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5 great soccer docs on Netflix, HBO Max, and more, to enhance your World Cup watch
In case you haven't heard the horns honking outside at all hours or seen all the flag-adorned cars driving around everywhere, the biggest World Cup in history is underway (I live in one of the host cities, Toronto, and it's non-stop). The 2026 edition is the first with 48 teams, 104 matches, and the first event to be co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The best early Prime Day drone deals from DJI and Holy Stone
We're less than a week away from Prime Day now which means Amazon is hard at work dropping deals. Like every Prime Day, Amazon launches countless early deals and some spell huge savings. If you're shopping for outdoor gear, a new Amazon Echo device, or noise-cancelling headphones, you're already in for giant savings.
While slim in number, we also have some decent deals on drones. Shop one of these models today before the sale and you can spend next week perfecting drone piloting instead of shopping for a model.
SEE ALSO: 40+ Best Buy deals that match or beat Amazon's early Prime Day dealsWe expect to see more drone deals drop as we get closer to Prime Day, so check back to keep an eye on the savings. But for those who want a model now, check out the best deals on offer.
Best DJI deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo $169 at Amazon$199 Save $30 Get Deal Why we like it
Perfect for both beginner and experts, the DJI Neo mini drone gets you 4K UHD footage without costing a fortune. Since it's a DJI drone, you get the reassurance it comes packed with features like palm takeoff, propeller guards, and smart tracking. Plus, it weighs just 135 grams so it's easy to pack along.
Ahead of Prime Day, snag the DJI Neo for $169, marked down from the normal list price of $199 which save you a nice $30.
Best DJI bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo $1,019 at Amazon$1,199 Save $180 Get Deal Why we like it
If you're in the market for an immersive drone experience, consider today's sale price on the DJI Avanta 2 Fly More Combo. The bundle included the DJI Avanta 2 drone, the DJI Googles 3, three batteries, the DJI RC Motion 3 remote, a sling bag, and more.
The DJI Googles 3 includes Real View Picture in Picture, so you can view what the drone is capturing while still being aware of your surroundings through the goggles. Plus, the DJI RC Motion 3 has intuitive controls for performing every maneuver you desire.
How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup online for free
TL;DR: All 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup are available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer/ITVX. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with Proton VPN.
The world has stopped for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are welcoming the best international sides from around the world as they compete for arguably the biggest prize in sport. Huge names like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lamine Yamal are likely to steal the spotlight, but new stars always shine brightly in this prestigious competition.
It's going to be a wild ride. We're still making our way through the first round of group-stage fixtures, but we've already been treated to some stellar performances from top names. The best moment of the tournament so far? Cape Verde's stunning 0-0 draw with Spain is tough to beat. Messi's hattrick against Algeria is another contender.
If you're interested in watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
What is the FIFA World Cup?The World Cup is an international football competition between senior men's national teams. The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams will progress to the knockout rounds.
The defending champions are Argentina. They won their third title at the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in an epic final.
When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of this famous competition. This year's tournament takes place from June 11 to July 19.
How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for freeA number of streaming platforms are offering free coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Australia — SBS
France — M6
Ireland — RTÉ
Italy — RAI
Norway — NRK
Netherlands — NOS
Spain — RTVE
UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)
These streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
Livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend Proton VPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)
Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this tournament before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sports is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for the FIFA World Cup?Proton VPN is the best choice for accessing live sports on free streaming platforms, for a number of reasons:
20,000+ servers in 140+ countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to Proton VPN is on sale for $71.76 — 70% off for a limited time. This plan includes a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $4.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with Proton VPN.
The best early Prime Day unlocked smartphone deals you can shop now — save on Samsung, Google and more
Amazon Prime Day has become one of the biggest retail events of the year. The biannual sale sees discounts across all types of products, from tech to household essentials, so it's a great excuse for both practical upgrades and a little treat. And it's often a good time to shop for a new smartphone. If you're looking for an upgrade or just a budget-friendly handset with no long-term contract, there's already some early deals on unlocked smartphones.
Prime Day officially runs from June 23 to 26, but here are the unlocked smartphone deals we've been able to find now.
Best unlocked smartphone early Prime Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 $785 at Amazon$899.99 Save $114.99 Get Deal Why we like it
This unlocked smartphone combines AI-powered tools with fast performance to make everyday tasks easier. It also features a vibrant display, a wider front camera for group selfies. And right now it's over $100 off when you choose the sky blue color. The other options (cobalt violet, black, and white) are also reduced by a little less, but still $100 off the list price.
More unlocked smartphone early Prime Day dealsMotorola Moto G Play LTE — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)
Samsung Galaxy A17 — $164.99 $199.99 (save $35)
TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER — $229.99 $284.99 (save $55)
Motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition — $599.99 $699.99 (save $100)
Google Pixel 10 — $725 $799 (save $74)
OnePlus 15R — $749.99 $799.99 (save $50)
Samsung Galaxy S25+ — $779.99 $999.99 (save $220)
Listen up: These early Prime Day Sony headphone deals are worth shopping now
Prime Day is just around the corner, but anyone looking for a deal on Sony headphones doesn't have to wait for the sale to start saving. Several of our favorite Sony noise-cancelling headphones are already discounted ahead of the main event, with more expected once the deals go live.
The four-day sale doesn't officially begin until June 23, but you can get your hands on early discounts as of June 17. Whether you're looking for a pair of great over-the-ear, noise-cancelling favorites or a lightweight set of earbuds, you can catch them all on sale right now for some significant discounts.
There will be additional deals to snap up as we get closer to the event. But if you'd rather not wait, these early Prime Day deals here worth grabbing now. We'll keep this guide updated as the sale gets closer, but for the moment, the best early Prime Day Sony headphone deals are below.
Best early Prime Day Sony headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Canceling Headphones $398 at Amazon$459.99 Save $61.99 Get Deal Why we like it
This pair of cushy over-the-ear headphones isn't just comfortable. They also offer crisp audio, an adaptive microphone system, and real-time noise cancellation to give you the best audio possible. They're improved even over Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones, with additional microphones than before and even more ways to make your favorite songs, podcasts, and even calls sound great no matter where you roam. They come with a compact carrying case and fold into them for safekeeping and offer bombastic sound, bumping bass, and fantastic sound quality no matter what genre you're into.
Best early Prime Day Sony earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony WF-C510 Truly Wireless Earbuds $46.17 at Amazon$69.99 Save $23.82 Get Deal Why we like it
These lightweight earbuds are a strong alternative for the over-the-ear models that Sony offers, but they're still affordable thanks to this early Prime Day deal. They offer up to 11 hours of battery with multipoint connection, so you can listen to music on your phone or take calls from your computer and switch between the two — or however you plan to connect to your devices. They're IPX4 water resistant as well, so they're great for taking along to the gym or wearing wherever it is you decide to go. They also feature Ambient Sound Mode to help automatically filter out noise while keeping you aware of your surroundings.
Best early Prime Day budget Sony headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones $36.95 at Amazon$54 Save $17.05 Get Deal Why we like it
If you want a pair of Sony headphones without paying the extra cash to secure a pair, this budget-priced option is a great alternative. They offer crisp, high-quality audio with a lengthy 50-hour battery life. You can make and take calls on them, and they're super lightweight and comfortable for long-term wear as well. Like many of Sony's headphones, they also offer multipoint connectivity.
More early Prime Day Sony headphone dealsSony WI-C100 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones — $28 $39.99 (save $87.04)
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones — $92.95 $179.99 (save $87.04)
Sony ULT Wear Over-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones — $144.95 $249.99 (save $105.04)
Report: AI can perpetuate anti-LGBTQ hate
AI has stoked many fears: The demise of entire industries, mass exploitation of vulnerable online denizens, a widespread crisis of literacy and critical thinking.
Included in that long list is the fear that these systems can reinforce discrimination and bias levied against already marginalized groups. And according to a new report from LGBTQ nonprofit GLAAD, it's already a problem.
SEE ALSO: LGBTQ+ creators come together to discuss living out and loud on the internetThe 2026 Build for Everyone report, published by GLAAD today (June 17), is an industry-wide analysis of the state of inclusive, responsible model design across the AI lifecycle. Researchers found repeated instances of exacerbated misinformation, discriminatory decision-making, and privacy concerns that the organization argues must be addressed with more responsible model design. But it has to happen sooner rather than later, GLAAD argues.
AI can make misinformation and censorship worse"If LGBTQ topics and issues aren’t accurately represented during foundation model development or model fine-tuning, AI systems can perpetuate biased or stereotypical assumptions," GLAAD writes in its report.
For example, a 2025 GLAAD report found that Meta’s Llama 4 model repeated harmful information about conversion “therapy" — an anti-LGBTQ practice that has been disavowed by the majority of medical professionals and even the United Nations — when queried by users about how to "stop" same-sex attraction. Mainstream generative AI chatbots have been known to repeat medical misinformation, especially about politically charged topics like abortion.
In addition, GLAAD warns of AI-enabled censorship of LGBTQ content as social media platforms rely increasingly on automatic content moderation. These systems often fail to parse the nuances of queer identities or outrightly target LGBTQ content. Meta's Oversight Board, for example, has urged the company to improve automatic enforcement of its Hateful Conduct policy following a complete overhaul of its LGBTQ protections.
AI-based prediction can reinforce discriminationGLAAD also found that systems relying on AI systems for predictive decision-making — like AI-powered banking or housing processes, job-hiring tools, and even ad targeting — can further exacerbate historically discriminatory practices, worsen stereotypes, and repeat flawed assumptions about identity groups.
AI poses data privacy concerns for LGBTQ peopleData privacy has been a prevailing issue among AI users and developers, and the same goes for LGBTQ communities.
"LGBTQ people face heightened risks when AI systems collect, infer, or retain information about sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics," writes GLAAD. "In the more than 60 countries that criminalize same-sex relationships, government access to AI-collected information can lead to arrest, persecution, or violence. In the many U.S. jurisdictions that restrict transgender rights, that same data can fuel discrimination, denial of care, or loss of legal recognition."
How to design AI with LGBTQ communities in mindGLAAD recommends AI developers ensure greater LGBTQ representation in AI training and data to fill in model "blind spots," and urges companies to continuously update their models as anti-LGBTQ hate and misinformation evolve.
GLAAD also recommends that companies include intentional guardrails to protect LGBTQ users and that AI products are stress tested and deployed with LGBTQ communities in mind.
"Neutrality is no longer an option. AI systems trained on data that wrongfully positions LGBTQ lives as 'fringe' or treats our equal rights as 'controversial,' or that fail to catch sophisticated disinformation about LGBTQ people, threaten our health, safety, and civil rights," GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a press release. "Tech leaders must proactively embrace intentional practices to create safe products — not just because it is an urgent moral imperative, but because responsible AI is best for business and a requirement for future-proofing AI companies.”
FIFA World Cup schedule today: Games, kickoff times, livestream info for June 17
The first round of group-stage games from the 2026 World Cup is coming to an end. Eight teams are yet to compete, but that all changes today. And this final batch of fixtures is particularly interesting, with some of the biggest clashes on the schedule.
Today, June 17, is another huge day for the tournament. The action starts at 1 p.m. ET. The schedule is relentless, so we've broken down the details for you below. Here's what you need to know to tune in live today.
FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 17Group K: Portugal vs. DR Congo (Houston Stadium) — kickoff at 1 p.m. ET
Group L: England vs. Croatia (Dallas Stadium) — kickoff at 4 p.m. ET
Group L: Ghana vs. Panama (Toronto Stadium) — kickoff at 7 p.m. ET
Group K: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia (Mexico City Stadium) — kickoff at 10 p.m. ET
A lot of fans think Portugal could go far in this competition, but DR Congo are a strong team. They've got the talent to produce a shock result at the NRG Stadium. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.
Watch England vs. CroatiaEngland will need the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to be at their best if they want to secure three points against Croatia. These teams are likely to battle it out for top spot in the group, so this opening game is vital. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.
Watch Ghana vs. PanamaMost of the attention is on England and Croatia in this group, but Ghana will like it that way. They'll fancy their chances of advancing into the knockout rounds, but they need to start well against Panama. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.
Watch Uzbekistan vs. ColombiaColombia are strong favorites to win this opening game, but there are few genuinely easy games in this competition. They will still need big performances from star names if they want to progress from a tricky group that includes Portugal and DR Congo. Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.
Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98$59.97 Save $19.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (Spanish Language) Starting at $10.99/month Get Deal More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement
Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:
YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months
Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month
Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month
It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.
You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup for free. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpresVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealYour smart home subscriptions are about to cost a lot more money—here's what you should do about it
Cloud subscriptions for smart home services offer a lot of convenience. You can access things such as the video history of your security cameras from anywhere in the world whenever you need to. The trouble is that the prices of these subscriptions keep rising, and the likelihood is that they're going to rise even higher in the near future.
How to watch Portugal vs. DR Congo online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Portugal vs. DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with Proton VPN.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is showcasing a long list of fascinating matchups, but Portugal vs. DR Congo might be one of the best. There's a growing consensus that Portugal could go far in this competition, but DR Congo will pose a genuine threat. They've got the talent to produce a shock result at the NRG Stadium.
Portugal are repping star names like Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, and Vitinha. And of course, 41-year-old Ronaldo is set to lead the line once again. Could he cap an incredible career by winning the biggest prize in sport?
If you want to watch Portugal vs. DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Portugal vs. DR Congo?Portugal vs. DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on June 17. This fixture takes place at the NRG Stadium.
How to watch Portugal vs. DR Congo for freePortugal vs. DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Portugal vs. DR Congo for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend Proton VPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Watch Portugal vs. DR Congo for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Portugal vs. DR Congo (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?Proton VPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
20,000+ servers in 140+ countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to Proton VPN is on sale for $71.76 — 70% off for a limited time. This plan includes a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $4.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Portugal vs. DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with Proton VPN.
I tested the 160MHz Wi-Fi "hack" and it made my network worse
There's a Wi-Fi trick floating around tech forums that promises to dramatically boost your wireless speeds. I tried it, and came away with more questions than answers—most of them wondering about why it keeps getting recommended.
New Matter 1.6 updates make your smart home devices truly plug-and-play
On Wednesday, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) announced Matter 1.6, which brings a number of new features and tools to the Internet of Things (IoT).
Matter is basically CSA's smart home standard, which ensures that smart home product brands like Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon's Alexa are compatible with one another. Consumers may be unaware that Matter even exists, but it's important because it ensures they can buy any smart home devices from the brands of their choice.
Today's Matter 1.6 update is significant because it brings NFC-based Commissioning to IoT devices. As the CSA explains it, before this update, "ceiling fixtures, in-wall switches, and other installed products often [needed] to be configured before final installation due to awkward placement requirements, creating additional complexity during deployment."
However, that's no longer the case with Matter 1.6.
"In practice, this means a light bulb can be commissioned before it is screwed into a ceiling fixture, and an in-wall switch can be set up before mains power is on," CSA said in a statement. "For larger installations, multiple devices can be provisioned in advance and activated at their final locations. For end users, the experience is immediate and tactile: simply hold a phone near the device to commission it."
It will no longer be necessary to scan QR codes, enter passcodes, or go through other complicated processes to set up your smart home device. As the CSA explained, thanks to NFC-based Commissioning, users will just need to tap their smartphone near the device.
Matter 1.6 also brings new additions called Joint Fabric and Thermostat Suggestions. With Joint Fabric, multi-user setups can be co-administered through a single shared Matter network. Thermostat Suggestions will allow users to send "time-bound suggestion tied to one of the thermostat’s supported presets." According to the CSA, "the thermostat then reacts accordingly based on preferences and current environmental conditions."
NFC-based Commissioning is easily the biggest news with this update. However, Matter 1.6 also adds other enhancements such as Security Sensor Event History, Unmounted State for Smoke and CO Alarms, and other upgrades as well.
The best gaming laptop deals to grab before Prime Day — the ASUS TUF F16 is at its lowest price ever
Amazon’s latest Prime Day sale is still a little way off, but the retailer’s gaming laptop deals are already dropping hard across various brands to save you more cash on top-tier models.
Ahead of the main sale, we’re seeing early discounts on machines built for much more than just everyday browsing. These include RTX-powered laptops, high-refresh-rate displays, sizeable SSDs, and models that can handle the latest PC games without needing a full desktop setup.
Gaming laptops can be tricky to shop for, with specs, sellers, and inflated list prices all worth checking carefully. So, Mashable has gone through the early offers and picked out the best gaming laptop deals worth considering before Prime Day officially begins.
With that, here are the very best early Prime Day deals you can find right now.
Best gaming laptop deal deal Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS TUF F16 RTX 5050 VR-Ready Gaming Laptop $1,399 at Amazon$1,999 Save $600 Get Deal Why we like it
The TUF F16 was already a great pick as a gaming laptop, being a modernised entry in ASUS’s fantastic TUF range of gaming-ready laptops. To go along with its powerful specs, however, is its lowest price ever: now only $1,399 with $600 slashed off its $1,999 list price — and is now the lowest price it's ever seen, confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.
With that 30% discount, you’ll be buying a 16-inch FHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core i7-14650HX processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It also comes with useful extras like a MUX Switch with NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, 100% sRGB support, a 1080p webcam, RGB backlit keyboard, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and WiFi 6.
This particular model comes with an RGB backlight to illuminate your gaming displays even more.
With all that, you’re all set to play modern games with fantastic results — be it the usual multiplayer shooter fun in Fortnite, or a triple-A single-player gem like Cyberpunk 2077, with plenty of space available for more titles via its 1TB of SSD storage.
On the other hand, for just $200 more, you can select the SKU with double the RAM at 32GB of DDR5 — which is also on sale at $1,599, $700 off. Then, you’ll be able to play more reliably while multitasking between admin and streaming, as well.
More gaming laptop dealsASUS laptops
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $1,999 $2,699.99 (26% off)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — 2TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $2,179 $2,399.99 (9% off)
ASUS ROG Strix G18 — 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $2,197.99 $3,399.99 (35% off)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $2,295.32 $2,499.99 (8% off)
Acer laptops
Acer Nitro V 16S AI — 1TB SSD, 32GM RAM — $1,309.99 $1,399.99 (6% off)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI — TB SSD, 16GB RAM — $1,749.99 $2,199.99 (20% off)
HP laptops
HP Omen RTX 5070 — 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $1,899 $2,199 (14% off)
Thunderobot laptops
Thunderobot Radiant 16 — 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM — $1,499 $1,699 (12% off)
Thunderobot Zero 18 Pro — 2TB SSD, 64GB RAM — $2,899 $3,199 (9% off)
Early Prime Day toy deals are live: Shop Lego, Pokémon, and more at low prices
Prime Day officially starts really soon, and Amazon is doing the most to keep us on edge. We're already seeing major discounts on items that usually don't drop in price until the actual event (almost every Fitbit is on sale right now!), and those markdowns are slowly trickling into other categories, including Lego, Pokémon, and other top-tier toys.
Whether you have a little one at home or you're a proud auntie like me and you need to pick up a birthday gift or a little "just because" treat, now's the time to start browsing.
SEE ALSO: Craving pizza? Prime members can grab $5 large pizzas from Little Caesars every day through Prime Day.Here are the best early toy deals to add to your wishlist or cart before the official sale kicks off next week.
Best deal overall Toniebox 1 Audio Player Starter Set with Playtime Puppy $79.99 at Amazon$99.99 Save $20 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
If you're looking for a "toy" that isn't really a toy, then the Toniebox is the way to go. It's a Mashable fave (our Director of Special Projects Nicole Cammorata swears by these little things), and it's on sale ahead of Prime Day. The Toniebox 1 is an earlier version of the collection, but it still has all the bells and whistles you need to give your kid a screen-free listening experience.
It's basically a soft, huggable little speaker that's super easy for young kids to operate on their own. You just pop the included Playtime Puppy figure on top, and it automatically starts playing songs and stories. They can even squeeze the little ears on the box to adjust the volume, or tap the sides to skip tracks.
Best Lego deal Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box (10698) $33.49 at Amazon$59.99 Save $26.50 Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
Lego sets are by far one of the most popular toys out there for both kids and adults. Every time I see my nephew, I take him to the local BrickinBad to pick out a set that we can build as soon as we get back to my apartment. The only problem is that Legos are notoriously expensive, so whenever they actually go on sale, it's a huge win.
If you're looking for a set that's suitable for all ages and offers hours of open-ended playtime without the headache of lengthy instructions, the Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box is my go-to. My nephew has this exact box, and he will just sit there for hours building his own little world.
Best Pokémon deal Funko Pop! Games: Pokémon Ivysaur Figure $8.84 at Amazon$14.99 Save $6.15 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
If your kid is into Pokémon but isn't quite old enough to start keeping track of actual trading cards, they'll probably be just as happy with this Funko Pop! Ivysaur figure. It's a fun, inexpensive way to let them have their own Pokémon merch without you having to worry about a rare card getting bent in half or lost at the playground. (My nephew has this one, too!)
More early Prime Day toy dealsCrayola Marker Airbrush Spray Art Kit — $16.99 $21.99 (save $5)
Monopoly Pokémon Edition Board Game — $17.49 $24.99 (save $7.5)
Transformers Toys Heroic Optimus Prime Action Figure — $19.49 $26 (save $6.51)
Shashibo Sensory Fidget Toy — $19.99 $24.99 (save $5)
National Geographic Glowing Marble Run — $30.49 $37.99 (save $7.5)
Amazon Echo Dot Kids (newest model) — $34.99 $59.99 (save $25)
MAGNA-TILES Classic 100-Piece Magnetic Construction Set — $83.99 $119.99 (save $36)
Here are some of the best Samsung deals available before Amazon Prime Day 2026 kicks off
The Amazon Prime Day sale event is nearly upon us — June 23 is the kickoff date, if you haven't marked your calendar for it yet — but if you don't want to wait until then to shop, you don't have to. The retailer has dropped quite a few early deals that have caught our attention, so you can take advantage of some stellar savings before the four-day sale event even begins.
Select Samsung products, in particular, have seen some nice price cuts ahead of the sale event at Amazon. From monitors to smartphones to smartwatches, there's a whole lot to look through right now that's been marked down from the company.
If you're curious what's on offer, we've gathered up some of our favorite early Prime Day Samsung deals that are already available at Amazon. As we get closer to the sale event, and as it's happening, we'll be sure to update this with even more deals that cross our radar.
Best early Prime Day Samsung smartphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB $1,207.95 at Amazon$1,499.99 Save $292.04 Get Deal Why we like it
"If there's ever been a phone to make you ditch Apple, this is it." That's what Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth said in his Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review. The phone even earned a Mashable Choice Award. With that kind of praise, of course we're excited to see it get a price cut at Amazon before Prime Day.
The unlocked, 512GB model in black is currently on sale for $1,207.95 (incredibly close to its lowest-ever price of $1,199.99), though the sky blue model is also on sale for a few dollars extra at $1,209.99. If you've been looking for a phone upgrade, this is quite an awesome deal to jump on. Werth also adds in the review, "for dedicated Android users — or anyone who loves big phones and hates Liquid Glass — the S26 Ultra is worth the investment."
More early Prime Day Samsung smartphone dealsSamsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone, 128GB — $164.99 $199.99 (save $35)
$999.99 Save $335 Get Deal Why we like it
For gamers looking to splash out on a fancy PC monitor upgrade, this deal on the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 gaming monitor is definitely worth a look. Right now, it's dropped to its lowest-ever price at Amazon of $664.99 exclusively for Prime members. Compared to its full price of $999.99, this is a great opportunity to save $335 on it.
It's quite an exciting upgrade, too. Boasting a 49-inch 1000R curved screen with QHD Ultra Wide 1440p resolution, you'll feel completely absorbed in every detail and color that pops up on its screen. It also has a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, so games will run smoothly and responsively.
More early Prime Day Samsung monitor dealsSamsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 G50F QHD Gaming Monitor — $169.99 $279.99 (save $110)
Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G55C Series QHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor — $189.99 $329.99 (save $140)
Samsung 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Series Ultra-WQHD Monitor — $208.99 $329.99 (save $121)
Samsung 32-inch Smart Monitor M7 (M70F) 4K UHD Display — $229.99 $399.99 (save $170)
Samsung 27-inch Odyssey QD-OLED G8 (G81SF) 4K Gaming Monitor — $800.23 $1,299.99 (save $499.76)
$649.99 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it
Looking for a durable wearable to take on your many adventures this summer? The Galaxy Watch Ultra is the ultimate smartwatch upgrade to help you out. It's definitely worth a look, especially now that Amazon's knocked $100 off its price tag, bringing it down from $649.99 to $549.99.
Alongside a variety of fitness features and health and sleep tracking features, our hands-on review from Kimberly Gedeon highlights that it's "designed for rugged adventurers." It can "handle temperatures between -4 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can tolerate deep-sea diving and other challenging environments." If it seems like the kind of fit for your lifestyle, this is an excellent time to scoop it up.
More early Prime Day Samsung smartwatch dealsSamsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) 44mm — $289.99 $379.99 (save $90)
$1,397.99 Save $400 Get Deal Why we like it
If you're on the hunt for a TV upgrade this summer, Prime Day is a great time to shop, and Samsung is already seeing some nice discounts on some of its TVs at Amazon. This Samsung 55-Inch Class S90F Smart TV is already sitting on our list of the best TV deals ahead of Prime Day, and for very good reason, as it's already sitting at its lowest-ever price at the retailer.
With a 55-Inch screen size, 4K resolution, and an OLED display, this Samsung TV is well worth upgrading to, especially while it's still on sale. You can even get one month of Xbox Game Pass with your purchase, which is a nice little bonus.
More early Prime Day Samsung TV dealsSamsung 43-Inch Class QLED Q8F 4K UHD Smart TV (2025 Model) — $427.99 $547.99 (save $120)
Samsung 55-Inch Class The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV (2025 Model) — $897.99 $1,097.99 (save $200)
Samsung 65-Inch Class The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV (2025 Model) — $1,197.99 $1,497.99 (save $300)
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The best PlayStation deals to grab before Prime Day — NBA 2K26 is down to an all-time low price
Amazon’s latest Prime Day sale is almost here, steadily building up to several days of huge deals on appliances, gadgets, and of course, offers on PS5 games, accessories, consoles, and more.
While the actual four-day Prime Day doesn't start until June 23, Amazon and third-party sellers are already dropping plenty of deals to save you cash ahead of the rush. The key thing to keep in mind when it comes to shopping for PlayStation is that there can be a lot of price drops on off-brand products to sift through. Luckily, Mashable has done that on your behalf — and will do so throughout the sale.
Whether you're shopping for a new DualSense controller, a discounted PlayStation 5 game, or even a PS5 console bundle when a rare price drop appears, Mashable has scoured the site and cherry-picked the best deals live right now.
Best PlayStation deal Opens in a new window Credit: 2K Store 'NBA 2K26' (PlayStation 5) $19.91 at Amazon$69.99 Save $50.08 Get Deal Why we like it
NBA 2K26 has already had a massive price drop ahead of Prime Day — this is easily one of the best game deals live right now. Originally launched at $69.99, the new and sealed Standard Edition is now available from just $19.91, taking over $50 off the list price less than a year after release. That's its lowest-ever price according to Camelcamelcamel.
NBA 2K26 brings back MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now, with ProPLAY technology used to translate real NBA footage into more realistic movement, dribbling, crossovers, and on-court action.
As expected with annualised sports games, the next in the series is expected to hit consoles later this year. If you’ve not had the chance to play NBA 2K26 yet, now is the perfect time to catch up while we wait for news on the next full-price installment.
More early Prime Day PlayStation dealsPS5 gamesSonic Superstars — $19.99 $29.99 (33% off)
Red Dead Redemption — $24.99 $29.99 (17% off)
EA SPORTS FC 26 — $29.83 $69.99 (57% off)
God of War Ragnarök — $32.43 $69.99 (54% off)
The Last of Us Part I — $34.38 $69.99 (51% off)
Gran Turismo 7 — $38.99 $69.99 (44% off)
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (Amazon Exclusive Edition) — $39.99 $69.99 (43% off)
Resident Evil Origins Collection — $20.98 $29.99 (30% off)
Five Nights at Freddy's: The Core Collection — $22.56 $39.99 (44% off)
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy- The Definitive Edition — $24.48 $29.99 (18% off)
Red Dead Redemption — $24.49 $29.99 (18% off)
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy — $31.34 $39.99 (22% off)
Foluck 4-in-1 Carrying Case for PlayStation Portal Remote Player — $29.89 $34.98 (15% off)
PlayStation Portal Remote Player (Renewed) — $205.99 $249 (17% off)
PlayStation PS Portal + Case — $276.49 $284.98 (3% off)
PS Portal + Case + Charging Station — $306.48 $322.97 (5% off)
6 distros that prove Linux is the future of desktop PCs
An age-old rhetorical question has plagued everyone’s favorite open-source operating system from the very beginning: Is Linux ready for the desktop? Of course it is! In the early days, when users were forced to use the terminal, battle with device drivers, or even compile their own kernel, things were different. But nowadays, we have clean, attractive desktop environments that are every bit as capable as Windows or macOS.
ChatGPT’s AI market share slips to a historic new low
ChatGPT's sizable lead in the world of AI assistants is slipping, bit by bit.
Analytics firm Sensor Tower released its annual State of AI report (as cited by TechCrunch) this week, which contained the news that OpenAI's flagship chatbot no longer has a majority of market share in the AI space. As recently as January, ChatGPT still had more than 50 percent of total AI market share, but now, it's down to 46.4 percent, per Sensor Tower.
SEE ALSO: Everything announced at WWDC 2026, the start of the Siri AI eraLet's put it this way: In a multi-candidate election, ChatGPT would still win by a landslide, but this is a sign that other AI tools are gaining momentum. Namely, Google Gemini is up to 27.7 percent, while Anthropic's Claude is up to 10.3 percent. Earlier this year, Anthropic even reported it was seeing a million new users every day. Other AI chatbots, including Grok and Meta AI, has less than 5 percent market share.
Even with its slight dip from majority to plurality, ChatGPT seems to be doing quite well. Sensor Tower said it has 1.1 billion monthly users, with Gemini fairly far behind it in that metric, with 662 million monthly users. As Gemini starts working its way into everyday devices and services, like Apple's new Siri AI coming later this year, that number could grow even further.
In another troubling sign for OpenAI, Microsoft recently indicated it may go with the lower-cost Chinese model DeepSeek to power some enterprise AI tools.
Lastly, don't forget that OpenAI is prepping for a possible IPO later this year. Declining market share is unlikely to improve its prospects in the market.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
Grab a streaming stick for as low as $16 ahead of Prime Day
If you're not ready to completely replace your old TV (and dish out the money to do so), but you want a speedier, more modern streaming experience, grabbing a streaming stick is the move. Their simple plug-and-play design can completely transform any TV with an HDMI port for a whole lot cheaper than getting a new one — especially if you grab one during Prime Day.
While Prime Day doesn't officially kick off until June 23, our shopping team has spotted lots of early deals worth grabbing. From streaming services to devices, I'll be tracking all of the best streaming deals throughout the Amazon Prime Day shopping event. And yes, there are also plenty of TV deals up for grabs if you are ready to take the leap.
While Amazon Fire TV Sticks are definitely running the show so far, I'll be keeping an eye out for more Roku, Google, and Apple TV streaming devices as we inch closer to the official event.
Best early Prime Day streaming stick deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $24.99 at Amazon$49.99 Save $25.00 with on-page coupon code 4KSAVE Get Deal Why we like it
The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the most affordable Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup that offers 4K quality with HDR10+ support, as well as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It still features the old Android-based operating system, which can be slightly laggy, but overall it's well-loved by many longtime users. It also still allows for sideloading apps if you're into that. (Starting with the 4K Select model, all future Fire TV Sticks will switch to the Linux-based Vega operating system).
Be sure to click on the "redeem" button next to the on-page coupon code underneath the Prime logo and pricing details to score 50% off this streaming stick ahead of Prime Day. While there's a chance we could see an even lower price come Prime Day proper, this is currently its lowest price on record.
More early Prime Day streaming stick dealsAmazon Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $34.99 (save $19)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $39.99 (save $22)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $34.99 $59.99 (save $25 with on-page coupon code MAX4K)
Google TV Streamer 4K — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Roku Ultra — $85.95 $99.99 (save $14.04)
Your Android phone is secretly a loudness meter, light meter, and thermometer
Most of us use Android phones for the same handful of things every day: scrolling social media, watching videos, playing games, and chatting. What many people don’t realize is that modern smartphones are packed with sensors that can do a lot more than just power GPS navigation. You see, with the right apps, you can use your phone’s sensors to unlock a new set of capable measuring tools.
The Widows Bay cast breaks down their favorite scares from Season 1
It's almost unfair for Widow's Bay to be as hilarious and terrifying as it is.
SEE ALSO: 'Widow's Bay' review: Your new favorite TV town awaits in this tremendous horror comedyNot an episode of Apple TV's latest hit went by without me belly laughing or letting out a shriek of terror. From Patricia's (Kate O'Flynn) cursed "Rhythm of the Night" dance circle to the finale's unsettling sacrifice, Widow's Bay crafted some of 2026's most effective horror moments. But which of these scares impacted the cast the most?
In an interview with Mashable, Widow's Bay stars Matthew Rhys, Stephen Root, and O'Flynn, as well as series creator Katie Dippold and director Hiro Murai, broke down their favorite scares from the season. Rhys's choice? The murderous Willy the Clown (Tim Baltz).
"He worked on that crawl, and the speed at which he came to me, I actually yelped," Rhys recalled. "I still look at it and go, 'How did he do that?'"
Elsewhere, O'Flynn recalled shooting Patricia's memorable final girl encounter with the Boogeyman (Airon Armstrong), a serial killer pulled straight out of Halloween.
"He did so many amazing stunts in one take, and it was quite extraordinary to watch," O'Flynn said. "I was worried about him walking through the fire, but he did it, no problem."
To hear more about the Widow's Bay team's favorite scares, as well as the show's many horror influences, check out the full video above.
