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The best deals under $25 ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2025

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 17:25
Best early Prime Day deals under $25 Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop $21.99 (Save $18) Get Deal Best sleep deal Dreamegg White Noise Machine $17.99 (Save $10) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is just one week away, which means it's time to spring into action. And by that, we mean it's time to get your wishlist sorted out and start shopping now, because lots of early Prime Day deals are already live.

If you're working with a smaller budget this year, there's still plenty of opportunity for you to have an enjoyable Prime Day — there are already a bunch of deals for under $25 on Amazon as we speak.

SEE ALSO: The best early Prime Day deals under $50: Fire TV sticks, indoor cameras, and more

Check out our top budget deal picks below, and be sure to keep checking back, because we'll be updating this page as more offers pop up.

Best Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop $21.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $18.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Echo devices are always a hot commodity during Prime Day, and that's because they always get nice discounts for the massive event. This deal may get even better when the sale officially begins, but if you're not feeling that patient, you can get an Echo Pop for just $21.99 ahead of the big day. (That's $18 off.)

Best sleep deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreamegg Dreamegg White Noise Machine $17.99 at Amazon
$27.99 Save $10 Get Deal Why we like it

A white noise machine can be a game-changer for those who have trouble sleeping, and this one from Dreamegg is just $17.99 ahead of Amazon Prime Day ($10 off). It's compact, has a long-lasting battery, and includes 21 different sounds to choose from to help you drift off to dreamland.

More deals under $25
Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab two Anker USB-C chargers for just $12 ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 17:14

SAVE 37%: As of July 1, the Anker Charger, 20W, USB-C (2-Pack) is on sale for $11.99, down from its regular price of $18.99. That's $7 off, or a savings of 37%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Charger, 20W, USB-C (2-Pack) $11.99 at Amazon
$18.99 Save $7.00 Get Deal

When you need a new iPhone charger, it's usually a good idea to just go ahead and buy two: one for home and one for the bag. Anker makes that easy, with affordable iPhone chargers that become even better deals when they're on sale — as they are right now ahead of Amazon Prime Day.

Today, the Anker Charger, 20W, USB-C (2-Pack) is on sale at Amazon for $11.99, down from its regular price of $18.99. That's 37% off for a savings of $7.

SEE ALSO: Every color of the new M4 MacBook Air are now $150 off ahead of Prime Day

This Anker pack comes with two brick plugs with USB-C connectors and two cords. Each plug comes with two sockets that support dual port charging, so you'll be able to plug a second device into the charger without compromising output. These Anker chargers won't only charge iPhones — they're also compatible with other devices like iPads and iPad Pros.

The Anker charger supports fast charging with 20W output. This means that even though you're going third party, you'll still be getting a speedy phone charge.

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

Ahead of Prime Day, save up to 60% on security cameras and doorbells

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 17:05
Best early Prime Day security camera and doorbell deals Best security camera deal Blink Outdoor 4 5-camera system $159.99 (Save $240) Get Deal Best floodlight deal Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $59.99 (Save $69.99) Get Deal Best indoor camera deal TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera $14.97 (Save $10.02) Get Deal

Looking to add an extra layer of security to your home this year? Whether that be some outdoor cameras to keep an eye on visitors, or indoor options for monitoring kids and pets, a security camera provides some extra peace of mind. If you're looking add one to your home before you head out on summer vacation, Prime Day is offering some early deals.

As we gathered our early Prime Day security camera and doorbell recommendations, we kept some things top of mind. We don't recommend Ring cameras due to their weak security, even though the brand has made an effort to strengthen its encryption. So while you won't see any Ring cameras or doorbells in this round-up, we've pulled together other great options to secure your home.

Best security camera and doorbell deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 5-camera system $159.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $240 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're about to head out on summer adventures and want to keep an eye on your home, a set of security cameras can give you so some peace of mind. The Blink Outdoor 4 5-camera system can help you do just that. With five outdoor, wireless cameras, you can mount them around your house and be notified whenever motion is detected. Plus, these small but mighty cameras features infrared night vision and two-way audio.

Right now you can grab them at the stellar price of $159.99, down from its list price of $399.99. That saves you $240 for 60% off.

More security camera and doorbell deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Senate votes to kill moratorium on AI state regulation

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 17:05

The proposed 10-year moratorium on state regulation of AI is dead, by overwhelming consensus from the Senate.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Senate voted 99-1 to remove controversial language from Republicans' budget legislation, referred to as the "Big Beautiful Bill." The proposed legislation was increasingly defanged as Congress tried to come up with a compromise to protect states' legislative independence. But ultimately, the Senate voted to remove the moratorium altogether.

The 10-year ban of states' legislation of AI was contentious from the start. Big Tech companies like Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon reportedly actively lobbied for passing the bill, saying patchwork state AI regulation would inhibit the U.S.' competitive edge against threats like China. Those opposed to the bill, including civil advocacy groups, AI safety researchers, and state attorneys general said it would be an unprecedented concession of power to Big Tech and would strip states of its ability to protect people from AI harms.

"The Senate’s overwhelming rejection of this Big Tech power grab underscores the massive bipartisan opposition to letting AI companies run amok," said Max Tegmark, MIT professor and president of the Future of Life Institute in a public statement. "The CEO’s of these corporations have admitted they cannot control the very systems they’re building, and yet they demand immunity from any meaningful oversight. This threatens families and jobs across America, and the Senate was wise to reject it."

Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee introduced the amendment to remove the moratorium. Previously, she was working with Sen. Ted Cruz from Texas to soften the provision. As of Monday night, the proposal offered $500 million for federal broadband funding if states opted in to the moratorium. But in the end, Blackburn said they couldn't meet an agreement.

In a statement to the press, Blackburn said, "While I appreciate Chairman Cruz’s efforts to find acceptable language that allows states to protect their citizens from the abuses of AI, the current language is not acceptable to those who need these protections the most."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The new Dyson Airwrap comes with updated attachments and tech

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 16:34

UPDATE: Jul. 1, 2025, 10:30 a.m. EDT This post has been updated with a link to sign up for more information on Dyson's website ahead of the Airwrap Co-anda 2x's release.

Dyson is raising the bar (and the price) with the announcement of its newest Airwrap.

Officially called the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x, the brand's latest multi-styler will come equipped with a new motor, and two new attachments that are RFID-enabled to automatically adjust the speed and heat settings on the tool (not unlike the Supersonic Nural). This updated tech does come with a higher price point of $699.99 — a $100 upgrade over all previous Airwrap models, including last year's Airwrap i.d.. Models will be available to purchase starting Tuesday, July 8, in two colorways: jasper plum and ceramic pink. As of July 1, you can sign up on Dyson's website to be updated once the multi-styler goes live.

As Mashable's shopping reporter on the Dyson beauty beat, I've been testing and following Dyson's Airwrap lineup (and the many dupes it's inspired) for the past three years. While I don't have the Co-anda 2x in hand just yet, I wanted to break down all the upgrades on the latest installment of this multi-styler.

A brand new motor

Dyson claims this Aiwrap can deliver two times the air pressure (hence the 2x in the name) and 30 percent more power than previous Airwraps, thanks to its Hyperdymium 2 motor. In theory, this should result in at least faster drying and styling.

SEE ALSO: I tried 6 Dyson Supersonic dupes that are actually worth the hype

While I could see stronger air flow creating more of a learning curve for styling in particularly, relying on more air instead of heat for styling could have some potential for hair health. That said, some users (myself included) find it hard to get curls to hold with past Airwrap models, and heat helps styles hold — so it may not be a cure-all.

The Airwrap Co-anda 2x comes with a more powerful motor. Credit: Dyson

For those worried about heat damage more generally, Dyson has included smart sensors found on earlier Airwraps, which monitor the air temperature to ensure it doesn't reach a point that could incur damage easily.

The new Airwrap attachments

Like the Airwrap i.d., the Co-anda 2x will come with two versions: one for straight and wavy hair and one for curly and coily hair. And as with each prior Airwrap, the multi-stylers come with six attachments. The lineup for each is as follows (with the new designs bolded):

Straight/Wavy Airwrap Co-anda 2x attachments

  • 30-millimeter Co-anda 2x curling barrel

  • 40-millimeter Co-anda 2x curling barrel

  • Round volumizing brush 2x

  • Fast dryer 2x

  • Anti-snag loop brush 2x

  • AirSmooth 2x attachment

Curly/Coily Airwrap Co-anda 2x attachments

  • Wave+Curl diffuser 2x

  • 40-millimeter Co-anda 2x curling barrel

  • Round volumizing brush 2x

  • Fast dryer 2x

  • Anti-snag loop brush 2x

  • Tension comb 2x

A few of the Airwrap Co-anda 2x attachments, including the new AirSmooth 2x attachment (pictured center). Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Dyson

The straight/wavy model comes with both new attachments, the anti-snag loop brush and AirSmooth 2x brush. According to Dyson, the AirSmooth attachment "smooths and straightens with high-velocity airflow and auto-release arms." With that description, I imagine it's better suited to styling hair that's already straighter.

The curly/coily Airwrap also drops the 30-millimeter Coanda curling barrel from its list, replacing it and the AirSmooth with a Tension comb and Wave+Curl diffuser.

The attachment found on both models, the anti-snag loop brush, is actually more of an upgrade from the smoothing brushes from the last gen's Airwrap lineup, with new curved bristles to improve control (and decrease tugging and snagging).

The multi-styler will also be compatible with the i.d. curl function on the MyDyson app. Essentially, after answering a hair profile questionnaire, the app will recommend styling advice. The entire Airwrap itself is also smaller and lighter, according to Dyson.

A higher price point

Way back in 2018, the very first iteration of the Airwrap cost $500. Then, the next generation cost $600. The Airwrap i.d. broke the cycle last year, also releasing at a $600 price point, but the Co-anda 2x puts the Airwrap back on track.

In short, it's a lot of money. It's $50 more than Dyson's laser-powered V12 vacuum, double the price of the Shark FlexStyle, and over two times the price of T3's multi-styler, the Aire 360. Comparatively speaking, in terms of both specs and price, it is a top-of-the-line machine.

For anyone looking for a cheaper option that still exists within the Dyson ecosystem, the 2022-release Airwrap does go on sale for $100 off with some regularity, putting it down to $499.99 — $200 below the Co-anda 2x Airwrap. While it's not on sale at the time of writing, Amazon's Prime Day is next week. If it gets marked down, you'll be sure to hear about it in Mashable's deal coverage.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Nostalgic 3D-Printed Projects Inspired By Retro Computing

How-To Geek - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 16:30

One of the best parts of 3D printing is being able to make just about anything your mind can imagine. This makes 3D printing a great way to relive the golden years of computing, thanks to retro models designers have made.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is down to a record-low price — but theres a limited supply

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 16:30

SAVE $200: The Samsung Galaxy S25+ (256GB) is on sale at Amazon for $799.99 in select colorways, down from the list price of $999.99. That's a 20% discount that matches the record-low price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25+ (256GB, navy and silver shadow) $799.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $200 Get Deal

We're exactly a week away from the official launch of Amazon's biggest Prime Day event yet. This year, we have four days of sales to shop, but Amazon isn't making us wait. Like most major Amazon sales, the retailer has already dropped tons of sale prices, and they didn't forget about Samsung Galaxy deals this year.

As of July 1, the navy and silver shadow versions of the Samsung Galaxy S25+ (256GB) are on sale at Amazon for $799.99, marked down from the usual price of $999.99. That's a 20% discount that takes $200 off the normal price. It also matches the lowest price we've ever spotted at Amazon.

If you're in the Android family and have been considering a phone upgrade, consider this sale price your sign. Like usual, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ does not disappoint in terms of features and functions, and today's sale price applies to the 256GB version, which you'll want for all your apps and photos.

SEE ALSO: Our TV expert picked this as one of the best early Prime Day deals — save $500 on the Samsung Frame TV

With a 6.7-inch screen size, you'll be whizzing off into Samsung's AI-powered features and its most powerful processor yet. Samsung mentions the 4900mAh battery should keep you going for up to 30 hours of video playback, so you'll be set for daily use without needing to recharge after work hours.

Instead of dealing with a slow phone that dies halfway though the day, upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S25+ ahead of the massive Prime Day sale. Just be sure to snag the navy or silver shadow colorway options to score the $799.99 sale price at Amazon.

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

This zippy 75Hz Samsung monitor is only $100 right now ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 16:19

GET $50 OFF: July 1st, the Samsung 27-inch T35F FHD Monitor is on sale at Amazon for $99.99 ahead of Prime Day, down from its regular price of $149.99, for a savings of $50, or 33% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-inch T35F FHD Monitor $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

If you're building a gaming rig on a budget, this monitor deal is a great opportunity. This Samsung delivers impressive screen refresh times with AMD Freesync — all for a budget price. Ahead of Prime Day, it's even more affordable.

Right now, you can get the Samsung 27-inch T35F FHD Monitor for $99.99 and save $50, or 33%.

SEE ALSO: Every color of the new M4 MacBook Air are now $150 off ahead of Prime Day The best laptop and tablet deals we're eyeing right now

This monitor doesn't strive for extraordinary resolution, or peak contrast. It isn't about that. Instead, it's a budget tier productivity and gaming monitor that can achieve solid screen refresh times for the price.

If you play games, you'll want a monitor with at least a 60Hz refresh rate. However, 60Hz will be slower than a lot of the competition in online play. This one does better, with a 75Hz rate plus Game Mode and AMD Radeon Freesync, which will sync the refresh rate with your computer's GPU.

Act now and nab the Samsung 27-inch T35F FHD Monitor for $99.99 ahead of Prime Day and save $50.

An FHD monitor, it displays a 1920 x 1080p resolution across its LED IPS panel. Expect rich color and deep shading from every angle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Marshall’s Stylish Middleton II Speaker Has an Epic Battery Life

How-To Geek - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 16:00

The Marshall Middleton II is a new speaker that is built to be used on the go, but also gives the stylish look that Marshall's speakers are known for. This speaker is portable, and it comes with a battery life that will make sure you only need to charge it after a long night out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I'd Love Sequels for These 7 Netflix Original Movies

How-To Geek - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 16:00

The most significant reason I keep my subscription going to Netflix is to enjoy the platform's original movies (and its TV shows, too). Reruns are great, but I want fresh ideas. What's just as sweet is being able to savor that idea, too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Running Man teases Glen Powell in Stephen Kings nightmarish gameshow

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 15:37

It's another bumper year for Stephen King adaptations, and in particular novels he wrote under his pen name. Not long ago we had the trailer for The Long Walk, and now we have one for Edgar Wright's adaptation of The Running Man — both early stories of King's written under his Richard Bachman pseudonym, which appear in the collection The Bachman Books.

Set in a dystopian future where people living in poverty are forced to take part in life-or-death gameshows for money, The Running Man sees Glen Powell entering the titular contest. "The rules are simple," growls Josh Brolin's narration in the trailer. "Survive 30 days with the entire nation hunting you down."

One of the stories that set the tone for dystopian survival thrillers to come, it'll be interesting to see Wright's take on this classic thriller which had a 1987 adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Running Man hit cinemas Nov. 7.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey online for free

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 15:37

TL;DR: Live stream Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey in the 2025 Club World Cup for free on DAZN. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Club World Cup first knockout round showcases some really interesting matchups. including Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey. All eyes will be on the Mexican side as they look to book a spot in the quarter finals.

If you want to watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey in the 2025 Club World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey?

Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey in the 2025 Club World Cup kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on July 1. This fixture takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

How to watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey for free

Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey in the 2025 Club World Cup is available to live stream for free on DAZN.

The Club World Cup is free to stream all around the world, but if you're having problems accessing this streaming platform on your network, you can consider using a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so that you can secure access to free live streams from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free live streams of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup 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 a location with access to DAZN

  4. Visit DAZN

  5. Stream the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey in the 2025 Club World Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the Club World Cup before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites 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 DAZN?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on DAZN, 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 secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • 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).

Live stream Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey in the 2025 Club World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Donkey Kong Bananza final hands-on preview: Nintendos most Pixar game yet

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 15:35

It turns out the only thing Nintendo needed to do to Donkey Kong to make me like him a lot more than I did previously is give him a plucky preteen sidekick with an emotional character arc.

Actually, that's not entirely fair to Pauline, whom a Nintendo rep referred to as a "co-star" instead of a "sidekick" at an extensive Donkey Kong Bananza hands-on preview event I attended recently. The second big Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, which launches on July 17, already showed a lot of promise when it was first announced thanks to its somewhat unique (for a 3D platformer) environmental destruction mechanics. However, after playing it for a couple of hours, the secret sauce that makes Bananza a game to watch out for is Pauline, a young girl with musical ambitions who teams up with DK on a journey to the core of the planet.

Put simply, Bananza is the most Pixar-like Nintendo game I can remember in a long time. Bananza's inclusion of a child comrade for Nintendo's iconic ape makes it outwardly, endearingly adorable in a way I wasn't expecting. Based on roughly two hours of pre-release gameplay, Donkey Kong Bananza is aiming for a distinct combination of chaotic rock-punching mayhem and earnest coming-of-age cuteness, and I think it might hit its mark.

SEE ALSO: I spent $10 on 'Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour' and got way more than I was expecting More punching than jumping

Full disclosure: This was my second time getting hands on with Bananza, after a very brief 15-minute demo back in April that frankly didn't do a great job of allowing me to sit and learn the game's more esoteric qualities. After an extended demo in a more intimate setting, it's clear that the team behind Super Mario Odyssey (which Nintendo confirmed as the lead developer at the event) is thinking outside the box with this game, which I dig. It just takes time to learn.

To be more specific, Bananza is a 3D platformer where "jump" isn't your primary verb. DK can jump, yes, as well as climb many vertical surfaces throughout its big, vertically oriented levels, but the main thing you do in Bananza is punch the hell out of everything in your path. Most of the environmental geometry in any given level can be dynamically destroyed by DK's fists, and this is core to everything about the way Bananza is designed.

Eyes on the prize. Credit: Nintendo

To give you an idea of how weird this game can feel to control at first, there are four face buttons on a Switch 2 controller. In Bananza, one of them jumps, while the other three all do different kinds of punches that serve different purposes. It's not as immediately pick-up-and-play intuitive as a Mario game might be, but after 20 minutes or so, you'll be bouncing, climbing, and wrecking your way through levels with no problems.

Much like Odyssey, levels here are self-contained sandboxes that the player is free to explore at their leisure, with the general objective being to collect as many big, golden bananas as possible. Some bananas are waiting to be discovered underground or behind walls, while others are given as rewards for completing challenges. It's similar to the way moons worked in Odyssey, though in my limited playtime, it seems like Bananza has jacked down the total quantity of bananas and made them generally more interesting to find than some of the really disposable moons in Odyssey were.

This looks familiar... Credit: Nintendo

Another clever change from Odyssey is the addition of a skill tree, something I'd normally bristle at in a 3D platformer, but I think it works here. Skill points are gained from collecting bananas, which gives you an incentive to find as many as possible besides bare completionism. Upgrades include more health, stronger punches, and even additional moves like a double jump. I could see this becoming annoying over the course of a full game, but I liked it in the demo I played.

SEE ALSO: Free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades for Switch 1 games are better than expected

Anyway, once you figure out how everything works, Bananza does a great job of scratching the exploratory itch in your brain. It's a hoot to bound around these levels as a big, wacky ape, discovering cool little environmental interactions (such as plucking seeds out of the ground and using them to grow platform vines) and creating your own pathways when a natural one doesn't present itself to you. Don't worry, though, if you prefer more sign-posted entryways to secret areas, as I frequently found myself taking a very inefficient path into some underground chamber before discovering an easily visible entrance I could've taken instead.

Exploring will often net you more than just random bananas, though. This game is full of little bespoke challenge rooms that range from combat challenges to platforming levels and even rooms where the objective is just to collect as much gold as possible. I found one that was a side-scrolling level in the vein of Donkey Kong Country, complete with a modern remix of the Bramble Blast music from DKC2. I noticed a lot of little nods to those games in my demo.

I just love Pauline, OK? The real star of the show. Credit: Nintendo

Now that I've gotten the boring video game parts of this video game out of the way, let's talk about Pauline. She's a young girl who DK meets in a chance encounter at the beginning of the game with a not-so-hidden talent for singing and a desire to get back to her world. She rides around on DK's shoulders at all times and can use her singing powers to unlock challenge areas and even transform DK into various Bananza forms, which give him various power-ups like stronger punches and, in the case of his new ostrich form, the ability to glide around in the air.

In case you were (or weren't) wondering, yes, this is the same Pauline who appeared as an adult mayor in Mario Odyssey. She was also the original damsel-in-distress in the old Donkey Kong arcade game before being sidelined in favor of Princess Peach for a long time. Nintendo is using this as an opportunity to reboot her and make her a devoted friend to DK rather than a kidnapping victim, which is for the best, I think.

One thing that helps give Bananza a lot more personality than it already has (and it has plenty) is that Pauline is fully voiced and frequently chimes in to comment on whatever's going on. Most of her dialogue in the demo was delightful and surprisingly funny; you can rest on beds to recover health and she will often wake DK up in the middle of his naps to have goofy little chats with him.

Stop being a goofball, DK! It's time to get serious! Credit: Nintendo

I just think having a human co-star for the animalistic DK provides a nice balance and gives the player someone to relate to. It wouldn't be out of place in a children's animated movie. I think kids, and young girls in particular, will respond especially positively to her presence. I didn't see a lot of this in my demo, but a recent Nintendo Direct livestream suggested that this game actually has some sweet and sincere storytelling about Pauline coming out of her shell as a songstress and finding herself, which I'm all about.

It doesn't hurt that she's incredibly expressive and well-animated, both of which are also true of her ape partner-in-crime. It's worth your time to occasionally stop, spin the camera around, and check out DK's and Pauline's faces as they react to the world around them. And rather excitingly, you can play dress-up with the two of them, thanks to clothing stores in each level that sell fun little outfits that actually provide statistical bonuses as well as fresh-as-hell drip.

Funnily enough, I found myself growing a little emotionally attached to DK's and Pauline's relationship in my brief time with Bananza. It's a clever inversion of the original "evil ape kidnaps woman" premise from the arcade game and will give plenty of younger players an avatar through which they can see themselves. Put another way, it's all just very cute and I can't wait to see more of it when the game launches in July.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You Have A Limited Time to Get These Retired LEGO Sets on Amazon

How-To Geek - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 15:30

If you know anything about LEGO, you know kits go up in price after they are retired. The longer they're retired, the more expensive they become. These amazing kits have only been retired recently, meaning now is probably the cheapest you'll be able to get them ever again.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Juventus online for free

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 15:29

TL;DR: Live stream Real Madrid vs. Juventus in the 2025 Club World Cup for free on DAZN. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Club World Cup first knockout round continues with Real Madrid vs. Juventus. It's arguably the biggest matchup of the round, and you can watch without spending anything.

If you want to watch Real Madrid vs. Juventus in the 2025 Club World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Real Madrid vs. Juventus?

Real Madrid vs. Juventus in the 2025 Club World Cup kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on July 1. This fixture takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Juventus for free

Real Madrid vs. Juventus in the 2025 Club World Cup is available to live stream for free on DAZN.

The Club World Cup is free to stream all around the world, but if you're having problems accessing this streaming platform on your network, you can consider using a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so that you can secure access to free live streams from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free live streams of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup 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 a location with access to DAZN

  4. Visit DAZN

  5. Stream the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Real Madrid vs. Juventus in the 2025 Club World Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the Club World Cup before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites 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 DAZN?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on DAZN, 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 secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • 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).

Live stream Real Madrid vs. Juventus in the 2025 Club World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Steam Summer Sale is live — get up to 80% off popular PC games

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 15:13

SAVE UP TO 80%: Until July 10, the Steam Summer Sale is offering a wide range of discounts on PC games.

Opens in a new window Credit: Steam Steam Summer Sale 2025 Shop Now

The Steam Summer Sale 2025 has officially kicked off, and it’s a scorcher. Running now through July 10, Valve’s annual discount blowout is delivering steep price cuts of up to 80% off everything from AAA blockbusters to indie darlings. 

Some of the most talked-about titles are on serious discount. One such game is the Resident Evil 4 Remake — 50% off at just $19.99. That’s survival horror at its most affordable. Plus, with the recent announcement of the sequel Resident Evil Requiem — with 4’s protagonist Leon Kennedy returning as a rumoured character, this is the ideal time to catch up.

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

Another headliner is Cyberpunk 2077. Thanks to multiple patches, the Phantom Liberty DLC buzz, and the game’s launch on the Nintendo Switch 2,  it's back in the spotlight and down 65% to $20.99.

Horror fans can snag Dead Space (2023) for just $11.99 at an 80% markdown — while Force-wielding action fans can grab Star Wars Jedi Survivor at a shocking $13.99 (that’s 80% off).

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, arguably one of the best games of 2025 so far, has already had a price cut at $44.99. Meanwhile, Elden Ring, one of the finest games of this generation, has had 40% slashed off to only be $35.99. Monster Hunter Wilds is also now only $55.99 with a 20% discount, if you’ve yet to catch up on the latest multiplayer/co-op hunting action.

Beyond the big hitters, the sale is stacked with great deals under $15. Vampire Survivors is basically a no-brainer at $3.74, and Slime Rancher 2 is a wholesome escape for just $19.79. Plus, American Truck Simulator is cruising at a low $4.99, perfect for those chill, podcast-fueled drives.

This year’s sale doesn't feature flash sales, so the prices you see now are what you'll get throughout. Make sure to check your Wishlist for custom alerts, and earn trading cards and other profile goodies as you browse and spend. And don’t forget — all trading cards expire Aug. 12, so if you’re hunting for the seasonal badge, plan accordingly.

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

Airline WiFi speed test ranks the fastest inflight internet access

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 14:53

Since 2006, airlines have provided some form of in-flight WiFi. And as frequent fliers know, WiFi in the air hasn't always been smooth – but some airlines are better than others, a new study has found.

According to analysis by Ookla, Hawaiian Airlines and Qatar Airways stand out as the best-performing airlines when it comes to in-flight WiFi.

For the airlines leading this race, Starlink's low-earth orbit satellite constellation drives high performance. Both Hawaiian Airlines and Qatar Airways use the satellite service to deliver their WiFi connectivity, helping with faster download and upload speeds and latency.

SEE ALSO: Airlines are directly in hackers’ crosshairs, FBI warns

Other airlines that provide high-quality connectivity include Spirit Airlines, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, Breeze Airlines, American Airlines, and Aeromexico. These airlines provide 10th percentile download speeds (above megabits per second) and better median download speeds than others.

Globally, airlines are working to improve WiFi speed and quality. More airlines are aligning themselves with Starlink, including United Airlines and SAS, the latter of which will work with the company to enhance "gate-to-gate" connectivity by the end of this year.

Editor’s Note: Ookla and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.

Categories: IT General, Technology

2025 Honda SUV Lineup Ranked by Reliability

How-To Geek - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 14:00

Honda has long been known for building dependable vehicles, and its SUV lineup is no exception. In 2025, the brand continues to offer a range of crossovers and SUVs that deliver strong reliability, practical design, and long-term value, but some models stand out more than others.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score this 77-inch LG C5 OLED TV for its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 13:17

SAVE $900: As of July 1, the 77-inch LG C5 OLED evo TV is on sale for $2,796.99 at Amazon. This is 24% off its list price of $3,696.99 and marks its lowest price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 77-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV $2,796.99 at Amazon
$3,696.99 Save $900 Get Deal

Ahead of Prime Day, Amazon has been dropping some excellent early deals for shoppers. If you've been looking for a new TV, we've found a deal on the 77-inch LG C5 OLED evo TV that's worth jumping on if you want a newer release that'll transform your living room into a mini movie theater.

Normally, the 77-inch LG C5 OLED evo TV is listed for $3,696.99 at Amazon, but you can add it to your shopping cart for 24% off at $2,796.99 right now. This marks its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, so there's truly no better time than now to pick it up.

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

The LG C5 is the latest release in the C-series lineup from LG, revealed at CES earlier this year. Alongside its huge 77-inch screen size, the display itself offers up 4K resolution and OLED technology that breathes new life into what you're watching with vibrant colors and crisp details. It also comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, which are an extra treat for the eyes and ears, and for the movie fans, it features a Filmmaker Mode that allows you to watch a movie with the picture settings the director intended.

There's plenty for gamers to enjoy as well. The LG C5 boasts a 0.1ms response time and up to 144Hz refresh rate so you can experience your favorite games smooth and lag-free. On top of that, this TV also features NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium and VRR (variable refresh rate) to help display your games even better.

Don't miss out on this fantastic early Prime Day deal on the 77-inch LG C5 OLED evo TV at Amazon.

If you're hoping to check out more TV deals during the Prime Day sale event, make sure to mark your calendar for July 8 when it all begins. And to learn more about what to expect from this year's sale event and more of our favorite early deals, have a look at our guide on 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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 1, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 07/01/2025 - 13:07

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 1 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 1, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Mildewed.

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 M.

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...

MOLDY.

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
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