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The Meta Quest 3S VR headset is selling fast on Prime Day — buy now for under $300

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 13:22

SAVE $53: As of June 23, the Meta Quest 3S VR headset bundle is down to $296.79 at Amazon. That’s a 15% discount on a solid VR headset.

Opens in a new window Credit: Meta Meta Quest 3S $296.79 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $53.20   Get Deal

Prime Day has started, and the Meta Quest 3S VR headset bundle is on sale for $296.79 at Amazon. That’s a $53.2 discount on a wireless VR headset bundle that includes access to over 100 games and a three-month trial of Meta Horizon+.

The Meta Quest 3S VR headset bundle is an easy entry point into VR without dealing with extra gear and with over 100 games included from the start. It’s fast enough for smooth gameplay and has enough memory to keep apps and games running without constant slowdown, which helps the experience feel consistent overall.

It also blends what you see in VR with your real surroundings using built-in cameras, so you’re not completely cut off from your space. Battery life runs a little over two hours, which is fine for short sessions, but you’ll still be charging it fairly often if you use it regularly.

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You also get a three-month trial of Meta Horizon+, which gives access to a rotating library of games, so there’s plenty to try without buying everything upfront.

Grab the Meta Quest 3S on Amazon before you convince yourself VR can wait.

Categories: IT General, Technology

We found the 17 best Prime Day deals on DJI drones and creator tools — save on wireless mics, drones, and cameras

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 13:03
The best DJI Prime Day deals at a glance: Best drone deal DJI Mini 3 $269 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best new release DJI Mic 3 $219 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal Best camera deal DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo $169 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Cult-Favorite DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Gimbal camera $378 at Amazon (save $121) Get Deal Best DJI Gimbal Deal DJI Osmo 7P Gimbal for Smartphones $99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Budget Pick DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is officially here, and if you've had your eye on any DJI gear, now's the time to click "add to cart."

In case you haven't heard, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially added foreign-produced drones and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to its national security Covered List on December 22, 2025. This means DJI isn't allowed to import or sell any new drone models moving forward (so a future Mavic 5 Pro is out). That also means you can only buy DJI drones at Amazon from third-party sellers here in the United States, which is a bummer.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day is here: We found 50+ deals on Apple, Sony, and Lego favorites

The good news? Anything that already secured FCC approval before the cutoff — like the Mavic 4 Pro, Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, and Neo 2 — is legal to buy, own, and fly. So, if you want to grab a beginner-friendly drone or stock up on discounted backup batteries, action cams, and creator gear, Prime Day is likely your best window to get them on sale before the inventory dries up.

Many of the DJI products in this guide — like the DJI Mini Mini, the DJI Mic 3, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, and the DJI Osmo 7P Gimbal — have been personally tested and recommended by Mashable product reviewers. If you want to find the best Prime Day deals on DJI products, we can vouch for these products.

Best Prime Day DJI drone deal DJI Mini 3 $269 at Amazon
$419 Save $150   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

Right now, you can get the DJI Mini 3 for $269, down from $419. That's a 36% discount or a $150 savings. It's also a jump from where we saw it earlier this morning, if you can believe it (it was $381). This is the lowest price we've tracked on this model to date.

The DJI Mini 3 is a level up from the DJI Mini 4K, which is a more budget-friendly pick for entry-level fliers (and at just $209, a steal). It weighs less than 249g, features 4K HDR video with True Vertical Shooting (ideal for photographers or real estate agents), and a 38-minute max flight time.

More DJI drone dealsBest Prime Day DJI camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo $169 at Amazon
$229 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

The DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo includes an extension rod, three batteries (two more than the Standard Combo), and a multifunctional battery case, and it's currently on sale for $169 — a new record-low price.

The camera itself features a 1/1.3-inch sensor for shooting in low-light conditions, as well as 4K video capabilities at up to 120fps with a 155-degree ultra-wide field of view. It offers up to 150 minutes of battery life and it works in temperatures as low as -20°C. It's even waterproof to depths of 18m, making it an ideal choice for vlogging your outdoor adventures.

More DJI camera dealsBest DJI mic deal DJI Mic 3 $219 at Amazon
$329 Save $110   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The DJI Mic 3 is on sale for $219, down from $329. This is another all-time low price for a Mashable-tested wireless microphone kit.

The Mic 3 is a compact wireless microphone system designed for creators, podcasters, and interviewers who need quality audio while on the go. It supports up to four transmitters, features adaptive gain control and selectable noise cancellation, and uses dual-band transmission for clear audio in busy environments. You'll get up to 28 hours of battery life with the charging case, so it's great for long hours of recording. Not to mention, it has compatibility with a huge range of DJI devices.

More DJI creator tools on sale
Categories: IT General, Technology

6 things to do with all those Benchy models you’ve 3D printed

How-To Geek - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 13:00

The humble Benchy has become a rite of passage for many new 3D printer owners, even though benchmarking modern 3D printers isn’t strictly necessary. But let’s say you’ve assembled a small armada of these toy boats, and now you’re wondering what to do with them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Is a Siren Head movie happening?

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 12:57

Monsters that have long been haunting the internet are finding their way to the big screen.

2026 has already been a huge year for the world of creepypasta (internet urban legends) intersecting with Hollywood. Backrooms, Kane Parsons' feature length adaptation of his own series of YouTube shorts, has brought in $300 million at the global box office in four weeks. The Third Parent, an upcoming horror movie based on Elias Witherow's Tommy Taffy short story series that went viral on Reddit's r/NoSleep sub, is due for release next January.

The question is, will another internet nightmare soon be joining their ranks? Could Siren Head, the towering monster created by artist Trevor Henderson, be the next creepypasta to get the movie treatment? Nothing is confirmed yet — but if you look closely, there are clues.

SEE ALSO: 'Backrooms' review: Does the online creepypasta make a good full-length movie? What is Siren Head?

In a nutshell, Siren Head is a monster the height of a telegraph pole that's capable of blending into its surroundings while it hunts human prey. It was created by Henderson back in 2018, after a follower called Cally sent him an image of a graveyard framed against a blue sky. At this point Henderson was quickly building his social media by drawing monsters that he'd splice into photos. He liked Cally's image, and tried to draw something that he thought would look scary standing among the tombstones. Just like that, Siren Head was born.

"I was just drawing a long, emaciated figure, and I just had the idea to put a siren for its head because a) that noise has always terrified me, and b) I've always been kind of obsessed with the idea of numbers stations," Henderson told Mashable back in 2022. "Numbers stations are these radio broadcasts that are constantly playing — and no-one can identify their origins or what they're supposed to accomplish — that are just weird snippets of music, and strange voices saying odd number combinations. There's a lot of theories that they're like old Russian spy channels that have been abandoned and are still counting out codes."

Credit: Trevor Henderson

It's difficult to overstate just how popular Siren Head has become in the years since Henderson shared that first image. It was a slow burn initially, but when YouTuber Markiplier — who recently had his own feature film success with Iron Lungstarted talking about the monster on his channel in early 2020, millions of people tuned in.

The thing is now all over the internet. Siren Head-inspired content has millions of views on TikTok and YouTube. There are multiple unofficial Siren Head games on Steam and merchandise on Amazon (much of which has been created without Henderson's knowledge or permission).

"The internet just kind of takes stuff," Henderson said. "And there's not a lot you can do, really, especially when a character blows up like Siren Head did. It kind of stops becoming yours, in some ways, and starts becoming everyone's."

Is a Siren Head movie in the works?

Speculation around a possible movie adaptation has been ramping up over the past week. There's been a couple of reasons for this. First, Henderson has started posting frequently about the creature again on Instagram.

By itself, this isn't that unusual. Although Henderson has created hundreds of monsters, Siren Head is a favorite that pops up now and then. But it's worth noting that the frequency of his posts has dialled up — there have been a handful over the last week alone, including some found footage-style Reels featuring the creature's trademark siren call.

What's even more intriguing, though, is who's been commenting on these posts.

View this post on Instagram

Beneath the above image, which Henderson posted about a week ago, movie producer Scott Glassgold replied with several eyes emoji. Glassgold, who founded production company 12:01 Films, is a big name in the horror movie space, particularly when it comes to adaptations based on viral internet urban legends (he's previously been involved in a number of deals, including stories that originally started on Reddit).

Credit: Instagram

Glassgold's comment didn't go unnoticed. A commenter asked him directly about the possibility of a Siren Head movie in response, to which he replied with three slightly cryptic siren emoji. Henderson himself then responded to Glassgold with a little megaphone. Mashable reached out to Glassgold to ask about the possibility of a film, and his response was just as cryptic. "I'm a huge fan of Trevor's and will be first in line to see anything he does," Glassgold said.

Henderson, when asked about the potential for a movie, also didn't give much away. “I'd be delighted," he told Mashable. "I think Siren Head has a lot of potential to be expanded into a film, but we’ll have to see. Either way, it makes me very happy that people still respond positively to the creature design in 2026."

Credit: Instagram Credit: Instagram

So, what does it all mean? Well so far, there have been no official announcements and this is all speculative. But Glassgold's comments — plus the fact he's been sharing Henderson's recent Siren Head Reels — seem too deliberate to be chalked up to mere coincidence.

Here's hoping the creepypasta-to-movie pipeline gets a telegraph pole-sized extension in the near future.

Disclosure: The author of this text shares the same film/TV representative as Trevor Henderson. All reporting was conducted independently.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 12:39
The best Prime Day earbud deals: Best Apple Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179.99 (save $70) Get Deal Best Bose Deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) $249 (save $50) Get Deal Best workout deal Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $179.95 (save $70.04) Get Deal Best Sony deal Sony LinkBuds Clip $178 (save $51.99) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is here and so are the earbud deals. This year's Prime Day runs June 23 to 26, but the sale was hot before it even began.

The actual start date felt like a bit of a formality after the AirPods Pro 3 hit record low prices twice this week. They even dropped to $169 at Walmart on June 18, knocking $80 off the normal $249 price.

SEE ALSO: A Prime Day Apple deals primer: We're tracking prices on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

Other notable buds, like the Sony XM6 earbuds, second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, and Nothing earbuds, are all on sale. Below, we've rounded up all the best Prime Day earbud deals you can grab right now.

Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 dropped down to a record low price of $179 ahead of Prime Day, but then the price dropped even lower before the sale's official start. According to the price tracker camelcamelcamel, the Pro 3 buds got down to $169 at Amazon, but at the time of writing, that specific deal is gone. Now that Prime Day has officially started, you can still find them for $179.99 and in stock at both Amazon and Best Buy.

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

More noise-cancelling earbuds dealsBest open earbuds deal Sony LinkBuds Clip $178 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $51.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Sony LinkBuds Clip give the ultra-popular Bose Ultra Open earbuds a run for their money. In my head-to-head testing of the two pairs of earbuds, I found that while the Bose buds generally lean louder, the Sony earbuds have a more detailed sound profile, making for an overall superior listening experience. They also have a longer battery life, delivering nine hours per charge, where the Bose earbuds deliver seven. With both earbuds on sale, there's only a 99 cent price discrepancy between the two, but if you don't anticipate using these earbuds in many noisy situations, the Sony earbuds are likely the way to go.

Read our full review of the Sony LinkBuds Clip.

More open earbuds dealsEven more Prime Day earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Lego Speed Champions Ultimate Formula 1 Collectors Pack has raced to its best-ever price for Prime Day — save over $80

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 12:31

SAVE OVER $80: As of June 23, the Lego Speed Champions Ultimate Formula 1 Collector's Pack is on sale at its lowest-ever price of $188.99 for Prime Day. That's $81 off its list price of $269.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego LEGO Speed Champions Ultimate Formula 1 Collector's Pack (66802) $188.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $81   Get Deal

Prime Day deals are starting to drop, and if you're hoping to save on Lego sets during the sale event at Amazon, this is a great time to look for discounts.

It's only the first day, but already we're finding some excellent offers to check out. The Lego Speed Champions Ultimate Formula 1 Collector's Pack (66802) is one of them, which has returned to its lowest-ever price at the retailer for Prime members.

As of June 23, Amazon has slashed the price of this Lego F1 Collector's Pack down to $188.99 for Prime members. That's $81 in savings compared to its list price of $269.99. And since it's never been lower than this price, why not take this opportunity to pick it up?

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best deals to shop

This Lego F1 Collector's Pack is a fun pick-up for an F1 fan. Recommended for adults ages 18 and up, it comes with 2,601 pieces in total that create 10 cars from the 2025 season, each one measuring just over one inch high, eight inches long, and three inches wide. On top of that, it also comes with an exclusive poster that features the full lineup.

This deal won't last for long, though. Act fast to save on the Lego Speed Champions Ultimate Formula 1 Collector's Pack at Amazon during Prime Day.

Looking for even more Lego deals like this one? Check out our roundup of the best Prime Day Lego deals to scoop up even more sets at a discount.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 reasons my small local AI model gets more use than Claude or Gemini

How-To Geek - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 12:30

I have a subscription to Claude and use the free tier of Gemini. Both are incredibly powerful tools that I use on a daily basis, but I also run a small local model on my modest mini PC. I use this local LLM for almost all of my automated tasks, and despite the relative lack of power, it can offer things that Claude and Gemini can't.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $1,300 on the Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max this Prime Day — on sale for $1,699

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 12:29

SAVE $1,300: As of June 23, the Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max portable power station is on sale for $1,699 at Amazon. That's down from $2,999.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max $1,699 at Amazon
$2,999 Save $1,300   Get Deal

Prime Day is finally here, and the Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max portable power station is on sale for $1,699 at Amazon. That’s a $1,300 discount, or 43% off, bringing this home backup power system down to a much more accessible price for outages and emergencies.

The Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max is set up to act more like a fixed home power system than a simple portable backup. It can be connected through a manual transfer setup and is designed to support household-level power needs during outages without a complicated install process.

Once the power goes out, it switches over super quickly — fast enough that everyday devices like laptops or WiFi routers keep running without restarting. That matters if you’re working from home or relying on connected devices that can’t afford sudden shutdowns.

It delivers 120-volt and 240-volt power from a single unit and can expand with extra capacity if needed, so it can handle heavier home use. It also runs quietly, supports multiple ways to recharge, and is built for long-term use with a safety-focused battery design meant for repeated outages and regular backup duty.

Grab the Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max portable power station on Amazon before the grid gets the final say.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Nintendo Switch 2 bundle is leading the way on Prime Day — how to score a free game today

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 12:26

TL;DR: Amazon has the Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle available for $499 on Prime Day. That gets you the Switch 2 console and your choice of a digital copy of Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia — saving you up to $79.99 compared to buying the console and game separately.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle $499 at Amazon
Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Day sale has landed for Nintendo fans. Amazon already has one of the best Switch 2 bundle offers live if you’ve been waiting for a new deal before finally picking up this popular console. 

As of June 23, the Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle is available at Amazon for $499. That price includes the Nintendo Switch 2 and a download code, which can be redeemed for a digital copy of Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia

That last part is important because Amazon’s Switch 2 product page lists a whole mess of extra configurations. Alongside this bundle, you can also see the standard Nintendo Switch 2 system, console and Mario Kart World bundles, console and Donkey Kong Bananza bundles, console and microSD card bundles, or other add-ons. Those aren’t all the same deal; they merely add the extra game or accessories at their standard price, with no discount.

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For this offer, you want to select the "Choose Your Game Bundle," with the configuration set to "Console Only." That may sound counterintuitive, but this is the version that includes the download code insert inside the box. You do not pick Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia on Amazon at checkout.

Instead, after your Switch 2 arrives, you redeem the included "Choose One" code through the Nintendo eShop. From there, you select which of the three games you want to download. 

Mario Kart World costs $79.99 on its own. Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokémon Pokopia are each listed at $69.99 separately, so you’re effectively getting a full Nintendo release bundled in without paying the extra game price. 

Mario Kart World would technically save you the most value in terms of pure price, whichever free game you pick when the time comes depends on your preference. 

Mario Kart World is a fun Mario Kart game and Switch 2 launch showcase all in one, with interconnected courses, Free Roam, 24-driver races, and the Knockout Tour elimination mode. Donkey Kong Bananza is the action-heavy platformer option, built around smashing through underground environments, tearing through terrain, and exploring with DK and his new friend, Pauline. 

Pokémon Pokopia is the surprising critical hit that’s also the cozier choice — letting you play as a human-like Ditto who builds up a new life with Pocket Monster friends. Think of it like a brilliant Pokémon-Animal Crossing hybrid. 

Mashable has also put together a selection of wider Nintendo Switch Prime Day deals — including discounts on preorders for Starfox, controllers, and more as the sale goes on. For Pokemon fans, there are plenty of Pokemon deals we’ve selected for Prime Day as well, from trading cards and Nintendo Switch games to awesome gifts. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

I test e-readers, and Ive found best-ever Kindle deals to shop during Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 12:16
The best Prime Day Kindle deals: Best Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $144.99 (Save $55) Get Deal Best Colorsoft Deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $159.99 (Save $90) Get Deal Best Scribe Deal Amazon Kindle Scribe (32GB) $379.99 (Save $120) Get Deal Best Kids Kindle Deal Kindle Colorsoft Kids $179.99 (Save $90) Get Deal

Testing Kindles and e-readers is my job, but it's also my passion. I use my Kindle Paperwhite every day — unless I'm testing a new e-reader — and it's accompanied me on many a summer adventure. So, while I spend a lot of time convincing Mashable readers to buy my favorite e-readers, I also track the best times to buy an e-reader.

The best time to buy a Kindle is during a big sale, and with Amazon Prime Day 2026 running June 23 to 26, Kindles are back down to record-low prices. Plus, the new Kindle Scribes finally received price drops.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2026

So TL;DR, if you're eyeing a Kindle, now is the time to buy. Here are the very best Kindle deals to shop during Prime Day.

Best Prime Day Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $144.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $55   Get Deal Why we like it

My absolute favorite Prime Day Kindle deal is on the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. It's the e-reader that I use everyday, and it just hit a new all-time low price of $144.99. That makes it cheaper than the Paperwhite at full-price, but it also makes it the same price as the currently on sale Paperwhite without ads.

However, the Signature Edition is far more bang for your buck as it comes with twice the storage, an auto-adjusting front light, and wireless charging. It's an exceptional deal and the device's new lowest-price ever.

Interested in a different Kindle model? Explore all the Kindles on sale during Prime Day.

More Prime Day Kindle deals

Kids Kindles

How do Kindle prices compare to previous sales?

Having tracked prices on Kindles for years, I have a pretty good sense of how much Amazon's e-readers cost during a sale. So how are Kindle deals this Prime Day?

We tracked the prices on the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite over the past four sales to predict this years prices. Credit: Mashable

The Kindle Paperwhite's lowest price ever is $124.99, which the device dropped to during Black Friday, Prime Big Deals Days, and of course, last year's Prime Day. This year it's back down to $124.99. The Signature Edition on the other hand reached a new low of $144.99, just $20 more for a boatload of extra features.

The deal I'm most disappointed in is on the basic Kindle, which previously dropped to $79.99. This Prime Day, it's $5 more for $84.99. New deals this Prime Day include the latest Kindle Scribe and Scribe Colorsoft, both getting their first price drops since being released.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best deals on noise-cancelling headphones for Prime Day — shop Apple, Sony, and Bose

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 12:02
The best Prime Day deals on noise-cancelling headphones: Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM6 $378 (save $81.99) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179.99 (save $69) Get Deal Cheapest option CMF By Nothing Buds 2 $24.50 (save $24.50) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is upon us once more, running June 23 through June 26, and some of our favorite noise-cancelling audio products are marked down to record-low prices.

There are deals on flagship models from Sony, Bose, and Apple. But it's not just the $400+ flagship headphones getting discounts. The mid-range Nothing Headphone (a) are down to $151.05, while one of our budget-friendly favorites, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC, are just $10 away from a record low price.

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

Earbuds have an impressive showing too, with the AirPods Pro 3 down in price, plus markdowns on the newer Sony XM6 buds. You can also pick up the CMF by Nothing Buds 2 for just $24.50, making them the cheapest option on our list.

We'll be updating this guide as the sale continues, so keep checking in for updates.

Best ANC headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 $378 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $81.99   Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony XM6 headphones aren't a must-upgrade if you already own the XM5s — in fact, we find the two quite similar. That said, the XM6 headphones are a much more palatable upgrade at a sub-$400 price range, and bring the added convenience of folding ear cups, which is especially handy if you anticipate using them for travel often (which their excellent ANC does make them a great candidate for). At the time of writing, every color option is discounted, though a few finishes are off by about a dollar, depending on which one you pick.

Read our full review on the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.

More ANC headphones deals Best ANC earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $69.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The AirPods Pro have long been a great choice for any Apple power user, and the third generation of the earbuds is no different. In fact, it fills even more gaps than its predecessors. In addition to its solid sound quality and top notch ANC, these earbuds come in with live translation features, and a built-in heart rate monitor. At their full price, they're already on the cheaper end of premium flagship earbuds, but at $179.99, they're nearly unbeatable value.

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

More earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Ugreen DXP4800 GT NAS review: The perfect NAS

How-To Geek - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 12:00

Ugreen is back with another NAS update, this time to the DXP2800 and DXP4800 line with the new GT series models. Featuring updated processors, 10GbE connectivity, and more, these are some of Ugreen's best NAS systems yet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

House of the Dragon and Calm team up for Kings Landing propaganda

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 11:52

Mindfulness and meditation app Calm has teamed up with the opposite of tranquil, House of the Dragon, for a Season 3-promoting soundscape that sends you into King's Landing. And honestly, it sounds like a pretty chill day for the capital. Suspiciously so.

There are no Game of Thrones-worthy explosions coming from the Great Sept of Baelor, no Battle of the Blackwater hubbub, and no Targaryen queen burning the city to the ground. Even from a House of the Dragon perspective, there's no sound of starving peasants squabbling over scraps, no Aegon II-ordered ratcatcher executions, and no Daemon-ordered violence by Kingsguard on the smallfolk.

Instead, you can hear idle chatter of happy townspeople, sprinkled with tinkering sounds from a local blacksmith, a few Faith of the Seven church bells clanging away. If I were a fiction conspiracy theorist, I'd call this "everything's fine" propaganda straight from the Red Keep. Pay no attention to that blockade, folks! La la la! However, the closer we get to the castle the creepier the sounds get, and by the time we reach the dragon cellars it all gets rather echo-filled and ominous.

With such a pivot, there could be an unexpected use for Calm's soundscape.

"im definitely using this for my dnd campaign as background noise," one commenter on YouTube said. Not a bad idea.

For all things House of the Dragon, Mashable has you covered.

And if you want more of the latest entertainment news, reviews, and interviews, sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

We found the best Apple Watch deals of Prime Day — shop the Series 11 at best-ever price

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 11:50
The best Prime Day Apple Watch deals: Best Apple Watch Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) $279 (save $120) Get Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm) Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm, GPS) $309 (save $120) Get Deal Best Apple Watch SE 3 Deal Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS) $199 (save $50) Get Deal

Warmer weather means more time outside, and when you're in the great outdoors, a fitness tracker or smartwatch helps track all of that activity. Whether you're headed out on a European vacation or have a list of summer hikes to tackle, an Apple Watch is one of our favorite ways to stay connected and track activity. And with Prime Day here again, we're hunting for deals on the popular smartwatch.

Amazon's biggest sale of the year, which runs for four days from June 23 to 26, has only just begun but we've already spotted the Series 11 at a new low price at the retailer, but that's not all. We've gathered up all the Apple Watch deals that deserve a look during Prime Day.

Best Prime Day Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) $279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 has dropped to $279 for Prime Day. That's the lowest-ever price for this model. We rate it as our favorite smartwatch for fitness tracking, and it has an impressive battery. With improved battery life compared to the Series 10, you don't need to charge the watch midday for battery life to last you all night. So if you've been thinking about upgrading, grab it now.

More Prime Day Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 11 dealsApple Watch SE dealsApple Watch Ultra 3 deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Regularly $2,999, the Jackery HomePower 3000 power station is over $1,000 off for Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 11:37

SAVE $1,400: As of June 23, the Jackery HomePower 3000 portable power station with 200W solar panels is on sale for $1,599 at Amazon. That's down from $2,999.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3000 + 200W Solar Panels $1,599 at Amazon
$2,999 Save $1,400   Get Deal

Prime Day has officially kicked off, and one of the bigger deals is on the Jackery HomePower 3000 portable power station with solar panels, now down to $1,599 at Amazon. That’s a $1,400 discount off its usual $2,999 price, or 47% off. It’s a strong drop on a home backup system built for outages, travel, and emergency power.

The Jackery HomePower 3000 portable power station is made to keep everyday essentials running when the power goes out. It can support key appliances like a fridge, lights, WiFi routers, and fans, with enough capacity to keep a household covered for several hours and a refrigerator running for up to a day, depending on usage.

This portable power station switches over almost instantly during an outage, so important devices like security systems, medical equipment, or work calls stay uninterrupted. Its quick response helps keep things stable during sudden storms or unexpected blackouts.

Beyond home backup, it can charge multiple devices at once and works with RV setups as well. It recharges quickly in under two hours using a standard outlet, or can be topped up using solar panels, a car, or a generator, giving you flexible options depending on the situation.

Grab the Jackery HomePower 3000 portable power station with solar panels at Amazon today — before the lights go out on this deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for June 23, 2026

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 11:34

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, June 23, 2026:

AcrossBaseball officials
  • The answer is Umps.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Singer/songwriter Kahan with the 2026 #1 album "The Great Divide"
  • The answer is Noah.

Shade of orangeish pink
  • The answer is Coral.

Voice of the smartphone generation?
  • The answer is Siri.

Partner channel of ABC
  • The answer is ESPN

DownSomeone giving off old guy vibes, in Gen Z slang
  • The answer is Unc.

Tallest animal in North America
  • The answer is Moose.

Setting for "Ratatouille"
  • The answer is Paris.

#, in music
  • The answer is Sharp.

___-Manuel Miranda
  • The answer is Lin.

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for June 23, 2026

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 11:30

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 23, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

  • Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

  • Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

  • Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

  • Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

  • Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 23, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for June 23 Pips

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 1-6, placed

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 4-0, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for June 23 Pips

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 2-4, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 5-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for June 23 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 3-1, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically; 2-1, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 2-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apples iPads are on sale for Prime Day — shop iPads for less than $300

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 11:29
The best Prime Day iPad deals: Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 (Save $50) Get Deal Best iPad Air deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $519.99 (Save $79) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) $899.99 (Save $99.01) Get Deal

Is your summer travel booked? If you're getting ready to jet set or hit the road but don't want to lug your laptop around, then it might be time to consider a tablet. Our favorites for performance and overall value are Apple's iPads. So with Prime Day kicking off and running until June 26, we're looking for the best deals on Apple's tablets.

Prime Day has begun and iPads are already on sale. Don't get too excited, though. While we found deals on every single iPad model, the markdowns are pretty minor. The good news is, if you need an iPad right now, you don’t have to pay full price.

If you need an iPad now, here are the best deals to shop this Prime Day.

Best Prime Day iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

While we love the iPad Air and think it's the best tablet money can buy, the basic iPad with A16 chip is still a stellar tablet. The 11th-generation model is a speedy tablet perfect for streaming, internet browsing, reading, and gaming. It's a great value at full price and even better when on sale.

Right now, get the 11th-generation iPad with A16 chip for just $299, bringing the tablet under $300. It's not the best price on the iPad, but it is just $25 away from its lowest price, so not bad. Need something more advanced? Well, there are more iPad deals on the Air and Pro to explore, too.

More Prime Day iPad Mini dealsMore Prime Day iPad Air dealsMore Prime Day iPad Pro deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Audible is free for Prime Day — how to score an extra $20 credit for free

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 11:25

THREE MONTHS FREE: As of June 23, Prime members can get three months of Audible Standard for free plus a $20 Audible credit. This offer only applies to new customers and runs until July 5.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible: 3 Months Free + $20 Audible Credit   Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Day sale event has officially begun, and already we're spotting some exciting deals. For audiobook lovers, Audible has returned with a Prime Day deal for members, but this time it comes with an added bonus.

Until July 5, Prime members who are new customers to Audible can score three months of Audible for free plus get a $20 Audible credit. That's a fantastic way to test out the service and get an additional credit to put towards an audiobook of your choosing (though keep in mind the credit expires on August 31).

And if you're not a Prime member, don't worry: Audible's also offering a slightly different variation of this deal that offers three months for $0.99 per month plus the $20 credit. For both of these deals, the plan will auto-renew at $8.99 per month once the three months is up (you can cancel this at anytime).

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best deals to shop

This offer is a little bit different to what we're used to seeing over Prime Day. Before, Audible's deal included the Premium Plus plan, but this new offer focuses on the Standard plan. Under this option, you'll be able to select one audiobook a month to listen to that you keep as long as you're a member. With Premium Plus, you get to keep audiobooks that are bought with a credit, even if you cancel. With this in mind, it actually makes a deal like this even more appealing. You can test out the plan for free for three months and see if it works for you or not.

In general, I think Audible is absolutely worth having. I've been using it for a few years now (I actually took advantage of a Prime Day deal to try it out), and have really loved the books I've been able to tick off my list. Not too long ago I enjoyed Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary, which is exceptionally narrated by Ray Porter, and highly recommend as a first read if you're searching for an audiobook to start with.

This deal only lasts until July 5, so act fast to get three months of Audible for free plus a $20 Audible credit if you're a Prime member.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 23, 2026

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 11:12

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know college football.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports 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 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 before 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Baseball group

  • Green: Indirect movement

  • Blue: Sports locations

  • Purple: Same last letter

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: AL Central teams

  • Green: Deflection off a surface

  • Blue: Big Ten football stadiums

  • Purple: Ends in a silent T

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: Sports Edition #638 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • AL Central teams: CHICAGO, DETROIT, KANSAS CITY, MINNESOTA

  • Deflection off a surface: BOUNCE, CAROM, GLANCE, RICOCHET

  • Big Ten football stadiums: AUTZEN, CAMP RANDALL, KINNICK, MICHIGAN

  • Ends in a silent T: CROQUET, DEBUT, GARRETT CROCHET, RUDY GOBERT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections 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.

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 yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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