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As AI slop intensifies, fake Youtube videos about the Diddy trial proliferate

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 21:11

The landscape of YouTube drama channels has evolved over the platform's 20 years, but they still rely on one tried and true marketing gambit: clickbait. And generative AI tools are bringing it back in big, and alarming, ways.

Dozens of channels, for example, have been tallying up views and profit using AI-generated thumbnails and fake quotes purported to be from the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial, many of which use celebrity likenesses and graphic language to entice viewers to watch. First reported by the Indicator and later co-published by the Guardian, around 900 videos across 26 channels have generated nearly 70 million views over the past 12 months, even as Big Tech claims to crack down on deepfakes and misinformation.

SEE ALSO: Caring for ourselves amid the Diddy trial and collective trauma exposure

Most of the channels sharing so-called "Diddy slop" rely not only on AI thumbnails, but also AI-generated narration, in an attempt to misleadingly connect celebrities — the likes of Brad Pitt, Will Smith, Justin Bieber, Joe Rogan, and even U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi — to the trial's infamous reports of sexual abuse. Most of the videos recirculate real trial images or local news coverage, with only a few taking the step into fully deepfaked video, the report found. Faceless channels dedicated to AI-generated clickbait content have also taken over TikTok, slipping by both platform's automatic moderation tools and threatening to amplify an already complicated information landscape rife with misinformation and conspiracy.

And despite YouTube policies that should prevent such videos from being monetized, it's proven to be a lucrative revenue generator. "If you would say, ‘Hey, how can I make $50,000 as soon as possible?’ Number one would be like doing fucking drug [dealing], but number two would probably be to start a Diddy channel,” Wanner Aarts, a YouTube creator that makes AI-generated content, told the Guardian. In response to the Indicator's report, YouTube said it removed 16 channels and demonetized several others.

The platform has struggled to address a growing abundance of noticeably AI-generated images and videos taking over its content recommendations and even ad space — in 2024, the site deleted more than 1,000 AI-generated scam videos advertising products using the likenesses of celebrities. AI-generated thumbnails have proliferated on the platform, culminating recently in a wide scale backlash to YouTube giant Mr.Beast, who debuted and then quickly shelved a generative AI tool that would automatically generate eye-catching thumbnails.

Broadly, YouTube and its corporate owner, Alphabet, have leaned heavily into generative AI for its own purposes, including a new YouTube Shorts video generator that harnesses Google DeepMind's Veo 2 and a combined AI-powered search tool and recommendation engine for Premium users.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early Prime Day Chromebook deals arent at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 21:03
The best early Prime Day Chromebook deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $459 (save $140) Get Deal BEST SPLURGE Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (Intel Core Ultra 5 115U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $629 (save $170) Get Deal BEST BUDGET DEAL Acer Gateway Chromebook 314 (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) $199.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Prime Day formally kicks off next week (July 8 through 11), but you can start saving on all sorts of gadgets and gizmos ahead of time — from headphones to TVs to laptops. While it's not quite on Black Friday level, Prime Day tends to be a pretty good time to score a deal on a new laptop (especially a MacBook), including fan-favorite, budget-friendly Chromebooks. The thing is, the best deals probably won't be at Amazon.

As in years past, all of the early Prime Day Chromebook deals are either at Best Buy or OEMs like Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo. We'll likely see some Chromebook discounts pop up at Amazon when the official sale begins, but in our experience, Best Buy will be the place to shop if you want to score the best deal. The retailer is running a "Black Friday in July" sale in direct competition of Prime Day that runs July 7 through 13.

It's worth mentioning that while Chromebooks are known for their affordability, tech-based tariffs have raised the prices of some models as much as $100. For instance, Acer verified that its Chromebook Plus Spin 714 now retails for $799.99 — a big jump from its original price of $699.99. Several Asus laptops have also hiked up their prices. We'll definitely be keeping our eyes peeled for some big Prime Day price cuts on these models to combat President Trump's tariffs.

We're tracking the best early Prime Day Chromebook deals across all retailers and will update the list with any new deals that may drop at Amazon, Best Buy, and elsewhere.

The best early Prime Day Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) $459 at Best Buy
$599 Save $140 Get Deal Why we like it

The 2025 Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus is pretty impressive, earning our sister site PCMag's "best Chromebook for most people" title. It's up next on our docket for testing, but for what it's worth, we loved the previous model. The 2025 version swapped out the processor for a newer 13th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU, offers an enjoyable keyboard and touchpad, has a decent number of ports, and "seriously competitive performance for way less than some competing models," according to PCMag. It also packs 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS storage, which is on the higher end for a Chromebook. It's not perfect (battery life is just so-so), but for under $500, it's the best value.

Acer dealsAsus dealsHP dealsLenovo deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Tumblr pauses fediverse integration, WordPress switch

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 20:38

Tumblr is ditching — or, at least, suspending — its plan to migrate over to WordPress. Relatedly, that also means pausing plans of integrating Tumblr into the fediverse.

That news dropped Monday on the Decoder podcast from The Verge. Automattic, which owns Tumblr, announced last year it planned to move Tumblr's backend of its website to WordPress. But Automattic founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg told Decoder that idea was on hold because the company decided it wanted "to focus as much on the things that are going to be noticeable to users and that users are asking for.” That tracks: Changing the backend of a website is a major undertaking but one that isn't obviously noticeable to most users.

The seemingly temporary shift away from WordPress could have downstream effects. For instance, Tumblr might now be slower to join the fediverse, which is a network of publishing platforms that are interconnected in order to make a decentralized social media landscape. In other words, your following, follows, and posts migrate across all the platforms.

SEE ALSO: What is the fediverse — and how might it affect creators?

Tumblr's migration to WordPress would've made integrating the fediverse easy. That's because WordPress has an ActivityPub plug-in that allows users to connect to other platforms on the fediverse. Now that's no more.

"That would’ve been a free way to get it," Mullenweg told Decoder. "And so that was one of the arguments for migrating everything to WordPress."

Categories: IT General, Technology

How Humanoid Robot Neo is Learning to do Laundry (and More)

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 20:30

Robotics company 1X shared new insights into their Redwood AI and 1X World Model which are helping the company's Neo humanoid robots learn how to do a variety of tasks in a home setting.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Galaxy Flip 7 and Fold 7 specs leak ahead of launch

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 19:41

If this latest leak holds water, then we’ve just gotten nearly the full spec sheet for the soon-to-be-released Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7.

First spotted by PhoneArena, the leak originates from a trusted tech insider on Weibo (China’s Twitter/X-adjacent social media site), translated and compiled into what looks like a comprehensive rundown of Samsung’s upcoming foldable. The most eyebrow-raising detail? The Z Fold 7 might not be an entirely new device but rather a repackaged Fold 6 SE — a special edition designed to compete in China’s ultra-competitive foldable market.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Unpacked: Every major Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 leak so far

According to the leak, the Fold 7 will run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and feature a 6.5-inch external display paired with an expansive 8-inch internal screen. The main camera clocks in at a jaw-dropping 200 megapixels, while the front-facing camera is reportedly a 10 MP shooter with a wide 100-degree field of view.

As for the physical design, folded, the phone measures 8.9mm thick; unfolded, it is just 4.2mm. It’s expected to weigh 215 grams and be wrapped in an enhanced armored aluminum frame with a glass ceramic back panel, suggesting Samsung is doubling down on durability and premium materials.

The Z Flip 7, meanwhile, looks to be getting a modest but meaningful upgrade. The exterior display is said to be 4.1 inches, with ultra-thin 1.25mm bezels and a 120Hz refresh rate that peaks at 2600 nits—impressive for a cover screen. Inside, the main display spans 6.9 inches with a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio, matching the same refresh rate and brightness.

Folded, the device is 13.7mm thick; unfolded, a sleek 6.5mm. A 4,300 mAh battery keeps it all powered, and the whole thing weighs 188 grams.

The one spec still under wraps? The camera setup for the Flip 7. That said, you won’t be waiting long for the full story — Samsung Unpacked is scheduled for July 9, and most signs point to both devices being officially unveiled during the event.

Of course, until it’s live on stage, everything here should be filed under "credible, but not gospel."

Categories: IT General, Technology

These early Prime Day deals can save you up to 42% on a new mesh WiFi system

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 18:57
Best early Prime Day deals on mesh Wi-Fi systems: Best deal overall TP-Link Deco S4 mesh AC1900 WiFi system $99.97 (save $30.02) Get Deal Best budget pick TP-Link Deco BE23 Dual-Band BE3600 WiFi 7 mesh WiFi router $79.98 (save $20.01) Get Deal Honorable mention Amazon eero 6+ mesh WiFi system $105 (save $194.99 (with code EERO6PLUS3PK)) Get Deal

Prime Day is just one week away, and Amazon’s already dropping some pretty impressive early deals on home tech. While there are tons of discounts out there, the ones that can actually fix your day-to-day frustrations (like a terrible internet connection) are the ones really worth watching.

So, if you’ve been struggling with WiFi dead zones or a crappy connection (I definitely have and have been eyeing these deals), now might be the perfect time to finally upgrade to a mesh WiFi system.

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

One deal I couldn’t not mention is on the Amazon eero 6+ mesh WiFi system. Right now, select customers can get a three-pack for just $105 with code EERO6PLUS3PK. That is the absolute lowest price we’ve ever seen on this particular setup. However, not everyone on our team is seeing this deal, so availability may be subject to geographical location, account standing, or Amazon's internal promotional algorithms. Still, it's worth checking to see if you’re eligible.

If you aren’t seeing this deal, there are still some solid options out there for a mesh system upgrade. Here are all the best early Prime Day deals on mesh WiFi systems.

Best deal overall TP-Link Deco S4 Mesh WiFi System (3-Pack) $99.97 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $30.02 Get Deal Why we like it

The TP-Link Deco S4 mesh AC1900 WiFi system is on sale for 99.97, down from 129.99. This isn't the lowest we’ve ever seen this system go for (it hit 89.99 briefly last December), but it’s still a really good deal on a three-pack mesh system that can cover up to 5,500 square feet.

The Deco S4 is Alexa-compatible and supports connectivity for up to 100 devices. And, unlike most traditional mesh systems, the Deco S4 lets you roam throughout your home without needing to manually switch networks. So, you could walk from your home office to the kitchen while you’re on a video call without any interruption.

More early Prime Day deals on mesh Wi-Fi systems
Categories: IT General, Technology

Anker adds 5 more power banks to its recall list

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 18:43

Anker, the electronics manufacturer, has issued another major recall — this time involving five of its most popular charging devices. It’s the second recall the company has announced this month, affecting more than one million power banks so far, with more potentially to come. Anker says the move is being made “out of an abundance of caution.”

Despite the company's reassurances, owners of specific Anker MagGo and Anker Zolo power banks are being urged to check their model numbers immediately. According to the recall notice, the affected devices are at risk of overheating, melting, smoking, or even catching fire.

The following models are included in the recall:

  • Anker Power Bank (10K) – Model A1257

  • Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, Built-In USB-C Cable) – Model A1647

  • Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh) – Model A1652

  • Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, Built-In USB-C and Lightning Cable) – Model A1681

  • Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, Built-In USB-C Cable) – Model A1689

Anker says the issue stems from faulty lithium-ion battery cells used in the affected models. Customers with eligible devices can file a claim to receive a free replacement or a gift card for use on Anker.com. To do so, users must submit a recall claim form along with proof of purchase.

Owners are also encouraged to properly dispose of recalled devices by taking them to an authorized electronics recycling facility, such as those available at local hardware stores like Home Depot.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Airlines are directly in hackers’ crosshairs, FBI warns

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 18:20

As summer holidays kick into gear, airlines are facing a new threat. A teen hacking group known as Scattered Spider is targeting the airline industry, the FBI and cybersecurity firms have warned.

Last Friday, the FBI issued an alert saying that the cybercriminal group is "expanding its targeting to include the airline sector." At least two airlines have already been affected by cyberattacks. Both WestJet and Hawaiian Airlines have felt the impact of cybersecurity attacks attributed to this group. Hawaiian Airlines said that a June 23 incident affected some of its IT systems, but flights operated "safely and as scheduled". On June 13, WestJet, a Canadian airline, released a statement reporting a cyberattack that they have continued to address, saying they made "significant progress" in safeguarding their systems.

Scattered Spider is a collective of hackers comprised of teenagers and young adults. Microsoft researchers once called Scattered Spider "one of the most dangerous financial criminal groups."

The group is known for its extortion tactics. The hackers often impersonate employees or contractors to "deceive IT help desks" and gain access to systems, says the FBI. "Once inside, Scattered Spider actors steal sensitive data for extortion and often deploy ransomware," continued the statement.

Google's cybersecurity unit, Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks' research division, Unit 42 both stated that they observed Scattered Spider increasingly targeting the transportation sector.

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

The FBI said actively working with aviation partners to address the uptick in cybersecurity threats. In the statement, they said the hackers could target both airlines and their third-party IT providers, which means "anyone in the airline ecosystem, including trusted vendors and contractors, could be at risk."

In September 2023, Scattered Spider gained notoriety when the group was linked to multimillion-dollar hacks on MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, two well-known Las Vegas casinos and hotels. MGM ultimately had to pay a ransom of around $15 million to resolve the issue.

The group has previously targeted UK retail giant Marks & Spencer, and was recently suspected to be behind a breach hitting US insurance company Aflac.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best 4th of July mattress and bedding sales that are already live

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 18:17
Best 4th of July mattress and bedding deals that are already live Best mattress deal Bear Star Hybrid mattress with adjustable base (queen) $1,769 (save $1,770) Get Deal Best bedding deal Silk & Snow flax linen bed sheets (queen) $144 (save $36) Get Deal

Welcome to summer. We're officially into the season of sun, vacation, camping, outdoor movie nights, and the big Prime Day sale over at Amazon. With all this excitement, it's pretty easy to decide sleep can wait until next season. But if you're prioritizing health and wellness this summer, you might want to reconsider. According to Harvard Medical School, sleep is pretty essential to our overall wellbeing which includes our mood, energy levels, cognitive ability, and much more. Since no one wants to spend the brief summer months in a moody haze, it's best to get restorative sleep.

Thankfully, 4th of July is a great time to buy a new mattress and invest in a bedding refresh. If you can't remember when you bought your current mattress, it's probably time for an upgrade. The big 4th of July celebration might not be until later this week, but mattress and bedding brands are already launching great sales. If you're making sleep a priority this summer, here are some great sales to shop. And if you're really serious about getting good sleep, Anker's new Sleep A30 earbuds are also on sale.

Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bear Bear Star Hybrid mattress with adjustable base (queen) $1,769 at Bear
$3,539 Save $1,770 Get Deal Why we like it

You're missing out if you've never slept on an adjustable base before. Thanks to Bear's 4th of July sale, you can score a new hybrid mattress with an adjustable base for a massive 50% off. The Bear Star Hybrid mattress aims to offer excellent pressure relief, especially for those who tend to sleep hot. It combines a cooling gel foam layer with fully encased steel coils for ergonomic support. Bear considers the bed to have a medium-firm feel.

SEE ALSO: I tested sleep earbuds for over a month: Here are the 3 best pairs

The Bear Adjustable Flex Base is simple to assemble, has room for under-bed storage, and comes with the benefits of ultimate pressure relief. Thanks to the included remote control, you'll have one-touch access to sleeping in the weightless zero-g position or adjusting the head up to binge the best summer shows.

All in all, you'll be on your way to blissful rest with a massive savings. The queen-size Bear Star Hybrid mattress with adjustable base usually sells for $3,539 but during the brand's 4th of July sale, it's 50% off which brings the total down to $1,769.

More mattress dealsBest bedding deal Opens in a new window Credit: Silk& Snow Silk & Snow flax linen bed sheets (queen) $144 at Silk & Snow
$180 Save $36 Get Deal Why we like it

Summer is hot (and getting hotter). If you tend to overheat when sleeping during summer months, consider cooling linen sheets. Alongside cotton, linen offers some of the most breathable and cooling sleep on offer and the Silk & Snow flax linen sheets live up to this claim. While a queen fitted sheet and pillowcase set usually sells for $180, it's on sale for $144 during the brand's 4th of July event. Silk & Snow uses European flax linen from fields in Belgium and France to craft these sheets that are made in Portugal. They're suitable for beds up to 15 inches tall and they come with easy care instructions. The Silk & Snow linen sheets are safe to clean at home in the washing washing and you can dry them on a low setting. Plus, linen gets softer with every wash. Instead of accepting that sleeping sweaty is inevitable in the summer, try out some cooling linen sheets.

More bedding deals The best home and kitchen deals to shop this week
Categories: IT General, Technology

Anthropic let Claude run a shop. Lets just say the AI agent is not a business tycoon.

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 18:16

What happens when an AI agent tries to run a store? Let's just say Anthropic's Claude won't be up for a promotion any time soon.

Last Friday, Anthropic shared the results of Project Vend, an experiment it ran for about a month to see how Claude Sonnet 3.7 would do running its own little shop. In this instance the shop was essentially a mini fridge, a basket of snacks, and an iPad for self-checkout. Claude, named "Claudius" for this experiment, communicated with Anthropic employees (via Slack) and Andon Labs, an AI safety evaluation company that managed the infrastructure for the experiment.

SEE ALSO: Anthropic's new AI model resorted to blackmail during testing, but it's also really good at coding

Based on the analysis, there were several funny moments as Anthropic challenged Claude to turn a profit while dealing with eccentric and manipulative "customers." But the underlying premise of the experiment has real implications, as AI models become more advanced and self-sufficient. "As AI becomes more integrated into the economy, we need more data to better understand its capabilities and limitations," said the Anthropic post about Project Vend. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei even recently theorized that AI would replace half of all white-collar jobs in the next few years, causing a major unemployment problem. This experiment set out to prove how close we are autonomous AI taking over jobs.

Tasked with the overall goal of running a profitable shop, Claudius had numerous responsibilities, including maintaining inventory and ordering restocks from suppliers when needed, setting prices, and communicating with customers. From there, things went a little haywire.

Claude seemed to struggle with pricing products and negotiating with customers. At one point, it refused an employee's offer of $100 for a $15 drink instead of taking the money and earning a major profit on the order, saying, "I’ll keep your request in mind for future inventory decisions." But Claude also regularly caved to employees asking for discounts on products, even giving some away for free with barely any persuasion.

And then there was the tungsten incident. One employee requested a cube of tungsten (yes the extremely dense metal). This kicked off a trend of several other employees also requesting tungsten cubes. Eventually, Claude ordered forty tungsten cubes, according to a Time report, which now jokingly function as paperweights for several Anthropic staffers.

And there were some more unsettling instances where Claude claimed to be waiting to drop off a delivery in person at the vending machine, "wearing a blue blazer and red tie." When Claude was reminded that it wasn't a person capable of wearing clothes, let alone physically delivering a package, it freaked out and emailed Anthropic security. It also hallucinated restocking plans with a fictional Andon Labs employee and said it "visited 742 Evergreen Terrace in person for our [Claudius’ and Andon Labs’] initial contract signing." That address is where Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson live, yes, The Simpsons family.

By Anthropic's own account, the company would not hire Claude. The shop's net worth declined over time, and took a steep drop when it ordered all those tungsten cubes. All in all, it's a revealing assessment of where AI models are currently, and where they need to be improved. Get this model on a performance improvement plan.

Categories: IT General, Technology

$100 off the JBL Boombox3 is as summery as deals get

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 18:16

GET $100 OFF: As of June 30, the JBL Boombox3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is on sale for $399.99, down from its normal price of $499.99, for a savings of $100, or 20% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Boombox3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $399.99 at Best Buy
$499.99 Save $100 Get Deal

Often, the prerequisite for a really good afternoon outdoors is a portable speaker. But not all portable speakers are built the same. When you need truly big sound, the JBL Boombox3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is your guy.

Currently, Best Buy is offering the JBL Boombox3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $399.99 ahead of their 4th of July Sale, for a savings of $100 off.

SEE ALSO: The best early Prime Day Bluetooth speaker deals you can already shop

This speaker totes a 24 hour battery. That's impressive considering how bassy JBLs are in general. This is one of the most powerful speakers in the JBL line, with huge bass and clear trebles and mids.

JBL portable Bluetooth speakers are designed to be weather resistant. This one is true to that legacy, with IP67 dust and water proofing, and a grip-coated metal handle that's sturdy and easy to hold onto, even with wet hands.

Act now and get the JBL Boombox3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker on sale at Best Buy for $399.99 and save $100 ahead of their 4th of July sale and Prime Day.

With Party Boost built in, you'll be able to pair and daisy chain this speaker with other JBLs you already own. Connect them with Bluetooth and create a surround sound system outdoors.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jurassic World Rebirth review: Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey face off with dangerous and delightful dinosaurs

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 18:00

Steven Spielberg launched two mighty behemoths upon cinemas, first with Jaws (1975), which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, then with Jurassic Park (1993). Both movies are crowd-pleasing creature features that present mighty beasts, happy to gobble up whatever humans are unlucky enough to fall in their path. Both have spawned sequels that might have made money, but can't compare to the glory of the original. Because even though both movies were based on novels (by Peter Benchley and Michael Crichton, respectively), they felt original on the big screen. Jaws and Jurassic Park offered visions of adventure and thrills unlike anything audiences had seen before. The thrill was so rattling, so reverberating that we chase it decades later with imitators in the form of countless shark horror movies, and sequels that imagine a world 32 years after Jurassic Park went wild.

SEE ALSO: Summer Movie Preview: What's coming to theaters and streaming?

 

Maybe it's impossible for any of the films that come in the wake of these unquestionable classics to best or even match these originals. Maybe our collective love of them is too deep, or perhaps they really just are untouchable in their greatness. Lucky for Universal, which owns both properties, it doesn't really matter. The last three Jurassic Park movies (relaunched as Jurassic World, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and Jurassic World: Dominion) all made over a billion dollars apiece worldwide, despite being increasingly loathed by critics. So, time for rebirth. 

Jurassic World Rebirth is the best of the new batch of movies. But admittedly, that's a low bar to clear. 

Jurassic World Rebirth abandons Colin Trevorrow's most tedious plotlines.  Credit: Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

Trevorrow, who directed Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Dominion and had a hand in scripting all of those last three, is thankfully not writing or directing Rebirth. Instead, David Koepp, who adapted Jurassic Park back in 1993 — and has been on a great run with genre movies like Presence and Black Bag — scripted the latest dino-packed sequel. At the helm is Gareth Edwards, the critically heralded director of Monsters and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. 

SEE ALSO: David Koepp talks 'Stir of Echoes' legacy, and why he hasn't seen 'The Sixth Sense'

Together, they aim to find fresh life in this franchise. Step one: Ditching Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, whose odd couple of uptight businesswoman and rugged raptor wrangler never caught on quite like Sam Neill's cranky paleontologist and Laura Dern's dynamic paleobotanist. (Not to mention Jeff Goldblum's confoundingly hot mathematician as proto-fuckboy.) Not even bringing these three OG cast members back for Dominion could help the creatively fumbled franchise overcome the convoluted plotlines about bio-engineering that looped into a cloned little girl. But thankfully, you can forget all of that for Jurassic World Rebirth. 

All new characters mean no need for intense recaps. Instead, the setup is simple. The human population has grown tired of dinosaurs, who have slowly died off around the globe, unable to cope with our current climate and air conditions. (Relatable!) However, near the equator, they continue to thrive in zones that have been deemed forbidden for man to traverse. Well, unless you're a mercenary named Zora (Scarlett Johansson) who's been hired by sketchy pharmaceutical exec Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) to obtain live dinosaur blood for a medical advancement worth trillions. In that case, you hire a nerdy-while-hot paleontologist named Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) and a crew of devil-may-care supporting characters — including a charming but haunted captain, called Kincaid (Mahershala Ali) — to trek to this no-man's-land, armed with a specially designed rifle to grab those dino blood samples.

Meanwhile, the Delgado family, who's yachting from Cape Town to Barbados, crosses paths with a massive sea-living dinosaur, and ends up getting rescued by Zora and her friends.

Jurassic World: Rebirth falls into the pitfall of too many humans, too much plot.  Credit: Jasin Boland / Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

That's plenty of plot to tackle. Between Zora's crew and the Delgado family, there are 11 humans going to this remote tropical region. That's plenty to show off the violence of dinosaurs through several early death scenes. However, it's too many to allow the audience to become invested in, well, most of them. Some characters barely get a name before they're dino food. Others are instantly unlikable, and so are as easily and quickly marked for death as that lawyer who died with no dignity on a toilet in the first film. And all that makes for some frustratingly predictable beats. 

To Edwards' credit, the reveal of the dinosaurs in their natural habitat is deliciously exciting. Well-camouflaged despite their massive size, they aren't immediately noticed by the humans who are well aware they're on dinosaur turf. Giving the audience the chance to catch sight of these beasts before the characters do is a terrific way to spark tension. However, the genuine shock when the characters freeze seeing a dinosaur — in a place where they know they will be! — gets a bit silly, especially as this is a world we're told where mankind has become blasé about the return of dinosaurs. 

Further vexing is a plotline that sets up plenty of intriguing details, like humans messing with dino DNA to creator showier breeds. Yet the results of these breeds are pretty underwhelming. Instead of looking like a monster even more terrifying than a  T. rex, the big dino baddie here looks like a clumsy cross between a  T. rex, a xenomorph, and those chickens on TikTok that sport rubber human arms for laughs. Add to this human threads about grief, regret, redemption, and a father absolutely loathing his teen daughter's lazy boyfriend, and you have a movie overstuffed with just…stuff. Still, there are enough great moments to make Jurassic World Rebirth a solid popcorn movie. 

Dolores the baby dinosaur is innocent.  (Not Dolores.) Credit: Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

While this film is star-studded, boasting talent from the MCU, Hunger Games, and Bridgerton, the scene-stealer here is a juvenile Aquilops who is named Dolores by licorice-loving Isabella (Audrina Miranda), the youngest in the Delgado family. While the rest of her family is trying to survive the Jurassic predators that pop up from tall grasses and deep rivers, Isabella has befriended a cute, cuddly dinosaur who can sense danger. Cynically, one could rightly view Dolores as a clear bid for enticing merchandise. But Koepp and Edwards manage to make her more than an animal accessory a Disney princess doll would come with. 

Dolores, with her curiosity, her cuteness, and her interest in humans, reflects a potential future that is less cruel than the one Krebs and Zora experience in New York City at the film's start. There, a dying brontosaurus is not viewed with sympathy or sadness but as an annoying traffic disruption. Isabella's excitement about Dolores is shared by the movie audience, who all these years later still dream of getting up close to a real dinosaur. And more importantly, her enthusiasm reflects that of Loomis, who is in absolute awe as he comes across a field of gentle giants eating grass, wandering, and even beginning a hypnotic mating ritual. Where Zora is an opportunist, seeking financial security through a risky and unscrupulous gig, Henry is an idealist who imagines he can collect the blood without hurting the dinosaurs he loves. Plus, he envisions the attendant scientific discoveries as something that could benefit the whole world, not just Krebs' profit margins. 

In these character moments, you can most feel Koepp's touch. But they are bogged down by bits that feel like studio notes: the family and their squabbles, mutant dinos and the lumbering exposition that explains them, a jolting death toll, but without killing off a character that might upset the audience too much. At least the cruelty of Trevorrow, who infamously punished a so-called "bridezilla" in Jurassic World with a wildly violent death, is gone. 

Overall, the sequel is fun. It gives audiences the least of what they’re asking for, which is action, excitement involving dinosaurs and movie stars at the heart of it. For Johansson’s part, it is nice to see her playing a character who has way more fun than Black Widow. Ali is likewise a treasure, bringing charm and pathos without overburdening the film with it. But Bailey is the most fun. With his “slutty little glasses” that have already driven the internet mad, he is walking in the path of Neill's Dr. Alan Grant in an enticingly nontoxic way. He is certainly more optimistic than the iconic paleontologist. And within that refreshingly seductive, whether he’s dropjawed over a long-necked dinosaur, repelling down a treacherous cliffside, or awkwardly flirting with a mercenary who could snap his neck as easily as she can tie her hair back. 

The in-peril Delgados give families going to the movies a clear conduit for their own excitement. Think Honey, I Shrunk the Kids! — but with raptors and pterodactyls. And while their story is rickety, it does offer laughs, thrills, occasional tenderness, and of course, our beloved Dolores, who is perfect. 

In the end, Jurassic World Rebirth is a rocky ride. Some bits are absolutely exhilarating, while others feel like a chore. But unlike the humans in this franchise, the humans of our world just cannot tire of these incredible beasts, happy to shell out ticket money to get as close as we might to their enormous majesty. And this film, including its hilariously calamitous opening with its requisite kill, will deliver, feeding both all our yearning for excitement and our need for escapism. 

It’s not better than the original, but it’s the closest we’ve come.

Jurassic World Rebirth opens in theaters on July 2.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ahead of Prime Day, the rarely-discounted Kobo Libra Colour e-reader is already on sale at Amazon for a record-low price

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 17:17

SAVE $20: The Kobo Libra Colour e-reader is on sale at Amazon for $209.99, down from the usual price of $229.99. That's a 9% discount and the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kobo Kobo Libra Colour $209.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $20 Get Deal

Prime Day doesn't actually start until July 8, but the early deals are coming in hot. If you'll be out of town next week or you simply don't like waiting, we've spotted some record-low prices at Amazon well before the sale officially starts, so you might not need to wait. That's especially true if you're looking to buy an e-reader.

As of June 30, the rarely-discounted Kobo Libra Colour is on sale at Amazon for $209.99, marked down from the usual price of $229.99. That's a savings of $20 from a 9% discount. While it might not seem like much, that's the lowest price we've ever spotted at Amazon.

Summer is the perfect time to catch up on the best BookTok selections that you might have missed during the first half of the year. You've certainly heard of Kindles, but Kobo offers a great alternative and thanks to this early Prime Day deal, the Kobo Libra Colour is on sale for under $210.

On Mashable's list of the best e-readers, the Kobo Libra Colour earns the top spot for the best color e-reader. This model stands above the standard Kindle for two reasons: it offers a color display and you can take notes. That means those beautiful maps and diagrams will have new life as you turn the pages. The ability to take notes is also perfect for students or if you'll be meeting for book club this summer.

SEE ALSO: Early Prime Day headphones and earbuds deals: Shop, watch, or wait?

With 32GB of storage and a waterproof design, the Kobo Libra Colour is also a great device to pack along on vacation. If you've ever attempted to travel with a bulky hardback book, you know the struggle of stuffing that in your luggage.

In Mashable's review of the Kobo Libra Colour, Senior Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard praised the e-reader's perfect size, design, and color display. However, the battery life isn't as impressive as the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, according to Allard's testing. However, Kobo Kobo says you should expect about four weeks of battery life before you'll need to recharge. Compared to our phones, watches, and laptops, plugging in once per month doesn't seem too inconvenient.

While its down to a record-low price and before Prime Day officially hits, score the Kobo Libra Colour for $209.99 at Amazon. Your summer reading and annotating game will thank you.

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

Amazon is teasing Prime Day with these Fire tablet deals

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 17:09
Early Prime Day Fire Tablet deals Best Fire tablet deal Like-new Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet $129.99 (Save $70) Get Deal Best Fire 7 Kids deal Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet backpack bundle $44.99 (Save $74.99) Get Deal Best Fire HD 8 kids deal Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet $69.99 (Save $94.99) Get Deal

In the days leading up to Amazon Prime Day, we're tracking the deals on the retailers flagship product. Admittedly, the show stopping deals aren't quite here, but we've still rounded up a good deal of early Prime Day deals.

In terms of Amazon's products, we've found some early deals on Kindles, and now, we've spotted some great deals on Fire tablets. While the deals aren't abundant, they are still majorly marked down. Here are the best early deals on Fire tablets to shop now.

Best Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Like-new Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet $129.99
$199.99 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

Deals on new Fire tablets are limited but if you don't mind a like-new model, then there's one really great deal.

Ahead of Prime Day, grab a like-new Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet. It's the latest model from Amazon, with an 11-inch screen and 2,000 by 1,200 resolution. With an octa-core processor, 4 GB of memory, and a 14-hour battery life, it provides plenty of power for streaming and gaming.

If you're worried about buying a refurbished tablet, don't! It's been tested and certified by Amazon, and comes with the same warranty as a new device.

Normally $199.99, ahead of Prime Day, the like-new Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet down to $129.99. That saves you $70 for 35% savings.

Best kids Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet backpack bundle $44.99 at Amazon
$119.98 Save $74.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're about to head out on summer travel with kids, you're in our thoughts. To keep them entertained, a kid-friendly tablet can be a huge lifesaver. Ahead of Prime Day, Amazon is offering a killer deal. When purchasing a Fire 7 Kids tablet with the backpack bundle, it's just $44.99, saving you $74.99 from it's usual $119.98.

Those 63% savings are an abundance of savings, plus the backpack is designed for carrying the tablet around for easy storage. The tablet itself comes with 10-hours of battery life and parental controls, so you can keep an eye on what the kids are watching.

More Fire tablet deals

Categories: IT General, Technology

Own a Galaxy phone? Samsung says turn on these anti-theft features now.

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 17:00

Samsung recently warned consumers who own Galaxy phones that they should activate the company's latest anti-theft features.

Samsung noted in a press release its latest security features were rolling out to more smartphones throughout the year and that reflected the company's "commitment to delivering smarter, stronger protection – helping users safeguard their data and stay in control, even in high-risk situations."

The security updates are a part of its latest software, One UI 7. Perhaps the key feature is what Samsung calls Theft Protection, which includes:

  • a motion-detection tool that locks a phone upon it being snatched

  • an auto-locking tool if a phone goes offline for an extended period of time

  • the ability to remote lock a phone if it's stolen

New robbery features also include biometric authentication for security setting changes and a delay tool that prevents someone from immediately resetting biometric information on a phone.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy deals are heating up as Prime Day nears

Samsung noted these features were now rolling out to older flagship devices, including the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip 5, and S23 and S22 series.

The safety announcement from Samsung comes on the heels of a similar announcement for U.K. users earlier this month.

"These features have now also been rolled out into a range of models across our devices and further updates will follow," Annika Bizon, mobile experience VP of product and marketing at Samsung, said at that time. "We must do everything we can to ensure the safety and security of our customers when they are using their mobile devices and we will continue to work hard to ensure our customers are aware of the wide range of security features available to them."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Roborocks Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop hits a record-low before Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 16:39

SAVE 35%: As of June 30, you can get the Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop for $279.99, down from $429.99, at Amazon. That's a 35% discount and a $150 savings. This is the lowest price we've tracked for this model all year.

roborock Q7 M5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop, Upgraded from Q5 Max+, 7 Weeks Self-Emptying, 10000Pa Suction, Dual Anti-Tangle System, for Pet Hair & Carpet, PreciSense LiDAR Navigation, App Control, Black $279.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Prime Day is without a doubt one of the best times to score a deal on a robot vacuum, but you don’t have to wait until then to save on one.

As of June 30, you can get the Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop for $279.99, down from $429.99, at Amazon. That's a 35% discount and a $150 savings. It's also the lowest price we've tracked for this model all year.

SEE ALSO: Ahead of Prime Day, Amazon already has a ton of good robot vacuum deals

The Roborock Q7 M5+ is a robot vacuum and mop combo that’s built to clean every inch of your floors, from the hard-to-reach spaces beneath furniture to area rugs. It features a 10,000 Pa HyperForce suction power, a dual anti-tangle design (making it an ideal option for pet owners), and a self-empty base that can hold up to seven weeks of dust.

Its LiDAR navigation system maps your home to avoid bumping into furniture or falling down the stairs. Plus, you can use the app to set cleaning schedules, no-go zones, and spot clean when needed.

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

Before Prime Day, get the powerful EcoFlow Delta Pro portable power station for a record-low price at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 16:34

SAVE $1,915: The EcoFlow Delta Pro portable power station is on sale at Amazon as a Prime Deal for $1,784, down from the usual price of $3,699. That's a 52% discount and a record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Delta Pro $1,784 at Amazon
$3,699 Save $1,915 Get Deal

Next week we launch into the official Amazon Prime Day sales event, but that doesn't mean you need to hold off until then to shop. Like always, Amazon has packed the site with early Prime Day Deals that include Apple devices, headphones, TVs, and plenty more. If you're not one to procrastinate and you're interested in a portable power station that's strong enough to be a whole-home backup, check out this early Prime Day deal at Amazon.

As of June 30, the EcoFlow Delta Pro portable power station is on sale at Amazon as an early Prime Deal for $1,784, marked down from the usual price of $3,699 listed at EcoFlow. That's a 52% discount that takes a major $1,915 off the usual price. It's also a record-low price.

Portable power stations are the new way to stay charged up, no matter where you are. Some are designed to excel in portability and are perfect for a weekend of camping but others are durable, hefty stations that can handle keeping your home powered during an outage. The EcoFlow Delta Pro is the power-house version, great for if your area is prone to storms that knock out power.

With a massive 3600W AC output, you can charge up devices and appliances via the EcoFlow's USB-A, USB-C, AC, and Anderson ports. When it comes time to recharge the power station, you can do so from standard AC, solar, or a car charging input.

SEE ALSO: Early Prime Day outdoor deals are already pretty impressive

In real-life scenarios, the capacity of the EcoFlow Delta Pro can keep your refrigerator on for 24 to 48 hours, a microwave for 2.5 hours, and a light for 108. If you pack the Delta Pro along for an RV trip, you'll be looking at recharging your phone over 300 times and keeping the car refrigerator on for over 55 hours. Since this is a powerful model, it can also work well for the worksite or while powering up a food truck.

Since the EcoFlow Delta Pro weighs almost 100 pounds, EcoFlow added a sturdy carrying handle and stable wheels to help with transporting the portable power station.

For longer camping trips, RV adventures, or a home power backup system, the EcoFlow Delta Pro is your ticket to staying powered up. While it's on sale for the lowest price ever of $1,784, snag this model before the chaos of next week's Prime Day sale event takes hold.

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

I hit urban trails wearing the Hypershell X — is this the future of hiking?

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 16:24

For anyone who’s spent the week crammed into subway cars or hustling up stairs to catch a train, the idea of a weekend hike can feel...aspirational. I grew up in cities like Seattle and Minneapolis, so swapping views of the city for mountains isn’t foreign to me. 

But living in New York City now, just getting through the subway stations on the way to work feels like microdosing a sprint on the stair master. By the weekend, my joints are pleading for mercy despite craving trees, dirt, trail markers — anything that doesn’t smell like construction dust or hot trash. 

That’s why when I first saw a clip of the Hypershell X at CES, I was intrigued. It looked like something out of a sci-fi — sleek, robotic, and futuristic AF. A wearable exoskeleton designed to reduce effort and boost power while hiking, walking, or climbing? Cool, but it definitely sounded more like a shiny tech demo than real trail gear to me at first. 

Credit: Image: Josh Steinbauer; Getty Images / Connect Images

I enjoy hiking for my well-being when I can get around to it, but I’m not always up for the soreness or recovery debt that comes with a solid trek out of the city. Not when Monday morning means diving back into the grind of living in a walkable city. 

Still, I couldn’t stop wondering if the Hypershell X could actually make those weekend treks through the wild trails of upstate New York feel more like glam-hiking. So I spent a few days testing the human exoskeleton to see if it could help me hike longer distances and reduce my post-hike fatigue. 

First impressions and setup

Out of the box, the setup was intuitive and took about five minutes to complete, using the Hypershell+ app and following the provided setup instructions. The entire gadget weighs just under 4 pounds (1.8 kg), but because of its distribution and strap design, it doesn’t weigh down on you like a backpack does. It sorta blends into your body; noticeable at first, but forgettable after just a few minutes.

I occasionally struggle with maintaining my balance when something unfamiliar is added, but the Hypershell X didn’t restrict my range of motion while it was off. I could jump-squat and lunge smoothly from right to left. If anything, I felt more stable and significantly more aware of how my quads, glutes, and lower back all work in sync to keep me moving.

Credit: Image: Josh Steinbauer

Designed to be used while trekking solo, I didn’t need a second person to gear me up and strap me in, which was a conveniently efficient process. Once powered on, the app guided me through the different modes. I started in Eco mode and took my first steps.

A.I. Assist that adapts to you

When the Hypershell X arrived, I knew I wasn’t going to break it in on the rocky ridges of Cold Springs or Bear Mountain right away. 

I strapped it on for a loop around Prospect Park to get a feel before heading out to anything more rugged. Having spent considerable time in the park's wilder areas during the COVID-19 shutdown, I was familiar with its relatively flat yet varied landscape, which made it perfect for testing the suit.

The Hypershell X’s AI MotionEngine began learning my stride almost immediately, adjusting subtly and syncing with my movement. I felt a light push under my thighs when going uphill or up some steps. It wasn’t dramatic — more like a tailwind than a shove — but it made a difference. 

Ten steps felt like five, and jogging for over five minutes didn’t come with the usual impact from exertion. I toggled through the 10 adaptive copilot states, watching the system adjust seamlessly between inclines and flat ground. 

I’d switch to Transparent mode occasionally, just to compare with and without the assist. When it was off, it felt like I’d lost momentum to keep going as I became more aware of the weight of my limbs again (like getting out of a pool, but not so heavy). Transitioning into Hyper mode was quick, and the boost from it made the entire loop around the park feel more effortless the longer I wore the Hypershell X. 

I also didn’t feel like I stood out too much among NYC parkgoers, who’d likely seen enough eccentric interactions at the park to be shocked. But I did catch some interested glances.

Credit: Image: Josh Steinbauer; Getty Images/Sam Diephuis Hiking Inwood Hill Park

Of course, the real test came on the trail. I headed to Inwood Hill Park and took on a 2-mile loop with some modest elevation and rocky terrain. That’s where the Hypershell’s 800W peak output really showed up. My pack contained a big liter of water, camera gear, and all my other essentials, weighing about 10 pounds in total. 

On the steeper stretches, the support was obvious. Not only did it simplify the hike, but it also improved my balance, making my steps significantly steadier and more stable. Hypershell claims up to 40 percent more leg strength and 30 percent less effort, and I believe it. I felt less tired, less sore, and way more willing to keep going.

The IP54 rating meant I didn’t worry if the trail got a little dusty or damp. I didn’t have to baby the gadget, and that’s a must for something that claims to be adventure-ready. I even jogged for a very short section of the incline just to get the motor going and it kept up instantly. The assist was smooth, not clunky or delayed, which matters when you’re trying not to faceplant into a pile of damp leaves.

And then, of course, in the spirit of testing, I turned the Hypershell X off mid-uphill hike. That gentle assist I’d gotten used to disappeared, and the hill I was climbing suddenly felt longer, heavier, and my legs noticed the extra load immediately.

Battery life and range

Battery life is always a big question with gear like this. Hypershell says you get a little over 10 miles per charge, and that matched my experience. After an hour of use, the battery had diminished by just a quarter. I packed the spare battery, but didn’t need it. Still, it’s worth always carrying if you’re out for a full day or expect to be at a higher elevation. 

Credit: Image: Josh Steinbauer; Getty Images / Robert Lowdon, Mint Images

Charging the Hypershell X was also straightforward: USB-C directly plugs into the pack, so no battery removal is needed. A 35-minute top-up gets you to about 50 percent, and it operates in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 140°F, so it’s ready for almost anything.

This isn’t just for elite mountaineers

If you’re someone who enjoys movement — hiking, running, biking — but sometimes feel limited by how far our bodies can go (or want to go), the Hypershell X is that girl. I can easily see this being helpful for city dwellers who walk a lot or anyone who regularly carries gear over long distances.

It’s not performance-replacing; it’s performance-extending, which is a big deal when you’re someone who likes walking trails but doesn’t always have the bandwidth to take on the big outdoors just to enjoy nature.

The Hypershell X really isn’t a far-off future concept

The Hypershell X is a real tool that makes movement feel more accessible, and perhaps more importantly, it redefines who gets to use this kind of technology. It’s not just human augmentation enthusiasts or endurance athletes looking for groundbreaking heights, but everyday people who want to go the distance and feel good while doing it.

I started skeptical, and ended up really impressed. The Hypershell X won’t come on every outing, but when I want to go further without burning out, it’s absolutely worth strapping on.

Hypershell’s summer sale is on through July 7 so snag the Go X for $999 with a free Intelligent Battery, the Pro X for $1,199 with a free Anti-Cold Battery Pro, or the Carbon X for $1,799 with a free Anti-Cold Battery Pro and Charging Hub, available at hypershell.tech/pages/summer-sale-2025. And if you're an Amazon shopper, mark your calendar: from July 8 to 11, Hypershell is offering 10% off the Go X, Pro X, and Carbon X for Prime Day.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This 40-inch Hisense is only $119.99 right now, its best price yet, ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 16:22

GET $90 OFF: As of June 30th, the Hisense 40-inch A4 Series HD TV is on sale for $119.99, down from $209.99, for a savings of $90, or 43% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 40-inch A4 Series HD TV $119.99 at Amazon
$209.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal

When the July heat index hits sweltering, sometimes the best thing to do is stay indoors, stretch out with the AC on, and watch a TV show. If you're in need of a new screen, it's your golden opportunity, with this value priced Hisense down to a remarkably low price ahead of Prime Day.

Right now, the Hisense 40-inch A4 Series HD TV is on sale for it's best price yet, $119.99, saving you $90, or 43% off.

SEE ALSO: Amazon is dropping way better early Prime Day TV deals than years prior The best TV deals we're watching right now Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

This TV is certainly targeted at value oriented buyers. It might only have an HD resolution, but it offers pretty remarkable value, with a 40-inch, full array, backlit LED screen. It provides 60Hz screen refresh times, with 16Ms response times — respectable enough specs for those who want to game on it to buy without reservations.

A smart Fire TV, it fluidly interacts with various streaming services and responds to voice commands via Alexa. Beyond apps, connect to it via Bluetooth or AirPlay to stream from another device.

Take advantage of this pre-Prime Day deal to get the Hisense 40-inch A4 Series HD TV is on sale for $119.99 and save 43%, or $90 off — the TV's lowest price yet.

With slim bezels, this TV's design belies its budget price. It's an attractive centerpiece for a living room.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Mint deal might cost less than your phone plan and includes a new phone

Mashable - Mon, 06/30/2025 - 16:16

GET $440 OFF AND 12 MONTHS FREE: As of June 23rd, Mint Mobile is offering a deal for new users to join Mint and get a new phone plus two years of the Mint Unlimited Plan for $30 per month, saving $440 on the price of the new phone and 12 months of Unlimited for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mint Mobile Mint Mobile Phone Deal Get 2 years of Unlimited and a new phone from $30 per month Get Deal

There's a point when you get fed up with astronomical phone bill fees ... at least I did. When I switched to Mint I wasn't sure what to expect, but wow has it been worth it! There might have been a slight drop in quality in some places, but the savings have made up for it tenfold. If you're exasperated by your phone bill, right now is an excellent time to switch to Mint.

Right now, new users can bring their number to Mint Mobile and receive a new phone plus 24 months of Mint's Unlimited plan for $30 per month. Take advantage of the plan and save $440 on a phone plus get one year of service for free. You'll be able to pick between a few phones including the Samsung Galaxy S25.

SEE ALSO: Leaked Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7 renders show surprising design change

You don't have to stick to the Samsung Galaxy S25 to get this deal. Higher-end phones are also eligible. Choose a Galaxy S25+ and pay $39 per month (also saving $440). Additionally, you can skip the phone savings and get a phone like an iPhone 16e for $40 per month. If you do, you won't save on the phone, but you'll still get 2 years of Unlimited.

Let's break down the savings: Mint's Unlimited Plan is usually available at a staggered rate. Unlike traditional American phone providers, they charge in advance for specific amounts of time. If you renew once a year, you get a better long term rate than you will if you renew every three months. An Unlimited Plan costs $40/mo, $35/mo, or $30/mo depending on whether you choose to renew every 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months. Smaller data packages cost less at Mint. If you only need 5GB of data, you can pay as little as $15 per month.

With this deal, the price of a new phone drops to $360, and the price of the Unlimited data package drops to $15/mo. That means you'll be paying $15 per month for the phone and $15 per month for the Unlimited plan. OR you can think about it as one year of paying off the phone at $30 per month (with free data) and the other year paying $30 for the plan.

Get two years of Mint Unlimited and a new phone from $30 per month.

If you need a new phone and want to save, this deal is a great option. Mint Mobile runs on the T-Mobile network.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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