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20+ trading card deals to shop on Prime Day: Save on Pokémon TCG, Magic, One Piece, and more

Mashable - 8 hours 20 min ago

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

Mashable regularly tracks not only the best deals from Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon, but also other collectible cards like One Piece and KPop Demon Hunters. This Prime Day, we’ve scoured the site for all manner of new discounts across the board — including booster boxes, bundles, starter kits, and more.

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

Best trading card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Avatar: The Last Airbender Beginner Box $21.32 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $13.67 Get Deal Why we like it

The Magic: The Gathering Avatar: The Last Airbender Beginner Box is already one of the easiest ways to get into MTG, and Amazon’s Prime Day price makes it even easier to jump in: now down to just $21.32 from its $34.99 list price — and even falling below its $25.59 market price determined by TCGplayer.

You’ll get two 20-card tutorial decks, eight themed half-decks, two playboards, two spindown life counters, learn-to-play guides, tokens, and a rules reference booklet. For those new to the Avatar expansion or Magic: The Gathering in general, this is the ideal way for you and a friend to jump in. 

More Prime Day trading card dealsMagic: The GatheringPokémon TCGOne Piece Card GameKPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards
Categories: IT General, Technology

Why phone makers secretly slow your charging, and how to fight back

How-To Geek - 8 hours 21 min ago

Fast charging has transformed the way we use our smartphones. Instead of waiting hours for your battery to fill up, many phones can now charge from nearly empty to 50% in as little as 15 minutes. So why does it sometimes feel like it's taking forever to charge your phone?

Categories: IT General, Technology

Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2 is a magnificent Hollywood take on a classic

Mashable - 8 hours 21 min ago

Nintendo's new Star Fox reboot for Switch 2 has all the trademarks of something that should be totally creatively bankrupt.

It's a gussied-up remake of Star Fox 64, a game that Nintendo has already remade once before for the 3DS. On top of that, its existence feels like a big attempt at corporate synergy with the distressingly awful Super Mario Galaxy Movie, in which Fox McCloud made his surprise cinematic debut. Instead of reviving the long-dormant Star Fox series with something new, Nintendo has gone and just given us the same game for the third time.

And the wildest part is that it totally kicks ass. Nintendo and new development partner (and Troy, New York's own) Velan Studios have done the impossible and made a big, Hollywood-style remake of a classic arcade-style rail shooter that really, truly works once you sit down and play it. Star Fox for Switch 2 marries timeless levels and mechanics with gorgeous visuals, a breathtaking soundtrack, and just enough new flavor to make me excited about the future of Star Fox for the first time since the Bush administration.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo responds after alleged third-party data breach: Our ‘systems have not been compromised’ Star Fox proves that 'cinematic' doesn't have to be a dirty word in games That's a cool dude right there. Credit: Nintendo

If you haven't been following along closely, I should probably clarify a few things about Star Fox for Switch 2.

First, yes, this is a one-to-one recreation of Star Fox 64 in terms of level design and mechanics. Enemy placement, boss strategies, the branching path system, and the way scoring works are all retained here, exactly as they were in 1997. It's still a rail shooter with some open-zone segments, and you can still finish it in roughly half an hour. I have played through the original game dozens of times in my life, so I can speak pretty authoritatively on this subject.

SEE ALSO: The gaming deals we'd buy on Prime Day — Switch 2 bundles, Asus gaming laptops, Samsung monitors on sale

What Star Fox lacks in innovation, it makes up for in pure, timeless arcade-style gameplay. Controlling the Arwing spacecraft has, in my mind, never felt better than it does here. It took all of 30 seconds for me to feel totally comfortable with everything I was doing, and a new, extended tutorial should be pretty good at easing newcomers into the fun, too. Using a charged shot to eliminate a group of enemy ships and then quickly barrel rolling out of the way of an incoming obstacle was thrilling 29 years ago, and it's still thrilling now.

I am largely uninterested in conversations about whether a remake is better or worse than the original. In my mind, remakes are either additive or can be safely ignored, so long as the original is readily, legally available on modern hardware, as Star Fox 64 is on Switch.

This is the first time Aquas has been a fun level to play. Credit: Nintendo

Having said that, there are actually a couple of aspects of this new Star Fox that I feel elevate the experience beyond what the N64 was capable of. The new visuals, for example, add personality to some levels that badly needed it. Corneria, the game's opening level, regardless of which branch you choose to pursue, is downright apocalyptic here, befitting of a planet undergoing a violent invasion from an evil empire. I'm also a fan of the new take on Katina, which turns that level into a wetland marsh environment rather than the nondescript brown smudge that defined it on N64.

I'm also particularly fond of how reactive each environment is to player actions. Shooting basically any surface in the game produces a satisfying graphical effect, such as space dust on meteorites or sparks from metal surfaces. In one section, you can shoot pine trees on the ground to set them on fire. It all looks and feels right in that respect, and frankly, I think the new character designs are kinda cool. I like how much more animal-like they are.

SEE ALSO: 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' on Switch 2 has had a massive price drop for Prime Day — save $25 with record-low price

Arguably, the best aspect of this remake, and the one thing that I would say is a straight-up upgrade over the original, is the soundtrack. Star Fox 64's score was, and remains, extremely well composed, but the N64's sound hardware just wasn't particularly good at producing artificial orchestral sounds. Nintendo has gone and re-recorded the entire thing with a real orchestra for this remake, and I would say every single song is better here than it was before.

There are also new cutscenes sprinkled in between every story mission. These are typically pretty quick mission briefings that serve to add a little bit of flavor to the Star Fox universe, and they're mostly successful at that. I enjoy seeing the crew hang out with each other between battles, and I particularly like how often Fox makes it clear that his main motivation is getting paid because he's a mercenary. Making the world of Star Fox feel a little more grimy is cool.

As a fun bonus, you get different cutscenes based on which branching paths you choose in the campaign, so there's another little reason to play it over and over again.

These visual and audio changes work in concert to make the new Star Fox feel "cinematic," a term that has evolved into a pejorative for glossy AAA productions. In this context, though, Star Fox earns the compliment. A rail shooter ought to feel cinematic, given the genre's inherent reliance on heavy scripting while still preserving interactivity. Star Fox 64 also felt cinematic in its day, but I do believe the new version does that particular thing better than the original.

New modes are fun, but some changes fall a little flat

Of course, Nintendo and Velan also made a bunch of changes, as you'd expect from a full-on remake. Most of them are fine, but some of them are not.

I'll start with the bad. The new voice acting is generally done fairly well, in line with how modern video games and cartoons sound. That is to say, the tone on each line read is usually a bit more muted and less theatrical than the original. It can often be jarring if the lines from 1997 are imprinted on your brain like they are on mine, but I have to imagine anyone starting their Star Fox journey with this version will not notice anything wrong.

Still, it was hard for me not to notice how many lines that were previously screamed dramatically are now spoken more casually. I prefer the original reads, but that's to be expected of someone who has been hearing them for three decades. I also want to bemoan the lack of a weird robot voice saying "GOOD LUCK" when you start each level. There was no need to take that out.

The Landmaster is still rad. Credit: Nintendo

Other than that, though, most of the additions are worthwhile. Challenge Mode adds a bunch of achievement-like objectives to each level, giving you even more reason to replay them after you've earned all the medals in the story mode. Battle Mode is a new, expanded multiplayer experience that offers online 4v4 dogfights across three maps, with a different team objective on each map.

I'm pretty into what I've played of Battle Mode, but I can easily see it wearing a little thin after a week or two, given the lack of maps and (thus far) lack of indication that there will be any more added to the game. Regardless, the dream of online Star Fox dogfights has finally been realized in a console game, and that counts for something.

Star Fox for Switch 2 might not be the franchise revival many of us had in mind when rumors of its existence started trickling out months ago. But on its merits, this is a mostly excellent take on a tremendous N64 classic, and one that I think would be a fantastic starting point for anyone who has ever been Star Fox-curious. Given the way Nintendo has treated remakes made by external studios in the recent past, I also fully expect this to be an on-ramp to a new, original game in the near future.

And for the first time in a very long time, I'm actually excited by the prospect of a new Star Fox game.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Boys on the internet are telling me nicotine is a productivity hack

Mashable - 8 hours 21 min ago

A new wave of wellness influencers, biohackers, and MAHA-aligned creators are promoting nicotine pouches, patches, gums, and lozenges as cognitive enhancers.

The claim, from influencers like Dave Asprey, goes like this: Nicotine can help you focus, make you sharper, more alert, more productive, and more locked in. And, unfortunately, this is the exact kind of thing the internet is designed to make irresistible, since it’s rooted in a shred of truth and then blown out of context. Like, remember mouth taping and color analysis?

Doctors told The New York Times that many claims around nicotine are exaggerated or misrepresent the research. It’s both a stimulant and a relaxant, and really can make people feel more alert. Some studies have shown nicotine may have potential benefits in very specific medical contexts, but with the tobacco industry funding many studies, things can be a little murky here.

And notably, over time, people can build a dependence on nicotine. In any given year about half of all smokers try to quit, but only six percent actually accomplish that. Eventually, the thing that initially makes you feel "locked in" can become quite literal.

In this episode of Mashable's Trending Now series, Christianna Silva and Teodosia Dobriyanova unpack this eyebrow-raising trend.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop is under $500 for Prime Day — act fast to score this rare deal

Mashable - 8 hours 21 min ago

SAVE $103: As of June 24, the Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop is on sale for $479.99 at Amazon, down from its typical price of $582.99. That's an 18% discount on a laptop with 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Intel's latest Core Ultra processor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop $479.99 at Amazon
$582.99 Save $103   Get Deal

Prime Day deals are already rolling in, and if you’ve been putting off replacing an aging laptop, Acer just dropped a pretty tempting option into the mix.

Right now, the Acer Aspire 14 AI is down to $479.99 on Amazon, saving you $103 on Prime Day. That's an 18% discount and an easy way to get a new everyday laptop without crossing into four-figure territory.

The Aspire 14 is for people who want a dependable everyday laptop without spending premium laptop money. It has a 14-inch display with a little more vertical screen space than the usual setup, which makes a difference when you're bouncing between documents, browser tabs, and spreadsheets.

The lightweight aluminum build helps if you're carrying it between work, school, or coffee shops, instead of keeping it desk-bound. You’re getting 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD, which is enough for smooth multitasking and a healthy amount of storage for files, photos, and apps.

Acer also says the battery can last up to 22 hours under certain conditions, though real-world use will likely vary depending on what you're doing. AcerSense puts AI tools in one quick shortcut so you can tweak settings, clean up video calls, and adjust performance without digging through menus.

Grab the Acer Aspire 14 AI on Amazon before your tabs start staging a revolt.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop squinting — score the best Samsung gaming monitor deals on Prime Day

Mashable - 8 hours 34 min ago
The best Prime Day deals on Samsung monitors: Best curved monitor deal Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G55C $189.99 (save $140) Shop Now Best HD monitor deal Samsung Odyssey 27-inch OLED G6 $384.99 (save $215) Shop Now Best 4K monitor deal Samsung 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 $657.77 (save $592.22) Shop Now

It's the time for gamers around the world to rejoice. Yes, Prime Day is here once more, kicking off a little earlier than usual in 2026 (it's normally a July event) and running until June 26. There are stacks of deals on otherwise expensive gaming hardware, including Samsung monitors.

If you're looking for a new monitor we would always recommend looking at Samsung models. The brand is one of the best in the business when it comes to screen technology, something that applies to Samsung TVs as much as gaming monitors.

We've picked three of the best Prime Day deals on Samsung monitors, but it's worth noting that prices may drop further and new deals may be added as the week rolls on. We'll be sure to update this page so make sure you check back in.

Best Samsung curved monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G55C $189.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $140   Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G55C sits at the budget end of the Samsung monitor range, and is even cheaper than usual thanks to Prime Day. This one's also at an all-time low price, with a discount of $140. But don't go thinking it skimps on features. Its curved monitor creates a fully immersive gaming experience, which compensates for some of the spec shortcomings. At $189.99 for Prime Day, it's a steal from Samsung.

Best Samsung HD monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Odyssey 27-inch OLED G6 $384.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $214.01   Get Deal Why we like it

For gamers who perfectly satisfied with 1440p, the Samsung Odyssey 27-inch OLED G6 delivers. Geared towards the mid-range gaming market, it uses QD-OLED display technology, with punchy HDR. It has a 240Hz refresh rate and a response time of 0.03ms, so the lag is pretty much non-existent. A saving of $215 marks this reliable monitor's biggest-ever discount according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

Best Samsung 4K monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 $657.77 at Amazon
$1,249.99 Save $592.22   Get Deal Why we like it

If you want to level up with something a little flashier, the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 is an upgrade. It's bigger, bolder, and boasts 4K resolution — everything you need for eye-popping visuals and butter-smooth gameplay. It also has an AI-powered processor that upscales lower-res games to 4K quality. Those are just some of the reasons this monitor has a significant bump in price, usually listed at $1,249.99. But Prime Day has delivered its biggest ever discount — now available at $657.77 — for an overall saving of over $590.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Linux distros that are perfect for running in a VM

How-To Geek - 8 hours 51 min ago

If you want to experiment with new software, host a home service, or try a new operating system without risking your main PC, running Linux in a virtual machine is the safest way to do it. It gives you a sandbox where you can break things without worrying about the repercussions, or lets you isolate whatever is running on that VM from your other services.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime Day laptop deals are actually really good — shop MacBooks, Windows PCs, and gaming laptops

Mashable - 8 hours 53 min ago
The best Prime Day laptop deals at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $150) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 15-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,229.99 (save $970) Get Deal Best gaming laptop deal Acer Nitro V 16S AI (AMD Ryzen 7 260, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,099.99 (save $300) Get Deal

The ongoing global RAM shortage has led many PC makers to raise their laptop prices this year. Even Apple's MacBooks are at risk of price bumps in the near future. Mercifully, Amazon's annual Prime Day sale is offering some sweet RAMageddon relief this week, slashing prices on select PCs through June 26.

As Mashable's resident expert on all things laptops, I want to note that Amazon carries a much smaller selection of Windows laptops, gaming laptops, and Chromebooks than other major retailers — especially Best Buy, which happens to be running a competing Tech Fest sale this week. I've rounded up Amazon's most worth-it laptop deals below and made sure all of them aren't cheaper elsewhere. But don't feel like you need to be loyal to it just because Prime Day is hogging the spotlight right now.

SEE ALSO: The 35+ best Prime Day tech deals, according to a tech editor on a budget

I'll continue to update the following list with the best Prime Day laptop deals as the sale progresses, so check back often. You can also visit the Mashable shopping team's dedicated Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest tech price drops from around the web.

Best Prime Day MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $150   Get Deal

Powered by the M5 chip, Apple's sleek MacBook Air is faster than any other Windows laptop at its price point (and even many that are way more expensive). Its overall build quality also smokes most of the competition: It comes equipped with a luxe haptic touchpad, a sharp Liquid Retina display, and 12MP webcam. The 13-inch base model usually costs $1,099 — an already-great deal in this day and age — but it's marked down to just $949 during Prime Day. If it sells out on Amazon, you can find the same discount at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.

More MacBook Air dealsMacBook Pro dealsBest Prime Day Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 15-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,229.99 at Amazon
$2,099.99 Save $870.00   Get Deal

We loved the Surface Laptop 7 back when it launched in 2024. While its CPU isn't the freshest anymore, it still impresses as a whole: It features a 23-hour battery life, a microSDXC card slot, and a 2.5K touchscreen that's brighter and smoother than a MacBook Air's display.

Amazon's amazing Prime Day deal on this 15-inch model comes just a week after Microsoft announced the very similar Surface Laptop 8 (which isn't on sale just yet). It's currently listed for just $1,229.99 — a whopping 44% off its regular retail price of $2,099.99. I wouldn't be surprised if this deal disappears long before Prime Day ends, considering the exact same model sold out at Best Buy after dropping to $1,699.99 there.

Read Mashable's full review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

More Windows laptop dealsBest Prime Day gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V 16S AI (AMD Ryzen 7 260, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,099.99
$1,399.99 Save $300   Get Deal

I haven't tried this 16-inch budget gaming laptop, but our friends over at CNET rated it a solid 7.7/10, writing that it "provides enough 3D graphics oomph for 1080p/1200p gaming." (Mashable and CNET are both owned by Ziff Davis.) It features four-zone RGB keyboard backlighting and a big, buttery 180Hz display. Plus, it's kitted out with plenty of RAM and storage — and the latter is easily upgradable. It usually retails for $1,399.99, but it's on sale for just $1,099.99 this Prime Day. That's a record-low price that last appeared on Black Friday 2025.

More gaming laptop deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The ultimate Prime Day Apple deals guide: Were tracking prices on AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads

Mashable - 8 hours 54 min ago
The best Prime Day Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $399 (save $150) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $279 (save $120) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $519 (save $80) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $150) Get Deal Best AirTag deal Apple AirTag (2nd Generation), 4-pack $89 (save $10) Get Deal Best Apple Accessories deal Apple MagSafe Charger $28 (save $21) Get Deal Best iPhone Deal iPhone 17 Free with T-Mobile (save up to $1,099.99) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is live now through June 26, and this year's sale is an especially important one for Apple users: Apple products are about to get price hikes because of the global RAM shortage. With that in mind, the Mashable Shopping team is monitoring the best Prime Day Apple deals extra-closely to flag any worthwhile discounts on Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks.

So far, there are several notable Apple deals. The top offers from the first 12 hours of Prime Day include some record-low prices on the AirPods Max 2, the Apple Watch Series 11, and the M4 iPad Air. (Pro tip: Other past-gen models that are still in stock are also getting deep discounts.) But deals are moving fast, we already saw the M3 Macbook Air sell out.

SEE ALSO: The top 30+ Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by a tech editor on a budget: Save 50% on Bose headphones

Most other Apple products are still anywhere from $9 to $100 away from their all-time lows. We're still holding out hope for further price drops on AirPods and the latest M5 MacBook laptops. So, if you're unbothered by the possibility of these products selling out, it's worth waiting a few more days to see if they get even cheaper. Amazon has been known to improve its Apple deals midway through Prime Day.

Over the next few days, we'll continue to update this page with the best Prime Day Apple deals multiple times a day. For what it's worth, we're also checking prices at other major retailers like Best Buy and Walmart to make sure you're truly getting the lowest prices available on all things Apple. If they manage to beat one of Amazon's deals, we'll note that and link to the competition.

Note: Products marked with a 🔥 are at their lowest-ever price.

Best Prime Day AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 🔥 $399 at Amazon
$549 Save $150   Get Deal

Apple's stylish over-ear headphones were updated in April with the H2 chip, bringing better noise cancellation and support for software features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Live Translation. This Prime Day, Amazon has them marked down to just $399 in all five colors — that's a 27% savings and their lowest price ever (by a lot). This is a shockingly good deal, considering the original AirPods Max took several years to hit the same price. Only Walmart's managed to match it so far.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Max 2.

More AirPods dealsBest Prime Day Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) 🔥 $279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120   Get Deal

The Apple Watch Series 11 has a new record-low price for Prime Day. Amazon marked it down to just $279, which is 30% off its usual $399 MSRP. (It was $20 more expensive during Amazon's Big Spring Sale a couple of months ago.) Apple's latest flagship wearable supports features like hypertension notifications and Sleep Score. Compared to its predecessor, it has a more scratch-resistant display and a longer battery life. Choose from four different case and band combinations, including one with the new space gray finish.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 11.

More Apple Watch dealsBest Prime Day iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) 🔥 $519 at Amazon
$599 Save $80   Get Deal

The M4 iPad Air is our favorite Apple tablet for most people, especially artists and other creatives, combining a beautiful design with laptop-level performance at a reasonable price. Right now, it's more reasonable than usual: The 11-inch base model with 128GB of storage has fallen to a record low of $519 for Prime Day, which is 13% off its regular sticker price. (Pick up an on-sale Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard while you're at it, too.) If it sells out on Amazon, you can score the same deal at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the M4 Apple iPad Air.

More iPad dealsBest Prime Day MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $150   Get Deal

Apple deals are selling fast. Our previous MacBook pick, the M3 MacBook Air already sold out after the first day of Amazon's sale. That makes our next choice the latest MacBook with M5 chip. It has elite processing and a gorgeous, rich display, and right now, is just $949. That saves you $150, but full transparency, that's still $50 more than its lowest price ever.

Read Mashable's full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.

More MacBook dealsBest Prime Day AirTag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (2nd Generation), 4-pack 🔥 $89 at Amazon
$99 Save $10   Get Deal

Here's our first-ever discount on the second-generation AirTag, Apple's recently updated Bluetooth tracker. It doesn't look any different from the original version that launched in 2021, but it has a louder speaker and a much wider range. Grab an $89 four-pack for the best value (normally $99) — that works out to $22.25 per AirTag. If you only need one or two, you'll pay $24 for them individually during Prime Day (typically $29). Best Buy and Walmart were matching both of those deals, FYI.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirTag 2.

More Apple accessory deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

We found the best Apple Watch deals of Prime Day — shop the Series 11 at a record-low price

Mashable - 9 hours 4 min ago
The best Prime Day Apple Watch deals: Best Apple Watch Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) $279 (save $120) Get Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm) Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm, GPS) $309 (save $120) Get Deal Best Apple Watch SE 3 Deal Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS) $199 (save $50) Get Deal

Warmer weather means more time outside, and when you're in the great outdoors, a fitness tracker or smartwatch helps track all of that activity. Whether you're headed out on a European vacation or have a list of summer hikes to tackle, an Apple Watch is one of our favorite ways to stay connected and track activity. And with Prime Day here again, we're hunting for deals on the popular smartwatch.

Amazon's biggest sale of the year which runs for four days from June 23 to 26, has only just begun but we've already spotted the Series 11 at a new low price at the retailer, but that's not all. We've gathered up all the Apple Watch deals that deserve a look during Prime Day.

Best Prime Day Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) $279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 dropped to $279 for Prime Day. That's the lowest-ever price for this model. We rate it as our favorite smartwatch for fitness tracking, and it has an impressive battery. With improved battery life compared to the Series 10, you don't need to charge the watch midday for battery life to last you all night. So if you've been thinking about upgrading, grab it now.

More Prime Day Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 11 dealsApple Watch SE dealsApple Watch Ultra 3 deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

iPhone 18 news, leaks, and rumors: Release date, iPhone 18 Pro details, more.

Mashable - 9 hours 18 min ago

Apple's flagship smartphone hasn't taken a year off from its updates since 2007, and barring a massive surprise, 2026 won't be any different.

The Cupertino-based tech giant is widely expected to launch a new lineup of iPhones later this year, including the new iPhone 18, the 18 Pro, and the rumored iPhone Ultra, the company's first-ever foldable.

As we await the iPhone 18 — and its updated operating system, iOS 27 — tidbits of news and rumors continue to trickle out. While we won't see any of the new Apple phones in the wild for months, we can at least bring you the most substantiated and most likely updates in one place.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SEE ALSO: Apple reportedly working on anti-phone snatching security feature iPhone 18 release date and pricing

If you're in the market for a new iPhone, you should circle September in your calendar. That has been the month for Apple's big showcase event for a very long time, and there's no reason to believe Apple will change that in 2026. Expect to see new Apple CEO John Ternus take the stage to introduce it; his term of office officially begins Sept. 1.

What he'll be introducing, alas, may put more of a dent in your wallet. Thanks to the ongoing RAM shortage caused by the AI industry (also known as RAMageddon), tons of smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles are seeing huge price hikes. Experts who've spoken to Mashable say that trend isn't going to stop anytime soon.

As the world's number one smartphone maker, Apple has some advantages over its rivals, but a price increase is definitely coming. We had hoped otherwise — Apple raised prices on its new MacBooks earlier this year, while also introducing a low-cost $599 laptop that put big pressure on its Windows rivals.

But then outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook took the unusual step of preparing us for a pricier iPhone. "Price increases are unavoidable," Cook told the Wall Street Journal in an interview. The Journal quoted an analysis showing that the memory chip components in the iPhone 18 Pro will cost Apple $150 more than those in the iPhone 17 Pro.

So should you expect the phones to cost just $150 more than their predecessors (see the iPhone 17 prices here)? You wish. There's the pesky fact that Apple is a for-profit company, and the iPhone is the #1 smartphone in the world for a reason, even though it's already pricier than Samsung's.

How much of an increase will Apple fans bear? We may be about to find out, but the Journal estimated $1,299 for the iPhone 18 Pro ($200 more than last year).

iPhone 18 models

Barring a huge turn under Ternus, Apple will release a base iPhone 18, an iPhone 18 Pro, and an iPhone 18 Pro Max in late September or early October. One thing that might be a surprise (depending on how much tech news you follow) is that Apple may launch or announce a foldable iPhone alongside the normal iPhone 18 models.

That phone is rumored to be called the iPhone Fold, or iPhone Fold Ultra. It's not strictly a member of the iPhone 18 family, at least by name, so head to our hub for all things iPhone Fold/Ultra to read more about it.

iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro design

Again, Apple has not released any official teasers or other imagery for the iPhone 18 lineup yet, so anything reported to date could be wrong. Still, from the sum total of all reports, it sounds like Apple isn't really reinventing the wheel, design-wise. But Ternus, a hardware guy, is reportedly bringing the company's industrial design group into the center of the Apple fold.

Looking further into the future, the iPhone 20 is said to bring big changes, including a curved waterfall display.

Per our friends at CNET (Mashable and CNET are both owned by Ziff Davis), the display sizes will be roughly the same as last year:

  • iPhone 18: 6.3 inches

  • iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3 inches

  • iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

However, the display quality might be a little different this year. Prominent leaker Instant Digital shared on Chinese social media that Apple's brightness demands are unusually high this year, so it would be reasonable to expect much brighter displays than in previous years.

The base iPhone 18 could also have a smaller camera bump compared to previous models. There are reports of a slightly redesigned Dynamic Island on the screen itself, with the pill-shaped notification hub potentially being made smaller in the iPhone 18 models. One alleged leaked image purports to show an iPhone 18 Pro with a downsized Dynamic Island cutout.

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

Wondering about the iPhone 18 color options? For the iPhone 18 Pro, at least, it seems the color options have already leaked. Previous rumors indicated Apple was experimenting with a "deep red" color for the iPhone 18 Pro, and a new report from MacWorld backs that up. According to their reporting, the color lineup for the iPhone 18 Pro will be silver, gray, light blue, and a color called "dark cherry" — likely the deep red previously reported.

Sadly, we think fans of black iPhones are out of luck again.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. iPhone 18: rumored hardware features

So we know the software the iPhone 18 will run: iOS 27, introduced at WWDC 2026. Time to start talking about some of the internal hardware changes Apple is reportedly making to the iPhone 18 lineup.

For starters, it sounds like the lineup will have a standardized 12GB RAM count across the board. In previous years, the Pro models had 12GB of RAM, while the base model had only 8GB. According to Korean outlet The Bell, Apple will be upgrading the base model so that it matches the Pro models in that regard. It's also widely expected that Apple will adopt new A20 and A20 Pro chips for the base and Pro models, respectively.

It's also expected that the new iPhones will have a new C2 modem for improved cellular connectivity, and they may also have 5G satellite support. Also reported: a new N2 chip for better WiFi performance.

Latest iPhone 18 Pro rumors

For the iPhone 18 Pro, the current expectation is that Apple will improve the battery size in the premium iPhone 18 models this year. Leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo reported that the batteries could exceed 5,000mAh, which would be an improvement over the iPhone 17 Pro.

In addition, the smaller camera cutout reportedly applies only to the base model. It's expected that Apple will retain the bigger plateau seen on the iPhone 17 Pro last year for the iPhone 18 Pro.

Instant Digital posted in a separate Weibo leak that the back glass of the iPhone 18 Pro has been altered, resulting in a new unified look, as opposed to the two-tone look of the iPhone 17 Pro. Whether that change will affect durability (or if it's just an aesthetic difference) remains to be seen.

The iPhone 17 Pro has helped Apple break sales records in 2026. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Are you an Apple superfan? Enter Mashable’s Big Guessing Game to win prizes.

iPhone 18 camera rumors

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a source of many spot-on iPhone reports, says the iPhone 18 Pro, in particular, will have "some of the biggest camera hardware upgrades in the lineup's history."

Why? First, the telephoto camera has a larger aperture. But more important is the variable aperture.

First reported by Digital Chat Station on Weibo, variable aperture is a huge deal. It would let the iPhone 18 Pro camera capture different amounts of light for different situations — potentially leading to a huge leap in photo quality, if you know what you're doing.

For instance, the bokeh effect famously associated with portrait mode on iPhones would be possible in-camera rather than through software processing, resulting in more natural and generally better-looking shots.

What about AI Siri?

Of course, one of the first things many users will want to know about the iPhone 18 when they get their hands on one: what is the new, revamped, AI-upgraded Siri experience like?

We've been waiting for the answer for some time. Apple first promised users a newer, smarter, Apple Intelligence-powered Siri two years ago, and the company has since faced lawsuits after it failed to deliver. (The company settled a class action suit related to these claims for $250 million.)

Well, post-WWDC, we know a lot more about Apple Intelligence in general. We know Siri will understand what's on your screen. We know Siri will be smarter in general, powered by Gemini. And as Apple daddy Craig Federighi has been at pains to point out, AI Siri will not try to suck you into conversations and be your friend.

"Siri really wants to say, 'I can help you get things done. I can help you learn about the world," Federighi said. "But if you try to engage Siri as a romantic partner, Siri's not up for that. Siri's 100 percent not into that."

There you have it: If you want to fall in love with an Apple product, fall in love with the all-new iPhone 18, not its chatbot.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best deals this week, according to Mashables team of shopping experts

Mashable - 9 hours 20 min ago

We're always looking for new and inventive ways to hit you with big savings on popular items. We cover hundreds of deals every month. You can find these deals on site, on socials, and on our newsletter. We've also launched a Mashable Deals text group. The daily deals that we send to this group are researched and assessed by the team with the same level of care that we dedicate to the rest of our shopping content.

You can find a live hub for those deals right here.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I turned Home Assistant into a public transport timetable

How-To Geek - 9 hours 21 min ago

After trying several public transport integrations and messing around with YAML configurations, I finally added reliable transit information to my Home Assistant dashboard.

Categories: IT General, Technology

We found the best Prime Day deals on DJI drones and creator tools — shop wireless mics, drones, and cameras

Mashable - 9 hours 25 min ago
The best DJI Prime Day deals at a glance: Best drone deal DJI Mini 3 $269 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best new release DJI Mic 3 $219 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal Best camera deal DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo $169 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Cult-Favorite DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Gimbal camera $378 at Amazon (save $121) Get Deal Best DJI Gimbal Deal DJI Osmo 7P Gimbal for Smartphones $99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Budget Pick DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is officially here, and if you've had your eye on any DJI gear, now's the time to click "add to cart."

In case you haven't heard, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially added foreign-produced drones and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to its national security Covered List on December 22, 2025. This means DJI isn't allowed to import or sell any new drone models moving forward (so a future Mavic 5 Pro is out). That also means you can only buy DJI drones at Amazon from third-party sellers here in the United States, which is a bummer.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day is here: We found 50+ deals on Apple, Sony, and Lego favorites

The good news? Anything that already secured FCC approval before the cutoff — like the Mavic 4 Pro, Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, and Neo 2 — is legal to buy, own, and fly. So, if you want to grab a beginner-friendly drone or stock up on discounted backup batteries, action cams, and creator gear, Prime Day is likely your best window to get them on sale before the inventory dries up.

Many of the DJI products in this guide — like the DJI Mini Mini, the DJI Mic 3, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, and the DJI Osmo 7P Gimbal — have been personally tested and recommended by Mashable product reviewers, so we can vouch for them.

Best Prime Day DJI drone deal DJI Mini 3 $269 at Amazon
$419 Save $150   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

Right now, you can get the DJI Mini 3 for $269, down from $419. That's a 36% discount or a $150 savings. It's also a jump from where we saw it earlier this morning, if you can believe it (it was $381). This is the lowest price we've tracked on this model to date.

The DJI Mini 3 is a level up from the DJI Mini 4K, which is a more budget-friendly pick for entry-level fliers (and at just $209, a steal). It weighs less than 249g, features 4K HDR video with True Vertical Shooting (ideal for photographers or real estate agents), and has a 38-minute max flight time.

More DJI drone dealsBest Prime Day DJI camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo $169 at Amazon
$229 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

The DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo includes an extension rod, three batteries (two more than the Standard Combo), and a multifunctional battery case, and it's currently on sale for $169 — a new record-low price.

The camera itself features a 1/1.3-inch sensor for shooting in low-light conditions, as well as 4K video capabilities at up to 120fps with a 155-degree ultra-wide field of view. It offers up to 150 minutes of battery life and it works in temperatures as low as -20°C. It's even waterproof to depths of 18m, making it an ideal choice for vlogging your outdoor adventures.

More DJI camera dealsBest DJI mic deal DJI Mic 3 $219 at Amazon
$329 Save $110   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The DJI Mic 3 is on sale for $219, down from $329. This is another all-time low price for a Mashable-tested wireless microphone kit.

The Mic 3 is a compact wireless microphone system designed for creators, podcasters, and interviewers who need quality audio while on the go. It supports up to four transmitters, features adaptive gain control and selectable noise cancellation, and uses dual-band transmission for clear audio in busy environments. You'll get up to 28 hours of battery life with the charging case, so it's great for long hours of recording. Not to mention, it has compatibility with a huge range of DJI devices.

More DJI creator tools on sale
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Lego Icons Land Rover Classic Defender 90 hits all-time low price at Amazon — save over $70 on Prime Day

Mashable - 9 hours 27 min ago

SAVE OVER $70: As of June 24, the Lego Icons Land Rover Classic Defender 90 (#10317) has dropped to a new low price of $167.99 during Prime Day. That's $72 off its full price of $239.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Land Rover Classic Defender 90 (10317) $167.99 at Amazon
$239.99 Save $72   Get Deal

If you have a big love for Lego, Prime Day is a great time to stock up on new sets at a discount.

We're already into day two of this year's sale event, but the deals haven't slowed down just yet. There's plenty of offers still catching our eye. The Lego Icons Land Rover Classic Defender 90 (10317) is one we've spotted that's hit a new all-time low price at the retailer.

As of June 24, this Lego Icons Land Rover set has dropped to $167.99 exclusively for Prime members at Amazon. Normally its full price comes to $239.99, so this deal saves you just over $70. Considering it's never been this low before, this is a fantastic time to scoop it up.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best deals to shop

This Lego Icons Land Rover set is a perfect build to work on if you're a fan of classic cars or know someone who is. Recommended for adults ages 18 and up, it comes with 2,336 pieces that create the Land Rover, which is sand green and features a white roof, brown interior, and black wheel trims. According to the store page, it also features functional steering, working suspension, and its doors and hood all open.

Alongside a variety of accessories — including a fire extinguisher, toolbox, working winch, and more — you can also customize the engine to be either diesel or petrol and choose from three different hood options. That's an awesome level of customization.

It may not stay at this deal price for long. If the Lego Icons Land Rover Classic Defender 90 has caught your eye, now is your chance to save big.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Morocco vs. Haiti online for free

Mashable - 9 hours 31 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Morocco vs. Haiti in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Morocco have been one of the most impressive teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They took the fight to Brazil in the opening game and scored a follow-up win over Scotland.

But Group C is still open to late developments, so the Moroccans will want a decisive, goal-heavy win over Haiti. That should be possible considering the disparity in overall quality between these squads — but there's always room for another major surprise before the group stage wraps up.

If you want to watch Morocco vs. Haiti in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Morocco vs. Haiti?

Morocco vs. Haiti in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on June 24. This fixture takes place at the Atlanta Stadium.

How to watch Morocco vs. Haiti for free

Morocco vs. Haiti in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Morocco vs. Haiti for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Watch Morocco vs. Haiti for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Morocco vs. Haiti (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Morocco vs. Haiti in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple Watch SE 3 is down to its lowest-ever price for Prime Day — save $50 at Amazon

Mashable - 9 hours 36 min ago

SAVE $50: As of June 24, the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) has returned to its lowest-ever price of $199 at Amazon for Prime Day. This is $50 off its list price of $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal

Prime Day is in full swing, and if you're looking for Apple Watch deals, it's your lucky day. A few different models have had their prices cut as part of Amazon's sale, including our favorite smartwatch for most people, the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm). As of June 24, this model has dropped to $199 at the retailer.

Compared to the Apple Watch SE 3's full price of $249, this offer saves you $50. What's even better is it's actually not an exclusive Prime Day deal, so if you're not a member, you can still take advantage of it. Plus, both colors have dropped to this price as well, so you can choose between the starlight or midnight models.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best deals to shop

The Apple Watch SE 3 is an excellent choice for those in the Apple ecosystem who don't want to go all-out with extra features that come with higher-end smartwatches from the brand, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2. There's a reason it's our favorite smartwatch for most people, as Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth says it offers "98 percent of what you need from an Apple Watch or fitness tracker, and at a much better price."

As for what kind of tracking you'll get from it, the SE 3 boasts activity tracking for keeping an eye on your steps throughout the day or workouts, sleep tracking (including a daily sleep score and sleep apnea notifications), heart rate tracking, and more. It even comes with safety features like fall detection and crash detection, alongside a battery life that can last you up to 18 hours.

If you've had your eye on this smartwatch, don't miss out on this great deal on the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple iPads are on sale for Prime Day — shop iPads for less than $300

Mashable - 9 hours 38 min ago
The best Prime Day iPad deals: Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $519.99 (Save $79.01) Get Deal Best budget iPad deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 (Save $50) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) $899.99 (Save $99.01) Get Deal

iPads have everything you love in a MacBook just in a more portable package, which makes them perfect for summer travel. They fit easily in a personal item or carry-on, take up less space on a tablet but still bring Apple's signature speed.

Entering day 2 of Prime Day, we're checking in on the iPad deals. The base Apple iPad is still sitting at $299, $25 away from its previous low of $274, but that's not our favorite deal. Another iPad just dropped to a new all-time low, and we're all in.

Here are the best deals to shop this Prime Day.

Best Prime Day iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $519.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $79.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Our very favorite iPad, the iPad Air, is the best tablet money can buy, and it's an even better value on sale. The Air, which prior to Prime Day was sitting around $559, is now down to $519.99. That's the tablet's new lowest price ever, saving you $79.01.

It's an incredible tablet, as powerful as a laptop. So while you can do the tablet basics — streaming, internet browsing, reading, and gaming — it can handle more. For creatives that means graphic design, illustration, and photo and video editing.

Read our full review of the iPad Air.

More Prime Day iPad dealsMore Prime Day iPad Mini dealsMore Prime Day iPad Air dealsMore Prime Day iPad Pro deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Ive covered Amazon Prime Day for 7 years. Here are the MacBook deals worth buying right now.

Mashable - 9 hours 49 min ago
The best Prime Day MacBook deals at a glance: Best MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $150) Get Deal Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,549 (save $150) Get Deal Best MacBook Neo deal (for now) Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $589.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal

Prime Day 2026 is here — one of the best times to get a deal on a MacBook. I've covered Amazon's flagship summer sale for seven years straight now, and I always see Apple laptops get hefty discounts as part of the festivities. This year is par for the course, with savings of up to $250 across the MacBook Air and Pro lineups.

Amazon's Prime Day MacBook deals are especially welcome right now because Apple is on the verge of sweeping price hikes. (Blame the global RAM shortage.) Going forward, I think it'll be rarer to find MacBooks at prices like we're seeing this week.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day is here: We found 50+ deals on Apple, Sony, and Lego favorites

That said, most configurations are still a ways away from their lowest prices on record. For instance, the M5 MacBook Airs are $150 off right now, but they were $200 off last month around Memorial Day. Amazon has sweetened its MacBook deals midway through previous sales, so consider waiting to make your purchase until later this week in case prices dip further. (Already, one kitted-out MacBook Pro has gotten $50 cheaper since Prime Day 2026 started.)

I'd also check out competing retailers' anti-Prime Day sales — namely, Best Buy's Tech Fest. It features lots of deals on older refurbished MacBooks that you won't find elsewhere.

Read on for my one-stop guide to all of the top Prime Day MacBook deals, and check back often. I'll continue to update my list based on Amazon's latest prices and deals availability. I'm marking any record-lows I encounter with a 🔥.

Best Prime Day MacBook Air deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $150   Get Deal

The new M5 MacBook Air is a class-leading ultraportable with a zippy processor, two full workdays' worth of battery life, and a premium, polished design. (Haptic touchpad? Check. Crisp Liquid Retina display? Check. Speakers that sound better than anything you'll find on the average Windows laptop? Checkity-check.) The 13-inch base configuration is on sale for $949 on Amazon this Prime Day, which is 14% off its regular $1,099 sticker price.

You'll find the same deal at Best Buy this week, too. Both retailers' discounts apply to all four colors: starlight, silver, midnight, and sky blue.

Read Mashable's full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.

More MacBook Air dealsBest Prime Day MacBook Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,549 at Amazon
$1,699 Save $150   Get Deal

The M5 MacBook Pro is a creative-forward upgrade with a gorgeous 120Hz Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED) display, a longer battery life, and extra ports like an SDXC card slot. It also has built-in fans, unlike the MacBook Air, so you're less likely to experience thermal throttling when you run demanding software on it. Amazon has the base model listed for $1,549 this Prime Day (typically $1,699) — a 9% savings. Best Buy is also price-matching Amazon here.

Read Mashable's full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Pro.

More MacBook Pro dealsWhat about the MacBook Neo? The Apple MacBook Neo has yet to see a sizable discount on Amazon. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable composite

The MacBook Neo is Apple's colorful new budget laptop. It starts at $599 with 256GB of storage. For $699, you can double its storage capacity and add Touch ID.

While Amazon hasn't been totally resistant to putting the Neo on sale — it's been $9 off there for several weeks now — it doesn't get the same big price cuts as Apple's other laptops. This is probably because it's already a bargain at full price. For that reason, I wouldn't count on it getting a big discount this Prime Day (but I'm happy to be proven wrong).

As things stand, the best MacBook Neo deal right now is Apple's education pricing for college students, their parents, and teachers. Eligible buyers pay just $499 for the base model and $599 for the Touch ID model (a $100 savings either way). If you don't qualify for that offer, Amazon's $9 discount is waiting.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $499 at Apple Store (for education buyers)
$599 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $589.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $9.01   Get Deal Which MacBook should you buy?

The MacBook Air is my favorite MacBook for most people, including most college students and office workers. The MacBook Neo is my top pick for frugal buyers, casual users, and younger students (grades K through 12). The MacBook Pro is my No. 1 choice for content creators and other creative professionals, especially photo and video editors.

For more detailed buying tips, check out my dedicated guide to the best MacBooks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I just found a way to turn Excel data into infographics in 5 minutes

How-To Geek - 9 hours 51 min ago

Excel is great at crunching numbers, but its standard charts can feel a little dull. So when I stumbled across a Microsoft 365 add-in called People Graph, I had to try it. Within minutes, it was turning ordinary spreadsheet data into infographic-style visuals that looked far more polished than I'd expected—and it barely required any setup at all.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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