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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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Grab a new smartwatch with $100 off the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and a free $100 Amazon Gift Card

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:44

SAVE $100 + FREE GIFT CARD: As of August 12, get the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 with a free $100 Amazon Gift Card at Amazon. That's a discount of 13%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 + $100 Amazon Gift Card $699.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $100   Get Deal

Looking for a new smartwatch to get a headstart on all of your fall activities? If you're an Android user, a Samsung Galaxy Watch is a great way to go. It's made even better by a new deal at Amazon that nets you not only a high-end model, but a discount and a gift card to go with it.

As of August 12, get the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 with a free $100 Amazon Gift Card at Amazon. That's $100 off and a discount of 13%. You'll get a physical Amazon gift card in a mini envelope with this bundle that may ship separately. You'll have to wait until you receive the gift card and activate it to use it on any future purchases.

SEE ALSO: All the best smartwatches for every wrist and interest

This sleek piece of tech eschews the typical smartwatch design for a more modern look, but it's got every feature you could want. It's chock-full of fitness and health-centric sensors and apps and can track your runs and exercise, overall heart health, and five additional health metrics, including sleep. It can even assist you with figuring out your readiness for the day with all of this information to compute what kind of things you should get up to.

But it's also got everything you could want in terms of regular smartwatch activity as well, including instant AI assistance. You need only raise your wrist and speak normally to get it too. It can handle payments, scheduling, calls, and anything else you might expect from a piece of tech like this straight from your watch. Plus, it boasts a screen with 5,000 nits of brightness so it's crisp and easily legible in any light situation.

If you're ready for a little something new for your smartwatch needs, this is a great option that you won't want to sleep on, especially with the discount and additional gift card. Now's the time to go ahead and invest, right before the countdown to the holidays.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The AirPods Pro 3 are nearly $60 off at Amazon — their biggest discount since Prime Week

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:31

SAVE $59: As of Aug. 12, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $189.99. That's a savings of 24% or $59.01 — the best deal we've seen since Prime Week.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $189.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $59.01   Get Deal

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 were marked safe from the dreaded Apple price hike of 2026. But that doesn't mean we're about to run out and buy them at full cost — and you shouldn't either.

As of Aug. 12, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to only $189.99 at Amazon. That's 24% or $59.01 off their list price of $249 and probably the best deal we've seen since the week of Prime Day.

Rumor has it that new AirPods will likely be dropping soon, allegedly featuring cameras. But TBH, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are still pretty dang impressive earbuds. At not even a year old, they're some of our favorite noise-cancelling earbuds overall (and we've tested a ton). Mashable's reviewer called them " a remarkable upgrade in functionality over their predecessors, with better battery life and ANC, as well as a new heart rate sensor."

Other perks of the Pro 3's are new health and fitness features, a balanced sound profile, intuitive controls and seamless connectivity for Apple users, and a Live Translate mode with a lot of potential. There's also a hearing aid function that our reviewer calls "questionable," though I will say my own dad is loving it.

If you've had a new pair of AirPods on your list for some time, I recommend picking up the Pro 3s while they're 24% off. Or you can wait for the new ones to drop, most likely next month, and hope for a price tag that isn't astronomical.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Leeds United vs. Man United online for free

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:30

TL;DR: Watch Leeds United vs. Manchester United in a 2026 pre-season friendly for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The problem with pre-season friendlies is that they don't really matter. You get a lot of experimentation and teams that aren't fully committed. That's just the way it is. Teams don't want to lose their best players to injury before the season has even started.

That being said, Leeds United vs. Manchester United looks like a thrilling fixture that probably won't be all that "friendly." These sides go way back, and we expect a competitive game as they look to sharpen up before the Premier League returns.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 Nations Championship from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Leeds United vs. Manchester United?

Leeds United vs. Manchester United in a 2026 pre-season friendly kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 12. This fixture takes place at Croke Park.

How to watch Leeds United vs. Manchester United for free

Leeds United vs. Manchester United in a 2026 pre-season friendly is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can livestream Leeds United vs. Manchester United for free from anywhere in the world.

Livestream Leeds United vs. Manchester United for free by following these simple steps:

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

  2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Watch Leeds United vs. Manchester United for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Leeds United vs. Manchester United without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Leeds United vs. Manchester United for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 Pro for free — how to qualify

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:28

TL;DR: The new Google Pixel 11 Pro and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL are available for free right now with T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 Pro Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Free when you activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in required). Shop Now

Google’s new phones are officially here, and as expected, the Pixel 11 Pro brings significant upgrades across the board.

You're going to come across a lot of tempting deals for this new handset over the coming weeks, and we recommend taking your time to properly consider all your options. There will be memory upgrades, free gift cards, and bundles on offer. It's going to be a lot. Of course, if you'd rather skip the hassle and simply get your hands on the Google Pixel 11 Pro at the absolute lowest price, there's T-Mobile.

For a limited time, T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 Pro for free. No, we didn't stutter. These are the best Google Pixel 11 Pro deals live right now:

  • Google Pixel 11 Pro — free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan

  • Google Pixel 11 Pro XL — free when you activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in required)

By activating a new line, you pay absolutely nothing upfront. The total cost is covered via 36 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or switch carriers before the end of your contract, you’ll owe the remaining balance on the phone’s full retail price. You will also need to pay taxes and a one-time connection charge with this promotion, but that's a small price to pay for the latest tech from Google.

Get the new Google Pixel 11 Pro or Google Pixel 11 Pro XL for free with T-Mobile.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ben Affleck and Kerry Washington fight to save their son in tense Animals teaser

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:24

As a director, Ben Affleck has made himself at home in the thriller genre thanks to projects like Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and the Academy Award-winning Argo. In his next film Animals, coming this October to Netflix, he continues the trend with a tense political thriller.

SEE ALSO: Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan lead chilling trailer for Sundance hit 'Josephine'

Written by Connor O. McIntyre, Billy Ray, and Ben Affleck, the film also stars Affleck as Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball. When he and his wife Abigail (Kerry Washington) learn that their son has been kidnapped, they must scramble to pay the ransom, all while facing intense public scrutiny. As they fall deeper into a web of deception, they'll learn dark secrets and contemplate choices that could upend the life they've built together.

In addition to Affleck and Washington, Animals' impressive cast also stars Beef's Steven Yeun and Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma's Gillian Anderson, who is seen in the teaser arriving on the scene in an all-white power suit. But is she coming to the rescue, or is she part of the reason Mark is in trouble?

Animals isn't Affleck's first collaboration with Netflix this year. In January, he starred alongside Matt Damon in crime thriller The Rip. Netflix also acquired Affleck's AI startup InterPositive in March, paying $587 million in cash for the company.

Animals premieres Oct. 9 on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

AT&T will give you a free Google Pixel 11 Pro XL with an eligible trade-in — save up to $1,350

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:14

TL;DR: Starting Aug. 12, AT&T customers can get the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL for $0 with an eligible trade-in — up to $1,350 off the 256GB model after 36 monthly bill credits.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Trade in an eligible device and get the Pixel 11 Pro XL for $0 at AT&T, saving up to $1,350. Get Deal

Feeling the itch for a new phone? AT&T has a deal that makes the upgrade a lot easier to justify. Starting Aug. 12, the carrier is offering the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL for $0 with an eligible trade-in, giving fans of the bigger screen a shot at a free upgrade.

Some fine print worth noting:

  • Requires an installment plan paired with AT&T's Extra 2.0 plan or higher (at least $80/month before discounts)

  • Applies to the 256GB model, worth up to $1,350 off after 36 monthly bill credits

  • Needs a minimum of $1,349.99 on the installment plan to qualify

  • Reserved for well-qualified customers, with credits starting within your first three bills

  • If you cancel service, credits stop, and any remaining device balance becomes due right away

  • A $35 activation or upgrade fee, plus taxes and other charges, also applies

If you're already eyeing AT&T's higher-tier plans, this is the best way to get the biggest Pixel on the market without paying anything upfront.

Preorders open Aug. 12 — grab the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL from AT&T while it's free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Made By Google: Live updates as new Pixel 11 phones launch

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:12

The phone summer continues: Next up is Google, which is launching new Pixel 11 phones and more at its "Made by Google" event, held in New York on Wednesday, Aug. 12, starting at 6 p.m. ET.

During the event, we expect to see four new Pixel phones: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The company is also rumored to launch the new Pixel Watch 5 and yes, we'll probably hear a lot (A LOT) of chatter about Google's Gemini AI. For a full list of what we expect to see today, go here.

In this live blog, we'll be chronicling the event as it unfolds, so stay tuned for all the latest updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Trade any old Pixel for a free Google Pixel 11 Pro at AT&T — even if its cracked

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:12

TL;DR: Starting Aug. 12, new and existing AT&T customers can pre-order the Google Pixel 11 Pro for free when they trade in any old Google Pixel, no matter its age or condition.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 Pro Trade in any old Google Pixel — any year, any condition — and get the new Pixel 11 Pro for free at AT&T. Get Deal

Thinking of upgrading your Google Pixel? AT&T's got a deal that makes it an easy call.

Starting Wednesday, Aug. 12, the carrier is opening preorders for the new Pixel 11 lineup, and the trade-in offer makes the timing even better: hand over any old Pixel, and walk away with a Pixel 11 Pro for $0.

New and existing AT&T customers can pre-order through the AT&T app, online, or in-store, and the trade-in terms are simple: any old Google Pixel qualifies, regardless of its age or condition. So even if your current phone has a cracked screen, a dying battery, or is a few generations behind, it still counts toward a brand-new Pixel 11 Pro at no extra cost.

There's some fine print worth knowing before you sign up. The $0 deal requires an installment plan paired with AT&T's Extra 2.0 plan or higher (at least $80/month before discounts), and it applies to the 256GB model after 36 monthly bill credits. Credits kick in within your first three bills, but if you cancel service, they stop, and whatever's left on the device balance becomes due. A $35 activation or upgrade fee, plus taxes and other charges, also applies.

Google's Made by Google event is happening the same day, Aug. 12, so this deal drops right as the new phones go live. And since Google hasn't confirmed final pricing on the lineup yet, getting a Pixel 11 Pro for free with a trade-in is a great way to skip the sticker shock entirely.

Your old Pixel's final job? Getting you the Google Pixel 11 Pro for free at AT&T.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pixel 11 Pro XL announced: Price, specs, new features

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:02

Along with the release of the Pixel 11 Pro, Made By Google 2026 also brings an upgrade to the largest of the Pixel smartphones.

Introducing the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

And just like the Pixel 11 Pro, the big new feature for the Pixel 11 Pro XL is the new HiLight element on the camera bar.

But first, let's get to the pricing. As with the rest of the Pixel 11 lineup, prices have gone up compared to the launch pricing of its predecessor. The Pixel 11 Pro XL will start at $1,299, which is $100 more than the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google eliminated the 128GB model of the largest Pixel smartphone last year with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, so this base Pixel 11 Pro XL comes with 256GB of storage.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 Pro for free — how to qualify Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: Colors and specs

Like the Pixel 11 Pro, the Pixel 11 Pro XL comes in four colors: Canyon, Obsidian, Fog, and Olive.

Pixel 11 Pro XL has many of the same basic specs as the Pixel 11 Pro:

  • Processor: Google Tensor G6 

  • Storage: 256/512GB/1TB 

  • Memory: 12/16GB RAM 

  • Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom 

  • Front camera: 42MP

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL size comparison Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

However, some big differences put the XL in the Pixel 11 Pro XL:

  • Display: 6.8-inch display with 1344 x 2992 resolution and 1-120Hz refresh rate 

  • Battery: 5115mAh battery 

The Pixel 11 Pro XL has the biggest display of the Pixel 11 lineup and the largest battery as well. This all means it's the biggest of the Pixel 11 lineup as well, with a height of 6.4 inches and a width of 3 inches. It's also the heaviest, at 8oz.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Made By Google 2026 Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: HiLight

Aside from its larger size, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL gets pretty much all the upgrades the Pixel 11 Pro does, including this year's biggest addition to the lineup: HiLight.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL's HiLight feature Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Previous reports referred to the feature as "Pixel Glow," but Google has officially introduced this new element as HiLight.

HiLight is a small, multicolored light located in the camera bar on the rear of the device. HILight will light up and change color to notify its owner. These lights can be customized to match a certain contact. This way, if your phone is lying face down and you receive a call, the user can immediately tell who is calling without having to flip their device over, based on the HiLight notification color. 

The Pixel 11 Pro XL was just announced, so stick with Mashable's continued coverage to find out more as we get hands-on with Google's new Pixel devices.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Meet the Pixel Tag, Googles answer to the Apple AirTag

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:00

Google's version of the AirTag is coming: The Google Pixel Tag.

The Google Pixel Tag uses Google's Find Hub network to help you find your belongings, like your wallet or suitcase. It can be used with Android devices running Android 9 or newer; connect it to your device, name it, and even share it with up to 10 people.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Made By Google 2026

You can see your tagged items on the map within the Find Hub app. If you lose something, you can ring it if it's within Bluetooth range, and it'll play a sound through its built-in speaker. Apparently, it'll have precise location data thanks to Ultra-Wideband with Bluetooth Channel Sounding, so you can recover your item even if it's in a nook or cranny.

Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

And if you leave your keys or wallet (or pet?) behind, or are about to, you'll get an alert. You'll also get an alert if an unknown tag is with you. Should your tagged item be out of range, Find Hub will tap into a network of over one billion Android devices to find it, according to Google's press release.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 for free — how to claim

The Google Pixel Tag is made of stainless steel and has a battery life of up to one year (which is similar to the AirTag). At under two inches long, 0.2 inches thick, and weighing 0.4 ounces, it won't add bulk to your valuables. It retails for $29 for one or $99 for a 4-pack. It releases on Nov. 11.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google announces Pixel 11 Pro Fold, its thinnest and brightest foldable yet

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:00

Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 11 Pro Fold during Made By Google on Wednesday, positioning it as the standout entry in a refreshed Pixel 11 lineup that also includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL.

According to Google, the company built the new foldable to be "open for anything," touting a thinner, lighter design alongside meaningful jumps in display brightness, camera performance, and processing power. Google says the Pro Fold is about 1 millimeter thinner and nearly 10 percent lighter than its predecessor, and claims it's three times more durable.

Credit: Google

The device carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, according to the company, and features a new hinge, a composite back, and scratch-resistant glass. For the first time, Google says the Pro Fold's outer display uses the company's Super Actua screen technology, which it says makes both the 6.5-inch external panel and the 8-inch internal display 20 percent brighter than the previous generation.

SEE ALSO: Made By Google: Live updates as new Pixel 11 phones launch

In terms of performance, Google says the Pro Fold runs on its custom Tensor G6 chip, delivering up to 50 percent more TPU compute power and up to 20 percent greater power efficiency compared to the prior generation, and is paired with 16GB of RAM. The company says the battery lasts more than 24 hours on a charge, with wired charging reaching 50 percent in about 30 minutes and wireless charging up to 20 percent faster than before, enabled by Google's Pixelsnap magnetic system.

Camera upgrades include a new 48-megapixel main sensor that Google says captures 56 percent more light than its predecessor, along with a telephoto lens supporting 30x Super Zoom. Google is also highlighting features unique to the Fold's design, including a "Rear Camera Selfie" mode that lets users shoot high-resolution self-portraits using the main rear camera while framing themselves on the outer screen, and a "Dual Screen Preview" option that lets subjects see themselves as a photo is composed.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 for free — how to claim

The Pro Fold arrives alongside broader software updates that Google is rolling out across the Pixel 11 series, centered on its Gemini Intelligence assistant. Google says Gemini can now handle routine tasks like booking rides or placing orders in the background, and in the U.S., can place phone calls on a user's behalf while offering a live transcript of the conversation.

The company is also introducing sign language-to-text translation via the Pixel Camera, aimed at helping deaf and hard-of-hearing users communicate more naturally with non-signers.

Buyers who purchase the Pro Fold or other Pro models will also get six months of Google's AI Pro subscription plan at no cost, according to the company, a bundle Google values at $119.94 that includes expanded Gemini usage limits, 5TB of cloud storage, and Google Health Premium.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Pixel Watch 5 announced: Design changes, new Gemini tools, price revealed

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:00

Google's new smartwatch has the endorsement of a champion.

The company announced the new Pixel Watch 5 on Wednesday as part of its big Made by Google event. Starting at $399 and coming in both 41mm and 45mm sizes, the new Pixel Watch makes some important changes on the software side and introduces new customization options. It also has a special Steph Curry edition with an exclusive band and custom watch face, in case you need something to wear while shooting half-court threes.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 Pro for free — how to qualify Google Pixel Watch 5: Specs and changes All the important stuff happens here. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Here are the basic specs for Pixel Watch 5:

  • Sizes: 41mm and 45mm

  • Colors: Matte Black, Polished Silver, Satin Pyrite, Champagne Gold (41mm only)

  • Display: Actua 360 display with 3,000 nits peak brightness and 1-60Hz refresh rate

  • WiFi and LTE support

  • Battery: 465mAh on 45mm, 332mAh on 41mm

As always, health features are the main draw here, and Google brought some new ones to the table for the Pixel Watch 5. It can track blood pressure patterns and insulin resistance, and offer detailed fitness training for more than 50 exercises. Google is also promising a revamped and improved GPS this year. Of course, sleep tracking is also back, now with a feature that analyzes your sleep breathing quality.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Made By Google 2026

Gemini is also part of the whole deal, with personalized AI health coaching and the ability to proactively surface relevant information from text messages and whatnot. Google also says the processing should happen 20 percent faster on the Pixel Watch 5.

And yes, you can use generative AI to create your own watch faces from prompts. That's on top of a ton of watch band options, which should let you create the exact look you want.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Pixel 11 Pro announced: Price, specs, HiLight revealed

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:00

In an age when annual phone upgrades seem increasingly iterative, Google has brought at least one interesting new hardware feature to the table with the Pixel 11 Pro.

Announced as part of its Made by Google event on Wednesday, the Pixel 11 Pro builds on the Pixel 10 Pro from a year ago by upgrading a few key components and adding a new element to the camera bar called HiLight. Before we get to that, though, let's talk price.

The Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099, which is $100 higher than the starting price for the Pixel 10 Pro. An important bit of context, though, is that the 10 Pro's $999 model had 128GB of storage, which is not available on the 11 Pro.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Colors and specs Nice metal curves. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Pixel 11 Pro comes in four colors: Canyon, Obsidian, Fog, and Olive. Here are the specs:

  • Display: 6.3-inch display with 1280x2856 resolution and 1-120Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: Google Tensor G6

  • Storage: 256/512GB/1TB

  • Memory: 12/16GB RAM

  • Battery: 4,850mAh battery

  • Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom

  • Front camera: 42MP

There are some meaningful changes to discuss here. First, Google upped the peak brightness from 3,300 nits to 3,600 nits, so it should be easier to use outdoors. Beyond that, the removal of a 128GB storage option also coincides with the addition of a 12GB RAM option. Before this, Pixel Pro devices only came with 16GB RAM. It seems that 16GB RAM is tied to higher storage options this year, with 12GB being associated with the 256GB storage variant.

SEE ALSO: Made By Google: Live updates as new Pixel 11 phones launch

The new Tensor G6 processor should improve performance and unlock new AI features like Magic Capture, which will seemingly find "perfect" frames in your videos to turn into images, with automatic cropping and unblurring when necessary.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Introducing HiLight There it is. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

All of that is within the realm of expectations for a new Pixel Pro device, but HiLight is not.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 Pro for free — how to qualify

This new feature, which rumors had called "Pixel Glow" before the unveiling on Wednesday, is a small multicolored light that lives in the camera bar on Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel Fold devices. Sorry, the base model is excluded here. HiLight will light up and change colors when you have your phone turned over to notify you if someone in your contacts is calling, or to signify that Gemini is being used. You can go into your contacts and even set custom colors for different people, if you'd like.

We'll have full reviews for these new Pixel phones in the near future, so watch this space for further analysis of things like HiLight.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Pixel 11 officially unveiled at Made by Google

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:00

Google's next round of Pixel phones is finally here.

As part of its Made by Google event on Wednesday, Google announced the new Pixel 11 lineup. There are also Pro models and a foldable device, but let's focus on the regular Pixel 11 for now. The base model this year starts at $899, which is $100 more than last year, but there's a caveat: The starting storage is now 256GB instead of 128GB. Last year's Pixel 10 was also $899 for 256GB of storage, so it's only technically a price increase.

SEE ALSO: Made By Google: Live updates as new Pixel 11 phones launch Google Pixel 11: Colors and specs Very thin indeed. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Pixel 11 also comes in four colors: Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, and Obsidian. Here are the basic specs for the device:

  • Display: 6.3-inch display with 1080x2424 resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: Google Tensor G6 processor

  • Storage: 256/512GB

  • Memory: 12GB

  • Battery: 4,985mAh

  • Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom

  • Front camera: 10.5MP

Google didn't revolutionize the base Pixel model for 2026. This is a very incremental upgrade over last year, but there are some noteworthy changes. For instance, the camera bar is about 40 percent thinner, so the phone appears almost fully flat with a case on. Unfortunately, that camera bar does not include HiLight, a new hardware feature exclusive to the Pro devices that uses multicolored lights to convey notifications when the phone is lying face down.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 for free — how to claim

As for other changes, we already covered the exclusion of a 128GB model, but it's also worth mentioning that there's a new 512GB variant of the base model this year. The new Tensor G6 processor delivers faster performance and a few minor new AI features, such as Magic Capture, which automatically captures, crops, and unblurs moments as you film.

Aside from that, though, the Pixel 11 seems very similar to the Pixel 10. We'll have a full review to determine just how much better it is in the near future.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Target just dropped its 2026 Halloween lineup — shop K-Pop Demon Hunters, Pokémon, and more

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 15:34
The top finds from Target's 2026 Halloween lineup: Nerds Halloween Gummy Clusters Candy $3.49 Shop Now Easy Grip Halloween Pumpkin Carving Kit $5 Shop Now Lit Plastic Ghost in Dome - Hyde and EEK! Boutique $5 Shop Now Pokémon Pikachu Kids' Jumpsuit $20.99 Shop Now 60-inch Poseable Lifesize Skeleton $25 Shop Now Demon Hunters Rumi Kang Classic Costume $25.49 Shop Now

Halloween shopping keeps creeping earlier every year, and Target is betting its 2026 Halloween lineup will get shoppers in early before the leaves even start turning. The retailer just unveiled this year's assortment, and prices stay cheap, with 60% of the decor under $10 and half of all costumes and accessories under $25.

Target's decor splits into two styles this year. Hyde & EEK! Boutique keeps it playful and affordable, with most pieces $10 or under — the standout is a $25 posable skeleton that can strike a new pose every day.

Later this month, Target's own Threshold brand adds a more grown-up Halloween collection: glass pumpkins, rattan pieces, and haunted village sets. For kids, the upcoming Pillowfort Monster collection turns kid-drawn artwork into plush toys and hooded blankets.

Target's exclusive K-Pop Demon Hunters costumes headline the costume collection, including a Rumi look built to be the centerpiece of any group costume. Pokémon gets a major expansion too — up to 26 costumes this year, more than double last year. There are also picks from Toy Story and Super Mario covering most of the big fandoms.

The candy aisle mixes nostalgia with new flavors. Target-exclusive picks include the Nerds Gummy Clusters Halloween Mix, Nutty Fruity Dubai Chocolate, and Drizzilicious in Pumpkin Spice and Apple Pie. For families looking to make an activity out of it, Target's DIY lineup includes Mondo Llama Pumpkin Mosaic Art Kits and Favorite Day Brain Cupcake Kits — easy, mess-contained projects that don't require a trip to the craft store first.

The Halloween lineup is ready to shop at Target now — in store, through Drive Up, or with Order Pickup.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Insta360 launches X6, its flagship 360-degree 8K camera

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 15:00

Insta360 has launched the X6, its new flagship 8K 360 camera. Following last year's X5, the new X6 offers larger sensors, a higher frame rate, and 10-bit colour in an even more compact and rugged body.

The Insta360 X6 had been rumoured for a while, with an FCC filing hinting at its release earlier this year. The X5 was — and still is —  an impressive 360-degree camera, helping to cement Insta360 as a leader in the category upon its 2025 release. Now we finally know how Insta360 plans to improve upon it, with the X6 providing multiple upgrades.

SEE ALSO: Insta360 unveils cute Hello Kitty-themed action camera

Firstly, the X6 boasts larger dual Sony 1/1.1-inch sensors as opposed to the X5's 1/1.28 sensors. This allows the X6 to take in more light, improving performance in dim environments and where there is significant contrast. Like the X5, the X6 has two dedicated imaging chips and one AI chip. However, the X6's AI chip has been upgraded from 5nm to 4nm, Insta360 stating that the camera has five times more computing power than its predecessor, while also having a reduced power draw.

Credit: Insta360

The Insta360 X6 can capture 360-degree footage at resolutions up to 8K at 50fps — up from the X5's maximum of 8K at 30fps. Its flat, traditional filming mode has also received a boost, reaching 5K at 60fps as opposed to the X5's maximum of 4K on the same frame rate. Photo mode now reaches 120MP for 360-degree images, or 42MP for flat pictures, compared to the X5's 72MP 360-degree and 18MP flat photos.

Another significant change is the X6's form factor. While it is slightly wider than the X5, measuring in at 50mm as opposed to 46 millimetres, its much shorter height more than makes up for this. The X6 reduces the X5's already fairly compact build by almost 25 millimetres, measuring approximately 100 millimetres tall. While nowhere near as small as Insta360's GO action cameras, the X6 can easily fit in a jacket pocket.

Credit: Insta360

This shorter build houses a 2.32-inch OLED touchscreen which can reach up to 1200 nits brightness, making it easier to preview footage in light environments. In addition to operating as a regular touchscreen, the X6's screen can also be used as a giant button for recording. This allows users to operate the camera even wearing thick gloves, or if you're struggling with the X6's typical controls.

The X6 further adds both 10-bit colour and Dolby Vision, features that aren't available in the X5. Alongside its ability to film in I-Log (Insta360's proprietary log profile), these shooting options enable the X6 to capture a wider dynamic range and more colours, providing a richer image and more flexibility when colour grading in post. 

Insta360 states that the X6 can record 8K 30fps 360-degree video for up to 140 minutes on a single charge, surpassing the X5's runtime by 40 minutes. The X6 is also waterproof to 20 metres, an increase in depth of five metres, and has new replaceable lenses which the company claims are five-times more scratch-resistant (as well as more affordable). Mashable got to try replacing some X6 lenses, and found them not only simple to swap out, but also very satisfying.

The Insta360 X6 is available now, and comes in two colourways: Midnight Black and Arctic White. The Standard Version will set you back $699.99, and includes the X6 camera, a USB-C cable, a protective pouch, and a lens cloth. The $799.99 Essentials Bundle also includes these, but adds on an extra battery, invisible selfie stick, lens cap, fast charge case, and an extended warranty.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

My favorite dating app just released *another* safety feature

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 15:00

I love Pure for so many reasons. (It's particularly useful for anyone who's looking for no-fuss, hot AF phone sex.) But that level of sauciness isn't for everyone — and to be fair, Pure isn't the only place you'll find randos sending you unsolicited photos of their unruly trunks among the forest.

If you're a Woman on the Internet and you've used a dating app, you may have (unfortunately) received an unsolicited explicit photo, which is known as cyberflashing. According to the Pew Research Center, about four in 10 online dating users (38 percent) report receiving a sexually explicit message or image they didn't ask for. For women ages 18 to 49, that number jumps to 56 percent.

So, Pure — one of the most sex-positive dating apps I've ever tested — is stepping up to stop cyberflashing with a brand-new feature called My Media Rules.

SEE ALSO: My favorite dating app just got even cooler with a new feed redesign

Developed directly from community feedback, My Media Rules takes the anxiety out of opening your messages. The tool lets you set your own universal boundaries for the app, meaning you can choose to auto-block all nude pics, turn off media sharing completely, or keep things open. You can even toggle these permissions on a chat-by-chat basis. Plus, if a graphic image appears for the first time, Pure prompts you to adjust your filters right then and there — and lets you decide whether you want to keep talking to the person who sent it.

No consent? No nude. Pure's built-in privacy tools blur sensitive content automatically. Credit: Pure

"We love bringing fun and spontaneity to our community, but we believe that only works when it's backed by privacy, respect, and consent," Vicki Rool, Head of Trust & Safety at Pure, said in a statement. "People consistently told us they wanted more control over incoming media while keeping the spontaneity that makes Pure unique. We listened and built it. My Media Rules put that feedback into practice, giving people the choice of what type of media they receive."

This new feature adds to Pure's robust list of existing privacy tools, which includes native anti-screenshot protection, sensitive content blurring, and self-destructing photos and videos. (Which, honestly, is exactly why I recommend it for sexting!)

Categories: IT General, Technology

House of the Dragon Season 3: Who is Tessarion, the little blue dragon?

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 14:01

We're well acquainted with the winged stars of House of the Dragon, past and present: the colossal Vhagar, the fierce Caraxes, the mighty Vermithor, the misunderstood Sheepstealer. But there's one dragon in Season 3 yet to receive a full sky-high introduction even after the finale.

In the military ranks of the late Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton), there's a small blue dragon, constantly grounded. Who is she, and will we get to see more of this little cobalt gem in Season 4?

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 finale: Who are the dragons at Tumbleton?

She's Tessarion, known as the Blue Queen, a dragon ridden by Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) — though whether he's alive after the Battle of Tumbleton in the Season 3 finale remains to be seen. He's Ormund's ward, Gwayne Hightower's (Freddie Fox) nephew, and the youngest son of Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and King Viserys (Paddy Considine) — all of which means, like it or not, he's a direct threat to both Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) sitting on the Iron Throne.

We first spy Tessarion in Season 3, episode 1, when we're introduced to Ormund at his army camp. Tessarion's not fully grown, standing only two humans high and wearing a small saddle. And she's so cute. But she's fenced in with spears, in a move that likely keeps the troops calm and horses uneaten more than anything (and keeps out thieves). At this point, we don't know House of the Dragon is hiding Daeron in plain sight, ready for the Hightower lord to pull the switcheroo in episode 3.

In the latter episode, we get a better look at Tessarion when she's in the front line of Ormund's troops, during his confrontation with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith). In this scene, Ormund is forced to surrender and hand over Daeron as a prisoner of war. Importantly, Ormund had the foresight to ready a decoy — not mounted on Tessarion (she would not allow this) but beside her. Just watch her little face when the decoy walks over to Daemon. Utter confusion that plays as concern.

Featured Video For You 'House of the Dragon' cast unpack Season 3, episode 2's biggest moments

Then, in episode 4, we see Tessarion get to do something, even if that thing is barbecuing and devouring Kat's brother Leo (Abhin Galeya) on Ormund's command.

Unfortunately for the Blue Queen, she has to sit tight in the Tumbleton stables until we see her again in the Season 3 finale, when Daeron's peace plan fails and he decides that riding out into the bloody battle on his baby dragon is his only choice. "I must take wing against the enemy. All these men, these boys, are here for me. I cannot let them fight alone. What are my choices? I either fight or flee," he says on the battlements. Thankfully, Gwayne stops the chirping Tessarion and Daeron leaving the stable, as Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) makes his move on Silverwing.

Alas, by the end of the finale, Daeron and Tessarion are nowhere to be seen, as Gwayne scrambles to find his nephew in the destroyed town.

Without spoiling anything from George R. R. Martin's Fire and Blood, Tessarion's plight is not to remain a grounded dragon. She'll have a part to play in the Dance of the Dragons yet.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Upgrade your movie nights with the Hisense M2 Pro projector, now $200 off at Amazon

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 13:48

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 12, the Hisense M2 Pro projector is on sale for $1,099.99 at Amazon. That's $200 off its full price of $1,299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense M2 Pro $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $200   Get Deal

If you're thinking about making the jump from a TV to a projector setup for future movie nights or marathons of a show, the Hisense M2 Pro is a model worth checking out. Our reviewer had high praise for it, saying it "proves you don't need a normal TV anymore," and it's even discounted right now at Amazon.

As of Aug. 12, Amazon has knocked $200 off the cost of the Hisense M2 Pro, dropping it from $1,299.99 to $1,099.99. This deal is only available for a limited time, so if you've been hoping to grab it, now is the time to act.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 11 Pro: Everything we know ahead of Aug. 12 Made By Google event

The Hisense M2 Pro is quite impressive when it comes to screen size, as it can adjust from 65 to 200 inches. It also has a gimbal that can move it around 360 degrees horizontally and 135 degrees vertically, so you can find the perfect viewing angle. Plus, it boasts 4K resolution for picture quality, so you can enjoy every detail of what you watch.

Writer Lauren Allain, who reviewed it, wrote that this projector is worth it "for anyone looking to break it off with a standard TV and go with a projector." She continued on to say that the "4K triple laser display is excellent, the built-in stand is convenient, and the onboard speaker is decent enough that you’re not forced to connect to an external sound system."

However, she does add that "this isn’t the right model if you don’t have space to project a display of at least 65 inches. Any smaller and you’ll end up with a blurred display." If the Hisense M2 Pro fits the bill of what you're looking for, though, don't miss out on this great deal on it at Amazon.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

The best senior phone plans of 2026: Cut your monthly bill in half with T-Mobile, AT&T, and more

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 13:07
Best phone plans for seniors: Best overall phone plan for seniors T-Mobile Experience More 2.0 $70/line/month with AutoPay (save $5/line per month) Get Deal Best phone and internet combo for seniors AT&T 55+ $99/month Get Deal Best budget phone plan for seniors T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 2.0 $45/month with AutoPay (save $5/line per month) Get Deal Best no-contract plan for seniors Boost Mobile Senior Savings $10/month for new customera (save $15/month) Get Deal Best low-cost unlimited plan for seniors Mint Mobile 55+ Unlimited Plan $15/month (save $15/month) Get Deal

Phone bills shouldn't get more confusing as you get older — but most carriers make it feel that way.

Some carriers offer real, age-restricted pricing built specifically for people aged 55 and up, complete with perks like built-in scam-call protection. T-Mobile, AT&T, and a handful of carriers all run age-restricted phone plans that undercut their standard pricing — sometimes by a lot.

Here's what's actually worth switching to:

Best overall phone plan for seniors Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile T-Mobile Experience More 2.0 Unlimited data, 4K streaming, and Scam Shield Premium — starting at $70/month for one line with AutoPay. Get Deal Why we like it

With the T-Mobile Experience More 2.0, you're paying $70 per month for one line, $100 for two with AutoPay — but you get unlimited data instead of a 50GB cap, and streaming maxes out at 4K instead of getting stuck at 480p.

So if you watch lots of videos on your phone or use it without thinking about data limits, this plan takes that worry off the table. It's T-Mobile's way of giving seniors more of the "normal" plan experience without the full price tag.

Best phone and internet combo for seniors Opens in a new window Credit: AT&T AT&T 55+ Two unlimited lines plus home internet for $99/month, with ActiveArmor scam protection built in. Get Deal Why we like it

AT&T's 55+ plan earns its spot by doing something none of the other plans on this list do: bundling two unlimited wireless lines with home internet for a flat $99 per month. If you're already paying for both separately, that's easy savings in one bill. It also comes with AT&T ActiveArmor built in to screen out spam and scam calls, and Fiber customers get automatic internet backup, so a home outage doesn't cut you off from the outside world.

It's a great fit for anyone ready to simplify their bills and consolidate services under one carrier. The one extra step is that signup happens over the phone rather than online, since AT&T verifies age and applies the discount directly — a quick call, and you're set.

Best no-contract plan for seniors Opens in a new window Credit: Boost Mobile Boost Mobile Senior Savings Unlimited talk, text, and data for $25/month — locked in for life, no contract required. Get Deal Why we like it

Boost's pitch is refreshingly simple: $25 a month, unlimited talk, text, and data, and that price is locked in for good — no surprise hikes, no fine print about rates jumping after a year. New customers even get a head start at $10/month for the first three months before it settles into the standard rate.

With 30GB of high-speed data included before speeds slow down, it's plenty for most day-to-day use without needing to think too hard about it. It's also flexible — no contract means you can leave anytime, and you're free to add family members of any age to the account. Simple, affordable, and built to stay that way.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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