Mashable

Syndicate content
Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 25 min 45 sec ago

The best TV deals this weekend — Hisense, Samsung, and LG on sale

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 18:00
The best TV deals to shop this weekend, at a glance: Best Hisense deal Hisense 75-inch QD7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $499.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best Samsung deal Samsung 55-inch QN70F Neo QLED 4K TV $597.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best LG deal LG 65-inch 85A QNED 4K TV $599.99 (save $600) Get Deal

Now that most 2026 TV releases have hit the shelves, models from 2025 are getting the deal treatment. This happens every year in the spring, making April one of the best times to buy a new TV. We're not mad about it. You can get a huge Mini LED TV for under $500 or snag an OLED model for under $1,000 if you waited until now to upgrade.

Not to mention, it's a great time to enhance your viewing experience in general now that the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs and NBA playoffs are underway. And we can't forget the slew of new movies and series hitting streaming this season.

Whether you're ready to pull the trigger or want to weigh your options, we've rounded up the best TV deals to shop this weekend from top brands Hisense, Samsung, and LG.

Best Hisense TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch QD7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable's sister site CNET (also owned by Ziff Davis) dubbed the Hisense QD7 the "best budget TV of 2026," thanks to its deep contrast, superior brightness levels, solid 144Hz refresh rate for gaming and sports, and full array local dimming (which is typicalyl only found in more expensive models). The picture quality can go head to head with TVs with much larger price tags, making this deal even more impressive. Both Amazon and Best Buy have dropped the cost of the 75-inch model down to only $499.99 for a savings of $300. That's its cheapest price ever.

Best Samsung TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-inch QN70F Neo QLED 4K TV $597.99 at Amazon
$897.99 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're married to the Samsung brand, but don't want to spend a ton of money on its higher-end models, the QN70F Neo QLED is a great value. As a "Neo QLED" TV, it pairs QLED with a Mini LED panel, which basically just translates to a deeply detailed display that looks stunning and can hold its own in all sorts of lighting situations. Its AI processor can upscale content and enhance the quality of just about anything if you prefer it, while the 144Hz variable refresh rate ensures transitions are smooth and less laggy than your old TV. As of April 24, the 55-inch QN70F is down to only $597.99 at Amazon, marking its biggest discount to date.

Best LG TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch 85A QNED 4K TV $599.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $600   Get Deal Why we like it

We find that 65 inches is the sweet spot for most people and the LG 65-inch 85A QNED 4K TV is a solid mid-range Mini LED option. Now down to only $599.99, it's not only cheaper than the 55-inch version, but also its best price on record. And don't let Amazon's listing fool you; the original cost of this TV is over $1,000, so you'll save 50%. The 85A uses an AI processor to enhance both picture and audio in real time, while the AI Magic Remote also gives you options for content recommendations, picture and audio customizations, and generative AI gallery images to transform your TV into artwork. It also features a 120Hz native refresh rate, 144Hz variable refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium, and LG Game Optimizer for smooth gaming experiences.

More TV deals worth grabbing

Hisense

LG

Samsung

Categories: IT General, Technology

Claude can now connect with Spotify, Uber, and a lot more apps

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 17:48

Anthropic just made Claude a lot more useful for a bunch of users.

The company's flagship AI chatbot just got upgraded to be compatible with several major apps, meaning it can now handle things like ordering food, hiring people for odd-jobs, and other random tasks that you might otherwise have to manually open an app to perform. Combine these new integrations with Claude's increasingly agentic capabilities, and you can offload a lot of work to Anthropic's chatbot.

Claude already had an extensive list of possible app connections, but there are some real heavy-hitters in the list of new additions:

  • AllTrails

  • Audible

  • Booking.com

  • Instacart

  • Intuit Credit Karma

  • Intuit TurboTax

  • Resy

  • Spotify

  • StubHub

  • TaskRabbit

  • Thumbtack

  • TripAdvisor

  • Uber

  • UberEats

  • Viator

SEE ALSO: Discord group says it accessed Claude Mythos by guessing location

Anthropic's press release also noted that more are on the way. With these new connections, you can book a trip, order food, arrange a ride-share, or hire someone to mount your TV, all from one chatbot window. On top of these apps becoming compatible with Claude, Anthropic has also adjusted the chatbot so it will automatically suggest certain apps for certain actions, based on the context of your conversation with it.

Anthropic also clarified that there won't be sponsored answers or suggestions in the chat, maintaining that Claude is and will be ad-free going forward. Connected apps are also not used to train Claude, and they can't see other conversations you've had with the chatbot.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The worlds first 480Hz OLED gaming monitor just got a $100 price cut

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 17:38

SAVE 13%: As of April 24, you can get the 27-inch Asus ROG Swift OLED gaming monitor for $699, down from $799, at Amazon. That's a 13% discount or $100 savings.

27-inch Asus ROG Swift OLED gaming monitor $699 at Amazon
$799 Save $100   Get Deal at Amazon

I'm a big believer that your gaming setup is only as good as your monitor. You can have the most expensive, tricked-out PC in the world, but if your screen is lagging or blurring every time you move your mouse, it's basically useless. (Plus, playing on a slow display is super annoying.)

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptops of 2026: Check out our top picks

Right now, you can upgrade your battlestation for less at Amazon. As of April 24, the Asus ROG Swift OLED 27-inch gaming monitor is down to $699, from $799. That’s a 13% discount or $100 savings.

According to Asus, this is the world's first 1440p 480Hz OLED gaming monitor. (Translation: it's, like, really fast.) You'll get a 480Hz refresh rate paired with a 0.03ms response time. It also features a built-in AI assistant (because, of course, it does), a matte screen, and anti-flicker tech to save your eyes during marathon gaming sessions.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What happened to Omegle? The rise and fall of the internets favorite stranger danger

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 17:23

It’s 2010 and it’s 1 a.m. early Sunday morning. You’re having a sleepover with your closest friends. You just finished a movie you ordered on Pay-Per-View without asking, hoping your parents won’t ask questions in a month when they get the cable bill. The clock says it’s time for bed, but you and your buddies aren’t tired. You break out the laptop. YouTube videos. ‘Shoes’ by Kelly for the hundredth time. Facebook ‘like for a rate’ posts. You give your crush an 8 because you don’t want to come off too eager. There’s just one last thing to do. 

Talk to strangers on the internet.

In 2009, Omegle launched with a simple premise: connect strangers from around the world one-on-one via text or video chat. The pairing was random, and anyone with internet access could join for free, no account required. Anonymity was baked into the website, meaning a 13-year-old in Oklahoma could just as easily be paired with a 47-year-old from Turkmenistan. For many users, it led to genuine lasting connections. But not everyone came to Omegle with good intentions. After it shut down for good in 2023, longtime users were left wondering: what happened to Omegle? We're here to tell you.

SEE ALSO: Adult Friend Finder vs. Tinder: How they compare as hookup apps What was Omegle?

Omegle was created in March 2009 by an 18-year-old in Vermont named Leif K-Brooks as a simple, anonymous text chat site that connected strangers one-on-one from around the world. It amassed over 150,000 page views every day after its first month and quickly became a go-to for bored internet users across the globe. A year later in March 2010, Omegle began offering one-on-one video chat with strangers. That means if you had a webcam, you could now use Omegle to chat face-to-face with people from just about anywhere. 

Omegle was marketed as a site for users ages 13 and up. If you were under 18, Omegle stated in its policy that you needed parental approval before accessing. Because there was no account needed, there weren’t any limitations at all. No parents were needed to sign this made-up permission slip. Anyone had the ability to access Omegle.

SEE ALSO: Omegle changed cybersex forever, for better or worse

In 2022, things changed. Well, that’s a lie. Just words did. Omegle’s new policy stated that users had to be 18+ without exception. Still, no account was needed to join, providing access to anyone who could type the word ‘Omegle’ into their internet search bar.

How did people use Omegle?

The premise was simple: connect with another person, judge them for a half-second based on their appearance, and decide whether or not you wanted to have a conversation. Conversations would typically begin with 'ASL?', standing for age/sex/location. You could chat by mic or keep it to text, awkwardly staring at each other until someone said something funny. When the conversation was over, you could choose to click the “Next” button at the bottom left corner and be connected with somebody else.

As mentioned, not everyone used Omegle for wholesome chatter. Some users were only there for one thing. To get off. This was a huge issue for children using the app. It was almost impossible to skip one person without the next being a man stroking his penis.

To combat this, Omegle eventually added 'moderators' — mainly just an automation system that banned people who exposed themselves from the jump. Due to ‘moderation’ in Omegle’s later years, you'd see way less dicks unless you were actively looking for them. You could start a conversation innocently enough and end up masturbating with a stranger if things went that way. Technically, this didn’t seem to break any rules Omegle was implementing, as long as you didn't lead with it.

Whether the conversation was platonic or sexual, all Omegle users came for the same reason: connection.

When was Omegle most popular?

Omegle was at its peak in its early years, but became a lifeline for human connection during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. There was a resurgence in popularity with streamers, TikTokers, and YouTubers who were stuck inside with nothing to film. This brought a new generation to the site, connecting people across the globe during a time when people needed connection most. Between the months of February and May of 2020, Omegle reportedly had a monthly increase of 10 million. That’s pretty serious. We surely can’t count that high.

What made Omegle unique?

While Omegle was active, its only real competitor was Chatroulette, though it couldn't match Omegle feature for feature. Chatroulette was strictly video-to-video, while Omegle offered both text and video chat. Omegle also let you tailor your experience through 'tags'. Tags were keywords you typed in before starting a chat. Omegle would then match you with someone who typed the same thing, so you'd have something to talk about from the start. Tags could be anything — art, sports, dogs, beach, whatever came to mind.

SEE ALSO: App fatigue is real. I tested the best dating apps of 2026 to find the ones that really work.

Omegle also had 'Spy Mode', though it seemingly never quite caught on the way one-on-one chat did. Spy Mode worked one of two ways: you either submitted a question and watched two strangers debate it without being able to intervene, or you were one of the two strangers being watched. Like tags, you could ask any question you wanted.

Was Omegle safe?

The short answer? No. Omegle was not safe. While there were many ways to try and stop inappropriate interactions, there was nothing moderation could do to make it work.

Users with sexually-inclined tags — horny, sex, jo (jerking off), boobs — were typically matched with each other, separate from those just looking to talk. And since anyone could type anything into the tags bar, moderation was essentially nonexistent. Users could write anything, including racist and homophobic slurs, references to inappropriate and illegal content, and more. This means a 13-year-old could type the same tags and be matched directly with predators using them.

Omegle had an 'unmonitored' section, a designated space where users could be explicitly sexual without risk of being banned. The problem? Anyone could choose to use this section with the click of a button. The majority of people there were masturbating openly, meaning anyone who wandered in had access to explicit content with zero restriction. If a 'moderator' flagged you for inappropriate behavior, you could be dumped into the unmonitored section without warning (sometimes for days or weeks) with no way back into regular chat.

A full ban meant you couldn't access Omegle at all via your IP address, though it was never permanent. Days, weeks, maybe months later, you'd be back.

Spy Mode questions were also an issue, ranging from 'what's your favorite Pokémon?' to improv scenarios with your stranger, to what age you lost your virginity, to someone dropping an Instagram handle and telling both strangers to go message that person and tell them to kill themselves.

Essentially, there were no rules. Because of that, for many people, especially those under the age of 18, Omegle really could not be considered ‘safe’.

So, why did Omegle shut down?

After 14 years, Omegle shut down in November 2023, taking with it a strange little corner of the internet that millions of people had once called their own. When trying to access the site, users were greeted with the Omegle logo with the years 2009-2023 on a gravestone. A long message from founder K-Brooks followed, expressing why he came to the decision to shut the site down.

The goodbye letter was… weird. Defensive. Very ‘woe-is-me’.

In this message, K-Brooks mentions that financially and psychologically, he’d become unable to manage Omegle, explicitly saying he didn't want to "have a heart attack in my 30s." He pushes back on critics who accused him of letting crimes happen and turning his head, suggesting the moderation standards people expected of him were simply impossible to meet. He explains the shutdown of Omegle as "destroying the universe because it contains evil", essentially telling people that this decision is an attack against a free internet.

Toward the end of Omegle's life, something was going on behind the scenes. In 2019, a person identified only as 'A.M.' from Oregon filed a $22 million lawsuit against Omegle, alleging she was a victim of child sex exploitation on the site. The lawsuit argued that Omegle knew exactly what was happening, with the site even displaying a message that read "Predators have been known to use Omegle, so please be careful," right before accessing the rest of the site. Omegle tried to get the case thrown away, citing that the Communications Decency Act protected them from being held responsible for what users did on their platform, but the judge didn’t take the bait. Omegle’s design actively and knowingly paired minors with adults. It made Omegle culpable.

The $22 million lawsuit was settled just a few days before K-Brooks pulled the plug on Omegle entirely. His farewell letter even acknowledges A.M. by name, saying "I thank A.M. for opening my eyes to the human cost of Omegle."

And just like that, Omegle was in the trash bin.

Could Omegle ever come back?

Omegle was built with pure intentions by some kid in Vermont who just wanted to see what human connection could look like on the internet. For a lot of people, it delivered on that promise in ways no other site could. It made the world feel a little smaller, and a little less lonely.

But bad actors will act. And if you can't keep up with that, or take accountability for handing those people a platform in the first place, things will crumble.

In 2026, Omegle alternatives like Uhmegle, Thundr, and OmeTV fill the void, letting users chat with strangers across the globe the same way Omegle did. Most come with actual accountability measures Omegle never had. There are also fully NSFW Omegle alternatives now, designed specifically for one-on-one sexual content, giving that crowd a dedicated place to land.

So, could Omegle ever come back? Sure, but it probably won’t. Given the lawsuit and K-Brooks' farewell letter, Omegle seems destined to exist only in memory. And honestly, that's probably for the best.

Categories: IT General, Technology

FCC expands WiFi router ban. What it means for you.

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 17:03

About a month ago, the FCC decided to ban the import or sale of all new, foreign-made WiFi routers. Now, the list has expanded a bit.

Our friends at PCMag spotted an update to the FCC's router ban FAQ this week, indicating that portable WiFi hotspots are now included in the ban. In case you've never used one, these are little boxes that you can use to activate a WiFi network on the go. They use a SIM card to connect to a cellular network, converting it to WiFi for your other devices, rather than connecting to a modem via Ethernet.

The ban now also extends to fixed 5G wireless access points, which use a 5G cell network to blanket a home with WiFi.

SEE ALSO: The confusing U.S. router ban, explained: Which routers are banned?

Before you start panicking, it doesn't seem like this is going to affect very many people in the short term. For starters, using a smartphone to create a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is still totally above board under these regulations.

Beyond that, T-Mobile told PCMag that the FCC's regulations do not prohibit the sale of networking equipment that you can already buy in the U.S. That means if the router was approved for sale prior to the ban, you can still buy and use it.

"The FCC's updated list of 'covered devices' does not affect any existing routers that were previously approved, so current customers have nothing to worry about and no action to take and their service will continue to operate normally with no equipment change necessary," T-Mobile told PCMag.

Given that ISPs tend to supply users with older or more basic routers, and that most people don't bother to voluntarily switch those out for newer and more advanced equipment, many WiFi users in the U.S. might not notice the effects of the FCC router ban at all.

However, it will become a nuisance for power users who want better performance or more features out of their routers. It will be interesting to see how long the U.S. government sticks to its position that routers pose a national security risk.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag DJIs controller-free 4K mini drone for its lowest price ever

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 16:36

SAVE 25%: As of April 24, you can get the DJI Neo mini drone for $149 at Amazon, down from $199. That's a 25% discount or $50 savings.

DJI Neo $149 at Amazon
$199 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon

If you're interested in getting into droning (not sure if that's even an official word, but let's make it one), you're most likely going to want something that's small (i.e., doesn't require FAA registration), easy to fly, and has some sort of fail-safe just in case you run it into a tree or fly too close to an open body of water.

SEE ALSO: Insta360's new drone brand Antigravity teases world first 360-degree camera drone

Right now, you can get all of those beginner-friendly features and more at Amazon for just $149. As of April 24, the DJI Neo mini drone is marked down by 25% (a $50 price cut from its standard $199 price tag, and its lowest price to date, according to CamelCamelCamel).

The DJI Neo is super accessible. You don't even need a controller to fly it; it takes off and lands directly from the palm of your hand with just the push of a button. (You can also use voice control, the mobile DJI Fly app, or a standard RC). It weighs just 135g, features smart subject tracking to follow you around, and comes with full-coverage propeller guards so you can safely fly it indoors or navigate through tree branches without panicking.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Samsung 55-Inch Class Neo QLED TV hits all-time low price at Amazon — how to claim free Xbox GamePass with deal

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 15:39

SAVE $300: The Samsung 55-Inch Class Neo QLED TV is on sale for $597.99 at Amazon. That's the best-ever price and includes Xbox GamePass for free.

Samsung 55-Inch Class Neo QLED TV $597.99 at Amazon
$897.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon

We were thrilled to spot the Samsung 55-Inch Class Neo QLED TV on sale at Amazon. We were even more pleased to see that is was down to its best-ever price, and we almost combusted when we noticed that one month of Xbox GamePass comes free with purchases.

We see a lot of deals, so almost erupting into flames is not regular occurrence. But then, this isn't a regular deal. The Samsung 55-Inch Class Neo QLED TV is on sale for $597.99 at Amazon. That's $300 off the list price for a limited time, before you even consider the Xbox GamePass freebie.

To claim Xbox GamePass for free with your purchase, you need to follow these simple steps:

  1. Add the Samsung 55-Inch Class Neo QLED TV to your online cart.

  2. When you're done shopping, select Go to Cart.

  3. The offer will automatically be applied at checkout, if eligible.

It's that easy.

A number of TVs qualify for this promotion, but this Samsung 55-Inch Class Neo QLED TV might offer the best value for money. The picture offers the sharp and accurate contrast of Neo QLED enabled by precision-controlled Mini LEDs. Users also get AI enhanced picture quality and optimized sound for superb performance in everything you watch.

Score the best-ever price on the Samsung 55-Inch Class Neo QLED TV at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Heated Rivalry is a hit, but author Rachel Reid is trying to maintain her normalcy amidst the phenomenon

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 15:02

On April 12, I attended the PWHL game at TD Garden in Boston between the Boston Fleet and the Montreal Victoire. The Heated Rivalry effect was inescapable. It was an opportunity for hockey fans to turn out their favorite merch — someone in my row excitedly ran toward the crowd cameras to show off her 'I'm coming to the cottage' T-shirt. Heated Rivalry actor Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova was in the crowd, and the cheers that ensued when she appeared on the screen made you think one of the teams had scored a goal. And when the Heated Rivalry look-a-like contest winners shared a kiss on the jumbotron while t.A.T.u's "All the Things She Said" played, it caused the 17,000-person crowd to collectively lose their minds.

Since HBO Max's Heated Rivalry premiered in November 2025, actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, as well as their characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, have become household names. But so has Rachel Reid. The author of Heated Rivalry and the Game Changer series, of which it's a part, has always had a loyal fan base, but now that the show is a global hit, it reaches far beyond the scope of the show and books.

BookCon 2026 marked the first big event for Reid since the Heated Rivalry adaptation, and fans came ready to celebrate and meet their favorite author. I sat down with Reid to chat about fandom and maintaining a sense of normalcy amidst the phenomenon.

Rachel Reid kicked off BookCon 2026 with "Heated Rivalry" show creator, Jacob Tierney. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Samantha Mangino: What's it like meeting fans at BookCon?

Rachel Reid: It's been great. For the last few years, more and more people have been wanting to meet me at these kinds of events. Even before the show [HBO Max's Heated Rivalry], it was already pretty surreal and overwhelming, but in a really good way. Now with the show, it's really exploded. I mean, I'm doing a photo line. That kind of thing makes you feel like you're in a Marvel movie.

SM: You said during your panel yesterday that authors aren't supposed to be seen like this, so I imagine it feels unbelievable to have all the eyes on you.

RR: Getting recognized all over New York, too, is a pretty wild feeling as an author. I've been getting like drive-by, "I love you, Rachels," and people on the street recognizing me. As an author, that's very odd. I think even the biggest authors on earth don't get recognized that often. We're just not seen that often.

SM: I think it really speaks to the show's popularity.

RR: Yeah, with all the promo the show has gotten, and everybody who made the show has been fantastic about including me in that, and that's been the difference maker.

SM: How do you feel life has changed since the show came out?

RR: I have to be a little more aware that things I say might become headlines. I can't just make flippant jokes. Things I share tend to get shared, so maybe I don't post as often. I'm also aware that people could be photographing or video recording me at any time. So I'm a little more careful there, although not as careful as I should be. I'm still getting used to that.

Obviously, my career has leveled up many, many levels very quickly. I feel like I've skipped steps somewhere. I had a list of goals that I checked off all at once. So now it's about thinking ahead and rethinking my goals.

SM: Have you been online, kind of watching the fandom explode?

RR: Not that much. I try to stay out of fan spaces generally, and I did that before the show, too, but certainly since the show, and my new book was announced. I've stayed away from like Reddit. I'm not on Threads, I haven't been on Twitter in years. I haven't been on Goodreads in years. I just use Instagram. I think it creates a nice barrier. I do have friends, so if I see hints of things happening on Threads, I'll be like, "Can you explain this to me?" I'm not gonna look myself.

SM: Are there any other boundaries you've created online?

RR: Definitely, I don't want anybody giving me ideas for the book. That's a big one. Obviously, I don't read fan fiction because that would not be a good idea.

I try to make myself a little less accessible than I used to be, and sometimes I feel bad about it, but it's just necessary. I do have kids, and I'm trying to maintain our privacy as much as possible. It helps that I live in Nova Scotia, Canada, which is not a big or fancy place. So when I'm home, my life doesn't feel that different. When I travel for things like this [BookCon], I get to face it.

SM: What's it been like gaining so many new fans since the show aired?

RR: It's been wild to see how Ilya and Shane have become household names. My characters went from having a small but loyal fan base, which was lovely too, but now everybody I've ever known knows these characters and has opinions about them. It feels like I found a genie and wished for the world to be obsessed with everything I wrote.

Everyone is so into these characters, and I think it speaks to how amazing a job Jacob [Tierney] and everyone involved did making the show.

It's a beautiful show, and I'm not surprised that people like it as much as they do, but I certainly didn't think it would find such a wide audience. There's something about the timing of it, and I think what people are craving too, that just made it all click.

People have told me it has changed their relationships with coworkers, neighbors, and even some relatives, because they didn't think they could be open about who they are with these people. Still, then, because they're such big fans of the show, they thought maybe it would be OK if I told them a little more about myself. Places feel a little safer than they did before.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Widows Bay review: Your new favorite TV town awaits in this tremendous horror comedy

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 15:00

Cross the local bureaucratic comedy of Parks and Recreation with the small-town strangeness of Twin Peaks, and you'll get a sense of the singular tone of Apple TV's new genre gem Widow's Bay.

SEE ALSO: Everything coming to Apple TV in 2026

Created by Katie Dippold, herself a writer for Parks and Recreation, the series artfully blends horror and comedy to create an enthralling portrait of a town you'll want to get lost in... even if some of its locals would advise you to run the hell away.

What's Widow's Bay about? Matthew Rhys in "Widow's Bay." Credit: Apple TV

A charming island 40 miles off the coast of New England, Widow's Bay has a lot going for it. It boasts picturesque coastal views, invigorating ocean breezes, and atmospheric fog banks that have absolutely nothing hiding in them, do you hear me?

At least, that's what Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) has to say. He's trying to turn Widow's Bay into the next Martha's Vineyard, a quest that locals like former fisherman Wyck (Stephen Root) threaten to derail with their claims that Widow's Bay is cursed.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (April 24, 2026)

Tom initially brushes Wyck and his allies off in favor of bringing in tourists. It's a page straight from the playbook of Mayor Vaughn from Jaws, which Widow's Bay pays loving homage to throughout. However, when haunts start knocking at his door, Tom has to face the truth: There's something truly sinister at work on the island, and it's only getting worse.

Widow's Bay is a wonderfully frightening watch. Matthew Rhys and Stephen Root in "Widow's Bay." Credit: Apple TV

To pull off its many scares, Widow's Bay draws inspiration from a wide range of horror iconography. Stephen King's influence hangs over the series like the town's unshakeable mist, present in everything from the New England setting to the show's title font, a clear nod to the style of his earlier covers.

The aforementioned Jaws plays a huge role, too, and not just because of Tom's role as a skeptical, tourism-hungry mayor. (To Tom's credit, he's far less willing to put people in danger for the sake of money than Mayor Vaughn.) Root's salty veteran sailor Wyck bears shades of Jaws' Quint, and an episode devoted to a cursed ocean outing recalls Jaws' third act. But the biggest lesson Widow's Bay takes from Stephen Spielberg's horror classic is the fear of the unknown. Just as Jaws generates suspense by holding off on showing us its biggest threat until later in the runtime, so too does Widow's Bay keep its viewers in the dark about its many frights.

SEE ALSO: 'Hokum' review: I screamed myself hoarse at Adam Scott's new horror movie

And what darkness it is! Visually, Widow's Bay thrives in rich, inky black tones where you can crucially still make out every little detail, a rarity in TV nowadays and a testament to the show's production team and crew. Series directors Hiro Murai (Atlanta), Sam Donovan (Severance), Andrew DeYoung (Friendship), and Ti West (the X trilogy) weaponize this darkness — along with fog and ocean depths — to its fullest obscuring extent. That expert build-up of tension made the subsequent reveals hit all the harder, to the point that I couldn't get through an episode without screaming or cackling. (Or, most often, some mix of both.)

Widow's Bay nails the balance between scares and laughs. Kate O'Flynn in "Widow's Bay." Credit: Apple TV

Widow's Bay's scares pull from sailor superstitions, classic slashers, and more, but they never feel cheap. That's because the series roots them firmly in its characters' anxieties, like Tom's worries about tourism, or town hall staffer Patricia's (Kate O'Flynn) desperate need to be liked. (She's so desperate, in fact, that she may have falsely claimed to be the sole survivor of a serial killer who murdered some of her high school classmates.)

The latter produces a series highlight, an episode where a frantic Patricia attempts to host the perfect party. The social isolation she faces from her disdainful former classmates is just as wince-worthy as the uncanny events surrounding the event, resulting in a one-two punch of cringe comedy and horror.

Widow's Bay often operates in that sweet spot between horror and comedy, which tends more toward the dry and bizarre than Dippold's previous work on sitcoms like Parks and Recreation or comedy films like Ghostbusters (2016). Instead of cracking jokes at a mile per minute, Widow's Bay finds the funny in the eerie. Think historical wax figures, a cursed party game called "Teeth," and sight gags about cannibalism.

Widow's Bay's central trio of Rhys, Root, and O'Flynn play these occurrences as straight as they can, adding further to the show's brand of offbeat strangeness. Rhys and Root are tremendous foils as a skeptic and believer forced to work together. And O'Flynn proves an absolute scene stealer as Patricia, marrying her hilarious scorn for others with the genuine pain of being scorned right back.

The rest of Widow's Bay's ensemble, which includes Somebody Somewhere's Emmy-winning Jeff Hiller, Dale Dickey, and several surprising guest stars, further builds out the town of Widow's Bay. Their efforts, as well as the weatherbeaten production design by Steve Arnold (Midnight Mass, another superb cursed island series), turn Widow's Bay into a real town. You can almost taste the salt air (or hear the screams of cursed souls in the distance) just by watching.

In the end, the town of Widow's Bay is as deliciously odd as the show itself. What begins with a bit of a haunt-of-the-week structure soon evolves into a deeper unraveling of Widow's Bay's darkest secrets, as well as the choices that kept them in place. While I'd love for the show to return to its haunt-of-the-week mode occasionally, I also adore what it became. That it can pull off this transformation is proof of its sheer uniqueness. Forget being the next Martha's Vineyard: Widow's Bay sets a new, wonderfully weird course all by itself.

The first two episodes of Widow's Bay premiere April 29, with new episodes every Wednesday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Elon Musk says Teslas Cybercab has started production

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 14:05

Tesla's Cybercab has started production, according to CEO Elon Musk.

In a post on X on Friday, the company co-owner shared a very Cyberpunk 2077 video of the autonomous vehicles rolling through the production line, seemingly at Tesla's Giga Texas factory in Austin, Texas.

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

On the same day, Tesla's official Robotaxi account also posted a video of Cybercabs "in formation" on a highway.

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

Tesla's first Cybercab rolled off the production line on Feb. 18, with the company posting a celebratory photo. In its Q4 2025 earnings call, Tesla had moved the production of Cybercab up to 2026, and in its Q1 2026 earnings call, the company said it "expect[s] volume production of both Cybercab and the Tesla Semi this year," the latter referring to the awaited electric truck.

At launch in 2024, Musk said Tesla would produce 2 million units a year of Cybercab in full production capacity, which would be approximately 38,000 vehicles per week. In these early stages, it's likely to be more like hundreds per week. The company has a history of production delays, and before any of those Cybercabs hits the road, they've got to be approved by regulators.

SEE ALSO: Tesla is rolling out Robotaxis in 2 more cities

60 Cybercab units were then spotted at Tesla's Giga Texas in Austin in early April, where the vehicles will all be produced. Drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer reported the autonomous vehicles indeed had steering wheels — the cars in Musk's video do not, they have large screens like most Tesla vehicles — so could be early models.

Tesla Cybercabs lined up at Giga Texas in Austin, on Apr. 8, 2026. Credit: Jay Janner / The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images A closer look. Credit: Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images What is the difference between Tesla Cybercab and Robotaxi?

But wait, doesn't Tesla already have Cybercabs cruising around on the streets of Texas? Not exactly, but the confusion is real.

Unveiled in 2024 at Tesla's "We, Robot" event, the Cybercab is a fully autonomous electric vehicle that hasn't yet hit the streets. As Mashable's Stan Schroeder reported then, "both names [Cybercab and Robotaxi] were used throughout the event." It's gold, has butterfly wing doors, and will have no steering wheel or pedals.

Tesla's self-driving rideshare vehicles currently in operation are called Robotaxis, which are autonomous Model Y cars. Launched in Austin in 2025, these are the company's competition with Waymo and Uber, and they're black, have steering wheels and pedals, and though they're driverless, they travel with human safety monitors nearby. Tesla tried to trademark the term "Robotaxi" at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, but the request was denied.

Essentially, Robotaxis are on the road now; Cybercabs will eventually replace them.

In Tesla's Q1 2026 earnings call, the company said, "In Q1, paid Robotaxi miles nearly doubled sequentially. Once in production, we expect that Cybercab will begin to replace the existing Model Y fleet and will be the largest volume vehicle in the fleet over time."

Essentially, Robotaxis are on the road now; Cybercabs will eventually replace them.

A Tesla Cybercab that was displayed during SXSW in Austin in March had the word Robotaxi on it (and had a screen, not a steering wheel). But in Musk's video, the word Cybercab is emblazoned on the screen.

The Cybercab shown at SXSW, decked out with the word Robotaxi. Credit: Jay Janner / The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images) No steering wheel. Credit: Jay Janner / The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images

Time to get to work then, Tesla.

Featured Video For You I took a ride in a robotaxi: How close are we to a driverless future?
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven earbuds have hit their best-ever price at Amazon — save $150

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 13:33

SAVE OVER $100: As of April 24, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven earbuds have hit their lowest-ever price of $449 at Amazon. This is $150 off their list price of $599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven $449 at Amazon
$599 Save $150   Get Deal

Earbuds are always helpful to have on-hand, whether you're going to the gym, on a long commute to work, or enduring a long flight. If you've been thinking about splashing out on a premium pair this year, the high-end Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven earbuds are certainly worth a look. Amazon even has them heavily discounted right now.

As of April 24, every available color of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven earbuds are on sale for $449 at Amazon. This is not just a $150 discount off their list price of $599, but it even marks a new low price at the retailer. No better time to scoop them up.

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!

While they boast a sleek design and stylish case, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven earbuds also deliver high-quality sound components thanks to a 9.2mm driver in each earbud. And as you'd expect from a premium audiophile brand like Bang & Olufsen, they also have noise-canceling features, so you won't have to deal with any distractions when listening to an album or getting lost in an audiobook.

In addition, the Beoplay Eleven's battery life can handle a long journey. With ANC on, you'll get to enjoy up to six hours of playtime with these earbuds. This can be boosted up to 20 hours with the help of the charging case, making them an excellent choice for any long journeys you have coming up.

They're currently marked as a'limited time deal, so don't wait too long to pick up these Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven earbuds on sale at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen Colbert reacts to Trumps plan to target the press at White House Correspondents Dinner

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 12:22

It's almost time for the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which will be attended by Donald Trump himself for the first time in a decade. And apparently the president has a plan.

In the Late Show clip above, Stephen Colbert reacts to a Daily Beast report that says Trump intends to go after the press in his speech before leaving the event early.

"All you reporters are enemies of the people," says Colbert, in trademark Trump impression mode. "I hate you all. And if you call me, I will pick up every time."

SEE ALSO: Stephen Colbert roasts Trump for his Iran war strategy

Colbert goes on to comment on Trump's reported plan to leave before the awards themselves are handed out, dodging any awkwardness.

"I can understand why he's gonna dip, because one of these awards — and this is true — is going to The Wall Street Journal for its scoop about a certain birthday pube doodle for Jeffrey Epstein," says Colbert. "As well as another award for the photo-journalist who took this picture of that time a man had a medical emergency right there in the Oval Office and Trump just stood there like he was waiting for a bus. It's just so crazy that he didn't help, especially now that we know he is a doctor."

Elsewhere, Jimmy Kimmel decided to host an alternative, roast-filled version of the event.

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen Colbert has a plan after The Late Show. Its Uncle Cops.

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 12:19

Stephen Colbert's The Late Show days are almost at an end, and everyone wants to know what the host will do next (aside from writing a new Lord of the Rings movie).

"As we get close to the end, a lot of people are asking me, 'What’s next for Stephen T. Colbert?'" asked the host during Thursday's show. "Well, internet rumours continue to run wild. I've heard a lot of theories, everything from I’m moving to CNN, to I’m announcing a massive wildlife rescue program, to I’m running for President of the United States. I can reveal right now that all of those are partially true. I will be president of an animal sanctuary dedicated to caring for the rare Blitzer Wolf."

SEE ALSO: Stephen Colbert teams up with Jon Stewart to auction off 'Late Show' memorabilia

Wanting to put all these rumours to rest, Colbert officially announced his next big TV project: "an hour-long procedural torn straight from today's headlines."

Behold, Uncle Cops, starring Colbert and Hollywood star John C. Reilly as Detectives Mitch and Bob. "It's the gripping tale of two detectives who are also uncles. How can they be both? It ain't easy, folks."

Yes, they made a trailer and it's truly glorious. I would watch 30+ seasons of this.

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Fitbit Versa 4 has dropped below $150 at Amazon — run to save $50

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 12:09

SAVE $50: As of April 24, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $149.95 at Amazon. This is $50 off its list price of $199.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50   Get Deal

For those who love to have a steady workout routine, it's helpful to have a reliable fitness tracker or smartwatch to keep you on the right path. If a new model has been on your mind this year, the Fitbit Versa 4 is worth a look. That's especially true right now, as it's currently marked down by $50 at Amazon.

This has dropped the price of the Fitbit Versa 4 from $199.95 to $149.95, and there's multiple colors on sale at this price. Choose between pink sand/copper rose, waterfall blue/platinum, and black/graphite, but keep in mind the former two are marked as limited time deals right now, so they may not be discounted for long. Act fast to pick them up at this low price.

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!

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a solid pick for day-to-day tracking, whether you like being able to keep an eye on your health stats or enjoy having the tracking for your fitness goals. It even boasts lifestyle features, such as the ability to take calls, read texts, and get phone notifications right on your wrist. Writer Lois Mackenzie said that the "Versa 4 is the only Fitbit I'd recommend" in her Mashable review.

For starters, Mackenzie says it "Looks and feels good on the wrist. It’s lightweight and slim, which is super important for a watch you're wearing on a daily basis." There's also plenty of fitness tracking features to enjoy, as she notes: "The Versa 4 covers all the basics and then some. You get heart rate tracking, step counting, sleep tracking, SpO2 monitoring, stress tracking, and built-in GPS."

If you're interested in grabbing the Fitbit Versa 4 for your daily tracking, don't miss out on this great opportunity to save at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is under $80 at Amazon — save $20 this weekend

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 11:52

SAVE $20: As of April 24, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is on sale for $79.95 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $79.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $20   Get Deal

Fitness trackers don't need to cost hundreds of dollars, especially when you just want something reliable to track your workouts. That's why I love the Fitbit Inspire 3. It's a budget-friendly option from a reliable brand that gives you the core health and fitness stats you need. And as of April 24, you can get it for under $80.

With this smartwatch you'll get all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and over 20 exercise modes. It also has smart features like automatic workout detection and reminders to keep you moving.

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!

For health and wellness, you can monitor stats related to stress tracking (it even gives you a daily score), mindfulness and breathing exercises, and health insights such as SpO2, resting heart rate, and irregular heart rhythm notifications. Sleep tracking is advanced too. You'll get a detailed sleep score as well as personalized tips to help improve your sleep.

And even though it comes in a small, nifty design, it's powerful enough to last up to 10 days of use. It's also capable of being in the water at a depth of up to 50 meters.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is currently priced at $79.95 at Amazon, with three colors to choose from.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best deals this week, according to Mashables team of shopping experts

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 11:40

We're always looking for new and inventive ways to hit you with big savings on popular items. We cover hundreds of deals every month. You can find these deals on site, on socials, and on our newsletter. We've also launched a Mashable Deals text group. The daily deals that we send to this group are researched and assessed by the team with the same level of care that we dedicate to the rest of our shopping content.

You can find a live hub for those deals right here.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jimmy Kimmel brutally roasts Trump during alternative White House Correspondents Dinner

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 11:32

Jimmy Kimmel's direct appeal to Donald Trump to let him host the upcoming White House Correspondents' Dinner sadly went unanswered — the event, which the president is planning to attend for the first time in a decade, is being hosted by mentalist Oz Pearlman.

In the video above, Kimmel decides to take a leaf out of Kid Rock's book and put on an alternative version of the event, donning a tux and doing the kind of roast he'd have done if he'd been there himself.

"Look at you, all dressed up in formalwear, dresses, tuxedos — I haven't seen this much black since every page of the Trump-Epstein files," Kimmel says.

"By the way, in the unfortunate event that our president has a medical emergency tonight, do we have a doctor— I'm sorry, do we have a Jesus in the house? I always confuse them too. I get why you think you're Jesus. This guy, every time he walks into a room people say 'Christ, he's back.'

Kimmel doesn't just focus on Trump, either, also spending a little time on other key White House staff.

"Oh, look at who we have here, Stephen Miller! Which one of you said his name three times?" Kimmel asks.

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Seth Meyers calls out Eric Trumps $24m Pentagon deal for his robot startup

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 11:29

Eric Trump's robotics company reportedly landed a $24 million deal with the Pentagon, with Foundation Future Industries contracted to deliver its Phantom MK1 humanoid robots for use by the U.S military.

If the president's son receiving millions for his tech startup from the government sounds like a conflict of interest, Seth Meyers agrees with you.

During his "A Closer Look" segment on Late Night, the host examined the deal made with Trump, the company's chief strategy advisor.

"Now, for anyone surprised that Eric Trump's title is 'chief strategy advisor,' I can explain it was too hard to fit 'dipshit who just happens to be the president's son' on the business card," said Meyers.

"So, the president's family is dining at the taxpayer trough," Meyers added. "Meanwhile, the rest of us are getting hit with price hikes and supply shortages as a result of Trump's war with Iran."

He's not wrong.

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Regularly over $2,000, the Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15 is $949.99 in a limited-time deal

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 11:18

SAVE $1,350: As of April 24, the Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15 is on sale for $949.99 at Amazon. That's a 59% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: eufy eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15 $949.99 at Amazon
$2,299.99 Save $1,350.00   Get Deal

The warmer, brighter days are fast approaching and with it comes the task of keeping the lawn neat and tidy. But thankfully, long gone are the days where you need to pull out the decades-old lawn mower to tackle the overgrown grass. Like most things in life, you can now let the robot do the work.

Robot lawn mowers have grown in popularity in recent years, and with that popularity comes advancements. Models like the eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15 can self navigate across your lawn while avoiding obstacles and leave it uniformly cut in parallel lines. And as of April 24, it's on sale an all-time low price.

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!

Like most robot devices, this model requires minimal effort from you. It uses stereo cameras and AI-based navigation to move around your garden on its own, with everything controlled through the app. You can manage different zones and set virtual boundaries to control it. You can even view your lawn layout directly from your phone.

The mower also includes 3D obstacle detection to avoid objects like toys or trees. It cuts in neat, parallel lines and can automatically detect and re-mow missed areas. This model is normally priced well over $2,000, but right now it's down to $949.99. You'll be saving a grand total of $1,350 with this deal.

Head to Amazon now to score this great deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are $50 off at Amazon — buy now for $249

Fri, 04/24/2026 - 11:05

SAVE $50: As of April 24, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) have been marked down to $249 at Amazon. This is $50 off their list price of $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50   Get Deal

If you're looking to treat yourself to some new earbuds this spring, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a pair we think are worth your time and money. They're currently sitting on our list of the best earbuds as the most comfortable pick, and as of April 24, they're on sale at Amazon for $249.

This is a $50 price drop from the Bose QuietComfort Ultra's list price of $299, and it applies to every available color at Amazon. Don't fancy the black pair? You can also choose from deep plum, desert gold, midnight violet, and white smoke at this price. Not to mention, Amazon also has a notice on the store page that says these will arrive before Mother's Day (if you're hoping to give them as a gift).

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!

If you're looking to splash out on earbuds that offer premium sound quality and noise-canceling features, the 2nd Gen Bose QuietComfort Ultras deliver. Our review from Mashable's Bethany Allard said: "If you want the best noise-cancelling and comfort that money can buy, Bose delivers once again with their second-generation QuietComfort Ultra earbuds."

Alongside strong sound and noise-cancelation, they also have a pretty good battery life that lasts up to six hours in Quiet or Aware Mode, or up to four hours if you're listening with Immersive Audio. The case holds up to three charges as well, so you'll have plenty of juice to get you through a long journey.

Amazon has them marked as a limited time deal, so you'll want to act fast to save on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).

Categories: IT General, Technology

eXTReMe Tracker