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Eyeing a robot vacuum this Prime Day? A ton of self-emptying models are on sale early.

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 19:06
A look at the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals ahead of Prime Day Budget pick Eufy C10 $249.99 (save $230 with Prime) Get Deal Best self-emptying mopping deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 (save $340 with Prime) Get Deal

There are very few circumstances in which a person shopping for a robot vacuum shouldn't opt for a self-emptying robot vacuum. You're already shopping for a robot vacuum because you like the idea of automated cleaning, so it only makes sense to automate the maintenance as well.

Nowadays, auto-empty robot vacuums aren't necessarily the expensive hunks of plastic that take up a ton of floor space that they were in 2020. Many auto-empty docks are easily compact enough for a small space or apartment, and many don't cost more than $500 even at full price. So, you can imagine how big your list of affordable options gets during a sale season like Prime Day.

SEE ALSO: The most underrated robot vacuum of 2025 is also a stick vacuum

Though Prime Day 2025 doesn't officially start until July 8, Amazon has already dropped the prices on a ton of self-emptying robot vacuums. Whether you're not trying to spend more than $200 or $300 or you're eyeing an auto-empty dock that also washes and dries a mopping robot vacuum's mopping pads, there's a deal for you in this list.

I'm tracking the best deals on self-emptying robot vacuum deals ahead of Prime Day 2025 below. If a self-empty dock is also a mop washing station for a robot vacuum that mops, that'll also be pointed out. Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best self-emptying robot vacuum deal ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo S with mop washing station $459.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $340 save $340 with Prime Get Deal Why we like it

The massive $340 discount on this Roborock robot vacuum is the biggest discount in this whole list. So, if you're a Prime member, you don't even have to spend $500 to get the full hands-off robot vacuum experience including self-washing mopping pads.

The Qrevo S is kind of like the diet version of the Roborock Qrevo Master, my favorite robot vacuum from 2024 — the best part is easily the dual spinning mopping pads that wash and dry themselves after each run. After testing nearly 30 robot vacuums on my own hardwood and tile floors at home, I am fully convinced that the spinning action offers more precise scrubbing than a singular flat pad. The Qrevo S also has smart room mapping and small obstacle avoidance technology.

More self-emptying robot vacuums on saleRobot vacuums that mopRobot vacuums that don't mop
Categories: IT General, Technology

6 Alternative CLI Tools I Immediately Install on Linux

How-To Geek - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 19:00

The standard utilities on Linux are boring; have you ever noticed that? Their function is essential, but they're boring. Wouldn't you like to jazz up their outputs with some pretty colors? Or even speed them up? These terminal utilities do that and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Pixel Phone Alarms Keep Breaking

How-To Geek - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 18:46

Do you have one of Google's Pixel phones that somehow keeps missing the alarms you set? If so, you're not alone. It looks like the famous Pixel alarm bug is back and causing all sorts of problems for owners.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early Prime Day deals under $50: Fire TV sticks, indoor cameras, and more

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 18:38
Best early Prime Day deals under 2025 Best streaming deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $24.99 (Save $25) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Blast Portable Blender $44.99 (Save $25) Get Deal

With Prime Day coming in hot (the event starts on July 8 and runs until July 11), it's time to start coming up with your plan of attack when it comes to scooping up deals and getting your budget in order. Luckily, we're here to help you do exactly that, and those shoppers who are on a tighter budget are in luck, because lots of deals for under $50 are already live ahead of the sale. Streaming sticks, kitchen appliances, and more are already seeing price cuts, but we expect a lot more to roll in over the next few days.

SEE ALSO: Ahead of Prime Day, Amazon already has a ton of good robot vacuum deals

Read on to find our favorite deals under $50 ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2025, and keep your eyes on this page, because it'll be getting regular updates as more offers trickle in.

Best streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Streaming is most people's preferred method of watching TV at this point, so if you don't have some sort of streaming device yet, it's time to get with the program so you can watch your favorite programs. Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K is a great streaming starter device, and will get you access to all your favorite apps in one place. Pick one up ahead of Prime Day for just $24.99, or $25 off the usual price.

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Blast Portable Blender $44.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Summer is a perfect time for smoothies, and the Ninja Blast will ensure that you always have one at the ready. This portable blender can be used on the go, and has a convenient sipping lid that lets you drink its contents right after blending. Grab one before Prime Day and save $25, just $44.99 total.

More deals under $50
Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Galaxy S26 leak reveals potential camera upgrades

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 18:24

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series isn’t slated for release until early next year, but that hasn’t stopped the steady drip of leaks revealing what’s on the horizon.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 leak reveals specs, bands, and prices

The latest scoop, as spotted by Android Authority, comes from reliable mobile tech leaker Ice Universe, who shared details on Weibo about upgrades coming to the S26 Ultra — specifically its camera hardware. For comparison, the current S25 Ultra features a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, a 200MP main shooter, and a 10MP telephoto lens. According to Ice, that formula is sticking around for the S26 Ultra — almost. The 3x telephoto lens will reportedly get a modest bump from 10MP to 12MP.

A small win for portrait enthusiasts. As for the rest of the hardware, the S26 Ultra is expected to keep its 5,000mAh battery. What is changing, however, is the form factor. Ice claims the new model will slim down to somewhere in the 7.xmm range, trimming down from the S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm profile.

It's said that the S26 Ultra will end up lighter than the soon-to-be-announced iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon is dropping way better early Prime Day TV deals than years prior

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 18:22
A quick look at the best early Prime Day TV deals Best 55-inch TV deal Hisense 55-inch QD6 QLED 4K Fire TV $239.99 (save $140) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal Insignia 65-inch QF Series QLED 4K Fire TV $299.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal (or bigger) LG 77-inch C5 OLED 4K TV $2,796.99 (save $900) Get Deal

To keep it real, Amazon's own TV deals during Prime Day typically can't compete with TV deals from Best Buy or Walmart's anti-Prime Day sales. But things seem to be a little more heated in 2025 — Amazon has a much more robust list of actually-worthwhile TV deals than it usually does in pre-Prime Day mode. It wouldn't be ridiculous to get your Prime Day TV purchase out of the way now to focus on smaller, time sensitive deals between July 8 and 11 (the official Prime Day dates).

SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this easy TV specs guide

You'll see the expected early deals on Amazon's various 4-Series and Omni Fire TVs, of course. But Amazon is putting a lot of emphasis on cheap QLEDs from other brands like Insignia and Hisense, with many discounts reaching new record-low pricing. Many of the TVs on sale are 2025 models that were too new to get a noteworthy discount during Amazon's Big Spring Sale in March — some of Samsung's newest premium QLED and OLED models are thrown in there. The majority of these deals are available even if you're not signed up for Prime.

We're tracking all of the worthwhile Amazon TV deals dropping ahead of Prime Day below, organized by size and then by price. All TVs chosen below have 4K resolution and LED backlighting at the least. If any model bumps up to 8K resolution or QLED or OLED lighting, we'll note it specifically.

Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best TV deal at Amazon ahead of Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 65-inch QF Series QLED 4K Fire TV $299.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $200 Get Deal Why we like it

The cheapest 65-inch QLED TV we're clocking at Amazon ahead of Prime Day isn't an Amazon TV. It is still a Fire TV, but oddly enough, it's from Insignia — a Best Buy brand.

If you have trouble picturing the difference between an LED and QLED TV in your head, this is your chance to try an XL QLED out at home without severely overspending. The Insignia QF series has been garnering quite positive customer reviews on picture quality and color vibrancy. At this price, it's probably not going to have the same pop as some of the premium QLEDs out there, but you'll definitely notice the quantum dot difference compared to your old TV, especially during daytime viewing.

43-inch to 50-inch TV deals55-inch TV deals65-inch and 70-inch TV deals75-inch and 77-inch TV deals85-inch and up TV deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Help, I cant stop recommending Amazons $849 M4 MacBook Air deal

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 18:12

UPDATE: Jul. 7, 2025, 11:55 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with new deals.

The best early Prime Day laptop deals at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 (save $150) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Acer Swift Go 14 AI (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $749.99 (save $250) Get Deal Best 2-in-1 deal Microsoft Surface Pro 11, 12-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $699.99 (save $100) Get Deal

In the battle of the best early Prime Day laptop deals, it's the M4 MacBook Air's game to lose.

As Amazon gears up for its annual members-only sale from July 8 to 11, the retail giant has Apple's latest 13-incher marked down to only $849 (in all colorways, too). That's $150 off the M4 MacBook Air's already modest MSRP of $999, which is a hefty discount for a popular laptop that only just came out in March.

I think it'll be tough for any other laptop deals to touch that one this Prime Day season, though I welcome any attempts. Some other contenders for Windows users include fresh lows on the Acer Swift Go 14 AI and the new 12-inch Microsoft Surface Pro 11.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025: Dates, deals, and the competition

Once Prime Day 2025 formally begins tomorrow, I think we'll see more discounts on gaming laptops from brands like Acer and Asus, like we have during Prime Days past. While most of them will probably star Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 series laptops, deals on new RTX 50 series models are my personal white whales.

As Mashable's resident laptop guru (and someone who's been covering Prime Day since 2019), I want to share a few quick reminders to help you make smart shopping decisions when you're making a purchase as big as a new computer. One is to avoid third-party sellers on Amazon, which may have their own customer service policies or dabble in sketchy selling practices. The other is to cross-check prices with other retailers to verify Amazon's deals — it occasionally lists incorrect MSRPs — and to make sure you're getting the best price possible. For what it's worth, Best Buy is Amazon's biggest rival when it comes to laptop deals. It's currently running a Black Friday in July sale alongside Prime Day through July 13.

Below, I've rounded up the best early Prime Day laptop deals I've found so far on Amazon. I plan on refreshing my picks during actual Prime Day, so check back soon. Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 at Amazon
$999 Save $150 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4).

The new 13-inch MacBook Air is our top budget pick for Apple users and a Mashable Choice Award winner. "It's powerful, silent, and comes with a couple of much-needed upgrades," including an upgraded 12MP webcam and support for two external displays, wrote senior editor Stan Schroeder. He gave it an overall rating of 4.5/5.

Amazon's $849 deal applies to all colors of the base configuration with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. The Sky Blue variant briefly dipped down to an even-cheaper $829 in late June, but I have no trouble endorsing it at its current price: It's such a good deal on a popular new laptop that, again, is already pretty affordable.

More MacBook Air dealsMacBook Pro dealsBest Windows laptop deal Acer Swift Go 14 AI (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) 🔥 $749.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $250 Get Deal Why we like it

This year's Acer Swift 14 AI is a budget-friendly Copilot+ PC with 16GB of RAM, a healthy terabyte of storage, WiFi 7 support, and a nice 2.5K 120Hz display. (For comparison's sake, the M4 MacBook Air is still stuck at a 60Hz refresh rate.) Amazon has three configurations on sale for record-low prices ahead of Prime Day. The cheapest one, which has an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus processor, is discounted to $749.99 from $999.99. You can upgrade it with a 10-core Snapdragon X Plus CPU for $50 more and add touchscreen capabilities for an additional $50.

We haven't reviewed the Swift 14 AI, but our sister site PCMag tried a Best Buy-exclusive model with a higher-end Snapdragon X Elite processor (which is not on sale right now, mind you). They called it "a practical everyday laptop" despite its heftier build and possible ARM compatibility issues, giving it an "Excellent" overall rating of 4/5.

More Windows laptop dealsBest 2-in-1 laptop deal Microsoft Surface Pro 11, 12-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) 🔥 $699.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

The 12-inch Surface Pro is a newer, more compact version of Microsoft's flagship convertible. (It weighs only 1.5 pounds, making it the lightest Copilot+ PC on the market.) I've been patiently waiting for it to go on sale at a significant discount ever since it launched in early May because it doesn't come with a keyboard, a stylus, or even a charger. This Prime Day, Amazon came through with a $100 price drop that helps offset those extra purchases.

The base configuration with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is now $699.99, while the 512GB variant is now $799.99. Those deals were price-matched in the Microsoft Store at the time of writing, though it was listing abnormally long shipping times in late July and early August the last time I checked.

More 2-in-1 dealsGaming laptop deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Wireless earbuds deals are heating up the day before Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 18:02
The best early Prime Day wireless earbuds deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Amazon Echo Buds with ANC $44.99 (save $95 with Prime) Get Deal BEST ANKER SOUNDCORE DEAL Anker Soundcore Space A40 $49.99 (save $30 with code 0UPZTR8M) Get Deal BEST AIRPODS DEAL Apple AirPods Pro 2 $159.99 (save $89.01) Get Deal BEST SAMSUNG DEAL Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro $189.99 (save $60) Get Deal BEST BEATS DEAL Beats Flex $39.99 (save $29.96) Get Deal BEST JBL DEAL JBL Endurance Race 2 $59.95 (save $30) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is gracing us with its presence once again. This year, the official sale runs from July 8 through 11, though deals started popping up weeks before the formal dates of the shopping event. That's just the Amazon way.

Some of our favorite wireless earbuds are already getting the deal treatment ahead of Prime Day — including top brands like Anker Soundcore, Apple, Beats, and Samsung. Bose and Sony, on the other hand, are mostly holding out until Prime Day proper, which is curious because Sony's Bluetooth speaker deals are already popping off.

We expect some prices to drop even further once Prime Day begins. But if you're in need of a new pair of earbuds and don't feel like waiting, there are plenty of early deals you can add to your cart now.

We're tracking all of the best Prime Day wireless earbuds deals at Amazon below. Here are the best options already live ahead of the official Prime Day kick off. Check back regularly as we update this list with the latest and greatest discounts.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best early Prime Day wireless earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with ANC 🔥 $44.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $95 with Prime Get Deal Why we like it

If you're seeking "a really solid pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that will go easy on your wallet," as Mashable's Alex Perry put it, check out this deal on the Amazon Echo Buds with ANC. Usually $139.99, you can snag a pair for only $44.99 ahead of Prime Day. That's a massive 68% price drop. Big savings on these earbuds isn't exactly rare — just last month, we saw them drop to $54.99. This is, however, the first time this year that they've reached their record-low of $44.99. These buds offer a comfy design, effective noise cancellation, and solid sound quality. The battery life is just OK, but otherwise, they're pretty hard to beat for the price.

Check out our full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation.

More early Prime Day wireless earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Theres a record-low price drop on the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 at Amazon before Prime Day even begins

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 17:44

SAVE $100: The Microsoft Surface Pro 11, 12-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale at Amazon for $699.99, down from the list price of $799.99. That's a 13% discount and the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro 11, 12-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $699.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $100 Get Deal

The excitement and chaos of Prime Day is here. Starting tomorrow, Amazon launches into the longest Prime Day yet and like normal, the deals are already piling up. You're in great shape for saving on Apple devices, tablets, fitness trackers, and tons more. But surprisingly, Amazon has some great 2-in-1 laptop deals on offer. If that's your priority purchase, check out these details.

As of July 7, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, 12-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale at Amazon for $699.99, marked down from the standard price of $799.99. That takes $100 off the price thanks to a 13% discount. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon for this configuration.

Amazon rarely wows us with 2-in-1 laptop deals during Prime Day, and we typically turn to Best Buy for the best prices and selection. But Amazon is perhaps shifting for this Prime Day and the 12-inch version of the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is already down to a record-low price. Since Microsoft only launched this 2-in-1 in late May, we're jazzed to see this sale price.

SEE ALSO: Help, I can't stop recommending Amazon's $849 M4 MacBook Air deal

This model comes with 16GB RAM and a decent 256GB SSD and shines when it comes to portability since it only weighs 1.5 pounds. That makes it both the lightest and thinnest Copilot+ PC to hit the market.

If you're looking for the latest Microsoft Surface Pro, snag this record-low price on the 12-inch model that uses the eight-core Snapdragon X Plus processor with updated Copilot+ experiences. This Mashable-approved laptop deal breaks the mold of Amazon flopping on 2-in-1 laptop deals during Prime Day and we're not mad.

The best early Prime Day deals to shop today
Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 leak reveals specs, bands, and prices

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 17:27

With Samsung Galaxy Unpacked just days away, we have new details about the rumored Galaxy Watch 8 series. In typical Samsung fashion, leaks have been coming hard and fast ahead of the July 9 Unpacked event.

French site Dealabs has published the alleged full spec sheet (via 9to5Google) for three new Galaxy Watch models: the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and a 2025 version of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. This would seemingly confirm rumors that Samsung is bringing back the version with a traditional watch design and the clicking, rotating bezel, which we haven't seen since the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic series in 2023.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked is on Wednesday, July 9, where the company is also expected to announce new versions of foldables, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7, and maybe some new Galaxy AI features. Rumors also point to a possible preview of the Project Moohan XR headset teased in January.

Galaxy Watch 8: The rumored specs

Among the updated specs revealed in the latest leak, the Classic and Ultra both have a doubled storage capacity of 64GB. The standard Galaxy Watch 8 has the same 32GB of storage as the 7 series released last year. Samsung will offer the Watch 8 in 40 and 44 mm dial sizes, the Classic in 46 mm, and the Ultra in 47 mm, per the leak. All three models will reportedly have 2GB of RAM and the same Exynos W1000 chipset as the 7 series, so don't expect much to change in terms of processing power.

The leak also revealed details about the different watch bands included. The Galaxy 8 comes with a silicone band, while the Classic has a "Premium Hybrid Strap," which is reportedly a mix of leather and silicone or rubber. The Ultra version comes with the "Extreme Sports Bracelet," which is the same material as last year's Ultra.

Galaxy Watch 8: The rumored prices

So how much will the Samsung Galaxy Watches cost? According to the leak, the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic arrive with a price increase of around 20 percent from last year's models, while the Ultra will cost around the same.

The leaked prices are in Euros, so it won't be an exact match with dollars, but the price breakdown looks like this:

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 8:

    • 40 mm: €379.99 with WiFi, €429.99 with WiFI and 4G

    • 44 mm: €409.99 with WiFi, €459.99 with WiFi and 4G

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: €529.99 with WiFi, €579.99 with WiFi and 4G

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025): €699.99 for WiFi and 4G

Categories: IT General, Technology

Almost every single new Roomba is on sale ahead of Prime Day — save up to $800

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 17:25
Early Prime Day deals on Roombas Best cheap Roomba deal iRobot Roomba 104 Combo with AutoEmpty dock $249.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best mopping Roomba deal iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo with self-empty station and AutoWash dock $399.99 (save $400) Get Deal

The list of Roombas on sale at Amazon ahead of Prime Day 2025 looks much different than the list of Roombas on sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale in March. And that's a very, very good thing.

This is because Amazon Prime Day 2025 is the first big sale event for most of the new Roombas that debuted in March (they were far too new to get any real discounts during Amazon's spring sale). And these 2025 Roombas are unlike any Roombas we've seen before.

SEE ALSO: The most underrated robot vacuum of 2025 is also a stick vacuum

iRobot finally read the room and saw that other top robot vacuums from the likes of Shark and Roborock had better features for less money. The newest Roomba vacuums are the company's most practically priced and feature packed in years. The most affordable base-tier model can finally clean specific rooms on command instead of just bump around. Multiple new premium Roombas switched to spinning mopping pads that wash and dry themselves — without costing $1,000.

The newfound cost efficiency renders old iRobot models like the Roomba i3 or Roomba Essential Y0140 worthless. Amazon is essentially ignoring their existence in the weeks preceding Prime Day, instead shaving between 30% and 54% off the new Roombas for the first time. I'm already tracking all of the worthwhile early Prime Day Roomba deals below, as well as tracking all of Amazon's other early Prime Day robot vacuum deals.

Note: Any deal marked with a 🔥 has dropped to a record-low price at Amazon.

Best Roomba deal ahead of Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba 104 Combo with AutoEmpty dock $249.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $200 Get Deal Why we like it

Up until the latest round of Roombas that hit the scene in spring 2025, I'd often actively advise against getting a Roomba as your budget-friendly robot vacuum. The older, entry-level Roombas, like the Roomba 694 and Essential series, didn't even have smart mapping, whereas the entry-level Shark robot vacuums did — often at a lower price point than the cheap Roombas. But after testing the new base-tier Roomba 105, I can finally give iRobot credit for actually putting effort into a cheap Roomba. The Roomba 104 Combo featured here is nearly identical to the 105, but also mops.

The Roomba 105 cleaning my bedroom floor. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Roomba 104's 7,000 Pa of suction power not only destroys the mediocre suction power of past cheap Roomba vacuums like the Roomba i5, but is actually quite a high number for the price range at all. During testing in my apartment, the 105 barely missed any kitty litter, random crumbs, or surface-level pieces of hair or fur balls. It swept along edges and corners much closer than the other basic Roombas. With this improved cleaning combined with a self-empty dock, this is the most well-rounded Roomba that has ever dropped below $250.

More Roomba deals at Amazon The best early Prime Day deals to shop this week
Categories: IT General, Technology

Pixel owners report Android 16 lock screen issues

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 17:25

If you're a Google Pixel owner suddenly dealing with lock screen issues, you may not be alone in your struggles — and the problem might lie with Android 16.

Users are reporting issues with a laggy or frozen lock screen while using the new Android 16 software. Tech site 9to5 Google first spotted the apparent issue, noting that users are reporting problems on Google's forums and Reddit.

SEE ALSO: Android 16 is out now. Here are the new features.

Google Pixels were the first phones to receive the update and this could prove a major (and annoying) problem as long as it persists. It seems the primary complaints from folks involve the lock screen, including that it won't wake up with a tap, the screen being slow to wake (or totally non-responsive) after hitting the power button, and weird, vast variations in brightness. Users are reporting having to force restart their phones in some cases in order to get past a non-responsive screen. Google hasn't yet acknowledged or issued a fix for the apparent issue. It's not clear how widespread the problem may be, considering all we've seen thus far is complaints on forums.

Android 16 is the latest major update to Pixel's software. It promises an overhauled look, Live Updates, and increased security features. But if the simple operation of the phone becomes much more difficult with Android 16, that could prove a major problem for users.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Nintendo Switch deals ahead of Prime Day 2025

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 17:07
Best early Prime Day 2025 Nintendo Switch deals Best Nintendo Switch game deal 'It Takes Two' $29.99 (Save $10) Get Deal Best Switch 2 case Deal tomtoc Slim Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 $36.99 (Save $11) Get Deal Best Nintendo Switch accessory deal Elgato HDR10 External Capture Card for Nintendo Switch 2 $149.99 (Save $30) Get Deal

Prime Day 2025 is so close that we can taste it — the massive sale kicks off on July 8 and has been extended into a four-day affair that concludes on July 11. In the meantime, though, there are plenty of deals on the Amazon website that are worth considering ahead of Prime Day.

That's especially true for Nintendo fans, because a bunch of consoles, games, and accessories for the Switch are discounted leading up to the sale. You won't find much related to the Switch 2 yet — it's just too new — but those with an original Switch will find plenty to like.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 restock tracker (June 23): Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, Costco, and more

Check out our top early deal picks below, and stay tuned, because we'll keep updating this page as more offers come in.

Best Nintendo Switch game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hazelight Studios 'It Takes Two' $29.99 at Best Buy
$39.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you haven't played a decent co-op game, you're truly missing out. Hazelight Studios makes some of the most critically-acclaimed cooperative games out there, including 2021 Game of the Year winner It Takes Two. You can save $10 on the game ahead of Prime Day, just $29.99. So, get yourself a friend to play through it with, and enjoy!

Best Nintendo Switch accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Elgato Elgato HDR10 External Capture Card for Nintendo Switch 2 $149.99 at Best Buy
$179.99 Save $30 Get Deal Why we like it

With the new Nintendo Switch here, it's time to start stocking up on all the accessories you can get for it. If you're at all interested in streaming or posting your gameplay online, you're going to want a capture card, and Elgato makes some of the best on the market. This one works with the brand-new Switch 2, and it's currently $30 off at Best Buy, just $149.99.

Nintendo Switch console dealsNintendo Switch game dealsNintendo Switch accessory deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Early Prime Day soundbar deals you can shop right now

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 17:00
The best early Prime Day soundbar deals: Best deal overall Amazon Fire TV Soundbar $84.99 (save $35) Get Deal Best JBL deal JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One (MK2) $149.95 (save $50) Get Deal Best Sony deal Sony HT-S2000 $298 (save $201.99) Get Deal

Prime Day (it’s now a four-day event, so Prime Days?) is looming — we’re just a week and some change away from Amazon’s annual sales event, and if you’re in the market for a new soundbar, now’s the time to start looking.

While Prime Day itself will undoubtedly have deals worth shopping, over the years (we’ve been covering Prime Day since 2018!), we’ve found that some of the best deals creep up just before the actual event kicks off. Whether this is a sneaky way to get people shopping early or just a coincidence, it means you don’t necessarily have to wait until Prime Day to snag a good deal.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade your TV setup with our favorite expert-tested soundbars

Here are the best early Prime Day soundbar deals we could find as of June 25. We’ll be updating this post regularly as new deals pop up, so be sure to check back often.

The best Prime Day soundbar deal Amazon Fire TV Soundbar $84.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $35 Get Deal Why we like it

If you need a soundbar on the cheap, you can get the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model) for just $84.99 right now. That’s a 29% discount, $35 in savings, and the absolute lowest price we’ve ever tracked. (It's also an official "Prime Early Deal.")

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar features dual speakers for a fuller sound, Dolby Audio support, HDMI eARC, and quick and seamless integration with Amazon Fire TV devices. (You can use it with other smart TVs too, though.) It’s Bluetooth-enabled, so you can stream music, podcasts, and more from your phone, and it’s compact enough not to take up too much space under your TV.

Is it the best soundbar? Probably not, but it is the most affordable soundbar from a name brand that you can get right now.

The best Prime Day JBL deal JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One MK2 2.0ch Soundbar $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

If you have a bit more to spend, and you want more sound, you can get the JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One (MK2) for $149.95. That’s a 25% discount and $50 in savings. It’s not the lowest we’ve seen for this model, but it is the cheapest it’s been since November 2023.

The JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One (MK2) is compact but still has that signature JBL sound, with 80W of power and Dolby Digital for an “authentic cinematic experience.” If you’d rather not use your TV, you can stream music via Bluetooth from your smartphone or tablet, and it’s easy to set up.

The best Prime Day Sony deal Sony HT-S2000 $298 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $201.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re more of a Sony fan (everyone has their preferences), you can get the Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar for its lowest price ever: $298. We haven’t seen it dip this low since October of last year.

The Sony HT-S2000 offers surround sound in a compact design. It comes with built-in dual subwoofers, three front speakers, and a center channel so you can actually hear the dialogue in whatever you’re watching. If you need more sound, you can purchase optional wireless subwoofers and rear speakers separately.

It’s also Bluetooth-enabled and has an easy setup using the HDMI eARC connection.

More soundbar deals you can shop right nowSoundbars we’re waiting to see on sale

While the deals above are already live, there are a few other soundbars we’re hoping to see on sale for Prime Day.

The Sonos Arc Ultra is one of our all-time favorite soundbars. It’s a little pricey, but it delivers what our Tech Editor, Timothy Beck Werth, calls “movie theater-like sound.” In his Sonos Arc Ultra review, he calls out its smart features, sleek design, and “impressive” audio. It usually retails around $999, but we’re hoping to see it drop below $800 for Prime Day.

Another Mashable Choice Award winner that we’d like to see on sale is the Bose Smart Soundbar. Werth rated it one of the best soundbars for its easy setup, smart design, and value for the dollar. It’s a great soundbar to get if you're just starting out with a home theater setup, and we’re hoping to see it drop below its usual $549 price tag.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel unlocked phone deals are heating up ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 16:38
The best early Prime Day unlocked phone deals at a glance: BEST SAMSUNG GALAXY DEAL Samsung Galaxy S25+ (512GB) $919.99 (save $200) Get Deal BEST MOTOROLA DEAL Motorola Edge 2024 (256GB) $349.99 (save $200) Get Deal BEST GOOGLE PIXEL DEAL Google Pixel 9a (128GB) $449 (save $50) Get Deal

Need to upgrade your phone? Amazon Prime Day could be your best opportunity to score one for less. Save yourself the trouble of coordinating trade-ins and data plans at a specific carrier and check out unlocked phones at Amazon instead. In most cases, you'll be able to find a better deal. Not to mention, if you travel abroad, you won't have to worry about a carrier lock preventing your ability to connect to a new network (ask me how I know).

Prime Day officially commences on July 8 and run through July 11. Yes, it's now a four-day event, making it the longest Prime Day ever. We're already seeing some of the best prices to date on the Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup weeks ahead of the sale, but we'll be keeping an eye on things and updating the list below with any new deals that pop up as we inch closer to the official Prime Day kickoff. Sadly, Apple iPhones rarely (if ever) go on sale during Amazon shopping events, but we'll never say never.

Here are the best unlocked phone deals we could find at Amazon before the annual shopping event.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

The best unlocked phone deal ahead of Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy S25+ (256GB) 🔥 $919.99 at Amazon
$1,119.99 Save $200 Get Deal Why we like it

The Galaxy S25+, which launched earlier this year, is just $20 shy of its best price ever ahead of Prime Day — just $919.99 for the 512GB model. While it's not quite as powerful as the S25 Ultra or the latest S25 Edge, it's also a lot easier on your wallet. You'll still get the impressive Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM, plus a slightly larger and nicer display than the basic S25 (6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with new "ProScaler" technology), as well as a bigger 4,900mAh battery. Mashable's Chance Townsend calls the S25+ the "sweet spot for battery life and versatility" amongst the S25 lineup. It doesn't look too much different than the S24+, but it'll definitely wow you in terms of internal upgrades — and that's saying something, considering how brilliant the S24 lineup already was.

More unlocked phone deals

Samsung Galaxy deals

Motorola deals

Google Pixel deals

Even more unlocked phone deals

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early Prime Day steals for your kitchen — save on air fryers, blenders, and more

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 16:35

TL;DR: Don't wait until July 8-11 to save: Shop early Prime Day kitchen deals now! Get big discounts on air fryers, blenders, and more from some of the best kitchen brands.

Best early Prime Day kitchen deals: Best air fryer deal Chefman 4-Quart Window Air Fryer $60.40 (save $39.59) Get Deal Best blender deal Ninja Blender (NJ601AMZ​) $79.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best coffee maker deal Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 Espresso and Coffee Maker $509.99 (save $90 + get a free $50 Amazon credit) Get Deal

Yep, you heard right: Prime Day is almost here, and Amazon's giving us double the days of deals! (So, it's not just Prime Day 1 & 2, it's four whole days of savings.) They've even rolled out a "Today's Big Deals" hub where Prime members can snag exclusive, limited-time markdowns.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025: Dates and deals

Officially, Prime Day kicks off on July 8 at 12:01 a.m. PDT and runs through July 11. That's 96 hours to save on air fryers, blenders, espresso machines, that Ninja kitchen gadget you've been eyeing, and so much more.

Below, we're rounding up the very best early Prime Day kitchen deals you can grab right now. And good news: we'll be keeping this updated regularly with all the latest price drops.

Best air fryer deal Chefman 4-Quart Window Air Fryer $60.40 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $39.59 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’ve yet to succumb to the air fryer hype, now’s your chance. The Chefman 4-Quart Window Air Fryer is currently on sale for $60.40, down from $99.99. That's a 40% discount and a $39.59 saving. It's not the absolute lowest price we've seen for this model (it was $49.97 last December), but it's still a solid deal for an Amazon's Choice kitchen appliance.

This mid-sized air fryer is large enough to cook a meal for up to four people, but small enough that it won’t monopolize your counter space. It’s also super user-friendly and has a little viewing window, so you can see what’s going on without opening the basket and letting all the heat escape (I like my stuff extra crispy, so this is a pretty cool feature IMO). There’s also a Hi-Fry button that lets you crank the heat up to 450 degrees in the last two minutes of cooking (again, great for those of us who like extra crispy food).

SEE ALSO: We tested the most popular Ninja appliances in our own kitchens. Here's what we found. More air fryers on sale

Quick note: I’ve been watching the Ninja Crsipi like a hawk because it honestly seems like the ideal setup, but it hasn’t hit a price that I’d say is a “great deal” just yet (it's still around $160). I’m sure Amazon will drop the price within the coming weeks, so for now, I’m recommending this top-rated Chefman air fryer.

Best blender deal Ninja Blender (NJ601AMZ​) $79.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $30 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ninja Blender (NJ601AMZ​) is a no-frills blender with a lot of power for its price. You can get it for $79.99, down from $109.99. That's an 27% discount and a $30 saving. Again, this isn’t the cheapest it’s ever been (the last time it saw a real discount was in December of 2022; it was $64.99 then), but I still think it’s a solid deal, especially if you’re looking for something that can crush ice easily.

The Ninja Blender (NJ601AMZ​) is a first-generation model with 1,000 watts of power. It has a 72-ounce pitcher with a 64-ounce max liquid capacity. It’s also easy to use with three speeds and a pulse function.

You can make sauces, dips, smoothies, and more with this machine. You’ll also get a recipe guide in the box to help get you started.

More blenders on sale SEE ALSO: I tested the Margaritaville frozen drink maker, and it's as ridiculous as you think Best coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 Espresso and Coffee Maker $509.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $90 get a free $50 Amazon credit Get Deal Why we like it

On Mashable's list of the best Ninja kitchen appliances, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 Espresso and Coffee Maker earns the top spot when it comes to espresso and coffee. Ahead of Prime Day, it's already on sale for $509.99, which works out to a $90 saving compared to the normal price of $599.99. But Amazon has made this deal extra sweet by offering a free $50 Amazon credit with your purchase. The credit will land in your account 30 days after the espresso and coffee maker ships.

But back to the important matter of coffee, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier is an all-star machine that can do it all. You'll be able to pull creamy espresso shots, make a comforting cup of drip, and create cold brew in minutes at home. Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino's review of the machine explains that it's user-friendly but doesn't slack on quality. She found the suggested grind setting to be useful as well as the automatic milk frothing. "If you've ever felt intimidated by using an espresso machine, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier strikes the perfect balance of user-friendly design with high-end settings," wrote Mangino.

More coffee maker & espresso machine deals The best early Prime Day deals to shop this week
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon already has a ton of good robot vacuum deals ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 16:32
A quick look at the best robot vacuum deals at Amazon Budget pick Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop $279.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best mop washing station deal Roborock Saros 10 $1,599.99 (save $300 with Prime) Get Deal

Prime Day is nearly as good of a time to buy a robot vacuum on sale as Black Friday. It's the first big sale event of the year for many 2025 robot vacuums that just came out in the spring after being announced at CES — most of them were far too fresh to go on sale for Amazon's Big Spring Sale in March.

Plus, I can already tell that Prime Day is going to beat those spring robot vacuum deals. Most of said deals are already back in the weeks ahead of Prime Day, and it's safe to assume that new record low prices will be hit as we approach the actual week of Prime Day (July 8 through 11 this year). There are already heavy discounts on the new Roombas that just came out in March — I guess Amazon and iRobot are still on good terms despite their acquisition falling through.

SEE ALSO: Eufy E20 shoutout: The most underrated robot vacuum of 2025 so far doubles as a stick vacuum

My dream robot vacuum deal, though? A first-time discount on my favorite model of 2025 so far, Roborock Saros 10R. Considering the fact that the similar Saros 10 (that I also really enjoyed testing) got its first discount ever the day before Prime Day, I sense that a Saros 10R deal is coming.

Regardless of your budget, there's definitely a robot vacuum on sale for you ahead of Prime Day 2025. I'm tracking all of the best robot vacuum deals at Amazon below, noting when they self-empty, mop, or wash and dry their own mopping pads. All robot vacuums in the list have smart mapping. Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best robot vacuums deals ahead of Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop $279.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $150 Get Deal Why we like it

This budget Roborock model was also just released this year, but it's been living in the shadow of the big bad Saros trio. Nevertheless, it deserves a spotlight for the value that it packs, especially now that it's under $300 ahead of Prime Day. The most impressive feat of the Roborock Q7 M5+ is its 10,000 Pa of suction power — that's far stronger than the norm for cheap robot vacuums. That matches the power of my favorite robot vacuum from 2024, the Roborock Qrevo Master, and is the baseline number I'd recommend for keeping up with substantial pet hair.

Note that the Q7 M5+ does mop and does self-empty, but doesn't wash and dry its own mopping pad like the more premium Roborocks.

More robot vacuums on sale at AmazonRobot vacuums that mopRobot vacuums that don't mop
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best deals on Echo devices ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2025

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 16:28
Best early Echo device deals from Prime Day 2025 Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Show 8 $109.99 (Save $40) Get Deal Best kids Echo deal Echo Pop Kids (Marvel's Avengers) $21.99 (Save $28) Get Deal

With Amazon Prime Day 2025 starting tomorrow, it's no surprise that the early deals are really starting to ramp up — specifically when it comes to Amazon's popular line of Echo smart speakers. While we foresee these Echo devices getting even cheaper on Prime Day proper, we wouldn't blame you for picking one up now, because they're pretty affordable as it stands.

SEE ALSO: Ahead of Prime Day, Amazon already has a ton of good robot vacuum deals

Read on to find our favorite Echo device deals ahead of Prime Day 2025, and make sure to check back throughout the sale event, because we'll be adding to this page as more deals go live.

Best Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 8 $109.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Echo Show 8 is perfect for those who want a visual element added to their smart speaker experience. It can do everything that the basic Echo devices can do, but throws in an 8-inch touchscreen display that allows for video calls, streaming, and more. Pick one up ahead of Prime Day for $109.99, saving you $40.

More Echo device deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 just dropped another $10

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 16:26

SAVE 36%: As of July 7, you can get the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $159.99, down from $249. That's a 36% discount and a $89.01 savings.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) $159.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $89.01 Get Deal

This is not a drill! The early Prime Day price on the Apple AirPods Pro 2 just dropped again. After sitting at $169 yesterday, Amazon has slashed another $10 off, bringing them down to $159.99.

That’s a total savings of $89.01 off the original $249 price. We're now just $6 away from their record-low of $153.99, which was during Black Friday last year. For anyone who's been holding out, now's the time to pull out your wallet.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals live ahead of Prime Day: Apple Watches, MacBooks, and iPads at record-low prices

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which effectively blocks out background noise when you need to focus. If you need to hear what's around you, you can switch to Transparency Mode. There's also an Adaptive Audio setting that tries to find a smart balance between the two automatically.

For a better fit, Apple includes four different sizes of silicone tips in the box, and you can conveniently swipe the stems to adjust the volume without pulling out your phone.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Before Prime Day, the Google TV Streamer 4K is down to just $84 at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 16:22

SAVE $15.99: The Google TV Streamer 4K is on sale at Amazon for $84, down from the standard price of $99.99. That's a 16% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google TV Streamer 4K $84 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $15.99 Get Deal

Now that we're well into summer, the temperature is creeping higher and higher. This week, take shelter indoors by shopping the Amazon Prime sale, which is a massive four-day-long event this year. But after that, you can turn to gaming on the new Nintendo Switch 2 or dive into the best shows this summer. If you're on team TV shows, check out this early Prime Day deal at Amazon.

As of July 7, the Google TV Streamer 4K is on sale for $84 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $99.99. That's a 16% discount that takes $15.99 off the price.

The Google TV Streamer 4K makes finding your favorite shows and movies easy. Power on the TV and Google TV will quickly navigate to your home page, giving you speedy access to starting your selected content. Google mentions this version of the streamer has a faster processor so you'll get quick loading times compared to older versions of the Chromecast.

SEE ALSO: Amazon is dropping way better early Prime Day TV deals than years prior

The Google TV Streamer 4K comes with 32GB of storage which is ideal for downloading all your favorite streaming and TV apps. You can also use the built-in ethernet connection to make sure you're getting an uninterrupted stream. That'll come in handy as we approach football season in late summer. Previous Chromecast dongles only had 8GB of storage so this is a major upgrade.

If you have other Google devices in your home like a Nest speaker, the Nest thermostat, or a Nest video doorbell, you'll be able to view and control those devices from the TV.

While it's down to $84 at Amazon, snag the Google TV Streamer 4K before Prime Day hits tomorrow. It'll prove its value every time you turn on the TV.

The best early Prime Day deals to shop today
Categories: IT General, Technology
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