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How to watch Portugal vs. DR Congo online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Portugal vs. DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with Proton VPN.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is showcasing a long list of fascinating matchups, but Portugal vs. DR Congo might be one of the best. There's a growing consensus that Portugal could go far in this competition, but DR Congo will pose a genuine threat. They've got the talent to produce a shock result at the NRG Stadium.
Portugal are repping star names like Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, and Vitinha. And of course, 41-year-old Ronaldo is set to lead the line once again. Could he cap an incredible career by winning the biggest prize in sport?
If you want to watch Portugal vs. DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Portugal vs. DR Congo?Portugal vs. DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on June 17. This fixture takes place at the NRG Stadium.
How to watch Portugal vs. DR Congo for freePortugal vs. DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Portugal vs. DR Congo for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend Proton VPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Watch Portugal vs. DR Congo for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Portugal vs. DR Congo (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?Proton VPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
20,000+ servers in 140+ countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to Proton VPN is on sale for $71.76 — 70% off for a limited time. This plan includes a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $4.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Portugal vs. DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with Proton VPN.
I tested the 160MHz Wi-Fi "hack" and it made my network worse
There's a Wi-Fi trick floating around tech forums that promises to dramatically boost your wireless speeds. I tried it, and came away with more questions than answers—most of them wondering about why it keeps getting recommended.
New Matter 1.6 updates make your smart home devices truly plug-and-play
On Wednesday, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) announced Matter 1.6, which brings a number of new features and tools to the Internet of Things (IoT).
Matter is basically CSA's smart home standard, which ensures that smart home product brands like Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon's Alexa are compatible with one another. Consumers may be unaware that Matter even exists, but it's important because it ensures they can buy any smart home devices from the brands of their choice.
Today's Matter 1.6 update is significant because it brings NFC-based Commissioning to IoT devices. As the CSA explains it, before this update, "ceiling fixtures, in-wall switches, and other installed products often [needed] to be configured before final installation due to awkward placement requirements, creating additional complexity during deployment."
However, that's no longer the case with Matter 1.6.
"In practice, this means a light bulb can be commissioned before it is screwed into a ceiling fixture, and an in-wall switch can be set up before mains power is on," CSA said in a statement. "For larger installations, multiple devices can be provisioned in advance and activated at their final locations. For end users, the experience is immediate and tactile: simply hold a phone near the device to commission it."
It will no longer be necessary to scan QR codes, enter passcodes, or go through other complicated processes to set up your smart home device. As the CSA explained, thanks to NFC-based Commissioning, users will just need to tap their smartphone near the device.
Matter 1.6 also brings new additions called Joint Fabric and Thermostat Suggestions. With Joint Fabric, multi-user setups can be co-administered through a single shared Matter network. Thermostat Suggestions will allow users to send "time-bound suggestion tied to one of the thermostat’s supported presets." According to the CSA, "the thermostat then reacts accordingly based on preferences and current environmental conditions."
NFC-based Commissioning is easily the biggest news with this update. However, Matter 1.6 also adds other enhancements such as Security Sensor Event History, Unmounted State for Smoke and CO Alarms, and other upgrades as well.
The best gaming laptop deals to grab before Prime Day — the ASUS TUF F16 is at its lowest price ever
Amazon’s latest Prime Day sale is still a little way off, but the retailer’s gaming laptop deals are already dropping hard across various brands to save you more cash on top-tier models.
Ahead of the main sale, we’re seeing early discounts on machines built for much more than just everyday browsing. These include RTX-powered laptops, high-refresh-rate displays, sizeable SSDs, and models that can handle the latest PC games without needing a full desktop setup.
Gaming laptops can be tricky to shop for, with specs, sellers, and inflated list prices all worth checking carefully. So, Mashable has gone through the early offers and picked out the best gaming laptop deals worth considering before Prime Day officially begins.
With that, here are the very best early Prime Day deals you can find right now.
Best gaming laptop deal deal Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS TUF F16 RTX 5050 VR-Ready Gaming Laptop $1,399 at Amazon$1,999 Save $600 Get Deal Why we like it
The TUF F16 was already a great pick as a gaming laptop, being a modernised entry in ASUS’s fantastic TUF range of gaming-ready laptops. To go along with its powerful specs, however, is its lowest price ever: now only $1,399 with $600 slashed off its $1,999 list price — and is now the lowest price it's ever seen, confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.
With that 30% discount, you’ll be buying a 16-inch FHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core i7-14650HX processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It also comes with useful extras like a MUX Switch with NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, 100% sRGB support, a 1080p webcam, RGB backlit keyboard, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and WiFi 6.
This particular model comes with an RGB backlight to illuminate your gaming displays even more.
With all that, you’re all set to play modern games with fantastic results — be it the usual multiplayer shooter fun in Fortnite, or a triple-A single-player gem like Cyberpunk 2077, with plenty of space available for more titles via its 1TB of SSD storage.
On the other hand, for just $200 more, you can select the SKU with double the RAM at 32GB of DDR5 — which is also on sale at $1,599, $700 off. Then, you’ll be able to play more reliably while multitasking between admin and streaming, as well.
More gaming laptop dealsASUS laptops
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $1,999 $2,699.99 (26% off)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — 2TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $2,179 $2,399.99 (9% off)
ASUS ROG Strix G18 — 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $2,197.99 $3,399.99 (35% off)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $2,295.32 $2,499.99 (8% off)
Acer laptops
Acer Nitro V 16S AI — 1TB SSD, 32GM RAM — $1,309.99 $1,399.99 (6% off)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI — TB SSD, 16GB RAM — $1,749.99 $2,199.99 (20% off)
HP laptops
HP Omen RTX 5070 — 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $1,899 $2,199 (14% off)
Thunderobot laptops
Thunderobot Radiant 16 — 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $1,499 $1,699 (12% off)
Thunderobot Zero 18 Pro — 2TB SSD, 64GB RAM — $2,899 $3,199 (9% off)
Early Prime Day toy deals are live: Shop Lego, Pokémon, and more at low prices
Prime Day officially starts really soon, and Amazon is doing the most to keep us on edge. We're already seeing major discounts on items that usually don't drop in price until the actual event (almost every Fitbit is on sale right now!), and those markdowns are slowly trickling into other categories, including Lego, Pokémon, and other top-tier toys.
Whether you have a little one at home or you're a proud auntie like me and you need to pick up a birthday gift or a little "just because" treat, now's the time to start browsing.
SEE ALSO: Craving pizza? Prime members can grab $5 large pizzas from Little Caesars every day through Prime Day.Here are the best early toy deals to add to your wishlist or cart before the official sale kicks off next week.
Best deal overall Toniebox 1 Audio Player Starter Set with Playtime Puppy $79.99 at Amazon$99.99 Save $20 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
If you're looking for a "toy" that isn't really a toy, then the Toniebox is the way to go. It's a Mashable fave (our Director of Special Projects Nicole Cammorata swears by these little things), and it's on sale ahead of Prime Day. The Toniebox 1 is an earlier version of the collection, but it still has all the bells and whistles you need to give your kid a screen-free listening experience.
It's basically a soft, huggable little speaker that's super easy for young kids to operate on their own. You just pop the included Playtime Puppy figure on top, and it automatically starts playing songs and stories. They can even squeeze the little ears on the box to adjust the volume, or tap the sides to skip tracks.
Best Lego deal Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box (10698) $33.49 at Amazon$59.99 Save $26.50 Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
Lego sets are by far one of the most popular toys out there for both kids and adults. Every time I see my nephew, I take him to the local BrickinBad to pick out a set that we can build as soon as we get back to my apartment. The only problem is that Legos are notoriously expensive, so whenever they actually go on sale, it's a huge win.
If you're looking for a set that's suitable for all ages and offers hours of open-ended playtime without the headache of lengthy instructions, the Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box is my go-to. My nephew has this exact box, and he will just sit there for hours building his own little world.
Best Pokémon deal Funko Pop! Games: Pokémon Ivysaur Figure $8.84 at Amazon$14.99 Save $6.15 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
If your kid is into Pokémon but isn't quite old enough to start keeping track of actual trading cards, they'll probably be just as happy with this Funko Pop! Ivysaur figure. It's a fun, inexpensive way to let them have their own Pokémon merch without you having to worry about a rare card getting bent in half or lost at the playground. (My nephew has this one, too!)
More early Prime Day toy dealsCrayola Marker Airbrush Spray Art Kit — $16.99 $21.99 (save $5)
Monopoly Pokémon Edition Board Game — $17.49 $24.99 (save $7.5)
Transformers Toys Heroic Optimus Prime Action Figure — $19.49 $26 (save $6.51)
Shashibo Sensory Fidget Toy — $19.99 $24.99 (save $5)
National Geographic Glowing Marble Run — $30.49 $37.99 (save $7.5)
Amazon Echo Dot Kids (newest model) — $34.99 $59.99 (save $25)
MAGNA-TILES Classic 100-Piece Magnetic Construction Set — $83.99 $119.99 (save $36)
Here are some of the best Samsung deals available before Amazon Prime Day 2026 kicks off
The Amazon Prime Day sale event is nearly upon us — June 23 is the kickoff date, if you haven't marked your calendar for it yet — but if you don't want to wait until then to shop, you don't have to. The retailer has dropped quite a few early deals that have caught our attention, so you can take advantage of some stellar savings before the four-day sale event even begins.
Select Samsung products, in particular, have seen some nice price cuts ahead of the sale event at Amazon. From monitors to smartphones to smartwatches, there's a whole lot to look through right now that's been marked down from the company.
If you're curious what's on offer, we've gathered up some of our favorite early Prime Day Samsung deals that are already available at Amazon. As we get closer to the sale event, and as it's happening, we'll be sure to update this with even more deals that cross our radar.
Best early Prime Day Samsung smartphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB $1,207.95 at Amazon$1,499.99 Save $292.04 Get Deal Why we like it
"If there's ever been a phone to make you ditch Apple, this is it." That's what Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth said in his Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review. The phone even earned a Mashable Choice Award. With that kind of praise, of course we're excited to see it get a price cut at Amazon before Prime Day.
The unlocked, 512GB model in black is currently on sale for $1,207.95 (incredibly close to its lowest-ever price of $1,199.99), though the sky blue model is also on sale for a few dollars extra at $1,209.99. If you've been looking for a phone upgrade, this is quite an awesome deal to jump on. Werth also adds in the review, "for dedicated Android users — or anyone who loves big phones and hates Liquid Glass — the S26 Ultra is worth the investment."
More early Prime Day Samsung smartphone dealsSamsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone, 128GB — $164.99 $199.99 (save $35)
$999.99 Save $335 Get Deal Why we like it
For gamers looking to splash out on a fancy PC monitor upgrade, this deal on the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 gaming monitor is definitely worth a look. Right now, it's dropped to its lowest-ever price at Amazon of $664.99 exclusively for Prime members. Compared to its full price of $999.99, this is a great opportunity to save $335 on it.
It's quite an exciting upgrade, too. Boasting a 49-inch 1000R curved screen with QHD Ultra Wide 1440p resolution, you'll feel completely absorbed in every detail and color that pops up on its screen. It also has a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, so games will run smoothly and responsively.
More early Prime Day Samsung monitor dealsSamsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 G50F QHD Gaming Monitor — $169.99 $279.99 (save $110)
Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G55C Series QHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor — $189.99 $329.99 (save $140)
Samsung 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Series Ultra-WQHD Monitor — $208.99 $329.99 (save $121)
Samsung 32-inch Smart Monitor M7 (M70F) 4K UHD Display — $229.99 $399.99 (save $170)
Samsung 27-inch Odyssey QD-OLED G8 (G81SF) 4K Gaming Monitor — $800.23 $1,299.99 (save $499.76)
$649.99 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it
Looking for a durable wearable to take on your many adventures this summer? The Galaxy Watch Ultra is the ultimate smartwatch upgrade to help you out. It's definitely worth a look, especially now that Amazon's knocked $100 off its price tag, bringing it down from $649.99 to $549.99.
Alongside a variety of fitness features and health and sleep tracking features, our hands-on review from Kimberly Gedeon highlights that it's "designed for rugged adventurers." It can "handle temperatures between -4 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can tolerate deep-sea diving and other challenging environments." If it seems like the kind of fit for your lifestyle, this is an excellent time to scoop it up.
More early Prime Day Samsung smartwatch dealsSamsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) 44mm — $289.99 $379.99 (save $90)
$1,397.99 Save $400 Get Deal Why we like it
If you're on the hunt for a TV upgrade this summer, Prime Day is a great time to shop, and Samsung is already seeing some nice discounts on some of its TVs at Amazon. This Samsung 55-Inch Class S90F Smart TV is already sitting on our list of the best TV deals ahead of Prime Day, and for very good reason, as it's already sitting at its lowest-ever price at the retailer.
With a 55-Inch screen size, 4K resolution, and an OLED display, this Samsung TV is well worth upgrading to, especially while it's still on sale. You can even get one month of Xbox Game Pass with your purchase, which is a nice little bonus.
More early Prime Day Samsung TV dealsSamsung 43-Inch Class QLED Q8F 4K UHD Smart TV (2025 Model) — $427.99 $547.99 (save $120)
Samsung 55-Inch Class The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV (2025 Model) — $897.99 $1,097.99 (save $200)
Samsung 65-Inch Class The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV (2025 Model) — $1,197.99 $1,497.99 (save $300)
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.
The best PlayStation deals to grab before Prime Day — NBA 2K26 is down to an all-time low price
Amazon’s latest Prime Day sale is almost here, steadily building up to several days of huge deals on appliances, gadgets, and of course, offers on PS5 games, accessories, consoles, and more.
While the actual four-day Prime Day doesn't start until June 23, Amazon and third-party sellers are already dropping plenty of deals to save you cash ahead of the rush. The key thing to keep in mind when it comes to shopping for PlayStation is that there can be a lot of price drops on off-brand products to sift through. Luckily, Mashable has done that on your behalf — and will do so throughout the sale.
Whether you're shopping for a new DualSense controller, a discounted PlayStation 5 game, or even a PS5 console bundle when a rare price drop appears, Mashable has scoured the site and cherry-picked the best deals live right now.
Best PlayStation deal Opens in a new window Credit: 2K Store 'NBA 2K26' (PlayStation 5) $19.91 at Amazon$69.99 Save $50.08 Get Deal Why we like it
NBA 2K26 has already had a massive price drop ahead of Prime Day — this is easily one of the best game deals live right now. Originally launched at $69.99, the new and sealed Standard Edition is now available from just $19.91, taking over $50 off the list price less than a year after release. That's its lowest-ever price according to Camelcamelcamel.
NBA 2K26 brings back MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now, with ProPLAY technology used to translate real NBA footage into more realistic movement, dribbling, crossovers, and on-court action.
As expected with annualised sports games, the next in the series is expected to hit consoles later this year. If you’ve not had the chance to play NBA 2K26 yet, now is the perfect time to catch up while we wait for news on the next full-price installment.
More early Prime Day PlayStation dealsPS5 gamesSonic Superstars — $19.99 $29.99 (33% off)
Red Dead Redemption — $24.99 $29.99 (17% off)
EA SPORTS FC 26 — $29.83 $69.99 (57% off)
God of War Ragnarök — $32.43 $69.99 (54% off)
The Last of Us Part I — $34.38 $69.99 (51% off)
Gran Turismo 7 — $38.99 $69.99 (44% off)
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (Amazon Exclusive Edition) — $39.99 $69.99 (43% off)
Resident Evil Origins Collection — $20.98 $29.99 (30% off)
Five Nights at Freddy's: The Core Collection — $22.56 $39.99 (44% off)
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy- The Definitive Edition — $24.48 $29.99 (18% off)
Red Dead Redemption — $24.49 $29.99 (18% off)
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy — $31.34 $39.99 (22% off)
Foluck 4-in-1 Carrying Case for PlayStation Portal Remote Player — $29.89 $34.98 (15% off)
PlayStation Portal Remote Player (Renewed) — $205.99 $249 (17% off)
PlayStation PS Portal + Case — $276.49 $284.98 (3% off)
PS Portal + Case + Charging Station — $306.48 $322.97 (5% off)
6 distros that prove Linux is the future of desktop PCs
An age-old rhetorical question has plagued everyone’s favorite open-source operating system from the very beginning: Is Linux ready for the desktop? Of course it is! In the early days, when users were forced to use the terminal, battle with device drivers, or even compile their own kernel, things were different. But nowadays, we have clean, attractive desktop environments that are every bit as capable as Windows or macOS.
ChatGPT’s AI market share slips to a historic new low
ChatGPT's sizable lead in the world of AI assistants is slipping, bit by bit.
Analytics firm Sensor Tower released its annual State of AI report (as cited by TechCrunch) this week, which contained the news that OpenAI's flagship chatbot no longer has a majority of market share in the AI space. As recently as January, ChatGPT still had more than 50 percent of total AI market share, but now, it's down to 46.4 percent, per Sensor Tower.
SEE ALSO: Everything announced at WWDC 2026, the start of the Siri AI eraLet's put it this way: In a multi-candidate election, ChatGPT would still win by a landslide, but this is a sign that other AI tools are gaining momentum. Namely, Google Gemini is up to 27.7 percent, while Anthropic's Claude is up to 10.3 percent. Earlier this year, Anthropic even reported it was seeing a million new users every day. Other AI chatbots, including Grok and Meta AI, has less than 5 percent market share.
Even with its slight dip from majority to plurality, ChatGPT seems to be doing quite well. Sensor Tower said it has 1.1 billion monthly users, with Gemini fairly far behind it in that metric, with 662 million monthly users. As Gemini starts working its way into everyday devices and services, like Apple's new Siri AI coming later this year, that number could grow even further.
In another troubling sign for OpenAI, Microsoft recently indicated it may go with the lower-cost Chinese model DeepSeek to power some enterprise AI tools.
Lastly, don't forget that OpenAI is prepping for a possible IPO later this year. Declining market share is unlikely to improve its prospects in the market.
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.
Grab a streaming stick for as low as $16 ahead of Prime Day
If you're not ready to completely replace your old TV (and dish out the money to do so), but you want a speedier, more modern streaming experience, grabbing a streaming stick is the move. Their simple plug-and-play design can completely transform any TV with an HDMI port for a whole lot cheaper than getting a new one — especially if you grab one during Prime Day.
While Prime Day doesn't officially kick off until June 23, our shopping team has spotted lots of early deals worth grabbing. From streaming services to devices, I'll be tracking all of the best streaming deals throughout the Amazon Prime Day shopping event. And yes, there are also plenty of TV deals up for grabs if you are ready to take the leap.
While Amazon Fire TV Sticks are definitely running the show so far, I'll be keeping an eye out for more Roku, Google, and Apple TV streaming devices as we inch closer to the official event.
Best early Prime Day streaming stick deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $24.99 at Amazon$49.99 Save $25.00 with on-page coupon code 4KSAVE Get Deal Why we like it
The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the most affordable Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup that offers 4K quality with HDR10+ support, as well as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It still features the old Android-based operating system, which can be slightly laggy, but overall it's well-loved by many longtime users. It also still allows for sideloading apps if you're into that. (Starting with the 4K Select model, all future Fire TV Sticks will switch to the Linux-based Vega operating system).
Be sure to click on the "redeem" button next to the on-page coupon code underneath the Prime logo and pricing details to score 50% off this streaming stick ahead of Prime Day. While there's a chance we could see an even lower price come Prime Day proper, this is currently its lowest price on record.
More early Prime Day streaming stick dealsAmazon Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $34.99 (save $19)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $39.99 (save $22)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $34.99 $59.99 (save $25 with on-page coupon code MAX4K)
Google TV Streamer 4K — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Roku Ultra — $85.95 $99.99 (save $14.04)
Your Android phone is secretly a loudness meter, light meter, and thermometer
Most of us use Android phones for the same handful of things every day: scrolling social media, watching videos, playing games, and chatting. What many people don’t realize is that modern smartphones are packed with sensors that can do a lot more than just power GPS navigation. You see, with the right apps, you can use your phone’s sensors to unlock a new set of capable measuring tools.
The Widows Bay cast breaks down their favorite scares from Season 1
It's almost unfair for Widow's Bay to be as hilarious and terrifying as it is.
SEE ALSO: 'Widow's Bay' review: Your new favorite TV town awaits in this tremendous horror comedyNot an episode of Apple TV's latest hit went by without me belly laughing or letting out a shriek of terror. From Patricia's (Kate O'Flynn) cursed "Rhythm of the Night" dance circle to the finale's unsettling sacrifice, Widow's Bay crafted some of 2026's most effective horror moments. But which of these scares impacted the cast the most?
In an interview with Mashable, Widow's Bay stars Matthew Rhys, Stephen Root, and O'Flynn, as well as series creator Katie Dippold and director Hiro Murai, broke down their favorite scares from the season. Rhys's choice? The murderous Willy the Clown (Tim Baltz).
"He worked on that crawl, and the speed at which he came to me, I actually yelped," Rhys recalled. "I still look at it and go, 'how did he do that?'"
Elsewhere, O'Flynn recalled shooting Patricia's memorable final girl encounter with the Boogeyman (Airon Armstrong), a serial killer pulled straight out of Halloween.
"He did so many amazing stunts in one take, and it was quite extraordinary to watch," O'Flynn said. "I was worried about him walking through the fire, but he did it, no problem."
To hear more about the Widow's Bay team's favorite scares, as well as the show's many horror influences, check out the full video above.
I escaped Amazon's Kindle ecosystem without getting rid of my Kindle—it was easier than you'd think
I've used my Kindle for many years. Until recently, I was still using Amazon's Kindle ecosystem for buying and uploading books to my Kindle. I finally decided to cut ties with Amazon, and doing so was easier than I expected.
More storage won't fix your data problem—I learned this the hard way after 20TB of mistakes
Do you remember when storage used to be cheap? It's a little hard to do that right now given that every type of computer component seems to be undergoing price surges from unending data center demands, but ten years ago I was on a storage buying spree that lasted a few years.
Prime Day is next week: Here are 50+ early deals to start shopping now
No matter what type of shopper you are, whether you use sales to stock up on household essentials like dish soap and paper towels or as a time to splurge, the time is nigh because Prime Day is coming.
Usually taking place in early July, Amazon has decided to shake things up this year and run the sale in June. Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs from June 23 to 26, and while the timing may have changed, we're still expecting the same great savings.
We're still a week away from the official start of Prime Day, the deals kicked off as soon as the sale was announced. Each day we get closer to the sale, more deals go live. Look for early savings on Amazon devices, toys and games, kitchen appliances, and gadgets from Sony, Sonos, and Apple.
So if you're eager to start saving, we rounded up the top early Prime Day deals to start shopping now — including nearly the lowest price ever on the Apple AirPods Pro 3.
Best early Prime Day Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179.99 at Amazon$249 Save $69.01 Get Deal
Leading up to Prime Day, we're obviously hunting for the best Apple deals, and a major one just dropped. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to $179.99, which saves you $69.01 off its $249 price tag. That's just $0.99 more than the earbud's lowest price ever.
This is the type of deal we normally see during Prime Day, so the fact that it's coming two weeks early is something to celebrate.
Apple Watch dealsApple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) — $219 $249 (save $30)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) — $299 $399 (save $100)
Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $499 $549 (save $50)
Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) — $299.99 $349 (save $49.01)
Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) — $474 $499 (save $25)
$179.99 Save $85.99 Get Deal
When Prime Day actually starts, our attention will be on the big names in headphones: the Sony WH-1000XM6s and the Bose QuietComfort Ultras. But leading up to it, those big brands still have lots of savings to give. Right now, the best deal on headphones is on the Sony WH-CH720N, an affordable pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. Normally $179.99, the WH-CH720N just dropped under $100 ahead of Prime Day. Snag them now for as low as $94 and save $85.99.
More headphone dealsSony WH-CH520 — $38 $69.99 (save $31.99)
Soundcore Space Q45 — $139.99 $149.99 (save $10)
Logitech G735 — $142.53 $259.99 (save $117.46)
Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $219.99 $299.99 (save $80)
Sony WH-1000XM5 — $278 $399.99 (save $121.99)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra — $329 $429 (save $100)
Sony WH-1000XM6 — $398 $459.99 (save $61.99)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $499.99 $549 (save $49.01)
Soundcore V20i Open-Ear Headphones — $26.99 $49.99 (save $23)
Sony WF-C510 — $48 $69.99 (save $21.99)
Technics AZ100 Earbuds — $232.99 $299.99 (save $67)
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal
Echo prices dropped in the week leading up to Prime Day. The latest Echo devices, the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio, both hit new, all-time low prices. But the biggest discount is on the Amazon Echo Spot, the smart alarm clock. This tiny speaker sits compactly on nightstands but provides everything you need to start your morning including a weather report and tunes to get you out of med.
Ahead of Prime Day, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $44.99. That saves you $35 off its $79.99 price tag for a 44% discount.
More Echo dealsAmazon Echo Glow — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)
Amazon Echo Dot — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)
Amazon Echo Dot Kids — $34.99 $59.99 (save $25)
Amazon Echo Show 5 — $59.99 $89.99 (save $30)
Amazon Echo Dot Max — $64.99 $99.99 (save $35)
Amazon Echo Show 8 — $124.99 $179.99 (save $55)
Amazon Echo Show 11 — $149.99 $219.99 (save $70)
Amazon Echo Studio — $174.99 $219.99 (save $45)
Amazon Echo Show 21 — $319.99 $399.99 (save $80)
$479 Save $100 Get Deal
Whether you're hosting summer movie nights or dinner parties, if you want to upgrade your home's audio, early Prime Day deals are coming in clutch. The advanced Sonos Era 300 is equipped with Dolby Atmos and powered by six drivers for surround sound. Right now, grab it for just $379, saving you $100 off its $479 price tag.
More speaker dealsJBL Go 3 — $29.95 $39.95 (save $10)
JBL Go 4 — $39.95 $49.95 (save $10)
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 — $51.44 $99.99 (save $48.55)
Ultimate Ears Miniroll Ultra — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20)
Sony ULT Field 1 — $88 $139.99 ($51.99)
Sonos Roam 2 — $134 $179 (save $45)
Sonos Beam Gen 2 — $369 $499 (save $130)
Sonos Move 2 — $399 $499 (save $100)
$1,499 Save $699.01 Get Deal
Ready for summer adventures? If you're gearing up to pack the car and head into nature, don't forget to invest in a portable power station to keep your campsite powered. Plus, it can serve as an at-home power backup in an emergency.
Right now, there's an outstanding deal on the Anker Solix C2000, which is 50% off. That takes it from $1,499 all the way down to $749. Ahead of Prime Day, that saves you $750.
More portable power station dealsJackery Explorer 1000 — $429 $799 (save $350)
Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 — $499.99 $799 (save $299.01)
Bluetti Elite 200 V2 — $799 $1,070 (save $271)
Anker Solix F3800 Plus — $2,199.99 $2,699.99 (save $500)
$1,697.99 Save $400 Get Deal
Getting ready for the World Cup? If you want to watch every heart-racing moment in 4K and your TV isn't up to par, then shop the early Prime Day deal on the Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV. Normally $1,697.99, it's down to $1,397.99, saving you $300. That also means it's just $100 away from its lowest price ever. It's an exceptionally crisp TV with deep contrast and built-in AI.
More TV dealsGoogle TV Streamer — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Roku 65-inch QLED 4K Smart TV — $399.99 $449.99 (save $50)
TCL 75-inch T7 QLED 4K Google TV — $739.99 $899.99 (save $150)
Hisense 65-inch U7 ULED 4K Google TV — $947.99 $1,499.99 (save $552)
$799.99 Save $300 Get Deal
Mashable in-house vacuum expert Leah Stodart named the Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop the best affordable vacuum-and-mop combo. Despite its budget price, Stodart says it's the most heavy-duty robot mop you'll find, and delivers spotless cleans. Ahead of Prime Day, get the Eufy C28 for just $499.99. That's the vacuums lowest price ever, and provides $300 in savings.
More robot vacuum dealsiRobot Roomba 105 Robot Vacuum — $248.98 $449.99 (save $201)
Dream X50 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop — $899.99 $1,049.99 (save $150)
Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum and Mop — $999.99 $1,599.99 (save $600)
Bissell Little Green Mini — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Shark HV343AMZ Rocket Corded Stick Vacuum — $119.99 $179.99 (save $60)
Shark IZ363HT Cordless Vacuum — $219.99 $349.99 (save $130)
Bissell PowerClean FurGuard Cordless Vacuum — $179.99 $299.99 (save $120)
$89.95 Save $30 Get Deal
Here's a summer hack to keep your house cool: Don't turn on the oven. That doesn't mean only eating cold salads all summer. What you really need is an air fryer. My air fryer has saved me countless times in the summer, letting me cook dinner without breaking a sweat. Ahead of Prime Day, grab the Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer for just $59.95 and save $30.
More home dealsLevoit 36-inch Tower Fan — $54.95 $74.99 (save $20.04)
Dreo 36-inch Tower Fan — $69.96 $79.99 (save $10.03)
Lasko 42-inch Tower Fan — $75.64 $88.99 (save $13.35)
Ninja Blast Max Portable Blender — $69.95 $99.99 (save $30.04)
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker — $64.99 $109.99 (save $45)
Instant Pot 6-Quart Vortex Plus Air Fryer — $69.99 $149.99 (save $80)
Ninja Pod and Grounds Single Serve Coffee Maker — $99.98 $129.99 (save $30.01)
$59.99 Save $26.50 Get Deal
While novelty Lego sets are fun, there's something special about a set that gives you full creative control. The Lego Classic Large Brick Box has 790 pieces to build the neighborhood of your dreams. Just in time for summer break when kiddos need some entertainment, this box set is on sale for 44% off. Grab it now for under $30 ahead of Prime Day.
More Lego dealsLego Botanicals Happy Plants — $18.39 $22.99 (save $4.60)
Lego Botanicals Mini Orchid — $23.95 $29.99 (save $6.04)
Lego Botanicals Bonsai Tree — $39.98 $49.99 (save $10.01)
Lego Botanicals Tiny Plants — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)
Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon — $67.99 $84.99 (save $17)
Lego Art Mona Lisa — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle — $136.99 $169.99 (save $33)
Amazon devices are up to 65% off ahead of Prime Day — shop Fire TVs and Blink cameras
The countdown is on for Prime Day. Amazon's annual flagship sale runs June 23 to 26, but deals are here already. We always expect some of the best deals during Prime Day to be on Amazon's very own devices, and that's certainly the case ahead of the sale. Prices have been slashed on Amazon devices with discounts up to 65% off.
Some of the biggest savings are on Amazon Fire TVs. Every size and a variety of brands are all on sale, saving you hundreds of dollars on 4K TVs. But there are also some big savings on home security and smart home devices, too.
So what's not on sale right now? Unfortunately, Kindles. That's not to say they won't be, we just expect those deals to drop once Prime Day actually starts.
Here are all the early Prime Day deals on Amazon devices to start shopping now.
Best early Prime Day Echo deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal
Echo prices dropped in the week leading up to Prime Day. The latest Echo devices, the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio, both hit new, all-time low prices. But the biggest discount is on the Amazon Echo Spot, the smart alarm clock. This tiny speaker sits compactly on nightstands but provides everything you need to start your morning including a weather report and tunes to get you out of med.
Ahead of Prime Day, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $44.99. That saves you $35 off its $79.99 price tag for a 44% discount.
More Echo dealsAmazon Echo Glow — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)
Amazon Echo Dot — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)
Amazon Echo Dot Kids — $34.99 $59.99 (save $25)
Amazon Echo Show 5 — $59.99 $89.99 (save $30)
Amazon Echo Dot Max — $64.99 $99.99 (save $35)
Amazon Echo Show 8 — $124.99 $179.99 (save $55)
Amazon Echo Show 11 — $149.99 $219.99 (save $70)
Amazon Echo Studio — $174.99 $219.99 (save $45)
Amazon Echo Show 21 — $319.99 $399.99 (save $80)
$299.99 Save $160.01 Get Deal
There's nothing better than a smart TV that provides access to all your favorite streaming services, no extraneous streaming sticks or devices needed. Ahead of Prime Day, the Fire TV sales are plentiful. The best deal is on the Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 LED 4K Smart TV, which is down to $139.98, saving you over $160 off. This 4K TV comes equipped with Dolby Vision Atmos for clearer sound and picture for the best possible viewing experience.
TV deals move fast during big sales so if this deal looks good to you, buy it quick before it sells out.
More Amazon Fire TV dealsInsignia 24-inch F40 Series LED Smart Fire TV — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20)
Insignia 32-inch F20 Series LED Smart Fire TV — $69.99 $129.99 (save $60)
Insignia 40-inch FE Series LED Smart Fire TV — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)
Amazon 40-inch 2-Series Smart Fire TV — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)
Insignia 50-inch F50 Series LED 4K Smart Fire TV — $159.99 $299.99 (save $140)
Amazon Ember 55-inch 4-Series Ultra HD Smart Fire TV — $279.95 $459.99 (save $180.04)
Amazon Fire 55-inch Omni QLED 4K Smart Fire TV — $279.99 $499.99 (save $220)
Insignia 65-inch QF Series LED 4K Smart Fire TV — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)
TCL Amazon Exclusive 85-inch QM64L Series QLED Smart Fire TV — $999.99 $1,499.99 (save $500)
Remote and soundbar deals
Amazon Fire TV Voice Remote Pro — $22.99 $34.99 (save $12)
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus — $144.99 $249.99 (save $105)
Streaming stick deals
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $34.99 (save $19)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $39.99 (save $22)
$419.99 Save $273 Get Deal
Looking to boost your home's security? Well ahead of Prime Day, find major savings on Amazon's Blink security cameras. Right now the Blink Outdoor 4 XR is down to $146.99. That saves you $273 off the six camera system. The XR cameras in this bundle provides a 70% more reliable wireless connection with fewer disconnections to WiFi so you can feel more secure in your security system. Plus, the cameras have a two-year battery life.
More Amazon home security dealsBlink Wired Floodlight — $29.99 $99.99 (save $70)
Blink Outdoor 4 5-Camera System — $104.99 $299.99 (save $195)
Blink Outdoor 2K+ Wireless Security Camera — $156.99 $349.99 (save $193.99)
$449.99 Save $120 Get Deal
If your WiFi isn't cutting it, it might be time to optimize with Amazon Eero system. Ahead of Prime Day the Eero Pro 6E Mesh WiFi system is down to $329.99, saving you $120 off its $449.99 price tag. It supports over 100 devices over 6,000+ square feet. Even if you're not the most technologically savvy, set-up will be a breeze thanks to the step by step guide in Eero's app.
More early Prime Day smart home dealsAmazon Smart Plug — $12.99 $24.99 (save $12)
Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor — $44.99 $69.99 (save $25)
Amazon Smart Thermostat — $57.99 $79.99 (save $22)
Fire tablets
Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet — $54.99 $109.99 (save $55)
Kindle deals
Amazon Wireless Charging Dock for Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition — $29.99 $44.99 (save $15)
Amazon Kindle Scribe Premium Pen — $51.99 $79.99 (save $28)
Should you buy a robot vacuum before Prime Day? I test them for a living and found some early deals.
Don't ask ChatGPT which robot vacuum you should buy on Prime Day — ask the person who has tested nearly 40 robot vacuums in their own home. Most of the best robot vacuums of the past few years, including new 2026 models, will be on sale for Prime Day between June 23 and June 26. But if your floors need automated cleaning earlier than the end of the month, I found a handful of worthwhile robot vacuums on sale to buy ahead of Prime Day.
That doesn't just refer to the models with the biggest discounts. I've further whittled down the list to the robot vacuums with the best ratio of cleaning specs and smart features compared to their sale price.
SEE ALSO: HGTV hive, rise up: The best Shark robot vacuum and cordless stick vacuum just dropped in 4 earth tonesFor example, the Roborock Saros 10R that I loved last year is $500 off, now back at its record-low price of $999.99. That sounds like a steal until I remind you that you can get significantly more suction power for $749.99 with the Dreame L60 Ultra FE. The self-emptying Shark Navigator for $246.95 sounds great until you realize that just $30 more can get you mopping and small obstacle avoidance with the Roborock Q10 S5+. (If you're shopping for a really high-end robot vacuum, I'd wait for the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete or Narwal Flow 2 to go on sale.)
So, here are the early Prime Day deals on robot vacuums that are worth your time so far:
Best Amazon robot vacuum deal ahead of Prime Day Dreame L60 Ultra FE $849.99 at Amazon$999.99 Save $150 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Not to rope the Roborock Saros 10R back into it, but it really does make the Dreame L60 Ultra FE's value stand out. This model was just released at the end of April 2026, and its 30,000 Pa suction power isn't too far off from the 35,000 Pa of the most powerful Dreame robot vacuum. With accurate AI obstacle avoidance and heated self-washing mopping pads thrown in, this is a really solid vacuum for less than $800.
I can personally attest to the L60 Ultra FE's cleaning power for the price — it's currently sitting in my living room. I'm a sucker for the corner mopping of a spinning mopping pad, which still squeezes into 90-degree angles better than roller mop robot vacuums that can slide out to clean edges. This Dreame model has done a commendable job with cat litter, crumbs under the kitchen counter, and cat scratcher flecks stuck in the rug.
Deals on robot vacuum mop combos (+ self-washing mopping pads)Dreame L10s Ultra Gen 2 — $379.92 $589.99 (save $210.07)
Dreame D30 Ultra CE — $399.97 $499.99 (save $100.02)
Mova P10 Pro Ultra Gen 2 — $498.99 $599 (save $100.01)
Eufy C28 — $529.99 $799.99 (save $270)
Narwal Freo Z10 — $649.99 $899.99 (save $150)
Ecovacs Deebot T90 Pro Omni — $699 $899.99 (save $200.99)
Roborock Qrevo CurvX — $849.99 $1,499.99 (save $650)
Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow — $849.99 $999.99 (save $150 at Best Buy)
Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 — $799.99 $1,299.99 (save $500)
Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete — $1,459.99 $1,699.99 (save $240)
3i G10+ — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)
Dreame D20 — $219.99 $269.99 (save $50)
Roborock Q7 M5+ — $249.99 $359.99 (save $90)
Roborock Q10 S5+ — $279.99 $549.99 (save $270)
Shark AI Ultra — $289.99 $599 (save $309.01)
iRobot Roomba 105X — $129.99 $249.99 (save $120)
Note: You don't need to be a Prime member to shop most of these early deals, but that will change come the official Prime Day kickoff on June 23.
I stopped paying for creator apps after finding these 4 open-source tools
I've been creating content for more than 20 years, and the tools have changed a lot in that time. In many ways, they're better than ever. It's easier to record a screen, capture video, clean up a rough audio track, cut together a simple edit, and get a file into the format I need. The problem is that many of the tools built for that work have also gotten more expensive, especially as more companies have moved toward subscriptions.
I replaced these 3 subscriptions with a Raspberry Pi and never looked back
You’ve probably noticed that your monthly subscription costs keep creeping up. Within the last few years, most of my favorite services hiked their prices.
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Linux desktop environments have never been better. Modern distributions offer polished graphical interfaces, excellent software stores, and user-friendly applications that make it possible to accomplish almost anything without touching a terminal.
