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Snap reveals new tetherless Specs AR glasses with a $2,000+ price tag

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 18:50

Snap CEO Evan Spiegel announced the launch of the company's new Specs AR glasses on Tuesday during a keynote speech at the AWE (Augmented World Expo) virtual reality expo. Unlike most other augmented reality products, the Specs are fully wireless, marking a big step forward for the product category.

The Specs AR glasses are available for preorder now for $2,195 (with a refundable $200 deposit), and according to Snap, they'll ship this fall to customers in the United States, the UK, and France. The glasses come in two sizes, with a 47mm model weighing 132 grams and a 52mm model weighing 136 grams.

Smart glasses are an umbrella term that includes a wide range of augmented reality and AI technologies.

With the Specs, Snap seems to be taking an all-of-the-above approach, which is reflected in the price tag.

"We gave ourselves a very difficult challenge," Spiegel said during his keynote. "Specs had to be capable, they had to be wearable, and they had to be more accessible than any other spatial computer has ever been before."

Smart glasses are a fast-growing category, with Apple, Samsung, and Google all confirmed or rumored to be working on upcoming products. However, the Spec's AR glasses house never-before-seen features for the category, which are closer to headsets like the Apple Vision Pro than other smart glasses.

The new Specs feature a proprietary liquid-crystal-on-silicon display, and the glasses can create the equivalent of a 24-inch desktop display for work tasks or a 115-inch screen for entertainment. Unlike AR glasses from companies like TCL RayNeo and Xreal, the Specs do not connect to another device via a computing puck or USB-C tether. They also support hand-tracking for gesture control.

The new Specs glasses from Snap, parent company of Snapchat. Credit: Snap

Snap said that it has filed more than 7,000 patents while working on Specs glasses over the past decade. The previous version of Snap smart glasses, the Snapchat Spectacles released in 2024, were bulky and served more as a proof-of-concept than a practical consumer gadget. However, with a $2,195 preorder price, the new Specs are also significantly more expensive than other AR glasses.

Previous generations of Snapchat smart glasses were bulky and impractical for everyday use. Credit: Snap

Snap said the glasses will provide a "more seamless view of the world with minimal distortion." The glasses also feature electrochromic lenses, which can shift from clear to tinted in 10 seconds.

"Specs are not designed to replace the world," Spiegel said. "They're designed to bring computing into it."

How do the new Specs glasses work? Previous generations of Specs glasses on display at AWE 2026. Credit: Snap

Specs are a head-worn computer in the shape of glasses, and according to a press release, they feature two on-board processors.

The untethered AR glasses are powered by two Snapdragon processors. One powers computer vision, while the other is dedicated to running the display lenses, hand tracking, and interactivity. Snap said the glasses offer "7-millisecond motion-to-photon latency, helping digital content feel anchored in the real world."

In that sense, the glasses are more similar to the Samsung Galaxy XR or Apple Vision Pro headsets than other display glasses, like the Meta Ray-Ban Display or Even Realities glasses.

Other key specifications include:

  • A 51-degree field of view, equivalent to looking at a 115-inch screen at 10 feet away

  • Custom stereo speakers

  • Six high-SNR MEMS microphones

  • Swiss TR90 polymer frame

  • Display supports 16 million colors

Snap said the glasses will provide up to four hours of mixed-use battery life, which reportedly includes both audio and video playback, as well as AI interaction. A charging case will provide additional charges, for a total battery life of 20 hours.

To attract third-party apps and partners to the Specs ecosystem, Snap also announced the launch of a new developer preview and native development kit. The developer tools will be available in the Snap Lens Studio, and a developer preview will also be available in Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor.

The glasses are available for preorder starting today at Specs.com.

Mashable Enterprise Editor Neal Broverman provided additional reporting for this article.

UPDATE: Jun. 16, 2026, 1:34 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with additional information about the Specs glasses.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows dark mode wasn't dark enough, so I did this instead

How-To Geek - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 18:30

Dark mode is supposed to make screens easier on your eyes, but it can feel a little dull over time. Dark mode lowers brightness on websites, but it doesn't strip things down. High contrast mode does something completely different. It's exactly what you need if you think dark mode isn't going far enough.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The three-row SUV nobody talks about that lasts 200,000 miles

How-To Geek - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 18:15

Car ownership in the U.S. is changing fast, with vehicles now averaging a record age of around 13 years in 2026. The main reason is simple: new cars are expensive, with prices hovering near $50,000 and monthly payments that can easily stretch past $1,000 for a growing number of buyers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I switched DNS providers three times before I found the hidden setting breaking my internet

How-To Geek - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 18:00

I switched DNS providers more times than I care to admit, and it was never fun -- setting up custom DNS can be a real chore. Still, I was convinced there had to be a reason that certain websites kept failing to load properly.

Categories: IT General, Technology

LiberNovo has an ergonomic office chair solution for big and tall users

How-To Geek - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 18:00

If you're over six feet tall or have a larger frame, you've probably noticed that most office chairs weren't designed with you in mind. Seats and armrests that press into your legs and sides, and headrests that sit at shoulder height, aren't minor inconveniences. Over a full working day, they add discomfort.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Toy Story 5 review: AI toys are the hook, not the heart of this comedy

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 18:00

It feels both impossible and inevitable that we've arrived at Toy Story 5

When Toy Story hit theaters in 1995, it was groundbreaking. The first release from Pixar Animation Studios was also the first animated feature created entirely with computers. Critics cheered, audiences flocked, and a toy cowboy named Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and a space ranger named Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) became instantly iconic. Then, bucking tradition, the sequel that followed in 1999 was actually even better than the original.

Introducing Jessie, the heartbroken cowgirl, (Joan Cusack) and her horse buddy Bullseye, Toy Story 2 expanded the world, the lore, and the themes of the first film. In Toy Story, Woody fears being forgotten by his owner, Andy. In Toy Story 2, the agony of that experience is efficiently distilled into Jessie's flashback with her first kid, Emily, scored by a rueful Sarah McLaughlin singing "When She Loved Me." If you sniffled at even remembering this sequence, you're not alone. 

Toy Story 3 followed, introducing Bonnie, a new kid for Woody and his friends to play with at Sunnyside Daycare, and presenting the franchise's biggest bad yet in Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear (Ned Beatty). (Also this third film gave us the absolute gift of Michael Keaton as Ken, years before Barbie.) Once more, critics cheered how this franchise about toys continued to mature. Toy Story 4 came nine years later, introducing Forky (Tony Hale), a spork turned into a toy by Bonnie's creativity. Though a deeply charming movie, the fourth installment didn’t feel as profound as its predecessors. And now, Toy Story 5 asks how Woody and the gang's world will change with the rise of AI and tech toys. 

In Toy Story 5, the antagonist is a tablet named Lilypad (Greta Lee), who's so addictive that analog toys worry this could mean the end of playtime. It's sort of funny to see a computer-animated movie attempt to critique the dangers of tech to a child's imagination. But as you might predict of Disney — who acquired Pixar 20 years back — there's no meaningful critique of tech toys or AI in Toy Story 5. Instead, digital devices versus analog toys become a way to explore how to find human connection.

Jessie is the hero of Toy Story 5.  Jessie squares off against Lilypad in "Toy Story 5." Credit: Disney/Pixar

Remember, at the end of Toy Story 4, Woody retired from being Bonnie's (Scarlett Spears) toy to reconnect with Bo Peep (Annie Potts) and live in a playground as a "lost toy". Without him, Jessie has taken over as the playroom's sheriff, inspiring a bunch of imaginative scenarios of play, and making sure all the toys feel safe and seen. But a new challenge arises when eight-year-old Bonnie's parents buy her Lilypad to help her fit in and make friends. Her peers are all online, constantly connected to The Pond (Lilypad's social media network), playing games and messaging each other with little to no parental involvement. 

No sooner has Lily arrived that Bonnie becomes zombie-like, ignoring her other toys, stressing over missing online chat sessions, and endlessly tapping the screen. Jessie fears no real friends can be made with this "device," a word that Cusack utters like a slur. So, she sets out to help Bonnie make friends in person. But some big choices lead to Jessie and Bullseye ending up far from home, where the cowgirl is forced to confront her past trauma over losing Emily. 

Meanwhile, Woody has returned to help Buzz, who's been deputized by Jessie, to keep Lily in check. Though the words "AI" or "artificial intelligence" are never uttered in this movie, Lilypad's sentience leads to trouble for the toys and poor Bonnie. 

Toy Story 5 is about being the weird kid.  Bonnie plays with Jessie while other girls play on their tablets in "Toy Story 5." Credit: Disney/Pixar

It's been 31 years since I first saw Toy Story. And like that aching flashback in Toy Story 2, Bonnie's experience here hit me hard in the heart. Since she was introduced in Toy Story 3, this cute kiddo with a brunette bob, a love of color, and macabre storylines has been adored by her toys for her creativity. But to other kids, Bonnie is a weirdo. 

At the start of Toy Story 5, she's having a blast imagining a wedding ceremony where someone has poisoned the water hole maid-of-honor (her dramatic flourishes emphasized in a stylized animation, with softer lines and more vivid colors). But when the neighborhood twins arrive nearby, Bonnie is instantly self-conscious and flustered about how to invite them over to play. Her parents notice, and know the girls in her dance class use Lilypad to play games together online. So they believe they're helping when they present Bonnie with her own. However, as many a parent has learned, letting a kiddo go unsupervised online can lead to bullying, stress, and heartache

Blaze types on her laptop in "Toy Story 5." Credit: Disney/Pixar

Because the other kids favor tablets over toys, Bonnie resists playing with her toys, as she has internalized the social pressure that such behavior isn't cool. A sting of remembrance — when Toy Story first came out, I was at the point in grade school when my peers insisted we were collectively too old for dolls and toys. So, I'd taken to hiding my favorites in a small box, tucked away from judgmental eyes. I'd still play, but alone. 

In Toy Story 5, Bonnie is not alone. Through Jessie's haphazard daring-do, the toys meet Blaze (Mykal-Michelle Harris), a nine-and-a-half-year-old who is as high-energy and gleefully goofy as Bonnie. She also seems to have a healthier relationship with technology. Now the trick is how to bring them together? 

It'll take a lot more than a virtual pond or a snarky tablet to save Bonnie from her aching isolation. Jessie will make new allies in some of Blaze's clunky tech devices, like a potty training toy called Smarty Pants (Conan O'Brien). And meanwhile, Woody, Buzz, and a fleet of recently unboxed, high-tech Buzzes will aid in an audacious rescue effort that leads to some splendidly exciting action sequences. 

Joan Cusack is marvelous in Toy Story 5.  Jessie looks out of a closet in "Toy Story 5." Credit: Disney/Pixar

While the inclusion of high-tech toys is certainly the gimmick of Toy Story 5, it is not the focus. Instead, the story evolves into being about how to find your people. Jessie, once a lost toy, knows the pain of feeling alone. And even as she faces her fears of abandonment, she fights to save her kid from that pain. 

Jessie is a reflection of Bonnie and Blaze. She is spirited and silly, with a big heart that’s easily wounded. And yet she is brave. While Woody and Buzz get up to plenty of hijinks that are great for a trailer and some belly laughs, it is Jessie and her girls who make Toy Story 5 more than just another film in this franchise. They carve out a place for the little weirdos, to be seen and celebrated. 

Directed by Andrew Stanton, who co-wrote the screenplay with Kenna Harris, Toy Story brings back characters we love while introducing new toys for the merchandising line, including Lilypad. Yet the soul of these movies is not lost to consumerism requirements. The animation here is as winsome as ever. The story is admittedly thin, offering not one but two Buzz subplots to fill its feature-length runtime. Still, it is captivating even while uneven. But above all else, Cusack, who has been the MVP of such bizarre kids movies as Toys and Addams Family Values, commands this sequel with her unflappable moxie. 

Woody and Buzz strategize how to best Lilypad in "Toy Story 5." Credit: Disney/Pixar

Whether she is cheering for her friends or condemning her foes, Jessie is exhilarating, funny, and riveting. Cusack's performance is bolstered by a top tier animation team, who’ve made a beautiful and gleefully alive cowgirl and continued that careful illustration to a broader cast of characters. Perhaps predictably Toy Story 5 is an unabashed crowd pleaser. But more than that, it is a mainstream film that thoughtfully champions the unconventional. Through Jessie, Bonnie, and Blaze this joyous sequel cheers the weirdos, acknowledging the hurt of being left out, and the heady highs of finding community through shared strangeness. 

Simply put, this sequel is wacky, warm, and unapologetically weird. Yeehaw. 

Toy Story 5 opens in theaters on June 19.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Skip the coffee shop — score the best-ever price on the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series espresso machine

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 17:55

SAVE $150.99: As of June 16, get the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series espresso machine for $599, down from its usual price of $749.99. That's a discount of 20%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series $599 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150.99   Get Deal

Making your own coffee at home can end up saving you a significant amount of money in the long run. Whether you love an espresso or you like to make creamy, milk-centric shakes, it's a good idea to invest in at least some sort of coffee maker if you're spending a lot of cash at Starbucks. If you're looking to grab a machine ahead of Prime Day, we've found one that's well worth the price, especially at this discount.

As of June 16, get the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series espresso machine for $599, down from its usual price of $749.99. That's $150.99 off and the best-ever price.

SEE ALSO: 6 early Prime Day deals under $50 worth shopping before the sale begins

This machine has the ability of four in one. It can brew coffee, cold brew, espresso, and more, with the touch of a button. It has its own independent hot water system with five espresso styles and two cold brew styles as well as varying sizes of drinks should you want a little more or a little less each day.

Its goal is to make getting coffee into the real world and into your digestive system as easily as possible, and it does that with weight-based dosing, customized grind-size recommendations, and active brew adjustments so you don't have to do any of the guesswork. Plus, it has hands-free frothing so all you have to worry about is drinking the finished product.

It's an investment to be sure, but well worth the cash if you want to get the most out of your mornings without spending an arm and a leg.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Libro.fms huge BOGO sale is live — how to score a free audiobook

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 17:40

GET A FREE AUDIOBOOK: From June 12 to 22, shop Libro.fm's BOGO sale. Get a two audiobooks for the price of one with a Libro.fm membership.

Opens in a new window Credit: Libro.fm BOGO audiobook sale at Libro.fm Get two audiobooks for the price of one during Libro.fm's BOGO sale. Get Deal

We're not here to settle the debate on if audiobooks count as reading (it totally does,) but we are here to get you a good deal on audiobooks. Libro.fm is like the Bookshop.org of audiobooks. With a monthly membership, get up to two credits a month to redeem audiobooks. Plus your membership directly supports an indepedent bookstore of your choice.

But this month, your credits stretch further. During Libro.fm's BOGO sale, you get two books for just one monthly credit — aka a free audiobook to add to your library.

How to get a free audiobook during Libro.fm's BOGO sale

To get your free audiobook, you need to be a Libro.fm member. So first, make sure you sign-up for as low as $14.99 a month. Once you have your membership, you need to redeem your monthly credits.

To get a free audiobook, you must redeem the deal on the Libro.fm's BOGO sale page. The deal is available on a selection of audiobooks. Titles include Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab, The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley, and All Systems Red by Martha Wells.

Make your selections then hit checkout where you'll be prompted to use one credit for the two audiobooks. And just like that, you have two audiobooks for the price of one and your library is stocked with two new summer reads.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OnlyFans managers take advantage of creators, BBC finds

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 17:38

OnlyFans isn't doing enough to protect creators from exploitation, according to an investigation from the BBC, which includes interviews from 60 UK OnlyFans creators, human rights experts, and lawyers.

The report focused on OnlyFans "agents," "managers," or "OFMs" (OnlyFans management) who allegedly take control of creators' accounts and earnings. It's also subject to a BBC Three documentary, OnlyFans: Inside the Machine.

SEE ALSO: The connection between Kim K and OnlyFans, according to new book

OFMs claim to help creators become more successful and gain an audience and subscribers, but experts say they actually take advantage of creators.

OFM contracts shown to the BBC show that management takes up to 70 percent of creators' earnings, while the platform itself takes 20 percent. Several creators who spoke to the BBC said their managers lied about earnings in order to get more money themselves, with a couple claiming their managers changed the password to their OnlyFans account and bank account details, respectively.

Managers have also threatened creators with bodily harm, with one creator believing a physical attack was connected to her manager.

An OnlyFans spokesperson told the BBC that, "The allegation we 'turn a blind eye' [to these issues] is unfounded."

The spokesperson continued, "OnlyFans' relationship is with our creators and fans and we are not connected with, and do not endorse, any third parties including management agencies."

OnlyFans takes user safety "incredibly seriously," and invests in protection measures and meets its duties under the UK's Online Safety Act, the spokesperson said. "Unfortunately, we cannot review or influence any contractual relationships creators choose to enter into outside the platform as we are not party to them.

"If anyone raises a concern about a Creator's account, we will immediately restrict the account, conduct an investigation and take action to ensure the Creator is in control of their OnlyFans account," an OnlyFans spokesperson told Mashable.
 
"Despite repeated requests, the BBC refused to share account details of any OnlyFans users or the agencies that they claimed formed the basis of their reporting," the spokesperson added.

UK's anti-slavery commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, told the BBC that the cases of exploitation that have been reported but not properly acted on "raises serious concerns about whether OnlyFans is meeting its legal duties to protect users." She is engaging with the UK communications regulator, Ofcom, which also stated that the BBC's findings were "deeply concerning."

Last year, a lawsuit against OnlyFans claimed that subscribers believed they were direct messaging with creators, but were actually scammed by management pretending to be them. The lawsuit was dismissed in Dec. 2025.

UPDATE: Jun. 16, 2026, 12:48 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with a statement from OnlyFans to Mashable.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Craving pizza? Prime members can grab $5 large pizzas from Little Caesars every day through Prime Day.

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 17:37

SCORE A $5 PIZZA: Through the end of Prime Day on June 26, Amazon Prime members can get a $5 large pizza (pepperoni or cheese) from Little Caesars once per day (up to five times) with the Prime Day pizza promo.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon / Little Caesars Little Caesars: $5 Large Pizza (Prime members only) Get Deal

Amazon is really breaking boundaries this Prime Day. Beyond early deals on tech like TVs, headphones, and MacBooks, it's also offering digital deals on streaming services and subscriptions, a sweepstakes for free groceries for a year, early access to see Spider Man: Brand New Day, and $5 pizza. Yes, Amazon now has a Prime Day pizza promotion and it's live through June 26.

As of June 16, Prime members can nab a large pizza for just $5 at Little Caesars once per day until the end of Prime Day on June 26. The offer is limited exclusively to online orders only from Prime members in the U.S. and an Amazon code is required. If you're not already a Prime member, now's a great time to sign up. Not only can you unlock this pizza deal, but plenty of other early Prime Day offers.

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Head to the pizza promo page and click on "claim code "in the black box. You'll be redirected to the Little Caesars website to place your order. A large classic pepperoni pizza will automatically be added to your order, but feel free to change it to a large classic cheese if you want. You can add any sides or extras to complete your meal, then head to checkout. That's it — if you followed the steps correctly, the unique promo code will automatically be applied to your order at checkout.

The rules are you can only get one $5 pizza per day and you can only claim five pizzas total. Still, that's a lot of pizza. Just remember to return to the Prime Day Little Caesars offer page each time to claim a new code.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Shop the best Nintendo Switch deals ahead of Prime Day 2026

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 17:36
The best early Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals Best early Prime Day Nintendo Switch Deal Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle $499 Get Deal Best early Prime Day Nintendo Switch game deal Star Fox $49.94 (Save $10.04) Get Deal Best early Prime Day Nintendo Switch accessory deal 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller $59.92 (Save $10.07) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is almost here once more, and the retailer has started the savings early for anyone with a Nintendo Switch on their wishlist. Several of our favorite Switch and Switch 2 games and accessories are already discounted ahead of the main event, and you can shop them right now.

The four-day sale doesn't officially begin until June 23, but early deals are live as of June 16. The console itself is the exception, though. The Switch 2 turns one this month and is set for a price increase to $499.99 on September 1 rather than a cut. The real savings you'll find right now are on games and accessories.

If you'd rather not wait, these are some of the best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals here worth grabbing now. We'll keep this guide updated as the sale gets closer, but for the moment, the best Switch and Switch 2 discounts so far are below.

Best early Prime Day Nintendo Switch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle $499 at Amazon
  Get Deal Why we like it

While technically not a "deal" in the sense that you'll save money for Prime Day, this bundle is a good way to pick up both a Nintendo Switch 2 and the game of your choice out of a decent selection. You get the console itself, Joy-Con controllers, and games like Pokémon Pokopia, Mario Kart World, and Donkey Kong Bananza with the bundle, so you can get started playing right away. With a 7.9-inch LCD touch screen, three play modes, and backwards compatibility with most Nintendo Switch titles, it's well worth picking up, especially given the price hike coming in September.

Best early Prime Day Nintendo Switch game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Star Fox $49.94 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $10.05   Get Deal Why we like it

This upcoming remake of the classic Nintendo title is out next week, and you can go ahead and save on it before Prime Day ever arrives. Hurtle through space on a fast and furious adventure with Fox, Slippy, Peppy, and Falco as you experience this new take on the Star Fox 64 story. It has new fully-voiced dialogue, a new orchestral soundtrack, and completely new graphics for a whole new generation. You can also invite a second player to join you on your adventures.

Best early Prime Day Nintendo Switch accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller $59.92 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.07   Get Deal Why we like it

This excellent Pro Controller alternative is much cheaper at the moment, and it'll get the job done with style and panache. It has special joysticks with better precision, higher sensitivity, and improved durability so no matter what game you're into, you know it'll feel great to play. It also features an integrated charging dock so you can always stay charged up, no matter what kind of schedule you keep. Plus, it has a slew of customizable features you can change up for different games, offering a much more bombastic experience than a Joy-Con controller.

More Nintendo Switch deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

I tested Claude and ChatGPT on a simple task—both failed spectacularly

How-To Geek - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 17:30

AI chatbots are incredibly useful for my work. I use them for research, for proofreading and fact-checking, and for keeping track of articles and pitches. There's one job I had really hoped AI could take off my hands. Sadly, both Claude and ChatGPT failed dismally.

Categories: IT General, Technology

15+ streaming services you can get for 99 cents, plus more early Prime Day streaming deals

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 17:26
The best early Prime Day streaming deals at a glance: Best overall Paramount+ Premium $0.99/month for 2 months (save $26) Get Deal Best music streaming deal Amazon Music Unlimited free for 4 months (save $47.96) Get Deal Best premium Prime Video add-on deal Apple TV $5.99/month for 2 months (save $14) Get Deal Best audiobook streaming deal Audible Standard free for 3 months (save $26.97) Get Deal Best slept-on streaming deal AMC+ Premium (Prime Video add-on) $0.99/month for 2 months (save $20) Get Deal

Last year, Amazon surprised us by dropping a boatload of Prime Day streaming deals for the first time. In 2026, it's basically rinse and repeat. And that's not a bad thing.

Prime Day isn't just for deals on TVs and headphones anymore — it's also a great time to load up your digital libraries with streaming subscriptions, so long as you're a Prime member. (Not yet a member? Sign up here.) One of the biggest perks of having a Prime account is gaining access to Prime Video, Amazon's own streaming service. While Prime Video itself isn't on sale, tons of subscription add-ons are, including premium options like Apple TV, AMC+, and Paramount+.

We can almost guarantee that more streaming services will toss their hats in the ring to compete as we inch closer to the official Prime Day kickoff on June 23. Don't worry; we'll be keeping an eye out for you and updating this list with the latest and greatest streaming deals that drop. While we're not expecting Black Friday-level discounts, we are sure to get some diamonds in the rough.

Best early Prime Day streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium $0.99/month for 2 months (save $13/month) Get Deal Why we like it

Like clockwork, we can always count on Paramount+ to dish out one of the best streaming deals during major shopping events. The streamer has resurrected the exact same streaming deal from last Prime Day for 2026, only this time it's technically a better offer since Paramount+ raised its prices earlier this year. Typically $13.99 per month for a Premium subscription (that's the ad-free tier with Showtime), you'll get two months for just 99 cents a piece. That saves you $26 total.

The Paramount+ library is surprisingly robust. Premium subscribers can enjoy Paramount+ Originals like Landman and RuPaul Drag Race All Stars, Showtime series like Dexter Resurrection and Yellowjackets, CBS shows like Survivor and Big Brother live, UFC fights, and nostalgic shows from Nickelodeon and MTV. That's not even counting the massive movie lineup (including Paramount Pictures movies straight from the theater).

The discount is only valid through the end of Prime Day on June 26, so be sure to sign up before then. You can grab the deal directly through Paramount+ itself or as a subscription add-on via Prime Video or Roku.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium (Prime Video add-on) $0.99/month for 2 months (save $13/month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium (Roku add-on) $0.99/month for 2 months (save $13/month Get Deal Best Prime Day music streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Music Unlimited Amazon Music Unlimited free for 4 months (save $11.99/month) Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not committed to a music streamer, now's a good time to check out Amazon Music Unlimited without spending a cent. Through June 29, new subscribers can secure four free months. Typically $11.99 per month for Prime members, that's a total of $47.96 in savings. Amazon Music Unlimited unlocks a massive music catalog that you can listen to on-demand, ad-free, and in the highest quality possible. Beyond music itself, Unlimited subscriptions also include "the most ad-free podcasts" of any of the major music apps, as well as one free audiobook per month via Audible. Even if you do already subscribe to another music streaming service, it's worth it to take a pause from payments for four months and lock in this deal.

More early Prime Day streaming deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

6 early Prime Day deals under $50 worth shopping before the sale begins

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 17:18
Best early Prime Day deals under $50 Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 (save $35) Get Deal Best headphones deal JLab JBuds Lux ANC $49.95 (save $30.03) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender $48.98 (save $21.01) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket (42221) $47.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Coleman Classic Series Insulated Portable Cooler (52 quarts) $37.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best beauty deal Renpho Eyeris 1 Smart Eye Massager $49.82 (save $10.17) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is set to kick off on June 23, running though June 26 this year. It'll be a great time to save on tech, home appliances, and back to school gear. But like all Amazon sales, you might not have to wait for the official start day to cash in on major savings. In fact, sometimes it's better to shop early and avoid potential shipping delays.

Amazon has already dropped prices on plenty of great items like noise-cancelling headphones, Apple Watches, and portable power stations. But if you're sticking to a budget this summer or you're shopping for an affordable gift, the early sale has a great selection of options that cost under $50.

We'll continue to update this list as we get closer to the official sale. For now, these are the best early Prime Day deals that cost under $50.

Best Amazon Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal Why we like it

When it comes to sorting out the best Amazon Echo device, the Echo Spot wins as the best model that serves as an alarm clock. While spending about $80 on a smart speaker combo alarm clock might feel steep, today's sale price of $44.99 brings it down to a much more comfortable level.

The Echo Spot is easy to set up straight out of the box and it has customizable faces and sounds. Plus, it's the perfect compact size for your nightstand.

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab JBuds Lux ANC $49.95 at Amazon
$79.98 Save $30.03   Get Deal Why we like it

If the price alone doesn't convince you, consider the awards the JLab JBuds Lux ANC have won at Mashable. They're our top pick for best budget headphones this year, the best noise-cancelling budget pick for flying, and the top budget headphones option for students.

In addition to having decent ANC, they have great battery life, getting up to 70 hours of total playtime or about 40 hours with ANC turned on. We're also pretty smitten with the colorway options.

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender $48.98 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $21.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Ninja makes a variety of exceptional kitchen appliances, but if you're short on counter space, the Ninja Fit compact personal blender might be the best option. Use it to whip up a daily smoothie, a weekend frozen margarita, or a dessert chocolate milkshake. The Ninja blender comes with the 700W motor base as well as two 16-ounce Ninja cups and lids that are perfect for taking your blend on-the-go.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I didn't notice this Android Auto toggle for months, but now I use it all the time

How-To Geek - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 17:00

If there’s one thing that I’ve found to be consistently true, it’s that even the tiniest bit of friction can make something useless. That’s why I was so happy when I noticed a simple toggle appear on my Android Auto screen after a drive with Google Maps navigation.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Fitbit trackers and Garmin smartwatches are down to their lowest price ever ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 16:53
Best early Prime Day fitness tracker deals Best fitness tracker deal Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 (Save $60) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Garmin Epix Pro (47mm) $499.99 (Save $500) Get Deal Best Apple Watch Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm) $299 (Save $100) Get Deal Best Samsung Galaxy deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm) $289.99 (Save $90) Get Deal

Prime Day deals can be totally overwhelming with the sheer volume of products on sale, but the smartest way to shop is to go for what you really need. If you've been in the market for a new fitness tracker, just in time to hit your summer fitness goals, Prime Day is the best time to buy.

Right now there are a wealth of fitness trackers and smartwatches on sale. Find Fitbits, Garmin smartwatches, and Apple Watches all on sale for their lowest price ever ahead of Prime Day. That's some stellar savings a week before Prime Day has even kicked off.

Best early Prime Day fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $60.00   Get Deal

Fitbits are one of the OG fitness trackers, helping people get on their feet and stay active. The Charge 6 displays your daily steps and heart rate. It automatically detects activity and can even link to compatible exercise machines to display your heart rate. And right now, the Fitbit Charge 6 is 38% off ahead of Prime Day.

Grab it for just $99.95 and save $60 off its $159.95 list price. This early Prime Day deal also brings the Charge 6 down to its lowest price ever.

More fitness tracker dealsBest early Prime Day smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Epix Pro (47mm) $499.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $500   Get Deal

Garmin smartwatches are a staple among runners who want elite GPS tracking alongside health monitoring. The Garmin Epix Pro is usually a big investment at $999.99, but ahead of Prime Day, it's been cut in half, down to just $499.99, saving you $500.

It has 1.3-inch always on AMOLED display with a built-in LED flashlight. It's for true endurance athletes, providing a hill score for big climbs and endurance scores as you train. For a complete picture of your health, it'll monitor your health 24/7, providing pulse ox and HRV status.

Grab it now ahead of Prime Day for its lowest price ever.

More smartwatch deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

macOS 27 beta seemingly confirms touchscreen MacBook is on its way

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 16:48

In 2007, Apple introduced a lot of folks to the idea of a cell phone with a touchscreen. Since then, a ton of laptops have shipped with touch support, but Apple has avoided doing the same with MacBooks. It seems like that trend will end soon.

Bloomberg's resident Apple guru Mark Gurman did some analysis of the latest batch of Apple software betas and found evidence of touchscreen support coming to at least one future MacBook model. Specifically, the developer beta for macOS 27 Golden Gate features things like support for pull-to-refresh (like how you refresh social media feeds on an iPhone), as well as a pill-shaped Siri interface that looks a lot like the iPhone's Dynamic Island feature.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iOS 27 will have three more unannounced features, report claims

These are small things, but they're part of a longer trend of evidence piling up for a touchscreen MacBook.

A recent leak out of China, for example, said it was definitely happening, while Gurman has also previously reported on the topic. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of specific info about this laptop, such as price, release date, or any other unique features it might have. But Gurman did call it a MacBook Pro in a previous report, so it might not be one of the cheaper models. (Remember: Apple is also rumored to be working on a high-end MacBook Ultra.)

Currently, the MacBook line includes the new MacBook Neo, the Air, and the Pro.

Categories: IT General, Technology

20+ trading card deals to shop before Prime Day — save on Pokémon TCG, Magic, One Piece, and more

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 16:39

Amazon’s Prime Day sale is fast approaching, with deals on popular trading cards like MTG and Pokémon already live.

Mashable regularly tracks the best deals from Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon, plus other collectable cards like One Piece and KPop Demon Hunters. And this sale season is no different — we’re expecting more deals to go live as we get closer to Prime Day’s official launch date of June 23.

These are the best early Prime Day trading card deals we’ve found.

Best trading card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Jumpstart Booster Box $73.70 at Amazon
$91.99 Save $18.29 Get Deal Why we like it

After becoming one of our highlighted deals earlier this week, Amazon's dropping Magic: The Gathering’s 24-pack Avatar: The Last Airbender Jumpstart Booster Box to only $73.70 (20% off its standard $91.86). It's still the very best trading card deal ahead of Amazon’s Prime Day sale today. 

Dropped to its lowest price ever on Amazon, confirmed via price tracker camelcamelcamel, this deal has been selling incredibly fast (68% claimed at the time of writing), but is still very much worth grabbing while you still can. 

Even going lower than the Avatar Jumpstart Box’s market price and listings on TCGplayer, this $18.16 saving means you’re only paying $3.07 per pack. With that, this is one of the most budget-friendly ways to enter into either this expansion or Magic: The Gathering altogether.

After all, the Jumpstart format makes Magic incredibly accessible and simple to start — having you ready to play just by opening two packs and shuffling them together. 

At the time of writing, any buyer can get delivery by Sunday, June 21, but Prime members can get theirs delivered as soon as tomorrow, June 17.

More early Prime Day trading card dealsMagic: The GatheringPokémon TCGOne PieceKPop Demon Hunters
Categories: IT General, Technology

USB-C was supposed to unify everything, but it's a mess of hidden incompatibilities

How-To Geek - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 16:35

I can't imagine my life without USB-C at this point. There's lots to love about this widespread connector standard. For the most part, I can plug any two things with USB ports or cables into each other, and something useful will happen.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Canopy introduces Sound Machine + Aroma, and its already helping me sleep better

Mashable - Tue, 06/16/2026 - 16:34

Canopy is best known for its stylish small home gadgets, including its iconic humidifiers. On June 16, the brand announced a new product offering: The Sound Machine + Aroma. It's a 3-in-1 sleep device that combines sleep sounds, a night light, and aromatherapy diffusion.

The Canopy Sound Machine + Aroma retails for $69 and comes in white, moonstruck, cream, lavender, and jade.

Canopy Sound Machine + Aroma specs and settings
  • Sleep sounds: 15, including white noise, brown noise, ocean waves, and rain

  • Volume levels: 10

  • Battery life: 15 hours

  • Night light colors: Red, white

  • Aroma levels: 2

  • Timers: 30, 60, 90 minutes

Choose red or white light to wind down for bed or keep the monsters away. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable Canopy Sound Machine + Aroma first impressions

I live in New York City, so you'd think my sleep is interrupted by loud noises all night, but I actually have the opposite problem. My street is incredibly quiet overnight, which means any time there is a noise — like my upstairs neighbors' creaking floorboards — I'm super aware of it. I can't sleep in dead quiet, so I've used different sound machines for years (my Echo Spot, and more recently the Babelio sound machine).

I've only used the Canopy Sound Machine + Aroma for four nights, but I can already tell it's going to earn a permanent spot on my nightstand. I prefer brown noise to white noise, and the Canopy's brown noise setting is perfect. Some of the programmed sounds are definitely geared toward babies, like shushing and lullabies, and I don't see myself ever using those. But there are enough white noise and nature soundscapes that I will use to justify the device's price.

I have a Vitruvi essential oil diffuser, which I love, but it's not the quietest while running. So I've been enjoying the absolutely silent aromatherapy from Canopy. I just squeeze a few drops of my lavender and peppermint oils, and the scents are diffused throughout the night.

The front of the device houses controls for power, light, aroma diffusion, timer, settings lock, sound selection, and volume. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable Open the back of the device to access the aromatherapy diffuser. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

I'm not a night light gal, but I do like to wind down the evening with soft, dim lighting. The red and white built-in lights are soothing and not at all too bright. You are able to adjust the brightness as well.

The 15-hour battery life means I get two nights' worth of use out of the Canopy Sound Machine + Aroma before having to recharge. I can also leave it on the charger overnight to avoid a lapse in my precious brown noise.

It's only been a few nights, but so far, I'm impressed. The Canopy Sound Machine + Aroma is stylish, portable, and packed with great sleep tools. I would absolutely spend my own money on this.

Opens in a new window Credit: Canopy Canopy Sound Machine + Aroma $69 at Canopy
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Categories: IT General, Technology
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