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For years, I only used Google Calendar for the bare minimum—adding events, getting reminders, and moving on. It got the job done, but I would still end up forgetting errands and juggling separate apps for tasks and reminders. So I decided to figure out why Google Calendar is often referred to as a productivity powerhouse, and I immediately realized how much I’d been missing.

It's August, and Prime Video has released its schedule for new and returning shows this month. Like many action fans, I'm looking forward to the return of Reacher, which premieres next week. Alan Ritchson has done an amazing job playing Lee Child's creation, and I pray the show continues for many seasons to come.

If you rely on Google Drive to seamlessly back up your computer's photos, you'll need to find an alternative very soon. Google is warning that it will end support for automatic syncing between Drive desktop backups and Photos on August 10, 2026.

Windows has supported a huge software ecosystem for decades, but only a small number of apps have truly changed how people use their PCs. The best ones didn't simply do one job well. They solved problems Windows handled poorly, made everyday tasks easier, and became the kind of software people installed on every new computer.

August is shaping up to be a big month for fans of celestial events, with both the Perseid meteor shower and a solar eclipse set to light up the skies. While the annual Perseids will deliver one of the year's most popular meteor displays, the solar eclipse will offer a different kind of spectacle as the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun.

While parts of Europe will experience a full show in the form of a total solar eclipse, those based in North America will still have a chance to catch the celestial event as a partial eclipse. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about this latest celestial event.

When is the solar eclipse in North America?

On Aug. 12, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across parts of North America and most of Canada. While the continent won't experience the same totality as parts of Europe will, it will still be a rare opportunity to witness an exciting solar event.

According to NASA, viewing times will vary across North America, with Alaska and northern Canada seeing the eclipse in the morning, eastern Canada in the afternoon, and parts of the northern U.S. from midday into the afternoon.

It will peak in Anchorage, Alaska at 8:21 a.m. ET. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., it will peak at around 1:53 p.m. ET.

How to watch the solar eclipse

Because the Sun is never completely covered from anywhere in North America during this eclipse, it's never safe to look directly at it without proper eye protection.

Anyone planning to watch should wear certified eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun. If you're using binoculars, a telescope, or a camera, you'll also need an approved solar filter fitted to the front of the optics.

What causes a solar eclipse?

According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking some or all of the Sun's light. During a partial solar eclipse, the Moon covers only part of the Sun, creating the appearance of a crescent-shaped Sun rather than plunging the landscape into darkness. This is what will be visible in North America.

Where can you see the partial solar eclipse in North America?

NASA says the best places to spot the eclipse in North America include parts of the northern U.S. (from Alaska to North Carolina) and most of Canada. While parts of the world will see a total solar eclipse, viewers in North America will experience a partial eclipse.

Solar Eclipse livestream

NASA is livestreaming the eclipse on YouTube, Twitch, X, Amazon Prime, Facebook, Instagram, and NASA+.

If you use the new Siri AI correctly, you might cut down how much you're on your phone. CNET’s Bridget Carey explains how to set up your iPhone to get the most out of the new Siri, and how it’s saved her sanity as a working parent.

Some Home Assistant projects serve a clear purpose and offer a tangible benefit. There are plenty of other projects that aren't strictly necessary but are still worth doing simply because they're insanely cool. If you're looking for a project that's more fun than functional, then you're in the right place.

SAVE $349: As of Aug. 7, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $2,550, down from its usual $2,899. That's a savings of 12%.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo $2,550 at Amazon
$2,899 Save $349   Get Deal

There's no denying that the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is a seriously impressive drone. It's also very expensive, making it overkill for anyone looking to just dabble in drone content. It's built for video professionals and serious content creators looking to elevate their cinematic footage. If that sounds like you, then this deal is right up your alley.

As of Aug. 7, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo — which includes the drone itself, the DJI RC 2, three batteries, a charging hub, and more — is on sale at Amazon for $2,550. That's $349 cheaper than its usual $2,899 price tag, saving you about 12%.

The Mavic 4 Pro features a 100MP Hasselblad camera paired with a 48MP medium telephoto at 70mm and a 50MP far-reach telephoto at 168mm. Across the three cameras, you can shoot 4K/120fps HDR video, or you can shoot 6K/60fps HDR video on the main camera. There's also an infinity gimbal that can freely shoot forward, down, side-to-side, or upward, allowing for more creative and magical shots.

Each battery will give you about 51 minutes of flight time, and you can swap them out for longer sessions. The Fly More Combo also comes with a fast-charging hub, so you can get back up in the air quicker.

If you're looking to elevate your vlogs, real estate videos, home movies, travel content, or other professional projects, it's hard to beat the DJI Mavic 4 Pro — especially if you can grab it while it's on sale.

Best deals on Sony headphones at a glance: Best budget pick Sony WH-CH720N $87.95 (save $92.04) Get Deal Best for workouts Sony ULT Wear $147.95 (save $102.04) Get Deal Best overall deal Sony XM6 $398 (save $61.99) Get Deal

Sony's headphone lineup is on sale at Amazon right now, with several of its best models discounted, some by more than half off. Whether you're after Sony's current flagship, a budget-friendly pair, or something with extra bass, there's a solid discount to grab across the board.

Best Sony headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal Why we like it

The WH-1000XM6 runs on a new chip, the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, that Sony says is seven times faster than the one in the older XM5 model, and it uses that speed across 12 microphones to block out background noise as it happens. Calls hold up well thanks to a six-mic system that picks out your voice and cuts background noise, even in loud places like a train platform or a busy street.

Since you might be wearing these for hours, comfort matters: the headband is wide and soft, made of synthetic leather, and the headphones fold down into a compact case for travel. Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours, and if you're in a rush, a three-minute charge gets you about three hours of playback.

Not sold yet? Here's the rest of the lineup that's on sale:

• Sony MDR-ZX110 — $9.99 $12.99 (Save $3)

• Sony WH-CH520 — $38 $69.99 (Save $31.99)

• Sony MDR-ZX110NC — $48 $59.99 (Save $11.99)

• Sony XM5 — $248 $399.99 (Save $151.99)

Whichever pair you pick, your ears just got a serious upgrade for less. Grab the Sony headphones at Amazon while they're discounted.

Home internet in the new millennium was still on the road to regular internet use. Wi-Fi existed, but routers were expensive and confusing enough that most families never bothered. When Nintendo launched its online service for the DS, the company needed a way to give everyone the internet. Luckily, the company made a USB that was pretty revolutionary and cheap enough to be common.

For years, I assumed Google Maps always chose the fastest route to my destination. It wasn't until I noticed it repeatedly steering me away from quicker roads that I discovered one small setting was prioritizing fuel savings over speed. Turning it off has helped me avoid giving up small chunks of time that quietly add up over the course of a year.

SAVE $60: As of Aug. 7, the DJI Neo mini drone is back to its best-ever price. Grab it from Amazon for $139, down from $199 — a 30% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo Mini Drone $139 at Amazon
$199 Save $60   Get Deal

Drones used to mean a controller, a learning curve, and a solid chance of clipping a tree branch.

DJI's Neo skips all of that. It takes off from your palm, follows you around on its own, and shoots stabilized 4K footage without you touching a remote. Right now, the DJI Neo is back to its best-ever price of $139, down from $199. That's a 30% discount and $60 in savings on Amazon.

At just 135 grams, the Neo is lighter than most phones, which also means it skips FAA registration and Remote ID requirements. It's small enough to toss in a backpack or a jacket pocket. Takeoff is as simple as launching it from your palm and tapping a button, no flying experience needed.

Once it's in the air, the Neo tracks you automatically and shoots footage using eight built-in QuickShot modes, so you get polished, dynamic clips without doing any of the camera work. If you want more control, you can also fly it with voice commands, the DJI app, or a separate remote controller.

For video quality, it shoots in 4K and uses DJI's stabilization tech to keep footage smooth even if it's windy out or you're moving around, whether that's hiking, kayaking, or just walking through a park. It's also rated to handle moderate wind without getting knocked around.

SEE ALSO: The best drones for beginners

The propeller guards wrap around the blades, so if you're new to flying or just clumsy with remotes, you can fly it indoors or weave it around obstacles without worrying about damaging it or anything nearby.

One thing to know before buying: the DJI Fly app, which you need to set up and use the Neo, was pulled from the Google Play Store due to a compatibility issue. You'll need to download it directly from DJI's website instead.

Your future vlogs are calling. Grab the DJI Neo mini drone before this deal flies off, too.

Smartphones are so much more than just phones now. When you take the iPhone 17 Pro out on the trail, it's your camera, your GPS, and your lifeline if something goes wrong. That's a lot riding on one device, and a cheap or subpar phone case can jeopardize your device’s integrity should the worst happen. Bringing it into the back country can be even more of a gamble if your case isn't ready for an accidental drop.

One of the best things about the ESP32 and similar microcontrollers is the price. They only cost a few dollars each and can be put to good use in all manner of projects, from simple guides you follow along to complex projects you plan over weeks or months.

Android Auto has built-in automations called “shortcuts.” If this is news to you, I’m not surprised—they’re not very good. Thankfully, it’s possible to create much more useful automations with a great app called MacroDroid. That’s exactly what I did.

Putting a home lab together doesn't have to be expensive or take up a lot of space. Over the years, I've managed to collect, scavenge, and re-purpose old devices to the point where I can run most of my projects without spending a dime. Today, I'll tell you about my scavenged setup and the most important apps I run on it.

SAVE OVER $50: As of Aug. 7, the AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $189.99 at Amazon. That's a $59.01 discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $189.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $59.01   Get Deal

Fancy new AirPods with cameras are rumored to be dropping soon, but if you're still interested in the AirPods Pro 3, we've spotted an excellent deal at Amazon that's worth checking out.

As of Aug. 7, these earbuds — which we consider the best for Apple users — have dropped to $189.99 at Amazon.

Normally, these earbuds are listed for $249, so this deal saves you $59.01. That's not too bad at all. It may not be the lowest price they've offered at the retailer, but the store page notes it is a 30-day low. Considering fall sale events are still a little way away, it's an offer well worth jumping on while it's still available.

SEE ALSO: The latest iPhone 18 news, leaks, and rumors: Release date, price increases, and color options

AirPods Pro 3 are an excellent addition to the Apple ecosystem, offering active noise cancellation, solid sound quality, built-in heart rate sensing, and much more. As mentioned earlier, we consider them the top pick for Apple users, as they "perform well in all the ways you'd want them to: the sound profile is robust and clear, the noise cancellation truly silences the world around you, and they pair easily to Apple devices."

Plus, "Apple bumped up these buds' battery life to eight hours per charge, putting them firmly on the higher end of what's available on the market." And that's with ANC enabled on a single charge. According to the store page, you can push them up to 10 hours in Transparency mode as well, so they'll have plenty of juice to push you through a commute or travel period.

Who knows how long this deal will last, so be quick to score nearly $60 off the AirPods Pro 3 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.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box is on sale for $119.94 at Amazon, down from its $209.70 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box $119.94 at Amazon
$209.70 Save $89.76 Get Deal

Amazon has taken another swing at the price of the Magic: The Gathering’s Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box, and this latest drop makes the 30-pack display considerably cheaper than it was only a few days ago. 

As of Aug. 7, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box is available for $119.94 at Amazon. Against its $209.70 list price, you’re saving $89.76 altogether — a 43% discount that works out to almost exactly $4 per Play Booster. 

Better still, this listing is sold and shipped directly by Amazon rather than a third-party trading card marketplace seller. Free delivery is currently estimated for Aug. 17-19 at the time of writing, although the box is marked as a final-sale item with no returns. 

At $119.94, this is not only the lowest price we’ve seen for this box from the retailer (confirmed via the price tracker camelcamelcamel), but it also undercuts the previous $125.95 record low we saw at the end of June. It’s even beating TCGplayer’s market price of $121.50.

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Meanwhile, you can save even more with TCGplayer — as listings for unopened boxes currently start at $119.89 with shipping included. As a backup among standard retailers, Walmart is charging the same price as Amazon for the Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box.

Inside the display are 30 Play Boosters, each containing 14 Magic cards. Every pack includes one Traditional Foil card, one to four cards of rare or higher rarity, three to five uncommons, six to nine commons, and one land. A Foil Borderless Mythic Rare appears in fewer than 1% of boosters, while a Traditional Foil Land replaces the regular land in 20% of packs.

Play Boosters are designed with drafting and Limited games in mind, but this 30-pack is a wonderful buy if you simply want to rip through the Marvel crossover set and make a deck around epic characters like Iron Man and Thanos. 

I currently own several GPUs—including two RTX 50-series GPUs—that have damaged display outputs. As strange as it seems, I actually purchased these "broken" cards without any thought to repairing them. And while that may sound counterproductive, there is actually a simple reason: I only use them for compute.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Display Box is on sale for $199.42 at Amazon, down from its $249.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Display Box $199.42 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.57   Get Deal

Perfect Order has spent the past few months as one of the easier Mega Evolution expansions to buy without completely wrecking your trading card budget, and Amazon has now pushed its biggest sealed box below another price barrier. 

As of Aug. 7, the Pokémon TCG’s 36-pack Perfect Order Booster Display Box is ready to buy at Amazon for $199.42. That knocks $50.57 off its $249.99 typical price, giving you a 20% discount and bringing the cost of each booster pack down to roughly $5.54. 

The best listing available is sold and shipped by third-party seller Champion-Gaming, with free delivery estimated for Aug. 10 -11 at the time of writing. If there are any problems, Amazon does still include its handy 30-day refund or replacement window, which is useful when you’re spending close to $200 on a sealed box. 

That said, you can save even more when shopping outside of Amazon. Walmart currently has the same 36-pack box down to $179 with free shipping, while TCGplayer’s lowest English-language sealed listings start at $174.87 with shipping included — which is only slightly above its market price of $173.86. 

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Still, this is a much stronger Amazon price than we saw in July, when the box was sitting at $227.20. If you prefer buying through Amazon, dropping below $200 takes a chunk out of the cost without having to purchase packs one at a time. 

In this Pokémon: Legends Z-A-inspired expansion, you can still pull valuable Perfect Order chase cards like SIR Mega Zygarde ex, MHR Mega Zygarde ex, SIR Meowth ex, and SIR Mega Clefable ex — or you can buy these separately at TCGplayer.