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SAVE $50: The 11-inch Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) is on sale for $299 at Amazon. That's down from the list price of $349.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 11-inch Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50 Get Deal

Prime Day might be over, but that doesn't mean the savings ended there. Sure, plenty of items are back at full-price, but a few linger pretty darn close their Prime Day sale price. If you're in need of a trustworthy tablet, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of July 16, the Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) is on sale for $299 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $349. That's a 14% discount that takes $50 off the usual price. During Prime Day last week, we saw this iPad dip to $279, but today's deal of $299 is just $20 more and still a nice discount to pick up.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals this week: Shop MacBook Air, AirPods, iPads, and more

This week, Apple deals are coming in hot. You can still snag the epic M4 MacBook Air for under $849, which is where it hung out during Prime Day. But if you're looking for something smaller, the 11-inch iPad is fantastic and it's under $300 today at Amazon.

On Mashable's list of the best iPads, this model earns the top spot as the best option on a budget. That makes this model especially great for students, kids, or anyone who plans to binge-watch summer favorites on a tablet while avoiding the scorching sun.

SEE ALSO: The $849 MacBook Air M4 deal is still live on Amazon, but for how long?

The 11-inch display will be a huge upgrade if you've been watching YouTube or Twitch streams on your phone. It also makes for an especially portable option for taking notes during classes this coming semester. This model of the Apple iPad is compatible with the Magic Keyboard Folio should you wish to add that on to your purchase. Doing so means you can transform the tablet into a highly versatile laptop.

The $299 sale price applies to the model with 128GB of storage and you can choose from blue, yellow, pink, and silver colorway options.

Get the tablet upgrade you deserve this summer and snag today's deal at Amazon on the 11-inch Apple iPad. It's Mashable's favorite budget-friendly iPad and it's even cheaper today.

The best tech deals to shop this week

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

It's been over three years since Stranger Things 4 came to a close, but there's no forgetting that ending.

The Netflix hit's fourth season came to a sobering close when its heroes failed to prevent Upside Down overlord Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) from his nightmare realm into the real world. That's right: The spooky tendrils and decay of the Upside Down have made a new home in Hawkins, Indiana, leaving Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and her allies with their greatest challenge yet. To paraphrase Stranger Things patron saint Kate Bush, they've got a steep hill to run up before they can claim victory.

They've also got a time jump to deal with, as Stranger Things Season 5 picks up in the fall of 1987, over a year after Season 4. Clearly, Vecna hasn't immediately taken over the entire world, then, so that's good news, right?

Based on the teaser, Hawkins has learned to adapt in the year since Vecna's attack. The teaser shows footage of citizens living in bunkers, and of helicopters and military personnel patrolling the ruined streets of Hawkins.

Still, it's only a matter of time before Vecna rears his tentacled head again, and when he does, the Hawkins crew isn't going down without a fight. The teaser hints at a larger plan, one that seems to involve Steve (Joe Keery) and Mike (Finn Wolfhard) engineering some kind of controlled burn — perhaps to beat back the growth of the Upside Down?

But on top of teasing the fight against Vecna and the return of creatures like the Demogorgon, the trailer also promises some serious emotional damage. Look no further than Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) crying at the bedside of a still-comatose Max (Sadie Sink). Or Nancy (Natalia Dyer) sobbing in a bathroom. Or Hopper (David Harbour) telling Eleven, "Let's end this, kid." Oh yeah, we're in for a bloodbath, aren't we?

Volume 1 of Stranger Things 5 hits Netflix Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. ET. Volume 2 premieres Dec. 26, and the series finale premieres Dec. 31.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 16 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Found at a university

• Green: Over the top

• Blue: To enclose

• Purple: Foreign alphabet

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Parts of a college campus

• Green: Exaggerated, as a performance

• Blue: Close in on

• Purple: Starts of Greek letters

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #766 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Parts of a college campus: CAFETERIA, DORM, LIBRARY, QUAD

• Exaggerated, as a performance: CAMP. DRAMATIC, HAMMY, OVERDONE

• Close in on: CORNER, SURROUND, TRAP, TREE

• Starts of Greek letters: BET, DELT, LAMB, THE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 16

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 16 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Tech accessories

The words are tech-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are iPad accessories.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Tablet.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for July 16

• Speaker

• Stand

• Folio

• Case

• Tablet

• Keyboard

• Stylus

• Charger

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for July 16 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 16, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Bold.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter N.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

NERVY.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 16

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for July 16, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Review

• Green: Cycling shirts

• Blue: Same school

• Purple: Half a name

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Evaluate

• Green: Tour de France jerseys

• Blue: University of North Carolina alumni

• Purple: First words of Big Ten nicknames

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #296 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Evaluate - ASSESS, GRADE, RATE, SCOUT

• Tour de France jerseys - GREEN, POLKA DOT, WHITE, YELLOW

• University of North Carolina Alumni - CARTER, HAMM, JORDAN, PEPPER

• First words of Big Ten nicknames - FIGHTING, GOLDEN, NITTANY, SCARLET

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Despite being a lifelong appreciator of Nintendo games, Donkey Kong as a character has never resonated with me all that much. I blame 1999’s Donkey Kong 64. 

The first attempt at a 3D platformer starring Nintendo’s simian superstar came out when I was a kid with an insatiable curiosity for video games. It also sucks to an almost unbelievable degree. DK64 is a grimy and unpleasant mess, loaded with tedious collectibles that notoriously take dozens of hours to accumulate. (Don’t play Donkey Kong 64. I hated it then and I hate it now. That’s my review.)

Oh yeah, I guess I’m here to review another game, huh? Well, Donkey Kong Bananza is just about the opposite of 64 in every way that matters. The first big post-launch Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive will be a welcome reprieve from Mario Kart World for early adopters, thanks to its beautifully elegant movement mechanics, delightfully destructible environments, and a new(-ish) companion character for Donkey Kong who almost steals the show by herself.

In other words, they finally made a good 3D platformer starring Donkey Kong, and anyone who bought a Switch 2 at or around launch should probably pick it up. Mario Kart is great, but this is the Switch 2 game you’ve really been waiting for. Scott Stein, editor at large at our sister site, CNET, gave his own review of the amazing game, and he agrees.

SEE ALSO: Free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades for Switch 1 games are better than expected Donkey Kong Bananza gives DK a new best friend It's worth it to look at their faces every now and then. Credit: Nintendo

Bananza comes from the same internal team at Nintendo that developed Super Mario Odyssey, which is exemplified by its storytelling that prioritizes charm and good vibes over lore and dialogue.

It’s essentially a reboot for the Donkey Kong character, and he's given a brand new design that, frankly, makes the one that's been in use for the past 30 years look…not great by comparison. Bananza begins with DK (who is a miner in search of banana-shaped rocks) being helplessly sucked down into a world that exists beneath the planet’s surface. Before long, DK links up with Pauline, a 13-year-old human girl who rides around on his shoulder as the two dive deeper into the underworld in hopes of finding a way back up to the surface.

Yes, this is the same Pauline who was Donkey Kong’s kidnapping victim in the original Donkey Kong arcade game. No, Bananza does not take even one second to address whatever “continuity errors” you might think exist here. Nintendo doesn’t care and neither should you. They made Pauline a kid and made her friends with DK this time because they thought it would be fun. They were right.

What a star. Credit: Nintendo

As expressive and hilarious as the new Donkey Kong is most of the time, Pauline is the secret sauce that makes Bananza work on a vibes level. Giving our beloved ape a human companion who can speak for him in cutscenes and who offers goofy little insights every now and then helps add a lot of personality to the proceedings. What’s even better is that Pauline is perfectly believable as a 13-year-old girl; she feels three-dimensional, expressing a wide array of emotions throughout the story, all while occasionally cracking the kinds of corny jokes that young teens are wont to crack. Her personal journey, which revolves around her increasing confidence in her magical singing abilities, is also pretty endearing.

I hope I’m not succumbing to recency bias here, but I do think this version of Pauline is one of the best companion characters in a Nintendo game in a long time. 

Bananza revels in recklessness  Credit: Nintendo

Of course, this is a 3D platformer, so there are only a small handful of cutscenes in Bananza and the story’s not really what anyone is here for. I am pleased to report, in that case, that the 3D platforming on offer here is airtight, with lots of room for player freedom and highly enjoyable movement mechanics.

Nintendo’s big gimmick here is that Donkey Kong can use his substantive fists to pound through sand, rock, stone, gold, and most of the other materials that make up each of Bananza’s sprawling, open-ended levels. If you know there’s a Banandium Gem (this game’s main omnipresent collectible) behind a wall that’s in front of you, most of the time, you can just punch the wall until there isn’t a wall anymore. This is one of the most self-evidently fun game mechanics I’ve seen all year. Who doesn’t love busting up levels?

That said, this could have easily gone sour. There’s another world, not far from this one, where Bananza is a confusing mess of a game full of bugs and camera problems that make its destructive gameplay burdensome rather than delightful. However, somehow, some way, the Odyssey team figured out how to make all of it just work. It’s surprisingly hard to get lost thanks to a very effective map and intuitive level design that subtly encourages the player to wreak havoc in certain areas without outright holding their hand. And if you do get a little too reckless and find yourself unable to progress, you can simply restore all the terrain you destroyed with a button in the pause menu.

Explosions good. Credit: Nintendo

I’m not surprised that the destructive elements of Bananza are fun, but I am pleasantly surprised that they’re as elegant as they are. There are lots of potential interactions between different materials in Bananza, as you can pick up soft dirt and throw it at hard surfaces to create platforms or harness the explosive properties of gold (don’t think too hard about it) to clear out surfaces that are too hard to punch through. 

Shockingly, this never really becomes confusing at any point in the roughly 15-20 hours it takes to wrap a bow on the game. If you find yourself needing a certain material to progress, it’s always somewhere nearby. What’s more impressive is that you hardly ever need to stop and think about it, as Bananza’s visual language is clean enough that you can usually figure out what to do in any given situation just by scanning it with your eyes for a few seconds. 

Combat is also a lot more fun here than it normally is in 3D platformers. You can really feel the immense weight of DK’s punches as they land on enemies, especially in situations where a punch sends an enemy careening into another enemy for a double kill. I do have one minor criticism here, though, which is that a few of the early-game boss fights are a bit too basic and easy for my liking. There were some that I beat in literally about 30 seconds. Bonanza makes up for this in the back half with some extremely good late encounters, but still, I wasn’t sold on the boss fights in the first few hours.

It’s a good time to just move around these levels The forest level is great. Credit: Nintendo

One major reason why Super Mario Odyssey was so well-regarded is that its basic platforming mechanics are gorgeously intuitive and versatile. Bananza is no different.

The simple act of moving from place to place as DK is a great time in and of itself. He’s got a great roll move that you can use to pick up speed either on the ground or in the air, and you can even punch in the middle of a roll. DK can also climb most vertical surfaces with no limitations, creating lots of fun level design opportunities that the game definitely takes advantage of. Animations flow together beautifully so nothing ever feels rigidly mechanical. 

Admittedly, it takes about half an hour to get used to how it all works. There are four face buttons on a Switch 2 controller, and three of them are dedicated to different types of punches here. It just doesn’t control quite like any other recent big-name platformer I’m aware of. But once you get the hang of it, it feels incredible to effortlessly bound around these levels in a way that feels appropriately animalistic.

Sorry to Bother You (2018). Credit: Nintendo

Pauline isn’t just a cosmetic partner for Donkey Kong, though, as her singing abilities allow for the use of Bananza forms. These transform Donkey Kong into different animals (such as a swole zebra or a beefy ostrich) with different use cases. The Zebra can run really fast, making it perfect for crossing platforms that crumble beneath your feet, while the ostrich can glide over large gaps. You can even switch between forms on the fly for fun platforming combo opportunities.

Bananza forms add a lot of great variety to Bananza’s moment-to-moment action, but I wish I could say the same for the game’s upgrade system. There’s a very basic skill tree here that includes passive upgrades for DK and his various Bananza forms, as well as some very useful abilities you can only unlock there. You unlock skill points by collecting Banandium Gems, which is admittedly a smart way to incentivize thorough exploration.

Still, something about this just didn’t sit quite right with me. It feels a little tacked on, and many of the upgrades feel like things you should just have access to by default. Bananza forms in particular feel underpowered when first unlocked, which is a weird and disappointing dynamic for a 3D platformer. I don’t think the presence of the skill tree or its shortcomings will be enough to significantly hinder anyone’s enjoyment of Bananza, but I also can’t imagine it being anyone’s favorite part of the game, either.

Bananza one-ups Mario Odyssey in one key area Hey, I know that guy! Credit: Nintendo

I loved Mario Odyssey, but I had (and continue to have) a major hang-up with it: The pacing is nuts. Mario’s first trip through most of the game’s levels is generally linear and a little rushed, with the expectation that you’ll go back and clear them out later after you’ve left for the next story beat. It created a strange feeling of being pushed through the game faster than I would have liked.

Bonanza is not a significantly longer game by any stretch of the imagination, clocking in at 13 hours before I saw the end credits in my playthrough. But it feels much more satisfying to me because, for the most part, you can see all of a given level the first time you go there. There is a linear critical path through them all, but there are also tons of fun side activities to do and (almost) nothing feels like it’s off-limits or being held back for an endgame collectible hunt. 

As a result, I felt way more fulfilled when I saw those end credits, even though I knew I would continue playing the game because I have a sickness that can only be cured by collecting shiny things in 3D platformers. I’ll need more time to ruminate on whether or not I think Bananza is a better game overall than Odyssey, but in this regard, it certainly is. 

I should also note before we're finished here that Bananza does have one more tiny little problem: performance. For the most part, the game runs at a nearly locked 60 frames per second, but there are occasional bits of slowdown. In my experience, almost all of these occurred during moments when I didn't actually have control over DK, like during short transitional cutscenes. It does rear its head during some more intense gameplay sequences, though overall, I didn't find it horribly distracting at any point.

Is Donkey Kong Bananza worth it?

There’s so much I haven’t even gotten to, such as the outstanding soundtrack (Pauline’s vocal themes in particular are killer) or the abundance of incredibly fun one-off challenge levels that you can find scattered around each world. Honestly, I’d rather you all experience those things for yourselves because I think Bananza is absolutely a worthwhile investment for any Switch 2 owner. You likely already knew that and didn’t need me to tell you.

It’s not only the first good 3D platformer starring Donkey Kong, it’s just a damn good one in its own right thanks to a unique set of mechanics that make it more about punching than jumping. Combine that with clever level design and a wonderfully charming pair of heroes at the center of the story, and you get the Switch 2’s first stone-cold banger. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza $69.99 at Amazon
Get Deal

Like many people, I mostly play games to relax. But even after trying countless cozy farming sims and chill puzzle games, I've found that nothing helps me unwind quite like a stressful challenge.

A laptop doesn't make a great impulse buy, like a pack of gum in the checkout line or a weird thingamajig you saw in a TikTok livestream.

Of course, if the computer you depend on for work, school, or entertainment randomly decides to kick the bucket, the best time to replace it is immediately (after recycling or repurposing it). But most people can — and should — strategize before investing in a new machine they hope to use for years to come.

First, decide what's most important to you: a laptop with minty-fresh specs, or a laptop that costs less than usual? From there, we can point you toward several key times to buy based on our historical knowledge of past laptop launches and deals.

If you want the latest specs

For future-proofers and shoppers with cash to spare, splurging on the laptop of the moment can be more appealing than buying an older model at a discount.

Best time to buy: At launch

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a tech industry trade show that happens every year in January, is basically ground zero for next-generation laptops. Major manufacturers like Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, MSI, and Razer treat their booths as runways for new computers with the latest processors, graphics cards, and/or cutting-edge features. (Think rollable displays, weird lid attachments, and touchpads with built-in media controls.) And while some of these showcase laptops are just prototypes, many are fully fleshed-out devices, and a batch of them are available for preorder or purchase shortly after the event wraps. The rest typically hit the market by March or April.

Billed as "the world's first rollable display AI PC," Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 made a splash at CES 2025. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

There are two lone alpha wolves who don't make appearances at CES, one being Apple, which is known to take a couple different approaches to new laptop launches. Apple usually hosts formal keynote events to mark an upgrade, which the public can watch via livestream. Sometimes, it just drops an unceremonious press release. That said, the company is pretty consistent about updating its MacBook Pro and Air lines annually or biannually. While its exact launch schedule is pretty arbitrary, you can usually count on seeing new models in the spring (March or April), at its yearly Worldwide Developers Conference in June, or in late fall (October or November).

SEE ALSO: The 3 best laptops of 2025 (so far)

Microsoft also opts out of CES in favor of holding its own Surface laptop launch events, which almost always happen every September. They're livestreamed as well.

If you want a good deal

Any opportunity to save money is ultimately a win, but certain times of the year feature more (and steeper) laptop discounts that can justify a postponed purchase for those in search of a stellar value.

Best time to buy: On or around Black Friday

The fourth Friday in November isn't treated with the same sort of reverence it once was: Ever since Amazon started hosting Prime savings events in the fall, prompting other retailers to jumpstart their own year-end sales, "Black Friday" has become an informal season that lasts from early October into late November. Still, it remains the best time of year to grab a laptop on sale at a steal — and it's not just because stores like to take advantage of the holiday shopping surge.

Laptops get extra cheap around Black Friday (to the tune of 20 to 50% off) because it syncs up with when retailers and manufacturers are trying to offload their inventories ahead of next-gen refreshes at CES. For laptops that debuted at the beginning of the year, which are about to age out of their "current-gen" moniker, this often translates to year-round lows that knock hundreds of dollars off their normal sticker prices. Older laptops that are at least one generation removed, meanwhile, can plummet to the lowest prices of their entire lifespan as they're priced to move. (We've encountered some ancient Chromebooks on sale for less than $100 on Black Fridays past.)

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 was $200 off a month after launch as part of Amazon's 2023 Black Friday sale. Credit: Microsoft

While Apple and Microsoft don't operate on the same product cycles as everyone else, they both still have a strong presence on Black Friday at third-party retailers. Amazon and Best Buy are really good about putting older MacBooks and Surface laptops on sale at rock-bottom prices while also offering some initial deals on newer models that have only just launched. On Black Friday 2023, for example, they took $200 off the Surface Laptop Go 3 and $150 off the M3 MacBook Pro, respectively; both laptops had debuted a month prior.

Apple and Microsoft technically host their own Black Friday sales, too, but they usually aren't much to write home about. The famously stingy Apple Store only doles out free gift cards with the purchase of older MacBooks, and the Microsoft Store's prices are often trounced by its third-party peers.

SEE ALSO: Now is one of the best times to buy a MacBook

The real debate concerning Black Friday laptop deals revolves around whether consumers should shop early or hold off on buying until Black Friday proper, in case prices get even cheaper, and the answer boils down to whether you're eyeing specific models or specs. Retailers still reserve some deals for the actual holiday (always the Friday after Thanksgiving) even if their sales are weeks or months long, so it can be worth waiting to see which laptops get featured in that primetime slot. The trouble is that we rarely know what those featured laptops are ahead of time — and by the time they're live, the model you really wanted may be backordered or back to full price.

If you're married to a certain spec sheet and don't just want a good deal, period, we generally recommend buying a laptop as soon as it gets added to a Black Friday sale's roster. In the off-chance its deal improves, you can always tap the retailer's holiday price-match guarantee and/or extended return policy as fallback plans.

Second best time to buy: During back-to-school season

Whether it's a multitasking MacBook for a college freshman or a basic Chromebook for a fifth-grader, a laptop is a given on most school supply shopping lists. As such, laptop prices dependably tank in the summer to tempt students, their parents, and teachers preparing for the upcoming semester — typically from mid-June to early September.

The back-to-school season is so major for laptop purchases that it's the only time outside of Black Friday when the Apple Store runs one of its "sales," throwing in free gift cards with MacBook purchases from early June through early October. That's in addition to its usual education pricing, which saves students, parents, and faculty $100 on select MacBooks year-round.

Apple runs one of its rare gift card promos during the back-to-school season; the other happens during Black Friday. Credit: Apple

It's worth mentioning that Amazon's flagship Prime Day sale falls smack-dab in the middle of back-to-school season in mid-July, and it's one of the only times when shoppers can source a slew of legitimately good laptop deals there besides Black Friday. (More on that later.) For instance, Prime Day 2023 featured a special invite-only deal that dropped the price of an Acer Swift X by over 40%.

Crucially, Prime Day can also be lucrative for laptop shoppers because it goads other retailers into running competing sales, which often match or beat Amazon's prices. (Best Buy's Prime Day counter-programming tends to be Amazon's toughest rival when it comes to tech deals.) Prices aren't quite as low as they are on Black Friday, but it's still enough to make Prime Day worth marking on your calendar.

Third best time to buy: Over holiday weekends

Retailers are partial to offering deals on big-ticket tech purchases like laptops over federal holiday weekends, the big ones being Presidents' Day weekend (in mid-February), Memorial Day weekend (in late May), the Fourth of July, and Labor Day (in early September, coinciding with the end of back-to-school season). You won't find extreme discounts like you do in the thick of back-to-school season or Black Friday, but they're above average for the "off season."

Honorable mention: Buy right after new models are announced

Pay attention to new laptop launches even if you don't want the latest tech, as they often trigger quiet sales or price drops on the older models they're replacing. For most laptop brands, this usually means deals start trickling out after the CES dust settles in late January and into February.

Apple's 13-inch M2 Apple MacBook Air got two permanent price drops during its lifespan. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

Apple and Microsoft refreshes are, again, a little less predictable timing-wise, but they're just as reliable when it comes to previous-gen discounts. You might recall the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air getting a permanent $100 price cut when its 15-inch counterpart debuted, then another $100 chop once the latest M3 version materialized. And the original Surface Laptop Studio went on sale for $500 off the week after its successor was announced.

Not all retailers are created equal

Shopping for a new laptop is as much a game of "when" as it is "where."

Between major online retailers, we typically find the most laptop configurations (and the best laptop deals) at Best Buy. That includes current- and previous-gen MacBooks, plus a broad range of Windows laptops, Chromebooks, and gaming laptops across all major brands; it's the exclusive retail partner for a slew of current-gen Copilot+ PCs.

Amazon comes next. It consistently stocks and discounts recent MacBooks as well as a more random selection of Copilot+ PCs, Chromebooks, and entry-level to mid-range gaming laptops. Walmart has the most limited inventory out of the three and mainly dabbles in older Windows laptops, gaming laptops, and low-end Chromebooks.

With that in mind, we want to flag some quirks about these retailers that can complicate shoppers' buying experience in some way or another. One is that Amazon and Best Buy intermittently inflate laptops' original sticker prices, which can make discounts look better than they actually are. This also sometimes happens in the reverse, where a deflated MSRP is concealing better-than-advertised savings. But getting duped into a lousy deal is a less happy surprise.

Amazon listed this Acer gaming laptop on sale for $769.99, down from $844.99. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon The exact same model had an original price of $779.99 on Acer's website. You're actually saving $10, not $65. Credit: Screenshot: Acer.com Best Buy listed this Acer gaming laptop on sale for $1,099.99, down from $1,499.99. Credit: Screenshot: Best Buy The exact same model had an original price of $1,449.99 on Acer's website. You're actually saving $350, not $400. Credit: Screenshot: Acer.com

Furthermore, Amazon and Walmart are teeming with laptop listings from third-party merchants that shoppers should approach with caution. (Best Buy doesn't host them yet, but that's set to change in mid-2025.) Amazon's third-party sellers may use different customer service policies than their hosts, while Walmart's MarketPlace Sellers may have different return policies or warranty terms. And let's not forget that counterfeit products are an ongoing issue for both retailers.

This isn't to say that all third-party sellers are evil scammers. (You can usually tell based on their reviews.) It's also important to note that Amazon and Walmart both have guarantees in place to offer recourse if shoppers have problems with third-party sellers, provided they're eligible. Still, we don't think it's worth the risk or the hassle when it comes to a big-ticket purchase like a laptop. Reddit is filled with enough horror stories to reinforce this caginess.

In March 2025, you could buy a configuration of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 from a third-party Amazon seller for $1,349.99 (and get a free stylus)... Credit: Screenshot: Amazon ...Or you could buy the same laptop directly from Amazon for $40 more. Go with Amazon for peace of mind. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon A third-party Walmart seller was selling this Asus Vivobook S 16 Flip for a hair less than Walmart itself in March 2025. Credit: Screenshot: Walmart Just get it from Walmart. You're not technically getting the lowest price, but you know exactly who you're buying from. (The difference is negligible, anyway). Credit: Screenshot: Walmart

We'll give the big A and W some credit, though: They usually clean up their acts for Prime Day and Black Friday; we see lots more retailer-direct laptop listings on both sites during those major sales. Look for "Ships from/Sold by Amazon.com" and "Sold and shipped by Walmart.com" labels below the "Add to cart" buttons on their product pages. You can also filter your Walmart searches by seller.

It's important to remember that you can avoid these issues entirely by buying from laptop manufacturers themselves, which maintain their own online storefronts offer their own discounts year-round. At the very least, these are extremely useful for price checks against Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart listings to make sure their discounts are worthwhile.

How to tell if you're getting a good laptop deal

Being wary of third-party sellers and cross-checking listings between laptop retailers and manufacturers are two of the best ways to ensure you're making a smart purchase. We also recommend appraising discounts using price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel and Google's Shopping Insights feature. They can tell you whether a laptop you're considering has ever gone on sale for cheaper, if at all.

Finally, consider bookmarking Mashable's shopping experts' deals coverage. In recommending laptop deals, we personally vet every single discount and stick with trusted sellers. Whether the computer you wind up buying is brand new or just new to you, we strive to make sure you can confidently say that your money was well spent.

It's my birthday and I'm sitting in a posh restaurant in the Cotswolds, UK, enjoying lunch with my parents. As I take a bite of my crab cocktail, my mother leans across to tell me something, but I can't hear a word. The hushed timbre of her voice is drowned out by the not-so-dulcet tones of a family on a speakerphone call at the next table.

The conversation at our table stops dead, our voices impossible to hear over the tinny sound of the caller whose voice is playing full-blast to an unwilling audience. None of us asked for this. Multiple diners at their table raise their voices to be heard over each other on the call. Not to be a diva on my birthday (if not today, when else?), but I didn't come to spend hundreds on a fancy lunch to sit and listen to strangers' family conference calls.

SEE ALSO: Why is everyone using their phones in movie theaters?

My next move? Well, I do as any passive aggressive Brit does: I sigh loudly to convey my exasperation. It doesn't work. I relent: I ask our lovely waitress if we can move to a table outside in the sunshine — success, she's just laid a table on the terrace. Crisis averted. Birthday celebrations firmly back on track (kind of). We won't talk about the man sitting in the middle of the restaurant lawn who also took a phone call on speakerphone to his doctor. Love to eat my £36 chicken in mushroom sauce to the soundtrack of your private medical information. By this point I was bemused, and two glasses of wine deep and ready to dissociate from reality.

Unless you've got Pedro Pascal on the line, I don't want to hear it.

In all seriousness: when did speakerphone conversations in restaurants become acceptable? Unless you've got Pedro Pascal on the line, I don't want to hear it.

Six days later, it's my dad's birthday and we're surveying the menu in our local restaurant when I hear familiar sound just behind my head. "Darlingholmahaan...Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday..."

This time, it's TikToks at full volume. Is this some sort of sick joke? I turn around to get a good look at the culprits: a table of two men who are idly scrolling through their phones, not an AirPod in sight. Not again. Another meal with the tinny sound of another person's phone irritating my eardrums. As my father announced, "What is the world coming to?"

Important caveat: d/Deaf people and people with disabilities who use speakerphone for accessibility reasons are, of course, excluded from this conversation on etiquette.

Featured Video For You 'I was cloaked.' What it's like to be blocked and stood up by your Hinge date.

Can we establish some ground rules for telephone etiquette while dining out?

1. Unless you have a very good reason, get the hell off speakerphone at the table. No one wants to hear your loud-ass phone call.

2. If you need to take a call, leave the table to minimise disruptions to your fellow diners.

3. If you can't tear yourself away from TikTok for longer than the duration of a dinner (and don't feel like talking to your companion), put your damn AirPods in.

4. No headphones? Scroll on silent mode and read the closed captions.

5. More broadly: consider whether the noise emanating your phone is a nuisance to others. Reflect on how you may feel?

Am I suddenly a curmudgeon? Am I Hugh Grant ranting about backpacks and water bottles? Maybe so! But, honestly, if this is the new normal in restaurants, I'm going to stay home.

SAVE $44: As of July 16, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU processor is down to $274.99 on Amazon — 14% off and the lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: AMD AMD Ryzen 9 5950X $274.99 at Amazon
$319 Save $44.01 Get Deal

If you've been sitting on an older Ryzen chip, planning on building your first PC gaming rig, or holding off on upgrading because next-gen processors were blowing past your budget, this AMD Ryzen CPU deal could be perfect for you.

As of July 16, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU is on sale for only $274.99 with a limited-time deal going on at Amazon — shaving $44 off its list price and marking an all-time low for the 16-core, 32-thread powerhouse since it launched in late 2020, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

Originally launched as AMD’s flagship chip for the AM4 platform, the Ryzen 9 5950X still manages to punch well above its weight in 2025. Even with AMD’s newer 7000-series (and now 9000-series) chips on the market, the 5950X remains a reliable go-to for juggling high-end gaming and productivity tasks — especially for those sticking with the AM4 socket.

SEE ALSO: Looking for cheaper food delivery? DoorDash gift cards are on sale at Best Buy

Delivering 100+ FPS in today’s most popular titles, this chip is no slouch, even by today’s standards. Its 4.9 GHz max boost clock, 72MB of cache, and full unlocked overclocking support make it an easy pick for gamers, streamers, and creative professionals alike. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t come with a cooler, and AMD recommends a liquid cooler to keep thermals in check — but if you’re shopping in this tier, that’s probably already on your radar. 

Sure, the newer Ryzen chips support DDR5 and slightly higher IPC, but with PCIe 4.0 support and compatibility with X570 and B550 motherboards, the 5950X still has plenty of life left for high-performance setups without forcing a full platform upgrade.

When fully equipped, you’ll have more than enough power to play the latest PC games like Monster Hunter Wilds, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

In a move commenters described as having "Craig Ferguson vibes," Stephen Colbert and Joaquin Phoenix spent the last moments of their Late Show interview in awkward silence.

The Eddington star joined the host for a chat on Tuesday night, and requested total silence as a bit. Of course, the more the silence goes on, the more the audience laughs, the harder it becomes for Colbert not to break.

When Phoenix breaks the silence around 35 seconds in, Colbert reminds him that Robert De Niro did it better.

Megan Stalter's Late Show interview is one of the most gloriously chaotic things you'll see online today.

The Too Much/Hacks/Cora Bora star and internet queen sat down with host Stephen Colbert to chat about her new Lena Dunham-penned Netflix show, breakfasting in London, and coming up in the Chicago comedy scene. But if you think the interview will be a straightforward chat, you haven't been paying attention to Stalter's comedy or her Too Much press tour vibes.

From discussing Stalter's self-made tour merch corset to the art of being a waitress with only one table, Stalter and Colbert careen through a chat that has commenters confused and fans delighted.

Whether you work from home, spend a lot of time on airplanes, or simply want to turn down the volume of the outside world, noise-cancelling headphones are a worthwhile investment.

Even the best value headphones will feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool gets bigger by the month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Apple, and more

To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025.

How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise via passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.

Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking.

Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn't make the final cut for this guide. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Getting up close and personal with Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

If you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you'll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.

Other headphones may be great at blocking at low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results all around, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.

In the past, not many wireless earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal (or fit as many mics) that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones?

Bose is often a top name (and in our top picks) when it comes to noise-cancelling audio, often leading the industry for the best ANC available.

With that said, it's not the only brand worth checking out. If you want top-notch ANC with great sound quality, Sony makes excellent options. On the other hand, folks looking for a more affordable option might be drawn to EarFun, which brings great value to the noise-cancelling space. Essentially, what makes the best noise-cancelling headphones depends on what other features and price range you're looking for in a pair of headphones — our guide below lays out where each of our picks shines.

Recent testing updates

As of July 2025, we replaced the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones with their newer counterpart, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.

Our testing in February 2025 saw the addition of the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds as our favorite earbuds pick under $100. We decided that they deserved to knock the Beats Studio Buds+ off the list (after the Apple-owned earbuds beat out the newer AirPods 4), due to the Air Pro's superior noise cancellation, battery life, and value. We also added the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones as an alternate pick for the best battery life headphones in March 2025.

In September 2024, we tried out the JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds, and we enjoyed their sound, unique design, and touchscreen case that made it easy to check the headphones' battery life and control audio. However, their noise cancellation wasn't quite up to par for $200 earbuds. We've also added the Dyson OnTrac headphones as our pick for the best battery life, thanks to the impressive 55-hour battery life.

In August 2024, we said goodbye to the Bose 700 headphones as our recommendation for the best noise-cancelling headphones with adjustable ANC. This was a long time coming — these headphones have technically been discontinued since the release of the Bose QC Ultra headphones in September 2023, but remained available from retailers other than Bose. We'll be on the lookout for any new models that match the adjustable noise cancellation that these Bose headphones once offered.

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is not the mouse for me, but that’s actually its strength. It packs quality components into a package designed for underserved small hands. This gives it an edge that it otherwise may not have amid stiff competition in the high-end gaming mouse market.

What the Paperwhite and Signature Edition have in common: Specs and performance Both the Kindle Paperwhite (L) and the Paperwhite Signature Edition (R) have adjustable brightness and warmth. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

You won't spot any differences between the two devices just by looking at them. They're the same size, with the same resolution screen. The power button, charging port, and audio jack are in the same spot on both devices. And they both have the following specs:

• 7-inch display, up to 94 nits brightness, and 300 ppi resolution

• USB-C charging port with up to 12 weeks of battery life

• IPX8 waterproof rating — can be fully submerged in water for up to one hour

Throughout my weeks of testing, I found no difference between the devices' speed and usability. Both e-readers provide exceptional performance. The 2024 models are the fastest e-readers I've tested, quickly downloading books and flipping between pages.

While other e-readers lag when swiping between pages, the Paperwhite and Signature Edition move quickly between pages, never needing time to load. If you need to flip a few pages ahead, just a few taps get you there without delay. Not to mention, both Kindles have a 12-week battery life, so you rarely have to charge them.

Each device has adjustable brightness and warmth for reading in any environment. Turning up the warmth is one of the best features of the Paperwhite and Signature Edition, making it easier to read at night without eye strain.

Plus, Kindle has mastered Libby integration. To get library books on your Kindle, you just need to push a button in the Libby app.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Color The Kindle Paperwhite is just a slightly duller version of the Signature Edition's metallic jade. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

As mentioned, the build and design of the Paperwhite and Signature Edition are nearly identical, except for color — and only kind of. The Paperwhite and Signature Edition come in three shades: black, jade, and raspberry. The slight difference between the two is that the shades on the Signature Edition are metallic, while the Paperwhite is matte.

While the Signature Edition shades are nicer, the difference is so miniscule that it's not worth it to pick a model based on the colors, especially when there is a $40 price difference.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Storage

One of the most significant differences between the Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition isn't seen. The Paperwhite has 16GB of storage, while the Paperwhite Signature Edition has twice that at 32GB.

When it comes to phones and laptops, 16 or 32GB of storage is nothing these days. But for e-readers, 16GB is plenty of storage. The average e-book takes up to 2MB of storage, meaning you can hold thousands of e-books with 16GB. That's plenty of storage for me, and 32GB is overkill. However, if you've used an e-reader with 16GB and have run out of storage, then 32GB might be totally necessary.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Price

When considering price, the Paperwhite is the more affordable option. The Kindle Paperwhite starts at $159.99, while the Paperwhite Signature Edition costs $199.99. The Signature Edition's price isn't just because of its shiny metallic shade. For $40 more, you get added features like auto-adjusting brightness, 32GB of storage, and an ad-free lock screen.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: All the extras The Paperwhite Signature Edition even works with the Apple MagSafe charger. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Speaking of features, the Signature Edition shines. For $40 more, you'll get more storage, wireless charging, auto-adjusting brightness, and an ad-free lock screen.

The best feature of the bunch is the ad-free lock screen. On the Kindle Paperwhite, when not in use, your Kindle will push through various ads from the Kindle shop. It's not the worst, but if you're getting a Kindle for digital reading without distraction, not having ads is a massive perk. (Plus, some of the suggestions can be pretty out there.) The downside is that with no ads, the Signature Edition's lock screen has no "swipe to unlock" feature, so it tends to unlock on its own when you leave it in your bag. However, if you grab a case with a cover, it's an easy workaround.

I'm far less impressed when it comes to the auto-adjusting brightness and wireless charging. I've used the Signature Edition for months, and the auto-adjusting brightness works about 20 percent of the time, and even when it does, I still need to go in and manually adjust it. The wireless charging is also fine. Amazon makes a wireless charging pad you can purchase; however, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is also compatible with other chargers like the Apple MagSafe charger. That said, I never found this feature necessary since USB-C chargers are plentiful these days, and the Kindle only needs to be charged every two to three months.

SAVE $15: As of July 16, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K is on sale for $34.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you 30% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15 Get Deal

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is one of those handy devices that, once you have it, you can't live without it. One of Amazon's most popular devices, it negates the need to throw out your older TV in favor of a more expensive model. With this device, you can turn your TV (or laptop) into a smart TV for under $35.

And as of July 16, you can get the Fire Stick 4K for just $34.99.

SEE ALSO: Save over $2,500 on this enormous 100-inch Hisense U7 Mini-LED TV at Amazon

For those not in the know, the Fire TV Stick is a streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more. All you need is an HDMI port, and you're good to go.

The Fire TV Stick comes with a remote that has Alexa built in, so you can use voice control to search through multiple streaming platforms at once. You can also use it to communicate with other smart home devices you own, such as a robot vacuum.

There's no over-the-top setup to worry about either; these handy remotes are so simple to use. Just pop the device into your TV or laptop HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels and apps.

Grab this deal from Amazon and give your older TV a new lease of life.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

SAVE $13: As of July 16, the Lmcpa Switch 2 hard shell case is on sale for $12.99 at Amazon — that's 50% off its list price of $25.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lmcpa Lmcpa Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 (2025) $12.99 at Amazon
$25.99 Save $13.00 Get Deal

Reliable Switch 2 cases outside of those from Nintendo have been a little inconsistent in terms of quality and pricing, but arguably the most decent budget-friendly third-party cases are now on sale for a limited time. As of July 16, the 7.9-inch Lmcpa Switch 2 Hard Shell Carrying Case is on sale for only $12.99 — 50% off its $25.99 list price. 

Built to house your Nintendo Switch 2, 20 game cartridges, and various accessories like added Joy-Cons and cables via its top mesh storage pocket, this hard EVA shell case is made of durable ballistic nylon that combines durability with style.

SEE ALSO: Looking for cheaper food delivery? DoorDash gift cards are on sale at Best Buy

Your Switch 2 fits snugly in the interior’s spatial grooves. The exterior protects everything from any accidental drops and bumps you might encounter when getting really into Mario Kart World.

The soft micro-fibre lining of the interior does feel a little odd to the touch, but that slight irritation is worth knowing you’ve got that added layer of protection. Even when my case fell off the kitchen counter and out of my bag a couple of times, there was no damage whatsoever. The plastic carrying handle itself feels high-quality, and the added drawstring makes pulling your console out easier — so you barely need to touch said micro-fibre anyway.

And although the case itself is a little bit chunky, it does strike that fine balance between being able to pack in extra accessories and games without going overboard on size.

As I keep taking my case out to switch my cartridges from Super Mario Odyssey to Donkey Kong Bananza, I always feel easy knowing this nifty case will keep my Switch 2 safe if it slips out of my grasp.

Amazon has listed this as a “limited time” deal with no timeline, but the retailer has only allocated the price cut to a certain number of units — with 45% already being claimed at the time of writing. So act fast to secure this low price.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

Astronomers have detected the signal of a colossal black hole in deep space that likely formed when two already-large black holes crashed into each other billions of light-years away.

The result is a colossal cosmic object about 225 times heavier than the sun — by far the most massive ever observed through gravitational waves, or ripples in the fabric of spacetime. Before now, the record holder for a black hole merger detection using this method weighed in at just 140 times the sun.

The discovery, announced on July 14, comes not from NASA but a collaboration of observatories around the world, including two U.S. National Science Foundation–funded observatories in Louisiana and Washington. The newfound black hole has defied expectations for its unusual size, based on known ways that stars collapse. 

"We have theories of how black holes form when stars die, and those theories are fine for black holes that are five times the mass of our sun, or 10 times, or even 50 times," wrote Mark Hannam, a Cardiff University scientist who led the research team, on his Substack, The Fictional Aether. "But once you get to about 60 times the mass of the sun, some funky nuclear/quantum/whatever processes come into play, and the star blasts away lots of its mass, and you can't form a really massive black hole. That carries on until you get to really massive stars." 

SEE ALSO: Astronomers caught a star that blew up not once, but twice when it died This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Black holes are some of the most inscrutable phenomena in outer space. About 50 years ago, they were little more than a theory — a kooky mathematical answer to a physics problem. Even astronomers at the top of their field weren't entirely convinced they existed. Today, not only are black holes accepted science, some supermassive ones are getting their pictures taken by a collection of synced-up radio dishes on Earth. 

Unlike a planet or star, black holes don't have surfaces. Instead, they have a boundary called an "event horizon," or a point of no return. If anything swoops too close, it will fall in, never to escape the hole's gravitational clutch.

"Nothing can escape a black hole, not even another black hole," Hannam explained, "so what's left is: a bigger black hole."

The most common kind, called a stellar black hole, is thought to be the result of an enormous star dying in a supernova explosion. The star's material then collapses onto itself, condensing into a relatively tiny area. Physics predicts a gap in the sizes of black holes that can form this way. That gap — between about 60 and 130 times the mass of our sun — should be largely empty. 

One of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, or LIGO, detectors, in Hanford, Washington. The second detector is located in Livingston, Louisiana. Credit: LIGO

But this merger, designated GW231123, is breaking the rules, according to the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, which together has detected about 300 since 2015. It involved two black holes estimated to land in the mass gap. Furthermore, researchers say there's something else puzzling about the event.

"The black holes appear to be spinning very rapidly — near the limit allowed by Einstein's theory of general relativity," said Charlie Hoy, a University of Portsmouth scientist, in a statement. "That makes the signal difficult to model and interpret."

One possible explanation is that at least one of the colliding black holes was not born from a collapsing star, but from another prior black hole merger. This would require extreme environments where merged black holes could stick around long enough to crash again.

The event could point to new ways the universe forms black holes that scientists are only beginning to understand.

Artificial intelligence companions have gone mainstream amongst teens, according to a new report.

The findings may surprise parents familiar with AI chatbot products like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, but haven't heard about platforms that specifically allow users to form friendships and romantic relationships with so-called AI companions.

The latter category includes products like Replika, Nomi, Talkie, and Character.AI. Some of the platforms are for users 18 and older, though teens may lie about their age to gain access.

A nationally representative survey of 1,060 teens ages 13 to 17 conducted this spring by Common Sense Media, an advocacy and research nonprofit in the U.S., found that 52 percent of respondents regularly use AI companions. Only 28 percent of the teens surveyed had never used one.

SEE ALSO: Why experts say AI companions aren't safe for teens — yet

Teens don't yet appear to be replacing human relationships "wholesale" with AI companions, said Michael Robb, head of research at Common Sense Media. The majority are still spending more time with human friends and still find person-to-person conversations more satisfying.

But Robb added that there's reason for caution: "If you look, there are some concerning patterns beneath the surface."

How teens use AI companions

A third of teens said they engaged with AI companions for social interactions and relationships, doing things like role-playing and practicing conversations. They also sought emotional support, friendship, and romantic interactions.

In the survey, teens ranked entertainment and curiosity as top reasons for using an AI companion. Yet a third of those who use AI companions have opted to use them to discuss important or serious issues, instead of a real person. Robb said this tendency points to potential downsides of AI companion use.

Though some AI companion platforms market their product as an antidote to loneliness or isolation, Robb said the technology should not replace human interaction for teens. Still, without conclusive proof of what happens to teens (and adults) who come to rely on AI companions for vital connection, technology companies may still lean into the idea that use of their product is better than feeling alone.

"They're happy to fill that gap of knowledge with a hope and a prayer," Robb said.

He also suspects that, like with social media, there may be some youth who benefit from practicing certain social skills with an AI companion, and other young users who are more susceptible to a negative feedback loop that makes them more lonely and anxious and less likely to build offline relationships.

A new report from Internet Matters, a London-based online youth safety nonprofit, suggests that's already happening amongst children in the United Kingdom who use AI companions.

Children defined as vulnerable because they have special education disabilities or needs, or a physical or mental health condition, particularly use AI companions for connection and comfort, according to survey data collected by Internet Matters.

Nearly a quarter of vulnerable children in the survey reported using general AI chatbots because they could talk to no one else. These children were not only more likely to use chatbots, they were also nearly three times as likely to engage with companion-style AI chatbots.

The report warned that as children begin to use AI chatbots as companions, "the line between real and simulated connection can blur." That may lead to more time spent online.

Earlier this year, Common Sense Media described AI companions as unsafe for teens under 18. Robb said that tech companies should put in place robust age assurance measures to prevent underage users from accessing AI companion platforms.

Red flags for parents

Parents concerned about their teen's AI companion use should look for the following red flags, Robb said:

• Behavior indicating that the teen is replacing human relationships with AI relationships.

• Excess time spent on AI companion platforms, especially when it displaces activities like sleep, exercise, and in-person socialization.

• Emotional outbursts when denied access to an AI companion.

Robb also suggested that parents discuss AI companion use with their teens, and any concerns both parties may have. These concerns could include disturbing statements or responses that AI companions can make and the sharing of personal information by a teen, including their real name, location, or personal secrets.

A quarter of AI companion users surveyed by Common Sense Media said they'd communicated sensitive information to their companion. Robb said it's important for teens to understand that personal details are often considered proprietary data owned by the companion platform once shared by the user.

Even when it's been anonymized, that information may help train the company's large language model. It could potentially show up in marketing copy or conversation scenarios. In a worst case scenario, personal data could be hacked or leaked.

For example, as Mashable's Anna Iovine reported, 160,000 screenshots of direct messages between an AI "wingman" app and its users were just leaked thanks to an unprotected Google Cloud Storage bucket owned by the app's company.

Robb encourages parents to set boundaries around AI use for their children, such as prohibiting specific platforms or the sharing of certain personal details.

"It's totally fine for a parent to have rules about AI, like the way they do with other types of screen uses," Robb said. "What are your own red lines as a parent?"