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Get the PlayStation DualSense controller (midnight black) for $54 at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 18:32

SAVE 28%: As of June 3, you can get the PlayStation DualSense wireless controller in Midnight Black for just $54 at Amazon, down from $74.99. That's a 28% discount or $20.99 savings.

PlayStation DualSense wireless controller $54 at Amazon
$74.99 Save $20.99   Get Deal at Amazon

I know we're still a few weeks out from Prime Day (starting June 23), but Amazon's throwing out early discounts left and right. And if you're looking for a new PS5 controller, now's the time to get one.

SEE ALSO: Surprise, surprise: Target Circle Deal Days will go head to head with Amazon Prime Day this year

As of June 3, you can get the PlayStation DualSense wireless controller in Midnight Black for just $54 at Amazon, down from $74.99. That's a 28% discount or $20.99 savings. It's also the lowest price we've seen this controller go for since last December.

This controller comes with features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, plus a built-in mic and a headphone jack, so you can chat with your friends. You also don't need a console to use it; you can connect the DualSense controller to a PC, Mac, or phone using Bluetooth or a USB-C cord. (The controller doesn't come with a cable, so you'll have to use one you already have at home.)

There’s a "deal selling fast" badge right on the listing, and I believe it. Over 10,000 people have bought one in the past month alone. So if you need an extra controller or just want to replace a busted one, you might want to jump on this deal before it's gone.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sonys WH-CH520 headphones are only $38 at Amazon right now

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 18:16

SAVE 46%: As of June 3, you can get the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones for $38 at Amazon, down from $69.99. That's a 46% discount or $31.99 savings.

Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones $38 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $31.99   Get Deal at Amazon

With Prime Day right around the corner (can you believe it's that time of year again?), Amazon's getting customers ready with Early Prime Day deals — there's a little tab for it and everything.

SEE ALSO: Review: The Nothing Headphone (a) are the best headphones from the brand yet

One of the best deals I've seen so far is on the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones. These babies will usually cost you around $69.99, but Amazon's selling them for $38 right now. Of course, there's a "deal selling fast" badge on the page, because this is obviously a steal. It's also the lowest price we've ever tracked for these headphones. (If Amazon's already giving us record-low prices, then we can't wait to see what they'll do when the actual sale's here.)

For less than $40, you'll get up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge (if you run out of juice, a quick three-minute charge will get you an extra 90 minutes), hands-free calling, and multi-device connection. They're not noise-canceling, but for $40 and a name like Sony, can you really beat these features?

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 entertaining Prime Video miniseries you can finish on a plane ride

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 18:15

The calendar has turned to June, and summer is almost officially in full swing. Many of the major streaming services, including Prime Video, do not release their biggest shows during this period, electing to save them for the fall or spring. This makes it the ideal time to catch up on shows you might have missed during the year.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Keep an eye on your home with 33% off the Eufy Security SoloCam E30

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 18:09

SAVE $50.01: As of June 3, get the Eufy Security SoloCam E30 for $99.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $149.99. That's a discount of 33%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Eufy Security SoloCam E30 $99.98 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.01   Get Deal

A great security camera is a must if you want to make sure you keep an eye on your home. Whether you want to be able to watch your porch when you're away for people who could steal your packages or just have an idea of who darkens your doorstep, they're a great help when it comes to peace of mind. And if you want a simple option that can help with all those things without breaking the bank, we've found one that's on sale now.

As of June 3, get the Eufy Security SoloCam E30 for $99.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $149.99. That's $50.01 off and a discount of 33%.

SEE ALSO: Readers' Choice: Your favorite smart security cameras

This camera offers 360-degree vision to show you every corner and nook and cranny wherever you place it. Its wide viewing angle makes it a no-brainer for your yard, driveway, porch, or wherever you want an extra pair of eyes. It has 2K footage that offers great image quality as well as a removable solar panel to provide plenty of additional battery power with just two hours of sun daily.

It uses AI motion detection and built-in smart tracking to keep an eye on people, cars, pets, and other security events to keep the false alerts to a minimum. And perhaps the most important part of all is the fact that it doesn't require a monthly fee to use. You can simply insert a microSD card to record all your footage and save it locally.

If you need a security camera with all the bells and whistles of a more expensive option, this one is it. Just be sure to grab it while it's on sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Heated Rivalry Fleece is finally here, and it costs $257 USD

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 18:03

PREORDERS ARE LIVE: Hurry to snag a limited-edition Heated Rivalry Fleece from Province of Canada for $257. The brand expects to ship all orders between Oct. 1 and 15. Preorders are limited to one Fleece per order.

Opens in a new window Credit: Province of Canada 'Heated Rivalry' fleece $257 at Province of Canada
  Pre-order Here

We've been waiting for this moment. The Heated Rivalry Fleece is finally here, and we're gonna wear it to the cottage every day. Here's what you need to know.

Preorders for the Heated Rivalry Fleece went live at Province of Canada at noon E.T. on June 3. The Fleece is selling for $257 USD ($356 CAD), and the shipping fee to the U.S. is set at $25 CAD, which works out to about $18 USD. Orders are limited to one fleece per customer; however, more than one order can ship to the same address.

SEE ALSO: 'Heated Rivalry' Season 1 is officially coming to DVD. Here's how to preorder.

Keep in mind that Fleeces are not eligible for return or exchange. At the time of preorder, there are no additional duties, taxes, or tariffs on products shipped from Canada to the U.S. However, that could change between now and the expected shipping date in October.

Yes, the price is steep, but for some people, it's well worth the investment. The Fleece was designed and made in Canada, in collaboration with Heated Rivalry costume designer Hanna Puley. The outer sherpa fleece material contains wool and recycled polyester, while the inner is lined in a cotton fabric for extra comfort and breathability. The zipper pulls say "Heated Rivalry," while the back features the iconic "Canada" black lettering.

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Sizes range from XS to 5XL, and you can check out the size chart here to make sure you get the perfect fit.

Happy shopping, loons!

Categories: IT General, Technology

I can now plug untrusted computers into my network without fear—here's why managed switches change everything

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 18:00

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of a managed Ethernet switch was? I wondered that for years until I finally used one. Managed Ethernet switches are extremely powerful in a homelab, and mine has completely changed how I connect computers to the internet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nanoleaf is evolving from smart home lights to robotics with the help of a major merger

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 17:58

Nanoleaf is synonymous with the smart desk and wall lights that YouTubers and Twitch streamers love, but it's pivoting away from them toward robotics and AI — and just secured a big merger to help make that happen. OneRobotics, the owner of smart home heavyweight SwitchBot, has agreed to acquire Nanoleaf for $40 million.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Our favorite budget headphones with noise cancellation are back under $50

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 17:50

SAVE $30: As of June 3, the Mashable-approved JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones are down to just $49.95 at Amazon in several color options. That's 38% off their list price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones $49.95
$79.99 Save $30.04   Get Deal

For headphones you've probably never heard of, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC have earned quite a few accolades from Mashable's shopping team. Not only did we crown them the best budget headphones for students and the best noise-cancelling budget pick for flying, but also the best budget headphones overall in 2026. In other words, if you want a solid pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones that won't break the bank, our vote goes to the JBuds Lux ANC — particularly when they're on sale.

As of June 3, the Mashable-approved JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones are down to only $49.95 at Amazon in sage green, mauve, cloud white, and graphite. That's $30 or 38% off their list price of $79.99. There's a good chance we'll see an even better price drop come Prime Day (June 23-26), but if you don't feel like waiting, this discount is pretty dang good.

So, what makes these headphones stand out amongst the rest?

"They have functional ANC, decent comfort, great sound balance, and a killer battery life, all with a design that doesn't feel overtly budget-friendly," according to Bethany Allard, one of Mashable's headphones experts. While they won't completely silence the world around you like high-dollar headphones, they can certainly take the edge off in a loud environment.

Allard adds that you'll probably want to play around with the EQ to find the preset or settings that sound best to you. But once you do, you'll be wowed.

They may not be the crème de la crème of noise-cancelling headphones, but the JLab JBuds Lux ANC will have you feeling like you're balling on a budget. They're hard to beat even at full price, but we certainly won't complain about a $30 discount.

Categories: IT General, Technology

HGTV hive, rise up: The best Shark robot vacuum and cordless stick vacuum just dropped in 4 earth tones

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 17:46
Shop the Shark Luxe Home collection Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty — Luxe Collection $499.99 Shop Now Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 — Luxe Collection $1,299.99 Shop Now

Shark just realized something that other vacuum brands haven't really realized before: Vacuums are allowed to be a color other than black or white.

Announced June 3, the Shark Home Luxe collection features the top Shark robot vacuum and the top Shark cordless vacuum in four chic earth tones. "As robot vacuums and cordless systems become a more visible part of everyday living, consumers are increasingly looking for products that feel more cohesive with their spaces instead of something they want to hide away," the press release stated.

I couldn't feel more seen. I can't remember the last time I reviewed a robot vacuum or cordless vacuum and didn't consider their curb appeal. Living in an apartment with limited floor space, any big, fancy self-emptying vacuum has to be set up in the main living space where it'll be seen every day.

Green velvet couch community, meet sage green vacuum Credit: Shark Credit: Shark

The decision to shift to fun colors seems like a simple one, but I learned during a briefing that the Luxe collection's design process was actually quite complex.

Shark's design team was inspired by elements of nature that are already reflected in our homes through furniture, floors, and walls. The greens aren't just green, they're "sagewood" or "evergreen." Brown and tan? More like "espresso" and "oatstone." Whether your decor style is modern, rustic, boho, or some eclectic mix that only you can accurately describe, the Luxe Home collection has a color you'll vibe with.

SEE ALSO: Comparing the best art TVs: How to decide between The Frame and its growing list of competitors

Past the color palette, the design team used ribbed textures, metallic details, and satin finishes to maximize the general visual interest of each vacuum. The goal was to add a touch of natural luxury to the muted organic hues that were chosen — and to get far, far away from the utilitarian slab of technology that we've been forced to accept in our vacuums for years.

Most surprisingly, both Luxe collections are priced identically to their "regular" counterparts: The Luxe Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty costs $499.99, and the Luxe Shark UV Reveal robot vacuum costs $1,299.99. Let's explore your options.

Shark PowerDetect Speed The Shark Luxe Home PowerDetect Speed comes in Walnut, Oatstone, Sagewood, and Harbor Slate.  Credit: Shark

Just released in April 2026, the Shark PowerDetect Speed is Shark's newest cordless stick vacuum. The Speed harnesses some of Shark's most heavy-duty suction power to date, contained in a body that's more than a pound lighter than the previous version of the Shark PowerDetect.

The first PowerDetect vacuum has been my go-to recommendation for pet hair for nearly two years. Now that I have the sagewood version of the PowerDetect Speed at home for testing, I already have a feeling that this will be my new stick vacuum to hype for carpets. Suction is so strong that you can feel the brush rolls digging into carpet fibers, but with carefully-designed airflow that's still easy to push across a rug.

The PowerDetect Speed charges on the included self-empty station. Credit: Shark The PowerDetect Speed's wand has a hinge for easier cleaning under furniture. Credit: Shark

Since the vacuum empties itself every time you put it back on the dock, you're starting each new cleaning session with an empty dustbin — you'll be able to see proof of exactly how much gray fluff was pulled from just the room at hand.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty — Luxe Collection $499.99 at SharkNinja
"Sagewood" is exclusive to sharkninja.com. Shop Now Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 robot vacuum The Luxe Home UV Reveal robot vacuum is available in Espresso, Evergreen, Deep Harbor, and Ivory.  Credit: Shark

The Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal robot vacuum is one of the most innovative robot vacuum and mop combos of 2026 so far, and is easily the best Shark robot vacuum of, well, ever.

During each cleaning mission, this Shark bot repeatedly scans hard floors with a UV light to find any invisible stains that you'd otherwise miss. If something's detected, the UV Reveal kicks into hardcore spot cleaning mode. That involves scrubbing from multiple angles with 1,000 sonic vibrations per minute.

In my testing, the UV Reveal stumbled across hidden dried puddles on multiple occasions (one was cat puke runoff that wasn't cleaned up well, one was just the sticky liquid that always forms near the cat food and water bowls). I didn't know they were there, and neither did the AI stain detection cameras of the other high-end robot vacuums I was testing. It's a pretty mesmerizing process to watch, NGL — and after seeing the time spent on mopping each dirty area, I can confirm that my hardwood felt quite sanitary once the UV Reveal was done.

The monochrome ivory design feels less sterile than straight-up white. Credit: Shark Gold accents elegantly tie the dock and vacuum together. Credit: Shark

As Mashable's resident vacuum reviewer, there are three to seven robot vacuums under my roof at all times. I'm all too familiar with the plasticky black, white, or gray (if the brand was really feeling kooky) docks that cheapen the curation of my cozy jewel-toned living room. During a briefing about the Luxe Home launch, one Shark designer was really speaking my language: "Robot vacuums have been black and white discs for so long, and we're doing consumers such a disservice by not giving them options that fit their life," he said. "There are a lot of opportunities to add delight in areas [cleaning] that people hadn't expected."

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop — Luxe Collection $1,299.99 at SharkNinja
"Evergreen" is exclusive to sharkninja.com. Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Google Fitbit Ace Kids is on sale for under $100 to help kids stay on track this summer

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 17:37

SAVE $80: The Google Fitbit Ace kids smartwatch is on sale at Amazon for $99.95, down from the list price of $179.95. That's a 44% discount that matches the best price we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Fitbit Ace $99.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $80.00   Get Deal

Now that we're in the beginning of June, the kids are wrapping up the school year in most areas of the country. If not, they're already sitting around the house asking how much screen time is allowed today. If you're hunting for a fun end-of-the-school year gift that doubles as incentive to stay active this summer, Amazon has the perfect deal.

As of June 3, the Google Fitbit Ace kids smartwatch is on sale at Amazon for $99.95, marked down from the list price of $179.95. That's a 44% discount that takes a hefty $80 off the price. It also matches the best price we've seen at Amazon.

The Fitbit Ace comes with great features we've come to love on fitness trackers that double as smartwatches, but aimed for kids. It comes with fun incentives to keep kids achieving daily quests like reaching their move goal. The "Noodle" on the perimeter of the watch face is a fun way for kids to quickly glance at the day's goals. Daily quests include activities like reaching a step count. You can also set monthly family quests.

SEE ALSO: Fitbit Air reviews: Is it time for a fitness tracker upgrade?

The Fitbit Ace can accommodate messages and calls from up to 20 contacts, for those who are ages 13 and up. Teens can also join a family group chat. When the kids go back to school at the end of summer, you can limit gameplay during school hours while still allowing kids to get in touch should they need to.

To help kids stay on a healthy routine this summer, snag the Google Fitbit Ace kids smartwatch at Amazon for under $100. It'll be a fun activity for kids while giving parents peace of mind they can always get in touch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google will allow websites to opt out of AI overviews

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 17:26

Google is giving website owners the ability to opt out of having their content appear in AI-powered search features, the company announced today. It's a notable concession from the search giant, which has faced mounting pressure from publishers and European regulators over declining traffic and AI search tools.

"[We're] actively listening to feedback from publishers and creators, and engaging with regulators like the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority to ensure website owners have the right tools as user preferences evolve, reads a Google blog post. "Today, we're beginning to test a new control that lets website owners manage how their links and content appear in generative AI Search features."

According to the blog post, a new toggle in Google Search Console will let site owners control whether their content appears in AI Overviews, AI Mode, and AI Overviews in Google Discover. Site owners who opt out won't have their content used to inform AI responses, but they also won't receive any traffic or impressions from those features. Google was also explicit that the opt-out will not affect how sites rank in traditional search results.

SEE ALSO: How often does Gemini 3.5 Flash hallucinate or lie? Google isn't saying.

The company is also rolling out new Search Console insights that show publishers how their pages are performing in AI search features, including impression data and which pages are surfacing in AI responses and in which countries. Both the opt-out control and the new analytics are launching first to a subset of UK website owners before a broader global rollout.

The announcement is a response to pressure that has been building for some time. The Wall Street Journal reported last year that organic search traffic to major publishers had fallen dramatically since Google began rolling out AI features, which have persistent issues with accuracy, hallucinations, and spelling. Google has pushed back on that framing, arguing in today's post that users of AI Overviews and AI Mode are searching more often and are more satisfied with search overall.

The company also says it has increased the number of links in AI responses, added website previews to encourage clickthroughs, and recently introduced a Preferred Sources feature that lets users choose which sites appear more prominently in AI results.

The opt-out announcement lands weeks after Google's I/O 2026 developer conference, where the company unveiled an aggressive expansion of its AI search ambitions. New Search agents that monitor the web around the clock on users' behalf, a conversational follow-up feature for AI Overviews, and a redesigned AI Search Box — the biggest update to Google's search bar in over 25 years — were among the announcements that signaled how central AI has become to Google's vision for search.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 Android Bluetooth settings that can improve your audio (and 3 that won't)

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 17:15

If you've got a new pair of headphones, but the sound quality is barely better than what you've got on your old pair, you're not imagining things. Android often defaults to Bluetooth settings that prioritize stability and low latency over pure sound quality, which can hold your audio back. If music quality matters to you, it's worth tweaking the settings to maximize sound quality.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Surprise, surprise: Target Circle Deal Days will go head to head with Amazon Prime Day this year

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 17:13

To continue the tradition of retailers going head to head with Amazon during major sale events, Target just announced its competing Prime Day sale for 2026: Target Circle Deal Days. While the retailer typically outlasts Prime Day with a Circle Week event, this year's Deal Days sale directly overlaps Amazon's now four-day shopping extravaganza from June 23 through 26.

Like Amazon's members-only sale, Target's Deal Days sale event is designed to reward members of the Target Circle loyalty program with exclusive access to seasonal savings. Unlike Amazon, however, Target Circle is totally free to join.

If past sales are any indicator, we expect deals to cover just about every category during the event and we expect Target to elevate the shopping experience with plenty of rewards. Here's a breakdown of everything we know about the Deal Days sale so far.

When is Target Circle Deal Days?

Target will go head to head with Amazon Prime Day 2026 with its Deal Days event running from June 23 through 26. While the sale is open to all Target Circle members, paid Target Circle 360 members will get early access beginning June 22.

How to sign up for Target Circle membership

As I mentioned before, Target Circle is completely free to join, though there is a paid membership tier as well that unlocks same-day delivery (for orders over $35), free two-day shipping, 120-day returns, and exclusive monthly gifts and discounts.

If you're not a member yet, we recommend waiting until June 14 to sign up. According to a company press release, customers who sign up between June 14 and 22 will be rewarded.

Here's a breakdown of the new member offers:

  • Customers who join Target Circle June 14–22 will get 15% off their first purchase.

  • Customers who apply for a Target Circle Card between June 14–26 (and are approved) will get $100 in Target Circle Rewards

  • Customers who join Target Circle 360 with an annual membership June 14–26 will receive 50% off their first year

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Sign up for Target Circle Free to join Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Target Sign up for Target Circle 360 $99/year Get Deal Best deals to shop during Target Circle Deal Days

Target Circle Deal Days will showcase deals up to 45% off on everything from kitchen gadgets to outdoor gear to back-to-school essentials.

"Busy families are looking for ways to save money as they balance summer plans with back-to-school and college prep," Target's executive vice president Sarah Travis says in a press release. "We're meeting that need without compromising on the style and fun we know they love about Target." In other words, expect top brands and trendy products to get the deal treatment.

While we won't know specifics until the sale nears, Target has provided an overview of some of the best deals we can expect.

Best four-day offers for Circle members
  • Up to 45% off select kitchen items including Cuisinart, Keurig and Ninja

  • Up to 45% off select floorcare including Bissell, Hoover and Sharper Image

  • 40% off back-to-school and college essentials including: JanSport backpacks, Casaluna and Threshold bedding and bath items, select writing tools from BIC, Expo, Paper Mate and Sharpie

  • 40% off select women's clothing including A New Day and Universal Thread

  • 40% off select beauty items, including Hot Tools, KISS and Revlon

  • 40% off Sun Squad outdoor gear and coolers

Deal of the Day

Throughout the four-day sale, one-day-only offers will pop up each day. Some of those include 40% off or more on select items from national brands like Igloo, Sun Bum, Crocs, Goodfellow, Pillowfort, and more.

Exclusive Target Circle member in-store offer

If you're a Circle member and choose to shop in stores on June 23 (the first day of the Deal Days event), you'll be rewarded with a free hot or iced brewed coffee or Bullseye cookie in stores with a Starbucks coffeehouse. To redeem yours, just scan the barcode in the Wallet tab of your Target app at the Starbucks checkout.

Categories: IT General, Technology

10 strangest things found in Ubers in the past year

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 17:10

Have you ever lost anything in an Uber vehicle before? If so, it was probably something normal, like a phone. Some people were not so lucky.

Uber published its 10th annual Lost & Found index on its website this week, highlighting some of the most unusual things people left in cars over the past year, while acknowledging some wider trends along the way. Uber's list of most unusual objects left in cars is pretty long, so we figured we would curate our 10 favorites for you. Here's what we came up with, in no particular order:

  • Grass

  • Dentures with two teeth

  • Two wedding gowns

  • Ankle monitor

  • Brand new mini fridge

  • Package of live butterflies

  • Police radio

  • Live fish

  • Donny Osmond group photo

  • Handcuffs

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

For at least a couple of those, you can sort of rationalize how they might have gotten left in an Uber. For example, I can easily see some forgetful person loading up a new mini fridge for transport and then just departing the car without grabbing it. Live butterflies and a live fish are a little harder to explain, though, as are the two wedding gowns. I could understand someone leaving one wedding gown in a car, but two is a bit bizarre.

Uber also published a list of the top 10 most commonly forgotten items, which is entirely more understandable. It includes phones, wallets, luggage, keys, and headphones, among other things you'd definitely expect people to leave in a car. New York City also ranked as the most forgetful city in the U.S., which is just another metric by which it is the number one city in the country. (Editor's note: Go Knicks.)

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

Audible Rewards is here, providing major perks to audiobook lovers

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 17:03

Audiobook listeners are a passionate crowd, and they deserve all the rewards too. While Kindle users get to enjoy the benefits of Kindle Rewards, it's about time that Audible users get the same. Following the buzz of its Audible Story House, the brand has now launched Audible Rewards, a program that pays you back the more you read.

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“Audible Rewards is built to meet our listeners where they are by rewarding consistent listening, encouraging content discovery, and delivering real value that grows the more you listen,” said Cynthia Chu, Chief Financial & Growth Officer at Audible.

With Spotify providing free audiobook credits to premium users each month, Audible may be leveraging the new rewards program as a way to entice new and existing users. But how does the new rewards system work? Here's everything you need to know about Audible Rewards.

How Audible Rewards Works

There are several different ways to earn while you listen. Plus, it rewards members who have been listening to Audible for years. Members who enroll within the first six months of the Audible Rewards receive a discount toward a future title. But then once you're in the program here's how to earn:

  • Listening Day Rewards: Listen for at least five minutes a day to accumulate listening days and unlock milestones with discount rewards redeemable toward future listens. Customers can listen at their own pace, and days don't need to be consecutive. 

  • Spend 3 Credits, Get 1 Free: A credit promotion that rewards members for stocking up on titles.

  • Refer 3 Friends, Get $15: Members earn a $15 reward for every three friends they refer to Audible. New customers with a referral also receive a $5 reward.

  • Anniversary Gift: Every 12 months, Audible celebrates members' listening with a free credit or voucher as a thank-you for another year of great stories.

  • Multi-Title Challenge: Listen to 3, 4, or 5 titles within four months to earn an achievement badge reflecting your commitment: Engaged, Enthusiastic, or Dedicated.

  • Listening Challenges: At launch, Audible Rewards will include a Harry Potter series challenge where listeners who complete all seven audiobooks in Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions will earn an exclusive badge that lives in their achievement collection, with fan-based challenges for additional titles to come. 

It's important to note that rewards status is contingent on continued Audible membership, however, you can pause membership up to 90 days, which maintains your accumulated rewards.

The program is now available to users across the United States. To track your rewards, members can visit the Rewards Hub on the Audible app and website.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I built my homelab wrong, and it cost me $400 a year in wasted power

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 17:01

I spent hundreds, if not thousands of dollars overbuilding my homelab over the years. I really wish I didn't do that. Here's what I wish I did, and why I think you should follow in my (untaken) footsteps.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Hisense UR8 TV is finally out, and its the most affordable RGB TV weve seen so far

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 17:00

AVAILABLE NOW: The Hisense UR8 RGB Mini-LED 4K TV lineup is live at Best Buy as of June 2. Prices start at $1,299.99 for the 55-inch model and run up to $4,999 for the 100-inch model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense UR8 RGB Mini-LED TV 55 through 100 inches, starting at $1,199.99 Shop Now

After months of speculation about a release date, the Hisense UR8 RGB TV is finally here and available at Best Buy.

There's been a lot of movement in Hisense's RGB sector in the past few weeks. First, news broke that Hisense quietly slashed prices of its flagship UR9 RGB TV by nearly 40 percent just weeks after launch — presumably because the UR9 line was way too expensive compared to the rest of the RGB market.

The day before the June 2 announcement, a post to the r/Hisense subreddit had users wondering when the UR8 was coming. It's been quite the highly awaited budget model, considering the RGB prices we've seen on the LG Micro RGB Evo, Sony Bravia II 7 and Bravia II 9 True RGB TVs, and Samsung's flagship R95H Micro RGB TV.

The Hisense UR8 comes in sizes 55 through 100 inches. Here's a closer look at the price breakdown:

  • Hisense 55-inch UR8 Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,299.99

  • Hisense 65-inch UR8 Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,799.99

  • Hisense 75-inch UR8 Mini-LED 4K TV — $2,199.99

  • Hisense 85-inch UR8 Mini-LED 4K TV — $3,199.99

  • Hisense 100-inch UR8 Mini-LED 4K TV — $5,999.99

For reference, each size of the Hisense UR8 is around 20 percent cheaper than the next-most-affordable RGB TV, the Samsung R85H.

SEE ALSO: Comparing the best art TVs: How to decide between The Frame and its growing list of competitors

Compared to the UR9, the UR8 is still a premium mini-LED TV that should dazzle in both dark and well-lit rooms. It's the most affordable path so far to the new technology that utilizes pure red, green, and blue LEDs for enhanced color vibrancy and more robust coverage of the color spectrum altogether. Because each LED is individually controlled like OLED bulbs are, RGB TVs offer seriously precise lighting that's less susceptible to blooming.

According to Hisense, the UR8 can reach an impressive peak brightness of 3,500 nits and will soon support Dolby Vision 2. The 180Hz refresh rate and panel of four HDMI ports lob the UR8 into the conversation about the best budget gaming TVs. The UR8 is also the only of Hisense's two RGB options that comes as small as 55 inches.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $60 multimeter has saved me from so many bad repair guesses

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 16:45

I've always been the kind of DIYer who ends up with a lot of weird problems to solve. Between cars, motorcycles, vintage arcade games, pinball machines, guitars, and the endless list of things that break when you own a home with a small farm, there's always something that needs attention.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Skip the lines: How to see the new Spider-Man movie two days before everyone else

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 16:37

TL;DR: Amazon Prime members can buy tickets to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day, two days before its official theatrical release.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Pictures See 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' two days early   Learn More

There are so many perks included in an Amazon Prime Membership, like cheaper gas, prescription discounts, and free shipping, but did you know that as a Prime member, you can also get early access to see select movies in theaters before they even come out?

Earlier this week, Amazon announced that all Prime members in the United States will get the chance to see Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day in select theaters on July 29 — two days before the general public release on July 31.

SEE ALSO: Are you 18 to 24? You can get 6 months of Amazon Prime for 0 dollars.

All you have to do to secure your spot is visit Amazon's Spider-Man: Brand New Day landing page and sign up for alerts to get updates on when tickets will go on sale via Fandango.

If you don't have a Prime Membership, you can sign up for a 30-day trial for free (though if you're doing that to get the tickets, you may want to hold off until they're actually available to purchase). Also, Amazon Prime Day is right around the corner from June 23 to June 26, so you'll get the best deals then, too! A standard Prime Membership is $14.99 per month or $139 per year, and you can cancel anytime.

The company hasn't mentioned whether or not those tickets will be discounted, but it definitely pays to sign up just to see it early and avoid a weekend full of internet spoilers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This is how I'd learn Linux if I had to start all over again

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 16:30

I've been using Linux exclusively on my workstation for almost four years now. But well before that, I had tried (and failed) to make the switch for just as many years. I'd like to share the many mistakes I made along the way and what I learned from them.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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