Mashable

Samsung's newest batch of foldable phones doesn't officially launch until Aug. 7, but they're evidently doing quite well for themselves already.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra are breaking the company's pre-order records for foldables, according to data that Samsung shared with Mashable. Samsung confirmed that pre-orders in the United States are outpacing the previous Z series record by 30 percent, with the Z Fold 8 (the newest member of the lineup) accounting for nearly half of all pre-orders.

The numbers suggest that foldable phones could finally be ready to break through to the mainstream. Interestingly, the Z Fold 8 is the wider design that matches the rumored shape of the unconfirmed iPhone Ultra Fold. With the apparent success of the Z Fold 8 and Apple set to join the market with a similar device, the smartphone market could soon get a major shakeup.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy users complain of battery drain and overheating after update

Samsung also noted that three times as many Flip users are switching to the larger Fold phones than in previous generations. Considering the nearly $1,900 price tag for the Fold 8 and the $2,100 price of the Z Fold 8 Ultra, that's significant. (Yes, the prices are high, but hey, that's true of everything in tech right now.)

This trend appears to be consistent outside of the US, too.

South Korean customers pre-ordered 1.44 million units over a seven-day period prior to launch, while SamMobile reported that pre-orders are higher than ever in Europe, too. People are clearly vibing with what Samsung is doing.

It's quite the development for the foldable phone market, which first emerged less than a decade ago. Early versions of these phones were expensive, sometimes gimmicky, and featured extremely visible creases in the displays. However, in recent years, foldables have gotten a lot better, and early adopters have identified lots of use cases for folding displays that go beyond gimmicks. Despite this, foldables have mostly remained a niche product.

You have two more days to pre-order the new Galaxy Z Series, which will be officially released in the US on Friday.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 $1,899.99 at Samsung
  See It at Samsung See It at Amazon See It at T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra $2,099.99 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon See It at Samsung See It at T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 $1,199.99 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon See It at Samsung See It at T-Mobile

SAVE $40: As of Aug. 5, the Beats Studio Pro are on sale for $159.95 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $159.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $40   Get Deal

Shopping around for new headphones? Well, you're in luck, because as of Aug. 5, every color of the Beats Studio Pro is on sale at Amazon, saving you up to $40. The biggest discount is on the sand gray pair, now down to $159.95 from $195.95. However, the other colors aren't far behind, with deep brown, black, navy, and sandstone priced at $169.95.

Unsurprisingly, these Beats headphones deliver seriously impressive audio. They support USB-C lossless audio with optimized sound profiles, as well as 3.5mm wired playback, while different noise-canceling modes let you choose the level of focus you want. There are Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and Transparency modes, letting you switch between total blocking and staying aware of your surroundings.

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They're also designed with comfort in mind. The UltraPlush over-ear cushions mean you won't feel uncomfortable during long listening sessions. Which is ideal, because with these headphones you'll get up to 40 hours of battery life. Heading out the door in a rush? With just a 10-minute Fast Fuel charge, you'll get up to four hours of playback, so you'll be ready to listen even when you're not prepared.

Head to Amazon to score this headphones deal.

Flock cameras are supposed to help police track cars. In Winona, Minnesota, police are now trying to track down the cameras themselves.

All eight license plate readers operated by the Winona Police Department disappeared sometime between July 29 and Aug. 1, according to police. Officers discovered the thefts after one noticed that the system had not recorded any recent activity. When police checked the four locations where the devices had been installed, they found the mounting poles cut near the base and discarded in nearby weeds. The camera equipment was gone.

Two flock cameras had been positioned at each of the four locations along highways entering and leaving the city. Replacing every unit and its pole will cost approximately $3,000 each, leaving the department with an estimated $24,000 bill.

Winona is only the latest Minnesota community to find its Flock equipment damaged or missing.

At least five devices were stolen and another was damaged in Duluth during June and July. In Plymouth, one was found in pieces beneath its pole, while another had its power cord cut. Similar incidents have also been reported in Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Anoka County.

SEE ALSO: What are Flock cameras and why are they so controversial?

Most of those cases remain unsolved. One theft in Faribault, however, resulted in an arrest — prosecutors charged a 42-year-old man after he allegedly removed a reader from a 10-foot pole and brought it to a local shop. According to the criminal complaint, the man had previously told an acquaintance that the devices could "track him coming and leaving the city" and allegedly said, "I think I might take one."

Police later recovered the equipment from his garage with black tape covering its lens.

That case provides one possible explanation for why someone might target the technology, but Winona police have not connected their thefts to the larger anti-surveillance movement. Police Sgt. Nicholas Quimby told the Minnesota Star Tribune on Aug. 4 that philosophical opposition and an attempt to sell the components were both motives.

The fight over Flock is moving beyond Minnesota

The thefts arrive as Flock Safety faces growing scrutiny over the reach of its nationwide surveillance network.

Its automated license plate readers photograph passing vehicles and convert the images into searchable records. Depending on the device and agency, those records can include a car’s plate, location, make, model, color, body type, and distinguishing features such as bumper stickers or roof racks, as Mashable previously reported.

Police departments say that information can help them locate stolen vehicles, find missing people, and identify cars connected to crimes. Flock says approximately 120,000 of its devices are now used in more than 6,000 communities across 49 states.

But the scale that makes the system useful to police is also what concerns its critics. A single reader captures a car at one moment. Thousands of them can allow law enforcement agencies to piece together where someone traveled, even if that person is not suspected of committing a crime.

Questions have also emerged about who can search the information and how widely it can be shared. Investigations have found local license plate data being accessed for immigration enforcement, while mounting cases of police misuse have raised concerns about officers searching for people for personal reasons.

Those concerns are increasingly reaching city halls. Since the beginning of 2026, approximately 23 city councils have voted to cancel, reject, not renew, or deactivate Flock systems. In Minnesota, Columbia Heights voted in June to end its agreement with the company after residents objected to the technology.

The debate is spreading elsewhere. On Aug. 5, two Connecticut state senators asked cities and towns to pause new installations while the state inventories the readers already in use. Their request followed crowded public meetings and calls for greater oversight of how vehicle data is collected and shared.

At the same time, new allegations are giving residents more reasons to question who has access. Two police officers in Ohio recently resigned after internal audits uncovered possible misuse of the city’s system. Department records indicated that one officer searched the same license plate 53 times over six months, sometimes without listing a related case number.

Flock says vandalism puts communities at risk

Flock maintains that its technology gives police time-sensitive information that can help solve crimes and locate people in danger.

"People have every right to make their voices heard," spokesperson Courtney Terlecki told the Star Tribune. She argued that damaging the equipment can eliminate an investigative lead or prevent officers from receiving an alert related to an AMBER Alert, a missing-person case, or a violent crime.

Civil liberties groups are encouraging opponents to take their concerns to their local governments. On Aug. 1, the American Civil Liberties Union launched a national “Get the Flock Out” campaign with instructions for organizing through public records requests, petitions, and city council meetings.

Winona officials have not said whether the cameras will be replaced. But with more communities reconsidering Flock and lawmakers weighing new restrictions, the debate over where these cameras belong is far from over.

BookCon returned from its hiatus in April 2026. It was a rousing success, quickly selling out tickets and major news breaking at the event, including the announcement of a new Divergent book. By the end of the weekend, 2027 BookCon dates were dropped, but there's an update for next year's convention.

ReedPop, the organizers behind BookCon, just announced that BookCon will now run for three days in 2027. Returning to the Javits Center, BookCon will take place April 9 to 11. The extra day means there will be even more panels, authors, and workshops to attend — and maybe a better chance at snagging tickets.

"The passion of our fans and the storytelling community found at BookCon 2026 was beyond our wildest dreams, and we can’t wait to bring the event back even bigger next year,” said Jenny Martin, Event Director, ReedPop. “Our team has been hard at work reviewing the feedback we received from attendees and partners after this year’s show, and we are excited about the changes and improvements we are bringing to the 2027 event, starting with the expansion to three days of programming, signings, and shopping."

Last year's event welcomed bestselling authors including Rachel Reid, Veronica Roth, Andy Weir, and Rufi Thorpe. While authors for next year's event have yet to be announced, ReedPop is promising an even bigger BookCon.

When I was growing up, there were few words more devastating than "poser."

I still remember getting called one during my freshman year of high school after showing up in a pair of DC skate shoes. It didn't matter that I genuinely liked them. Someone decided I hadn't "earned" them, that I was trying on an identity that wasn't really mine. Two decades later, I still remember how much it stung.

The internet has always had a vocabulary for sniffing out inauthenticity. First, it was "poser." Then came "try-hard," "hipster," and, more recently, "NPC" and "industry plant." Now there's a new favorite: "larper."

SEE ALSO: Chat, are we cooked? A guide to internet slang in 2026.

The word originally referred to people who participate in live-action role-playing (LARP), dressing up as fantasy characters and acting out fictional worlds. But online, "larper" has taken on an entirely different meaning. Today, it's one of the internet's quickest ways to accuse someone of performing an identity instead of living it — someone who watches a single anime and suddenly presents themselves as an expert, a self-proclaimed cinephile who only knows the films everyone else loves, or a creator who adopts an entirely new personality because it's trending online.

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In other words, Gen Z and Gen Alpha didn't invent the idea of calling someone fake. They just gave it a new name.

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

So what is a "larper"?

Originally, a LARPer was exactly what the acronym suggests: someone who participates in live-action role-playing, dressing up as fantasy characters and acting out fictional stories with other participants.

There's nothing inherently negative about the term. For thousands of people, LARP is simply a hobby. It's a chance to touch grass and step into another world for a weekend.

Online, though, the definition has evolved. Calling someone a "larper" rarely has anything to do with fantasy role-playing. Instead, it's become shorthand for someone who's seen as performing an identity rather than genuinely inhabiting it.

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One of the top definitions on Urban Dictionary describes a "larper" as someone who "does something that is way out of their capability but genuinely thinks they can do it," adding, "Dude, stop Larping."

The specifics change, but the accusation stays the same: You're playing a role.

How "larper" escaped fantasy

Like so much internet slang, "larper" didn't suddenly appear out of nowhere. It slowly migrated from one corner of the internet to another.

The term circulated for years in gaming communities and online forums before gradually becoming part of internet slang. By the early 2020s, it was commonly being used to describe people perceived as performing expertise, status, or entire identities — whether in politics, tech, fitness, or fandom spaces.

Eventually, the internet realized the joke worked almost everywhere. Now, almost any identity can become the subject of a "larper" accusation. Spend enough time on X, Twitch, or Reddit, and you'll eventually find someone accusing another fan of larping as a weeb, a lifelong gamer, or a movie buff because they only recently discovered the hobby.

Why "larper" feels different from "poser"

In many ways, "larper" is simply the modern evolution of "poser."

But there's an important difference. Being called a poser usually meant you didn't belong in a particular scene. Maybe you wore the wrong band shirt. Maybe you couldn't name three songs from a band you just discovered. Maybe you bought the skateboard but never learned to ollie.

"Larper" goes a step further. It doesn't just question whether you belong in a community; it questions whether your entire identity is authentic. That's a particularly powerful accusation in an internet where identity itself has become content.

A particularly powerful accusation in an internet where identity itself has become content.

Platforms don't just encourage us to share what we do. They reward us for becoming instantly recognizable. You're encouraged to cultivate an aesthetic, develop a niche, build a personal brand, and make your personality legible in the span of a few seconds.

The result is feeds full of hyper-specific identities: The person who suddenly becomes a Formula 1 expert after one season of Drive to Survive; the coffee enthusiast who buys a $500 espresso machine and starts lecturing everyone about extraction; the self-described music snob who first heard of a band a month ago but now acts like they've been there since the beginning.

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Some of those identities are completely genuine. But the more polished they become, the more audiences begin looking for evidence that they're just performances. Of course, "larper" isn't always aimed at people who are obviously faking it. Across social media, that skepticism has turned into a kind of gatekeeping, where enthusiasm itself becomes suspect. New fans, beginners, and people discovering a hobby can all find themselves dismissed as "larpers" before they've had the chance to simply enjoy being new.

Featured Video For You How F1 became a global obsession The internet has become obsessed with authenticity

The rise of "larper" says less about fantasy role-playing than it does about the internet itself.

After years of influencer culture, personal branding, carefully curated aesthetics, and now AI-generated content, people have become increasingly skeptical of what they see online. It's no longer enough to ask whether a photo is edited or whether a video is sponsored. The question now is whether the person behind the account is authentic in the first place.

Ironically, that expectation has created a new kind of performance. Creators are no longer rewarded just for looking polished; they're rewarded for looking real. Vulnerability, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and carefully curated "messy" moments have become just as valuable as glossy perfection.

That's what makes "larper" such a potent insult. It's accusing someone of performing authenticity itself. Calling someone a "larper" has become one of the internet's quickest ways of saying, I don't believe the person you're pretending to be.

But aren't we all performing a little?

The problem, of course, is that the internet asks all of us to curate our identities.

Whether you're posting your latest read on Goodreads, documenting marathon training on Strava, sharing concert photos on Instagram, or building a career on LinkedIn, you're making decisions about what to share and what to leave out. Every profile is, to some degree, a performance.

So where does self-presentation end and "larping" begin?

One person's authentic passion is another person's carefully constructed persona.

There's no obvious answer. The line between genuine enthusiasm and performative identity is deeply subjective, shaped as much by who's watching as by what you're posting. One person's authentic passion is another person's carefully constructed persona.

Maybe that's why the word has exploded now. Growing up, being called a poser made me wonder whether I belonged. Being called a "larper" asks a different question altogether: not whether you belong, but whether the version of yourself you've chosen to share was ever real in the first place.

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. 

For millions of TikTok users, protection from harmful content spirals depended on which side of an experiment they landed on.

A confidential internal document obtained by Bloomberg Aug. 4 found that TikTok excluded 10 percent of its U.S. users from an algorithmic safety update in early 2022. At the time, that would have amounted to roughly 15 million people.

Among them was Chase Nasca, a 16-year-old from Long Island who died by suicide in Feb. 2022.

TikTok’s subsequent review found that Nasca’s account had become trapped in a filter bubble filled with videos about suicide, self-harm, depression, loneliness, and hopelessness. Because he was part of the control group, the report said, TikTok’s strategies for disrupting those repetitive recommendations "did not take effect on this user by design."

Why did TikTok leave millions without the safeguard?

TikTok had already acknowledged that its algorithm could show users too much of the same troubling material back in 2021, when the company announced that it was testing ways to break up repetitive recommendations involving subjects such as extreme dieting, sadness, and breakups. One video might not violate its rules, TikTok explained, but seeing similar videos repeatedly could create a harmful viewing experience.

The company’s solution came with an experiment. By early 2022, TikTok had reportedly introduced the updated recommendation system for 90 percent of its U.S. users while keeping the remaining 10 percent on the older version.

That split allowed TikTok to conduct a backtest, a form of A/B testing that compares what happens when one group receives a feature and another does not. Technology companies regularly use these experiments to test new products and design changes. In this case, however, the feature was intended to protect users from potentially dangerous content.

According to Bloomberg, TikTok wanted to see whether breaking up filter bubbles would affect daily active users and other important engagement measurements. The company’s internal report described the choice as a "delicate balance" between user safety and its ability to measure the effect on those metrics.

TikTok told Bloomberg that the experiment was intended to confirm whether its safety changes were working. The company said it has since refined its testing practices, although it did not explain what those changes were.

What did TikTok find when it examined Nasca's feed?

TikTok did not review Nasca’s viewing history immediately after his death. The company began looking into his account more than a year later, after Bloomberg contacted it back in March 2023 for an investigation into how the platform affected young users.

Once TikTok reconstructed his feed, the scale of the recommendations became clear. The company analyzed 7,563 videos served to Nasca during the final two weeks of his life. According to Bloomberg, 73 percent shared themes involving mental health struggles, suicide awareness, loneliness, relationships, or sadness.

Many of the videos did not violate TikTok’s rules individually, but together they created exactly the kind of repetitive pattern the company’s safeguard was designed to interrupt. Nearly 10 percent did violate policies against content that promotes or normalizes suicide and self-harm, and Nasca continued receiving suicide-related videos during the final hours of his life.

TikTok concluded that his account had fallen into a filter bubble and recommended shrinking the control group from 10 percent to less than 1 percent. That would still have left at least 1.8 million U.S. users without the safeguard, according to the report. Its teams also proposed limiting participation to seven days instead of the previous six months-to-one year.

What did TikTok tell Congress?

TikTok completed the 2023 internal review just as the company was preparing to publicly defend its safety record. Two weeks later, CEO Shou Chew appeared before Congress to answer questions about the platform’s data practices and its effect on children.

Nasca’s parents watched from the gallery as lawmakers played examples of videos that had appeared on their son’s account. Chew told lawmakers, "safety and wellness — in particular for teens — is a core priority for TikTok." He also said the company had "a commitment to transparency."

The questions continued after the hearing. In its May 2023 written responses, TikTok acknowledged using A/B tests to evaluate strategies intended to break up filter bubbles involving suicide and self-harm content.

When lawmakers asked TikTok to list every case in which algorithmic A/B testing had harmed users, the company did not identify any. Instead, it wrote that "the safety of the TikTok community is of the utmost importance" and described how its Community Guidelines applied during testing. It did not mention Nasca or the experiment identified in its internal review.

Elsewhere in its answers, the company wrote, "TikTok does not believe that use of the platform has caused users to commit suicide."

Responding to Bloomberg’s latest reporting, TikTok said it was "deeply committed to the safety and well-being of users," particularly teenagers. "Our hearts break for any family that experienced a tragic loss," the company added, pointing to its detection systems, enforcement teams, and continued investment in trust and safety.

The findings add to TikTok’s mounting legal pressure

The disclosure comes as courts are beginning to test whether social platforms can be held responsible for design choices that allegedly harm young users. Thousands of lawsuits are moving through state and federal courts, while TikTok recently settled three cases shortly before they were scheduled for trial.

Nasca’s family is also appealing the dismissal of its wrongful death lawsuit against TikTok. The newly reported document is currently under court seal, leaving open questions about whether it could eventually become part of that case or other litigation involving the company’s recommendation system.

The consequences could stretch beyond any one lawsuit. As lawmakers, regulators, and courts take a closer look at how platforms protect young users, TikTok’s internal review offers a rare glimpse into how the company weighed safety against the metrics that keep people scrolling.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.

TL;DR: Now through Aug. 16, you can get up to 32% off DELTA power stations and solar bundles.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow Save on EcoFlow Delta 3 Series Get up to 32% off Get Deal

If your local grid is unreliable at best (living on the East Coast, I've learned to never trust the grid), or if you're just trying to get ahead of hurricane season, EcoFlow is running a sale on its DELTA line of power stations, solar panels, and home backup bundles.

SEE ALSO: I tried the Jackery FridgeGuard portable power station: It's both functional and pretty

Through Aug. 16, you can save on standalone units and disaster prep bundles via Amazon and EcoFlow's website. The high-capacity DELTA Pro is down to $1,899 (a 32% discount), while the DELTA 3 Ultra is on sale for $1,399. Bonus: If you spend over $900, you'll automatically get a free 20W charger.

If you miss the sale window (from indecisiveness or whatever), Amazon is keeping a separate batch of hurricane season deals live through Aug. 24. During that time, you can get the DELTA 3 Classic for $469 or the DELTA 3 Max for $899, and they'll throw in a free 160W solar panel if you spend over $1,500.

Waiting until the forecast looks bad is usually the worst time to buy emergency gear, so it's worth checking these out now.

SAVE $100: As of August 5, the 50-inch TCL QM6K Mini-LED QLED 4K TV is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $599.99. That's a discount of 17%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon TCL 50-inch QM6K Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $499.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100   Get Deal

If you've been thinking about snagging a new TV, now's the time to do so. While we're still deep in the throes of summer, the fall TV slate is on its way, as well as plenty of sporting events and more that you'll want to catch. Be ready with a great, refreshed TV that you can save some serious cash on ahead of time. We've found one for you that you won't want to pass up at Amazon.

As of August 5, the 50-inch TCL QM6K Mini-LED QLED 4K TV is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $599.99. That's $100 off and a discount of 17%.

SEE ALSO: Best 65-inch+ TVs for watching in dark and bright rooms

This 50-inch TV comes packing thousands of tiny LED bulbs to serve up a crisp, bright picture that you'll love watching. Each one of the LEDs can brighten and dim independently, giving you a precision picture for deeper shades of black and brighter hues that pop. It's more awe-inspiring than a regular LED TV or non-mini-LED QLED TV, and you'll really be able to appreciate the color and brightness when watching. Plus, it works to eliminate the shadows in darker scenes of whatever you're watching, which should be a plus for most.

With its 144Hz native refresh rate and Game Accelerator 288 VRR features, this TV is also perfect for gaming sessions. It'll cut down on blur and improve the motion you see in your favorite titles as well as action movies and sports. That's another great reason to pick one up before it's time to watch football later in the year. You'll be primed and ready for every game.

If you're ready to go ahead and lock in with a new TV that looks, sounds, and just plain feels great, this one is an absolute steal for the price.

Electronic Arts has told debt investors it plans to cut $700 million in annual costs, including $170 million tied to "organizational efficiencies," as the company completes its $55 billion sale to a Saudi-led group. Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier, citing the company's disclosures, interpreted that phrase bluntly in a Bluesky post: "In other words: mass layoffs."

EA officially goes private tonight, meaning: - EA will no longer trade on the NASDAQ for the first time in 36 years - All stockholders of EA (including many employees) will receive $210/share - EA will take on $18 billion (!) in debt, putting it on the hook to pay ~$1.8 billion/year in interest

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier.bsky.social) August 4, 2026 at 7:19 PM

EA's annual Ebitda is around $1.5 billion, which should be enough to service the interest payments. But the publisher has told debt investors that it will cut $700 million in annual costs including $170 million in "organizational efficiencies," per Bloomberg. In other words: mass layoffs

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier.bsky.social) August 4, 2026 at 7:34 PM

The sale, finalized on Aug. 4, hands control of the gaming giant to a group led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the investment firm Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. Per the BBC, not only does the deal end EA's 36-year run as a publicly-traded company, but it also ranks as the largest leveraged buyout in history.

Under the deal's terms, all EA stockholders, including many employees, will be paid $210 per share, Schreier wrote. To close the transaction, PIF borrowed $20 billion from JPMorgan on top of the $36 billion it had already committed, with EA itself taking on the resulting debt, according to the BBC. Schreier put the total debt load at $18 billion, which he estimated would cost the company roughly $1.8 billion a year in interest.

He noted EA's annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization sit around $1.5 billion — enough, he said, to cover the interest payments, though the planned cost cuts suggest the company is looking to build in a further cushion.

The BBC reported similar concerns from industry watchers about what the debt load could mean for the company. Schreier told the outlet the pressure could lead to "mass layoffs, more aggressive monetization, and other big cost-cutting measures." In that same BBC report, Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of the Game Business, said the buyout structure pointed toward "a very hands-on approach from the investment group," adding that private equity firms tend to be aggressive managers.

Some in the industry also raised questions about the deal's effect on EA's creative direction. Shams Jorjani, chief executive of Arrowhead Game Studios, told the BBC he was hopeful the new ownership wouldn't push EA toward "more sequels, more mega-franchises" at the expense of its broader catalog.

The sale has also drawn scrutiny over Saudi Arabia's human rights record. Consensual same-sex conduct can be punished by death or flogging under interpretations of Sharia law in the kingdom, prompting concern among fans of EA titles like The Sims, which features LGBT+ relationships.

The advocacy group Players Alliance HQ has urged gamers to petition politicians over the deal, warning on its website that PIF's majority ownership could lead to themes around "free speech, gender," and other issues being "reduced or fully censored." PIF is controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose government has been held responsible by several human rights organizations and news outlets for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

At the deal's initial announcement, EA chief executive Andrew Wilson, who is staying on, said the company intended to "create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come."

Mashable readers' favorite deals this week Roborock Qrevo CurvX Robot Vacuum and Mop $1,199.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal 85-inch TCL Class QM8L Series $2,997.99 at Amazon (save $1,002) Get Deal DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo $2,495 at Amazon (save $404) Get Deal Samsung Internal SSD 990 2TB $369.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black Booster Bundle $54.95 at Amazon Shop Now

Everything feels too expensive these days. Leave the house and somehow at least $100 vanishes. Since it's more expensive to exist in our modern world than it was just a few years ago, it's worth seeking out the best deals.

Every week, the Mashable shopping team gets to work to find the best products at the best sale prices that we feel are worth the money. If you've been searching for deals online this week, these are the top five that Mashable readers are snatching up.

A worthy robot vacuum and mop Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo CurvX Robot Vacuum and Mop $1,199.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

Earlier this week, the FCC announced a ban on all robot vacuums made outside of the U.S. The good news is this ban doesn't apply to models the FCC has already given approval to, and it won't impact the functions of your current robot vacuum. But in case you're looking for a new model, it might be wise to snag one sooner rather than later. Roborock makes some of our favorite robot vacuums, and the Qrevo CurvX is ready to both vacuum and mop your floors. Plus, it's on sale for $300 off.

SEE ALSO: The Roborock RockNeo Q110H robot lawn mower just landed at Amazon, and it's on sale for just 1 week

Coming with 22,000Pa and an ultra-slim design, the Roborock has hot water mopping and drying and a zero-tangle brush. If you're no longer in the mood to spend precious hours each week cleaning the floors, this Roborock deal is one to jump on.

A huge TV upgrade Opens in a new window Credit: TCL 85-inch TCL Class QM8L Series $2,997.99 at Amazon
$3,999.99 Save $1,002   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're in the mood for a genuinely giant treat that you can enjoy every single day, consider the 85-inch TCL Class QM8L Series TV. In terms of home entertainment upgrades, an 85-inch TV ranks pretty high. This TCL is a 2026 model that also happens to be excellent for gaming thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate.

In addition to the sale price that saves over $1,000, Amazon is tossing in free delivery and unpacking. That means the delivery crew will unbox the TV in the room of your choice and take the packaging materials and box away when they leave.

A drone bundle to become an expert Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo $2,495 at Amazon
$2,899 Save $404   Get Deal Why we like it

For those in the mood to become an expert drone pilot, the worthy DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo is over $400 off at Amazon right now. Going with a combo deal means you get all the pro accessories like the DJI RC 2, extra batteries, spare propellers, a shoulder bag, a charging hub, and even more. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone is a top-tier model that can capture 6K footage in HDR. Plus, it has features that make it great for flying in low-light conditions.

A storage solution with a hefty discount Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Internal SSD 990 (2TB) $369.99 at Amazon
$529.99 Save $160   Get Deal Why we like it

The global memory shortage isn't supposed to get better anytime soon. That means today's deals on an SSD might be the best we can get for a while to come. If your laptop or desktop could use a 2TB upgrade, the Samsung 990 is on sale for under $370 at Amazon.

Espeically useful for gamers, the Samsung SSD comes with 7,250MB per second read and 6,450MB per second sequential speeds.

An in-stock Pokémon expansion Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black Booster Bundle $54 at Amazon
  Get Deal Why we like it

Coming with six booster packs, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black Booster Bundle is an optimal way to expand your collection. If you've been considering diving into the Chaos Rising expansion, the Pitch Black booster bundle is a solid path.

A bunch of researchers let AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic loose in a testing environment, and the results were a little spooky.

The United Kingdom's AI Security Institute released a report (via Engadget) detailing some incidents in which the models actually acted outside their testing parameters and hacked into external organizations in late July. In one incident, an AI agent attempted to insert malevolent code into a GitHub project using social engineering tactics. The AI looked into the project's owners and generated fake accounts with which it tried to get the code approved. Once denied, it created a new identity for itself to try again.

That's not all. The researchers say the AI models also contacted real people with what were essentially phishing attempts, with files asking the recipient to run evil code. Interestingly, the AISI said it did not explicitly tell the agents to be deceitful to humans; rather, the AI decided to take these extreme measures when they had difficulties accomplishing certain tasks. However, the organization stressed that there is no evidence that agents would ever act this way outside of a testing environment at this time.

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

Anthropic, for its part, shared a post on X thanking the institute for its efforts, while also defending its technology.

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

"The prompts in the evaluation did not impose any specific restrictions on how the internet should be used. This and the removal of safeguards meant that the models were tested under 'deliberately permissive conditions' that are not representative of any of our production models. Note that there was no evidence here of an escape from a secure environment."

Recently, both OpenAI and Anthropic have reported instances in which new models did escape secure environments during testing. In a particularly notable incident, an unreleased OpenAI model hacked the Hugging Face repository.

While the behavior exhibited by the models is definitely concerning, all of these incidents have one thing in common: They were part of hacking tests, in which the models were prompted to act outside their usual safeguards, ultimately turning to tried-and-true hacking methods pioneered by — who else? — humans. These sorts of social engineering hacking strategies are things humans do all the time, so maybe we could stand to look in the mirror for a minute here.

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Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Google is about to announce new Android flagship phones. And if you'd like to know what they're launching ahead of time, we've gathered all of our reporting on the upcoming phone into one place. With one week left before the Made By Google launch event on Aug. 12, new Pixel 11 Pro leaks are coming in fast.

This year, as with last year, we expect four new phones:

• Pixel 11

• Pixel 11 Pro

• Pixel 11 Pro XL

• Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Let's focus on the Pixel 11 Pro for now, as it's going to be the more premium model. What does Google have up its sleeve this year with the Pro-grade Pixel phone?

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

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Release date, price, and that Amazon leak

As previously stated, Google is going to officially unveil all of these phones at an event in New York City on Aug. 12. Mashable will be attending the launch event — Jimmy Fallon hosted last year's event, you may remember — and we'll be reporting live. Presumably, as with past years, the phones will be on store shelves and in customers' hands just a couple of weeks afterward.

Thanks to RAMageddon, everyone is bracing for price increases with every major tech product, and rightfully so. Google has not yet told us the prices of these phones, but a recent and fairly extensive Amazon leak that seemed legitimate enough pointed to a $1,099 starting price for the Pixel 11 Pro. That would be a $100 price increase over the Pixel 10 Pro. Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro XL (the XL model is usually basically the same phone, but bigger) is said to start at $1,299, another $100 price hike year-over-year.

Android Headlines also leaked what it claims are the full specs and price points for the Pixel 11 series. That report corroborates the $1,099 price for the Pixel 11 Pro and the $1,299 price for the Pro XL.

Speaking of that Amazon leak: 9to5Google spotted draft Amazon listings for the Pixel 11 lineup, revealing a lot of early details:

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

The listings could include placeholder information, but the overall gist looks legit.

What is Pixel Glow HiLight?

We don't expect any massive design changes this year. Google has helped keep expectations low by actually posting a short video that shows the phone, weeks before the Aug. 12 event.

One thing that stood out, however, is the presence of a small, colored light in the camera bar that wasn't there on the Pixel 10 Pro. This is rumored to be part of a new "Pixel Glow" system that will use colored lights to convey basic phone notifications while the Pixel is lying down on its face. If you want to know that someone texted you even though you're focusing on something else and would rather not look at the screen, that's what this is for.

Recently, 9to5Google reported that this glow indicator will actually be called "HiLight." The rainbow-hued LED panel features prominently in teasers so far, and we'll have all the details soon.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Design and colors

Ultimately, the short teaser video doesn't show much, but it does reveal one more fact: The Pixel 11 Pro's basic design hasn't changed much from last year. It still has a horizontal, oval-shaped camera bar on the back, and is still otherwise a normal-looking smartphone.

As for colors, leaks suggest the options this year will be:

• Olive

• Obsidian

• Canyon

• Fog

Those don't sound like the most vibrant colors in the world, but that sort of thing has become par for the course for "Pro" smartphones in recent years. If the Amazon leak spotted by 9to5Google proves true, the Pixel 11 will have more interesting color options, at least.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Rumored specs

Based on the Amazon listings, the Android Headlines report, and another leak on Telegram from an account called MysticLeaks, here is the best data we have about the Pixel 11 Pro's specs prior to the unveiling:

• 6.3-inch OLED display with 2856x1280 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate

• 3,600 nits peak brightness

• Google Tensor G6 processor

• 12/16GB RAM

• 256GB/512GB storage

• 1TB storage on Pixel 11 Pro XL

• 4,850mAh battery

The only real differences between the regular Pro and the XL, as far as leaks are concerned, are the display and battery size. Those same sources suggest a 6.9-inch display and a 5,115mAh battery on the XL, but everything else should be the same. That's how Google has done it in the past, too.

Believe it or not, those specs actually contain at least one notable downgrade from the Pixel 10 Pro. Previously, Pixel Pro devices only came with 16GB RAM. So if Google is offering a 12GB variant, that would be a somewhat significant change. It's possible and perhaps even likely that the 12GB models will be tied to lower amounts of storage.

If you want 16GB of RAM, you may need to shell out for a 512GB or 1TB model (only available on Pro XL) this year.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: What about the cameras?

Last but not least, the Pixel Pro phones always have better camera specs than the base models. It's one of the main reasons to get the Pro, even though Google did start including a telephoto lens on the base model recently.

Last year, the Pixel 10 Pro had a 50MP main lens, with matching 48MP ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. According to Android Headlines, the megapixel counts this year are the same. However, lately we've heard rumors of a new 120x digital zoom feature, but that remains unconfirmed.

Speaking of downgrades, though, the big Amazon leak suggested the Pixel 10 Pro will have a 13MP selfie camera, while the Android Headlines report claims 42MP. After the 48MP front camera on the Pixel 10 Pro, that would be an unpleasant surprise. We'll see if that actually pans out, or if these leaks are wrong.

Mashable will be reporting live from the Made By Google event on Aug. 12. So check back then for all confirmed Pixel 11 Pro details and news.

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SAVE $119: As of Aug. 5, the iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo is on sale at Amazon for $299.99. That's nearly 30% off its usual $419 price tag.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo $299.99 at Amazon
$419 Save $119.01   Get Deal

Members of the Roomba fan club who want to upgrade their robot vacuum should check out this deal on the Roomba Plus 405 Combo. While the FCC's robot vacuum ban in the U.S. doesn't revoke authorization for previously approved devices, it may result in low stock and, therefore, higher prices. In other words, save those dollars while you can.

As of Aug. 5, the iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo is on sale at Amazon for only $299.99, down from $419. That's a savings of 28% or $119. That also matches the lowest price we've seen on this model.

While Mashable's resident robot vacuum tester Leah Stodart is not a huge fan of iRobot's devices, she has tested and approves of the Roomba Plus 405 Combo. It's a mid-range robot vacuum mop combo, which means it can vacuum your home, mop your floors, then wash and dry its own mopping pads. It lacks small obstacle avoidance tech, which is a bummer, but it does offer consistently solid smart mapping, fantastic edge cleaning from dual spinning mopping pads, and a docking station that continuously refreshes your mopping pads for four weeks and auto-empties debris for 75 days. We wouldn't recommend it if you have a ton of small toys and cables laying around, but for everyone else, the lack of small obstacle avoidance shouldn't be a huge dealbreaker.

There are plenty of robot vacuum mop combo devices on the market in 2026, but finding a model for under $300 that'll actually get the job done isn't easy. At only $299.99, the Roomba Plus 405 Combo is kind of a steal.

While it may still be hot and steamy outside, the crisp autumn breeze isn't too far away. That means Over the Garden Wall season is creeping up on us.

It's been a dozen years since the beloved Cartoon Network miniseries from Patrick McHale made its debut, but every spooky season, we make our return to The Unknown like clockwork. And it seems we're not alone, as Funko has decided it's the perfect time to unveil its brand new line of adorable Pop! figures inspired by fan favorites from Over the Garden Wall. Mashable has the exclusive first look at the brand's first-ever batch of these curious characters.

Let's take a look at the "transformative, dark elements of the fall season come to life" in the five-figure Over The Garden Wall Funko Pop! Animation collection.

Half-brothers Wirt and Gregory The Wirt figurine features his signature hat and cloak, as well as Beatrice the bluebird. Credit: Funko Greg's adorable figurine can be seen with his tea-kettle hat, carrying his frog and a rock (of course). Credit: Funko

First up in the collection, of course, is Over The Garden Wall's lead duo: Wirt and his little half-brother Gregory. The Wirt figurine stands around 5.2 inches tall, and he wears his navy blue cloak and signature Pilgrim's hat. Perched on his left hand, of course, is Beatrice the no-nonsense bluebird.

As for plump young Gregory, he stands just 4.6 inches tall and is depicted in his tea-kettle hat with a brown satchel. In his left hand, you'll find his beloved frog of many names; in his right, you'll find a rock (of course).

The Woodsman Credit: Funko

Much cuter than the actual character, The Woodsman Funko Pop! figure stands just 5.4 inches tall and captures his serious and reserved nature. He wears a gray hat and trench coat and wields an axe in his right hand for chopping down Edelwood trees. In his left hand, he holds the Dark Lantern.

A glow-in-the-dark Beast with two variants Left: The miniature figurine of The Beast is much cuter than the real thing. Credit: Funko Right: Its bright blue eyes glow in the dark. Credit: Funko Left: There’s a 1 in 6 chance that you may find the chase variant instead of the usual dark variant. Credit: Funko Right: Like the dark figure, the chase variant also glows in the dark. Credit: Funko

The mysterious Beast, aka He Who Haunts the Woods, is a shadowy, tree-like monster who haunts The Unknown. So, naturally, he's a little spooky — even in adorable Funko Pop! form. It comes in two variants: the typical dark, silhouette figurine and the chase variant. Chase variants will be shipped at random, but there's about a one in six chance you'll receive one. Both variants stand 5.4 inches tall and feature white eyes that glow bright blue in the dark.

The pumpkin-headed Enoch Credit: Funko

Perhaps the most adorable of the bunch, the pumpkin-headed Enoch Pop! figurine stands 5.5 inches tall and features a round smile and green ribbon-clad body. He's undoubtedly the perfect addition to your Halloween decor this coming spooky season.

Few animated projects balance whimsy with a menacing darkness quite like Over the Garden Wall. And Funko's new collection does an excellent job of depicting those paradoxical traits. Of course, in true Funko Pop! nature, the figurines are much cuter than their corresponding animated characters. Each of the five figurines, including the special Beast variant, retails for $14.99 a pop.

Opens in a new window Credit: Funko Shop the entire 'Over the Garden Wall' Funko Pop! collection   Shop Now

FREE PASTRY: PB Rewards members can get a free pastry with the purchase of any campfire-inspired menu item on Monday, Aug. 10.

Call me basic, call me indulgent, but I love Paris Baguette — I used to go to the Dumbo location all the time to get the baked potato soup and a Dreamsicle treat, and I have zero regrets. If you're lucky enough to live near a location right now, they've got a fun little deal coming up that will get you a free pastry.

SEE ALSO: Starbucks is bringing back the Unicorn Frappuccino (but only for one weekend)

On National S'mores Day (Monday, Aug. 10), Paris Baguette is giving PB Rewards members a free pastry with the purchase of any s'mores menu item. It's free to join, but I fear you will have to download the app (I know, another app) to get the full experience.

The seasonal menu includes a marshmallow-filled S'mores Supreme Croissant, a chocolate-drizzled S'mores Belgian Waffle, and a S'mores Chocolate Marshmallow Layer Cake. If you'd rather drink your dessert, they also have a rich Iced S'mores Latte and a frozen S'mores Frappe.

Just be sure to download the app and sign up before you order on Monday so you can get your free pastry.

SAVE $86.02: As of August 5, get the Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station for $112.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199. That's a discount of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station $112.98 at Amazon
$199 Save $86.02   Get Deal

We're still in the middle of a stormy summer season, so it's always a good idea to stay ready for a potential power outage. And if you're going out and about camping or staying otherwise off the grid, you want to make sure you have an electrical source as well. A portable power station is the way to go here, and we've found one that's up for grabs at a great price right now.

As of August 5, get the Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station for $112.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199. That's $86.02 off and a discount of 43%.

SEE ALSO: Portable power stations explained

This power station may seem small, but it's mighty enough to keep the electricity flowing where you need it the most. It has 128Wh of battery life, and that can give you about six charges for your phone or two for your laptop. It can keep you online long enough to communicate with family and friends or see what's going on should you need to stay in the know.

Beyond that, it's extremely light and portable at just four pounds, so it's easily moved if you need to tote it around with you or just keep it somewhere for safekeeping that's easy to access. For that reason, it could become an invaluable part of any emergency preparedness kit should you see fit to put one together.

You never want to be caught in the dark, literally or figuratively, so pick this portable power station up while it's up for grabs at this excellent price.

Google's longtime voice assistant will officially go to the great tech graveyard in the sky in the very near future.

As has been expected for quite a while, Google is ending support for Google Assistant on Android and WearOS in September, according to emails sent to users, as reported by 9to5google. Specifically, users can expect Google Assistant to start going away on their mobile devices on Sept. 4, though Google noted it might take a few weeks for the change to affect everyone.

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SEE ALSO: For creators like Hank Green, AI is now a reputational risk

"Once availability is removed, you will no longer be able to use or switch back to Google Assistant on your phone, tablet, or paired devices," the email said.

Google first launched Google Assistant as a competitor to Siri and Alexa back in 2016. Amazon infused Alexa with AI technology earlier this year, while Apple is doing the same to Siri in the near future, but Google has opted to go with its AI chatbot Gemini rather than upgrading Google Assistant. Google has been clear about its intent to get rid of Assistant ever since going all-in on Gemini, but the specific timing had not been known until now.

So, like Skype, AOL dial-up, and TiVo before it, Google Assistant will soon be no more.

Like tears in rain.

SEE ALSO: In Memoriam: All the tech that died in 2025

SAVE 17%: As of Aug. 5, you can get the 15.6-inch Dell laptop (Intel Core Ultra 5 225U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $649.99, down from $780, at Amazon. That's a 17% discount or $130.01 in savings.

15.6-inch Dell laptop (Intel Core Ultra 5 225U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $649.99 at Amazon
$780 Save $130.01   Get Deal at Amazon

Whether you're headed back to campus (boy, do I miss those days) or your current laptop has gone kaput, Amazon's got a ton of deals on affordable laptops right now, including models from Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

SEE ALSO: Back-to-school sales have arrived: Where to find deals on pencils, backpacks, lunchboxes, laptops, and more

As of Aug. 5, you can get the 15.6-inch Dell laptop (Intel Core Ultra 5 225U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $649.99, down from $780, at Amazon. That's a 17% discount or $130.01 in savings. While this isn't an all-time record low (the lowest tracked price was $599.99 in June), it's still a pretty good deal if you're in a pinch and need something, like, yesterday.

Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 225U processor, 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this budget-friendly computer offers plenty of power for multitasking, browsing, and light content creation without slowing down. There's also a dedicated Copilot key that gives you instant access to an AI assistant who can help you with organizing, searching, and general productivity.

SAVE $74: The Soundcore Nebula P1i portable projector is on sale for $295 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $369. That's a 20% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Nebula P1i portable projector $295 at Amazon
$369 Save $74   Get Deal

We're down to the final few weekends of summer. If you're looking to squeeze out the last drops of fun, you might be considering having outdoor movie nights. Like the drive-in theatre, but with your own favorite movies, hosting a movie night in the backyard is always a memorable time. If you've been toying with the idea of a portable projector, check out this deal.

As of Aug. 5, the Soundcore Nebula P1i portable projector is on sale for $295 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $369. That works out to a $74 savings from a 20% discount.

Weighing just a bit over seven pounds, the Soundcore Nebula P1i projector would like to be the star of your next movie night. Sure, the built-in carrying handle helps with portability, but the major highlight is this all-in-one system.

Many projectors have sound issues that often lead to us using an external Bluetooth speaker. Soundcore aims to remedy needing that extra speaker with the addition of foldable and flippable speakers built into the projector. The rotation of the speakers means you can position them forward or backward to get the best sound quality, depending on where you're seated compared to the projector.

SEE ALSO: This 65-inch Hisense E7 Mini LED 4K TV just hit a new best price ever at over $450 off

Just like the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser mini projector, the Nebula P1i has obstacle avoidance, auto focus, auto keystone correction, and a screen fit function. Soundcore mentions the P1i can display between 40 and 150 inches.

The 380 ANSI lumens means the Nebula P1i is best used in darks rooms or after dusk. But now that the sun is setting earlier as we get into later summer, enjoying a movie night outside and getting to bed on time is still possible.

Consider the fun of outdoor movie nights this summer and cozy movies in bed thanks to the Soundcore Nebula P1i portable projector. Instead of dropping huge money at the movie theater, allot the funds to snagging the projector while it's on sale for under $300 at Amazon.

SAVE $299: As of Aug. 5, the DJI Power 1000 V2 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for just $399.98. That's $299.02 less than the full $699 price tag at DJI, a savings of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 V2 $399.98 at Amazon
$699 Save $299.02   Get Deal

Portable power stations aren't exactly the cheapest investments, but they can be real lifesavers. Whether you're at home during a power outage or off the grid on a camping trip, we can't emphasize their importance enough in the modern world. We also highly encourage you to take advantage of deals when they arise.

As of Aug. 5, for instance, the DJI Power 1000 V2 portable power station is down to just $399.98 at Amazon. It retails for $699 at DJI, so that's a savings of 43% or about $299.

The DJI Power 1000 V2 is the brand's mid-range power station, falling between the beefy Power 2000 (one of our top picks) and the mini Power 500. It delivers 1,024Wh of power in a relatively compact 31-pound package. Mashable contributor Lauren Allain tested it out earlier this year and noted that she probably wouldn't want to haul it around all day, but felt comfortable carrying it around the house and loading it into her car without issue.

Perks of the Power 1000 V2, as per Allain's review, are its whisper-quiet operation, quick-charging capability, doubled on-board AC ports (compared to the first version), and its expansion abilities. The DJI Power 1000 V2 can connect to up to five DJI Expansion Battery 2000s, each adding 2,048Wh, for a massive whole-home backup.

While the Power 1000 V2 is fairly priced on a normal day, it's a massive bargain right now at 43% off. Allain calls it an "ideal portable power station for creators."