny new monitor too, Samsung’s 34-inch ViewFinity monitor is down to its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Beats Solo 4 headphones are back to their lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 11:55

SAVE $100: As of July 7, Beats Solo 4 headphones are on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 50% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 $99.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Prime Day madness is arriving early, and we've already found an incredible deal on Beats Solo 4. How does 50% off sound? Yes, you read right. These stellar headphones are half off, now just $99.95 as of July 7.

Choose from black/gold, cloud pink, matte black, and slate blue colors, all at this new low price. Oh, and did we mention that this is their lowest-ever price.

SEE ALSO: The best noise-cancelling headphones we recommend picking up on Prime Day

So why choose the Solo 4? Top features include a battery life of up to 50 hours and a super-quick 10-minute charge time. They also have a new, personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. This is a really great feature that creates a 3D surround sound and a more immersive listening experience by adjusting the sound based on your head movements. So music, movies, and calls feel more lifelike and high quality.

And as you would expect from Beats, the sound quality is second to none for all types of listening. Enjoy a punchy bass and balanced sound, whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or watching TikTok. They also benefit from dual compatibility, including one-touch pairing for both iOS and Android devices.

Head to Amazon to grab this early Prime Day deal now.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple AirTags just dipped in price ahead of Prime Day — get a 4-pack for under $70

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 11:44

SAVE 24%: As of July 7, you can get a four-pack of Apple AirTags for just $67.99, down from $99. That's a 31% discount and a saving of over $30 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Appl Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $67.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $31.01 Get Deal

If there's ever a time to pick up discounted Apple devices, it's Prime Day. And even though the sale event hasn't officially started, we're finding pre-sale bargains on all of Apple's most popular items.

We really like the deal on the 11-inch Apple iPad and 13-inch MacBook Air, but if you want something smaller and more practical, you can now get a four-pack of Apple AirTags for just $67.99. That's a 31% discount and a saving of over $30 on list price. That works out at less than $17 per AirTag.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals live ahead of Prime Day: Apple Watches, MacBooks, and iPads at record-low prices

If you're the sort of person who regularly misplaces life's little essentials (hey, aren't we all?), an AirTag is essential. These little devices can be attached to keys, wallets, backpacks, luggage, and even a pet’s collar. They’re also reliably resilient, with a IP67 rating for water and dust resistant.

If — or when — you lose the item you’ve tagged, simply use Apple’s Find My app to see its location on a map. It can even play a little sound, so you can hear it if it's nearby. If you still can’t find your lost item, you can put the AirTag into Lost Mode. You'll then get a notification when it’s detected in the Find My network.

Don't miss out on $31.01 off Apple AirTags at Amazon.

The best early Prime Day deals to shop this week
Categories: IT General, Technology

Our TV expert approves this early Prime Day deal — the Hisense QD6 QLED TV has hit a new record-low price

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 11:39

SAVE OVER $100: As of July 7, the 55-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV is on sale for $239.99 at Amazon. That's 37% off its list price of $379.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-Inch Class QD6 Series QLED 4K UHD TV $239.99 at Amazon
$379.99 Save $140 Get Deal

It's very nearly Amazon Prime Day and the online retailer is already offering excellent discounts in the build-up to the big sale event. Among those discounts are some eye-popping TV deals. Indeed, if you're keen to upgrade your smart TV, check out this deal on the 55-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV. Mashable's TV expert picked this deal out as a standout option ahead of Prime Day.

The 55-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV is currently on sale for $239.99 at Amazon. That's a fantastic discount of 37% from its list price of $379.99. It's actually this TV's lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, so don't miss your chance to play it smart with a smart TV bargain.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Day

A superb all-rounder — whether you want home cinema action, gaming performance, or access to all the top streaming apps — this 55-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV provides excellent picture quality thanks to QLED Color and 4K resolution. It's vivid, crisp, and colorful. That combines with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound, making for a totally immersive experience.

If you're a gamer, this Hisense TV also has a Game Mode Plus with Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode, so the gameplay is nothing less than butter smooth. All the streaming apps are available through its Fire TV operating system.

Don't miss out on $140 off the 55-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV at Amazon.

Check out our breakdown of everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025 to help you plan ahead.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Score this 65-inch Roku smart TV for its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 11:29

SAVE $101: As of July 7, Amazon Prime members can snag the 65-inch Roku Select Series 4K Smart TV for $348 — down from $449.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku 65-inch Roku 4K Smart TV $348 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

This latest TV deal provides a great screen upgrade that doesn’t blow your entire Prime Day budget. Amazon has quietly dropped the 65-inch Roku Smart TV (from the Select Series) to just $348 — a solid 23% off its usual $449.99 price. At its lowest-ever price, this is one of the best big-screen bargains we’ve seen so far.

Despite the wallet-friendly price tag, this Roku smart TV still delivers where it counts. The 4K HDR10 display offers up sharp detail and rich colours, whether you’re deep into the latest summer thrillers like Jurassic World Rebirth or 28 Years Later when they get home releases, or streaming old-school classics. Roku’s Smart Picture technology automatically adjusts your settings for the best possible viewing experience, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

SEE ALSO: These Prime Day deals landed early — save on Apple, Ninja, and Samsung gadgets

With built-in Roku TV, you also get access to over 500 free channels, including live local news, sports, hit movies, and Roku Originals — all organised on a customisable, intuitive home screen. Plus, automatic software updates keep your apps and features fresh.

What’s more, the TV’s sleek, frameless design gives it a modern look that fits in just about any room, and the enhanced voice remote lets you search, launch apps, or even find your lost remote with ease. It supports voice control via Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay makes it simple to stream from iPhones or iPads.

On the off-chance you're sneaking in a late-night binge, you can also switch on Bluetooth Headphone Mode and keep the peace without missing a single word.

If you’ve been holding out for a premium 65-inch screen at a sub-premium price, this Roku Select Series is worth locking in before Prime Day officially kicks off. For those after a smaller screen, the 32-inch Amazon Fire 2-Series TV is also on sale at $109.99. And if you’ve got the cash for an even bigger 4K display, the Hisense’s 85-inch QD7 Series Mini-LED QLED Smart Fire TV is discounted for a limited time.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Yes, the Oura Ring is the best smart ring, but its not your only option

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 11:15

Gone are the days of clip-on pedometers. Now, it's all about tech wearables that maximize your physical potential with round-the-clock vitals monitoring — but I'm not talking about an Apple Watch or Fitbit. The next evolution of fitness trackers is here, and it's the smart ring.

Smart rings monitor your health in a tiny, inconspicuous package. At first glance, they look like any other piece of jewelry, a simple gold or silver ring. But with tiny sensors, these rings track biometrics through your finger. Yes, they'll track your step count and calories burned, but more advanced technology allows them to track sleep and stress levels, all detected through heart rate and variability.

If you're looking to upgrade your fitness tracker and want to make the leap to a smart ring, we've vetted the most popular models on the market through weeks of testing to find the best smart ring.

And don't forget — with Prime Day running from July 8 to 11, it's potentially a good time to save on a smart ring. While we haven't spotted any of the smart rings from our list on sale ahead of the event, that doesn't mean deals aren't coming. We've started hunting for fitness tracker deals ahead of Prime Day and have been pleasantly surprised by how sweet the savings are. But fingers crossed, that our favorite smart rings will drop in price when Prime Day officially starts.

Why should you buy a smart ring? So you think you want a smart ring? Here's what you need to know about the latest tech wearable. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Smart rings are not just another fitness tracker. Yes, they do track your activity, steps, and calories burned. However, they're really meant to offer a more holistic view of your health so you can gain deeper insights into your sleep habits, cardiovascular health, and more.

You're a good candidate for a smart ring if you hate the look of a smartwatch or fitness tracker with LED screens, which are categorically not cool. Smart rings are posed as a discreet option, looking like a regular piece of jewelry. However, to be frank, they don't blend in that well. In my weeks of testing, while wearing the rings during hangouts, someone would inevitably ask me, "What's that?"

Since a smart ring doesn't have a screen, you have to pull out your phone and open an app whenever you want to track activity. That's certainly not the end of the world, but if you convert from a smartwatch, you'll miss the convenience of tapping your wrist. That being said, I actually find a smart ring most useful when paired with a smartwatch. I ran all my testing while simultaneously wearing an Apple Watch, and I appreciated the smart rings that were compatible with my watch so I could receive push notifications.

What's the best smart ring?

The smart ring market is ever-growing, with new models debuting each year. Samsung just launched a smart ring in 2024, and while Apple doesn't have a smart ring on the market yet, we're sure it will be here in a matter of time. But smart rings are synonymous with the Oura Ring, a leader in the field. After spending weeks with the device, testing its hype, and comparing it to other devices, we can confidently say it is the best ring.

It offers the most expansive biometric tracking, monitoring your health around the clock. It focuses on daily and long-term health goals more holistically than other rings.

However, the Oura Ring has downsides, like a monthly subscription fee. If you're not down for a monthly fee, we tested some other viable smart ring options.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Beats Pill speaker just got a big early Prime Day discount — save $50 for a limited time

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 11:06

SAVE $23: As of July 7, the Beats Pill speaker is on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 33% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Pill $99.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Prime Day gets underway this week, but you can already score early deals on top products like the Beats Pill speaker. As of July 7, this device is reduced to $99.95, saving you 15%. This price is also excluding a power adapter and AppleCare+. For these add-ons, you'll need to pay slightly more.

Despite its small size, this is a powerhouse of a speaker. As is the case with all Beats products, this model is robust and packs a serious audio punch. This is thanks to the bigger, bespoke racetrack woofer displacing 90% more air volume, meaning you get a much deeper, fuller bass.

SEE ALSO: Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Which Alexa speaker should you buy during Prime Day 2025?

This speaker also has IP67 water resistance, so it's protected from accidental splashes, whether at the beach or the pool. For portable listening, the new 24-hour battery life will keep you going all day long and can even be used to charge your phone or other devices through a USB-C cable.

You can even pair two Beats Pill speakers at once, for twice the sound experience. Just use the Amplify or Stereo mode and enjoy the powerful sound.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Want open earbuds that stay put and sound great? Check these 3 picks out during Prime Day.

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 11:00

Noise-cancelling earbuds are a popular choice for many people, but if you're someone who wants to hear the world around them or finds an in-ear design uncomfortable, there's a better option out there: open earbuds.

SEE ALSO: We've found the 9 best headphones of 2025 after extensive testing

Though open earbuds share the common feature of sitting on the exterior of the ear, they come in many shapes and sizes, from clip models to ear hook models. Some are more geared toward working out, while others are better for everyday use.

On average, open earbuds also tend to be cheaper than noise-cancelling buds. With Amazon's Prime Day just around the corner, their prices are likely to drop even lower, making it a great time to check them out (especially if you feel hesitant about investing in a pair of earbuds that aren't quite as versatile as in-ear options).

Below, we've compiled some of the best open earbud models available in 2025. This guide is a work in progress, so we'll possibly be shifting (or expanding) our recommendations as we continue to test pairs.

What are open earbuds?

Open earbuds allow you to get as close as you possibly can to the feeling of not wearing earbuds at all. Unlike in-ear earbuds which sit in your ear canal (as the name states), open earbuds sit just outside your ears. Some models hold the speaker component in place with an ear hook while others opt for an ear cuff.

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers you can buy in 2025: From smartwatches to rings

People generally opt for open earbuds for three main reasons:

  1. They provide a private listening experience while leaving you almost completely aware of the world around you. It's like the best transparency mode you've ever used.

  2. For some people, not having an earbud physically in their ear is generally more comfortable.

  3. The hooks and cuffs (along with the general awareness of your surroundings) make them a great option for keeping them in place, and keeping you alert, while you're working out.

What are the drawbacks of open earbuds?

As you may have gathered from the section above, open earbuds don't generally come with active noise cancellation. That's mostly thanks to how much sound they let in (by design) and the difficulty of cancelling out sound without having the device covering your actual ear canal.

Also thanks to the whole open ear-canal situation, these aren't going to be the earbuds for audiophiles. That's not to say open earbuds sound bad — if you've never tried them, we promise they sound much better than you're imagining — but you will lose out on some of the nuance of a song without having the earbud actually in your ear.

SEE ALSO: We tested every pair of Bose headphones to find the best for noise cancellation, sound quality, more

That said, many pairs still have equalizers on their companion apps to help you make them sound their best. Our upgrade pick, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, even have a spatial audio feature that worked surprisingly well.

Most open earbuds will also boast some form of special technology that keeps them from leaking too much sound. While these pairs do pretty well in keeping the sound just to you, most pairs (including our picks) while be prone to some leakage, especially at higher volumes.

Finally, some open earbuds — mainly those with ear hooks — tend to have slightly bulkier cases. If you like to travel light, it's something to be aware of.

What about bone conduction headphones?

Bone conduction earbuds work exactly like the name implies they do — they use your skull to conduct sound waves, instead of projecting the sound into your ear, like most of the picks are on list. Typically, a band runs from either side of the users head to help hold the headphones in place.

Shokz, the brand behind our top pick, is a popular maker of these kinds of headphones. While we do consider them open earbuds, we have yet to test any bone conduction earbuds — look out in the future for that update. On that note:

What's next in our testing pipeline

The open earbuds market is rapidly expanding, so we'll be testing more as we can get our hands on them. Up next, we'll be trying out budget pairs of open earbuds under $100, as well as more pairs from Shokz.

In addition to the earbuds that made our final guide in May 2025, we tested out the Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds ($149), the Sony Linkbuds Open ($199.99), the Anker Soundcore AeroClip earbuds ($169.99), and the Shokz OpenFit Air ($119.95). While none of the above were bad earbuds by any means, we found our picks to outshine them in their comfort and sound quality, especially when considering their respective prices.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: Everything to expect, including Z Fold 7

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 11:00

On Wednesday, July 9, Samsung Galaxy Unpacked will is expected to feature the reveal of new products, including this year's versions of Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold phones.

The Korean tech giant confirmed the event a few weeks ago, and as you can imagine, the internet has been abuzz with rumors and leaks surrounding the product that everyone expects to see there. It seems like it could be a fairly jam-packed Samsung event, all things considered.

Let's dive right in.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Flip 7 and Fold 7 specs leak ahead of launch What to expect from Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 2025

The overwhelming expectation is that this event will largely focus on foldable devices, but there may be more in store, as well.

Foldables

For the past several years, Samsung has made its foldable money with two devices each year: A new Galaxy Z Fold and a new Galaxy Z Flip. We expect this year to carry that tradition forward, though there may be a disruption to it, too.

Before we get to that, though, it does seem fairly certain that those two pre-existing foldable devices will get upgrades this year. There have been plenty of leaks suggesting that the new Z Fold device (which we'll call Z Fold 7, for now) will have a new 200MP main rear camera lens, new AI features, and a more powerful processor than last year's Z Fold 6. Samsung also confirmed that its new batch of foldables this year will be the thinnest and lightest ones yet, so look forward to that.

As for the Z Flip 7, we don't know as much but there's no reason to believe it won't show up at this event. The clamshell-style foldable is said to have an upgraded exterior cover display this time around, but other enhancements will have to wait until the full announcement.

Remember the "disruption" I referred to earlier? Well, it seems like there might be a third foldable in the mix this year. A leak from Setsuna Digital on China's Weibo social network (via Android Authority) suggested a tri-fold smartphone (as in, a super big foldable that has not one, but two creases in the display) would be unveiled in July and released in October. Samsung's marketing for the event has also conspicuously included the word "Ultra," though it's not known yet if that is referring to one of the pre-existing foldables, the new one, or something else entirely.

Regardless, don't be surprised if Samsung introduces a third foldable phone this year.

Galaxy Watch 8

Foldables likely won't be the only thing Samsung talks about on Wednesday.

To be more specific, it seems like Samsung is gearing up to announce some new smartwatches, too. It's not totally clear how many models will be on offer this year, but it seems fairly certain that we'll get at least a regular Galaxy Watch 8, and a new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic model to go with it. In fact, you can see leaked renders of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic via SammyGuru right now. At this point, it seems fairly certain that we're getting those two watches, if nothing else.

As for new features, we don't know a lot yet. One rumor suggests Samsung could add blood glucose monitoring to Galaxy Watch 8, which would be a huge benefit for health-minded users. We'll see.

Project Moohan?

Lastly, it's very possible Samsung's Project Moohan XR headset doesn't appear at Unpacked, but given its supposed late 2025 launch window, it might be prudent for Samsung to show off the device in some capacity here.

Originally teased back in January (complete with a Marques Brownlee demo video) before showing up again more recently at Google I/O, Moohan is supposed to be Samsung's big entry into the wearable XR space. It would only make sense for Samsung to show off Moohan at the July event, but it's really a coin toss as to whether or not it will appear at this point. I'm just saying that a product that's planned to launch this calendar year should probably have a real name by now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Dyson V11 is at its lowest price this year — save $170 before Prime Day

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:56

Save $170: As of July 7, the Dyson V11 cordless vacuum is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 30% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V11 $399.99 at Amazon
$569.99 Save $170 Get Deal

There's nothing better than a Prime Day deal, except for an early Prime Day deal. And that's exactly what we've found with the Dyson V11, heavily discounted before the event officially kicks off.

As of July 7, you can save $170 with its new price of $399.99. Not only is this a great price, but it is the lowest it has been in 2025.

SEE ALSO: These 5 self-emptying robot vacuums were the most hands-off during my testing

This is truly a great vacuum, boasting three power modes: Auto mode for everyday cleaning tasks, to balance power and run time to make the most of your battery life; Eco mode for maximum run time; and Boost mode for intensive spot cleaning. It can even be converted into a handheld vacuum, perfect for cleaning the car or upholstery. This model also benefits from an LCD screen that shows power mode, battery life, and maintenance alerts.

You can expect up to 60 minutes of run time before it needs to be charged. And if you have pets, you'll really love the hair screw tool. This one is great for sucking up pet hair, and the anti-tangle conical brush bar can remove stubborn hairs from pet beds, car seats, stairs, and more tricky spots.

Get this great early Prime Day deal before the rush.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

TikTok is building a U.S.-specific app ahead of sale, report claims

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:49

Users in the U.S. are getting a TikTok app of their own.

A new report by The Information (via Reuters) says TikTok is working on a version of its app aimed solely for U.S. users. The company plans to launch it on September 5.

The popular Chinese social media app has been in trouble in the U.S. ever since the Biden administration banned it over concerns about security and potential data collection. The ban, which required TikTok's U.S. operations to be sold to American owners in order to continue operating in the U.S., was delayed several times. President Trump recently said that a buyer for TikTok has been secured.

The Information's new report adds credence to that claim, as it says that the company's working on the new app ahead of the sale. The current deadline for ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, to sell the company's U.S. assets to an American company, is September 17.

According to the report, TikTok users in the U.S. will be able to continue using the current TikTok app until March of next year, but they will eventually have to download the U.S. version of the app to continue using the service.

SEE ALSO: 'Ridiculous': Trump reacts to Musk's new political party

None of this seems to have been finalized, as Trump himself said that China would have to approve of any TikTok deal, which could be more or less likely depending on the outcome of the two countries' tariff war.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 7, 2025

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:40

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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 Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. 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 Mini crossword answers, hints for July 7, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Personal records

  • Green: Fast films

  • Blue: Sultans of swat

  • Purple: Same first word

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Stats for a football defensive player, in singular form

  • Green: Racing movies

  • Blue: Last four HR Derby winners

  • Purple: Line ____

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 Sports Edition #287 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

  • Stats for a football defensive player, in singular form - FORCED FUMBLE, INTERCEPTION, SACK, TACKLE

  • Racing movies - DAYS OF THUNDER, F1, FORD V FERRARI, TALLADEGA NIGHTS

  • Last four HR Derby winners - ALONSO, GUERRERO, HERNANDEZ, SOTO

  • Line ____ - CHANGE, DRIVE, JUDGE, OF SCRIMMAGE

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.

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

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 yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for July 7, 2025

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:34

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, July 7, 2025:

AcrossCoffee, informally ... or a big coffee-producing island

  • The answer is Java.

Figure skating jump

  • The answer is Axel.

Wide-ranging music playlists

  • The answer is Mixes.

On deck

  • The answer is Next.

Down Under welcome

  • The answer is Gday.

DownPrint issue?

  • The answer is Jam.

Cutting down

  • The answer is Axing.

Annoyed

  • The answer is Vexed.

Virtual assistant whose name starts with the same letter as its parent company

  • The answer is Alexa.

Wilbur's home in "Charlotte's Web"

  • The answer is Sty

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The new Kindle Scribe just hit its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:31

SAVE $140: As of July 7, the Kindle Scribe is on sale for $259.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 35% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe $259.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $140 Get Deal

The Kindle Scribe is one of Amazon's most popular products, and not just for book lovers. Combine an e-reader and a notebook together, and you get the Scribe. The latest redesign added the ability to write on books — big news for margin people.

And there's big pre-Prime Day news, because the Kindle Scribe is at its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day. Down to just $259.99, this price is for the 16GB and color tungsten option. This deal includes the Premium Pen, so you can jot down notes and convert them to text as easily as writing in a notebook.

SEE ALSO: This essential Kindle Scribe bundle just got a huge new discount before Prime Day — save over $200

This is a big upgrade on the basic pen, as this model comes with an eraser at the top so you can quickly remove mistakes just by flipping the pen. It is also battery-free and works through a special power source embedded in the Kindle Scribe, so you don't need to charge it.

The Scribe has a 10.2-inch, 300 ppi Paperwhite display, glare and ink-free. Like the OG Kindle model, it's perfect for sitting outside in the sun or in hard-to-read lighting. And if you're a hectic note taker, don't worry, you can summarize your notes, as well as change their length and tone with clever built-in AI notebook tools.

Head to Amazon now and start working on that TBR list.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Sinner vs. Dimitrov online for free

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:17

TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Dimitrov in Wimbledon 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Round of 16 at Wimbledon showcases some really interesting matchups, including Sinner vs. Dimitrov. At this late stage of the tournament, every remaining player will be dreaming about going all the way. Jannik Sinner has never done that at Wimbledon, so the top seed will have extra motivation to forget all about the French Open and lift the trophy here.

If you're interested in watching Sinner vs. Dimitrov at Wimbledon 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Sinner vs. Dimitrov for free

Sinner vs. Dimitrov in Wimbledon 2025 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2025 for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream Sinner vs. Dimitrov for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Sinner vs. Dimitrov (plus the rest of Wimbledon 2025) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Sinner vs. Dimitrov in Wimbledon 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Djokovic vs. de Minaur online for free

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:11

TL;DR: Live stream Djokovic vs. de Minaur in Wimbledon 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Djokovic vs. de Minaur is arguably the hardest game to predict in the Round of 16 at Wimbledon. Sure, Djokovic is probably the best to ever do it. But Alex de Minaur is the 11th seed with a game that suits grass. This is going to be a really interesting battle for a spot in the quarter finals.

If you're interested in watching Djokovic vs. de Minaur at Wimbledon 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Djokovic vs. de Minaur for free

Djokovic vs. de Minaur in Wimbledon 2025 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2025 for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream Djokovic vs. de Minaur for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Djokovic vs. de Minaur (plus the rest of Wimbledon 2025) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Djokovic vs. de Minaur in Wimbledon 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The half-price Roomba Plus 405 Combo is a killer early Prime Day deal

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:04

Save $400: As of July 7, the iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon — a steep 50% off its usual $799.99. This early Prime Day deal is exclusive to Prime members.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo $399.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $400 Get Deal

This huge robot vacuum deal might be the excuse you needed to let a machine take over your cleaning routine. The iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo is now 50% off ahead of Prime Day. Our robot vacuum expert hand-picked this deal as something to consider in a rundown of the best Roomba deals already live.

At $399.99 for a limited time, this is the lowest-ever price for the iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. This isn’t just another “vacuum that also mops” either; it’s a serious deep-cleaning machine with suction, scrubbing, and smart navigation that’s surprisingly advanced for the price point.

SEE ALSO: These 5 self-emptying robot vacuums were the most hands-off during my testing

Its 70x suction power (compared to older Roombas) doesn’t mess around, whether it’s loose pet hair or dried-up paw prints. Twin spinning mop pads do more than a surface swipe, thanks to iRobot’s SmartScrub tech that adds pressure and motion for a better clean — especially on grime and stuck-on spills. The AutoWash Dock doesn’t just empty the vacuum bin — it also washes and dries the mop pads, refills water, and keeps things running for up to 75 days with almost zero maintenance.

Mapping is just as sharp. With ClearView LiDAR, it builds a super-accurate floorplan of your space, avoids obstacles, lifts the mop when it hits carpet, and knows exactly where to go (and where not to). You can target messes with Clean Zones, block off areas with Keep Out Zones, and even control it by app, voice assistant, or on-device buttons.

At just under $400, this early Prime Day deal brings a feature-packed robot cleaner into budget territory. If you're looking for a smart vacuum that actually mops like it means it, the Roomba 405 Combo might just be the sweet spot.

If you can't yet move away from old-school manual cleaning, the Ultra-Light Shark Rocket vacuum is now on sale for only $99. For jamming to music whilst you clean, the Apple AirPods 4 are $30 off ahead of Prime Day.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

This essential Kindle Scribe bundle just got a huge new discount before Prime Day — save over $200

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 09:44

SAVE $220: As of July 7, the Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle is on sale for $309.97 at Amazon. That's a discount of 42% off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $309.97 at Amazon
$529.96 Save $219.99 Get Deal

Prime Day officially kicks off tomorrow, but if you've been eyeing up the new Kindle Scribe, there's a discount already live that's sure to impress. The Essentials Bundle is a great deal on the Kindle Scribe, premium pen, adapter, and cover folio; the essentials. And as of July 7, it's 42% off, saving you an amazing $220 on list price.

The bundle is currently priced at just $309.97 (for the 64GB model), down from $529.97. The premium pen comes with an eraser at the top so you can quickly remove mistakes just by flipping the pen. It is also battery-free and works through a special power source embedded in the Kindle Scribe, so there is no need to charge it.

SEE ALSO: Get $25 off the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K before Prime Day

This bundle also comes with a 9W power adapter and a folio to store it away. You can also choose between black and denim colors for the folio.

Besides its note-taking abilities, the Kindle Scribe has a 10.2-inch 300 ppi Paperwhite display, glare-free and ink-free. So, like the original Kindle, it's perfect for sitting outside in the sun or harsh lighting. And if you're someone who reads on the go a lot, the Scribe has the best battery life of any model, promising to last months on a single charge.

Don't miss out on this early Prime Day deal — head to Amazon now to save.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Ridiculous: Trump reacts to Musks new political party

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 09:00

President Donald Trump has responded to news that Elon Musk is starting his own political party, calling the endeavour "ridiculous."

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk launches 'America Party' as a pro-tech alternative to the two-party system

"I think it's ridiculous to start a third party," Trump said on Sunday. "We have a tremendous success with the Republican Party. The Democrats have lost their way, but it's always been a two-party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to confusion."

The U.S. does technically have more than two political parties, with other parties including the Green Party and Libertarians. However, the Democratic and Republican parties overwhelmingly dominate, resulting in a two-party system.

"Third parties have never worked," Trump continued. "So he can have fun with it, but I think it's ridiculous."

Trump also addressed the matter via his Truth Social account, again claiming that the Tesla CEO is upset with him for ending an alleged "EV mandate." Despite Trump's claims of an EV mandate "which would have forced everyone to buy an Electric Car in a short period of time," no such law has ever existed. However, Trump has dismantled incentives encouraging adoption of electric vehicles, including a $7,500 tax credit for drivers who buy a new EV.

"I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely 'off the rails,' essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks," Trump posted (emphasis original). "He even wants to start a Third Political Party, despite the fact that they have never succeeded in the United States."

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

Musk announced his new "America Party" on Saturday, after running a poll on X asking whether he should create it. Of the 1.2 million respondents, approximately 65 percent answered in the affirmative.

"When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy," Musk posted to X. The billionaire has repeatedly characterised the Democratic and Republican parties as being functionally identical. "Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom."

What are Musk's plans for the America Party?

Musk has already offered some insight into his potential strategy for the America Party, which apparently won't be aiming for the office of president quite yet.

"The way we’re going to crack the uniparty system is by using a variant of how Epaminondas shattered the myth of Spartan invincibility at Leuctra: Extremely concentrated force at a precise location on the battlefield," he posted on Saturday.

Epaminondas was an ancient Greek general who was instrumental in the Thebans' victory against the Spartans during the Battle of Leuctra. His strategy involved creating a column of his strongest soldiers around 50 fighters deep, who essentially speared through the Spartans' phalanx and smashed it apart. 

Interestingly, Epaminondas' column was fronted by the Sacred Band of Thebes, an elite unit of 300 gay men in 150 couples. As it currently stands, it seems unlikely that the pink vote will be leading Musk's political charge. The billionaire has been widely criticised regarding his views on LGBTQA issues, with hate speech on Twitter (now X) reportedly surging after he took control of the platform.

"One way to execute on this would be to laser-focus on just 2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts," Musk posted to X. "Given the razor-thin legislative margins, that would be enough to serve as the deciding vote on contentious laws, ensuring that they serve the true will of the people."

Musk previously threatened to start the new "America Party" last week, expressing his disapproval of Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and declaring that he would form a new political party if it passed. This spending bill ultimately did pass, with Trump signing it into law on Friday, July 4.

Musk cannot run for president himself, as he is not a "natural born Citizen" of the U.S. as required under the Constitution. Even so, the richest man in the world has already demonstrated there are a myriad other ways a billionaire can make his will known in U.S. politics. Having his own political party will be yet another tool in his belt.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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