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The best Nintendo Switch deals on Prime Day: Last day discounts on the Switch 2 and eShop credit

Mashable - 11 hours 43 min ago
The best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals: Best Nintendo Switch Deal Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle $499 at Amazon (save $29.99) Get Deal Best Nintendo Switch game deal Star Fox $49.94 at Amazon (Save $10.04) Get Deal Best Nintendo Switch accessory deal 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller $51.29 at Amazon (Save $18.71) Get Deal Best Nintendo eShop deal $50 eGift Cards (4-Pack) $169.99 (save $10) Get Deal

We've made it to Day 3 of Amazon Prime Day, and there are plenty of deals on offer for anyone with a Nintendo Switch on their wishlist. Several of our favorite Switch and Switch 2 games and accessories are discounted right now, with more to come.

The four-day sale kicked off with a wide selection of goodies to claim, including a bundle with the actual console itself. The Switch 2 turns 1 this month and is set for a price increase to $499.99 on Sept. 1 rather than a cut, so grabbing a bundle now is your best window to beat the hike. Otherwise, the real savings you'll find right now are on games and accessories.

Ready to shop? We've curated the best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals here for you to add to your cart right now. We'll keep this guide updated as the sale goes on, so keep checking back to find the best Switch and Switch 2 discounts like the ones below.

You can also visit our Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest updates and price drops or our live blog for the most up-to-date deals, news, and stock alerts.

Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deal Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle $499 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

While technically not a "deal" in the sense that you'll save money for Prime Day, this bundle is a good way to pick up both a Nintendo Switch 2 and the game of your choice out of a decent selection. You get the console itself, Joy-Con controllers, and games like Pokémon Pokopia, Mario Kart World, and Donkey Kong Bananza with the bundle, so you can get started playing right away. With a 7.9-inch LCD touch screen, three play modes, and backward compatibility with most Nintendo Switch titles, it's well worth picking up, especially given the price hike coming in September.

Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Star Fox $49.94 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $10.05   Get Deal Why we like it

This remake of the Nintendo classic is out this week, and you can go ahead and save on it before its release. Fly through space on a fast and furious adventure with Fox, Slippy, Peppy, and Falco as you experience this new take on the Star Fox 64 story. It has new fully-voiced dialogue, a new orchestral soundtrack, and completely new graphics for a whole new generation. You can also invite a second player to join you on your adventures.

Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller $51.28 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $18.71   Get Deal Why we like it

This Pro Controller alternative is much cheaper at the moment, and it'll get the job done with style and panache. It has special joysticks with better precision, higher sensitivity, and improved durability, so no matter what game you're into, you know it'll feel great to play. It also features an integrated charging dock so you can always stay charged up, no matter what kind of schedule you keep. Plus, it has a slew of customizable features you can change up for different games, offering a much more bombastic experience than a Joy-Con controller.

Best Prime Day Nintendo eShop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo $50 eGift Cards (4-Pack) $169.99 at Costco
$179.99 Save $10   Get Deal Why we like it

If you plan to buy games directly from the Nintendo eShop for your Switch or Switch 2, you might as well get free money to do so. Costco has a multi-pack of four $50 eCash codes on sale for $169.99, down from its usual $179.99 price tag. That gives you a total value of $200 to spend on digital downloads, saving you $30 on your future gaming purchases.

More Nintendo Switch deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best PlayStation deals to grab during Prime Day — NBA 2K26 down to an all-time low price

Mashable - 11 hours 44 min ago

Amazon’s latest Prime Day sale is going strong, steadily building up to several days of huge deals on appliances, gadgets, and of course, offers on PS5 games, accessories, consoles, and more.

Amazon and third-party sellers have been dropping plenty of deals to save you cash for the duration of the event. The key thing to keep in mind when it comes to shopping for PlayStation is that there can be a lot of price drops on off-brand products to sift through. Luckily, Mashable has done that on your behalf — and will keep doing so throughout the sale.

Whether you're shopping for a new DualSense controller, a discounted PlayStation 5 game, or even a PS5 console bundle when a rare price drop appears, Mashable has scoured the site and cherry-picked the best deals live right now.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2026 live: We're vetting the latest Amazon deals in real-time Best PlayStation deal Opens in a new window Credit: 2K Store 'NBA 2K26' (PlayStation 5) $19.93 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $50.06   Get Deal Why we like it

NBA 2K26 has already had a massive price drop ahead of Prime Day — this is easily one of the best game deals live right now. Originally launched at $69.99, the new and sealed Standard Edition is now available for just $19.93, taking over $50 off the list price less than a year after release. That's its lowest-ever price, according to Camelcamelcamel.

NBA 2K26 brings back MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now, with ProPLAY technology used to translate real NBA footage into more realistic movement, dribbling, crossovers, and on-court action.

As expected with annualized sports games, the next in the series is expected to hit consoles later this year. If you’ve not had the chance to play NBA 2K26 yet, now is the perfect time to catch up while we wait for news on the next full-price installment.

PS5 game dealsPS4 game dealsAccessories and gadget deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Prime Day Fitbit deals are live now — Shop the Charge 6, Inspire 3, and more

Mashable - 11 hours 46 min ago
The best Prime Day Fitbit deals at a glance: Best deal overall Fitbit Charge 6 $85.45 (save $74) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Fitbit Versa 4 $124.45 (save $50) Get Deal Best budget deal Fitbit Inspire 3 $66.45 (save $33.50) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Day sale is now in full swing and is set to end on June 26. That's not to say you have to rush to get your bargains but you don't want to miss out as deals go out of stock, something that often happens during these major shopping events.

If you're looking to improve your overall fitness and set personal goals (while also saving a few dollars), we recommend checking out the Prime Day deals on Fitbits right now. Some of the discounted Fitbits are currently available at all-time low prices, including the Charge 6.

Here are the best Prime Day Fitbit deals you can shop right now:

Best deal overall Fitbit Charge 6 $85.45 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $74.50   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Fitbit Charge 6 isn't the newest Fitbit on the market, but it still has (almost) everything you'd need in a smart wearable. (I say almost because the Fitbit Charge 6 doesn't have an altimeter, but if you're not a trail runner, this probably isn't a deal breaker.)

The Charge 6 tracks your calories, steps, sleep, heart rate, and more. It also has built-in GPS, 40+ exercise modes, a seven-day battery life, and includes a three-month Google Health Premium (formerly Fitbit Premium) membership. Once the three months are up, you'll need to either cancel or renew for $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.

Right now, you can get the Fitbit Charge 6 for $84.45 at Amazon. This is the lowest price we've tracked on this model since its release in 2023.

Runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $124.45
$199.95 Save $75.50   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're willing to spend a little bit more, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $124.45. This isn't the lowest price we've seen (it was $104.96 in April 2024), but it's still a pretty good deal.

Unlike the Charge 6, the Versa 4 has an altimeter and Bluetooth wrist calling. So, if you're looking for a wearable that acts more like a smartwatch, the Versa 4 might be the better buy. That said, it doesn't have the more "serious" health sensor that the Charge 6 does (e.g., ECG and EDA).

The Versa 4 also comes with three months of Google Health Premium.

Best budget deal Fitbit Inspire 3 $66.45 at Walmart
$89.95 Save $23.50   Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you're just looking for something that's affordable and efficient, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is your best option at $66.45.

It's a no-frills fitness tracker that'll give you the basic features you need to stay on top of your health. It can track your heart rate, steps, and stress levels. (It also offers menstrual health tracking, which is nice.)

You'll also get 10 full days of battery life and, like the other models mentioned above, three free months of Google Health Premium.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I test vacuums professionally and found the 10+ best live deals on Prime Day

Mashable - 11 hours 47 min ago
The best deals on vacuums on Prime Day: Best self-emptying cordless vacuum deal Shark PowerDetect Speed — Luxe Collection $399.99 (save $100 at SharkNinja) Get Deal Best Dyson vacuum deal Dyson V12 Detect Slim $479.99 (save $250 at Dyson) Get Deal Best budget robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $599.99 at Eufy (save $300 at Amazon) Get Deal Best robot vacuum on sale overall Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,344.99 (save $355 at Amazon) Get Deal

As someone who tests new vacuums every month, I could easily make a case for why robot vacuums are better or why cordless vacuums are better. If you're having trouble deciding, my ultimate advice is always just to get both — I promise there are budget-friendly ways to do so, especially when so many good vacuums are on sale for Prime Day.

Note: Items that are struck through are either out of stock or no longer discounted. We're actively tracking inventory and updating prices throughout the day.

Should I get a robot vacuum or stick vacuum?

A robot vacuum is the way to go if you know, deep down, that the only way your home will be vacuumed every day is if a robot does it. A cordless vacuum is the way to go if you're picky about cleanliness and find the chore to be cathartic rather than tedious. If you feel passionately about one side, there are plenty of deals on splurge-worthy vacuums that I've tested like the Dyson V15 Detect Extra or Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete.

But most people can probably see themselves wanting access to both types of vacuums, depending on how busy their day is. In that case, I'd recommend splitting your vacuum budget. Instead of spending $700 to $1,000 on one really nice vacuum, you could buy a budget-friendly stick vacuum like the $249.99 Shark Clean & Empty and a budget-friendly robot vacuum like the $349.99 Dreame D30 Ultra CE. Both are still incredibly powerful for their price, and there will be a ton of mix-and-match options as more vacuum deals pop up through the end of Prime Day on June 26.

Best cordless vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark PowerDetect Speed — Luxe Collection $399.99 at SharkNinja
$499.99 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

For years, we've been conditioned to shove ugly vacuums into closets when not in use — or let the plasticky gray or black designs sit out in the living space, regardless of how badly they clash with our decor. That changed when Shark released its Luxe Collection at the beginning of June. Its powerful self-emptying PowerDetect Speed stick vacuum now comes in four chic earth tones: Oatstone, Harbor Slate, Walnut, and Sagewood. They're all $100 off at SharkNinja.

The Sagewood vacuum matches my jewel-toned living room deliciously. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable If I'm going to let a vacuum be this visible, it needs to be this pretty. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Not only are these Shark PowerDetect Speed models the prettiest vacuums I've ever seen, but the Shark PowerDetect Speed is the best cordless vacuum for pet hair on carpet that I've ever tested. The suction power is palpable in your hand, but it's not so intense that the vacuum gets jammed on carpet. All debris is automatically emptied into the storage dock each time you hang it up, so your next cleaning session will always start with a clean slate. You'll easily be able to see just how much gunk was sucked up from each room, specifically.

More cordless stick vacuums on saleSelf-emptying cordless vacuums SEE ALSO: Dyson V12 Detect Slim review: A stick vacuum with a laser is a humbling experience. Everyone needs one Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $599.99 at Eufy
$799.99 Save $200   Get Deal at Eufy Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

I tested and loved the Eufy C28 when it came out in February 2026. And I have a feeling it'll remain one of my most recommended robot vacuum and mop combos for the next year or so.

The Eufy C28 is probably the most affordable roller mop robot vacuum you'll find, and easily the most heavy-duty mopping robot vacuum out there this season. The fluffy roller spans the entire bottom of the vacuum and rinses itself with fresh water as it's mopping, making it a far more reliable choice for soaking up large liquid spills (without smearing them around) than other cheap mopping robot vacuums. Its self-emptying dock also washes and dries the mop after each cleaning, so it's easier to forgive how painfully loud it is.

More robot vacuums on saleBudget robot vacuum and mop combos on saleRobot vacuums that don't mop
Categories: IT General, Technology

40+ Prime Day travel deals up to 40% off: Suitcases, personal fans, portable chargers, and lots more

Mashable - 11 hours 49 min ago

Planning to get away this summer? Amazon Prime Day is the perfect excuse to stock up on travel accessories. You've still got another full day to shop — the sale concludes at the EOD on June 26 — and there are plenty of deals still going strong on luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, portable chargers, and other travel essentials.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your suitcase, in-flight entertainment, or anything else to get you through your upcoming trip, there's a deal for you. And we've rounded up some of the best ones we could find below.

Check out the best live Prime Day travel deals, hand-picked by a frequent flyer.

Best luggage deal Opens in a new window Credit: Away Away 26-inch Medium Checked Hardside Suitcase (Amazon Exclusive) $276 at Amazon
$345 Save $69   Get Deal Why we like it

Away luggage is stylish, durable, and notoriously expensive. So, we were thrilled to see a 20% price drop on some Amazon-exclusive colorways like palm green and sky blue. The 26-inch medium checked suitcase features a sturdy hardshell, 360-degree spinner wheels, enough space for up to two weeks of travel, a patented dual-buckle compression panel, a water-resistant drawstring laundry bag, and a TSA-accepted combination lock. Plus, it comes with a lifetime care warranty.

More luggage dealsBest portable charger deal Opens in a new window Credit: Belkin Belkin BoostCharge 10K power bank $18 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $11.99   Get Deal Why we like it

There are plenty of great portable charger deals for Prime Day, and honestly, you could pick just about any option from Belkin or Anker and be in good shape. This Belkin BoostCharge power bank has a 40% discount, however, which knocks the price down below $20. It has two USB-A ports and one USB-C port and includes a USB-A to USB-C cable for your charging needs.

More portable charger dealsBest personal fan deal Opens in a new window Credit: JISULIFE JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Handheld Mini Fan $11.70 at Amazon
$17.99 Save $6.29   Get Deal Why we like it

With heat waves across time zones and unpredictable transportation situations, you never know when a personal fan might come in handy — on a packed Tube ride, on a crowded flight, or in an Airbnb without AC. I grabbed this tiny treasure last spring before heading abroad and can't recommend it enough. It's already pretty cheap on a regular day, but it's just $11.70 on Prime Day.

More personal fan dealsBest noise-cancelling 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 WH-1000XM6 are some of our favorite noise-cancelling headphones for flying. They offer excellent ANC, even better sound quality, and the convenience of folding ear cups for travel. Every color option is discounted to $378 (their lowest price ever), but I personally love the sand pink.

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

More noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds dealsOther travel accessories deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

40+ Prime Day travel deals up to 40% off: Suitcases, personal fans, portable chargers, and more

Mashable - 12 hours 56 min ago

Planning to get away this summer? Amazon Prime Day is the perfect excuse to stock up on travel accessories. You've still got another full day to shop — the sale concludes at the EOD on June 26 — and there are plenty of deals still going strong on luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, portable chargers, and other travel essentials.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your suitcase, in-flight entertainment, or anything else to get you through your upcoming trip, there's a deal for you. And we've rounded up some of the best ones we could find below.

Check out the best live Prime Day travel deals, hand-picked by a frequent flyer.

Best luggage deal Opens in a new window Credit: Away Away 26-inch Medium Checked Hardside Suitcase (Amazon Exclusive) $276 at Amazon
$345 Save $69   Get Deal Why we like it

Away luggage is stylish, durable, and notoriously expensive. So, we were thrilled to see a 20% price drop on some Amazon-exclusive colorways like palm green and sky blue. The 26-inch medium checked suitcase features a sturdy hardshell, 360-degree spinner wheels, enough space for up to two weeks of travel, a patented dual-buckle compression panel, a water-resistant drawstring laundry bag, and a TSA-accepted combination lock. Plus, it comes with a lifetime care warranty.

More luggage dealsBest portable charger deal Opens in a new window Credit: Belkin Belkin BoostCharge 10K power bank $18 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $11.99   Get Deal Why we like it

There are plenty of great portable charger deals for Prime Day, and honestly, you could pick just about any option from Belkin or Anker and be in good shape. This Belkin BoostCharge power bank has a 40% discount, however, which knocks the price down below $20. It has two USB-A ports and one USB-C port and includes a USB-A to USB-C cable for your charging needs.

More portable charger dealsBest personal fan deal Opens in a new window Credit: JISULIFE JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Handheld Mini Fan $11.70 at Amazon
$17.99 Save $6.29   Get Deal Why we like it

With heat waves across time zones and unpredictable transportation situations, you never know when a personal fan might come in handy — on a packed Tube ride, on a crowded flight, or in an Airbnb without AC. I grabbed this tiny treasure last spring before heading abroad and can't recommend it enough. It's already pretty cheap on a regular day, but it's just $11.70 on Prime Day.

More personal fan dealsBest noise-cancelling 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 WH-1000XM6 are some of our favorite noise-cancelling headphones for flying. They offer excellent ANC, even better sound quality, and the convenience of folding ear cups for travel. Every color option is discounted to $378 (their lowest price ever), but I personally love the sand pink.

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

More noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds dealsOther travel accessories deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

These are Sidney Razs content essentials after nearly 20 years as a creator

Mashable - 13 hours 26 min ago

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

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

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

iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Strengthen Your Strategy Amid AI Disruption 

Havard Management Tip of the Day - 13 hours 55 min ago

This week we’re sharing Management Tips based on HBR Executive Live events from the past year. Learn more about the HBR Executive subscription here.  How are chief strategy officers planning for the long term in an era shaped by AI-driven disruption? At HBR’s inaugural Strategy Summit, Sherry Sanger of Penske Transportation Solutions, Jennifer Moll of DTEX Systems, and Maran Nalluswami […]

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Categories: Management

Hurdle hints and answers for June 26, 2026

Mashable - 13 hours 56 min ago

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Cousin.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

PRIMO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Restore.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 26, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

UNBAN

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Detector.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 26, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

RADAR

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Eight.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

OCTAL

Final Hurdle hint

Carbonated.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

FIZZY

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

VidCon Hall of Fame awards get emotional as Markiplier, pioneers accept awards

Mashable - 13 hours 58 min ago

When Markiplier, Michelle Phan, Philip DeFranco, and Cassey Ho uploaded their first videos, there was no such thing as the creator economy.

There were no playbooks, no billion-dollar industry built around online creators, and no guarantee that uploading videos to YouTube could become a career.

On Thursday, VidCon welcomed all four into its Hall of Fame, honoring creators whose careers helped shape YouTube and, in many ways, the internet itself.

SEE ALSO: The future of the creator economy isn't about going viral

The ceremony celebrated pioneers whose influence stretches back to YouTube's earliest years, when becoming a "creator" wasn't a profession but an experiment. Looking back, each inductee reflected more on the communities they built and the creative risks they took when no roadmap existed than on subscriber milestones or business success.

"I started in a dorm room 20 years ago, lost, looking for community, trying to figure things out," Philip DeFranco told the audience. "Everything's changed over the last 20 years, but the mission has stayed the same."

That mission, he said, remains simple: "Find your people, foster your community, try and figure out the world together, and, if you can, try and make it a little bit better, and always give more than you take in."

Michelle Phan reflected on how unlikely her own journey once seemed. What began with a single makeup tutorial in 2007 grew into one of YouTube's first beauty empires and helped redefine the relationship between creators, entrepreneurship, and the beauty industry.

"It really started with one video," Phan said. "Don't ever be afraid to put yourself out there, because you never know. One video can change your entire life."

For Cassey Ho, whose Blogilates videos introduced millions to at-home workouts before fitness creators became a category of their own, the moment was a chance to reflect on how unconventional her career once seemed.

"As an Asian American raised by immigrant parents, my only career choices were to be a doctor, a lawyer, or a failure," Ho joked. "But somehow I ended up becoming a YouTuber."

That YouTube career, she said, eventually led her back to her childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer and entrepreneur.

The night's most emotional speech came from Markiplier, who admitted he hadn't attended VidCon in years.

Standing on a stage where he once encouraged aspiring creators to chase their own ideas, he became visibly emotional, recalling the number of people backstage who told him they had started creating because of his videos.

"It means so much more because backstage, so many people said they started their careers watching my stuff," he said. "All I've ever wanted to do is just make things."

He closed with a message to the next generation of creators.

"It means a lot to still be able to make stuff and try new things," he said. "I hope that all of you recognize in this audience and anyone who's out there watching this, you've got the chance to make something, and there's still a lot of opportunity to do it. There are still a lot of new things to try. Anyone out there who wants to make something, please do."

In many ways, that sentiment captured the spirit of the evening.

None of the inductees talked about the creator economy as it exists today. Instead, they spoke about finding community, taking creative risks, and making something they believed in before there was any guarantee that doing so could become a career.

It's easy to forget now — at a convention filled with executives, AI startups, and conversations about the future of the creator economy — that when these four creators pressed upload for the first time, none of that infrastructure existed. They were simply trying to make something worth sharing.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

If 15% off doesnt feel like a real discount, these products are 50% off for Prime Day: Keurig, Sony, more

Mashable - 14 hours 56 min ago
A quick look at the top 50% off Prime Day deals Amazon 43-inch Omni QLED 4K Fire TV $219.99 at Amazon (save $220) Get Deal Canon Pixma TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer $54.00 at Amazon (save $53.99) Get Deal Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Headphones $198.00 at Amazon (save $201.99) Get Deal

If you ask Google how many Prime Day deals there are, it'll tell you that the number is in the millions. We've managed to pull out the best 150-ish Amazon deals that are seriously worth your time — but if even that number feels overwhelming, there are a few ways to further narrow that list real quick.

We already compiled a list of some big-brand products sitting at record-low prices. Now, we're grouping together a few of the most popular products across the board that are 50% off or more. We'll be adding to this list throughout the last day of Prime Day on June 26, so check back to see if anything new and noteworthy pops up.

A 43-inch Amazon QLED Fire TV Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 43-inch Amazon Omni QLED TV $219.99 at Amazon
$439.99 Save $220   Get Deal

To keep it real with you, Amazon is letting brands like Hisense and TCL completely steal the spotlight when it comes to Prime Day TV deals. There aren't many cases in which an Amazon-branded Fire TV has the highest-value discount, but this 43-inch version of Amazon's Omni QLED line is one exception.

A wireless Canon printer Canon Pixma TS4320 Wireless Printer $54 at Amazon
$107.99 Save $53.99   Get Deal at Amazon

There's no excuse to be a printer-less adult when one of Canon's wireless printers is just $54. The Canon Pixma TS4320 inkjet printer can print in color, scan, and copy, and most reviews note that it's a solid home office addition.

Some of Sony's best noise-canceling headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones $198 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $201.99   Get Deal

Deciding between the Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6? Let's make it easy: Buying two pairs of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $198 each would cost nearly the same amount as a single pair of WH-1000XM6 headphones (on sale for $378). Unless you fly super regularly, there's little reason to not opt for the top-notch Sony WH-1000XM5s at this new record-low price.

A cute, compact Keurig Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Mini $49
$99.99 Save $50.99   Get Deal

Almost every Keurig is on sale for Prime Day, with most of the discounts hitting above 40% off. But we're partial to the K-Mini deal, and not just because it's so compact and cute. You'll get a $99.99 K-Cup coffee maker for just $49, and it comes in a few colors.

A cordless wet-dry vacuum Opens in a new window Credit: Tineco Tineco Floor ONE Switch S6 Stretch Wet Dry Vacuum $399 at Amazon
$799 Save $400   Get Deal

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on June 26

Mashable - 15 hours 3 min ago

We're just a few days away from the Full Moon, which means a big chunk of its surface is lit up and easy to see. If you want to do some moon-gazing, we're at a prime time in the lunar cycle.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, June 26, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. Tonight, 88% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

You don't need any visual aids tonight to see features on the Moon's surface. In fact, without anything you'll see the Mares Crisium and Imbrium, as well as the Copernicus Crater. With binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Clavius Crater, Apennine Mountains, and the Alps Mountains. Finally, if you have a telescope, this will help you see all this plus the Rima Ariadaeus, the Fra Mauro Highlands, and the Apollo 17 landing spot

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on June 29.

What are Moon phases?

NASA explains that the Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to circle Earth once, passing through eight distinct phases during that time. Even though we always see the same side of the Moon, the portion illuminated by the Sun shifts as it moves in its orbit. This changing angle of sunlight is what makes the Moon look different throughout the month, from thin crescents to half-lit shapes and eventually a fully illuminated Full Moon. The continual progression through these stages is called the lunar cycle.

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Streaming services like Tubi are recruiting creators like Hollywood once recruited actors

Mashable - 15 hours 30 min ago

Are content creators the future streaming stars? Tubi is betting on it.

The ad-supported streaming platform, which allows subscribers to stream movies and TV for free, has been expanding its library with shows from content creators like podcaster CelinaSpookyBoo, food critic Keith Lee, and comedians KevOnstage (Kevin Fredricks) and Bigg Jah.

At VidCon 2026, Jess Borison, senior manager of creator partnerships at Tubi, gave a talk on the Creator Mainstage, Inside Tubi’s Creatorverse: A Roadmap for Creators, and Mashable was there.

Here are the big takeaways from the panel.

What does Tubi want from content creators? At VidCon 2026, Jess Borison presents "Inside Tubi’s Creatorverse: A Roadmap for Creators." Credit: Kristy Puchko/ Mashable

Borison began by explaining Tubi's goal to keep "fandom at the forefront." She noted that the streamer has been greatly expanding into the creator space, launching 40 exclusives over the last year. Plus, she noted that 30% of Tubi's audience isn't on YouTube, giving content creators an opportunity to expand their reach through Tubi.

But what is Tubi looking for in content creator collaboration? Borison brought a checklist.

SEE ALSO: VidCon 2026: Live updates from the internet's biggest weekend 1. Content Fit: Lean into proven genres that resonate with Tubi fandom

Tubi has a vast library of movies and TV shows. So, creators who are working within genres that align with the most popular verticals could be of interest to the streamer. Borison told the audience that among the most-watched genres on Tubi are true crime, horror, comedy, Black entertainment, adult animation, reality challenges, dating, and young adult content.

As an example, Borison noted that horror is very popular on Tubi. So CelinaSpookyBoo, who loves a scary story or a haunted house, was a perfect fit, as was Bloodsuckers: Origins, a YA vampire show from Rock Squad.

2. Package Library: Deliver non-exclusive content. Think in seasons, evergreen, episodic, and/or bingeable.

Some content creators are licensing their pre-existing content to Tubi, such as MeatEater, the YouTube series by writer and TV personality Steven Rinella about hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventures. 13 seasons are now available on Tubi, and Borison says audiences, on average, watch it for 4 and a half hours at a time.

In the Q&A portion of the presentation, she expanded on Tubi's interest in long-form content, noting that it favors at least 10 episodes with a runtime of 15 minutes or longer. Binge-watching is big on Tubi. So, creators looking to work with them should consider which parts of their library could carry over and give a new audience the chance to indulge.

3. Develop exclusive content At VidCon 2026, Jess Borison presents "Inside Tubi’s Creatorverse: A Roadmap for Creators." Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable

Tubi is also interested in creator-made content exclusive to its platform. In June, Deadline reported Tubi had signed their "most expansive creator partnership to date" with Kevin Fredericks (aka KevOnStage).

Borison enthusiastically shared that, in addition to a second season of the Fredericks' Tubi original series Safe Space, he's also working on comedy specials and a movie with the streamer.

4. Community Engagement: Share with your fans

One attendee asked whether Tubi has a threshold for the number of followers a creator must have to be considered for licensing.

Borison answered, "We're not necessarily looking for a specific subscriber count. We're more looking at portability. Will your audience travel to watch anything you do? Are they coming to live shows? Are they buying merch? Are they engaged with everything you do, and will they be excited to watch more content in a different space?"

To that end, she commended Tubi stars Big Jahh, KevOnStage, and Keith Lee, who use their social platforms to point their existing fans to their shows on Tubi. Plus, Borison noted that creators have a financial investment in their shows doing well on the streamer. As the financial agreement, "It's standard, it's 50/50 rev share across the board."

With all this info, some in the crowd were ready to get into business with Tubi. But it's not as simple as signing up for an account, like YouTube.

Borison explained, "We work often with a lot of distributors, who will give us content if they have distribution deals with creators on their own. They can provide your content to us, we can review it, and if it makes sense, we can work through them. You can also go direct, and we'll take a look at your content. If the fandom works, if the audience feels right for our TV audiences, then we would set you up with our portal team to get you all ready to go for the TV platform."

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

How creators are foregoing brand deals to launch their own product lines

Mashable - 15 hours 48 min ago

In 2026, fans increasingly understand that content creators aren't just influencers — they're small businesses.

A growing number of creators are taking that role a step further, launching businesses complete with their own product lines, from clothing lines to candy bars. Creators and industry leaders discussed the shift during a Thursday discussion at VidCon 2026, "Product vs. Content: Why the Smartest Creator Businesses are Shifting the Center of Gravity."

Benefits for creators launching their own products include a diminished reliance on brand deals with companies that don't understand a creator's audience as intimately, moderator Yak Gertmenian said. Gertmenian is the leader of creator innovation at influencer marketing company Influential.

SEE ALSO: VidCon 2026: Live updates from the internet's biggest weekend

"One of the biggest challenges, and I know everyone's had this if you're a creator, is getting a brand who says, 'Okay, here are the dos and don'ts,' and then after the twelve pages of dos and don'ts, then 'This is exactly what I want you to do,'" Gertmenian said. "'Write this and do this and do this and do this.'"

If a creator follows through with an ill-fitting brand deal or copy, the results can be obvious: "The audience looks at it and goes, 'That doesn't fit at all with what I was expecting,'" Gertmenian said. "And then the brand doesn't look good, the creator's frustrated, the audience is frustrated."

With that in mind, panelists talked about the do's, don'ts, and adjusted expectations required when launching a product.

Low sales from a launch doesn't equal failure

Amy Roberts is the creative director and host for the YouTube channel Style Theory, which has 2.77 million subscribers, and the manager of business development for Team Theorist. She spoke about what to expect from sales during an initial product launch.

" When we think about sales, and we see what the top of the top of the top of creators can sell, a lot of people think, 'I have to sell a million dollars in my first round of merchandise that I put out.' And in reality, you might sell ten thousand, and that is a success," she said.

Roberts went on to explain that success isn't just about achieving your more realistic expectations, but understanding customer data, and using that to inform your next product release.

" It's about setting those goals that you know you can meet and then seeing what works, seeing what didn't, and then setting the goal for the next one."

Having an audience is not the same as having a customer base

" When we think about it from a creative perspective, there's a mindset shift in realizing that audience and followers are not necessarily the same as customers," Gertmenian said.

Jordan Gold, professional musician and co-founder of the Magic Puzzle Company, added that a vocal audience does not necessarily translate to a vocal consumer base.

" Good customers are mostly just quiet," he said.

SEE ALSO: VidCon 2026 is this week. Here are 7 things to watch.

That said, getting data from your audience and would-be customers doesn't always require a creator to front the cost.

" You should also try a collab," said Megan Lightcap, a partner at Slow Ventures. "The brand is fronting all of the expense. Creators have, like, the best focus group in the world, and you can just really quickly tell what people are buying and what they aren't buying. And if it doesn't work, it's on the brand."

The product is just a new line of the business

Lightcap talked about how creators can become overwhelmed after starting a business, struggling to know the best way to allocate their time between creating content, product development, and customer service. Her solution? Reframing how content and products may coexist.

"The more that [creators] can think about it truly as different business lines within a larger corporation, it removes at least that mental load of, 'I'm ignoring this, so I need to focus on that and vice versa,'" she said.

Delegate, delegate, delegate

Creators can get used to doing it all themselves — more often than not, that's how they built their initial content creation business.

" Realizing where you don't need to spend your time is the hardest skill for most creators to learn, but it's one of the most important, especially if you want to expand into a business," Roberts said.

Where AI fits in

Gertmenian also brought up AI, noting that it is part of any business's considerations these days. All of the panelists talked about its utility when it came to understanding customer data.

When Gold launched his Kickstarter for the Magic Puzzle Company in 2020, his company received over 63,000 backers in one month, he said, with many folks emailing in. He said if he and his staff spent their full work week just answering emails, it would take at least a year.

" Now you can take all that and get a little chatbot that goes, 'Oh, here's your emails that you got this week, and here's what most people are saying,'" he said.

SEE ALSO: Can AI level the playing field for working class content creators?

Roberts echoed the benefits of using AI for data, while clearly noting that Team Theorist doesn't use it for creative work.

" We very specifically don't use it to create things that weren't there before. We work with all of our different artists, we work with a whole team of people to create really cool stuff," she said. "But when it comes to data mining, even our team, who are our data miners, can use it as a tool to help get through things faster and help us understand it quicker."

That speed, Lightcap chimed in, can make a huge difference.

" One of the things that surprises creators, I think, when they get into this journey, is just how long everything takes and how much money it takes, right? Because you're relying on other people. They have to have, you know, their flow or whatever. With AI, it sort of...releases that pressure valve a little bit," Lightcap said.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 26, 2026

Mashable - 15 hours 56 min ago

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you watch 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: Indiana

  • Green: Golf brands

  • Blue: New coach

  • Purple: American goalies

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Indiana Colleges

  • Green: Golf Equipment Brands

  • Blue: First-year NFL Head Coaches

  • Purple: USMNT World Cup Goalkeepers

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 #641 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • Indiana Colleges: BUTLER, INDIANA, NOTRE DAME, PURDUE

  • Golf Equipment Brands: CALLAWAY, PING, PXG, TITLEIST

  • First-year NFL Head Coaches: BRADY, HAFLEY, MINTER, MONKEN

  • USMNT World Cup Goalkeepers: FREESE, FRIEDEL, HOWARD, MEOLA

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

NYT Pips hints, answers for June 26, 2026

Mashable - 15 hours 56 min ago

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 26, 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 26, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for June 26 Pips

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for June 26 Pips

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 0-2, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for June 26 Pips

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.

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

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.

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

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 1-0, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (13): Everything in this space must add up to 13. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically.

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

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 0-4, 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

The founder of E! says Hollywood is still making content for the wrong screen

Mashable - 16 hours 48 min ago

When Larry Namer co-founded E! Entertainment Television in 1987, the future of entertainment looked a lot like cable. Nearly four decades later, he thinks it looks like a smartphone held upright.

Speaking at VidCon 2026, the television executive behind one of pop culture's most recognizable brands made a simple argument: the entertainment industry has a habit of clinging to old formats long after audiences have moved on. Whether it's cable, streaming, AI, or vertical video, Namer argues that entertainment has always rewarded companies willing to follow audience behavior rather than trying to change it.

SEE ALSO: VidCon 2026: Live updates from the internet's biggest weekend

"I think storytelling is storytelling," Namer said. "It's just the technology for delivering that story...is very different. Audience behavior is very different."

That philosophy has shaped much of his career. Today, it's leading him to make a prediction that still feels radical in much of Hollywood — by 2030, vertical, short-form video will become the primary way people consume entertainment.

His reasoning isn't based on trends or hype. It's based on habit.

Namer recalled producing a celebrity news show in China and discovering that nearly three-quarters of the audience watched it on a phone or tablet. The realization prompted a simple question for his production team. "Why are we shooting horizontal when everybody watches us vertical?"

The team rethought everything — from lighting to framing to how hosts moved on camera — to create a show designed for the screen audiences were already using. For Namer, it was common sense.

That mindset also explains why he says he wouldn't launch a traditional cable network today.

Asked whether he would build another E!, Namer said he still believes there's enormous demand for celebrity culture and entertainment news. He just wouldn't package it the same way.

"I would launch it in a non-linear fashion," he said, arguing that audiences expect to watch what they want, when they want, and on whatever device they happen to be holding.

It's a philosophy that extends well beyond vertical video.

AI and entertainment's future

When the conversation turned to artificial intelligence, Namer offered a familiar warning for legacy media companies: stop fighting it.

He compared today's AI skepticism to the music industry's resistance to digital distribution two decades ago. Labels spent years trying to stop the inevitable, he argued, only to surrender control of the business to platforms like Spotify and iTunes. He sees traditional media making a similar mistake by treating AI as something that can simply be ignored.

"Technology marches on whether you like it or not," he said. Yet, that doesn't mean he's advocating for unchecked innovation.

Throughout the conversation with Antony Gordon, the founder of Lighthouse Edutainment, Namer repeatedly returned to the responsibilities that come with building media. He spoke at length about AI guardrails, the mental health challenges facing young people, and the need for platforms to prioritize social good alongside profit. Governments, he argued, should establish rules for AI much like they regulate driving, with clear standards and real consequences for abuse.

His outlook on creators was similarly pragmatic.

Rather than chasing fame for its own sake, Namer encouraged attendees to focus on mastering a skill. "Follow your passion" may be common career advice, he joked, but landlords don't accept sweaters as rent. Success, he argued, comes from becoming exceptionally good at something and using that success to create the freedom to pursue what you love.

Namer's vision of the future of entertainment feels remarkably grounded. He isn't arguing that vertical video will replace great storytelling. He's arguing that storytelling has always adapted to the way audiences live. Television replaced radio. Streaming disrupted cable. Smartphones reshaped how people watch.

Vertical video, in his view, is simply the next evolution.

And if history is any indication, the companies that embrace that shift first will define entertainment's next chapter.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Do you need to watch The Bears special episode Gary before Season 5?

Mashable - 16 hours 56 min ago

On May 5, The Bear dropped surprise episode "Gary," a standalone flashback installment all about Mikey (Jon Bernthal) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). Bernthal and Moss-Bachrach also co-wrote the episode.

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' reheats 'The Pitt's nachos in a baffling Season 5: Review

Whether the existence of "Gary" is news to you or you just haven't gotten around to it yet, you may be wondering, "Do I absolutely need to check it out before binge-watching Season 5 of The Bear? Or can I hold off on watching it until later?"

Don't worry: I'm here to tell you that you can certainly skip "Gary" before jumping into Season 5 and seeing how Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), and the rest of the Bear staff's story ends. While it teases a plot element in Season 5, it ultimately has little bearing on The Bear's final season.

The episode follows Mikey and Richie on a work trip to Gary, Indiana, and is mostly a character study of their turbulent relationship and inner pain. Its final scene cuts back to the present, with Richie recalling that trip on his drive to the Bear. The episode ends abruptly with (spoiler alert!) Richie getting in a car crash.

Flash forward to The Bear Season 5, episode 1, which reuses Richie's final car scene from "Gary," but peppers in some flashbacks to the Indiana trip to remind viewers of what Richie is thinking of. The car crash itself winds up being just a minor blip in Season 5. Richie escapes unscathed, and it's the least of his problems behind a flooding restaurant, an overbooked evening service, and a lack of food in the kitchen.

"Gary" does come back later in the season, when Richie tells Carmy about his and Mikey's trip. However, you don't need the context of the episode to understand the monologue. The emotion comes through anyway, and it might work even better without the overwrought build-up of "Gary."

Personally, I wasn't the biggest fan of the episode, believing it to be too indulgent and ultimately having no impact on Season 5. However, for The Bear super fans (or diehard completionists), I'd recommend checking it out if you desperately want more Mikey and Richie. Overall, though, don't put off your Season 5 watch plans for "Gary." Jump right in, and let it rip.

The Bear Season 5 is now streaming in its entirety on Hulu. Episodes also air Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on FX.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime Day ends soon: We found the 150+ best deals on Apple, Kindle, DJI, and Lego favorites

Mashable - 16 hours 56 min ago
The best Prime Day deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $279 at Amazon (save $120) Get Deal Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $198 at Amazon (save $201.99) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $124.99 at Amazon (save $35) Get Deal Best vacuum deal Eufy C28 $599.99 at Eufy (save $350) Get Deal Best power station deal Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station $199 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best DJI deal DJI Mini 3 $269 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best TV deal Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV $1,197.99 at Amazon (save $500) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer Set $111.99 at Amazon (save $48) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $9.99 with code FTVSELECT (save $30) Get Deal

Prime Day 2026 is more than halfway done, and on day three of the four-day mega sale, popular deals on DJI drones, Ninja appliances, and Yeti coolers have already come and gone. However, new deals are also going online, so you still have time to shop. If you're a Prime member, this is your opportunity to save on almost anything, from boring household essentials like dish soap to big-ticket splurges like a new 65-inch OLED TV. And if you're not sure where to start, we've vetted the best Prime Day deals for you, scouring thousands of offers to find the top discounts on the Apple Watch, Sony headphones, and Kindles.

Prime Day usually takes place in July, but this year, Amazon decided to shake things up and run the sale in June. So, don't forget: Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs through Friday, June 26, and until then, you can enjoy record-low prices on products from Apple, Bose, DJI, Dyson, Lego, Pokémon, and Samsung.

SEE ALSO: The 55+ best Prime Day tech deals, chosen by a tech editor on a tight budget

Mashable shopping experts are closely monitoring the latest discounts and collecting all of the top Amazon Prime Day deals into this one-stop shopping guide, so keep checking back for the latest price drops. We're also tracking prices at alternative Prime Day sales from Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and beyond, so we'll be sure to point you toward the lowest possible price. And follow along with our live blog for the most up-to-date price drops, news, and stock alerts, or check out our Prime Day hub for all of our coverage.

Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough are no longer available. Deals marked with a 🔥 are at an all-time low price.

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

We're obviously hunting for the best Apple deals during Prime Day, and right now, the entire Apple Watch lineup is at record-low prices. That means you can save over $100 on the Apple Watch Series 11, a Mashable Choice product. In his review, Mashable's Stan Schroeder said, "the Apple Watch Series 11 isn't all that different from last year's model, but it has a significantly longer battery life, and that's a huge deal."

AirPods dealsiPad dealsMacBook dealsBest Prime Day headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones ✅ 🔥 $198 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $201.99   Get Deal

The best deal on headphones goes to the Sony WH-1000XM5s, an older pair of flagship cans that we still love and recommend. "They [have] unbeatable ANC and sound for the money, and even in 2026, they sound shockingly good," writes Bethany Allard, our resident headphones expert. Normally $399.99, they're marked down to just $198 for Prime Day — a 50% savings and their lowest price ever.

More headphones dealsMore earbuds dealsBest Prime Day Amazon device deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

Amazon's latest Echo devices, the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio, have both hit new, all-time low prices this Prime Day. But the biggest discount is going to the Echo Spot, its smart alarm clock. This tiny speaker sits compactly on nightstands but provides everything you need to start your morning, including a weather report and tunes to get you out of bed.

You can now get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $44.99. That saves you $35 off its $79.99 price tag for a 44% discount.

More Echo dealsMore Amazon device dealsBest Prime Day Kindle deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite ✅ 🔥 $124.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

Our resident e-reader expert, Samantha Mangino, counts the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition as her daily driver, but for most shoppers, we have to recommend the excellent Kindle Paperwhite, which has proven to be one of the most popular Prime Day deals among Mashable readers this year. Compared to the regular Kindle, the Paperwhite has a larger display, better battery life, a waterproof rating, and an adjustable warm light.

More Kindle dealsBest Prime Day laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 15-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) ✅ $1,229.99 at Amazon
$2,099.99 Save $870.00   Get Deal

Read Mashable's full review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel says, "We loved the Surface Laptop 7 back when it launched in 2024. While its CPU isn't the freshest anymore, it still impresses as a whole: It features a 23-hour battery life, a microSDXC card slot, and a 2.5K touchscreen that's brighter and smoother than a 15-inch MacBook Air's screen.

Amazon's amazing Prime Day deal on this 15-inch model comes just a week after Microsoft announced the very similar Surface Laptop 8 (which isn't on sale just yet). It's currently listed for just $1,229.99 — a whopping 44% off its regular retail price of $2,099.99. I wouldn't be surprised if it disappears long before Prime Day ends, considering the exact same model sold out at Best Buy after dropping to $1,699.99 there."

More Prime Day laptop, router, storage, and printer deals

For discounts on MacBooks, scroll back up to the Apple section in this story or check out our dedicated Prime Day MacBook deals guide.

Router dealsExternal hard drive dealsPrinter dealsBest Prime Day DJI deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 🔥 $269 at Amazon
$419 Save $150   Get Deal

DJI's entire fleet of gadgets is on sale this Prime Day, and this deal on its DJI Mini 3 is a standout. Amazon has it discounted to $269, or 36% off — its lowest price ever. (It was $30 more expensive during Amazon's Big Spring Sale in March.) This lightweight entry-level drone can shoot 4K video and fly for almost 40 minutes on a single charge.

Keep in mind that, thanks to the U.S. drone ban and DJI's problems with the FCC, the company's drones and new releases are sold through third-party sellers on Amazon. Not only that, but now that we're halfway through Prime Day, many DJI drones are already out of stock.

More DJI drone dealsDJI camera dealsDJI creator tools on saleBest Prime Day home and kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker $169.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50   Get Deal

The Ninja Creami ice cream maker is a cult favorite, and also a personal favorite of our shopping team. Mashable reporter Samantha Mangino called this appliance a lot of fun in her review, and a sweltering hot summer is exactly the right time to try it. Grab one while it's on sale and discover why TikTok is still obsessed with this device.

We should note that the Creami's sibling, the Ninja Slushi, quickly sold out at Amazon during Prime Day, so don't procrastinate if you have your eye on this Ninja ice cream maker!

More kitchen dealsHome dealsBest Prime Day speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Soundlink Flex Bluetooth Speaker 🔥 $99 at Amazon
$149 Save $50   Get Deal

So far, Bose has some of the best Prime Day deals of 2026, with 50% off select headphones and 34% off Bluetooth speakers, like the Soundlink Flex. Mashable has reviewed the new Soundlink lineup, and the Flex is a highly portable and waterproof speaker with clear, loud sound that's ideal for summer get-togethers.

More speaker dealsBest Prime Day power station deals Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station, 600W ✅ $199 at Amazon
$299 Save $100   Get Deal

Ready for summer adventures? If you're gearing up to pack the car and head into nature, don't forget to invest in a portable power station to keep your campsite powered. Plus, it can serve as an at-home power backup in an emergency.

Prime Day and Black Friday are the best times of year to buy these popular devices, and one of our favorite Bluetti power stations is at its lowest price of the year. The Bluetti Elite is a good entry point if you've never owned a power station before. Weighing less than 10 pounds, it's a lightweight device built for weekend excursions.

More portable power station dealsBest Prime Day TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K TV 🔥 $1,197.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $500   Get Deal

Enjoying the World Cup? If you want to watch every heart-racing moment in 4K and your TV isn't up to par, then look for Prime Day deals on award-winning OLED and Micro RGB TVs. Case in point: the Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV, on sale now. According to our tech editor, this is the best TV available right now, especially at this all-time low price.

More TV dealsSoundbar dealsProjector dealsBest Prime Day robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop 🔥 $449.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $350   Get Deal

Mashable's resident vacuum guru, Leah Stodart, named the Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop the best affordable vacuum-and-mop combo. Despite its budget price, Stodart says it's the most heavy-duty robot mop you'll find, delivering spotless cleans. Get the Eufy C28 for just $449.99 during Prime Day. That's the vacuum's lowest price ever, offering $350 in savings.

More robot vacuum and mop combo dealsMore vacuum dealsUpholstery cleaner dealsBest Prime Day Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer Set 🔥 $111.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $48.00   Get Deal

No guide to the best Prime Day deals would be complete without some great Lego offers. And according to our biggest Lego nerds, this is the top discount of the sale so far.

We love Star Wars Lego sets, and this epic Star Destroyer is down to its best-ever price at Amazon. If you're a Prime member and a Star Wars fan, you can pick up this 1,555-piece set for $111.99, a 30% discount. And if you're looking for more Lego sets, check out our complete guide to the best Prime Day Lego deals.

More Lego dealsBest Prime Day outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Hopper M Series Portable Soft Coolers ✅ $262.50 at Amazon
$350 Save $87.50   Get Deal

Amazon just dropped a bunch of new Prime Day camping deals, part of its daily deal drops. The standout is definitely this portable soft cooler from Yeti, which our tech editor Timothy Werth has tested on multiple beach days, even though it's not actually a tech product. Hey, sometimes you need to unplug. Yeti's coolers are famous for their durability, and they rarely go on sale outside of Prime Day and Black Friday.

More outdoor and camping dealsBest Prime Day fitness tracker deal Oura Ring 4 ✅ 🔥 $214.70 at Amazon
$349 Save $134.30   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Get Deal at Target

Multiple Mashable team members have tested (and loved) the Oura Ring 4. While it's recently been replaced by the slightly thinner Oura Ring 5, we're big fans of this smart ring. One of our reporters even wore this ring while training for and then running the New York City marathon. While prices vary based on the ring size, the Oura Ring 4 is starting at just $214 for Prime Day, a price we've never seen before and a big discount from the $349 list price.

More fitness tracker deals

Note: For Apple Watch deals, scroll back to the Apple section of this story.

Best free Prime Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Audible Standard free for 3 months + $20 credit Get Deal

Amazon almost always offers free limited-time subscriptions to its services, including Audible, Kindle Unlimited, and Amazon Music Unlimited. This year, its Audible deal is the best freebie you can get during the sale. New and returning subscribers get three free months of an Audible Standard subscription, plus a free $20 credit to spend on audiobooks.

More free (or almost free Prime Day deals)Best Prime Day streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: HBO HBO Max save 40% on annual subscriptions Get Deal

If you've been feeling left out of the House of the Dragon or Hacks hype, this is easily the best week of the year to sign up for HBO Max — it even beats Black Friday, in terms of how many tiers get the discount. The HBO Max Prime Day deal makes annual subscriptions 40% cheaper than usual. Pay $78.99 for a year of the Basic With Ads tier, $132.99 for a year of the Standard tier, or $164.99 for a year of the Premium tier.

More streaming dealsBest Prime Day gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Curved Gaming Monitor ✅ $265.04 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $134.95 New release Get Deal

If you procrastinated on your Prime Day shopping, then you missed out on the chance to score a 47% discount on the Samsung G8 OLED 4K Gaming Monitor, one of the best Prime Day deals of the sale so far. (It's now marked down to $799, which is still a good discount for a new release.) On day three of Prime Day, the best gaming deal of the moment is this 34% markdown on the Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Curved Gaming Monitor. While it's not an OLED, it has a fast refresh rate, a 1-millisecond response time, and HDR10+ support.

More Prime Day gaming dealsBest Prime Day deals under $50Best Prime Day beauty and personal care dealsBest Prime Day smart glasses deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro $239.20 at Amazon
$299 Save $59.80   Get Deal Why we like it

RayNeo's latest glasses are like an OLED TV for your face — that's how Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth summed up the experience after trying the Air 4 Pro at CES 2026. He was already impressed by their humble $299 price tag back then, which has now dropped to $239.20 for Prime Day. If you're looking for smart glasses for movie watching or gaming purposes, the picture quality of the RayNeo Air 4 Pro glasses is really hard to beat.

Still haven't found what you're looking for? Check out our Prime Day 2026 live blog, where we're providing real-time updates on the latest deals, inventory changes, and competitor sales.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime Day 2026 live: Were vetting the latest Amazon deals in real-time

Mashable - 17 hours 9 min ago

Amazon's annual Prime Day sale runs from June 23 to 26 this year. That's right, Amazon has shifted the event from mid-July to late June. And if you've been following our coverage, then you know we've already passed the halfway point.

Without a doubt, Prime Day 2026 is one of the biggest sales events on the shopping calendar, second only to Black Friday. So far, this huge event is going hard on just about every category: We're seeing significant savings on Apple gadgets, limited-time price cuts on Bose headphones, and all-time lows on Samsung OLED TVs and gaming monitors. Our professional deal hunters are here to help you save, and we're cross-checking prices at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart to make sure you get the lowest prices.

As we approach the end of the Amazon sale, we've lined up all the best deals from Prime Day. Keep scrolling for the full schedule of events, the latest live updates, price drops, low-stock alerts, and news. And be sure to check out our Prime Day hub for all of our coverage.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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