Blogroll

Sidney Raskind may have many, many life hack trials under his belt, but he only keeps one bag for all his content creation essentials.

Known online as Sidney Raz, the 30-something-year-old creator made the phrase, "Here's something I wish I knew before I was in my 30s" unmistakably his own, testing out hacks on everything from how to properly extend sun visors in cars to how to turn an Allen key. His short videos blew up on TikTok in 2021, and he's been a full-time content creator for nearly five years.

Credit: Zooey Liao/Mashable/Amazon

Though he may be newer to knowing how to properly open mail, he's been in content creation for almost 20 years, working both in front of and behind the camera. All this to say, he knows his way around a good kit for producing content. We caught up with him at VidCon 2026 to learn about his favorites.

iPhone 17 Pro

Raskind told us that one of the best parts of modern content creation is that the barrier to entry when it comes to gear is much lower than it used to be: "You can do everything on a phone, and you can get a refurbished one for hella cheap." He personally uses an orange iPhone 17 Pro.

Opens in a new window Credit: iPhone Apple iPhone 17 Pro $1,099 at Apple
  Shop Now A great mic for audio

"Good sound quality enhances everything," Raskind tells Mashable. That's why the content creator carries around not one, but two kinds of microphones: the Rode Mic Go and the Rode Wireless Pro.

Sidney Raskind's microphone kit Rode Wireless Go III $178 Shop Now Rode Wireless Pro $260 Get Deal A truly portable tripod

Raskind gave Mashable a full demonstration of this ultra-portable tripod. "That is a tripod you can set up anywhere!" he said, pulling the card-shaped metal device out of his pocket.

"Oh he's lying, it doesn't work, it doesn't work," he quipped as he unfolded it. "Yes, it does!" he proclaimed triumphantly as he set his phone up, leaving it standing on its own, on the now unfolded and functional tripod. (And it's on sale for Prime Day).

Opens in a new window Credit: Geometrical Geometrical Pocket Tripod PROv2 Universal Kit $39.96 at Amazon
$49.95 Save $9.99   Get Deal A bag to carry it all

Raskind came into Mashable's VidCon booth with this weather-proof bag that contains all his essentials for content creation. "I have a panel coming up tomorrow that's all about my one bag," he told us.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wandrd Wandrd Rogue 9L Sling V2 $179 at Wandrd
  Get Deal

Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.

SAVE $500: As of July 7, get the iRobot Roomba 505X robot vacuum and mop for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $999.99. That's a discount of 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon iRobot Roomba 505X robot vacuum and mop $499.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $500   Get Deal

Robot vacuums are some of the most useful appliances around if your floors are perpetually dirty. If you find that you're going over your carpets over and over again, or you're sick of vacuuming or mopping, you should absolutely invest in one. And we've found one that's on sale right now at Amazon.

As of July 7, get the iRobot Roomba 505X robot vacuum and mop for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $999.99. That's a discount of 50%.

SEE ALSO: The iRobot Roomba 105X robot vacuum and mop is over half off at Amazon — save $250

This powerful robot vacuum and mop combo has strong suction to handle a variety of different types of messes in your home. Whether you want to clean around corners or along walls or scrub sticky and messy spots, it can tackle every job, minor to difficult. It can even empty debris into its reservoir on its own for up to 75 days and washes, refreshes, and dries its own mop pads so you don't have to touch it for at least four weeks.

It uses PrecisionVision AI to recognize obstacles on its own so you don't have to worry about it bumping into everything in its path. That includes everything from cords to pet accidents, so you don't have to rack your brain programming a cleaning path and zone only for the robot to get into a mess. It's truly autonomous in that way as you can set it up and let it run.

If you're looking to automate your cleaning tasks, this is a great option to pick up right now, especially since it's on sale. And if you hate cleaning, you'll be able to rely on a robot to handle it all correctly -- much more affordable than paying for a cleaning service.

The wedding of the summer year was packed with a star-studded attendance list. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married at Madison Square Garden on July 3 with A-list celebs like Emma Stone, Tom Hanks, Sabrina Carpenter, Zoë Kravitz, Graham Norton, and a massive list of more. But something in attendance caught the eye of the Mashable shopping team: the Camp Snap CS-8 Digital Video Camcorder.

View this post on Instagram

We've seen Taylor herself using the Camp Snap CS-8 in the past, but on her wedding day, Kelly Stafford, podcaster and wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, was seen with the modern-day take on a camcorder.

View this post on Instagram

While it's not possible for us to capture the footage Stafford did at the wedding, we can get our own creative hands on the celeb-loved creator camera. Since we still have well over a month left of summer fun and wedding season is in full-swing, snagging the camera could be one of the most nostalgic ways to capture memories.

SEE ALSO: The Camp Snap 2 is here: What to know about the new digital, screenless camera Why celebs love the Camp Snap 8 digital camcorder

Taylor, Selena Gomez, Idris Elba, and Nina Dobrev are all fans of the Camp Snap CS-8, which is a modern version of a classic camcorder, the Kodak Super 8. Camp Snap intentionally designed the camera without a playback screen. Instead, you'll record unforgettable moments, and upload the footage later via USB-C to your phone, laptop, or computer.

The take-it-everywhere digital camcorder lets you choose aspect ration and has included vintage filters. Credit: Camp Snap

The Camp Snap CS-8 has a rechargeable battery, a 2.7k video sensor, and five customizable image filters, including black and white and two vintage options . You'll be able to record in four different aspect ratios, and it even records audio thanks to the built-in microphone. The included 4GB card can hold about 30 minutes of footage, but you can upgrade to a 128GB SD card, which will hold up to 16 hours of video footage.

How to buy the Camp Snap 8

Tons of celebrity-loved products are hard to find in stock, but we're in luck with this one. The Camp Snap CS-8 is available for purchase online at Camp Snap for $199. But it's worth noting the brand produces in small batches and the camera's page indicates stock is limited.

If you're in the mood to capture unedited footage of life's best events, the Camp Snap CS-8 is about as perfect as it can get. Just ask Taylor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Camp Snap Camp Snap CS-8 Digital Video Camcorder $199 at Camp Snap
  Shop Now

Samsung is set to capture the world's attention by hijacking the tech world's attention for a couple of hours later this month.

The Korean tech giant is reportedly holding a new Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, according to many leaks and rumors. At this event, we'll more than likely see at least six new devices from Samsung. Without wasting any more time, here's what to expect from the next Galaxy Unpacked.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: What's actually new (and what's not) Three new foldables arriving, including Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8 This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The real headliner of each summer Unpacked, at least in recent years, has been Samsung's lineup of foldable phones. For several years, Samsung has launched a new Z Flip and Z Fold phone each summer. In 2026, all reports indicate a third phone is being added to the list. The three Samsung foldables we expect to see at Unpacked are:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

This is where things get a little confusing. You'd think the Z Fold 8 Ultra would be the new addition to the lineup, but recent reports indicate that the Z Fold 8 is actually a new device this year. Rumors for months have pointed to Samsung releasing a wider foldable this year, and it sounds like that phone will take the Z Fold 8 name, while a true successor to the Z Fold 7 will be called Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Anyway, the new Z Fold 8 will potentially have a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded. These dimensions are pretty similar to the rumored design of the still-unannounced foldable iPhone, suggesting Samsung wants to introduce this third foldable as a direct competitor to Apple's device.

Aside from that, we expect the Z Fold 8 Ultra to be fairly similar in design to the Z Fold 7, with a new Snapdragon chip and a stronger 200MP main camera on the back. Samsung is also said to have done some work to make the crease on the folding display less visible this year. The Z Flip 8, by all accounts, will follow a similar path: roughly the same design as the Z Flip 7, but with a better processor and a less visible crease.

Oh, and thanks to RAMageddon, do not be surprised to see year-over-year price increases for all of these devices.

New Galaxy Watches on the way

Samsung usually uses this summer event to showcase its latest smartwatch advancements, and 2026 looks no different. This year, we expect to see two new Samsung watches:

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

It's generally accepted that both of these phones will see fairly incremental changes from before. There will surely be new health-tracking features, and some small design changes, with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in particular said to incorporate classic numbers on the watch face, a thinner bezel, and better side buttons. Most importantly, for some, it sounds like Samsung is skipping out on a new Galaxy Watch Classic this year. You'll get a base model and a premium model, and that's it, as far as anyone can tell.

Galaxy Glasses tipped for their big debut

Lastly, Samsung's long-awaited smart glasses should make their debut at Unpacked in July. Most likely called Galaxy Glasses, we expect these specs to work similarly to the ones Meta has been releasing for a few years now. They will not include any augmented reality or heads-up display features, focusing instead on on-board cameras and a built-in AI assistant, courtesy of Google Gemini, to provide information about what you're seeing, should you ask.

It should be a pretty packed showcase, so stay tuned for all of our coverage as we get closer to Galaxy Unpacked in July.

That old Wi-Fi router you've had for 15 years? It's time to replace it. Oh, and that DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem you bought in 2015? Yeah, it's time to replace that, too. Here are five networking devices that are officially too old to be using in 2026.

Avatar: The Last Airbender fans, get ready for a news double whammy. Paramount+ has dropped the first trailer for the highly anticipated Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, and it has also moved up the film's release date by several months, from October to July 25.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Season 2: Your ultimate guide to every episode mash-up

The sequel film to Nickelodeon's beloved Avatar: The Last Airbender series, Avatar Aang has been plagued by a series of unfortunate setbacks. It was initially slated for a theatrical release before Paramount switched it to a streaming-only launch. Then, in April, the film leaked in its entirety.

These external factors are a shame, because based on the trailer, Avatar Aang promises to be an exciting return to the world of Avatar, one that deserves to be experienced on the big screen without having any of its surprises ruined by leaks.

The film takes place in the future, with Aang (voiced by Eric Nam), Katara (Jessica Matten), Sokka (Román Zaragoza), Toph (Dionne Quan), and Zuko (Steven Yeun) all grown up. Thanks to their work in the original series, the world's three remaining nations live together in harmony. However, everything could change when Aang learns of an ancient power that could save the Air Nomads from extinction.

The trailer introduces a new airbender named Tagah (Dave Bautista). Like Aang, he appears to have been frozen in an iceberg for generations, only to wake up in an entirely new world. Could he and Aang rebuild the Air Nomads together? (Given that airbenders do make a full return in The Legend of Korra Season 3, we're guessing there are some twists to Aang and Tagah's collaboration.)

Check out the full trailer above to meet Tagah, experience the Gaang as adults, and witness some truly spectacular bending.

Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender premieres July 25 on Paramount+.

SAVE $652: As of July 7, the Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for only $847.99. That's a savings of 43% and its best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV $847.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $652   Get Deal

If the World Cup has really highlighted how badly you need a new TV, now's a great time to upgrade. While Prime Day brought down prices of 2026 significantly, one model got even cheaper two weeks after the sale.

As of July 7, the Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for only $847.99. That's 43% off its list price of $1,499.99 and $2 cheaper than it was on Prime Day.

Just released in March 2026, the U7 series delivers a Mini LED performance you'd typically find on higher priced models. The backlighting features full-array local dimming, which means clusters of tiny LED bulbs can precisely control brightness levels within specific sections of your screen. It can reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, features an improved anti-glare coating to keep your picture looking crisp and clear despite overhead lights or the afternoon sun, and has an enhanced AI processor that can make scene adjustments in real time. It still packs the same 165Hz refresh rate, 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos sound, and Google TV with Gemini interface as the previous generation, but we're certainly not mad at that.

One of our favorite budget TV brands, Hisense is known for its wallet-friendly prices that don't skimp on quality. Even at full price, the U7 is a great bargain. At its best price ever of $847.99, the 65-inch Mini LED TV is a total steal.

SAVE $400: As of July 7, get the Segway Navimow X430 robot lawn mower for $2,099 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $2,499. That's a discount of 16%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Segway Navimow X430 robot lawn mower $2,099 at Amazon
$2,499 Save $400   Get Deal

If you have an overgrown lawn and don't want to cut it, you can just have a robot do it for you. It's 2026, and you don't need to go out in the heat and be miserable thanks to robot lawn mowers. If you've been thinking about grabbing one for the outdoors, now's the time to go ahead and pick one up thanks to this Amazon sale. It's one splurge you won't feel bad about the next time it's almost 90 degrees outside and you have to mow.

As of July 7, get the Segway Navimow X430 robot lawn mower for $2,099 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $2,499. That's $400 off and a discount of 16%.

SEE ALSO: The iRobot Roomba 105X robot vacuum and mop is over half off at Amazon — save $250

This heavy-duty robot lawn mower uses all-wheel drive and a dual suspension system to help carry it across even the most difficult terrain. It can climb slopes of up to 84%, cross obstacles up to 2.8 inches, and excels even with more difficult lawns. So no matter what your situation is, it can tackle difficult areas. It's powered by dual 180W motors with dual cutting discs as well as 12 blades, a 17-inch cutting width, and adaptive blade control to get through even the tallest grass.

You can set the mower up without worrying about any wires or complicated initial instructions. When it's up and running, you can use its one-tap mapping method to enable quick setup without a boundary wire or antenna. From there, you can edit maps with GeoSketch, track its movements by way of GPS, and set up and receive GeoFence alerts. No matter where it goes while handling the mowing, you can see what it's doing via the accompanying app.

We all have our blind spots when it comes to streaming. I've admitted the classic movies I was late to, including L.A. Confidential and To Live and Die in L.A. Now, it's time to come clean about the classic TV shows I wish I had watched sooner. Some of these I can blame on my age — two of these shows premiered before I was born.

TL;DR: Live stream Auger-Aliassime vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2026 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Wimbledon quarter-final stage is showcasing some pretty epic matchups, including Auger-Aliassime vs. Djokovic.

Without Alcaraz, this could be a real opportunity for Djokovic to roll back the clock and win another Grand Slam. It's going to be tough for the Serbian legend, because Auger-Aliassime has been in great form in this famous tournament.

If you want to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Djokovic for free

Auger-Aliassime vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2026 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 free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for 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. Live stream Wimbledon 2026 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 they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to live stream Wimbledon 2026 before recovering your investment. It's a sneaky trick, but it works.

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 Wimbledon, 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 Wimbledon?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like 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 always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight 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 Wimbledon.

Before Apple WWDC 2026, we asked you to predict some of the biggest moments in Mashable’s Big Guessing Game: Apple Edition. (Big shoutout to the one reader who successfully guessed the name of macOS 26, Golden Gate!) As we prepare for the biggest hardware launches of the year, we’re back with a second chance to participate.

Remember: Every correct guess gives you another entry in a drawing to win the new Apple Watch announced in September. So, if you’ve been following our coverage of the latest iPhone rumors and MacBook news, don’t miss your chance to win. Round 2 ends on Tuesday, July 21 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Mashable Big Guessing Game — Apple Edition: How it works

Just like in Round 1, Mashable readers can submit guesses to five questions about upcoming Apple products. The third and final round will take place in late August ahead of the annual Apple fall event. In each round, every correct guess gives you one additional chance to win. So, you only need to enter once to get a chance to win, but answering more questions correctly will improve your odds.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter or win the "CNET Group Big Guessing Game" Giveaway. Open to legal U.S. residents in the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+ yrs of age. Other restrictions apply. Begins May 19, 2026 at 12:01 pm ET and ends Sept. 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules: https://www.mashable.com/article/mashable-big-guessing-game-apple-edition-official-contest-rules/. Sponsor: Ziff Davis, LLC.

Apple is not a sponsor of, affiliated with, or endorser of this sweepstakes. Apple Watch is a trademark of Apple Inc.

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is quietly becoming one of the hottest family SUVs around. In March 2026 alone, 8,275 buyers took one home, pushing first-quarter sales to 20,532 units—an 86.9-percent jump from the same period last year.

Anthropic announced Tuesday that Claude Cowork, its agentic tool for delegating multistep work tasks, is expanding beyond desktop to mobile and web platforms, according to the company's blog post. Beta access is rolling out first to Max plan subscribers over the coming days, with availability expanding to additional plans in the following weeks.

SEE ALSO: Anthropic finally, officially launches Claude Sonnet 5

Cowork allows users to hand Claude a task spanning files, calendar, email, messaging apps, and other connected tools until the job is complete. Per Anthropic, more than 90 percent of Cowork usage has come from everyday knowledge work rather than software development, with business operations and content creation representing roughly half of all activity — tasks like reconciling quarterly spending, converting contracts into renewal trackers, or building presentations from call transcripts.

The company said the expansion allows sessions to span devices, so users can start a task on a desktop and check progress or retrieve finished work on a phone. Tasks can also continue running in the background without a device connected; scheduled jobs, for instance, can run overnight and be ready for review by morning. Anthropic emphasized that Claude will still pause and ask for input when a decision requires human judgment, and that no output is finalized without user review.

On web and desktop, chat and Cowork will now share a single unified interface, with projects and artifacts accessible across both experiences from launch. The desktop app remains the most complete version of Cowork, retaining access to local files and browser integration, while the mobile and web versions extend access to users who previously could not install the desktop application.

To coincide with the launch, Anthropic said it is doubling Cowork usage limits through Aug. 5.

A study by a team of advisers to the Australian government has suggested that the country's social media ban for children under 16 is ineffective, Reuters reported.

Australia enacted the ban in Dec. 2025, requiring social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok to take "reasonable steps" to prevent those under 16 from creating accounts. The fine for noncompliance was originally up to $AU49.5 million ($US33 million), but in June Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the maximum fine would be doubled to $AUD99 million ($US68.2 million).

SEE ALSO: Meta is pushing for social media exclusions in new child safety regulation

"It is clear that social media platforms are adopting tricks straight out of the big tech playbook and doing the bare minimum to get by," Minister for Communications Anika Wells said in an official statement at the time.

Now, news comes that the bans are failing in test environments. A team of software testers found that platforms didn't ask for proof of age for any of the 50 accounts it opened after the law went into effect. The dummy accounts claimed to be 16, and apparently, the initial vetting process (which estimates age based on online activity) doesn't flag young users for further checks.

Director at testing firm KJR, Andrew Hammond, told Reuters, "You ​should be asked to demonstrate how old you are, and not once have we been asked to verify our age or use age-assurance measures."

Researchers tested these accounts on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok. One account that signed up for X and claimed to be 16 was shown pornographic content, according to Reuters, and X didn't respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Google, which owns YouTube, also didn't respond to Reuters' request for comment. Snap and TikTok declined to comment.

A Meta spokesperson told Reuters that the test seemed inconsistent with Australia's guidance of escalating "to ‌formal age ⁠verification when behavioral indicators suggest they may be underage, or when an account is reported." The spokesperson also said it was unclear if the dummy accounts "posted content or engaged in a way a true under-16-year-old user would."

Australian streaming platform Kick, meanwhile, refused to let them make accounts without proof of age. A spokesperson for Kick said it's not possible to rely on age inference (guessing age depending on behavior) because the platform is new and doesn't have enough data to do so.

Social media bans like Australia's are criticized due to how difficult they are to enforce, and because of potential violations to free speech and expression. Yet, more countries plan to enact such bans, such as Canada, Indonesia, and the UK.

Nothing is back with a new pair of affordable earbuds, and the Nothing Ear (3a) are designed to stand out in a sea of lookalike wireless earbuds.

The latest entry in Nothing’s (a) series keeps the company’s transparent design language while adding new features focused on better sound, smarter recording tools, and everyday convenience.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing Ear (3a) $99 at Nothing
  Shop Now Nothing Ear (3a): What’s new?

Nothing’s latest earbuds build on the company’s popular (a) series with a handful of upgrades focused on smarter everyday use, better sound, and a more comfortable fit.

The biggest addition is Audio Snapshot, a new feature that lets you capture short audio moments directly from the earbuds. With a simple pinch gesture, Ear (3a) can save what you’re listening to, whether that’s part of a lecture, a useful conversation, or something you want to revisit later.

The earbuds also introduce call recording, allowing users to record calls and meetings directly from the earbuds without reaching for their phone. Recordings sync automatically to the Nothing X app, where they can be replayed, edited, and transcribed.

Beyond the new software tricks, Nothing has also refreshed the design with a new pink color option, a redesigned charging case, and an added XS ear tip size for a more comfortable fit.

Nothing Ear (3a) features and specsBigger drivers and Hi-Res audio support

The Ear (3a) comes with a new 12mm dynamic driver designed to deliver stronger bass and clearer detail. The earbuds also support Hi-Res Audio Wireless and LDAC, allowing compatible devices to stream higher-quality audio.

For listeners who like to fine-tune their sound, the Nothing X app includes an 8-band equalizer with customizable profiles.

Credit: Nothing Upgraded noise cancellation

Nothing says the Ear (3a) offers up to 45dB of Wideband Active Noise Cancellation, helping block out more everyday distractions like background conversations and city noise.

When you need to stay aware of your surroundings, Transparency Mode lets outside sounds come through. The earbuds also use three microphones on each side with AI-powered noise reduction to improve call clarity.

Credit: Nothing Battery life that lasts all day

The Ear (3a) delivers up to 10 hours of playback on the earbuds alone with ANC turned off, and up to 42 hours total with the charging case. With ANC enabled, battery life drops to up to six hours on the earbuds and 25 hours with the case. A quick five-minute charge gives around one hour of playback, which is handy when you’re running low.

Transparent design with a more comfortable fit

Nothing kept its recognizable transparent look but refined the design with a rounder charging case and improved ergonomics. The earbuds now come with an XS ear tip option, making them a better fit for more users. The updated LED indicator also makes it easier to check charging status, battery levels, and pairing progress.

Nothing X app and Nothing phone integration

The Nothing X app gives users access to EQ controls, firmware updates, Find My Earbuds, and other customization options. If paired with a Nothing smartphone, Ear (3a) also supports features like quick ChatGPT access and Essential News for hands-free updates.

Credit: Nothing Price and availability

The Nothing Ear (3a) are available from Nothing’s official website and select partners. They’re priced at $99 in the US, £99 in the UK, and €99 in Europe.

Credit: Nothing

SAVE $13 PER MONTH: As of July 7, new and former Paramount+ subscribers can score two months of ad-free Premium for just 99 cents per month instead of the usual $13.99 per month with the code SAVE992MPREM.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium (ad-free) $0.99/month for 2 months with code SAVE992MPREM Get Deal

If you spaced on Prime Day and didn't secure a streaming deal, you have another opportunity, thanks to Paramount+. For an unspecified, but likely limited time, you can score two months of the ad-free Premium plan for just 99 cents once again. Here's the scoop.

As of July 7, new and former Paramount+ subscribers can get two months of the ad-free Premium plan for just 99 cents per month with the code SAVE992MPREM. That's $13 per month in savings. Select the monthly Premium plan, then enter the code under "Have a promo code?" on the checkout page to unlock the discount.

Paramount+ has a surprisingly robust library and Premium subscribers get access to everything it has to offer. That includes the upcoming UFC 329 event with Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway, as well as the new season of Big Brother as it unfolds live, Paramount+ Originals like Landman and Among Us, Showtime series like Dexter Resurrection and Yellowjackets, nostalgic shows from Nickelodeon, MTV, and Comedy Central, and thousands of movies (including Paramount Pictures films straight from the theater). That's a whole lot of content for under $2 — just what you need to pass the time this summer out of the heat.

A Premium subscription also unlocks ad-free streaming, the ability to stream your local CBS network live, and the ability to download shows and movies for offline viewing.

Just remember to set a calendar alert reminding you to cancel before your first two months are up if you want to avoid paying the full cost of $13.99 per month.

Sports games are so iterative that at times it's hard to see the forest for the trees. In this instance, we're three years into the return of college football to video games, with EA College Football 27 set for a July 9 release, and its two major game modes have received major changes. Well, one mode got a major change, and the other is somehow even more annoying to play than last year's version.

Dynasty continues to build on the momentum of the last two years, layering in enough new wrinkles to feel like a genuine step forward. Road to Glory, meanwhile, feels like EA looked at last year's foundation, shrugged, and decided "good enough." The result is a mode that's simultaneously more bloated with ideas and somehow more tedious to actually play.

Starting our Road to Glory Loving the new menu screen. Credit: EA

Let's start with the good news — the gameplay is still great. College Football has always felt smoother and looser than Madden, which, by comparison, feels stiff, over-polished, and weirdly lifeless. The core experience of just playing a down hasn't lost a step.

That said, in terms of iterative development, Road to Glory drew the short straw against Dynasty this year.

College Football 26's big pitch for Road to Glory was high school football. Build your reputation, get recruiters interested, boost your star rating before you even set foot on campus. Good idea, especially since skipping high school entirely in College Football 25 was one of the most common complaints.

The execution was bad. Instead of playing six to 12 real high school games and earning your reputation the way the old NCAA Football series let you, you get four games built around random, preset "moments," short bursts of gameplay where you're told to do something specific, like "audible a hot route and gain 15-plus yards." How well you pull these off determines how much colleges want you. God forbid a coach wants you to scramble for 50+ yards, but you accidentally throw a first-play touchdown pass. You'll get the points for the TD, but you'll fail the moment.

It was the worst part of College Football 26, second only to Ultimate Team. At least you could turn it off and go back to picking a school the old-fashioned way.

I still don't get why EA thought this was good, especially since nothing about it has changed in CFB 27. "But Chance, it's called College Football, not High School Football." Sure, sorry for wanting an immersive career mode to actually be immersive.

The real changes this year are one extra game and a basic NIL system tied to scholarship offers. Instead of just grinding to get offered QB2 over QB3 on the depth chart, schools now sweeten offers with perks like better academics or more brand exposure. North Texas might offer you the starting job, but their exposure package (10,000 followers) doesn't compare to Florida's, which doubles that and includes better facilities and conditioning.

You can see the scholarshop bonus from schools that offer you. Credit: EA

One thing I do like is that schools you're interested in will actually contact you and tell you where you stand. I made Texas my top choice, and Steve Sarkisian flat-out told me they didn't need a quarterback and I'd struggle to even make the roster as a backup given my lowly three-star rating. But when I switched to Edge Rusher, one of three new positions along with Tight End and Free Safety, Sarkisian couldn't stop talking about landing a four-star pass rusher because the roster desperately needed one. It's a small touch, but it makes recruiting feel real instead of just filling up a meter.

Thanks coach. Credit: EA

So all in all, the High School Experience still kind of sucks. Just let me play some high school games and keep the new recruiting process, and I'll be a happy camper. NCAA 14 did it 13 years ago, I don't understand why EA won't do it now. You'll have'll a better time turning off High School Experience and starting in college based on star rating alone.

RTG's Gameplay Problems

The actual RTG experience once you've picked a school is death by a thousand cuts. You need the patience of a Tibetan monk not to throw a controller at your TV.

The UI is a pleasure to look at compared to last year, especially with the action shots next to the headlines, but the in-game experience is hell on Earth. I don't even play on Heisman difficulty — All-American alone is a gauntlet. I can only imagine the horrors waiting on Heisman.

Credit: EA

The same RTG complaints I've had since CFB 25 still exist. Horrific pass blocking, brain-dead running back AI, wide receivers who drop the ball at the slightest whiff of contact, and total dependence on the AI's playcalling mercy.

I know some Reddit warriors will tell me to use my pass-blocking adjustments. That shit doesn't matter. The AI linemen just don't block — they get stuck in an animation and slide around the field, a friendly reminder that your All-American left tackle is just polygons and code. I've ended games with 7-plus sacks and 40 pressures purely because the AI whiffed every assignment.

For another taste of the AI's mediocrity, running backs still can't find the open hole. They seek out contact or bolt for the sideline instead of hitting the lane when they're not busy colliding with their own teammates — a persistent AI plague. Running an HB screen is nearly impossible since the back hop-skips just far enough to still be standing directly behind an edge rusher, so the second you throw it, he's tackled instantly. Crossing routes and posts get murdered the same way, receivers tangling with defenders or linemen, leaving you as bait for the edge rushers to commit literal homicide.

Left: Look at where the RB starts compared to where he ends up. Credit: EA Sports Right: Rage-inducing behavior. Credit: EA Sports

None of this would matter as much if the AI didn't sit in zone defense the entire game. Beating zone means stacking underneath routes to move the linebackers, or punishing them when they play too deep. Meanwhile, your receivers play like they're scared of contact — and unlike the Derek Carrs of the world, I'm not trying to get mine decapitated. But speed and separation are everything in the passing game this year, which means your guys rarely separate, which means every throw turns into a jump-ball animation.

The problem with jump balls is that receivers drop them on contact regardless. Two hands on the ball doesn't matter — clip the smallest part of their body midair, and it's on the ground. Hell, even wide open, they'll drop anything that isn't a 100% accurate throw, which is a tall order when you're getting pressured on every snap because the O-line CANNOT BLOCK ANYTHING.

Then there's the small stuff still broken. The infinite injury-timeout bug turns clock management into a nightmare. The wear-and-tear system keeps triggering injuries all game, so if you've got the ball with two minutes left and want to run the clock, good luck. Go three-and-out, and maybe 15 real seconds pass because the AI keeps getting phantom stoppages it doesn't even have timeouts for. Pray you're not in a close game. And even up 50 points, you can't kneel it out if the opponent still has timeouts — normally, under 1:30, you can kneel and let the clock expire, but not here. Been broken since CFB 25. Still broken now.

Immersion, Interrupted

I mentioned earlier that immersion is huge for me in this game. It's part of why I get addicted to Football Manager and why I hated how FM26 stripped out so many little details that fed that immersion. Here, EA has at least tried to make RTG feel like being an actual college student.

Credit: EA

Most of the non-gameplay RTG experience is functionally unchanged. You've got a weekly agenda where you spend 6 or 8 energy points (6 in-season, 8 on bye weeks) across Academics, Leadership, Health, and Brand Exposure. The new addition is Fitness, replacing Training. Instead of boosting XP, Fitness gives passive stat buffs or nerfs based on how much energy you sink into it. Stay conditioned, and you get better composure, XP boosts, coach happiness, and less wear and tear. Slip into Sluggish or Out of Shape, and it's the opposite, plus it costs more energy to dig out. Small win: the old Academics penalty for investing in Brand is gone.

The real problem is there's not enough energy to go around, especially since you're constantly bombarded with scenarios, and NIL offers drain it before you can breathe. NIL offers you can decline. The scenarios, though, are always some version of "spend 3 energy to study," or "cheat off old test answers, or spend 1 energy studying yourself." Either way, it's spend energy or eat a GPA hit — four of these a week. So there are stretches where I'm out of energy, my Fitness craters to Sluggish, and it costs 3 energy just to nudge the meter — except all 3 of my remaining energy already went to an NIL deal promising 100 skill points in eight weeks. By this point, I'm not immersed. I'm just annoyed.

Speaking of skill points, CFB 27 ditched its old upgrade system for an NBA 2K-style progression model — including skill caps on ratings. Skill caps. On a single-player career mode. That barely makes sense for 2K, where MyCareer is woven into online multiplayer and caps exist for balance. I'm just playing the AI. Why do I need a cap at all? Now, starting RTG means allocating player potential like it's 2K. Which is a whole new can of worms, due to the potential of microtransaction creep.

Credit: EA

Previously, skill points were bought into six main rating categories, so one point in Accuracy would bump every related attribute at once. Now SP functions like tokens, upgrading attributes one at a time. Cap breakers and overall boosts come from your Legacy Score, driven by milestones like rivalry wins, bowl wins, and awards. Transferring schools docks your legacy — inconsistently. Going from North Texas to Florida dropped my score; Florida to Texas somehow raised it.

The simulation is still broken, same as always. Case in point: undefeated 10-0 Memphis ranked No. 3 nationally despite playing in the non-Power 4 American Conference — one spot above 10-2 Texas, and three ahead of 11-1 Tennessee. The Volunteers share a conference with Texas and already beat them this season, yet sit at No. 5 behind a Memphis team whose best win was unranked South Florida. I don't even mind an underdog story, but it's immersion-shattering, because the real-life CFP committee would never rank a non-Power 4 team this high. Ever.

These rankings don't make any sense. Credit: EA

For comparison, Army went 9-0 in the same conference as Memphis in 2024 and finished Week 12 ranked No. 24. In my RTG universe, Memphis kept its playoff spot after losing the conference title game 42-7 to a 10-2 North Texas squad. BYU, in real life, lost its playoff spot after a conference championship loss — and they're in the Big 12.

I'm still upset to this day about the unjust outrage towards James Madison and Tulane for winning their conferences and making the CFP last year. Imagine the reactions if North Texas and Memphis made the CFP from the same conference. It's immersion-breaking to the point of hilarity.

Closing Thoughts (For Now)

So, where does that leave Road to Glory in College Football 27? Pretty much exactly where it left off last year, just with a shinier coat of paint and a few new toys duct-taped on top of the same broken frame.

The gameplay foundation is still genuinely good — I want to be clear about that, because it's easy to lose sight of it after 2,000 words of me screaming about o-linemen who forgot how football works. When the game lets you actually play football, it's still smoother and more satisfying than anything Madden's put out in years. That's not nothing.

But RTG keeps finding new ways to get in its own way. The high school experience is still a glorified skill-check simulator wearing a letterman jacket, the NIL implementation is a half-measure dressed up as a full one, and the actual on-field AI — pass blocking, route running, zone coverage, the whole nine — feels like it hasn't been touched since 25, bugs and all. I shouldn't still be losing games because my left tackle decided to interpretive-dance his way out of a block, and I definitely shouldn't have to still deal with the wear-and-tear system manufacturing injury timeouts out of thin air.

It's a mode built on good ideas surrounded by bad execution, propped up by a gameplay engine that deserves better than what's being asked of it. EA clearly knows what players want — real high school games, honest recruiting, an AI that doesn't actively sabotage you — and just as clearly keeps choosing not to deliver it.

Next time, we'll dig into Dynasty.

You might associate iFixit with tools to repair your electronics, but now it's taking on a bigger challenge: helping you with all the mid-size DIY projects around your home. The company has released a Megalodon Driver Kit that sits between its precision gadget toolsets and the power tools reserved for heavy-duty jobs.

You can spend years using Excel without realizing some of its biggest time-saving features are hiding in plain sight. Looking back, these are the six tools that would've saved me the most time, clicks, and frustration if I'd discovered them sooner.

Best Coleman outdoor deals at a glance Best grill deal Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill $249.99 (save $175) Get Deal Best cooler deal Coleman Snap N Go Collapsible Hard Cooler (45 quart) $153.99 (save $66) Get Deal Best tent deal Coleman Skydome Camping Tent (4 person, evergreen) $96.02 (save $43.97) Get Deal

It's full-on summer fun these days. Heck, we're even watching World Cup matches in the backyard on the portable projector. However, we have limited weekends remaining in the summer 2026 season, so it's time to take full advantage of long days spent at the campground, campfires with friends, and floating the river.

By now, you've probably realized what elements of your outdoor gear are getting close to needing a replacement. Nothing lasts forever, and we tend to be especially tough on outdoor gear. We saw tons of great outdoor deals during Prime Day, but Amazon seems to understand we're still spending time outside, and the outdoor deals are still rolling in. I've scrolled the live deals and compiled my favorite Coleman outdoor sales that are worth shopping at Amazon.

Best grill deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill $249.99 at Amazon
$424.99 Save $175   Get Deal Why we like it

With wheels and collapsible legs, the Coleman RoadTrip Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill is a great model for weekends at the campground or using in the backyard. It has three adjustable burners, instant ignition, and 20,000 BTUs of power for cooking up the best outdoor meal. In total, you'll have 285 square inches of grilling space. The grill usually sells for $424.99, but Amazon has it discounted to $249.99, which is the lowest price we've seen within the past year.

More Coleman grill deals

• Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove — $83.99 $129.99 (save $46)

• Coleman Fold ‘N Go 6,000 BTU Portable Propane Grill — $127.59 $141.99 (save $14.40)

• Coleman Classic 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove — $156.18 $220.99 (save $64.81)

Best cooler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Snap N Go Collapsible Hard Cooler (45 quart) $153.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $66   Get Deal Why we like it

Coleman's latest summer essential is the Snap N Go Collapsible Hard Cooler. Fill it with up to 76 cans or 200 pounds of chilled goodness to take on a camping trip. Once the contents dwindle, fold it up and easily pack it away for the trip home. The Coleman cooler folds down into just one-third of its expanded size for great portability. Coleman mentions the 45-quart size can keep items cooled for up to 55 hours.

Amazon has the new cooler on sale for $153.99, marked down from the list price of $219.99, which works out to a 30% discount.

More cooler deals

• Coleman 316 Series Wheeled Ice Chest (62 quart) — $59.99 $74.99 (save $15)

• Coleman Vintage Steel Belted Cooler (54 quart) — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Coleman Pro Wheeled Premium Hard Cooler (55 quart) — $209.99 $299.99 (save $90)

Best tent deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Skydome Camping Tent (4 person, evergreen) $96.02 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $43.97   Get Deal Why we like it

Camping can often feel like an expensive activity, but shop today's outdoor deals at Amazon and you can snag the four-person Coleman Skydome Tent for only $96.02. The waterproof tent comes with its own rainfly and carrying bag. Coleman mentions this tent is designed to go up in just five minutes with the pre-attached poles. Plus, it can withstand winds of up 35 miles per hour.

More Coleman outdoor deals

• Coleman Rugged XL 700 Lumens Lantern — $42.50 $64.49 (save $21.99)

• Coleman Pro Rocker Chair — $62.99 $89.99 (save $27)

• Coleman Skyshade Screened Shelter — $97.99 $129.99 (save $32)

• Coleman Oasis Instant Pop-Up Canopy Tent — $188.99 $279.99 (save $91)