Blogroll

Tinder to require facial recognition scan for new California users

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 16:46

Starting this week, Tinder will require new users in California to verify their identity with a facial recognition scan called "Face Check," Axios reported.

Tinder's Face Check prompts users to take a video selfie when creating their profiles to ensure that their profile photos are authentic. The biometric scan is run by the software FaceTec. Once completed, users receive a photo-verified badge on their profiles.

SEE ALSO: Tinder is testing a height preference, putting an end to short king spring

Tinder will also use this to check if someone has multiple profiles, according to Axios, and the app will store an encrypted face map to detect duplicate profiles.

This builds off of the verification methods Tinder has introduced in the past, including photo verification in 2021 and video verification in 2023. Last year, Tinder started requiring an ID check if users wanted a verification badge on their profiles. In 2024, Tinder also launched Share My Date, a safety tool for users to share details of their matches with loved ones.

Face Check has already launched in Colombia and Canada, and Match Group's head of trust and safety, Yoel Roth, told Axios California was chosen next due to the state's online privacy laws as well as the size and demographic of the market. (Match Group is the conglomerate that owns Tinder as well as Hinge, OkCupid, and many other dating apps.)

Safety on dating apps has been a growing concern in recent years, and one that apps like Tinder have responded to with more safety features. Bumble added its own Share Date option and ID verification in March, for example. Some users complain that dating apps are quick to ban people without explanation, while a report from February stated that Match Group didn't properly ban bad actors from its platforms, nor alert law enforcement.

While Face Check is currently only required for new California users, Roth told Axios that Tinder will monitor user reactions to determine whether to roll out the requirement to other markets.

Match Group CEO and new Tinder CEO Spencer Rascoff has several initiatives he's implementing as the new head. One of his new "product principles," as he shared on LinkedIn at the end of May, is "safety is fundamental."

"Our users deserve and expect as safe an environment as possible when meeting new people," he posted on LinkedIn. "It is a moral and business imperative to prioritize safety in every feature we design, policy we implement, and interaction we enable."

Mashable has reached out to Tinder for comment.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Qantas data breach impacts 6 million customer accounts

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 16:41

Australian airline Qantas has confirmed a cybersecurity breach that impacts the personal data of six million customers.

On Monday, Qantas detected a cyberattack in one of its contact centers. Customer names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and frequent flyer numbers are among the data accessed. But credit card details, personal financial information, and passport details were not exposed since they're not held in the system, according to the press release.

SEE ALSO: The 6 biggest cybersecurity breaches of 2025 so far

The hackers might be part of a group called "Scattered Spider," reported Bleeping Computer. Qantas has not revealed the source of the cyberattack, but the group has recently been targeting aviation and transportation industries. WestJet and Hawaiian Airlines both recently experienced data hacks.

The source of the breaches has not been officially disclosed. But cybersecurity firms recently put out notices that Scattered Spider, also known as Muddled Libra, have added airlines to their target list, switching focus from insurance and retail companies.

Mashable has contacted Qantas about the breach and will update this story if the airline responds.

After learning of the breach, Qantas notified the Australian Cyber Security Center, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, as well as the Australian Federal Police, "given the criminal nature of this incident," said the disclosure.

Qantas has established a customer support hotline and a dedicated page on its website with updates and key information. Customers can call the hotline for "specialist identity protection advice and resources," from its team: 1800 971 541 or +61 2 8028 0534. And here's your official warning to check for any suspicious activity if you've ever flown on Qantas.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft mass layoffs: Thousands of jobs cut, Xbox division hit hard

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 16:40

Microsoft is planning to cut thousands of jobs, its biggest round of layoffs in years.

The company confirmed it is going to layoff around 9,000 people — about 4 percent of its workforce — on Wednesday, according to a report from The Seattle Times. While the exact makeup of the layoffs remains unknown, The Verge reported employees in Microsoft's gaming division — folks who work on Xbox — have been hit particularly hard.

Layoffs have become a fact of life at Microsoft lately. These new layoffs follows some 6,000 jobs getting cut less than two months ago. The latest round of layoffs mark the biggest cut, however, since 2023, when the company cut 10,000 jobs.

The job cuts don't mean Microsoft isn't spending — its thrown billions of dollars into AI investments, which, thus far, haven't proven lucrative. The company, meanwhile, said the latest layoffs were aimed at setting the company up for the future.

"We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace," a Microsoft spokesperson told CNBC.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $300 on the brand new DJI Power 2000 portable power station at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 16:36

SAVE $300: The new DJI Power 2000 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $999, down from the list price of $1,299, with code POWER2000. That's a 33% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 2000 portable power station $999 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $300 use promo code POWER2000 at checkout Get Deal

If your summer plans involve going off-grid, your new best friend is a portable power station. Taking one along means your phone always stays charged, your drone has battery, and your partner can still sleep with a CPAP. If you don't yet own one of these, there's a new model on the market as of today — and there's an exclusive Mashable discount to be had.

Between now and July 31, use code POWER2000 at checkout to get the DJI Power 2000 portable power station for $999 at Amazon. That's a $300 in savings compared to the normal price of $1,299, which works out to a 33% discount.

A portable power station is useful for just about any home or apartment. When that fall storm rolls in that knocks out power overnight, having a portable power station around means you'll still be able to use the hair dryer before heading out to work and make a cup of coffee. You'll also be able to keep the living room lamp on while streaming your favorite shows come evening, or keep your air purifier going should there be a dip in air quality.

The DJI Power 2000 comes with a massive 2048Wh capacity with continuous 3000W output and plenty of charging ports. You get four AC output ports, four USB-C ports, and four USB-A ports. In terms of recharging the DJI Power 2000, you can opt for standard AC, solar, or car power. If you're going the AC route, expect to get back to full charge in about 90 minutes.

SEE ALSO: The best early Prime Day drone deals to shop now

DJI also considered noise in designing the new Power 2000; it operates at about 30 decibels, so it'll sound similar to a fan's white noise, which turns out to be perfect for masking the sound of the dog snoring.

Since DJI is a leader when it comes to drones, the brand added two SDC ports which offers rapid charging for the DJI Air 3, Mavic 3, and Inspire 3, to name a few. If you're a content creator who tends to film in remote locations, the DJI Power 2000 could be perfect.

In real-life terms, the DJI Power 2000 can recharge a phone over 100 times, a laptop about 20 times, and keep a car refrigerator on for about 40 hours.

Like many portable power stations, DJI uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the Power 2000 which means you'll get plenty of life out of the power station. After about 4,000 cycles, the battery should still be operating at 80%. Plus, this portable power station can operate at altitudes as high as 5,000 meters, so you'll still be good to go over mountain passes or camping trips that take you to high altitudes.

Instead of worrying about how to stay powered up while camping or what this year's winter storms will do, snag the new DJI Power 2000 portable power station from Amazon while it's $300 off. Before the chaos of Prime Day settles in, ensure your next camping trip has plenty of power courtesy of DJI.

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

Streamline your charging setup for $30 with this 4-in-1 wall charger

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 16:30

TL;DR: Tidy up your charging setup with this HyperGear SpeedBoost 43W 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger with Built-In Apple Watch Charger, now just $29.99 (reg. $49.99) while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: HyperGear HyperGear SpeedBoost 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger with Built-In Apple Watch Charger $29.99
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Tired of keeping track of multiple chargers for all your devices? The HyperGear SpeedBoost 43W 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger simplifies your setup with a single, compact spot to power up to four devices at once, including a built-in charger for your Apple Watch.

Right now, you can upgrade your charging routine with this convenient and compact wall charger for just $29.99 (reg. $49.99).

Say goodbye to charger chaos with this sleek 4-in-1 wall charger

Whether you’re packing for a summer getaway or you want to clean up your nightstand, the HyperGear SpeedBoost can help. This wall charger comes equipped with a built-in magnetic charging mount to power up your Apple Watch, dual 20W USB-C power delivery ports, and an 18W USB-A Adaptive Fast Charge port.

Let the HyperGear SpeedBoost charge up to four devices at once with intelligent power distribution that automatically adjusts output to deliver the fastest possible speed to each one. It also features SmartChip technology, so you can rest easy knowing your devices are protected from overcharging.

While all this charging capability may sound like a bulky device, the HyperGear SpeedBoost is surprisingly compact. The built-in Apple Watch charger folds down neatly, making it lightweight and easy to toss in your bag for travel or everyday use.

Don’t leave home without this HyperGear SpeedBoost 43W 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger with Built-In Apple Watch Charger, on sale now for only $29.99 (reg. $49.99) while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple iPad mini is down to its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 16:05

SAVE $100: As of July 2, the iPad mini (128GB, A17 Pro) is on sale for $399 at Amazon. This is the lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 Get Deal

Prime Day presents an awesome opportunity to pick up popular items at low prices, but you might not need to wait for the event to officially kick off. That's because some stellar deals are already live, like this $100 discount on the Apple iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip. Yes, Apple deals are aplenty this in 2025.

As of July 2, the iPad mini (128GB, A17 Pro) is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon. This is 20% off its regular price of $499 and the lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel. This iPad mini has never been cheaper, so what are you waiting for? The slim chance that the price falls even further? Yes, that's a possibility. But we really don't think it's likely.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops under $500: Budget-friendly options you can get for cheap during Prime Day 2025

This iPad mini packs a lot of power into a small build thanks to the A17 Pro chip. It's a perfect portable option, sporting an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 128GB of storage so you can stock it up with everything you need from the go. We even consider it the best iPad for reading, with Mashable's Samantha Mangino stating that it offers "more advanced tech, the convenience of portability, and a better reading experience."

Don't miss out on $100 off the iPad mini (128GB, WiFi, A17 Pro) at Amazon.

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

How to watch Switzerland vs. Norway online for free

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 14:00

TL;DR: Watch Switzerland vs. Norway in Women's Euro 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Women's Euro 2025 is starting with a number of high-profile fixtures, including Switzerland vs. Norway. It's a tricky opening game for the hosts, but they'll be hoping that their fans can drive them on to secure three points against a talented Norweigan side.

If you want to watch Switzerland vs. Norway in Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Switzerland vs. Norway?

Switzerland vs. Norway in Women's Euro 2025 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on July 2. This fixture takes place at St. Jakob-Park.

How to watch Women's Euro 2025 for free

Switzerland vs. Norway in Women's Euro 2025 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 another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like 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. Stream Switzerland vs. Norway in Women's Euro 2025 from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Switzerland vs. Norway (plus the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • 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 connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch Switzerland vs. Norway in Women's Euro 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why wait for Prime Day? Grab the 65-inch LG C5 OLED evo TV at its best-ever price right now.

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 13:29

SAVE $1,000: As of July 2, the 65-inch LG C5 OLED evo TV is on sale for $1,696.99 at Amazon. This is 37% off its list price of $2,696.99 and marks its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-Inch OLED evo 4K C5 Series Smart TV $1,696.99 at Amazon
$2,696.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal

Amazon has had some fantastic early Prime Day TV deals in the lead-up to its big summer sale event. This includes stellar discounts on newer models, too.

We reported on a great deal on the 77-inch LG C5 OLED TV, but if you'd prefer a smaller model, the 65-inch LG C5 is also on sale right now ahead of Prime Day. The 65-inch LG C5 OLED evo TV is usually listed for $2,696.99, but it's currently marked down 37% to $1,696.99. This saves you $1,000, which is an astonishing early Prime Day deal to jump on. It also marks its lowest-ever price, so there's no better time to pick it up.

SEE ALSO: Are you 18-24? Get 6 months of Amazon Prime for free ahead of Prime Day.

LG's C5 is the latest release in the C-series lineup from the company and boasts plenty of flashy features to make your favorite movies, shows, and games stand out. This includes 4K resolution and a vibrant OLED display to make pictures pop. Dolby Vision helps give images an extra boost, and Dolby Atmos creates a cinematic soundscape in your home so you can be surrounded by the sounds of what you're watching.

If you want a TV made for movie night, the C5 can deliver with Filmmaker Mode, which presents films using the picture settings that the director intended. And for gamers, the C5 offers a 0.1ms response time and up to 144Hz refresh rate to make your games run smoothly alongside NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR to give the quality an extra boost.

Don't wait for Prime Day to pick up a new TV. Grab the 65-inch LG C5 OLED evo TV for 37% off its list price right now at Amazon.

To learn more about the best early deals available right now and what's new for Prime Day this year, have a look at our breakdown of everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025.

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

Build something special with the Lego Classic Brick Box — now at a record-low price ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 13:25

SAVE $17: As of July 2, the LEGO Classic Creative Brick Box 10696 is just $17.99 (originally $34.99) — that's 49% off ahead of Prime Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Lego Classic Creative Brick Box (10696) $17.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal

With Prime Day right around the corner, Amazon’s already dropping deals like bricks — and if you’ve got a budding builder (or a nostalgic grown-up) in your life, this is one deal worth scooping up early.

Right now, the Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box (10696) is on sale for just $17.99, its lowest-ever price according to price tracking tool camelcamelcamel. That’s 49% off the regular $34.99 price tag. Basically, if you feel like buying more, you can grab two sets for almost the price of one.

SEE ALSO: These Prime Day deals landed early — save on Apple, Ninja, and Samsung gadgets

This isn’t just a random box of bricks, either. You’re getting 484 pieces in 35 vibrant colours, including windows, wheels, eyes, and more — everything a kid (or kid-at-heart) needs to dream up trains, cars, tigers, or whatever wild creation pops into their head next. It even comes with a green baseplate and a durable plastic storage box to make cleanup a little less chaotic.

Designed for ages 4 to 99, this is classic Lego at its best: totally open-ended, messily creative, and 100% screen-free. The set is fully compatible with all other Lego systems, so it can easily expand any existing collection or serve as a jumping-off point for new builders.

All in all, whether you're shopping for a gift, prepping for summer rainy days, or just want a break from battery-powered toys, this is a smart pickup. At under $20, you won’t see a deal like this often.

To stay in the loop on everything leading up to the big event, check out our complete guide to Amazon Prime Day 2025 — including key dates, what’s different this year, and the top early deals. For instance, if you happen to have a new Switch 2 in the house, a charging dock for Nintendo Switch 2 controllers is now only $19, along with free shipping.

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

All colors of the new M4 MacBook Air are $150 off ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 12:45

GET $150 OFF: As of July 2, all colors of the Apple MacBook Air 2025 (M4 Chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) are on sale for $849, down from their regular price of $999, for a savings of 15%, or $150 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Macbook Air Apple MacBook Air 2025 (M4 Chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 at Amazon
$999 Save $150 Get Deal

We already got excited about Apple's 2025 MacBook Air hitting $150 off ahead of Prime Day, but last week you could only get one color. Now we're extra hyped, with all colorways going on sale for the same $150 off price cut... Yes, that includes starlight, sky blue, classic silver, and midnight. The choice is yours.

Right now, all colorways of Apple's 2025 MacBook Air (M4 Chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) are on sale for $849, saving you $150.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops for 2025: Tested for performance, battery life, design, and value

The new Macbook Air incorporates Apple's supercharged M4 Chip, which are supported by 16GB of RAM. Even with a remarkably thin profile, these computers churn through calculations, so whether you're running scientific experiments, performing, gaming, or simply opening lots of tabs, you'll have the power you need. Built as the portable option among Apple's laptops, the Air manages to fit an impressive battery in its half-inch thick body, and holds a charge for up to 18 hours. With such good battery life, it's an excellent around-town laptop.

Beyond computing power, the 2025 Air has a Retina display with 1 billion colors and a 12MP camera. It will support you in graphic design projects and online meetings.

Grab this deal to get any color of Apple's 2025 Macbook Air (M4 Chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $150 off.

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

How to watch Tarvet vs. Alcaraz online for free

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 12:33

TL;DR: Live stream Tarvet vs. Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The second round at Wimbledon showcases some interesting matchups, including Tarvet vs. Alcaraz. Carlos Alcaraz struggling to get past Fabio Fognini in the first round, so he'll be looking for an improved performance against the Brit.

If you're interested in watching Tarvet vs. Alcaraz at Wimbledon 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Tarvet vs. Alcaraz for free

Tarvet vs. Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2025 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 another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2025 for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like 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 Tarvet vs. Alcaraz for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) 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 stream Tarvet vs. Alcaraz (plus the rest of Wimbledon 2025) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Tarvet vs. Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Bear Season 5: Everything we know so far

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 12:28

The Bear Season 4 may have had the worst critical reception so far, but it's also — per Rotten Tomatoes – significantly more popular with viewers than Season 3.

So with that in mind, where does the show go next? Will The Bear return for Season 5? And if so, what will happen next to the likes of Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Syd (Ayo Edebiri), and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)? We've broken down what we know so far, along with some of our best guesses, below.

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' Season 4's biggest problem is time: Full season review Is The Bear coming back for Season 5?

Yes! FX confirmed at the start of July that The Bear has been renewed for a fifth season that will be airing in 2016.

“The Bear continues to be a fan favorite worldwide and their response to this season—as seen through incredibly high viewership—has been as spectacular as any of its previous seasons,” said FX chairman John Landgraf in a press release. “Year-in and year-out, Chris Storer, the producers, cast and crew make The Bear one of the best shows on television, and we are excited that they will continue to tell this magnificent story.”

What will The Bear Season 5 be about?

Spoilers ahead!

It's difficult to say for sure, but we can make some educated guesses. Season 4 ended in a bit of a limbo for the main characters, with Carmy deciding to walk away from the restaurant in order to work on himself and Syd saying she'll only stay on if Richie and Natalie (Abby Elliott) are added to the ownership documents.

There's also the looming issue of the restaurant not making enough money, although the possibility of a Michelin star and an expansion of The Beef sandwich shop — thanks to Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson) and guest star Rob Reiner — could well save it.

As we said in our Season 4 ending explainer, our best guess is that the restaurant will struggle on in Season 5 while Carmy takes some time away from being a chef to continue his own personal growth journey.

All seasons of The Bear are now streaming on Hulu.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Our TV expert has hand-picked this early Prime Day deal — get over $500 off the 75-inch Amazon Fire Omni QLED TV

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 12:24

SAVE OVER $500: As of July 2, Prime members can save over $500 on the 75-inch Amazon Fire Omni QLED 4K TV ahead of Prime Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 75-Inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series 4K UHD smart TV $569.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $530 Get Deal

Ahead of Prime Day, Amazon has been dropping quite a few early deals that are worth checking out. If you've been looking for a new TV, there have been plenty of great deals popping up before the sale, including on Amazon's own lineup of Fire TVs. Right now, the 75-inch Amazon Fire Omni QLED 4K TV has been marked down 48% as an exclusive discount for Prime members.

This has dropped the price of the 75-inch Amazon Fire Omni QLED 4K TV from $1,099.99 to $569.99 for Prime members, allowing you to save over $500. Price tracker camelcamelcamel has its most recent lowest price marked as $799.99, so this is a special opportunity to grab this TV for a really low price.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Day

Thanks to 4K resolution and its QLED display, alongside Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive, movies and shows will appear vibrant and detailed on the screen. Its large 75-inch size will help to truly immerse you in what you're watching. And since it's a smart TV, you can have all of your favorite apps conveniently in one place for your next movie night or TV show binge watch.

If you're a Prime member, now is a great time to treat yourself to a TV upgrade with this stellar deal on the 75-inch Amazon Fire Omni QLED 4K TV at Amazon.

There's even more to check out right now at Amazon ahead of Prime Day. Check out our breakdown of early Prime Day deals to see what else has caught our eye in the lead-up to the sale event.

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

Save $400 on the 3i P10 Ultra robot vacuum ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 12:13

SAVE $400: As of July 2, the 3i P10 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo is on sale for $699.99 at Amazon. That's a 36% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: 3i 3i G10+ Robot Vacuum and Mop $699.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $400 Get Deal

If you thought robot vacuums had reached peak automation, think again. The 3i P10 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo aims to redefine what "hands-free cleaning" means — and now it’s 36% off, dropping from $1,099.99 to $699.99 on Amazon. That’s a jaw-dropping $400 discount on what looks like one of the smartest cleaning gadgets out there, also bringing it back to its lowest-ever price according to tracker camelcamelcamel.

Where most vacuums clean near the edges, the P10 Ultra actually extends its mop to clean edges and corners, hugging your baseboards like a pro. Its dual mops spin at 220 RPM — basically giving your floors a power scrub — and its 18,000Pa suction rivals high-end models at nearly twice the price. When it comes to carpets, it detects them, lifts the mop, and cranks up the power automatically.

SEE ALSO: Every iPad model is on sale ahead of Prime Day

What makes the P10 Ultra appear truly next-gen is its all-in-one docking station. We’re talking self-emptying, self-refilling, hot-water mop washing, and hot air drying, all without you lifting a finger. It even adds cleaning solution by itself. The result: your robot stays fresh, and your floors stay spotless.

Navigation is where the P10 Ultra also flexes its AI muscle. With LiDAR, dual 3D sensors, and onboard AI cameras, it maps your home in 3D, avoids tiny cords, glides over thresholds, and dodges furniture with uncanny precision. Its AI DirtScan can recognise over 100 types of messes — from pet food to juice spills — and adapts how it cleans in real time.

You can schedule cleanings, draw no-go zones, and customise settings all from the app, or even just tell Alexa or Google to take care of it. With anti-tangle tech on top, you won’t be fishing out hair from the brush ever again.

At $699.99, the P10 Ultra is still a splurge — but if you want a robot vacuum that actually does it all, this could be your moment.

If you’re in the market for a slightly cheaper robot vacuum, the 3i G10+ is also on sale and does a great job in its own right. While we weren’t a massive fan of its “superficial” design in our review, we couldn’t help but praise everything under the hood with “more going on” compared to any other robot vacuum we’ve tested. 

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

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 2, 2025

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 11:49

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 2 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: A clone

  • Green: Philosophical

  • Blue: They share a letter

  • Purple: School grades

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Knockoff

  • Green: Associated with Freud

  • Blue: Words after "T"

  • Purple: Starting with high school/college abbreviations

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #752 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Knockoff: BOOTLEG, COPY, FAKE, REPLICA

  • Associated with Freud: DREAMS, ID, OEDIPUS, SLIP

  • Words after "T": MOBILE, PAIN, REX, SHIRT

  • Starting with high school/college abbreviations: FRESHWATER, JUNIPER, SENECA, SOPHOCLES

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 2

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for July 2

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 11:48

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 2 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 2 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: This is for the birds

The words are animal-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are things used for bird homes.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Nesting Material.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for July 2

  • Leaf

  • Wool

  • Twig

  • Nesting Material

  • Fluff

  • Moss

  • Grass

  • Feather

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 2, 2025

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 11:48

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for July 2 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 2, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To suffer.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter I.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

INCUR.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 1

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 6 best e-readers of 2025, reviewed by someone who really loves books

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 11:40

While you can't replace the feel of paper — the beauty of bound hardcovers and the ritual of turning the page — an e-reader brings convenience and portability that a physical book just can't beat. Sure, you can throw a book in your tote bag, but what about an entire library?

When you think of the best e-readers, your first thought is likely an Amazon Kindle, and while it wasn't the first e-ink reader to hit the market, it is indeed the one to rule them all. While Kindles are great — there's certainly no denying that — you can find a couple of equally wonderful alternatives. In fact, as of July 2025, the Kobo Clara Colour has dethroned the Kindle Paperwhite to become our favorite e-reader.

So, if you're gearing up to read more books this summer, there are plenty of models to explore here. Plus, with Prime Day running from July 8 to 11, it's a particularly great time to buy an e-reader. Kindles will certainly be on sale, but Amazon might surprise us with deals on other brands from this list.

SEE ALSO: From the basic to the Paperwhite, these are Amazon's best Kindles Featured Video For You Other e-readers we've tested From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Most recently, we've tested the Remarkable PaperPro and Onyx Boox Go 7 as contenders for this list. After several weeks of testing, both devices proved to be pretty good but not quite list-worthy. While I was able to test most of Amazon's 2024 Kindle models, I've yet to test the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition.

Whenever you search for e-readers, Remarkable's tablets will always pop up in the search results, but unfortunately, it's hard to obtain ePUB files on the Remarkable. With Remarkable, you can access files within Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you have any locked ePUB files — like from Libby — you won't be able to access them on a Remarkable tablet. So, after testing the Remarkable tablet myself, it proved to be a better document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.

The Onyx Boox Go 7 is a better e-reader option than the Remarkable. It's the same as the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but it really lags on processing speed. To read ePUB files from Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app onto the Boox Go 7, and there was so much lag while opening and closing the app. While it was an easier process than getting library books on a Nook, it was still a major pain compared to Kindle or Kobo's integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load files. I was most looking forward to testing this Boox because of its page-turning buttons, but unfortunately, I found that they didn't work on my device.

What about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?

If you're familiar with the Kindle lineup, it may come as a surprise that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition isn't on this list. Don't get me wrong, it's great, but I think there are better options. The Signature Edition is an upgraded version of the Paperwhite, and we've compared the devices head-to-head. The short version? The Paperwhite is a better value, even with the SE's added features like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage.

If you are prepared to spend $200 on an e-reader, though, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and go for the Kobo Libra Colour.

Where's the Nook on this list?

In terms of big-name e-readers, you might notice one omission from this list: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I have tested this e-reader, and it was previously featured on this list. However, after testing more devices, it no longer makes the cut. In comparison to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook has sloth-like performance, making it frustrating to use.

Plus, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, as it was a multi-step process that required downloading to a computer before uploading to a Nook. Its only redeeming quality was the buttons on either side of the device, which made page turning a breeze. However, unless you are a loyal buyer of Barnes & Noble books, I recommend steering clear of the Nook.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why wait for Prime Day? Beat the rush and get $70 off the Beats Solo 4.

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 11:29

SAVE $70: As of July 2, Beats Solo 4 headphones are on sale for $129.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 35% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 $129.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $70 Get Deal

You don't need to wait for Prime Day to get a great deal on a pair of headphones. As of July 2, Beats Solo 4 headphones are down to a great price.

Right now, you'll save $70 at their new price of $129.95. This deal is available across all colorways so you can pick from black/gold, cloud pink, matte black, and slate blue.

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks in 2025: Which should you buy on Prime Day?

Beats headphones are always a good idea, but the Solo 4 are some of the best. They boast a battery life of up to 50 hours and a super-quick 10-minute charge time. The Solo 4 also has new, personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. This is a really great feature that creates a 3D surround sound and a more immersive listening experience by adjusting the sound based on your head movements. So music, movies, and calls feel more lifelike and high quality.

And as with all Beats devices, the sound quality is stellar for all types of listening. Enjoy a punchy bass and balanced sound, whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or watching TikTok. They also benefits from dual compatibility, including one-touch pairing for both iOS and Android devices.

This deal is available on Amazon right now. Don't miss out.

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

Score the Shark Navigator robot vacuum at its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/02/2025 - 11:23

SAVE $200: As of July 2, the Shark Navigator robot vacuum is on sale for $249.99 at Amazon. This is 44% off its list price of $449.99 and marks its lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Navigator Robot Vacuum $249.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $200 Get Deal

There have been plenty of early Prime Day deals dropping ahead of Amazon's big summer sale event, including robot vacuums. One of our favorite deals is on the Shark Navigator robot vacuum, which has dropped to its lowest-ever price at the retailer.

The Shark Navigator robot vacuum is currently marked down to $249.99. This is 44% off its list price of $449.99, saving you $200. This is the lowest-ever price on Amazon.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Day

This robot vacuum will make sure your carpets and floors get a deep clean. With powerful suction and SmartPath Navigation, the Shark Navigator robot vacuum can map out your home to get the most effective clean without running into any obstacles. It also self-empties after each clean to make things easier. Its bagless base can hold up to 60 days worth of dirt, debris, hair, and more, so you can go a couple of months without even thinking about it.

Why wait for Prime Day to score this deal? Act now to get the Shark Navigator robot vacuum at its lowest-ever price.

Amazon Prime Day is coming up fast, and if you're hoping to make the most of the sale event when it kicks off on July 8, check out our guide on everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025 to plan ahead.

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