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This 5-year piano-learning app offer is down to just $68 — and it’s never been cheaper

Mashable - 19 hours 16 min ago

TL;DR: Get 5 years of flowkey Piano Learning for just $67.97 — the lowest price ever — and learn piano with interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and over 1,000 songs, with code SAVE15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Flowkey flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription) $67.99
$899 Save $831.01   Get Deal

Five years of piano lessons for $67.97 sounds like a typo. It isn’t.

The flowkey Piano-Learning App Classic Plan is available for just $67.97 (reg. $899), making this the lowest price we’ve ever seen for the app. The math is hard to ignore: that’s $831.03 off the regular price for five full years of access.

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Flowkey is designed to take someone from first notes to full songs using step-by-step lessons and real-time feedback. The app listens as you play, so you get instant corrections instead of guessing what went wrong.

It includes features like Wait Mode, which pauses progress until you hit the correct notes, as well as slow-motion playback, looping sections, and split-hand practice. You can also follow synced video performances alongside sheet music, which helps connect theory to actual playing.

The Classic Plan includes access to over 1,000 classical and public-domain pieces by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart, along with arrangements tailored to different skill levels.

There are also foundational courses covering music theory, chords, reading sheet music, and proper hand positioning. It’s structured to support both absolute beginners and returning players who want a refresher.

This fits beginners who want structured guidance without committing to in-person lessons, as well as intermediate players looking to rebuild or strengthen fundamentals. It also works across devices — including laptops, tablets, and phones — as long as you’re using a compatible keyboard or digital piano setup.

This learning app provides a low-risk way to build piano skills over time without recurring monthly costs or high lesson fees.

To learn a new skill and keep things simple, you’ll want structured lessons, interactive feedback, and long-term access with flowkey.

Get it today at its lowest price yet: $67.97 through June 28 at 11:59 p.m.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Early Prime Day laptop deals dont impress me much. Heres how to get a good price on a PC.

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 23:42

When it comes to Amazon Prime Day, many gadgets go on sale well ahead of time. Select smart home devices, big-screen TVs, and even flagship headphones get deep price cuts in the days or weeks leading up to the event. (This year, it runs from June 23 to 26.) Shoppers can scoop up early-bird discounts on these products to avoid day-of chaos, including potential inventory issues.

Not laptops, though. This year's early Prime Day laptop deals are... not good.

I'm Mashable's resident expert on all things PCs, and having covered Prime Day for seven years now, I can tell you that Amazon doesn't release many laptop deals until the sale actually starts. I'm talking legitimately excellent laptop deals on popular models, not sketchy listings that come from third-party sellers or unfamiliar brands, which are annoyingly common on Amazon.

The good news is that your patience usually pays off. Lots of Apple MacBooks and Windows laptops will fall to their lowest prices of the year at some point during Prime Day. The bad news is that, well, waiting sucks. (Then again, so does paying too much for a big-ticket item that goes on sale mere days later. But I digress.)

Fortunately, I will be personally updating this page with the best Prime Day laptop deals once they go live, so keep following Mashable's coverage and check back on June 23.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best early deals to shop already What laptops will go on sale during Prime Day 2026?

While Amazon doesn't share the specifics of its Prime Day deals ahead of time, it has revealed some category-wide discounts that shoppers can expect to see during next week's sale. In the tech department, that includes savings of up to 35% on select laptops (and smartphones and tablets) from brands like HP, Lenovo, and Samsung. Keep that in mind, Team Windows.

On the MacBook side, I'd bet on seeing discounts of at least $200 on the M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, which would match their previous all-time lows. The budget MacBook Neo has yet to get a proper discount on Amazon since launching in March, but Prime Day would be a good excuse as any for Amazon to drop it by $50 or so. My fingers are criss-crossed.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't be too loyal to Amazon during Prime Day if stellar laptop steals and deals are your priority. Other major retailers will be hosting competing sales, including Best Buy, which is promising up to 50% off devices, including laptops, during its upcoming Tech Fest. Notably, Best Buy has a much better selection of Windows laptops and older MacBooks than Amazon. (This week, it's offering $400 off high-end configurations of the M4 MacBook Air.)

If you are planning to check out Amazon's Prime Day laptop deals, bookmark this page. Below, I've collected a list of the laptop discounts that would get me to click the "Buy Now" button if they appeared on Prime Day. All of the models I've included are ones that we've tested ourselves and recommend, so you can be sure the laptop you're getting isn't just a cheap one, but a great one.

MacBook deals I want to see during Prime DayWindows laptop deals I want to see during Prime Day

We will be regularly updating this guide with the best laptop deals, so keep checking back. You can also visit our Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest updates and price drops.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The SUV that blends Toyota reliability with Range Rover comfort

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 23:30

Luxury SUVs have always been the go-to status play, mixing road presence with comfort and the latest tech. For years, buyers flocked to European nameplates like the Range Rover for that plush ride and premium feel.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Mexico vs. South Korea online for free

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 23:00

TL;DR: Live stream Mexico vs. South Korea 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.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has really delivered so far, and we're expecting more of the same from the second round of fixtures. Mexico and South Korea both won their first games, so this contest looks like really interesting. The hosts are probably slight favorites, but they'll need to be at their best to beat a talented South Korea side.

Interested in watching? We can help.

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

When is Mexico vs. South Korea?

Mexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on June 18. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Guadalajara.

How to watch Mexico vs. South Korea for free

Mexico vs. South Korea 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 Mexico vs. South Korea 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 Mexico vs. South Korea 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 Mexico vs. South Korea (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. Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate.

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 Mexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop overpaying for a crossover when this Honda sedan delivers a premium ride for less

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 22:31

Family sedans may not dominate sales charts the way they once did, but they still make a compelling case for buyers who value comfort, efficiency, and driving enjoyment. While many shoppers automatically gravitate toward compact and midsize crossovers, a well-engineered sedan often delivers a smoother ride, sharper handling, and better fuel economy for less money. That's a combination that's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Adventures of Elliot : A fun and frustrating Zelda tribute

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 22:31

It's frustrating when you can see a better game inside of a game you enjoy. Case in point: The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales.

Square Enix's latest in a series of smaller, throwback-oriented "HD-2D" games (using the same tech and art style as games like Octopath Traveler 0) is clearly intended to appeal to people who like the old-school Legend of Zelda games. It's also got a big infusion of Chrono Trigger and some elements of other RPGs like the venerable, criminally underrated Ys series.

Those are all things I love, so naturally, I was pretty excited for this one.

Unfortunately, Adventures of Elliot's best qualities aren't enough to overshadow how half-baked its structure feels. Between that and a lackluster story that takes entirely too long to reach its zenith, it's hard to call this one of the best 2D Zelda homages, though it's still pretty fun and worth your time if you're into this sort of thing.

SEE ALSO: 'Octopath Traveler 0' is a hefty investment that rewards your patience Adventures of Elliot's best moments feel like an arcade game

In Adventures of Elliot, you play the eponymous adventurer. Elliot wears a cool hat. Elliot is a solid guy, known far and wide for being kind and reliable. I'd grab a beer with him if I could.

Some typical fantasy video game stuff happens in the game's first few hours, setting Elliot on a quest to save a princess. He's joined by an exceptionally talkative and annoying fairy named Faie. The two of them quickly gain the ability to travel through time, ultimately unlocking four different periods the player can freely explore.

Adventures of Elliot wears its Zelda inspiration on its sleeve. It's all about running around a relatively open-ended (but not very big) world, using a combination of Elliot's weapons and Faie's fairy powers to explore a cornucopia of caves and dungeons.

Faie's powers are one of the more novel aspects of the game, as you can control her separately with the right analog stick. The game will often ask you to direct her around obstacles that Elliot can't pass in order to light torches or carry items from one point to another.

This is one element of Adventures of Elliot that makes it stand out, and I appreciated it.

He's got swag, I can't lie. Credit: Square Enix

I found it fun to ignore quest objectives and idly explore Elliot's world, largely because the simple and accessible real-time action combat is the highlight of this adventure. Elliot quickly unlocks six different weapons, including a sword, a spear, a bow, and a hammer, and he can equip himself with any two of them at the same time.

None of the weapons are all that complex on their own — but there's a cool upgrade system which allows you to add unique traits to each one, unlocking an admirable amount of versatility. By the end of the game, my bow could do the following things, all at once:

  1. Home in on enemies with a charged shot

  2. Bounce additional arrows between enemies after the initial hit

  3. Light any enemies who had been hit on fire

  4. Cause explosions every time an arrow hit an enemy who was on fire

Every weapon has a unique, cascading set of upgrades like this, and it rocks. There's also a simple, arcade-like combo meter that goes up when you get a kill and resets when you take damage (the higher the number, the better the loot you'll get from enemies).

In short, combat is fast, fun, and generally a great time.

This time travel story does little with its premise The only town on the world map is basically the only part that meaningfully changes from one period to the next. Credit: Square Enix

Sadly, good combat is pretty much all Adventures of Elliot has to offer. There is a story with lots of cutscenes and voice acting, but most of it is a particularly forgettable brand of corny and overly sentimental.

There are worse sins for a fun action RPG to commit than having uninteresting cutscenes, though. And I regret to inform that Adventures of Elliot has other skeletons in its closet.

The time travel mechanic adds next to nothing to the game, aside from padding. There are four versions of the world map set across the ages, a la Chrono Trigger, but they simply aren't different enough from one another. The volcano zone is always a volcano zone and the swamp area is always a swamp area.

There are plenty of optional caves and dungeons, but the most Adventures of Elliot has to offer, if you're thorough about exploring every cave in every time period, is an extra treasure chest or two.

Ultimately teh game fails to make good on its premise, both mechanically and narratively. The different stories in the different time periods fail to meaningfully interact with one another until very late in the game's plot. Adventures of Elliot has multiple endings, and the path to the true ending is the only time the game does anything compelling at all in this regard.

I'm fine with a game saving its best for last, but a 25-hour adventure that is only just OK for the first 20 hours doesn't feel particularly satisfying .

The fact that Adventures of Elliot is fun to play only serves to make the rest of it more disappointing. This really could have been a neat fusion of Zelda and Chrono Trigger, but it's merely a fair imitation of the former and doesn't even come close to reaching the heights of the latter.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales launches on June 18 for PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series consoles, and PC.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 22:21

Dust off those Amazon gift cards — Amazon Prime Day is back and runs from Tuesday, June 23, to Friday, June 26 (and plenty of great deals are available). 

If you previously redeemed a gift card and want to check the remaining balance, we’ve got you covered. We'll also explain how to reload a gift card. Follow the steps below to make sure your Amazon gift cards are ready for the four-day Prime event. Happy shopping!

How to check your Amazon gift card balance on your desktop

Follow these quick steps to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance from your computer browser:

Total Time
  • 2 minutes
What You Need
  • Computer

Step 1: Navigate to Amazon

Open the Amazon website.

Step 2: Accounts & Lists

Click on Accounts & Lists in the top right corner of the screen.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website

Step 3: Select Gift cards

A new menu page will open on the website. Select Gift cards.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website

Step 4: Redeem or reload gift card

Once you click, you'll be able to see the existing balance on your gift card. If you are checking the balance on an unredeemed gift card and wish to redeem it, you can click on Redeem a Gift card. You can also opt to Reload your card in this menu or check your transaction history, which is listed below the gift card balance.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website How to check your Amazon gift card balance in the app

Follow these simple steps to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance from your phone or tablet:

Total Time
  • 2 minutes
What You Need
  • Smartphone

Step 1: Go to Account

Open the app and click on the account icon at the bottom of the landing page (the little person illustration). Then choose Account at the top of the landing page.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 2: Navigate to Payments

Scroll down until you see the Payments section.

Step 3: Manage gift card balance

In the Payments section, click on Manage gift card balance.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 4: Check balance or reload

Use the new menu that opens to check your gift card balance, reload your gift card, or check past activity.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

The AirPods Pro 3 are at a record-low price, plus more of the best AirPods deals ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 22:14
Early Prime Day deals on AirPods Best AirPods Pro 3 Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179.99 (save $69 at Best Buy) Get Deal Best AirPods 4 Deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Open-Box Deal Apple AirPods 4 with ANC (Open-Box) $67 (save $38) Get Deal Best Apple headphones deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $499 (save $50 at Amazon) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day season is upon us, and the mega-retailer isn't waiting until the sale proper to drop deals on AirPods.

While Prime Day usually takes place in mid-July, it got bumped up in the schedule this year: the four-day sale will now take place from June 23 to June 26. With only a few days left before the sale, Apple products are starting to get marked down. Already, a classic $99 deal on Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds is available at Amazon, and we're expecting even more discounts to drop during the sale itself.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is almost here: We found 50+ early deals

And if you prefer AirPods with active noise-cancellation, you're in luck. We've seen the Apple AirPods Pro 3 as low as $169.99 at competing retailers like Walmart. Also at Walmart, you can grab an open-box deal on the AirPods 4 with ANC earbuds starting at just $67. Still, we wouldn't blame you if you wait until next week, when, if we're lucky, we'll see new record-low prices on the entire AirPods lineup.

Until the sale ends on June 26, the Mashable shopping team will be bringing you the top Prime Day deals on Apple products. For now, you'll find all of the best Prime Day AirPods deals right here on this page.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Technically, we've seen the Apple AirPods 4 drop all the way down to $69, and we're hoping we'll see the same deal when Prime Day begins on June 23. However, given the recent wave of price increases in the tech world, we're not counting on it. So, if you're hoping to avoid the Prime Day sales pressure, pick up these classic Apple earbuds while they're under $100.

More AirPods deals

We will be regularly updating this guide with the best Prime Day AirPods deals, so keep checking back. You can also visit our Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest updates and price drops.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google confirms death of its Nest speaker lineup

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 22:01

Get ready to say goodbye to some of Google's older smart home products.

The Nest MIni and Nest Audio smart speakers have been discontinued by the search engine giant, TechAdvisor reports. The former was a $35 entry-level smart speaker released in 2019, with the latter launching in 2019 as a $100 version that offered a larger form factor and better audio quality.

SEE ALSO: The new Google Home Speaker can run your house with Gemini for $99

“As we continue to build the future of the smart home, we are refining our portfolio of Google Home and Nest devices," Google told TechAdvisor via a statement. "As part of this evolution, we have ended production of the Google Nest Mini and Google Nest Audio.”

Google also said it would continue supporting the Nest Mini and Nest Audio speakers via patches, security updates, and customer service.

Sunsetting products that launched more than five years ago is hardly unusual, and it's made all the more unsurprising by the fact that Google just unveiled a new, all-purpose $100 Google Home Speaker this week.

That device was made with Gemini AI interactions in mind, theoretically making it a more sophisticated and capable device. But if you want to keep using your old Nest speakers, you'll be fine — at least for a while.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 new shows to watch this weekend across Netflix, HBO Max, and more (June 19-21)

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 22:00

It's a fantastic week for returning shows on streaming services. Four of the five shows spotlighted on this list are back for either their second or third season. The No. 1 show this weekend revolves around a civil war, where dragons play a giant part in determining the outcome. You can probably guess what Game of Thrones spin-off I'm talking about.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A Prime Day Apple deals primer: Were tracking prices on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 21:56

It's Amazon Prime Day season again, aka the best time of year to score excellent deals on Apple gadgets (outside of Black Friday, at least). Amazon typically offers extra-low prices on Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks during its annual members-only sale, and the Mashable team is already closely monitoring the best Prime Day Apple deals.

A word of caution: Don't fill your cart just yet! Having covered Prime Day for Mashable for seven straight years, I can tell you with 100 percent confidence that most of these offers will get even better in just a couple of days when the event formally begins. Amazon saves its very best deals for the main event, and this year, Prime Day runs from June 23 to 26.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is right around the corner: Here are 20+ early deals to start shopping now

I say "most of these offers," not "all," because there are a handful of exceptional deals that I would in fact shop early. Some devices, including the Apple Watch Series 11, are currently sitting at record-low prices, and you can also pick up the Apple AirPods 4 for just $99.

Over the next week, we will regularly update this page with the best Prime Day Apple deals, and not just at Amazon. We'll also check prices at competing retailers like Best Buy and Walmart to make sure you're truly getting the lowest prices on all things Apple. Plus, we'll tell you how low we expect prices to go on AirPods, MacBooks, iPads, and more.

The only Apple deals I'd shop before Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why I like it

There's just something about the phrase "$99 AirPods" that feels good, doesn't it? Ahead of Prime Day 2026, you can already score the latest Apple wireless earbuds on sale. Technically, this isn't the product's lowest-ever price, but we wouldn't count on a better discount next week, though that is possible. In the past, we've seen these buds hit $69 before, so you may want to wait just in case Amazon revives that deal next week.

If you want the pricier version of AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, Walmart currently has open-box deals on these buds starting at just $67.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200   Get Deal Why I like it

Last Prime Day, the M4 MacBook Airs only got discounts of $150 apiece. Ahead of this year's sale, the 15-inch M5 model is already a whopping $200 off. Its current record-low price of $1,099 (normally $1,299) is another seemingly unbeatable deal. The only reason you'd want to wait is if you prefer the sky blue, starlight, or silver finishes: This deal only applies to the midnight variant at the moment.

Read our full review of the M5 MacBook Air.

Prime Day AirPods deals to watch
  • Apple AirPods Pro 3: Ahead of Prime Day, we've seen these noise-cancelling earbuds on sale for $169.99 to $179.99 at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Check back during Prime Day, when they'll surely get another discount.

  • Apple AirPods Max 2: These snazzy over-ear headphones have been hanging out at their record-low price of $499.99 since early June (normally $549). That's not bad, but the first-gen AirPods Max with USB-C charging were a full $100 off on their first Prime Day and $120 off last Black Friday. Let's see if Amazon can get these new ones down to around $449 at least.

Read our reviews of the AirPods 4 with ANC and the AirPods Max 2. Plus, see where they land on our guides to the best wireless earbuds and the best noise-canceling headphones.

The best early Prime Day AirPods deals for now: Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30) Get Deal Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $148.99 (save $30.01) Get Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (save $70) Get Deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $499.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Prime Day Apple Watch deals to watch

The best Prime Day deals on Apple products always include savings on the latest Apple Watch, plus the SE and Ultra models. Wait a few more days, and you'll be able to buy these smartwatches at their lowest-ever prices.

  • Apple Watch Series 11: Apple's latest smartwatch is currently marked down to $299 (normally $399), which is its lowest price to date and a $100 savings. However, it's probably going to get even cheaper on Prime Day. Amazon has given flagship Apple Watches $120 discounts during past Prime events, so I can easily see it hitting $279 in the coming weeks.

  • Apple Watch SE 3: Apple's budget wearable has hit $199 before, and its predecessor dipped down to $169 during last October's Prime Big Deal Days sale. It was on sale for $219 at the time of writing (typically $249), or only $30 off, so don't add it to your cart just yet.

  • Apple Watch Ultra 3: This premium rugged smartwatch is only $20 off on Amazon right now, a measly discount that brings it down to $779 (normally $799). Wait for it to return or surpass its record-low Black Friday price of $679 come Prime Day.

Read our review of the Apple Watch Series 11. If you're not sure which model is right for you, check out our guide to the best smartwatches you can buy right now.

The best early Prime Day Apple Watch deals for now: Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100) Get Deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $219 (save $30) Get Deal Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) $779 (save $20) Get Deal Prime Day iPad deals to watch
  • Apple iPad: Apple's entry-level tablet is on sale for $299 right now, down $50 from its usual sticker price of $349. I'm thinking Amazon will revive its Prime Day 2025 price of $279 later this month.

  • Apple iPad Air: The 11- and 13-inch M4 iPad Airs weren't around last Prime Day, but they've previously hit record lows of $519 and $699, respectively — a savings of up to $100. Ahead of this year's sale, they're $559 and $749 apiece (or just $40 and $50 off); hold out for better deals.

  • Apple iPad Pro: The 11- and 13-inch sizes of the ultralight M5 iPad Pro are both at least $27 away from their all-time lows right now. Don't hit the buy button until you see them drop to $799 and $1,149, respectively (or lower, ideally). Their regular retail prices are $999 and $1,299.

  • Apple iPad mini: The most compact Apple tablet is on sale for $474 in the lead-up to Prime Day (usually $499) — a hard skip. I'd be happy if it returned to last year's Prime Day price of $379, but hope Amazon can match its best-ever Black Friday price of $349.

Read our reviews of the M4 iPad Air, the M5 iPad Pro, and the iPad mini. Plus, find out which iPad you should buy.

The best early Prime Day iPad deals for now: Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $299 (save $50) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $559 (save $40) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $749 (save $50) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $937.76 (save $61.24) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $1,176 (save $123) Get Deal Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) $474 (save $25) Get Deal Prime Day MacBook deals to watch
  • Apple MacBook Neo: Apple's new budget laptop has been enjoying a $9 discount on Amazon for a couple of months now (normally $599). It would be suuuper cool if the retailer managed to match Apple's $499 student pricing on Prime Day, but that's very wishful thinking. Realistically, it probably won't get any cheaper than $549, if it gets any cheaper at all. A sizable MacBook Neo discount is my white whale for Prime Day 2026.

  • Apple MacBook Air: The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air is only $949 right now (normally $1,099), its lowest price yet. However, I'm thinking Amazon will give it the same $200 discount as its 15-inch sibling come Prime Day: They usually get matching deals during such sales. Hold steady until it hits $899.

  • Apple MacBook Pro: The 14-inch base model with the vanilla M5 chip is going for $1,549 ahead of Prime Day (usually $1,699), but its record-low of $1,499 will probably return soon.

Read our reviews of the MacBook Neo, the M5 MacBook Air, and the M5 MacBook Pro. Plus, find out which MacBook is right for you.

The best early Prime Day MacBook deals for now: Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $589.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949.99 (save $149.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 (save $200) Get Deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,549 (save $150) Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

World Cup fans furious as hydration breaks fill up with ads

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 21:49

One of the biggest arguments at the 2026 World Cup isn't about football — it's about water.

Since the tournament began on June 11, every match has included mandatory 3-minute hydration breaks midway through each half. Referees stop play at a point of their choosing, players head to the sidelines, and in the U.S. some broadcasters cut to — you guessed it — commercials.

Those 3 minutes are worth real money. FIFA's broadcast rules give networks roughly two minutes and ten seconds of sellable airtime per half — enough for as many as 832 commercial slots across the tournament's 104 matches.

This inventory didn't exist at any previous World Cup. FIFA approved the monetization of breaks this past March.

That is a real change for a sport usually defined by its flow, not its ad breaks. Built-in pauses of this length seem much closer to the stop-start rhythm of American sports than that of traditional association football (a.k.a. soccer).

FIFA introduced the hydration break in 2025 as a player safety measure for a summer tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, where heat and humidity are often major concerns.

But because the breaks apply to every match, regardless of how warm it is, the weather, or whether a stadium has a roof or air conditioning, they have quickly become one of the tournament’s biggest talking points among players, coaches, and fans.

Complaints began right from the start of the finals. During the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, Fox aired full-screen commercials during the hydration breaks and returned late from one of them, causing viewers to miss the restart.

Social media has been full of anger at the hiatuses. On X, comedian Kevin Fredericks called the hydration break "pure capitalism." Musician Lloyd Cole said U.S. television had "finally got their 4 quarters," Former Daily Show host Trevor Noah judged the rule to be simply about "ad breaks."

IRL, fans are showing up the same way they are online: loud. Thousands have been booing hydration breaks during matches.

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There is also evidence that these breaks may be affecting the matches themselves. Fans point to Curaçao’s game against Germany, the most heated example.

Curaçao’s Livano Comenencia scored in the 21st minute to make it 1-1 against the four-time World Cup champions. Then came the hydration break — after which Germany regrouped and eventually won 7-1.

Former England striker Alan Shearer later saying on The Rest is Football podcast that he “felt sorry” for Curaçao — because the stoppage had killed their momentum.

There is data to support the breaks too. One study out of Northwestern found that one week into the tournament, teams were attempting more shots in the 10 minutes after hydration breaks than in the 10 minutes before them.

Norway, Brazil, Scotland, and Australia all scored shortly after breaks, including Erling Haaland’s opener for Norway against Iraq.

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Not every viewer is experiencing the hydration breaks the same way. Telemundo, which holds Spanish-language broadcast rights in the U.S., made the opposite call to Fox before the tournament even started.

"We're going to be staying on the match feed," Telemundo senior vice president of sports content Miguel Lorenzo told Sports Business Journal ahead of the tournament. "Fans are going to be able to watch the players and the coach's interactions. Our goal is to create an authentic World Cup viewing experience."

During broadcasts, the network's commentary team has gone further. "This World Cup is ours," said one commentator during the Korea Republic vs. Czechia broadcast. "We're not taking a break from it."

U.K.-based commercial network ITV has also chosen not to air ads during hydration stoppage time — and its commentary team has pointed out the booing in stadiums during the breaks.

The split has driven a notable shift in viewing habits, with many English-speaking fans in the U.S. migrating to Telemundo's stream on Peacock even across the language barrier.

As the World Cup continues, the debate is likely to follow — whether or not FIFA wants everyone to cool down.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Mexico vs. South Korea: The World Cups friendliest rivalry

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 21:42

If the FIFA World Cup were a romantic comedy, Mexico and South Korea would be in the strangers-to-lovers arc.

Before their teams even met on the pitch, fans from both countries had already hit it off. In the streets of Guadalajara, supporters have broken into impromptu performances of "Gangnam Style," greeted one another with chants of "BTS," posed for photos together, and shared not only bottles of tequila but also videos of their celebrations across social media.

Which makes Thursday night's Group A matchup a little awkward. After all, every good romance needs conflict.

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Mexico and South Korea enter the June 18 match with plenty at stake, but unlike most World Cup rivalries, this one comes with an unusual amount of affection. Eight years after South Korea's famous upset over Germany helped send Mexico to the knockout stage, fans from both countries have rekindled a friendship that has become one of the tournament's most unexpected storylines.

The relationship even has a slogan: "Coreano, hermano, ya eres Mexicano," which translates to "Korean brother, you're Mexican now."

And if the videos flooding TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X are any indication, plenty of fans seem to mean it.

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A post shared by David velazquez /El CHECHÉ (@elcheche_tj)

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Part of that affection can be traced back to the 2018 World Cup, when South Korea stunned Germany in the group stage. The result helped Mexico advance to the knockout rounds, turning Korean players into unlikely heroes among Mexican supporters. Mexican fans famously gathered outside the South Korean embassy in Mexico City to celebrate and even crowdfunded beer for Korean fans. Eight years later, the amity hasn't disappeared. If anything, social media has only strengthened it.

The relationship now extends well beyond football. Mexico has become one of the largest markets for Korean pop culture outside Asia, with K-pop acts regularly selling out arenas across the country. According to Spotify data, Mexico ranked fifth globally for K-pop listening in 2025. So when South Korean supporters arrived for the World Cup, many found themselves welcomed by fans who were already familiar with their music, food, and culture.

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That welcome wasn't just online. Earlier this month, hundreds of Mexican supporters greeted South Korea's national team when it arrived at its hotel in Guadalajara, a scene that quickly went viral on social media.

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The affection has become so pronounced that some supporters have half-jokingly suggested the ideal result would be a draw, a way for both teams and both fanbases to walk away happy.

Of course, goodwill only goes so far once the whistle blows. For 90 minutes, at least, Mexico and South Korea will have to set aside their status as the World Cup's friendliest rivalry and do what every tournament demands: Try to beat each other.

As one fan told NPR ahead of the match, "Whoever wins, that's my team."

Most World Cup rivalries don't work that way.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Xbox studio apocalypse: Every studio closure rumored and confirmed

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 21:17

Xbox's studio portfolio may look very different, very soon.

Earlier this week, reports suggested Microsoft's games division was in the process of closing or spinning off several of its subsidiary studios. Though no studio closures have been officially confirmed yet, some employees have posted on social media that they are looking for work.

Here is everything we know right now.

SEE ALSO: Xbox executives depart while Compulsion Games shuts down Every Xbox studio rumored to be closed or spun off

Per Bloomberg, the focus is on three studios: Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory.

Compulsion is best known for South of Midnight, an action-adventure game based on southern U.S. folklore that won many accolades in 2025. PCMag called it "beautiful, unique, and tear-jerking," and it won a Peabody Award last year.

Compulsion was said to be closing and then to be negotiating with Microsoft for its future, according to Kotaku. Some Compulsion employees have said they are looking for work, but the studio hasn't officially shuttered or been spun off yet.

Double Fine is the most venerable of the three, having been around for more than 25 years. The San Francisco-based studio is best known for creative games with a focus on sharp comedy writing, like Brutal Legend, Psychonauts, and Costume Quest.

Double Fine's fate is murky at the moment; the only thing we've heard from the company is a single sweating face emoji posted to its social accounts earlier this week.

The third studio rumored to be closed or spun off is Ninja Theory, which has been around in some capacity for more than 25 years. Prior to becoming an Xbox subsidiary, Ninja Theory was best known for highly cinematic action games that made early use of performance capture technology — such as Heavenly Sword and Enslaved Odyssey to the West, both of which featured performances by Andy Serkis.

More recently, Ninja Theory has been focused on the Hellblade series. The third game in that series, Senua, was announced earlier in June.

Other unnamed studios are also said to be at risk. Insider Gaming's Mike Straw reported that Arkane, developers of the Dishonored series and the upcoming Marvel Blade game, is fearing for its future right now; we don't know anything beyond that.

Xbox's problems go back many years, but the current round of anxiety started when former executive Phil Spencer left, leading Microsoft to hire AI executive Asha Sharma to take over the Xbox business.

Sharma has tried to win the hearts and minds of fans by teasing the next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, but Xbox's reputation is not in the best place right now.

Between possible studio closures, game cancelations, and a movement to boycott Xbox due to Microsoft's relationship with the Israeli military, many gamers have already decided they are done with the brand entirely.

Categories: IT General, Technology

House of the Dragon: Everything you need to know in 2 minutes

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 21:00

The Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon is finally flying back for a third season and you need to get caught up on all things Targaryen. Mashable's Belen Edwards is here to catch us all up to speed, and in just under 2 minutes!

We'll re-introduce you to Rhaenyra Targaryen's Team Black and Alicent Hightower's Team Green and take you all the way up to the moments before Season 3's much anticipated return. Give this a quick viewing before the show aires on June 21st as there is much to catch up on.

House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres June 21 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, with a new episode every Sunday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Canada vs. Qatar online for free

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 21:00

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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is stacked full of amazing matchups. Is Canada vs. Qatar on that list? Probably not for the neutrals at least. But for fans of Canada and Qatar? This is an all-important clash that could be crucial when the group stage comes to an end.

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

When is Canada vs. Qatar?

Canada vs. Qatar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on June 18. This fixture takes place at BC Place Vancouver.

How to watch Canada vs. Qatar for free

Canada vs. Qatar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX 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 ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Canada vs. Qatar 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 ITVX

  5. Watch Canada vs. Qatar 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 Canada vs. Qatar (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. Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, 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 Canada vs. Qatar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The $15 home network upgrade that solves 6 problems your router can't

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 20:30

A network switch is deeply practical, but you'll most likely only buy one when your router runs out of Ethernet ports. While that's the primary reason most people buy one, it’s far from the only benefit of keeping a switch on your network.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Italian SUV that makes German luxury feel generic

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 20:00

Luxury SUVs have become incredibly good at almost everything, but that's also made a lot of them feel the same. Big screens, plush cabins, and effortless speed are easy to find, while genuine personality is much harder.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Noise-cancelling and open earbuds are down to record-low prices ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 19:53
Best earbuds deals live ahead of Prime Day The best noise-cancelling earbuds deal (if you can grab it in stock) Apple AirPods Pro 3 $169 (save $80) Get Deal Another great noise-cancelling earbuds deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) $249 (save $50) Get Deal Best workout earbuds deal Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 (save $50.04) Get Deal Best open earbuds deal Sony LinkBuds Clip $229.99 (save $31.99) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is just days away, but deals on the best earbuds are already Prime Day-worthy.

The four-day sale's June 23 start feels more of a formality when the AirPods Pro 3 drop to a new record low price not once, but twice ahead of the sale's start (at the time of writing, there's limited stock available at Walmart for just $169, shaving $80 off the $249 list price).

SEE ALSO: Amazon announces dates for a 4-day Prime Day sale in late June: Everything you need to know

Other notable buds, like the Sony XM6 earbuds, second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, and Nothing earbuds, are all on sale. Though many of these early deals are available to anyone, Prime member or not, some savings (like on the Nothing buds) are Prime exclusive.

Find all 16 of the best deals we rounded up ahead of Prime Day below.

Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $169 at Walmart
$249 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

Note: While I was writing this story, this deal sold out at Walmart. I'm keeping it as a top pick for now in case it comes back in stock, but my alternative pick for the best noise-cancelling earbuds deal is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen).

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 dropped down to a record low price of $179 ahead of Prime Day, but now the price has dropped even lower before the sale's official start. According to the price tracker camelcamelcamel, the Pro 3 buds got down to $169 at Amazon, but at the time of writing, they're sold out. You can still find them at this record-low price and in stock at Walmart (making this the only non-Amazon deal to make our list), but the stock is low, so if you want to pick them up before Prime Day, you won't want to wait too long.

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

More noise-cancelling earbuds dealsBest open earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony LinkBuds Clip $198 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $31.99   Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony LinkBuds Clip give the ultra-popular Bose Ultra Open earbuds a run for their money. In my head-to-head testing of the two pairs of earbuds, I found that while the Bose buds generally lean louder, the Sony earbuds have a more detailed sound profile, making for an overall superior listening experience. They also have a longer battery life, delivering nine hours per charge, where the Bose earbuds deliver seven. With both earbuds on sale, there's only a dollar price discrepancy between the two, but if you don't anticipate using these earbuds in many noisy situations, the Sony earbuds are likely the way to go.

Read our full review of the Sony LinkBuds Clip.

More open earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

A developer's comment leaked Slate's price—it crushes Ford's EV pickup by $5,000

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 19:45

Website source code has leaked plenty of secrets before launch day, from game console specs buried in retailer listings to phone release dates hidden in app metadata. Now, a line of code on the website for Slate Auto, the Jeff Bezos-backed startup that raised $650 million in funding to get its truck into production, may have done the same thing.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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