Mashable

In the creator world, one of the biggest questions surrounding AI has been how creators should disclose to audiences that they're using AI. Platforms like YouTube rolled out AI labels. Companies built watermarking tools. Creators openly debated where ChatGPT fits into their workflow and when its use should be disclosed. The underlying assumption was that audiences wouldn't mind AI so long as they knew it was there.

SEE ALSO: Hank Green apologizes for relying too heavily on ChatGPT

Hank Green's recent apology suggests that assumption may no longer hold.

Although the longtime science creator said ChatGPT didn't write his scripts — and Complexly later clarified it wasn't used to write, edit, or fact-check the video that sparked the controversy — many of Green's viewers are still uncomfortable with the role AI played in his research process. The backlash wasn't really about whether Green disclosed his use of AI. It was that, for some viewers, any use of ChatGPT raised questions about the integrity of the creative process itself.

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Every era of the internet develops its own authenticity tests. At various points, creators have been accused of buying followers, secretly outsourcing content, overusing Photoshop, or faking candid moments for engagement. Generative AI has quickly become the latest measure by which audiences evaluate whether creative work feels "real."

Few internet creators seem better positioned to experiment with artificial intelligence than Green, whose career has been built on helping audiences understand emerging technologies without sensationalizing or dismissing them. If audiences should expect any creator to have firsthand experience with large language models before explaining their capabilities and limitations to millions of viewers, it would seem to be someone like him.

At the same time, Green's audience has always expected that the curiosity behind his work is entirely his own. His Reddit post suggests he believes that, too.

He described how using the chatbot had subtly changed the way he approached research. While AI helped him discover papers and resources more quickly, he wrote, it also prevented him from finding his "own ways into and around a topic."

It's an observation that feels increasingly familiar as generative AI becomes more deeply embedded in creative work. The concern isn't always that AI will fabricate information or replace human creativity altogether. It's that by making the early stages of the creative process frictionless — brainstorming, outlining, searching for sources — it may also change how ideas take shape in the first place.

View on Threads Creators aren't asking for permission to use AI

Despite controversies like this, AI adoption among creators continues to grow.

Adobe's 2026 Creators' Toolkit Report, which surveyed more than 16,000 creators across multiple countries, found that three-quarters of creators now describe AI as either integrated into or essential to their workflow. Nearly nine in 10 said AI had helped grow their business or audience. Yet the same report found that most creators also believe audience expectations around AI disclosure are increasing, underscoring the disconnect between how common these tools have become behind the scenes and how audiences feel about them.

The backlash Green received reflects that gap. Many of the comments in response to his apology didn't accuse him of deception. Instead, they questioned whether AI should have been involved in the research process at all. One Reddit user argued that if the pressure to produce a video meant turning to ChatGPT instead of a human researcher, "we don't need the video." Another described AI as creating the illusion of productivity while merely "pushing the food around on your plate."

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If trust is the currency of the creator economy, some viewers worry AI has the potential to devalue it. Green's comments didn't just prompt scrutiny of his own workflow; they also raised questions about creators more broadly. As one Bluesky user put it, "The thing about Hank Green using AI is not only that it mars his credibility forever, but it has now cast a large, looming shadow of doubt over all my favorite video essayists and their own usage of AI in their research and even writing process."

For years, the creator economy rewarded speed. Platforms favored consistency, algorithms rewarded frequent uploads, and creators often found themselves under pressure to produce more content than ever before. Generative AI arrived promising to make that pace sustainable by summarizing research, organizing ideas, drafting outlines, and handling repetitive tasks that once consumed hours.

Green's response suggests that promise comes with tradeoffs. In his Reddit post, he described the "dopamine" he was getting from interacting with large language models and from doing "more and more and more and more." The technology wasn't simply helping him work faster. It was encouraging him to work differently.

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Green's apology also arrives at a moment when audiences are becoming increasingly vigilant about AI's presence online, sometimes to the point of overcorrection.

Audiences are on alert for any sign of AI

Over the past year, creators, artists, authors, and even hobbyists have found themselves defending work accused of being AI-generated despite insisting it wasn't. On Archive of Our Own (AO3), fanfiction writers have been accused of using ChatGPT for everything from sentence structure to frequent em dashes, prompting moderators and readers to warn against turning AI detection into a form of online vigilantism. Digital artists have similarly found themselves pressured to prove paintings were created by hand after viewers mistook stylistic choices for AI artifacts.

At the same time, audiences have shown little hesitation in criticizing brands and creators that openly embrace generative AI. Coca-Cola's AI-assisted holiday campaign drew criticism for prioritizing technology over artists. Duolingo faced consumer backlash after announcing an "AI-first" strategy that many users interpreted as a move to replace human workers. In gaming, publishers have faced criticism for AI-generated marketing materials, while indie developers have seen games scrutinized for suspected AI-generated assets.

AI has become something of a reputational minefield. Use it, and audiences may question the authenticity of your work. Avoid it, and you may still find yourself defending against accusations that you used it anyway.

Rather than defend that workflow, Green announced he would slow down. He plans to publish fewer videos on @Hankschannel, pause development on two daily online word games, and spend more time creating videos where, as he put it, "the writing was the whole thing."

That decision feels notable, especially as creators across industries wrestle with the same pressures. AI companies often frame large language models as productivity tools, promising to eliminate busywork so people can focus on what matters most. Green's experience points to a more complicated reality. Sometimes the busywork — the rabbit holes, the dead ends, the unexpected paper you stumble across while looking for something else — is part of the creative process itself.

Whether audiences ultimately agree with Green's use of ChatGPT is almost beside the point. His apology illustrates how much the conversation around AI has changed in just a few years. The debate is no longer confined to disclosure or labeling. As generative AI becomes more common behind the scenes, audiences are paying closer attention to where it enters the creative process and where they believe the line should be drawn.

And for creators whose careers depend on trust, that distinction may become one of the defining challenges of the AI era.

A movie date can tell you a lot about a person. For some women who went to see The Odyssey, it may have told them too much.

Since Christopher Nolan's epic arrived in theaters, women have been sharing what happened when their dates encountered Odysseus, the Trojan Horse, and nearly 3 hours of Greek mythology.

The results have included questionable ticket purchases, confidently incorrect movie trivia, and at least one reaction to a plot development that has been public knowledge for roughly 2,700 years.

On Aug. 2, TikTok user @.finfan posted that her boyfriend "gasped when they came out of the Trojan Horse."

"Is he still your bf?" one asked. Another offered a correction: "*Ex boyfriend." Clearly, not all men are as obsessed with the Roman Empire as the internet led us to believe back in 2023.

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Some commenters diagnosed the moment as a prime example of an "intelligence ick," a loss of attraction triggered by something that makes a person question their partner's knowledge or critical thinking.

People don't necessarily mean IQ when they describe an intelligence gap in a relationship. As Vice explained, they’re often responding to differences in curiosity, communication style, emotional awareness, or whether they get each other's references. A 2023 study of more than 3,000 Finnish and Dutch twin-spouse pairs found that partners tended to have similar levels of education. The researchers concluded that educational background and shared social circles both influenced whom people chose as partners.

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Of course, knowing the story of the Trojan Horse is hardly a reliable measure of intelligence. It may simply come down to what someone learned in school or encountered growing up. But when a partner does not recognize something you assumed was common knowledge, that difference can suddenly feel much bigger.

The Trojan Horse was only the start of the ick conversation, though.

One woman said her date confidently told her The Odyssey was directed by James Cameron. Another discovered that her self-described "film bro" did not know what 70mm IMAX was.

Meanwhile, the man onscreen was making some real-life dates look worse. "I fear the bar has been risen when it comes to dating," one creator wrote, referring to Odysseus' (Matt Damon) determination to return to his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), after a decade apart.

SEE ALSO: Are all men obsessed with the Roman Empire? We investigate.

The specificity of these complaints is funny, but they are circulating at a time when many women already feel exhausted by dating.

A 2025 study found that 80 percent of women reported experiencing some level of dating-app burnout, compared with 74 percent of men. Respondents blamed the difficulty of finding a connection, disappointment, rejection, repetitive conversations, and endless swiping.

Still, one ick does not necessarily mean it is time to end the relationship. An awkward comment or missing piece of movie knowledge may be harmless, especially if everything else is going well. Nevertheless, the "ick can also save us a lot of time in simply giving small flags of general incompatibility," writer Kitty Winks wrote for Mashable back in 2023.

Icks can also be influenced by internet dealbreakers — kind of like these. A 2022 study found that 35 percent of respondents had been influenced by icks they encountered online. So before sending a date on his own odyssey home, it may be worth deciding whether the ick is yours or TikTok's.

SAVE $49.01: As of August 4, get the 11-inch A16 Apple iPad for $399.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $449. That's a discount of 11%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) $399.99 at Amazon
$449 Save $49.01   Get Deal

If you've been looking for a new tablet, an iPad is always a good idea, especially when you can get one for a low price. The 11-inch A16 iPad is back on sale again for an extremely palatable discount, so if you've been biding your time and waiting to get your hands on one, now's your opportunity to do so.

As of August 4, get the 11-inch A16 Apple iPad for $399.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $449. That's $49.01 off and a discount of 11%. This price applies to the Silver and Blue colorways only for right now, as the Pink and Yellow options are not similarly discounted.

SEE ALSO: Apple launching its first water-resistant iPad soon

This A16-powered iPad is a fast and responsive model that'll give you smooth, reliable performance. Whether you're gaming, taking photos, editing media, or browsing the internet, it can do all with gusto and zip. Thanks to its Liquid Retina display, it can give you a crisp, colorful picture that's both responsive and comfortable to use. Its 11-inch display gives you sharp detail, and True Tone technology will automatically adjust the screen based on your surroundings.

This model offers USB-C charging and connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, and a lengthy all-day battery life so you can keep using it while on the go. And if you want to give it even more purpose, you can use an Apple Pencil or Apple Magic Keyboard to turn it into a "laptop" of sorts to help you get more done on the go, or just give yourself a more comfortable user experience.

Whatever you decide to use it for, this affordable iPad is a great deal that you'll want to snap up before it's gone -- especially if you know someone with a birthday coming up or if you want to save it for a holiday gift.

SAVE $700: The 45-inch LG Ultragear OLED GX9 curved gaming monitor (45GX900A-B) is on sale at Amazon for $999.99, down from the normal price of $1,699.99. That's a 41% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG 45-inch LG Ultragear OLED GX9 curved gaming monitor (45GX900A-B) $999.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $700   Get Deal

We can often rationalize getting a little treat here and there. A nice iced coffee, a pastry, or a pizza on Friday night are all small ways to pat yourself on the back. But sometimes, we deserve a bigger treat. If you're a gamer who's in the mood for an excellent upgrade, check out this deal.

As of Aug. 4, the 45-inch LG Ultragear curved gaming monitor (45GX900A-B) is on sale at Amazon for $999.99, down from the normal price of $1,699.99. That's a 41% discount that takes a major $700 off.

There's something next level about using a curved gaming monitor that also happens to be massive. The LG Ultragear has an 800R curve that pairs well with its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03 millisecond response time. Additionally, it can reach up to 1,300 nits of brightness on the crisp OLED display. LG mentions this is the Ultragear's brightest OLED.

The immersive experience is made even better thanks to the low glare and flicker-free display LG incorporated with this model. You can also use advanced gaming features like black stabilizer to brighten dark scenes and crosshair to enhance precision.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade your study setup for under $100 with this rare Sony noise-canceling headphones deal

The multitasking hub is great for both gaming and replying to work emails. There's an HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and USB-C with a 65W power delivery.

Consider gifting yourself a huge treat for once while the 45-inch LG Ultragear OLED GX9 curved gaming monitor (45GX900A-B) is on sale at Amazon for $999.99.

Microsoft says the WiFi at your hotel might be compromised.

In a post on its Threat Intelligence website (via ABC News), Microsoft warned of a new hacking operation called "CaptiveCrunch," which the company claimed had some ties to Russia.

Starting in May, Microsoft said it had observed a "widespread compromise of Wi-Fi networks at hospitality-related organizations," including WiFi networks at hotels.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Teams users will lose Calendar access in weeks unless they update

The hacking operation works by tricking users to download malicious files via pop-ups that appear when connecting to a hotel WiFi network. Those who are doing this are able to get screenshots and keystrokes, and can even remotely hijack devices if necessary. There are also fake login screens that could give the hackers access to a user's personal email address.

According to Microsoft, the best way to avoid this is to use something more private when traveling, like a mobile hotspot. If that's not an option and you must use hotel WiFi, be on the lookout for any kind of pop-up window that appears after logging into the network. These can appear as Windows Update pop-ups or other kinds of update windows you might normally see on your device, but if they appear right as you've logged into hotel WiFi, they might be up to something.

In other words, if you aren't expecting any kind of update pop-up, maybe avoid any of them that appear.

A quick look at the best back-to-school sales Target Save on backpacks and lunchboxes, school supplies Shop Now Owala Save 20% sitewide Shop Now Best Buy Save up to 50% on Chromebooks and Windows laptops, dorm TVs, headphones, and more Shop Now Pottery Barn Teen Save up to 60% on bedding, organizers and shower caddies, decor, and more Shop Now

Back-to-school season is one of the calendar year's most reliable jump scares. While we grapple with how fast summer went by, back-to-school sales are here to get us excited about the fall.

These deals on school stuff don't just have to be for students heading back to class. Anyone can take advantage of pens and pencils, cute notebooks, nice water bottles, and laptops on sale for a productivity boost heading into the new season.

SEE ALSO: Tech keeps getting more expensive. That's why these 4 cheap laptops are so special.

We're tracking the best back-to-school sales in 2026 below. More retailers are sure to kick off their sales as we wade through August, so be sure to pop back to this list closer to your start date.

School supplies

• Amazon — save up to 50% on mechanical pencils, folders, Sharpies, glue, and more

• Staples — save up to 70% on pens and pencils, notebooks, erasers, pouches, and more, plus 25% off backpacks

• Target — save up to 60% on pencils, notebooks, folders, art supplies, and more

Water bottles and lunch supplies

• Owala — save 20% sitewide

• Target — save 20% on select lunch kits and water bottles

Laptops, tablets, and more tech

• Back Market — save an extra $50 on refurbished tech with code BACK2COOL

• Best Buy — save up to 50% on Chromebooks and Windows laptops, MacBooks, Galaxy tablets, AirPods, monitors, and more

• Lenovo — save up to 34% on laptops like the Yoga 7 or Chromebook Duet, plus up to 51% on wireless mice and keyboards

Dorm gear and organization tools

• Best Buy — save up to $500 on Windows PCs, Roku TVs, compact refrigerators, headphones, and more

• Buffy — save 20% on eco-friendly cooling comforters and sheet sets

• Pottery Barn Teen — save up to 60% on bedding, organizers and shower caddies, decor, and more

• Rugs Direct — save up to 70% sitewide, including washable area rugs

• Skylight — save $100 on the Skylight Calendar

• Target — save up to 40% on storage and organization bins

• Urban Outfitters — save 30% on comforters, decor, lamps, and more dorm essentials

• Walmart — save on small TVs, Keurigs, vacuums, and more

Clothes

• Adidas — save up to 40% on select sneakers and backpacks

• Nike — save 25% on select styles with code DAYONE

• Old Navy — save on all jeans plus get an extra 30% off your purchase with code EXTRA

SAVE $802: The 85-inch TCL Class QM7L QLED TV is on sale at Amazon for $1,697.99, down from the list price of $2,499.99. That's a 32% discount that matches the best price we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL 85-inch TCL Class QM7L QLED TV $1,697.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $802.00   Get Deal

It feels like a sauna outside, and some of the country is dealing with wildfire smoke. If you're sitting indoors dreaming of the fall chill that we'll experience in a few months, you're in good company. Along with crisp fall temperatures comes new fall shows. If you've been disappointed with your TVs current display, it might be time for an upgrade, and this 85-inch model is on a steep discount.

As of Aug. 4, the 85-inch TCL Class QM7L QLED TV is on sale at Amazon for $1,697.99, down from the list price of $2,499.99. That's a 32% discount for a major savings of $802. This sale price also matches the best deal we've seen at Amazon.

TCL makes some of the best budget-friendly TVs and today's sale price on an 85-inch QLED with impressive specs follows suit. This 2026 model has an mini LED display that focuses on vivid colors and deep blacks. Plus, the thin and bezel-free design give this TV a modern look.

SEE ALSO: Want a bigger TV? Amazon's Ember 75-inch QLED model is $150 off if you act fast.

TCL equipped this model with Google TV and a TSR AI processor for quick loading. Plus, the built-in speaker is designed by Bang & Olufsen. You're also in great shape if you hope to game on the massive 85-inch TV. It comes with 144Hz refresh rate and an auto game mode that gives the lowest input lag possible.

Before fall 2026 shows release, upgraded to the 85-inch TCL Class QM7L QLED TV. When you're not watching new shows or movies, it's great for gaming.

TL;DR: Blvck Paris and Pringles have teamed up on a limited-edition, all-black collection featuring hoodies, a baseball jacket, a "break-glass" collectible Pringles can display, and a charm. It's priced $35 to $275, launching Aug. 6 exclusively at Blvck — with the first 2,000 U.S. orders getting a free limited-edition Blvck x Pringles can.

Blvck Paris and Pringles are teaming up for a collab that sounds like it shouldn't work on paper — a minimalist, all-black luxury label and a snack brand known for being loud, colorful, and instantly recognizable. But contrast is exactly what makes it work.

Pringles is a snack you eat when you're not even hungry. It's the "I'll just have a few" that turns into an empty can in 10 minutes. Pairing that energy with Blvck's all-black aesthetic is half the fun of this collab. The limited-edition collection launches Aug. 6 exclusively at Blvck, priced from $35 to $275 and available in sizes XS to 2XL.

Credit: Blvck Paris

The lineup includes the following:

• Teddy Hoodie & Teddy Tee — feature Blvck's signature teddy character surrounded by scattered Pringles chips and co-branded artwork.

• Teddy Baseball Jacket — features an oversized embroidered back graphic that blends Blvck Paris iconography with Pringles-inspired visuals.

• "In Case of Emergency" Plexiglass Collectible — a display piece styled like an emergency break-glass box, enclosing a matte black Pringles can.

• Teddy Charm — a collectible charm reworking Blvck's teddy mascot through a Pringles-inspired design.

Here's the best part: the first 2,000 orders placed during the launch period will receive a free limited-edition matte-black Blvck x Pringles can, loaded with Barbecue-flavored chips, exclusively for U.S. customers, while supplies last.

Credit: Blvck Paris

Get your hands on the Blvck Paris Pringles collection soon so you score the free matte black Pringles before supplies run out.

Apple's new device-leasing program has a strange (on the surface) rule attached to it.

Last week, Apple launched Apple Upgrade, a new Klarna-backed program that allows customers to lease new iPhones, MacBooks, and other devices for a small-ish monthly payment, rather than spending more than $1,000 up front. However, folks quickly noticed something in the fine print: You'll need an account with AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile to lease an iPhone.

Our big Guessing Game is back! Enter for a chance to win an Apple Watch.

So, while the phones are technically unlocked, you can only activate them with one of the big three mobile carriers.

Cybersecurity analyst John Gruber looked into this and, on his website, Daring Fireball, gave a couple of big reasons as to why that might be the case.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI takes Apple lawsuit to court of public opinion, posts texts

For starters, it's a way to prevent fraud. According to Gruber, the three big carriers do enough risk assessment before letting anyone open an account that Apple can be fairly sure you're not leasing an iPhone for nefarious purposes. Beyond that, though, a former Apple employee wrote into Gruber's site to explain that Apple signs big-money deals with the carriers for prominent placement and other things like this rule. We can't verify the former employee's claims, but the report is interesting.

"Every year, the Carrier Teams at Apple negotiate a deal/program (hundreds of millions of dollars) with each of those Big 3," the reader wrote. "In return for those dollars, Apple will make concessions exactly like this (or similar.)"

Regardless, if you want to lease an iPhone through the Apple Upgrade program, you can't do it with an account on a smaller carrier.

SAVE $200: As of August 4, get the Segway SuperScooter GT3 for $1,499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,699.99. That's a discount of 12%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Segway SuperScooter GT3 $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $200   Get Deal

Looking for a quick and easy way to get around? Cars are expensive, so zoom around your neighborhood and beyond with an electric scooter. Thanks to this deal at Amazon, you can get one for a great price right now without breaking the bank. And you'll also get a fun and easy way to get around that others just might be jealous of.

As of August 4, get the Segway SuperScooter GT3 for $1,499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,699.99. That's $200 off and discount of 12%.

SEE ALSO: The best electric scooters to buy

This scooter gets you up to 45 miles of distance per charge, with SegRange technology that helps boost its efficiency by 20%. That means you can have longer rides without having to worry about interruptions. It's also built for more unforgiving conditions, so you can head out in more harsh areas without having to worry about the scooter getting damaged or degrading over time due to the conditions you ride it in.

It uses the SegRide Stability Enhancement System for a smoother, more ordered ride no matter what kind of skill level you are. It also has 11-inch self-sealing tires, dual hydraulic suspension with front double shock absorbers and a real trailing arm for better control over your ride. When it's depleted, it can be charged all the way back up in just under 6 hours, with a 1-hour charge giving you nearly 13 miles of range.

This is a great scooter for someone needing a fast and easy way to get around the neighborhood or on campus, or even a good choice for an older kid to get their start with scooters. Whatever the case may be, it's a great deal either way.

SAVE $335.99: The EcoVacs Goat 01000 robot lawn mower is on sale at Amazon for $664, down from the normal price of $999.99. That's a 34% discount that matches the lowest we've spotted at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: zEcoVacs EcoVacs Goat 01000 robot lawn mower $664 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $335.99   Get Deal

The world has become a better place lately if you don't enjoy mowing the lawn. In the same way we have robot vacuums to clean up messes inside, a robot lawn mower is at-the-ready to keep the grass well manicured. If you're interested but have been turned off by the prices that often go over four figures, check out this deal.

As of Aug. 4, the EcoVacs Goat 01000 robot lawn mower is on sale at Amazon for $664, down from the normal price of $999.99. That's a 34% discount that saves yard owners $335.99. The sale price matches the lowest we've spotted at Amazon.

You're in luck if you have a yard that measures about a quarter of an acre or you only want to mow that size per session. The EcoVacs Goat 01000 can handle mowing the lawn at a height between 1.2 and 3.2 inches. It can also navigate on hills that have a 45% slope. Plus, it has an IPX6 waterproof rating, so it'll be just fine sitting outside in the rain.

SEE ALSO: The Eufy Omni C20 robot vacuum is down to its lowest-ever price — save $210 at Amazon

The EcoVacs Goat 01000 has a narrow body, making it possible to mow in spaces that are as tight as 2.3 feet wide. Its 3D obstacle avoidance technology works all day, even in dark conditions, making it no issue to send the mower out at dusk.

From the EcoVacs app, you'll be able to set the desired height, mowing areas, and mowing schedule. In addition to the convenience, EcoVacs mentions the Goat 01000 only reaches 57 decibels, compared to 65 to 100 from a standard push mower.

If you've been seeing robot lawn mowers in the neighborhood but decided they were too spendy, consider today's deal on the EcoVacs Goat 01000 robot lawn mower. The 34% discount at Amazon brings this model down to $664. Since this matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon, today is a great time to make the upgrade.

In July, Apple filed a blockbuster lawsuit against OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, accusing the company of hiring former Apple employees and improperly gaining confidential information.

Now, OpenAI is striking back against Apple, but not just in court. On Aug. 3, OpenAI posted a public blog post denying many of Apple's claims. The post also includes recreations of texts and copies of emails that OpenAI says directly contradict some of the facts presented in the lawsuit.

In effect, OpenAI is moving this fight into the court of public opinion — and bringing receipts.

As a result, this complex legal drama is now playing out in the open, giving the public an inside look at how lawsuits like this are handled behind the scenes.

Our big Guessing Game is back! Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch.

OpenAI's blog post, "Apple is getting this wrong," contains some not-so-subtle digs at Apple's legal counsel, which OpenAI says initially contacted the wrong person at OpenAI and misrepresented their conversations in legal filings.

Apple had claimed that they contacted OpenAI in February and that we didn’t respond. They now admit that their outside lawyers emailed the wrong person after confusing two Asian last names—only after we brought this to their attention. Apple also claimed they had a discussion with our General Counsel, which they now concede never happened. But they again hide the fact that they never raised the specific allegations in this lawsuit at that time, and that they in fact told us that they were “resolving any issues.

That email is included in Apple's legal filings. Now, OpenAI has posted a back-and-forth with Apple's outside legal counsel, detailing the confusion.

The blog post also states, somewhat passive-aggressively, "We wish Apple had raised these issues with us before they filed their lawsuit and would have been happy to clarify all of this with them. We have taken the allegations in the lawsuit seriously and offered to work with Apple to resolve this. Instead, they’re trying to change their narrative, including by making vague accusations about other former employees, and will likely keep repeating this tactic."

The background on Apple Inc. v. Liu

Apple filed its lawsuit, Apple Inc. v. Liu, on July 10 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Apple's lawsuit named both OpenAI’s commercial and nonprofit entities, as well as its hardware company io Products, former iPhone engineer, Chang Liu, and OpenAI Chief Hardware Officer Tang Yew Tan, who worked at Apple for 24 years before joining OpenAI.

“This case is about Apple’s former employees stealing Apple’s trade secrets for the benefit of OpenAI,” Apple said in the complaint.

In the ongoing AI arms race, Big Tech companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic have spent tens of billions of dollars poaching talent from each other. Last year, Meta was reportedly offering signing bonuses of up to $100 million.

Because employees typically sign ironclad non-disclosure agreements when starting a role, they are forbidden from sharing a company's trade secrets after moving to a rival company.

In its lawsuit, Apple accuses OpenAI of conspiring with former Apple employees to benefit from its trade secrets. However, OpenAI denies these claims, and the new blog post includes numerous exchanges between Apple employees and Chang Liu that the AI company says directly contradict Apple's suit.

"Apple accuses Chang Liu of accessing Apple confidential information after leaving the company, but only now admits that Apple employees reached out to him and asked for his help to locate this information (you can read the messages here⁠)."

It's hard to imagine Apple, a famously tight-lipped company, posting a public blog post about the lawsuit the way OpenAI has. That ability to speak directly to users, and not solely relying on lawyers, could give OpenAI an edge in the battle of public opinion, even if the suit is ultimately decided in court or in a settlement.

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.

SAVE $750: As of August 4, get the AIPER Scuba X1 pool robot for $749.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1499.99. That's a discount of 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon AIPER Scuba X1 pool robot $749.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $750   Get Deal

If you have a pool, you already know that its upkeep can be time-consuming and pricey. Why not have at least one of the pool-cleaning steps you've got to handle outsourced to a friendly robot? You can do just that while saving some serious cash thanks to this Amazon deal, which ensures you don't have to worry about cleaning out your pool ever again.

As of August 4, get the AIPER Scuba X1 pool robot for $749.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1499.99. That's $750 off and a discount of 50%.

SEE ALSO: The FCC bans all robot vacuums made outside the U.S.

This pool robot is all about making your life easier. It uses powerful 6,600 GPH suction and dual jets, so as soon as you power it on, it's collecting sand, pebbles, and algae from your pool thanks to its effortless cleaning system. It also uses advanced multi-layer filtration to capture the tiniest of debris, so no matter what you've got lurking in your pool water, this pool robot can filter it out with an ultra-fine filter.

It uses WaveLine 2.0 technology to reach 2 inches above your pool's waterline and offers 60 sections of horizontal cleaning with each wave. And it stays up to date with over the air enhancements that are done automatically. That means all you really have to worry about is keeping it charged with its wireless charging dock and deploying it when you're ready to have a sparkling pool. It can handle the rest.

If you're ready to have a cleaner pool, now's the time to invest in one of these robots before summer starts to slip away.

TL;DR: Marshall's Stockwell III portable Bluetooth speaker has officially launched, priced at $249.99. It offers 40+ hours of playtime, true 360-degree Marshall sound, IP55 dust and water resistance, and doubles as a charging bank for other devices.

Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Marshall Stockwell III $249.99 at Marshall
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Marshall's Stockwell III officially launches on Aug. 4.

We first wrote about the announcement back in June, when Marshall confirmed it would keep the price at $249.99 despite adding solid upgrades over the previous generation. Now it's finally available at Marshall and Costco.

The main upgrade here is that the battery life has doubled — Marshall bumped it from 20 hours to 40+ hours, and it charges over USB-C, with a 30W PD charger getting you a full recharge in under 3 hours (or 7 hours of playtime from just a 20-minute quick charge). Water and dust resistance also improves, going from IPX4 on the previous model to IP55, so it can handle much more than the occasional splash.

SEE ALSO: Marshall’s new Billie Joe Armstrong amp is built for Green Day nostalgia: Price, release date, and more

Sound-wise, it keeps Marshall's True Stereophonic 360-degree audio, powered by a 3-inch woofer and two 1.75-inch wide-band drivers, and backed by a 65W amp for the woofer.

Bethany Allard, who covered the announcement back in June, pointed out that the previous Stockwell II earned praise from PCMag for its "rich bass and bright highs" — so the sound quality here was already solid, even before this upgrade.

Another cool detail: the battery is swappable — instead of tossing the speaker once the battery wears down, you can replace it yourself, along with the front and back grilles, silicone sleeve, and carrying strap. That's not something you see often with Bluetooth speakers, most of which are basically disposable once a part fails.

Credit: Marshall

It's got tactile, amp-inspired controls on top, including a new M-button for jumping straight to your saved presets, plus Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast support and multipoint connectivity for pairing with more than one device.

It's available now for $249.99 on Marshall and Costco.

To those still burning off calories from National Ice Cream Day — bad news, or possibly great news depending on how you look at it: it's National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, and the free food streak isn't slowing down. Between this, French Fry Day, Hot Dog Day, and Ice Cream Day, it's like the calendar took one look at 2026 and decided everyone deserves free snacks — and who are we to argue?

The chocolate chips are calling, and DoubleTree, Insomnia Cookies, Crumbl, and a long list of others are already rolling out free cookies and steep discounts to celebrate. Clear some room on the counter — today's all about warm cookies.

These are our favorite National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day deals in 2026.

Chick-fil-A

Richmond-area guests can sign into the Chick-fil-A app to claim a free Chocolate Chunk Cookie reward.

Chip City

Make any regular cookie purchase of $5.50 at Chip City and get a free Chocolate Chip Chewie.

Chips Ahoy!

Enter the Mystery Cookie Sweepstakes daily by guessing the flavor of Chips Ahoy!'s new limited-edition cookie for a shot at $25,000, with 50 runners-up scoring cookies and branded merch.

Cookie Plug

Get 50% off a cookie at Cookie Plug when you buy any other item and enter promo code OG at checkout.

Crumbl Cookies

Head to Crumbl Cookies, download the app, and claim a voucher for a free Dirty Soda.

Dirty Dough

Rewards members get a free chocolate chip cookie with any purchase at Dirty Dough.

DoubleTree by Hilton

DoubleTree by Hilton's U.S. hotels are giving away a complimentary warm chocolate chip cookie (or the allergy-friendly version) to anyone who stops by.

Edible

Get a free Signature Chocolate Chip Cookie in stores at Edible, no purchase necessary.

Gopuff

Save 20% when you buy two packs of Crave Shoppe Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough at Gopuff.

Gregorys Coffee

Rewards members get a free chocolate chip cookie with any purchase.

Happy Joe's

Add a giant chocolate chip cookie to any regularly priced large pizza for $5.99 at participating Happy Joe's locations.

Insomnia Cookies

Buy one warm chocolate chunk cookie and get a second of equal or lesser value free at Insomnia Cookies, in-store or online.

Jacques Torres Chocolate

Save 25% on chocolate chip cookies, cookie mixes, and chocolate discs on Aug. 4.

Joy Supply

Save 20% on cookies with code TODAY20.

Maman

Enjoy buy-one-get-one-free classic cookies on weekdays from 2–6 p.m. through Sept. 2. Plus, get BOGO cookie boxes online with code DOUBLEDOUGH through Aug. 5.

Mightylicious

Save 15% on cookies throughout August with code CHOCOLATECHIP15.

My Better Batch

Get a free cookie mix with any $25 purchase using code COOKIECLASSIC.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Rewards members earn 100 points when they buy a Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bundtlet at Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Papa Murphy's

Mix and match desserts, including chocolate chip cookies, for $6.99.

PJ's Coffee

Get a $1 cookie with any beverage purchase today.

Stater Bros. Markets

Mini chocolate chip cookies are 2 for $3 today.

Sweet Loren's

Get 20% off all cookie dough purchases online at Sweet Loren's with code SWEET20.

Tate's Bake Shop

Get 40% off all chocolate chip products at Tate's Bake Shop.

The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company

The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company is selling chocolate chip cookies for just $1, with 100% of proceeds going to charity.

Tiff's Treats

Sample four chocolate chip cookie flavors at Tiff's Treats and get a free cookie — plus vote for your favorite for a shot at free cookies for a year.

Toll House

Enter a social media giveaway by following @nestletollhouse on Instagram and commenting with #nestletollhouse and #sweepstakes for a shot at free cookie dough and morsels.

Wildgrain

Get $30 off site-wide orders, including chocolate chip cookies, with code TODAY30 — plus free croissants with every order.

The Hatch Restore 3 smart alarm clock helped Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart regulate her bedtime routine. And as of Aug. 4, the brand has dropped a new device to improve sleep. The Hatch Sleep Clock isn't just another smart alarm clock; it's a contactless sleep tracker.

At launch, the Hatch Sleep Clock is exclusively available at hatch.co for $249.99, and will be available from other retailers, including Amazon, later this year.

Getting to know the Hatch Sleep Clock

Unlike a Whoop or Oura tracker, the Hatch Sleep Clock is obviously not a wearable. It sits on your nightstand and uses ultra-low-power radio signals to detect breathing and movement (no microphone required). It can track when you go to bed, fall asleep, and wake up throughout the night. According to a study, the tech behind the Sleep Clock is 97 percent accurate at sleep detection.

The Hatch Sleep Clock tracks sleep from your bedside table. Credit: Hatch

The Hatch Sleep Clock combines sleep insights with the other tech Hatch is known for: immersive light, sleep audio, and personalized routines. "We didn't set out to build another sleep tracker. We set out to help people sleep better," said Ann Crady Weiss, Co-Founder and CEO of Hatch, in a press release. "Rather than simply reporting what happened last night, Hatch Sleep Clock gets you to bed tonight."

Hatch Sleep Clock in action

I personally have a bedtime routine of realizing it's 10:30 p.m., thinking I should start getting ready, not actually getting ready for bed until 11ish, and then scrolling on my phone until midnight. I could definitely use some improvement.

With the Hatch Sleep Clock, you pick your ideal unwinding time, and the device gradually fills your room with calming light and ambient sound to ease you into a natural progression toward sleep. You can choose from Hatch's library of experiences, whether you want meditation, sleep stories, ASMR, or other sleep sounds. And you can pair those with lighting designed to help you fall and stay asleep.

SEE ALSO: I tested sleep earbuds for months: Here are the 3 I'd buy, and the one I'd skip

When it's time to get up for the day, the Hatch Sleep Clock gradually brightens your room with light and sound for a more natural wakeup. You can ditch the blaring iPhone alarm sounds.

Rather than giving you a sleep score, Hatch provides actionable data, with suggestions like reducing screentime before bed or getting more natural sunlight in the morning. Sure, you'll get to see how long you spent in each sleep stage, but you'll also get insights to improve your sleep each night going forward.

In the Hatch app, you'll see how you slept, receive insights for improving your sleep, and access sleep routines. Credit: Hatch

The Sleep Clock comes loaded with sleep routines and experiences, but you can also add a Hatch+ subscription to access the full library for $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hatch Hatch Sleep Clock $249.99 at Hatch
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Everything is better without ads ruining the vibe, and your perfect playlist deserves to play on uninterrupted. Don't believe us? As of August 2026, Spotify had 300 million Premium subscribers enjoying ad-free songs, podcasts, and audiobooks.

Here's how each of the platform's Premium plans break down.

What do I get with a free Spotify account?

You'll have access to Spotify's music library, but you'll have to listen to ads and won't be able to download music to your phone for times when you don't have W-Fi access (like on planes).

What do I get with a Spotify Premium plan?

If you want an ad-free and offline listening experience, Premium is the way to go. You'll get ad-free access to Spotify's entire music library, 15 hours of audiobook listening time, and the ability to download music and podcasts to your device. Plus, you'll get access to lossless audio, be able to play songs in any order, and listening queue options, none of which are available on Spotify's free plan.

In recent years, Spotify has added a huge amount of extra features to tempt free users to pay for Premium, including Page Match (to move between physical books and audiobooks), Running Mode, concert tickets sales, as well as an AI chatbot to unpack your music and listening history.

SEE ALSO: Spotify hits 300 million Premium subscribers What are Spotify's Premium plan options?

• Premium Individual ($12.99/month): This plan is for one person and includes all the Premium features.

• Premium Student ($6.99/month): Students at an accredited higher education institution can get 50 percent off all Premium features for up to four years, in addition to access to Hulu's ad-supported plan at no extra cost (a $1.99/ month value for students).

• Premium Duo ($18.99/month): Two people can each get their own Premium account with Premium Duo. Spotify stipulates that these two people must be living together, but since there's no way for them to know that, you could probably split this plan with a bestie or sibling. You'll also get 15 hours of audiobook listening time per month, but only the "plan manager" (whoever set up the account) can use them.

• Premium Family ($21.99/month): This plan offers a discounted rate for families of up to six, and each member gets their own account. One family member, the plan manager, pays for the plan, manages members, and can set explicit content filters for members.

  This plan is great for parents who want to ensure that their little ones aren't listening to explicit material, or parents who want to give their child their own account in the Spotify Kids app. On the Premium Family plan, only the plan managers get 15 hours of audiobook listening time per month.

Opens in a new window Credit: Spotify Spotify Premium $12.99
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I have tested many, many open earbuds new releases this year, but none have impressed me out of the gate as much as CMF's first-ever open earbuds.

Meet the CMF Clip Pro: a cuff-style open earbud that's available for just $99. That makes them a good deal cheaper than more premium options like the Bose Ultra Open earbuds ($299) and the Sony LinkBuds Clip ($229.99). As of Aug. 4, the CMF buds are available to purchase on Nothing's website.

SEE ALSO: Open earbuds guide: What they are, who should buy them, and why they're popping up everywhere

I've been able to spend a couple of days with the latest CMF earbuds ahead of their launch, and so far, I have very few notes and quite a lot of praise. While that's subject to change as I put them through more testing scenarios, let's take a look at what the earbuds deliver out of the box and in the early days of wear.

CMF Clip Pro at a glance The three available colorways of the CMF Clip Pro. Credit: Nothing Price

As mentioned above, these earbuds are just $99. While it's not unheard of for open earbuds to be sub-$100, it is also pretty common for many of the highest performing models to be above $100. It's not surprising that CMF's earbuds are priced for the more affordably-minded, though: CMF is the budget-focused line of Nothing, and their entire current product range sits below $100.

Specs

• Battery: 10 hours playback per charge, with 32.5 hours total playback with charging case

• Quick charge: 10 minutes for four hours of listening

• Driver: 10.8mm dual-magnet magnetic driver

• Listening modes: Spatial audio, bass enhancement, anti-leakage mode

• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4

• Multipoint: Yes, dual connection available

• Controls: Smart Dial case, physical on-ear controls, with options for customization

• IP rating: IP54, dust- and water-resistant

• Colors: Dark grey, light grey, coral

• Weight: 5.9 grams per earbud

CMF Clip Pro first impressions The earbuds themselves are lightweight, with a titanium wire core that helps you find the best fit possible. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable The Smart Dial is a strong design feature of the charging case (even if the case itself attracts fingerprints). Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Thoughtful design

CMF's parent company, Nothing, created my favorite on-ear controls in the Headphone (a), so I shouldn't be surprised they knocked it out of the park with these open earbuds. The earbuds themselves sit on the ear in a way that feels secure without pinching the front or back of my ear, and the physical button control on the back side of the earbud mimics that of the Bose Open Ultra — my favorite on-ear control I've experienced on any open earbuds. With the Nothing X app, you can customize how many presses designate commands like pausing, switching songs, or even listening modes.

The Smart Dial case may seem gimmicky on the surface, but I found myself using it to adjust the volume of my music a lot. Many on-ear controls, but especially those on open earbuds, can be awkward for adjusting volume (long pressing your earbuds for a small boost of volume simply isn't the move). The dial made it so I could quickly and easily change the volume, which came in handy for listening to music while I worked or stopped to chat with someone.

Sound quality

My audio testing has been limited to my personal playlists so far (featuring a lot of pop/rock and K-pop), so I can't speak to the sound quality comprehensively. That said, I appreciate the sheer amount of features packed into these buds: there's spatial audio, a two-level bass boost option, five equalizer presets, and a custom equalizer slot.

I've been impressed with the volume levels so far (open earbuds can skew lower) and don't notice any obvious muddying. Some equalizer settings aren't great for the music I listen to, dampening the overall sound, but from what I've experienced so far, the sound quality is promising.

Great battery life

The CMF Clip Pro sit on the higher end of battery life for open earbuds at 10 hours per charge, and 32.5 hours overall. For comparison, on our list of open earbuds recs, they're only second to the 12-hour battery life of Shokz OpenFit Pro (though these earbuds cost $249.95), and have the same battery life per charge as our overall pick, the Shokz OpenDots One (which cost $199.99).

Ultimately, for being a budget option, the CMF Clip Pro earbuds are impressively well-rounded. As I write this, the only real competitor that comes to mind is the EarFun Clip, which, though incredibly affordable, aren't as stylish or detail-oriented in their design as the CMF Clip Pro.

Early areas for improvement

While my early experience with the earbuds has been pretty stellar, I've noticed some minor issues off the bat, including:

• Only three-band custom equalizer: The equalizer only features three bands, but it is worth considering that open earbuds are rarely designed to maximize sound quality.

• Matte case problems: The dark grey case does attract fingerprints, which isn't the biggest deal, but is especially noticeable when the product encourages you to use the case for audio playback.

• Interior of the case: The case is condensed well, which can be a challenge with larger open buds, but the vertical placement of the earbuds takes some getting used to — so much so that the app gives clear instructions on how to properly load the earbuds in. Still, I don't see this being a lasting issue after regular use.

• No wear detection: These earbuds don't offer any wear detection, so music will continue to play when you take them out. Again, not the biggest flaw, but it can be a source of an accidentally run-down battery life.

Overall, these cons are minor. That said, I still have testing to do, including listening to more genres, running out the battery life, trying out the Clear Voice tech that CMF claims helps call quality, and using the earbuds during movement to make sure they make good on staying in place.

Where to buy the CMF Clip Pro

The CMF Clip Pro earbuds will be available for $99 at Nothing's website and select retailers. They're available for preorder now, with availability beginning Aug. 15. The buds have a preorder discount of $20 on Nothing's official site, bringing them to $79.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing CMF Clip Pro $79 at Nothing
$99 Save $20   Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing CMF Clip Pro $99 at Amazon
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Spotify has 300 million Premium subscribers, according to the company's Q2 earnings report.

Announced on Tuesday, the company said it had hit "a milestone no audio streaming service has ever reached," with the total marking a nine percent increase from last year.

SEE ALSO: Spotify Smart Shuffle played a song I'd never heard before. It was AI generated.

Spotify indeed dominates the U.S. audio streaming market, topping competitors like Apple Music (estimated around 100 million paid subscribers) and YouTube Music (estimated around 125 million combined subscribers with YouTube Music and Premium), though these are industry estimates — streamers rarely publicly herald their paid subscriber numbers, so Spotify's announcement is a rarity.

Spotify's ad-free tier, which allows users to listen offline, enjoy lossless audio, and control queues, costs $12.99 per month. Over the last year, the company has gone hard on tempting free users to pay for Premium, adding a plethora of features, including Running Mode, Page Match, concert ticketing, and more, as well as rolling out an AI chatbot for your music and listening history.

It's not the only increase for Spotify either, with the platform reporting 777 million monthly active users (up 12 percent from last year) and total revenue up 14 percent — that's €4.8 billion.

Featured Video For You How TikTok is Changing the Music Industry

Spotify co-CEO Gustav Söderström said in a press statement that Q2 2026 showed the company was building "better engineering, faster shipping, new products, and new ways for users to engage. We are still in the very early stages of what is possible and will continue to have a high bar for investments…Our job remains the same: understand the technology early and deeply, and turn it into something people love. Creating value for our stakeholders.”

Spotify did see layoffs in Q1, with three percent of staff fired in March 2026 from the company's podcast sector.

We asked you to predict what Apple will do next. See the results and find out how to get a shot at winning an Apple Watch!

Home Depot Free Battery Deals Best DeWalt Flexvolt free battery deal DeWalt Flexvolt 20V/60V MAX 9.0Ah Battery Free with the purchase of select DeWalt Flexvolt 60V tools Get Deal Best Milwaukee M18 free battery deal Milwaukee M18 5.0 Ah XC Battery Free with the purchase of select Milwaukee M18 tools Get Deal Best Ridgid free battery deal Ridgid 18V Output Battery Free with the purchase of select Ridgid 18V Nuke tools Get Deal

If you're eyeing a new tool from Ridgid, Milwaukee, or DeWalt, now's a good time to buy — Home Depot's running a free battery promo across all three brands. Pick up a qualifying tool, and a battery gets tossed in at no extra cost, whether that's Ridgid's 18V 4.0 Ah pack, Milwaukee's M18 5.0 Ah pack, or DeWalt's Flexvolt 9.0Ah battery. Here's a deeper look at the tools that can get you free batteries:

DeWalt Flexvolt 20V/60V MAX Battery Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt Flexvolt 20V/60V MAX 9.0Ah Battery Free with the purchase of select DeWalt Flexvolt 60V tools Get Deal

The DeWalt Flexvolt battery pack automatically changes voltage depending on which tool it's plugged into. It powers DeWalt's 60V MAX Brushless line and 120V MAX Brushless tools, and it's also backward compatible with 20V MAX tools and chargers, so it's not locked into just one tool category.

Get it free with:

• DeWalt Flexvolt 60V MAX Brushless Concrete Mud Mixer/Drill with E-Clutch — $299

• DeWalt Flexvolt 60V MAX Brushless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw with Brake — $299

• DeWalt Flexvolt 60V MAX Brushless Reciprocating Saw — $299

• DeWalt Flexvolt 60V MAX Brushless Small Angle Grinder with Kickback Brake — $299

• DeWalt Flexvolt 60V Angle Grinder — $299

• DeWalt Flexvolt 60V MAX Brushless 7-1/4 in. Wormdrive Circular Saw — $329

• DeWalt Flexvolt 60V MAX SDS Plus Rotary Hammer — $499 $549 (save $50)

Milwaukee M18 5.0 Ah XC Battery Opens in a new window Credit: Milwaukee Milwaukee M18 5.0 Ah XC Battery Free with the purchase of select Milwaukee M18 tools Get Deal

The Milwaukee M18 5.0 Ah XC Battery is compatible with any M18 cordless power tool in Milwaukee's lineup, and it's rated to deliver 2 x more runtime than a standard lithium battery. It also recharges fully in 90 minutes or less, so you're not stuck waiting around if you're mid-project and need to swap in a fresh charge.

Some of the M18 tools that qualify for the deal are:

• Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hackzall Reciprocating Saw — $199

• Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Router — $229

• Milwaukee M18 Redlithium Forge Starter Kit with 8.0Ah Battery — $279

• Milwaukee M18 18-Gauge Double Cut Metal Shear — $299

• Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2 in. Impact Wrench with Friction Ring — $299

• Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit with 2 Batteries — $399

Ridgid 18V Output Battery Opens in a new window Credit: Ridgid Ridgid 18V Output Battery Free with the purchase of select Ridgid 18V Nuke tools Get Deal

The Ridgid 18V 4.0 Ah MAX Output battery gives you more power and runtime out of any Ridgid 18V Brushless tool — up to 3 x longer than Ridgid's older 1.5 Ah battery. It's also compact and light, so it won't wear out your arm over a long day. Register it within 90 days of buying, and you get free parts and service for life.

Get it free with:

• Ridgid 18V Nuke SubCompact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw — $139 $149 (save $10)

• Ridgid 18V Nuke SubCompact Cordless Drill/Driver Kit — $139

• Ridgid 18V Nuke SubCompact Cordless Multi-Tool — $149

• Ridgid 18V Nuke Cordless 4-1/2 in. Circular Saw — $149

• Ridgid 18V Nuke SubCompact Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit — $219

Whichever brand you're loyal to, this is basically free money — grab your tool at Home Depot before the deal ends.