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SAVE $350: As of Aug. 13, preorders of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold include a free $350 gift card. This offer is live until Aug. 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google/Amazon Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold + $250 Gift Card   Get Deal

The Made By Google event saw a whole range of new tech announced, including new Pixel phones, smartwatches, and even the long-awaited Pixel Tag. But if it's the phones you've been keeping an eye on, you'll be pleased to know that Amazon has launched a preorder deal on the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold that gives you a free $350 gift card.

Simply order the new Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold between Aug. 12-27 and you'll get a $350 Amazon gift card. If you return the Pixel 11 Pro Fold without the gift card, you’ll be charged the value of the gift card. And you're not stuck with a certain provider with this deal; the phone is unlocked, so you can choose your carrier and data plan.

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The phone will be officially released and shipped on Aug. 20.

This new Pixel phone is seriously impressive. It's been designed to be ultra-durable, with its scratch-resistant glass and a new hinge that’s three times stronger than previous models. It has an 8-inch screen and can even be used in tabletop mode for hands-free streaming. Built-in Gemini features make tasks easier, and the Pixel HiLight provides subtle glowing alerts when the phone is face down.

This preorder deal is available at Amazon right now.

Creating content on Twitch? Unless you've changed your settings, it's being used to train AI.

Twitch creators recently spotted a "Training for Generative AI" setting in account security that's toggled on by default. "Allow your channel content to train generative AI content models at Amazon," the description reads. Needless to say, people weren't happy.

SEE ALSO: Twitch's CEO says passive scrolling can't beat the community of live streaming

Digging in to Amazon-owned Twitch's FAQs reveals a bit more information on what, exactly, this means.

"Generative AI content models are AI tools that can help create or synthesize content outputs like text or images when given instructions or prompts because they are also trained on content," reads the FAQ. "When you allow training, that means that your content may be used for future Gen AI model improvements. An example of what happens when you allow your content to be used for training a GenAI content model is that your audio might help refine models that create speech to text, which would help improve captions at Twitch but would also help improve captions across Amazon."

Addressing the backlash during a livestream on Wednesday, Twitch's chief product officer Mike Minton gave a slightly revealing answer to the question of why the option was switched on by defaul.

“Well, there’s an honest answer,” Minton said, per Kotaku. “And I think most of you probably can appreciate this: If it was opt-in, nobody would opt-in. Um, that’s honestly the answer. So it’s going to be on by default.”

Mashable has reached out to Twitch for comment.

How to opt out of training AI on Twitch

The option to opt out of having your Twitch content used by Amazon to train generative AI is somewhat buried in the Settings.

Click on your profile picture, then head to Settings, and then Security and Privacy. Here, you can find the Training for Generative AI toggle and switch it off.

Twitch FAQs note that toggling off won't affect AI-supported features on your channel, such as captions and safety tools.

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Why do you need a VPN?

Even the best VPNs can't make you 100 percent anonymous on the web. Cookies and other trackers can still follow you around, and your ISP can see that you're using a VPN. But a good VPN will secure your traffic and hide your true IP address so that prying eyes on the outside can't see which sites you're visiting, what you're downloading, or your general location. The most trustworthy VPN providers operate transparently and abide by independently verified no-logs policies to prove that they don't collect or store any user data in the process.

For casual users, VPN services are useful tools for staying safe on public WiFi networks. For journalists, activists, and those in critical situations where digital privacy is paramount, the best VPN can be a legitimate lifesaver.

SEE ALSO: Google issues security alert about malicious VPNs stealing user data

Beyond these scenarios, the top VPN services also have a popular secondary use case as location-spoofing tools. By connecting to a VPN server across a border or ocean, you can bypass geo-restrictions on content that isn't available in your own country or region. This is pertinent intel for folks in France, the UK, and 23 U.S. states where sites with explicit content are restricted by age verification laws.

The best VPN for 2026? Proton VPN.

I believe Proton VPN is the top VPN for most people. It's the most privacy-forward VPN I've tried, with open-source apps, a no-logs policy that's held up in court, and a history of supporting digital freedom efforts. It's also a stellar value: Paid Proton VPN users get full access to its huge fleet of reliable servers and useful features like multi-hop and split tunneling, with up to 10 simultaneous VPN connections per account. Their subscriptions also include bonus security tools like a password manager, encrypted cloud storage, and ad, tracker, and malware blockers.

The free version of Proton VPN is extremely limited in comparison, but it's the only free VPN I've encountered with unlimited data and zero ads. For all these reasons, Proton VPN is the first (and only) VPN to win a Mashable Choice Award.

SEE ALSO: There are only 2 free VPNs I actually recommend. Ignore all the rest.

FYI: Prices for most VPN providers' long-term plans change frequently. The rates listed here were accurate at the time of publication.

What's new

I didn't love ExpressVPN the first time I tried it in 2023. But after re-testing and re-evaluating it in early 2026, I've decided to make it a new top pick. The company has expanded its server network, redone its desktop apps, added a new ShuffleIP feature that makes users harder to track, and fleshed out some new subscription tiers with more non-VPN privacy tools. It's a much better value than before.

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.

SAVE $452: As of Aug. 13, the Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series is on sale for $547.97 at Amazon. That's a 45% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series $547.97 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $452.02   Get Deal

A cinema-style setup doesn’t have to mean leaving the house. Especially not when the Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series is on sale for its best-ever price. As of Aug. 13, this impressive TV has dropped by over $400, bringing the price down from $999.99 to only $547.97.

With this TV, you get 4K Ultra HD resolution, with AI 4K upscaling. The upscaling feature helps to make older content look closer to 4K quality, giving you a better viewing experience.

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It also has a feature called Filmmaker Mode. This is designed to keep films looking as the creators intended, ensuring that key settings such as the original aspect ratio, color, and frame rate remain unchanged. The TV also uses AI Picture processing to adjust brightness, contrast, and color. Another clever feature is the AI light sensor. We all know how annoying TV glare can be, but with this tool, the TV automatically adjusts its brightness based on the lighting conditions in your room.

And it's not just a good TV for movie lovers. Gamers and sports fans get a native 144Hz refresh rate, Game Mode, and AI Smooth Motion with MEMC technology, which helps reduce blur during fast-moving action.

Get this TV deal at Amazon while it's at this new low price.

SAVE $452: As of Aug. 13, the Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series is on sale for $547.97 at Amazon. That's a 45% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series $547.97 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $452.02   Get Deal

A cinema-style setup doesn’t have to mean leaving the house. Especially not when the Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series is on sale for its best-ever price. As of Aug. 13, this impressive TV has dropped by over $400, bringing the price down from $999.99 to only $547.97.

With this TV, you get 4K Ultra HD resolution, with AI 4K upscaling. The upscaling feature helps to make older content look closer to 4K quality, giving you a better viewing experience.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

It also has a feature called Filmmaker Mode. This is designed to keep films looking as the creators intended, ensuring that key settings such as the original aspect ratio, color, and frame rate remain unchanged. The TV also uses AI Picture processing to adjust brightness, contrast, and color. Another clever feature is the AI light sensor. We all know how annoying TV glare can be, but with this tool, the TV automatically adjusts its brightness based on the lighting conditions in your room.

And it's not just a good TV for movie lovers. Gamers and sports fans get a native 144Hz refresh rate, Game Mode, and AI Smooth Motion with MEMC technology, which helps reduce blur during fast-moving action.

Get this TV deal at Amazon while it's at this new low price.

SAVE $30: As of Aug. 13, the Google Pixel Buds 2a wireless earbuds are $99 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount and their lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Buds 2a $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal

The Google Pixel Buds 2a just dropped to $99 at Amazon, down from $129 — their best-ever price. That 23% discount puts Google's noise-canceling earbuds well within budget territory, without you having to wait for the next big sale to grab a pair.

Adam Doud tested the Pixel Buds 2a and came away with mixed but mostly positive feelings, giving them a 3.9 out of 5. He was impressed by the size, noting they're small enough to sleep in comfortably, and called the ANC "surprisingly good considering the price point." Sound quality is solid out of the box, with a five-band EQ for anyone who wants to fine-tune it further.

Google's Tensor A1 chip handles the noise cancellation here, working with what they call Silent Seal 1.5 to block out background noise — so it's designed to seal well enough that outside sound just doesn't get through as much. You can also turn on Transparency mode to hear what's around you without pulling the buds out.

Comfort-wise, they've got a twist-to-adjust stabilizer, so you can tighten the fit for workouts or loosen it for something easy in your ears. And for calls, Clear Calling filters out wind and background chatter so you're not shouting over noise on the other end.

Small, crisp, and $30 cheaper — grab the Google Pixel Buds 2a at Amazon.

SAVE $150: As of Aug. 13, the Shark NV752 Rotator Powered TruePet Vacuum is $249 at Amazon. That's down from $399.99 — a 38% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark NV752 Rotator Powered TruePet Vacuum $249 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $150.99   Get Deal

Right now, you can grab the Shark NV752 Rotator Powered TruePet Vacuum for $249 at Amazon, down from its usual $399.99. That's a 38% discount — or $150 back in your pocket — on a vacuum built specifically to deal with pet hair, dust, and whatever else your floors are hiding.

The vacuum is built around Shark's Lift-Away system, which lets the main pod detach from the base so you can carry it up stairs, over furniture, or into the car without hauling the whole unit. The brushroll keeps running the entire time, so you're not sacrificing suction mid-clean.

SEE ALSO: Which robot vacuum works the best on pet hair? After testing, my cats and I chose our top picks for 2026.

It swivels smoothly around furniture and tight corners, and LED headlights on the nozzle help spot dust and pet hair that's easy to miss otherwise. A HEPA filter paired with a sealed system captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, so it traps what it picks up rather than recirculating it.

The dust cup holds 0.88 quarts, which is pretty big for an upright, and pops right out for quick emptying. It also comes with a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush for stairs and upholstery, plus an upholstery tool and a crevice tool for curtains, baseboards, and other hard-to-reach spots.

Grab the Shark NV752 Rotator Powered TruePet Vacuum on Amazon before your carpet has to endure another shedding season.

SAVE $250: As of Aug. 13, Amazon is offering $250 off preorders of the Pixel Watch 5 when you bundle it with the Google Pixel 11 Pro. This offer is only available until Aug. 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 Pro + Pixel Watch 5 $1,248.99 at Amazon
$1,498.99 Save $250   Get Deal

If the Google Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel Watch 5 caught your eye at the latest Made by Google event, preorders are officially live. Before you buy them separately, Amazon has dropped a fantastic bundle offer that will save you some cash.

Until Aug. 27, Amazon is offering shoppers the opportunity to preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel Watch 5 as a bundle, with $250 off the Pixel Watch 5. This discount brings the total cost of the bundle down to $1,248.99, compared to $1,498.99 if you bought them separately.

On top of that, you can get up to $250 extra off with a qualifying trade-in. You can learn more about how this works under the "Trade-in and save" section of the store page, though it's worth keeping in mind it's only available for items submitted before Aug. 27.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

The Google Pixel 11 Pro is a cool new launch. Mashable's Alex Perry wrote that it has "some meaningful changes" in its announcement piece. Among them is the fact that "Google upped the peak brightness from 3,300 nits to 3,600 nits, so it should be easier to use outdoors." Plus, the "new Tensor G6 processor should improve performance and unlock new AI features like Magic Capture," but that's not all.

There's also HiLight, which Perry writes is a "small multicolored light that lives in the camera bar" which "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." It's a pretty neat feature, though only available on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel Fold.

As for the Pixel Watch 5, it features a domed Actua 360 display, with a scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass top, and boasts up to 40 hours of battery life. Perry's announcement post for this release also notes that health features are a standout, as "It can track blood pressure patterns and insulin resistance, and offer detailed fitness training for more than 50 exercises."

This offer won't last long. Don't miss out on $250 off preorders of the Pixel Watch 5 when you bundle it with the Google Pixel 11 Pro at Amazon.

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

TL;DR: The new Google Pixel 11 is available for free right now with T-Mobile. To qualify, trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

Google has finally dropped its new smartphone lineup, and the Google Pixel 11 proves that you don't need to drop $1,000+ to get best-in-class Android hardware. Packing the exact same next-gen Tensor G6 silicon and on-device Gemini AI processing as its more premium siblings, the Pixel 11 delivers about 90% of the flagship experience at a far more approachable starting price.

And now T-Mobile is making an upgrade even more appealing by dropping a bunch of free deals on launch.

For a limited time, you can get your hands on the Google Pixel 11 for free at T-Mobile. To qualify for this promotion, you simply need to trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

The total cost of the phone is covered via 36 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or switch carriers before the end of your contract, you’ll need to pay the remaining balance. What's happening here is that you're committing to stick it out with the Google Pixel 11. That shouldn't be a problem, because Google really has thrown a lot at this new release.

We should also note that you need to pay taxes and a $35 device connection charge when signing up. That's always the case with these free deals.

Score the new Google Pixel 11 for free with T-Mobile.

It's been two years since Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael "Raygun" Gunn gained international attention with her kangaroo-hopping performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Now, Netflix's upcoming documentary Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly gives Gunn a platform to address critics and chronicle going viral after her maligned, highly-memed routine won zero points from Olympic judges. Almost overnight, the breakdancer became the subject of a wave of online hate, while accusations were made around Gunn's rise to the Olympic stage.

"There was this frenzy. It was a growing monster," Gunn says in the trailer. "Some of the memes were funny. Then the tone started to change."

Judging by the comments on Netflix's YouTube video and social shares, such speculation is far from over. It remains to be seen how Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly, directed by Chapman Way and Maclain Way, will handle such matters.

Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly is streaming on Netflix Sept. 1.

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FREE GIFT CARD: As of Aug. 13, preorders for the Google Pixel 11 at Amazon come with a bonus $100 gift card. This offer only lasts until Aug. 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 + $100 Amazon Gift Card $899 at Amazon
$999 Save $100   Get Deal

Google officially launched its new Pixel 11 at the most recent Made by Google event, and Amazon is running its usual preorder deal. Until Aug. 27, those who preorder the Pixel 11 (256GB, unlocked) from Amazon will get a free $100 gift card.

With the phone set for release on Aug. 20, this is an excellent offer to take advantage of ahead of Prime Day and Black Friday.

It's not the only offer available there, either. The retailer's preorder page also has a savings tag that says you can get up to $250 in extra savings with a qualifying trade-in. According to the terms and conditions, this trade-in must be submitted by Aug. 27, which is also when the gift card deal ends. If you're curious, have a look at the "Trade-in and save" section on the store page to learn more about how it works.

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

The Google Pixel 11 comes in a delightful range of colors, including frost, hibiscus, pistachio, and obsidian. And as for what's going on inside, Mashable's Alex Perry wrote in its announcement that this "is a very incremental upgrade over last year, but there are some noteworthy changes."

Perry went on to mention that "the camera bar is about 40 percent thinner," and that 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." Its store page also highlights a sturdy build with ultra-durable glass, IP68 water and dust protection, and a long battery life of up to 30+ hours.

This deal won't be around forever, so act fast to secure a bonus $100 Amazon gift card when you preorder the Pixel 11.

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

An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our editorial experts vetted the deal using their independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save money for the consumer, we wrote the content.

SAVE 90%: New QuickBooks Online customers can get accounting software plans for 90% off for the first three months — Simple Start drops to $3.80/month from $38, and Plus drops to $11.50/month from $115.

Opens in a new window Credit: Intuit QuickBooks QuickBooks Online Accounting Software 90% off QuickBooks' accounting software plans for the first 3 months (valid through Aug. 27) Get Deal

QuickBooks Online just made it a lot cheaper to get your books in order. New customers can snag any paid plan for 90% off the first three months, valid through Aug. 27 — which means you can test out features like automated bookkeeping, invoicing, and AI-powered expense tracking without committing to full price right away.

QuickBooks offers three paid tiers — here's what's included in each:

Simple Start

• $3.80/month $38/month for three months

• Entry-level plan, built for one user with access for two accountants

• Automated bookkeeping, real-time profit and loss tracking, invoicing with automatic ACH bill pay, and AI tools that categorize expenses and flag tax deductions

• Also includes expert-guided onboarding, AI chat for instant insights, and general business reports

Plus

• $11.50/month $115/month for three months

• Supports up to five users and two accountants

• Adds budget planning, project profitability tracking, inventory management, and more detailed reporting — a good fit for businesses that need more than basic bookkeeping

• Also includes class/location tracking (up to 40) and integrating third-party data into KPIs and dashboards

Advanced

• $27.50/month $275/month for three months

• Supports up to 25 users and three accountants

• Full package: custom dashboards, unlimited classes and locations, workflow automation, Excel syncing, and priority support — built for bigger teams that need more control and deeper insights

• Also includes construction financials, free 1099 e-filing with Bill Pay Elite, and customizable user permissions

Test-drive real bookkeeping tools for 90% less than what you'd have to pay — get QuickBooks' accounting software before Aug. 27.

TL;DR: In celebration of Pokémon's 30-year anniversary, Krispy Kreme is launching six Pokémon-themed doughnuts across the U.S. This limited-edition collection features Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, and a Poké Ball.

For years, American Pokémon fans have suffered through severe international FOMO as Krispy Kreme locations in Australia and South Korea roll out exclusive, character-themed doughnut lineups. The painful wait is officially over: Krispy Kreme is dropping its official Pokémon collection across the U.S. on Monday, Aug. 18.

The limited-edition release brings six custom designs to the menu, covering the iconic Gen 1 starters, fan favorites, and the essential Poké Ball:

• Bulbasaur: An Original Glazed doughnut dipped in vanilla icing, finished with a leaf frosting accent and a Bulbasaur topper.

• Charmander: A chocolate and toasted marshmallow-filled shell doughnut dipped in orange caramel icing, topped with red and gold sugar "sparks" and a Charmander piece.

• Jigglypuff: An Original Glazed piped with strawberry buttercream, dusted with strawberry cookie crunch, and topped with a Jigglypuff decal.

• Pikachu: A lemon-flavored Kreme doughnut dipped in vanilla icing, decorated with yellow lightning nonpareils and a Pikachu topper.

• Poké Ball: An Original Glazed topped with vanilla icing, vibrant red sprinkles, and chocolate piping.

• Squirtle: An Original Glazed piped with cotton candy buttercream, coated in sanding sugar nonpareils, and topped with a surfing Squirtle piece.

“We had so much fun bringing the world of Pokémon to life through doughnuts in a way only Krispy Kreme can,” said Alison Holder, Chief Brand and Product Officer at Krispy Kreme. “From Pokémon-inspired creations and playful flavors to themed cups, special packaging, and fan surprises, this collection is made to be caught and shared as we celebrate 30 incredible years of Pokémon.”

Where to find the collection

In Krispy Kreme shops, you can order the doughnuts à la carte or grab a custom Pokémon dozen box, which packs all six specialty designs alongside classic Original Glazed doughnuts in limited-edition packaging. Krispy Kreme is also dropping five limited-edition Pokémon collectible cups, each filled with 10 Original Glazed Gold Dots.

Want to make sure you don't miss out? The Pokémon Doughnut Collection is now available for preorder — choose a pickup or delivery date of Aug. 18:

Opens in a new window Credit: Krispy Kreme / The Pokémon Company Pokémon Doughnut Collection   Pre-order Here

Participating grocery retailers will also carry a dedicated six-pack featuring Charmander, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, a Poké Ball, and two Original Glazed doughnuts.

How to get a free Original Glazed doughnut

If you want to grab a free treat, mark Aug. 22 on your calendar. Anyone who visits a participating Krispy Kreme shop or drive-thru wearing any Pokémon merchandise will receive one free Original Glazed doughnut — no purchase necessary.

Throughout most of July and the start of August, the Perseid meteor shower has been lighting up our skies. The annual celestial event is known for being one of the biggest meteor showers of the year and is a highlight many stargazing calendars.

While it's been happening for the better part of a month, the peak dates are coming up this week. So, if you want to catch a glimpse of some meteors shooting across the sky, here's everything you need to know.

When will the Perseid meteor shower peak?

The Perseids have been active since July 17 and will run until Aug. 24. The peak dates are Aug. 12–13, according to NASA.

What is the Perseid meteor shower?

According to NASA, the Perseids occur when Earth passes through debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. As tiny pieces of rock and dust hit our atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up and create the bright streaks visible in the night sky.

The Perseids can also produce fireballs, or bright flashes caused by larger pieces of comet debris.

How to see the Perseid meteor shower

For the best chance of catching the Perseids, NASA suggests watching the sky from midnight through to the early morning hours. Find somewhere as dark as possible, away from streetlights and other sources of light, and give your eyes a little time to adjust once you're outside.

There’s also some good news for this year’s display: the Perseids’ peak falls close to the New Moon, so bright moonlight shouldn’t wash out the fainter meteors.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free on BBC iPlayer. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're still a couple of years away from the next quest for Olympic medals, but that doesn't mean the best athletes are sitting back and relaxing. No, there are PBs to chase, rivals to beat, and world records to set. And some elite athletes will be targeting all of that at once in the 2026 European Athletics Championships.

The Alexander Stadium is welcoming some of track and field's biggest stars this month. The likes of Keely Hodgkinson, Mondo Duplantis, and Femke Bol will be battling it out for places on the podium. Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen has already secured a stunning victory. We're excited to see what's next.

If you want to watch the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What are the European Athletics Championships?

The European Athletics Championships are a biennial track and field event organized by the European Athletics Association. The championships bring together the continent’s best athletes to compete across sprint, distance, field, road, and combined events for medals.

When are the 2026 European Athletics Championships?

The 2026 European Athletics Championships take place from Aug. 10-16 at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, UK.

How to watch the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free

The 2026 European Athletics Championships is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can bypass these restrictions 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 unblock free live streams of the European Athletics Championships from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 European Athletics Championships by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Watch the 2026 European Athletics Championships 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

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We're now into a new lunar cycle, but it'll take a few more nights before the Moon becomes easy to spot again as it gradually grows brighter.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, Aug. 13, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in Waxing Crescent phase, with 0% of its surface visible.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on August 28.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon doesn't look the same from Earth every night. As it travels around our planet, it moves through a lunar cycle that takes roughly 29.5 days to complete, according to NASA. The changing positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon affect how much of the Moon's sunlit side we can see, creating the different phases. Over the course of the cycle, the Moon progresses from a narrow crescent to a half Moon and eventually a Full Moon, before starting the sequence over again.

The eight phases are:

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

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

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

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

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

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

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

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

The Grand Tour has three brand new content creator hosts following the departure of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May — and what better way to meet them than with a slightly awkward Q&A?

In the video above, TikTok star and Mash 101 alum Francis Bourgeois, and YouTube Throttle House hosts James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, sit down to answer questions about themselves.

Cue some endearing awkwardness coupled with many, many questions misidentifying Thomas Holland as Tom Holland.

The Grand Tour returns to Prime Video on Sept. 6.

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage, sign up for our Trending Now and Top Stories newsletters or get Mashable push alerts to discover the internet's most exciting voices.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers could soon use gloves that can give a painful electric shock to anyone they touch. 

As first reported by the Associated Press, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice on Monday revealing plans to distribute electrically powered shock gloves to ICE agents by the end of March next year. Called the G.L.O.V.E. (an acronym for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), the device is developed by Kentucky company Compliant Technologies, which markets it as a "Conductive Distraction and De-escalation Device" or CD3. 

"CD3s are not weapons — they deliver small, non-injurious electrical pulses directly to the surface of the skin, the body’s largest and most conductive organ, achieving NPI (Neuro Peripheral Interference)," Compliant Technologies states on its website. In short, the gloves cause a painful electric shock.

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According to Compliant Technologies, the G.L.O.V.E "delivers a pain stimulus strictly to the area" of the skin that it touches, overstimulating and disrupting signals in the nervous system. This overwhelms and overloads the brain, causing a person to instinctively attempt to retreat.

"Because the effect is so intense, it disrupts normal thought processes and interferes with expected reactions," the company states. "In most cases, this results in the subject effectively complying or conceding in order to end the effects."

SEE ALSO: This map shows how many Flock cameras are in your neighborhood

G.L.O.V.E. devices will be supplied to officers and agents across ICE's Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations divisions, with the DHS's notice stating that it plans to spend up to $20 million to purchase them. The DHS is specifically interested in the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E. model, which can output around 324-362 volts (to a maximum of 380) at 700-1200mA by touching a person. In comparison, Axon Enterprise's TASER 10 delivers under 1000 volts at 1.5mA via prongs that pierce the skin.

Higher voltage better enables electricity to flow through obstacles such as air, clothes, or flesh, while amplitude measures the strength of the current. As such, amplitude determines an electrical shock's physical impact, though voltage affects the force at which electricity is actually delivered. The G.L.O.V.E's low voltage means it will only work when directly applied to bare skin (or through thin clothing that is soaked).

Though designed to be non-lethal, the G.L.O.V.E. does have risks. Compliant Technologies' user manual warns that applying more than two G.L.O.V.E devices to a single individual "may result in injury or death," and recommends that it be used for no longer than 15 seconds. It also cautions against using the G.L.O.V.E. on vulnerable demographics such as small children or elderly people, or grabbing a person's head, face, throat, chest, or groin.

"In our opinion, Compliant Technologies' CD3 technology is the safest, most humane, common-sense, de-escalatory technology ever introduced into public service," Compliant Technologies' website states.

Mashable reached out to Compliant Technologies, which declined to comment further.

In a statement to Mashable, a DHS spokesperson said that ICE officers are "highly trained in de-escalation tactics," and that they relieve regular ongoing training regarding use of force.

"ICE is constantly assessing the needs of our officers in the field to ensure they have the tools and equipment necessary to safely arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from our country,: said the DHS spokesperson. "Every decision is made with careful consideration and appropriately reviewed to ensure that any technology ICE utilizes is consistent with all applicable law enforcement policies and standards."

However, human rights advocates have crticised the rollout of the G.L.O.V.E to ICE agents. ICE has received significant attention for its agents' use of force, which many voters feel is excessive.

"ICE has betrayed the public's faith and at this point cannot be trusted to use force on American streets, let alone to use an untested technology against anyone they perceive as a threat," Naureen Shah, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)'s director of government affairs, Equality Division, said in a statement to Mashable.

Multiple U.S. agencies already use the G.L.O.V.E Credit: Compliance Technologies

ICE is far from the first U.S. government agency to use the G.L.O.V.E., which has been around since 2018. Compliant Technologies' exclusive dealer APB Consulting Solutions claims that over 700 U.S. local law enforcement agencies use CD3 technology, and that it is the largest dealer of such devices in the country.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department in Missouri started using the G.L,O.V.E after reportedly learning about it in 2022, while Louisville Metro Department of Corrections was among around 50 Kentucky agencies using the device that year. The Harris County Sheriff's Office in Texas has a policy in place for use of the G.L.O.V.E., the Johnson County Sheriff's Office in Missouri shared a video of officers training to use it last year, and Compliant Technologies announced in July that it had won a contract with the North Carolina Sheriff's Association.

Kentucky's Bullitt County Detention Center previously used the G.L.O.V.E. as well, but ceased in 2023 after an employee was found to have used excessive force when applying one to a handcuffed and shackled inmate.

UPDATE: Aug. 14, 2026, 10:20 a.m. AEST This article has been updated with comment from the DHS and ACLU.

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Perhaps it's superficial, but I need my wearable tech to actually look nice. You won't catch me wearing Apple Vision Pro goggles at my wedding.

I've worn an Apple Watch on and off for the past decade to track my steps and workouts, but it always comes off when I'm dressing up. I often thought, would there ever be a wearable that can truly go with anything, no matter the dress code?

Oura has been answering that call for a few years now with its smart rings. I've tried two variations of the Oura Ring 4, and they've been good. I had one complaint that kept me from wearing them after I stopped testing them — they're too big.

Well, the Oura Ring 5 is here and finally answering to the chunky accusations. It's 40 percent smaller than previous Oura rings, and wow, it really makes a difference. The Oura Ring 5 is the health tracker and smart ring I've been waiting for.

The Oura Ring 5 at a glance The Oura Ring 5 is 40 percent smaller than the previous generation. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Oura Ring 5 is the brand's thinnest ring yet. The thin profile makes it incredibly comfortable for 24-hour wear, and even though the battery was redesigned to fit the smaller package, it still delivers seven days of power.

What does the Oura Ring track? Blood pressure insights are new in the Oura app. Credit: Oura / Mashable

The data provided by the Oura Ring 5 isn't actually exclusive to that model. The Oura Ring 4 also tracks all of this data, too, but it's still worth mentioning just how Oura Rings work and what data is collected.

Smart Sensing technology was launched in the Oura Ring 4 and continues in the 5. The technology provides better accuracy as the LED sensors account for fidgeting, tattoos, and skin tone.

SEE ALSO: Review: The Whoop 5.0 fitness tracker is a great value with plenty of power

Oura monitors and collects data through one of the digital arteries in your index, middle, or ring finger, which the company claims is a stronger single than wrist monitoring. It detects body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing disturbances, and blood oxygen levels. All of these factors contribute to your Readiness Score, informing what type of activity you should take on. It tracks sleep and menstrual cycles, too.

Additionally, Oura launched its Health Radar, which focuses on both short-term patterns, such as symptom radar, and long-term patterns, such as nighttime breathing and blood pressure.

The thinner design makes it supremely comfortable The Oura Ring 5 (right) is a lot smaller than the previous generation (left). Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The headline on the Oura Ring 5 is that it's 40 percent smaller than previous rings. "Built to blend in," says the marketing copy. But frankly, I'll be the judge of that because, having used the Oura Ring 4, I often found it too thick and uncomfortable to wear.

Well, that 40 percent makes all the difference. It measures 2.28mm thick and 6.09mm wide. For me, that's about as thick as most of my regular rings and a little bit wider than a classic wedding band. The thinner dimensions also meant Oura had to redesign the battery. That didn't mean sacrificing power, though, as the Oura Ring 5 has an impressive one-week battery life. When I was traveling for five days, I didn't have to think twice about bringing a charger (although Oura has launched a new travel charging case alongside the Oura Ring 5).

The Oura Ring 5 (right) is thinner in all regards compared to the Oura Ring 4 (left). Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Since putting on the Oura Ring 5, I often forget I'm even wearing it. It's as comfortable as any other piece of daily jewelry, like my engagement ring and wedding band. When you look at it from the side, it's so thin you can barely tell it's hiding tech and not just a regular gold band.

With other smart rings, I've struggled with tightness and discomfort, especially if my fingers swell in heat or at night. Now that I've worn my Oura Ring 5 for a month, I haven't had any discomfort or issues with swelling.

While I suspect Oura will keep going smaller and smaller, they've already reached something exceptional.

It's more scratch-resistant and actually looks like jewelry The Oura Ring 5 has an exceptionally thin profile, making it look like any other piece of jewelry. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Between generations, Oura must have toughened up the exterior of its rings because mine is nearly scratch-free.

While Oura Rings come in gold and silver finishes, they aren't actually real gold or silver; they're titanium finishes. The Oura Ring 5 comes in a new shade of gold that looks lighter, brassier, and like real gold.

While testing the Oura Ring 4, I quickly noticed the exterior getting scratched up. I use my hands a lot, whether that be testing products, cleaning around the house, or weightlifting at the gym, and that wear showed up quickly on the Oura Ring 4, cheapening the look of it.

This hasn't been an issue with the Oura Ring 5, which seems particularly durable despite heavy use. I've even used it while weight training, and the exterior still has no major scratches. However, no matter what type of ring you're wearing, activities like weightlifting can cause scratches. And actually, you may want to avoid wearing rings at all during weight training, as they can cause a degloving injury.

Now that I'm a month into wearing the ring, there are some minor signs of wear, but you'd really need to look close.

No need to live track activity when it's so good at detecting it Your Oura Ring automatically detects activity and records it. Credit: Oura / Mashable

As an Apple Watch user, I'm so used to tapping my watch to start a workout. I could do that within the Oura app, but after a few days, I stopped. Partially because I didn't like having to pull out my phone, but mostly because Oura is so good at detecting activity.

After I spend 45 minutes at the gym, either on the elliptical or doing strength training, I'll open the Oura app and see a box asking whether I was doing one of those activities during that time frame. I'd never used the Oura Ring while swimming before, but when I went to the beach, after 30 minutes of swimming, I opened the app, and it had detected my swim.

For runners (or walkers), these activity suggestions also include maps of your route. So after my daily walk with my dog, a map of our path also appears with the activity.

A well-designed app makes sense of your data for you

I'm in and out of a lot of health tracking apps, but Oura's is my favorite. It's the least finicky. Data always loads quickly, updating sleep and activity data, then quickly adjusting its prompts for the day. Where to find your data is straightforward, separated into three tabs: Today, Vitals, and My Health.

Today provides an overview of your sleep and activity, sending supportive messages to help you embrace your readiness. Vitals is exactly that, a snapshot of your vital signs, very plainly laid out. My Health focuses on the long-term health patterns and how all of your data cumulates into one picture.

Yes, it still requires a monthly subscription. But here's why it's worth it.

Most people's biggest hang-up with the Oura Ring is its subscription cost. The Oura Ring 5 starts at $399, and on top of that, you must pay $5.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Let's be honest, that's an expense many of us don't want, especially on top of an already expensive device.

Oura has said that the membership fee allows the company to operate without a system that sells your data. In a blog post, Oura also said, "Oura Member data is not for sale, and we will never sell or rent your health data, including to the government. Oura will also oppose any request to provide legal authorities with access to user data if it will be used for individual surveillance or prosecution purposes in violation of our users’ privacy."

While this is a nice comfort, it should be noted that, in Oura's privacy policy, the company states: "Oura is generally not a Covered Entity under HIPAA for our direct-to-consumer Services."

Is the Oura Ring 5 worth it? The Oura Ring 5 is the best smart ring yet. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Yes, the Oura Ring 5 is worth it. If you've long been concerned about the size or look of a smart ring, Oura has made a ring that really looks like a piece of jewelry. The new design is more comfortable, without sacrificing battery life or power.

Oura Ring 5 $399 at Amazon
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