Blogroll
Google announces the Googlebook, a new breed of built-for-Gemini laptops
Welcome to the world, Googlebook. Google announced the new eponymous category of AI laptops at the Android Show: I/O Edition on Tuesday. Think of it as the lovechild of a Chromebook and a Copilot+ PC, Microsoft's term for AI-designed Windows laptops.
"Over 15 years ago, we introduced the Chromebook, a laptop built for a cloud-first world," Google Senior Director Alex Kuscher said in a blog post. "Now, as computing shifts from an operating system to an intelligence system, we see an opportunity to rethink laptops again."
When the first models are released in the fall, Googlebooks will run Android apps like Chromebooks, but they'll place a heavier emphasis on features powered by Gemini, Google's AI assistant. Kuscher said Googlebooks are "the first laptops designed from the ground up for Gemini Intelligence."
The Googlebook will let users create their own widgets with AI. Credit: Google SEE ALSO: Everything we learned at The Android Show: I/O Edition 2026It also sounds like Googlebooks will have a different operating system, one that's not ChromeOS. Google hasn't specified which one, just that it'll be "a modern OS that’s designed for Intelligence," wrote Kuscher. He's almost certainly talking about Project Aluminum, Google's rumored ChromeOS x Android mashup.
Chromebooks have been gaining more integrated AI tools in recent years, so it makes sense that Google is finally going full-send on proper AI PCs. Whether consumers actually want them is another story.
Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creator today!
Googlebook features The Googlebook's 'Magic Pointer' in action. Credit: GoogleGooglebooks will support a "Magic Pointer" cursor feature that uses Gemini to understand and act upon onscreen content. You can activate it just by wiggling your cursor. "Point at a date in an email to set up a meeting, or select two images — like your living room and a new couch — to instantly visualize them together," said Kuscher, describing two hypothetical use cases.
Googlebooks will also have a "Create your Widget" tool that lets the user make custom widgets with Gemini prompts.
Google said the new laptops will integrate seamlessly with Android phones. While they can run Android apps themselves, you can also cast apps onto them from mobile devices without needing to download anything. Additionally, a "Quick Access" feature lets you view and search files on your phone right from a Googlebook.
Stay tuned for Googlebook hardware deets A Touch ID-like key on an unreleased Googlebook laptop. Credit: GoogleGoogle is just teasing Googlebooks for now, so we don't have any concrete spec details or launch dates. But we do know they'll have a characteristic "glowbar" lightstrip on their lids, and that the first models will be made by Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, per the announcement blog post. Kuscher goes on to note that "Every Googlebook will be built with premium craftsmanship and materials, coming in a variety of shapes and sizes."
Credit: Google Credit: GoogleGoogle's press materials also describe Googlebooks as having a "Featherweight Design" with "Heavyweight Power," so I'm thinking they'll be mid- to upper-range ultraportables.
Googlebooks will almost certainly be more expensive than most Chromebooks, which themselves have evolved from budget devices to more premium machines in recent years. The highest-end Chromebooks now sit between $750 and $1,000.
UPDATE: May. 12, 2026, 1:07 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with additional photos.
Samsung releases One UI 9 beta for your Galaxy S26—here's what's new
Days after releasing an update for older phones, Samsung is releasing the first One UI 9 beta for Galaxy S26 owners. It will be available in the U.S., U.K., Germany, India, Poland, and South Korea this week if you've signed up through the Samsung Members app.
With this $199.99 Amazon deal, you could get two Shark TurboBlade fans for the price of one Dyson fan
SAVE $50: As of May 12, the Shark TurboBlade bladeless tower fan is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's a 20 percent drop from its usual $249.99, marking a new record-low sale price.
Shark TurboBlade Fan $199.99 at Amazon$249.99 Save $50 Get Deal at Amazon
Think back to last summer: Did you have trouble sleeping, working from home, or simply existing because it was too damn hot? Don't wait for the next heat wave to find a solution. Just grab the beloved Shark TurboBlade tower fan while it's on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's its lowest sale price to date.
For what it's worth, we'd be recommending the TurboBlade even at full price — it didn't receive a Special Mention in Time's Best Inventions of 2025 award list for nothing. The TurboBlade fan doesn't just oscillate a few inches to the left and right like your average tower fan. Its claim to fame is the ability to swivel 180 degrees horizontally and vertically to customize the perfect airflow angle (perhaps you'd want it horizontal over your bed at night and vertical in a hot kitchen while you're cooking). Airflow from the vent at the end of each arm can also be adjusted independently of each other. Choose from 10 speeds and noise levels with the tiny magnetic remote that sticks on the fan itself.
SEE ALSO: Dyson just launched its first-ever portable fan for $99Mashable contributor Lauren Allain got a ton of use out of the TurboBlade at home: "I hate a hot room when working out, but it’s not worth turning down the central heating for my 30-minute rowing session since that would cool the entire house. Instead, I carried the TurboBlade Cool + Heat with me, positioned it in front of the rower, and took off on my workout in cooling bliss.
Plus, the wind made my stationary rowing machine feel a lot more like I was actually out on the water and not stuck working out inside, thanks to December rain."
Note that the model on sale today is the TurboBlade fan without the heat setting that Lauren tested, though their physical designs are nearly identical. Skipping the heater part will save you $180 over the TurboBlade Cool + Heat, which is currently going for $379.99 at Amazon. You could also buy two Shark TurboBlades for the same price as Dyson's cheapest bladeless fan.
Pre-order the Google Fitbit Air at Amazon and get a free Active Band
SAVE $34.99: Pre-order the Google Fitbit Air at Amazon for its list price of $99.99 and get the Active Band for free, which usually costs $34.99. The release date is set for May 26.
Opens in a new window Credit: Google Fitbit Air + Active Band $99.99 at Amazon$134.98 Save $34.99 Get Deal
Last week, Google introduced us to the Fitbit Air, the latest in the lineup of Fitbits. But this one focuses on being lightweight and unnoticeable to wear. It even has a screen-less design. The watch it set to release on May 26 and pre-orders at Amazon are in for a special treat.
As of May 12, pre-orders at Amazon for the Google Fitbit Air come with a free Active Band which usually sells for $34.99.
If you've been thinking about getting a new fitness tracker, consider getting the latest release from Fitbit. It's the brand's first screen-less tracker (think Whoop design) and it comes with plenty of great features. Maybe best of all, it's under $100, which is nearly unheard of in the world of fitness trackers.
SEE ALSO: Preorder the new Google Fitbit Air and get a free $35 credit at the Google StoreThanks to Amazon's preorder offering, you can get the Fitbit Air with its included band and get a free silicone Active Band. This band will be ideal for workouts, swimming, or showering with the watch on since it's waterproof. Keep in mind this deal gives a free Active Band in a small size which is designed to fit wrists with a circumference of 130 to 175 mm.
If you'll need the larger size, consider pre-ordering from Google. You can buy the watch for the normal $99.99 price and Google will toss in a free $35 Google Store credit which you can use to purchase an additional band.
Before the watch launches on May 26, pre-order with the benefit of getting a free Active Band. It'll be a great start to life with a new fitness tracker.
Score $300 off the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 gaming laptop
SAVE $300: As of May 12, get the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 gaming laptop for $2,399.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $2,699.99. That's a discount of 11%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 gaming laptop $2,399.99 at Amazon$2,699.99 Save $300 Get Deal
Building a gaming PC these days can be expensive. If you need an upgrade to enjoy some of the bigger titles coming out in the second half of 2026, you might want to turn to a gaming laptop instead. And we've found a fantastic option that's on sale right now if you're ready to dive in.
As of May 12, get the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 gaming laptop for $2,399.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $2,699.99. That's $300 off and a discount of 11%.
SEE ALSO: The 3 best gaming laptops with Nvidia GPUs in 2025, so farThis laptop is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, so it's primed and ready for you to jump in and play the latest games. It has 32GB of DDR5 RAM, a 2TB Gen 4 SSD, and an 18-inch screen that's large and in charge with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 240Hz G-Sync ability. In short, it's a bad boy that you'll be able to rely on to play new and old favorites.
These specs offer desktop-level performance in a compact package. It's AI-ready, and DLSS 4 compatible, with ray tracing support powered by the RTX 50 series. It supports Wi-Fi 6E so you can stay connected when it counts, and it has a customizable complete LED keyboard with a numpad to help make it feel like "yours".
This is a powerful laptop that's well worth picking up, even without the discount, so grab it while the deal is sweetened and you'll be ready to game all this summer and beyond.
Home Depots Decor Days sale is huge, but ends soon: Save up to 50% on furniture, washable rugs, more
We must prioritize giving ourselves something to look forward to in Times Like These — even if that "something" is a squiggly wall mirror or desperately-needed new patio furniture. Home Depot's Decor Days sale is live through May 13 for your spring home refresh urges, offering up to 50% off in nearly every home category you can think of.
Tableware and barware — up to 25% off
Closet organizers — up to 30% off
Patio furniture and outdoor fireplaces — up to 35% off
Living room furniture — up to 40% off
Area rugs, including washable rugs and outdoor rugs — up to 50% off
Artificial plants — up to 50% off
Bedding — up to 50% off
Mattresses — up to 50% off
While not officially part of the Decor Days sale, there are a ton of deals on power tools live through the end of May 12.
SEE ALSO: There's a new final boss of frozen drink makers: The Ninja Slushi Twist can mix 2 flavors, still no ice neededOne thing that jumped out at us: If the Netflix documentary about microplastics freaked you out, there are a ton of non-toxic home swaps baked into these Home Depot deals. We found 100% cotton sheets and comforters, affordable natural fiber rugs, and a big stainless steel cookware set on sale.
We have a feeling you'll end up finding inspo for more rooms than originally planned, so good thing just about everything has free delivery.
Get your game on with the Acer Wireless Gaming Headset for under $50
SAVE $7: As of May 12, get the Acer Wireless Gaming Headset for $35.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $42.99. That's a discount of 16%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Acer Wireless Gaming Headset $35.99 at Amazon$42.99 Save $7 Get Deal
If you play a lot of online games, a headset is essential. You'll want to make sure you're able to answer and chat with your teammates, no matter whether you're in a co-op adventure or a deathmatch. We found one that's not only affordable, but features great sound and microphones for chatting with the folks you're playing with from Acer.
As of May 12, get the Acer Wireless Gaming Headset for $35.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $42.99. That's $7 off and a discount of 16%.
SEE ALSO: The LG Ultragear WQHD OLED curved gaming monitor hits new record-low price at Amazon — save over $800This gaming headset comes with 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for seamless, low-latency audio under 15ms. You'll get 3D stereo, precise sound field positioning, and more all in a modest package, all for under $50.
It features 50mm dynamic drivers for deep bass and satisfying sound with a 20Hz - 20kHz range, with immersive audio to make you feel like you're really inside of your favorite game. That can help you pinpoint audio from enemies or teammates who think they're flying under the radar.
Its noise-canceling microphone can cut out noise from wherever you are and whatever you have going on in the background, with a 270-degree adjustable boom and one-tap mute button. Plus, you can leave it on and keep gaming as long as you want with up to 100 hours of battery life, and a 10-minute charge offering a 3-hour top-up.
If you've been looking for an affordable new headset, this is an excellent option to go with. Be sure to grab yours while it's still on sale.
5 best superhero shows that aren't Marvel or DC
In today's age, it really feels like there are endless amounts of superhero content, but most of the time, it’s coming directly from Marvel or DC. Now, there is nothing wrong with that. There’s a reason those companies have been around for decades. Sometimes, we need a break from Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, and all these heroes that we know.
The one router setting I change every time I set up a new network
Most of the time when you set up a router, the process only involves setting up a Wi-Fi name and password. If you stop there, you're missing out.
Nintendo just announced a new Switch 2 bundle that lets you choose your own game
The price hike on the Nintendo Switch 2 we all anticipated was made official earlier this month. Customers in the U.S. will now pay $50 more for the console ($499.99 instead of $449.99) starting later this year. So, if you're already going to have to dish out more money, you might as well get a free game out of it, right?
Launching in early June, participating retailers will be offering a new Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle for $499.99 (the same price as the console alone will soon be). The bundle includes the Nintendo Switch 2 system along with a download code for your choice of one of these titles: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia. These games cost $79.99, $69.99, and $69.99 respectively.
Nintendo says you'll be saving up to $30 on these games by snagging the bundle, but after the price hike goes into effect, you'd essentially be getting a game of your choice for free. This could be the perfect way for you to finally play the Switch 2 game that you can't stop thinking about (it's Pokopia, isn't it?).
Folks on Reddit are calling the bundle a "smart move" by Nintendo to ease the blow of the price hike. And I can't say they're wrong.
"Offer start date and end date varies by retailer," Nintendo said in the press release. The only details we have are that the bundle will launch in early June and be available for a "limited time" from participating retailers. We'll certainly be keeping an eye out for it in the next few weeks.
Edtech giant Instructure strikes deal with ShinyHunters hackers prior to ransomware deadline
Crisis averted?
Edtech giant Instructure, maker of the popular learning management system (LMS) Canvas, announced that it made a deal with the hacking collective known as ShinyHunters to safeguard the user data the group stole during the recent Instructure data breach.
According to Instructure CEO Steve Daly, ShinyHunters has agreed not to release the stolen data taken in the breach and will not extort any of Canvas's users.
Instructure had its systems breached not once but twice by the hacking collective known as ShinyHunters over the past two weeks. On April 30, the cybercriminals said they were able to extract data belonging to 275 million Canvas users at nearly 9,000 schools worldwide. The affected users included students, teachers, and staff, and the data included usernames, email addresses, student IDs, and private messages exchanged on the platform. Some of Instructure's impacted users are underage students.
Then, in a second incident last week, ShinyHunters defaced the Canvas login pages for numerous schools due to a weakness in the platform's Free-For-Teacher accounts.
The data breaches resulted in Canvas being taken offline multiple times. What's worse, these incidents happened to coincide with finals week for many schools, and the platform downtime resulted in some educational institutions having to reschedule tests and coursework.
ShinyHunters had threatened to release the stolen data if Instructure did not "negotiate a settlement" and pay a ransom by May 12.
Instructure and ShinyHackers strike a dealOn Monday, Instructure announced that it had struck a deal with ShinyHunters, seemingly giving in to at least some of the hackers' demands.
"We know that concerns about the potential publication of data related to this incident remain top of mind for many customers," Daly said in a statement posted to the Instructure website. "We understand how unsettling situations like this can be, and protecting our community remains our top priority. With that responsibility in mind, Instructure reached an agreement with the unauthorized actor involved in this incident."
Instructure said the agreement with ShinyHunters required that the hackers return the stolen data. The company also said that it received "digital confirmation of data destruction" in the form of shred logs.
Finally, the company says it received an agreement from ShinyHunters that individual customers will not be extorted with the stolen data from the Instructure breach. The Canvas-maker says that the agreement that the company made with the hackers "covers all impacted Instructure customers."
"There is no need for individual customers to attempt to engage with the unauthorized actor," Instructure said in its statement.
Instructure didn't share details regarding any sort of monetary arrangement with ShinyHunters. The company also acknowledged that the deal was struck with a party that cannot necessarily be trusted and may not hold up their end of the deal.
"While there is never complete certainty when dealing with cyber criminals, we believe it was important to take every step within our control to give customers additional peace of mind, to the extent possible," Daly said. "We continue to work with expert vendors to support our forensic analysis, further harden our environment, and conduct a comprehensive review of the data involved. We will continue to provide updates as that work progresses."
Instructure says that students, teachers, and other customers affected by the breach can visit the incident response page for further updates.
The indie app exodus: Why developers are abandoning Google's Play Store
I prefer Android over the iPhone because it's an open platform. This is the same reason why many developers choose to create apps for Android. Now, a small but growing number are opting out of putting their apps onto the Play Store, and I can't say I blame them.
Low price alert: The DJI Osmo 360 Essential Combo is on sale at Amazon for over $200 off
SAVE $209.65: The DJI Osmo 360 Essential Combo is on sale at Amazon for $389.35, down from the list price of $599 at DJI. That's a 35% discount that matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo 360 Essential Combo $389.35 at Amazon$599 Save $209.65 Get Deal
The best time to start something new is right now. Today will never return and if you've been thinking about getting creative with capturing content, filming a project today is a great way to jump in. Of course, tomorrow is also an option. To give you an extra push, check out this creator-friendly deal at Amazon.
As of May 12, the DJI Osmo 360 Essential Combo is on sale at Amazon for $389.35, marked down from the list price of $599 at DJI. That's savings of $209.65 from a nice 35% discount that matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.
DJI has long been a creator-favorite brand and the DJI Osmo 360 camera has impressive performance. It can film in full 360-degree footage with 8K resolution. It weighs only 183 grams which works out to about half a pound, so it's highly portable. Inside, it has 105GB of built-in storage and it can record for up to 190 minutes before needing a recharge.
SEE ALSO: The DJI Mini 5 Pro drone is close to record-low price at Amazon — save over $500 right nowDJI worked to make this model especially good for filming at night or in low-light situations. SuperNight mode activates a 1.9 aperture for better footage in dim conditions.
The Essential Combo comes with the camera itself, a carrying case, two batteries, an invisible selfie stick, and more.
Before the record-low sale price vanishes, snatch up the DJI Osmo 360 Essential Combo. Amazon lists this as a limited-time offer so it could jump back to full price at any time. Get it while it's on sale and you'll have a new toy for summer fun.
The beginner and budget-friendly Acer Nitro V 15 gaming laptop is $100 cheaper than usual
SAVE $100: As of May 12, the Acer Nitro V 15 gaming laptop with and Intel Core i5-13420H processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD is on sale for just $699.99. That's 13% off its list price of $799.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V 15 (Intel Core i5-13420H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $699.99 at Amazon$799.99 Save $100 Get Deal
Looking for a gaming laptop that performs well, but won't cost over $1,000? Your search ends with this Acer Nitro V 15 deal.
As of May 12, the 2025 Acer Nitro V 15 gaming laptop with 8GB RAM and 512GB of storage is still on sale for just $699.99 at Amazon. That's $100 off its list price (about 13% in savings) and it includes a free month of Xbox Game Pass. While it's been chilling at this sale price for a week or so, it won't stick around forever. So if you're in the market, we recommend grabbing it sooner rather than later.
Consider this laptop your gateway into gaming. It's not a premium machine, but it handles the basics well at a budget-friendly price. It packs a 15.6-inch FHD IPS panel with a 16:9 ratio and speedy 165Hz refresh rate, as well as plenty of ports for your gaming accessories (HDMI 2.1, USB-C Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2, Ethernet E2600). Under the hood, you'll find a Intel Core i5-13420H processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, and 512GB of solid-state storage.
While it won't win any major awards, it's a great beginner-friendly option for those just getting their feet wet in the gaming world or a solid on-the-go setup for those on a budget. Mashable tested the previous iteration of this laptop and called it "arguably one of the best cheap gaming laptops you can get." Grabbing it for $100 cheaper than usual is honestly a steal.
Korean scientists just proved AI can replace microphones in noisy environments
It’s no secret that AI technology has made leaps and bounds in recent years, and in the year 2026, AI systems have cemented themselves in everyday life for many of us, at least. But there might be a day on the horizon when AI tech has not just changed the way we use traditional microphones, but replaced them entirely.
5 little-known Milwaukee tools that’ll save you hours of work
Milwaukee fans know the company makes all sorts of M12 and M18 tools for a wide variety of uses, from drills and drivers to hand tools, lights, and even lawn mowers. And while most people own a drill, impact driver, or maybe a sawzall and other basics, there are several lesser-known Milwaukee tools that you'll absolutely want to add to your toolbox.
Save over $2,500 while the Anker Solix F3800 Plus is on a major discount at Amazon
SAVE $2,504.01: The Anker Solix F3800 Plus portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $2,294.99, down from the list price at Anker of $4,799. That's a 52% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix F3800 Plus $2,294.99 at Amazon$4,799 Save $2,504.01 Get Deal
Summer fun is just around the corner. Soon we'll be barbecuing in the backyard, spending the day at the beach, and going on hikes in the wildflowers. But if you live in an area that's prone to summer storms, you might be dreading the inevitable power outages. Instead of dealing with going off grid, upgrade your home's system with a portable power station. There's a major sale on a huge model today.
As of May 12, the Anker Solix F3800 Plus portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $2,294.99, down from the list price at Anker of $4,799. That's a 52% discount that saves shoppers a massive $2,504.01.
The Anker Solix F3800 Plus does not mess around with power. It comes with 3,840Wh of battery capacity and the ability to support a 6,000W output. Anker says this capacity is ideal for keeping the house on-grid for a day. If you're looking for more power, you can add up to six Anker Solix BP3800 expansion batteries to the mix which will keep things powered up for nearly one week.
SEE ALSO: The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus power station is massively discounted at Amazon — save over $1,000If your home has solar panels, the Solix F3800 Plus is capable of connecting with up to 3,200W of solar power for recharging. That'll be excellent for summer storms that end with bright sunlight. The dual voltage 120V/240V means there are no limitations to what the power station can run in your house, from the refrigerator to the dryer.
Before this sale price disappears, get support for power outages with the Solix F3800 Plus. You'll be saving over $2,500 thanks to today's deal at Amazon.
I tried 5 Home Assistant media integrations, but only 3 were worth the effort
Home Assistant has more integrations than you could shake a stick at. Some of them can be really useful, while others are less helpful. I tried five different media integrations for Home Assistant, and while all of them were useful, only three of them really hit the spot.
Grow your collection with this discounted Magic: The Gathering Edge of Eternities - Play Booster Box
SAVE $35.70: As of May 12, get the Magic: The Gathering Edge of Eternities - Play Booster Box for $129 at Amazon, down from is usual price of $164.70. That's a discount of 22%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Magic: The Gathering Edge of Eternities - Play Booster Box $129 at Amazon$164.70 Save $35.70 Get Deal
Looking for a way to add tons of new cards to your Magic: The Gathering collection, or need a quick way to build a deck? A booster box is where it's at. Right now, you can save big on one of the game's more recent expansions if you head to Amazon.
As of May 12, get the Magic: The Gathering Edge of Eternities - Play Booster Box for $129 at Amazon, down from is usual price of $164.70. That's $35.70 off and a discount of 22%.
SEE ALSO: The 30-pack Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box is now under $120 at AmazonThis booster box contains 30 booster packs from the intergalactic Edge of Eternities collection, which marks the game's first space-centric set. It features a wide variety of spaceships, planets, exploration cards, and much more with gorgeous art you'll love straight out of a sci-fi novel.
Not only is the artwork based on jaw-dropping interplanetary ships and space-centric content, but this expansion adds four new mechanics to the game: Station, Warp, Landers, and the Void. Each Play booster comes with 1-4 cards of rarity Rare or higher, including a shining Traditional Foil card of any rarity in every pack.
So if you're looking for an economical way to add a mass of new cards to your stash or you want to build a new deck from scratch from a different expansion than, now's the time to jump on this deal. You never know when Magic cards are going to go on sale these days, and it's best to act quickly when they do.
How to build an automated Gantt chart in Excel from scratch
You don't need expensive project management software to build a professional timeline. With a few formulas and conditional formatting rules, you can use Excel to create a dynamic, color-coded Gantt chart that updates automatically as your project changes.


