Blogroll

Tribit StormBox Mini+ Review: Surprisingly Good Sound for $40

How-To Geek - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 12:00

Despite some glowing lights, the Tribit StormBox Mini+ isn’t meant to be the life of any party. What it can do is accompany most journeys, play tunes in the bathroom, or be handed to any kid.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ESPNs new streaming service has arrived — heres what you need to know

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 12:00

Since its launch, ESPN+ has raised a considerable number of questions and concerns from subscribers. The most prominent: Why doesn't it offer live streams of ESPN broadcasts? As a frustrated subscriber myself, I am pleased to hear that these concerns have finally been addressed. As of Aug. 21, ESPN's new and improved direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service has officially arrived.

Revamped to give fans more options and flexibility, ESPN DTC will now offer two separate plans: ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select. The ESPN app itself is also getting a facelift, introducing a more personalized and dynamic viewing experience for sports fans.

The launch is timed perfectly with the start of the NFL season (go figure), as well as college football, US Open tennis, international soccer, women's college soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and more. It also launches the same day as Fox's first-ever streaming service, Fox One. Here's what you need to know.

What is the new ESPN streaming service?

Previously, in order to stream ESPN's traditional TV networks and their broadcasts, you needed a television subscription through either a cable, satellite, or digital provider. ESPN+ did not allow you to watch live NFL games on ESPN's Monday Night Football, for instance. The revamped ESPN is going to change that.

The ESPN DTC streaming service brings the full suite of ESPN networks and services to sports fans in one subscription. This includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network — in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX. Plus, thanks to a recent acquisition deal, it will reportedly also include NFL Network and RedZone. It will cover 47,000 live events each year, plus offer on-demand replays, studio shows, original programming, and more. In other words, you'll finally be able to stream games from ESPN and ABC live without cable or a cable alternative.

This all-encompassing subscription will be dubbed ESPN Unlimited, while a more pared-down option will be called ESPN Select. The Select tier is basically just ESPN+, rebranded as a more affordable option to the new direct-to-consumer streaming service. It covers over 32,000 live sports events each year, plus offers a library of exclusive shows, on-demand replays, and original content. Current ESPN+ subscribers will automatically become ESPN Select subscribers when the new app launches on Aug. 21.

How much will it cost?

The ESPN Unlimited plan will cost $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year (about 17% in savings if you pay upfront), while the ESPN Select plan will remain the same as ESPN+ at $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (also 17% in savings).

As a welcome gift, ESPN is offering the Unlimited plan bundled with Disney+ and Hulu (both with ads) for $29.99 per month for your first year. That's the same price as a standalone subscription to ESPN Unlimited, essentially giving you Hulu and Disney+ for free. The discounted bundle is only open to new and eligible returning subscribers through Jan. 5, 2026. After 12 months, it will revert to full cost, which is $35.99 per month with ads and $44.99 per month without.

There will also be a new ESPN Unlimited and Fox One bundle (which both launch on Aug. 21) available for $39.99 per month. Typically $49.98 per month for both, you'll save about $10 monthly by bundling them together. This bundle launches Oct. 2, so keep an eye out for the ultimate sports package.

A look at ESPN's plans. Credit: ESPN How to sign up

Starting on Aug. 21, you can head over to stream.ESPN.com or navigate to the ESPN app to sign up for ESPN's new Unlimited plan or bundle plan. If you're already an ESPN+ subscriber, you'll automatically become an ESPN Select subscriber. Likewise, if you're an existing Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle subscriber. You'll automatically become a subscriber to the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN Select bundle.

Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited plan Starting at $29.99/month Learn More
Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung is giving away a free 65-inch TV right now — heres how to get yours

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:59

BOGO SAMSUNG TVS: Until Sept. 7, Samsung is offering a "buy one, get one free" TV deal. When you buy a Super Big Samsung TV, you’ll get a 65-inch Class UHD TV for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung BOGO on Samsung TVs Shop Now

There aren't many deals that get the people going like a "buy one, get one free" promotion. And then when that deal includes Samsung TVs, it's time to shut up shop for the day. We haven't seen something this huge before (literally), so you just know that shoppers are at least going to take a look. If not just to dream.

Until Sept. 7, Samsung is offering a "buy one, get one free" deal on some absolutely massive TVs. When you buy a Super Big Samsung TV, you’ll get a 65-inch Crystal UHD U8000F for free. What's a Super Big Samsung TV? We're talking about TVs of 98 inches or more.

SEE ALSO: Record-low price alert: The 55-inch TCL QM6K QLED 4K TV is $350 off at Amazon

To qualify for this bonkers BOGO deal, you'll need to purchase one of the following models:

To secure this deal, you'll need to add both the Crystal UHD U8000F and qualifying TV to your cart. Samsung will then automatically apply the discount at the checkout. Interested? You might need to act fast as stock already looks limited.

We totally get that this deal won't appeal to everyone. The qualifying TVs are not exactly cheap, but if you're already in the market for something massive, you might as well double up for no extra expense.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock Pornhub for free in the UK

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:58

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from the UK with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

The world of porn has been rocked by age-verification laws, requiring individuals to provide proof of age in order to access adult content.

Earlier in 2025, more than a third of U.S. states introduced age verification laws for online adult content. Pornhub responded by blocking users from those locations, and now the same situation is taking place in France.

On July 25, the UK's age-verification law also came into effect. Pornhub is complying with the UK's law, but age-verification laws still raise serious privacy concerns. The hope is that minors don't access the content, but the prospect of handing over information to third-party systems and not knowing how these companies are handling or storing that data is naturally concerning to potential adult users. For these individuals, there is a workaround.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from the UK, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in the UK

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

  4. Visit Pornhub

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

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Unblock Pornhub for free in the UK with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Update your iPhone now to protect it from extremely sophisticated attack

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:57

Apple has released a security update for iOS and iPadOS, and you should take notice.

The company's new iOS 18.6.2 and iPadOS 18.6.2 software release both address a vulnerability that can result in memory corruption when the device processes a malicious image file.

SEE ALSO: Google announces Pixelsnap magnetic charging accessories, its answer to Apple MagSafe

The company says that the issue "may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals."

This means most users shouldn't be panicking as they're unlikely to get targeted. But whenever a vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild, it's time to update as soon as possible.

Apple says that the affected devices are iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.

Apple also released an update to macOS Sequoia, bringing it to version 15.6.1. The release notes for this version merely say that the "update provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score a $200 gift card when you pre-order the Google Pixel 10 Pro at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:55

FREE $200 GIFT CARD: Amazon is offering a $200 Amazon gift card when you preorder the brand-new Google Pixel 10 Pro. This offer only lasts until Sept. 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10 Pro + $200 Amazon Gift Card Get Deal

The brand new Google Pixel 10 Pro has been announced, and Amazon is offering an excellent treat for those interested in preordering. Right now, shoppers looking to pick up the new smartphone can get a $200 Amazon gift card alongside their preorder.

This gift card can be put towards a wide variety of items on Amazon's website, which is a great bonus if you were already looking to invest in this new smartphone. The Pixel 10 Pro is set to be released on Aug. 28, so you won't have to wait too much longer to have it in your hands. This offer lasts a few days beyond the Pixel 10 Pro's release date (Sept. 4), so you have plenty of time to take advantage of this promotion.

SEE ALSO: Google brings live translation for phone calls and tons more AI to Pixel 10 series

Announced at this year's Made by Google event, the Pixel 10 Pro has plenty to offer. It comes in four colors — obsidian, porcelain, moonstone, and jade — and boasts a 6.3-inch Super Actua display. It also features an excellent camera system that offers 100x Pro Res Zoom, 50 MP images, and can even capture videos in up to 8K. There's plenty more to explore with this new model, most of which you can learn about in our breakdown of the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL.

This offer only lasts until Sept. 4, so don't miss out on your chance to get a $200 Amazon gift card when you preorder the new Google Pixel 10 Pro at Amazon. If you're curious what else Google is planning on dropping, check out our breakdown of everything announced at Made by Google.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I found the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ for over $60 off at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:49

SAVE $60.99: As of Aug. 21, you can snag the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ for just $209 at Amazon — that’s down from its usual $269.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus $209 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $60.99 Get Deal

If you’ve been eyeing up a tablet that can handle work, play, and a bit of everything in between, Samsung has you sorted.

As of Aug. 21, the 2024 Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is selling on Amazon for just $209 — a healthy $60.99 off its standard $269.99 price. That’s a 23% discount on one of Samsung’s most versatile mid-range tablets, and its lowest price since June according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

With its generous 11-inch screen and smooth 90Hz refresh rate, the Tab A9+ is designed to keep everyone entertained, whether you’re binging Netflix, gaming with friends, or letting the kids enjoy a few episodes of their favourite show. The promise of the Dolby Atmos-powered quad speakers means you won’t just see the action either; you’ll also feel it, thanks to immersive, cinema-like audio.

SEE ALSO: How to choose the best tablet

Under the hood, Samsung has packed in an upgraded chipset that aims to give you the speed and responsiveness you’d expect from a modern Android device. Coupled with 128GB of onboard storage (plus microSD support if you want to expand), there’s plenty of room for your apps, downloads, and photos. Multi Window support makes multitasking easier too, letting you check email, browse the web, and take notes all at once without breaking stride.

Parents will also appreciate the inclusion of Samsung Kids, a safe, colourful environment filled with educational games and activities. It’s a way to keep younger family members entertained without compromising peace of mind.

All of this comes in a slim, lightweight frame that seems easy to carry around, yet sturdy enough to handle everyday knocks. And when it’s time to share files, Quick Share makes moving photos and videos between devices a breeze — whether you’re on Android or iOS.

At just over $200, the Galaxy Tab A9+ hits a sweet spot between affordability and performance.

If you're curious about Apple, there's also our best Apple deals of the week, including MacBooks starting at just $799.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Roku 65-Inch Pro Series Smart TV is heavily discounted at Amazon — save almost $200

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:40

SAVE $170: As of Aug. 21, the Roku 65-inch Pro Series Smart TV is on sale for $599.99 at Amazon. That's a 22% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku 65-Inch Pro Series Smart TV $599.99 at Amazon
$769.99 Save $170 Get Deal

We're approaching a new season, which can only mean one thing: cozy movie nights and Gilmore Girls marathons. Fall is undoubtedly the best time of year for relaxing nights in, so why not enjoy them with a new TV? And as of Aug. 21, the Roku 65-inch Pro Series Smart TV is on sale at Amazon, providing an awesome opportunity to upgrade for less.

Right now, it's priced at $599.99 ($170 off). You can also find the 75-inch model on sale ($799.99 down from $998), if you need something bigger.

SEE ALSO: The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is now $20 off at Amazon — upgrade to high-quality 4K streaming

It's a seriously impressive TV, and not just because of the price. It has a QLED screen that delivers bright, vibrant colors and super sharp details, thanks to thousands of mini-LEDs that perfectly light everything you watch. With Dolby Vision IQ, movies, shows, and games feel incredibly lifelike, while the 120Hz refresh rate keeps fast action smooth, perfect for watching sports or gaming.

But our favorite feature? The remote finder button. If you've already looked down the side of the couch, checked behind the pillows, and handled all your pockets, head to the side of the TV and press a button to find where it's hiding.

Head to Amazon to get this great smart TV deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 7 best e-readers of 2025, reviewed by someone who really loves books

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:40

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

When you think of the best e-readers, your first thought is likely an Amazon Kindle, however this isn't a list of the best Kindles, although we do have a list of those, too.

While Kindles are great — there's certainly no denying that — you can find a couple of equally wonderful alternatives. In fact, as of July 2025, the Kobo Clara Colour dethroned the Kindle Paperwhite to become our favorite e-reader.

SEE ALSO: From the basic to the Paperwhite, these are Amazon's best Kindles

So, what is the best e-reader for 2025? I'm regularly testing new e-readers (and tablets) and cycling through different models to stay up to date on the best options available. So, if you're gearing up to read more books this summer or fall, I can recommend a model you'll love.

Featured Video For You Other e-readers we've tested From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

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

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

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

What about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?

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

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

Where's the Nook on this list?

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

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

Where to get e-reader books for free

Once you get an e-reader, it's time to fill it up with books, and that doesn't necessarily mean spending money. In fact, you can load up your e-reader without spending a dime; you just need to be a bit resourceful.

The best way to read nearly any book — a classic or hot new release — is with Libby. I have read hundreds of free books with the Libby app — I wouldn't have been able to test for this guide without it. It connects with your library card, allowing you to borrow from your local library's digital collection. Plus, both Kobo and Kindle have exceptional Libby integrations.

Another way to build your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour opportunities led by authors that make books discounted or free.

If you're a fan of the classics or looking to discover a treasure lost to time, an online resource like Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 books in the public domain that you can download and read on an e-reader.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for August 21, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:39

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, August 21, 2025:

AcrossCommon queries, informally
  • The answer is FAQs.

Only four-letter country with a "Q" in its name
  • The answer is Iraq.

TV's "The White ___"
  • The answer is Lotus.

Something you might "Mark as read"
  • The answer is Email.

Late
  • The answer is Tardy.

8

9

Down

1

2

3

4

7

Down___ mignon
  • The answer is Filet.

Burnt toast has a strong one
  • The answer is Aroma.

Only five-letter country with a "Q" in its name
  • The answer is Qatar.

Likely inspiration for the mythical kraken
  • The answer is Squid.

Sneaky
  • The answer is Sly.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Everything coming to Netflix Sept. 1

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:00

Netflix refreshes its catalogue of movies each month, with a major influx of new films hitting the streaming service on the first of every month. So what can you expect come Sept. 1, 2025?

The answer: tons of great watches. Netflix's new film arrivals on Sept. 1 include eternal classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, every Shrek film, and the widely beloved Paddington. That's just the tip of the iceberg, though, as the incoming list features something for everyone.

SEE ALSO: The best comedies streaming on Netflix right now

Looking for a thriller? Turn on Bridesmaids. More in the mood for superhero films? Both of Andrew Garfield's Amazing Spider-Man movies are on their way. Craving a musical fix? Check out La La Land.

You can find the full list of titles coming to Netflix Sept. 1 below.

Here's what's coming to Netflix Sept. 1.
  • 8 Mile

  • A Thousand Tomorrows: Season 1

  • The Amazing Spider-Man

  • The Amazing Spider-Man 2

  • Billy Madison

  • The Boy Next Door

  • Boyz n the Hood

  • Bram Stoker's Dracula

  • Bridesmaids

  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

  • Chicken Run

  • Dennis the Menace

  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

  • Edge of Tomorrow

  • Escape Room

  • The Four Seasons

  • Franklin & Bash: Seasons 1-4

  • Good Advice 

  • Hot Shots!

  • Hot Shots! Part Deux

  • Inglourious Basterds

  • Inside Man

  • Inside Man: Most Wanted

  • Knocked Up

  • La La Land 

  • The Land Before Time

  • Liar Liar

  • Limitless

  • Long Shot

  • Money Talks

  • Orphan Black: Seasons 1-5

  • Paddington 

  • Phantom Thread

  • Puss in Boots

  • The Rookie (1990)

  • The Running Man

  • Shark Tale

  • Sherlock Holmes

  • Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

  • Shrek

  • Shrek 2

  • Shrek Forever After

  • Shrek the Third

  • Stand by Me

  • We're the Millers

  • Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Categories: IT General, Technology

NASA spacecraft snaps photo of Earth from across the solar system

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:00

As a NASA spacecraft whizzed away from Earth at 40,265 mph, it took a brief moment to look over its robotic shoulder at how far it's traveled. 

Psyche, a mission and orbiter named after its space destination, is traveling to a metal-rich asteroid that orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter in the main asteroid belt. While the spacecraft won't reach the asteroid Psyche until 2029, it is already more than 180 million miles away — a distance double the stretch between Earth and the sun.

The new image, which shows Earth along with an even smaller point of light coming from the moon, harkens back to Carl Sagan's famous Pale Blue Dot image, a shot the Voyager 1 spacecraft took in 1990 on its way out of the solar system. That historic photo has come to represent the vastness of space and humanity's humble place within it. 

The purpose of this new image taken in July, presented below, was to test the spacecraft cameras' ability to capture relatively dim objects, whose light is actually reflected sunlight, just like the Psyche asteroid. Other dots in the frame are stars sparkling from the constellation Aries. 

"We are up and running, and everything is working well," Bob Mase, the mission’s NASA project manager, said in a statement.

It's rare to see the Earth and moon together in a photo. This one was taken this summer by NASA's Psyche spacecraft on its way to an asteroid. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU

That the orbiter's instruments and systems are operating as expected comes as a relief for the space agency. In April, engineers paused the spacecraft's four electric thrusters to investigate a surprising drop in pressure. They discovered that a faulty valve that manages the flow of xenon fuel to the engines was to blame. 

Fortunately, the orbiter has another fuel line. After the team switched to using the backup, the spacecraft was able to resume firing its thrusters. 

SEE ALSO: Webb telescope just peeked at Uranus and got mooned, literally

The spacecraft is headed to Psyche because scientists believe it is made of the same stuff found in metallic planet cores, like Earth's. It's most likely battered from many violent ancient collisions. Asteroids are the rocky rubble left over from the formation of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. Studying this asteroid may provide researchers with clues about what's in our own planet's core and how the rocky planets orbiting the sun formed. 

That's important, scientists say, because it's impossible to get to Earth's core, roughly 1,800 miles below the surface, due to its extreme heat and pressure level. The most cutting-edge drilling instruments, which reach a maximum of 7.5 miles down, haven't gone anywhere close to that deep underground. Arizona State University is leading the mission for NASA. 

Psyche's meandering spiral path through the solar system will give the spacecraft the gravity assists it needs to arrive at its asteroid destination in 2029. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech diagram

Psyche is a potato-shaped asteroid, stretching 173 miles long and 144 miles wide, while being 117 miles thick. No one has seen the giant rock up close — the radar observations are pixelated — so scientists won't know what it looks like until the orbiter arrives. 

Though the spacecraft is already quite far from home, the journey will take much longer. Its next major milestone will be a flyby of Mars in May 2026 to get a propulsion boost from the Red Planet's gravity. 

The team will likely take more sightseeing images to continue testing the cameras along the way. 

"We’re sort of collecting solar system ‘trading cards’ from these different bodies," said Jim Bell, Arizona State's imager instrument lead for the mission, in a statement, "and running them through our calibration pipeline to make sure we’re getting the right answers."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Fox *finally* launches its own streaming service just in time for football season

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:00

For years, there's been a noticeable Fox-shaped hole in the streaming universe. But that's about to change.

CBS has Paramount+, NBCUniversal has Peacock, and now Fox Corp. is launching Fox One — its direct-to-consumer streaming service — on Aug. 21. The app is a one-stop shop for the entirety of the Fox TV portfolio, including all games, events, and programs that air on the Fox family of networks. You'll be able to watch live sports and events, as well as shows and movies on demand.

"In bringing together the full power of the FOX content portfolio in one service, we have created a great value proposition and user experience that will appeal to the cord-cutter and cord-never fans currently not served by conventional pay TV packages," Pete Distad, CEO, Fox's direct-to-consumer platform, said in a statement.

Its arrival couldn't be timed more perfectly, with Big Noon Saturday (Fox's flagship college football show), the MLB playoffs, and the NFL season kickoff just around the corner.

What is included in the Fox One streaming service?

Fox One is the new home to all of the major Fox channels: Fox News, Fox Sports, Fox Weather, FS1, FS2, Fox Business, Fox Deportes, Big Ten Network (B1G), local Fox stations, and Fox Network. It will also have on-demand content from Fox Entertainment, including movies, TV shows, and ad-supported channels like LiveNOW, TMZ, and Fox podcasts. Fox Nation and B1G+ will remain their own independent streaming services, but bundling options will be available.

That means you'll be able to watch live in-network NFL games on Sundays during the regular season, which kicks off Sept. 4. Not to mention, the MLB World Series in October and college football this fall.

In the past, cord-cutters had to sign up for a pay TV provider like YouTube TV ($82.99 per month) or Fubo ($84.99 per month) to watch Fox channels live. Fox One offers a much more affordable and streamlined option.

One notable difference about Fox One compared to other mainstream streaming services is that it won't offer any original content. For now, at least, it's mostly focused on giving cable-less folks access to live programming.

How much will Fox One cost?

Fox One on its own costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year, which will save you about 17%. There will also be options to bundle Fox One with Fox Nation for $24.99 per month or $239.88 per year (20% savings).

ESPN's new direct-to-consumer app is set to launch the same day as Fox One. You'll be able to bundle both apps for the ultimate live sports combo for a total of $39.99 per month starting on Oct. 2.

New subscribers (aka everyone) will also get a free seven-day trial of Fox One to kick things off.

How to sign up for Fox One

Fox One is officially available as of Aug. 21. Navigate to FoxOne.com or download the mobile app and follow the prompts to sign up for your free seven-day trial.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox Corp. Fox One Starting at $19.99 per month Learn More
Categories: IT General, Technology

Your all-in-one lifetime AI toolkit is on sale for just $80

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: 1min.AI is your all-in-one AI toolkit for business leaders — covering content, images, video, audio, and planning — available for a one-time $79.97 lifetime license through Sept. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $79.97
$540 Save $460.03 Get Deal

In today’s hyper-competitive landscape, the difference between growth and stagnation often comes down to how quickly leaders can make smart decisions. Business owners and executives are under pressure to plan faster, execute smarter, and adapt constantly.

Yet the average team still wastes countless hours bouncing between tools and platforms. The 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan offers a sharper path forward: lifetime access for just $79.97 to an AI-driven platform that streamlines everything from content creation and financial documents to video, images, and even PDF analysis.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI says GPT-5 should be more friendly now

Think of it as your all-in-one assistant — only faster, smarter, and never off the clock.

What You Get with 1min.AI
  • Chat with top models: GPT-4o, Claude 3, Gemini Pro, Llama 3, and more.

  • Content tools galore: Blog generator, keyword research, paraphraser, rewriter, and LinkedIn/Twitter/Facebook comment writers.

  • Visual wizardry: AI image generation, background remover, image upscaler, and full editing suite.

  • PDF Superpowers: Summarize, translate, and query documents directly.

  • Audio & video tools: Text-to-speech, speech-to-text, translations, and professional-level video editing.

  • Constant upgrades: Weekly updates and improvements included.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur trying to scale, a marketer juggling campaigns, or a small business owner craving efficiency, this tool doesn’t just save you time — it gives you back entire workdays.

Get lifetime access to the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan while it’s on sale for $79.97 through Sept. 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop settling for “good enough” docs when MS Office is just $30

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Google Docs is fine in a pinch, but Microsoft Office 2019 is still the gold standard — and at $29.97 for a lifetime license, it’s the smarter long-term choice.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97
$229 Save $199.03 Get Deal

The free alternative productivity platforms are fine. They’ll get you through in a pinch. But when it comes to creating polished presentations, crunching data like the pro you are, or writing documents without formatting nightmares, Microsoft Office is still the gold standard.

For a limited time, you can grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for just $29.97. That’s Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access — installed directly on your PC, no recurring fees, no cloud lock-ins.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Teams adding protections against malicious files and links

One of the best features of Office is something we usually forget until we need it: it works offline. This means your projects aren’t at the mercy of spotty WiFi. Whether you’re working from a café, on a plane, or in an office basement with zero signal, Office can help you keep things moving.

Office 2019 also comes with upgraded features: smarter Excel analysis, better PowerPoint design tools, enhanced Outlook organization, and smoother inking across the suite. It’s built for professionals who need their tools to just work — day in, day out.

So yes, free is fine. But when you can get the real deal for this price, with a lifetime license, it’s a homerun. Get a lifetime license to MS Office Pro Plus 2019 while it’s just $29.97 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Smash the stock market with this heavily discounted AI investment app

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Make wise investing choices with some help from this lifetime subscription to Sterling Stock Picker, now only $55.19 (reg. $486) with code SAVE20 until Sept. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sterling Stock Picker Sterling Stock Picker (Lifetime Subscription) $55.19
$486 Save $430.81 Get Deal

Ready to put your money to work? If you have funds sitting in a bank account, it may be time to start investing. Sterling Stock Picker can help you do it confidently. Right now, a lifetime subscription to this stock picking software can be yours for just $55.19 (reg. $486) with code SAVE20 until Sept. 7.

This app simplifies stock market investing with AI-powered insights

Investing in the stock market doesn’t have to be complicated. Let Sterling Stock Picker simplify it for you with this subscription. Built with AI-powered tools inspired by ChatGPT, this software helps you make informed investment decisions for life.

Whether you’re totally new to the stock market or you’re a veteran, Sterling Stock Picker is ready to help you invest smarter. A 5-minute questionnaire helps figure out your risk tolerance and personal values, so that Sterling Stock Picker can find you stocks that align with your values and goals.

SEE ALSO: I worked with AI to invest in the stock market — here’s how it’s going

If you prefer a more hands-off approach, the Done-for-You Portfolio Builder option eliminates all the guesswork, allowing the app to continue recommending updates to your portfolio over time. Otherwise, you can pick and choose your portfolio from Sterling Stock Picker’s choices. Its North Star rating system guides you on when to buy, sell, or hold.

You’ll also get access to Finley, your own personal AI financial coach. Finley can help answer questions about your portfolio, individual stocks, or the market in general. It can also give you real-time insights based on actual data.

Invest wiser with this lifetime subscription to Sterling Stock Picker, just $55.19 (reg. $486) with code SAVE20 until Sept. 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Whats new to streaming this week? (Aug. 22, 2025)

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:00

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025 (so far), and where to stream them

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand-new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're in hankering for intense drama, feel-good comedy, adventurous animation, or bonkers action, we've got something just for you.

10. Eenie Meanie

Ready or Not's Samara Weaving stars as the eponymous protagonist of Eenie Meanie. Edie Meanie earned this cutesy moniker by becoming the youngest getaway driver of underground crime. But now she's in her twenties, trying to pull her life together with a legit job and by cutting ties from her screw-up boyfriend, John (Karl Glusman). Then he goes and nearly gets himself killed.

The only way to save his neck is to do one last job. Along the way these on-again-off-again lovers will cross paths with criminals kooky and dangerous, engage in wild car chases, and battle with their demons. Written and directed by Shawn Simmons, Eenie Meanie packs a lot into its runtime, including a complicated backstory involving several failed father figures. It feels at times as if Simmons intended this as a mini-series and chopped it down to make a movie work, which... it doesn't really. But if you crave crime thrillers, Weaving shoulders this one ably. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Samara Weaving, Karl Glusman, Jermaine Fowler, Marshawn Lynch, Randall Park, Steve Zahn, and Andy Garcia

How to watch: Eenie Meanie debuts on Hulu Aug. 22.

9. Hostage

The impossible choice between family or country lies at the heart of Hostage, Netflix's five-part political thriller from Bridge of Spies writer Matt Charman. Newly elected and settling into 10 Downing Street with her family, British prime minister Abigail Dalton (Suranne Jones) must make unimaginable decisions when her husband Alex (Ashley Thomas) is suddenly kidnapped in French Guiana. With the bar for political thriller series so high — Homeland, The Americans, Netflix's own The Diplomat, House of CardsHostage feels somewhat less meticulous than its predecessors. However, what Hostage does deliver is a strong character study through compelling performances from Doctor Foster star Jones and screen icon Julie Delpy as French president Vivienne Toussaint, who has buried a few damning secrets on her way to power. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Suranne Jones, Julie Delpy, Corey Mylchreest, Ashley Thomas, and Martin McCann

How to watch: Hostage is now playing on Netflix.

8. The Bad Guys 2

In a playful sequel to The Bad Guys, the animated crew has gone good. But a fresh start is hard to get going when you're better known for your heists than your heroics.

Wolf, Shark, Piranha, Snake, and Tarantula are committed to proving their on the right path now. But that becomes harder when an intimidating trio of criminals — Kitty Kat, Pigtail Petrova, and Doom — tempt them back into being Bad Guys. Hilarious hijinks, high-flying action, and plenty of kooky animals tumble together in The Bad Guys 2. — K.P.

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Zazie Beetz, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, Maria Bakalova, Alex Borstein, Richard Ayoade, and Lilly Singh

How to watch: The Bad Guys 2 is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

7. Night of The Zoopocalypse

Want something scary and kid-friendly? Then you should check out Night of the Zoopocalypse. The title seems to allude to George A. Romero's landmark zombie movie Night of the Living Dead. But the plot here is more alien invasion — at a zoo.

Quirky young wolf Gracie (Gabbi Kosmidis) is tired of the safety and routine of living at the zoo. She hungers for thrills and adventure. And she'll get plenty when a crashed meteor turns her cuddly neighbors into drooling zombies, determined to spread their contagion one bite at a time. To make it through the night, Gracie will have to make some unlikely allies, like a grumpy mountain lion named Dan (voiced by Stranger Things' David Harbour). Spookiness and silliness abound! — K.P.

Starring: Gabbi Kosmidis, Scott Thompson, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and David Harbour

How to watch: Night of The Zoopocalypse debuts on Peacock on Aug. 22.

6. The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox

Amanda Knox's story is one of a media gone wild, condemning an American student for a heinous crime ahead of her day in court. In Italy 2007, Knox was convicted of the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher. In 2015, she was acquitted by Italy's highest court, but it'd take years more for her to clear her name.

Now, the story of murder, false conviction, and fighting for exoneration takes shape in a new limited series, starring Grace Van Patten as the eponymous accused. While the real Knox shared her story in the Netflix doc Amanda Knox, this dramatized version comes from K.J. Steinberg, writer of such TV dramas as This Is Us, Mistresses, and Gossip Girl. — K.P.

Starring: Grace Van Patten, John Hoogenakker, Giuseppe De Domenico, Francesco Acquaroli, Roberta Mattei, Sharon Horgan, Anna Van Patten, Rebecca Wisocky, and Josh Burdett

How to watch: The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox debuts on Hulu on Aug. 20.

5. Abbott Elementary, Season 4

If you didn't catch Abbott Elementary Season 4 as it aired or streamed on Hulu, now you've got another viewing option. The latest season of Quinta Brunson's Emmy–winning series hits HBO Max this week.

Season 4 of Abbott Elementary continued exploring the lives of Abbott's teachers, diving deeper into Janine (Brunson) and Gregory's (Tyler James Williams) relationship and providing major shakeups when it came to Ava's (Janelle James) tenure as principal. And of course, Season 4 featured the Abbott Elementary/It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover, which brought the Gang into Abbott, with bizarro consequences. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and William Stanford Davis

How to watch: Abbott Elementary Season 4 debuts on Max on Aug. 23.

4. Elio

Pixar's Elio may have bombed at the box office, but don't let that stop you from checking out this sweet, original sci-fi film. Protagonist Elio (voiced by Yonas Asuncion Kibreab) is a lonely misfit with a passion for space and aliens. After spending ages desperately trying to get aliens to abduct him, he finally gets his wish and is whisked away to the Communiverse, where great minds from across the galaxy co-mingle. There's just one catch: The members of the Communiverse think Elio is Earth's leader.

As Elio tries to cement his spot among his new alien companions, he forges an unlikely bond with alien Glordon (voiced by Remy Edgerly), the son of a warlord hellbent on destroying the Communiverse. That relationship becomes the film's heart, and as I wrote in my review, "What follows is a sweet, empathetic look at how to find connection in the unlikeliest of places. That idea isn't exactly new to Pixar — see: Up, WALL-E, and many more — but Elio's inventive setting and lovable main character help cast these eternal themes in a weird and wonderful new light." — B.E.

Starring: Yonas Asuncion Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett, and Jameela Jamil

How to watch: Elio is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

3. Peacemaker, Season 2

Can't get enough of James Gunn and DC after watching Superman? Then you're in luck, because Peacemaker Season 2 kicks off this week.

Season 1 was a refreshing standout in a sea of same-y superhero shows, and critical buzz around Season 2 suggests that it's even better. John Cena returns as Chris Smith/Peacemaker, and this time around, he wants to be taken more seriously as a hero. Of course, he's got many obstacles in his way, including multidimensional portals and the arrival of Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), who's hunting him down for killing Rick Flag Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) in The Suicide Squad. That all sounds daunting, but don't worry: We're getting a new opening sequence with a new dance, so at least you can rock out every episode. — B.E.

Starring: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Chukwudi Iwuji, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick

How to watch: Peacemaker Season 2 premieres on HBO Max on Aug 21.

2. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Tom Cruise saddles up as super spy Ethan Hunt one last time in the (presumable) climax Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Picking up where  Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One left off, Ethan and his crew of play-by-their-own-rules agents are facing off against a malevolent AI known as "The Entity." Naturally, that leads to more scenic globe-trekking, more jaw-dropping action, more star-studded supporting roles, and more missions not so impossible. 

While this movie is very messy plotwise, Final Reckoning offers undeniable thrills, not only in the form of Tom Cruise's unparalleled dedication to stunts that seem not just dangerous but downright illegal, but also with brief but dazzling appearances from scene-stealers like Love Lies Bleeding's Katy O'Brian and Severance star Tramell Tillman. Oh, mister. Just you wait. — K.P.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, Katy O'Brian, and Tramell Tillman

How to watch: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

1. Long Story Short

BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg returns to Netflix with Long Story Short, an animated family sitcom that, just like BoJack Horseman, is hilarious and downright devastating in equal measure. 

At the center of the series is the Schwoopers, a Jewish family from Northern California. Siblings Avi (voiced by Ben Feldman), Shira (voiced by Abbi Jacobson), and Yoshi (voiced by Max Greenfield) are the show's main focus, with Long Story Short flitting around in time to examine each of their triumphs and setbacks, along with all the ways their childhoods impacted their adulthoods. Thanks to its time-hopping structure, the show becomes a moving examination of all the little ways our family can hinder or help us over the years. The effect is magnificent and melancholy, boasting enough clever wordplay and pop culture jokes that, along with a whimsical storybook animation style, help balance the show's heavier topics. Thank goodness the show has already been renewed for a Season 2, because I want more of the Schwoopers, stat. — B.E.

Starring: Ben Feldman, Abbi Jacobson, Max Greenfield, Lisa Edelstein, and Paul Reiser

How to watch: Long Story Short premieres on Netflix on Aug. 22.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Eric Wei built his business on creator networking — heres how

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 11:00

Eric Wei didn't break into the creator space from in front of the camera.

In fact, the 32-year-old followed a much more traditional career route: He went to Harvard, then got into investment banking and consulting. But once he started to work closer with creators thanks to a product management job at Instagram, Wei knew he wanted to follow his childhood dreams and pursue a more creative path.

" I said, 'Wow, here's a whole group of people who found a way to support themselves doing what they love.' I want to be a part of that world," Wei told Mashable. "I don't know if I can make content, so let me support them with their finances because I used to work in finance." That was the idea that led to Karat Financial, a tech company that helps creators with their banking and finances.

Credit: Credit: Mashable Composite: Zooey Liao/ Image Credit: Getty Images/ Karat Financial

After building a client roster alongside the Karat team, Wei decided to launch a podcast through the company — the aptly named Karat Podcast, which features interviews with creators like Alex Hormozi, Swell Entertainment, and OfflineTV's creative director Brodin Plett. Beyond Karat, Wei also co-hosts the podcast The Joy of Missing Out alongside creator Chloe Shih.

I caught up with Wei at VidCon to learn about his experiences building up Karat, finding clients, and venturing out on his own content creation journey.

Mashable: What made you want to start a podcast through Karat?

Eric Wei:  Having spent so much time around [creators], a couple of years ago, I said, "I have so many cool friends and clients, why don't we shoot some podcasts? Why don't we get to know each other a little bit?" I started with Nas Daily, a friend of mine I've known for over 10 years from school. And now it's been over two years, I've recorded over a hundred interviews with some of the biggest creators and streamers out there, like LaurDIY, Alex Hormozi, Alex Botez...and it's become so personally fulfilling now to share their stories. It's this very circular motion: I want to be creative, I started a company to work with creatives, and I've gotten to do it myself as well.

When you started the company, how did you build up that relationship of trust with creators?  How was it not like, "I'm just some guy who wants to help you"?

 In the beginning, 100 percent, I was just some guy, and it's because of that nobody wanted to work with us. I remember distinctly in 2020, the government had this program called PPP, which is free stimulus money for creators and businesses in general, and I went to creators and said, "Hey, I can get you access to this." And nobody was interested because they're like, you're just a random guy off the street.

 In the beginning, 100 percent, I was just some guy, and it's because of that nobody wanted to work with us.

The next step was to go out and meet every single possible person connected to the space and try to build a genuine friendship.  I would introduce myself: "Hey, I'm Eric. I have a lot of context experience to add from the tech and finance side. Is there something I can help you with that can become the beginning of a relationship?"

One of the first creators we worked with was Graham Stephan, who is a finance and real estate YouTuber. I saw that I had a mutual [connection] with him through Y Combinator, the incubator we went through, so I asked him to connect us. When I spoke with Graham, Graham had heard of us from another creator that I spent months cold networking to try and reach out to, so he was open to it. I actually flew out to hand-deliver the first Karat business credit card to him. It was literally only for 10 minutes, but showing that I cared and meeting him on the street in Santa Monica helped build an initial relationship — now he's one of my greatest friends and mentors, a client of care, and an investor as well. So you take that and you repeat it 500 times to build that initial set of relationships with creators because everything in this ecosystem is about trust.

Tell me more about that networking process. At a certain point, is it feasible to fly out to all 500 people? How did you develop it to scale?

So it's actually a three-step process. Step one is to go out and make the relationships yourself, and it's really hand-to-hand combat — you need to be everywhere, following every single lead.

Step two is then you think about how do I add value and build a relationship where they see that I care about them, and we can help each other?

Step three is then you host events where they meet each other. For example, every Saturday, I host creator pickleball  with many of the biggest YouTubers in the world coming and playing. Then once they start to mingle and meet with each other and build friendships, you've now built a community that can operate and scale even without you necessarily being there.  It's to the point where people know about me and about Karat because I'm how they met, and they go share with others, "Oh, here's the story of how we first got introduced to each other," and it grows. Then people come to you to join your community.

Have you found that making content yourself has also helped bridge that gap?

So much. Everything I just said helps scale relationships in the real world. But then you amplify it with content. If people meet each other at an event and make content about it, it becomes incredibly more powerful.

In many ways, the podcast is so helpful from a business perspective because it demonstrates to people watching that Eric and Karat have a relationship with Dr. K and ConnorEatsPants because they've made the time to sit down and do an interview together.

SEE ALSO: How this Harvard-trained psychiatrist used Twitch and YouTube to bring mental health education to the masses

And those clips go viral. Then, whenever people meet you, they already say, "I actually know who you are, and what you've done, and you know my friends."

Did you have a moment where you were trying to build a relationship with someone, and you thought you maybe needed to back off? How do you make that call?

 One hundred percent. What people get wrong in building relationships, and quote-unquote networking, is trying to push.  I very much try and share everything I'm doing across different spheres of my life to see if there's something that may pique their interest,  where we can genuinely bond over, or I can be helpful.

As a great example, LaurDIY is one of my closest friends. I met her initially because we were introduced to each other, and we spoke over the phone. She was interested in Karat but, at the time, actually declined. But I met her at an event years later, sharing everything I was up to. I mentioned I was going to a pickleball creator tournament a week later, and she actually loves pickleball.

SEE ALSO: LaurDIY shares her secrets to YouTube success

And we built a friendship.  We've played multiple times a week at this point for a year.  So you share what you're doing in case there's something of interest, you ask what they do to see if there are thoughts you have, and ultimately, if there isn't something that they're intrigued by, you can't push. Another great example:  Karat helps creators with their finances. I'll mention what I do, but if it's not something they need at the time, I leave it there because I know if they do need help, they will come to me.

You let it progress naturally.

Exactly. And I'll say this:  not only do people sometimes push too hard, sometimes, people are afraid to bring any aspect of, "here's something I'd like to do with you together" to a friend.  What I always frame it as is that you can do business with friends.  And it's OK to also make asks as well, because sometimes when you do it in the right way, and you know there's interest, it actually builds the relationship and friendship in itself

 I want to talk more about your podcast and the content that you make yourself. Do you remember your first viral moment?

It's impossible to do good content that's not aligned with yourself as a person. So many companies try and start podcasts that never go anywhere because they're always pushing the product. The first viral moment on that first episode I ever did on the Karat podcast with my friend Nas Daily was actually about relationships.

 I had just gone through a breakup at the time, and I was sharing what I was going through. We talked a lot about attachment styles and how that then changes how you engage in relationships with other people. And Nas Daily was going through a public change in a relationship as well, so we were just talking human to human. That clip on TikTok literally got over 7 million views. While it wasn't aligned necessarily to carry the business, it helped me understand that if you want to develop good content, you have to be true to yourself. You don't have to try and stuff everything into one segment.

Have you found that you have audience members coming to you solely as podcast fans without knowing about Karat Financial?

 Absolutely. The number one thing that matters when helping someone with their finances is whether they have heard of you before and whether they trust the brand name.

I don't expect everybody to know exactly what we do because it's a journey over time. For us, the podcast is successful not only from the personal POV of building these relationships but also from the business POV of helping people say, "Oh, I've heard of you before."

Do you consider yourself a content creator as well as a cofounder?

 Absolutely,  I do both. I have a business. I make content that supports the business, and sometimes, I even make content that's not directly tied to Karat because it is spiritually and personally enjoyable. And I don't think you're able to focus on what you want to do if you don't feel good about the life you've constructed for yourself.

Is that why you started your podcast with Chloe [Shih]?

 Yes! I actually have a second podcast called The Joy of Missing Out with my very good friend, Chloe Shih.  Every week, we sit on a couch and we just yap. We talk about how each of us in our 20s spent so much time working for others, and in our 30s decided to do something different on our own.  And it's so beneficial personally because I found content to be the best possible occasion to just go spend time with friends and hang out.

Doing this has strengthened my friendship with Chloe. And yes, it also feeds back into the business because you build credibility with creators when they see you know how to make content yourself.

Speaking of making content yourself, are there certain platforms you favor?

 Each one of them is really different.  Instagram, because it started as a social network, is the most valuable for building relationships.

TikTok is really good for just trying things out, putting stuff into the ether, and seeing what the algorithm picks up. You get a signal of what people like and want from me. YouTube is great for developing essentially your own little media company. I probably spend the most time on Instagram because it's not just about producing the content, it's about following up and building friendships.

To talk a bit about the business side of being a content creator, do you have any advice for navigating brand deals?

 One of the hardest things for a creator is the classic game of "What's your budget?" You ask them, and they turn back and say, "What's your rate?" It's just two sides staring at each other to see who blinks first. And there are only a couple of ways to resolve this.

First is who wants it more, which, when you're an early-stage creator, it's hard not to want. Second is to get information. Today, this is done through whisper networks, where creators will just hit each other up and say, "Hey, actually, what did you get for this?"

SEE ALSO: How ZoeUnlimited went from accountant to YouTuber with over 3.4 million subscribers

That's one of the things Karat's building out. When we work with creators, they agree to share financial information with us, and we anonymize it with their consent. We're building ways to actually build a database of what you can expect to monetize based on your social stats. We want to give you, when you're in that weird little social standoff, to have just a little bit more information.

Since you're someone who's constantly looking to connect with new creators, I'm curious — which creators do you think are slept on? 

 My number one area of study is creators who are figuring out how to build a business simultaneously. Historically, a lot of early-stage creators really focused on the media side. For example, they would develop really good content first and then build in the business pieces later.

 I did a podcast with this entrepreneur, Alex Hormozi, where he says creators tend to focus 100 percent on the thumbnail and the title, but not enough on how do you actually monetize beyond just brand deals and assets.

So, a slept-on creator, who's actually a Karat client — one of the very first clients on our latest product, Karat Business Banking — his name is Mino Lee. He's about 21 years old and an entrepreneur. A lot of his content is literally like, "I am dropping out of school to try and support myself as a creator."

I remember finding him when he had like 3,000 followers and being like, who is this dude? Just producing these very candid shots of him being like, don't know how to do this, but my goal is to make $5,000 a day. And then to see him a couple of years later, now his goal is like, I want to make a million dollars. I think it's such a great example of a genuine way to do content while building your business, and the two feed and support each other. Now he's also developing businesses around helping other people do the same thing.

So I think that's a new mode: It's the creator as entrepreneur and the entrepreneur who figures out how to lead into content from the very start.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is finally here — pre-order and get a free $300 gift card

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 10:57

SAVE $300: Pre-order the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and get a $300 Amazon gift card for free. This item will be released on Aug. 28, 2025.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold + $300 Amazon Gift Card Get Deal

At the Made By Google event, four new smartphones were announced. The Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold have now all been announced, and the Fold is already making waves.

If you pre-order the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold from Amazon, you'll get a free $300 gift card to spend on whatever you like. The phone comes in two colors: jade and moonstone, and both are available as part of this promotion.

SEE ALSO: Picking up the new Google Pixel Pro XL? Score a free $200 Amazon gift card with this preorder deal.

The Pixel 10 runs on Pixel’s most powerful chip, the Google Tensor G5. It comes with an incredible camera, and has advanced AI with Gemini built in. It’s an unlocked Android phone, so you can pick your carrier and plan. Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major networks are on offer.

The folding screen is the big selling point. Enjoy a tablet-sized 8-inch screen when opened and a handy 6.4-inch display on the outside for quick use. Both screens are super smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate and bright enough to see clearly even in sunlight. The camera system includes a 48 MP wide and a 10.5 MP ultrawide lens. It also supports 23W wired and 15W wireless charging.

Pick up the new Google Pixel Pro 10 Fold at Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Picking up the new Google Pixel Pro XL? Score a free $200 Amazon gift card with this preorder deal.

Mashable - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 10:50

SAVE $200: The Google Pixel Pro XL comes with a free $200 Amazon gift card. This item releases on Aug. 28, 2025.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Pro XL + $200 Amazon Gift Card Get Deal

Google is the star of the show right now with the announcement of not one, not two, not three, but four new smartphones. The Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold have all been released — and there's discounts available already.

If you preorder the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL from Amazon, you'll get a free $200 gift card thrown in as a treat. The phone comes in four colors: jade, moonstone, porcelain, and obsidian, and all are available as part of this special preorder deal.

SEE ALSO: Looking to buy the brand-new Google Pixel 10? Get a free $100 Amazon gift card as a bonus.

The Pixel 10 runs on Google Tensor G5, Pixel’s most powerful chip yet. It also comes with an incredible camera and has advanced AI with Gemini built in. You're getting an unlocked Android phone, so you can pick your carrier and plan. It works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major networks, so the choice is all yours.

It has a 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED display, a brighter and tougher design, and big camera upgrades, including a 450 MP wide and a 48 MP ultrawide lens.

Get this great preorder deal from Amazon right away.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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