Mashable

Say hello to the new Google Pixel 8a. Last year, when the Google Pixel 7a dropped, it sort of seemed like maybe we wouldn't get a Pixel 8a. That couldn't have been more wrong.

Google lifted the veil off the Pixel 8a on Tuesday, and to no one's surprise, it seems like a cheaper version of the Pixel 8, with a few compromises that some users may not even notice.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 8 reviews are in — 3 things critics hate about the Android device All about the new Pixel 8a

Without doing a full comparison between the two right here and now, here's a basic rundown of what Pixel 8a buyers will get when the phone launches for $499 on May 14:

• 6.1-inch, Actua OLED display with 20:9 aspect ratio, up to 120Hz refresh rate, and 1080 x 2400 resolution

• Tensor G3 processor

• 8GB RAM

• 128GB or 256GB storage

• 4,492mAh battery

• 64MP main camera lens

• 13MP ultra-wide lens

• 13MP front lens

Aside from being a tenth of an inch smaller in display size, most of those specs are the same as on Pixel 8. While Pixel 8a's camera lenses have higher pixel counts, the aperture on Pixel 8 is wider, so the older, more expensive phone might still produce better-looking photos.

Those few differences aside, though, the Pixel 8a is a lot like the Pixel 8, only cheaper. Its Tensor G3 chip allows for most of the same AI features like Best Take and Magic Editor that graced the Pixel 8, even if we didn't like those features very much last year. Still, 'tis better to have iffy AI features than not have them at all, one could argue anyway.

Regardless, we're just glad the A-series lives on.

The Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8 is a face-off we decided to put together to help you understand the difference between the Pixel 8a and its pricier Pixel 8 sibling.

At first glance, they may seem similar, but when you dive into the nitty gritty details, they're a lot more different than you think.

Without further ado, let's pit the new Pixel 8a against the Pixel 8.

Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: Price and specs

The Pixel 8a starts at $499, $200 cheaper than the Pixel 8.

Pixel 8a Credit: Google

This configuration comes with the following specs:

• Google Tensor G3 chip + Titan M2 security co-processor

• 128GB of storage

• 8GB of RAM

• 6.1-inch, 2,400 x 1,080-pixel display

The Pixel 8 starts at $699:

• Google Tensor G3 chip + Titan M2 security co-processor

• 128GB of stage

• 8GB of RAM

• 6.2-inch, 2,400 x 1,080-pixel display

For both the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8, you can upgrade your configuration to 256GB of storage, which will require you to shell out an additional $160 for both models.

Of course, price-wise, the Pixel 8a has the edge.

Winner: Pixel 8a

Opens in a new window Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable Google Pixel 8 $699.00 at Google Store
Get Deal Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: Design

The new Pixel 8a has a familiar Pixel 8 design, featuring rounded corners and the distinctive tennis sweatband-like camera bar, an unmistakable characteristic of Pixel phones.

Google Pixel 8 Credit: Google Pixel 8

However, the dimensions tell a different story:

• Pixel 8a - 6.0 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches

• Pixel 8 - 5.9 x 2.8 x 0.4 inches

The Pixel 8a is a hair taller than the Pixel 8 as well as slightly wider. In terms of thickness, they have the same height (i.e., 0.4 inches).

As far as weight is concerned, the Pixel 8a is slightly heavier than the Pixel 8 (i.e., 6.8 oz vs. 6.6 oz), but not by much.

The Pixel 8 offers these colorways: Hazel, Mint, Obsidian, and Rose.

The Pixel 8a, on the other hand, comes in the following colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay and Aloe.

Google Pixel 8a Credit: Google

Keep in mind, though, that the Pixel 8 has IP68 dust-and-water resistance while the Pixel 8a has an IP67 rating. This means that, unlike the Pixel 8a, the Pixel 8 can survive being underwater for a longer period and a deeper depth. As such, if you tend to be the clumsy type, and you often go to the beach, I'd opt for the Pixel 8.

Winner: Pixel 8

Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: Display

Let's start with the display size. The Pixel 8 offers slightly more screen real estate at 6.2 inches compared to the new Pixel 8a's 6.1-inch display.

Google Pixel 8 Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Here are the display specs of both phones:

• Up to 120Hz refresh rate

• 2,400 x 1,080-pixel resolution

• Up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness

• OLED screen

• 20:9 aspect ratio

On difference worth pointing out, however, is that the Pixel 8a has a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display. The Pixel 8, on the other hand, has a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus panel, which offers significant improvement to drop and scratch resistance.

Pixel 8a Credit: Google

In other words, the Pixel 8 will be less susceptible to scratches as well as wear-and-tear, so if you're looking for better durability, the Pixel 8 is your guy.

Winner: Pixel 8

Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: Performance

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a both have the same processors: Google Tensor G3 chip + Titan M2 security co-processor. They also have the same RAM (8GB).

As such, neither phone should have a significant advantage over the other when it comes to performance.

Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: Camera

There are some marked differences between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 when it comes to their cameras. Let's break them down.

Pixel 8a Credit: Google Wide camera

Pixel 8a: 64MP

Pixel 8: 50MP

Ultra-wide camera

Pixel 8a: 13MP

Pixel 8: 12MP

Selfie camera

Pixel 8a: 13MP

Pixel 8: 10.5MP

The Pixel 8a's cameras are more pixel dense than the Pixel 8's shooters, but don't let this fool you. For example, yes, the Pixel 8 has a 50MP main camera compared to the Pixel 8a's 64MP main camera. But the Pixel 8's wide-lens sensor is much larger than the Pixel 8a (1/1.31" vs 1/1.73"), allowing the former to capture more light in photos.

On top of that, the Pixel 8's main camera has a wider aperture (f/1.68 vs. f/1.89), again, yielding better light gathering.

The same can be said for the other shooters. On paper, the Pixel 8a may appear to have the better camera set, but the aperture and sensor size say otherwise.

Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8a: Camera features

The Pixel 8a has some features that the 7a didn't have, including Best Take and Magic Editor (utilities you can find on the Pixel 8).

For the uninitiated, Best Take analyzes a set of similar photos and delivers, well, "the best take," ensuring that everyone looks their best.

Magic Editor, on the other hand, lets you move objects around the scenery.

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a share the following camera features:

• Magic Eraser

• Photo Unblur

• Real Tone

• Face Unblur

• Panorama

• Manual white balancing

• Locked Folder

• Night Sight

• Top Shot

• Portrait Mode

• Portrait Light

• Motion Auto Focus

• Frequent Faces

• Dual exposure controls

• Live HDR+

• Ultra HDR

One feature that the Pixel 8 has that the Pixel 8a doesn't is Macro Focus. Macro Focus lets you get extremely close to a subject and capture it in great detail.

Winner: Pixel 8

Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8a: Battery life

The Pixel 8, packed with a 4,575 mAH battery, has a larger battery capacity compared to the Pixel 8a (i.e., 4,492 mAh).

Google Pixel 8 Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Still, Google rates the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a as having the same runtime: "31 hours" on a usage profile based on a mix of talk, data, standby and other features.

We'll have to get the Pixel 8a in for review to know for sure.

Unlike the Pixel 8, the Pixel 8a does not have a feature called "Battery Share," which lets you charge other devices on it wirelessly.

Winner: TBD

Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8a: Which should you buy?

The biggest difference between the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 8 lies in the cameras. You should get better-quality photos with the Pixel 8 because the shooters are designed to let in more light compared to the Pixel 8a.

I'd also add that the Pixel 8 is designed to be more durable. As such, if longevity is important to you, and you want to reduce the risk of a cracked screen, get the Pixel 8.

If these aren't alluring to you, the Pixel 8a would be a perfectly good fit for anyone looking to snatch some flagship-caliber features at a more wallet-friendly price.

Google Pixel 8 $549.00 at Amazon
$699.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal

PRE-ORDER NOW: The new Apple iPad Air (2024) is available for preorder through the Apple Store as of May 7. The 11-inch model starts at $599 and the 13-inch model starts at $799. Both will ship as soon as May 15.

Where to preorder the new iPad Air: 11-inch model Apple iPad Air 2024 Starting at $599 Pre-order Now 13-inch model Apple iPad Air 2024 Starting at $799 Pre-order Now

The hotly anticipated iPad Air has arrived in two sizes with some shiny new features to power AI features. Previously available in just the 10.9-inch size, the iPad Air now comes in 11- and 13-inch models outfitted with the M2 chip, an upgrade from the M1.

SEE ALSO: New iPad Air announced — here's everything you need to know

Announced at Apple's "Let Loose" event on May 7, the updated iPad Air debuted alongside a new iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil Pro. In addition to the new sizes, the tablets are getting upgraded storage. The models now start with 128 GB of storage with 256 GB, 516 GB, and 1 TB options also available.

As we suspected, the front-facing camera on the new iPad Air moved to the landscape view and pairs with landscape stereo speakers for heightened sound quality. The new M2 chip gives the upgraded iPad Air faster CPU, GPU, and neural engine speed. The M2 also powers the iPad Air with machine learning. Now users can enjoy split view screens, subject lift, and live text features on the device.

Credit: Apple

The iPad Air comes in four different colors: Purple, blue, starlight, and space gray. The 11-inch model starts at $599 while the 13-inch model starts at $799.

The new Apple iPad Air is available for preorder now ahead of its May 15 release.

Apple iPad 2024: Price and preorder details Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPad Air 2024 $599.00 at Apple
The new iPad Air 11-inch model starts at $599. Pre-Order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPad Air 2024 $799.00 at Apple
The new iPad Air 13-inch model starts at $799. Pre-Order Here

It's the 2020s, and there's still no way to record a phone call on your iPhone without using an app or a separate device. But alternatives abound, and we've rounded them up here.

What to know before recording

The legality of recording calls differs from state to state, with some territories requiring the permission of all parties on the call. Be sure to check the legality of recording in your state before making the call.

Given the legal murkiness of recording calls, it's almost always the best option to call someone over Zoom or Google Meet and record the conversation using the built-in tools on those platforms. This ensures that both parties are aware they are being recorded and also results in the highest-quality recording for you.

1. Record a phone call by app

Third-party apps are the only solution for recording a call with phone-quality sound. While many options exist, the highest-recommended app online is Rev, which provides free and unlimited call recording for U.S. phone numbers.

After your call, you can opt to have it transcribed by Rev as well. They promise to deliver it in less than 12 hours.

2. Record a phone call by speakerphone

You'll need another recording device nearby to do this, but it's an easy solution for last-minute recordings. On Apple laptops, open the QuickTime application and choose File > New Audio Recording. Click the record button, which looks like a red square in a gray circle. Make your call and put it on speakerphone. You should see the rising and falling sound of your voice reflected as sound bars on the QuickTime display as it records.

If you don't have an Apple laptop, Rev offers a free recording service that you can access from your browser. You can see that service here.

3. Record a phone call with a recording device

Physical recording machines are sturdy and useful in a pinch, and have been for decades. Simply set your call to speakerphone and hit record on your device. Simple recording devices are available from places like Best Buy and Amazon for affordable prices and can be delivered to you as quickly as the next day.

Opens in a new window Credit: EVISTR Store / Amazon 64GB Digital Voice Recorder at Amazon
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: IECOPOWER / Amazon 64GB USB Digital Audio Recorder $34.98 at Amazon
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Opens in a new window Credit: PLAUD / Amazon 64GB PLAUD AI Voice Recorder, Empowered by ChatGPT at Amazon
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PRE-ORDER NOW: As of May 7, the new Apple Pencil Pro is available to preorder for $129 at the Apple Store. Shipping begins the week of May 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil Pro at Apple
Pre-Order Here

May 7 marks the last leg of the Apple product drop trifecta that started in the fall of 2023. After getting new iPhones, new Apple Watches, and new MacBooks, just one major Apple product category was left ripe for a refresh this spring. And Apple went hard not only with a new iPad Pro and Air, but with the accessory that fuels the entire iPad experience: the Apple Pencil.

After almost a decade of existence, the Apple Pencil has finally been initiated into Apple's "Pro" club. Rather than the one or two small tweaks of Apple Pencil upgrades past, the Apple Pencil Pro has been entirely redesigned with a suite of new ways to bring ideas to life — and keep up with that M4 chip.

It's the next best thing to a magic wand. Credit: Apple

A light squeeze of the Pencil Pro pops up a palette to swiftly switch between tools, line weights, and colors, while a slight rotation while holding the Pencil Pro activates barrel roll: a built-in gyroscope that reacts immediately for intuitive, precise control of pen shapes, brush tips, or animation movements. Custom interactions can also be programmed.

Control of your project is taken even further with a hover feature that allows you to target actions without even touching the screen, like previewing a line before it's drawn or switching between a pile of layers in Final Cut Pro without making a wrong move. Haptic feedback has also been enhanced to tip you off when a new layer is, in fact, perfectly in the middle.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad Pro 2024: Thinner and lighter than ever, with M4 chip inside

As always, the Apple Pencil Pro charges and stores magnetically to the side of your iPad. If it falls off in transit, no worries: it's the first Apple Pencil to support Find My.

Despite "Pro" being tacked onto the name, Apple isn't gatekeeping the Apple Pencil Pro just for iPad Pro users. iPad Air users can also opt to experience the magic of the Pro. And there's little reason to not make that bump: Despite so many revolutionary changes, the Apple Pencil Pro is available to preorder for $129: the same debut price as the second gen Apple Pencil from several years ago.

Today, Apple announced a new-and-improved Apple Pencil alongside new iPads at its May 7 "Let Loose" event.

Apple's graphic for today's event showed a hand holding a pencil, so it's no surprise that the Cupertino-based tech giant is unleashing a refresh of its popular stylus. However, what was surprising — and hinted at just the day before by Apple insiders — is that the new Apple Pencil is an entirely new model of the device called the Apple Pencil Pro, set to launch on May 15.

SEE ALSO: How to preorder the new Apple iPad Pro (2024) The new Apple Pencil Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro is a pretty significant upgrade to the current Apple Pencil. However, at just $129, it appears Apple is replacing the current base Apple Pencil with the Apple Pencil Pro. Apple is also keeping the cheaper, lower-end model — now known as Apple Pencil.

So, what makes this new Apple Pencil Pro "pro?"

Credit: Apple Haptic feedback

The Apple Pencil Pro offers haptic feedback, meaning users will feel vibration effects when using it, which match the actions being performed on the iPad.

For example, when users try to align objects in a photo editing or illustration app, they can feel the objects snap into alignment thanks to the Apple Pencil Pro's haptic feedback.

Physical interactivity

The Apple Pencil Pro also comes with several new features that allow users to interact with the iPad without touching the screen with the stylus.

For example, users can apply pressure to the Apple Pencil Pro by squeezing the device to perform certain tasks, such as opening a new tool palette.

SEE ALSO: Everything Apple announced during its iPad event, including new OLED iPad Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro's internal gyroscope provides another new option. If a user twists the Apple Pencil Pro in their hand in a barrel roll-type motion, that provides another new array of options, such as the ability to change the shape of a brush in an illustration app.

This upgraded addition to the Apple Pencil lineup is sensitive to pressure and how the device is held by the user. Tilting the stylus at a certain angle will result in a different output on the iPad. Double-tapping the Apple Pencil Pro also activates shortcuts within iPad apps.

Developers can also create custom interactions and shortcuts and integrate them into specific Apple Pencil Pro movements.

The latest iPad accessory

According to Apple, the Apple Pencil Pro works with both the new iPad Pro and the new iPad Mini. However, it can only pair, charge, and be stored on the side of the new iPad Pro.

As mentioned, this new Apple Pencil Pro is an update on Apple's original model launched in 2018. There is no updated version of the lower-end model Apple Pencil released in 2023.

That gives users two different Apple Pencil models to choose from. But at that $129 price point, it's hard to imagine not just splurging on the Apple Pencil Pro with all its new additional features.

This iPad Air 2024 vs. iPad Air 2022 face-off will help you determine whether the new sixth-gen model, announced at the May 7 "Let Loose" event, is worth the upgrade.

SEE ALSO: How to preorder the new Apple iPad Pro (2024)

For Apple enthusiasts drawn to the company's hallmark blend of sleek design and robust performance, deciding between the two isn't easy. With two new sizes for the first time we've broken it all down, comparing the old with the new to make your decision a little easier.

iPad Air 6 vs iPad Air 5: Size and Design Credit: Apple

The iPad Air 5 retained the design language introduced with its predecessor, featuring a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2360 x 1640 resolution. The device sports a thin and light structure, measuring 6.1 mm thick and weighing about one pound, making it highly portable yet sturdy.

• iPad Air 5 colors: Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, and Blue

• iPad Air 6 colors: New Blue & Purple, Space Gray, Starlight

In contrast, the iPad Air 6 will come in two sizes for the first time: 11-inch and 13-inch. With a 2732×2048, the 13-inch size will add "30 percent more screen real estate" according to Apple. On top of that, the device features the same Liquid Retina, this time with a front-facing landscape camera that Apple says will make video calling even easier.

• iPad Air 5: 10.9-inch display (1.02 pounds); 12MP-wide camera

• iPad Air 6 11-in: 10.9-inch display (1.02 pounds); 12MP-wide camera

• iPad Air 6 13-in: 12.9-inch display (1.36 pounds); 12MP-wide camera

iPad Air 6 vs iPad Air 5: Price

The iPad Air 5, launched in March 2022, was introduced at a starting price of $599 for the base model with 64GB of storage. This pricing was consistent with Apple's strategy of maintaining a mid-range price point for the Air series, offering a balance between affordability and high-end features.

The iPad Air 2024 will launch at $599, with the 13-inch version starting at $799. On top of that, the 6th generation device will also include a 1TB version for the first time.

• iPad Air 6 (64GB + WiFI) - $599 / $799

• iPad Air 6 (128GB + WiFI) - $699 / $899

• iPad Air 6 (256GB + WiFI) - $899 / $1,099

• iPad Air 6 (1TB + WiFI) - $1,099 / $1,299

• iPad Air 6 (64GB + WiFI + Celluar) - $749 / $949

• iPad Air 6 (128GB + WiFI + Celluar) - $849 / $1,049

• iPad Air 6 (256GB + WiFI + Celluar) - $1,049 / $1,249

• iPad Air 6 (1TB + WiFI + Celluar) - $1,249 / $1,449

For the moment being, you'll be hard-pressed to find the 5th gen version on the Apple store, but across retailers, it seems the device has received a price drop. For example, you can grab the iPad Air 5 for $499 at Best Buy down from its original $599 price.

iPad Air 6 vs iPad Air 5: Performance This one is for the artists Credit: Apple

Powered by the Apple M1 chip, the iPad Air 5 represented during its release a significant leap in performance compared to its predecessors, aligning it with the more powerful iPad Pro models. This chipset substantially boosted CPU and GPU performance, ensuring smooth multitasking and high-end gaming capabilities. However, the M1 chip is now close to four years old.

While still capable, the 2024 version will only be upgraded to the M2 chip. However, this is still a hefty upgrade for the Air, as it's always been considered the budget-friendly version. The M2 is nothing to scoff at, and it will give the Air three times the performance of its predecessor and 50 percent faster as well.

You can pre-order the new iPad Air today, with Apple planning to ship it out sometime next week.

The long-awaited OLED iPad Pro finally dropped today with, as we expected, two variants: an 11-inch model and a 13-inch model — slightly larger than the last generation's 12.9-inch model. Both are slightly thinner, and much faster than their predecessors.

The rumor mill was spot on about iPad Pro 2024 having an OLED display. Typically, it's the larger model that gets all the cool display technology while the base model, the 11-inch variant, gets left out of the fun. But this time around, both the 13-inch model and the 11-inch variant have OLED displays.

But you may be wondering, what else does the iPad Pro 2024 have to offer over its previous-generation model. Let's dive into the brand-spankin' new features.

iPad Pro 2024: 5 new features

The new iPad Pro has been reportedly delayed several times now, but the popular Apple tablet finally got released on Monday. But the question is, what new features has Apple stuffed into this new device? Let's explore all of them.

1. OLED display

Apple packed the new iPad Pro — both the 11-inch and 13-inch models —with new "tandem OLED" screens and Ultra Retina XDR. What does this mean for you? It should yield crisper and brighter visuals, with more contrast. Plus, OLED displays increase the accuracy of color reproduction — while sucking down less battery power.

In other words, the iPad Pro's display should look like a visual treat compared to the previous model, and leave you to do more without plugging in for longer.

2. Thinner and lighter

Apple says this new iPad pro is the thinnest gadget it has ever made, thinner even than the old-school iPod Nano. The 11-inch model is 0.21 inches thick, and the 13-inch is a hair thinner, at 0.2 inches. That compares to 0.23 inches and 0.25 inches respectively.

It's also lighter, in both sizes, than its predecessor. The 11-inch model weighs in at 0.98 pounds, versus 1.03 pounds previously, and the 13-inch screen model is 1.28 pounds, a significant improvement on 1.5 pounds.

3. Better front-facing camera

The new Pro has a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, the same as the previous model. However, the new camera can do landscape shots as well as portrait.

4. New TrueDepth camera location

Also on the previous iPad Pro, when you held it in portrait mode, the webcam would be on the top bezel. However, if you hold the new iPad Pro in the same position, you'd find it on the right bezel. In other words, the iPad Pro encourages you to hold it in landscape mode, ensuring that the webcam is on the top again.

4. New M4 chip

The iPad Pro 2024 now has a zippier chip with the M4 processor aboard, making it a performance beast in the tablet realm.

In an unexpected plot twist, the iPad Pro models have a new M4 chip that's four times faster than the M2, rather than jumping just one generation up to the M3. The chip also boasts a new "neural processing unit" that assists in AI features.

Does that mean that the iPad Pro 2024 can replace a laptop? Yes and no. As I mentioned in my experiment with using the iPad Air for a week for work, the performance is sufficient to handle my workflow, but iPadOS has its limitations.

This story is developing ...

Apple held a major iPad event on Tuesday and announced lots of new products and features. Among them was Adaptive True Tone flash for its newly announced iPad Pro. This is the sort of announcement that might not seem major but could be huge for folks using their iPad in a professional setting.

OK, so...what is Adaptive True Tone flash? It's a complicated-sounding name for an improved flash feature in the new iPad Pro's camera. It is primarily aimed at scanning documents. If you're trying to scan with imperfect lighting, or a shadow, the iPad's new camera with Adaptive True Tone flash should automatically fix it.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad Pro 2024: Thinner and lighter than ever, with M4 chip inside

"Using AI, the new iPad Pro automatically identifies documents right in the Camera app, and if a shadow is in the way, it instantly takes multiple photos with the new adaptive flash, stitching the scan together for a dramatically better scan," Apple wrote in a press release.

Tweet may have been deleted

If you've ever had to scan a document — or, say, your driver's license for ID purposes — you've likely run into this issue. Lighting in a home, or even outside, can be uneven and you need to scramble to find the right surface and light. Now, the new iPad Pro should fix that problem.

At Apple's May 7 iPad event on Tuesday, the tech giant unveiled the iPad Air and iPad Pro with some snazzy new AI capabilities.

The iPad Air has an M2 chip, which offers AI features for design and photo editing. But the iPad Pro now comes with an M4 chip, confirming some last minute rumors, Apple leapfrogged over the M3 chip and, instead, packed the iPad Pro with an M4 chip. The chip has an upgraded Neural Engine for accelerating machine learning tasks, and can handle 38 trillion operations per second.

iPad Air AI capabilities

With the M2 chip, there are some noticeable AI updates reflected in iPadOS and Apple apps.

Visual Look Up, Subject Lift and Live Text

With Subject Life, Apple users can highlight specific aspects of an image or design and move them around for easy editing. With Live Text, the iPad Air recognizes text in images for looking up phone numbers and translation. And there's also Visual Look Up, which exists on the iPhone, and let you learn more about specific aspects of an image like popular landmarks.

Improved Photo editing in Photomator

The ML Enhance tool in Photomator was trained on 20 million images, and enables you boost up your photo with the click of a button.

iPad Air costs $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model.

iPad Pro with OLED display AI capabilities

As mentioned, the M4-based iPad Pro comes with a host of new AI features. Here are some perks you'll get with the new Apple tablet.

Isolate subjects in Final Cut Pro

With a simple tap, users can highlight the subject of an image or video in Apple's video editing app. With iPadOS, the iPad Pro offers easy AI editing capabilities like matching exact colors.

Scan documents

The iPad Pro is making your scanner even more obsolete. With the iPad Pro's updated True Tone Flash, it automatically detects documents and receipts and uses AI to stitch together the frames so there isn’t a shadow in the image.

Today's event marks the first time Apple has announced a device with generative AI capabilities as a selling point. Apple was considered slow to jump on the AI bandwagon, compared to competitors like Samsung and Google which have already deployed AI-powered features for their smartphone lineups. But starting with the iPad Pro, Apple is ramping up AI offerings.

WWDC is a little over a month away, and we're expecting major AI additions to iOS 18. Apple's flagship September iPhone event will likely bring more AI-related announcements. If Apple's strategy is about taking the time to get it right, we'll find out how that pays off very soon.

iPad Pro will set you back $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model.

SAVE $20: As of May 7, get the Tractive GPS pet tracker for just $29.99, which is $20 off its normal price of $49.99. That's a discount of 40%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Tractive GPS $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

It's super stressful when you look around and can't find your furry best friend. Are they chilling under the sofa? Did your spouse let them out into the backyard? Wherever they roam, knowing where your pet is at any given moment can put your mind at ease. That's where a GPS pet tracker can come in handy. Sure, you can rely on a microchip to get your dog back home if they end up getting lost, but why risk it when you can fit them with a GPS that'll lead you to their exact location? If the thought of your dog roaming somewhere without your knowledge gives you anxiety, it's time to go ahead and grab a GPS pet tracker. And right now, you can save big on one of our favorites.

As of May 7, you can get the Tractive GPS pet tracker for just $29.99. That's $20 off its normal price of $49.99 and a discount of 40% during Amazon Pet Day. We named it our favorite budget GPS pet tracker, and it's well worth the price, especially if knowing where your pet is at all times can give you a little bit of peace of mind.

The Tractive GPS pet tracker attaches to your furry friend's collar and offers live tracking by way of its companion app. You can check where your dog or cat is at any moment as well as reference a location history so you can also see where they've been. Additionally, the tracker supports setting up a virtual "safe area" for your pet by way of a geofencing system. If your pet ventures outside that area, you'll be notified.

The tracker itself is waterproof and has a built-in light for when you and Fido head out on walks together. It's also inconspicuous enough that your furry friend won't notice it too much, and it can fit on a collar easily. While it doesn't have the same amount of features as some of the bigger names in the pet tracking space, it's an affordable way to keep an eye on your best friend, and a simple one at that. Give it a try and never lose sight of your bestie with four paws again.

The new iPad Air finally made its grand entrance during the much-awaited "Let Loose" Apple livestream on May 7. And let's be real — the upgrade was long overdue.

March 2022 was the last time the iPad Air got a refresh. That's over two years ago. So, yeah, the iPad Air has been a lonely neglected corner of the Apple product lineup for while, and it's good to see it finally getting some attention again.

You're probably here to find out the core value proposition — how is this thing different from the old one? We've got you covered with a roundup of all the fresh bells and whistles so you can weigh whether or not it's time to make the leap.

iPad Air 2024: 2 new features

The iPad Air 2022 has a pretty old processor: the M1 processor. For the uninitiated, the M1 chip came out about four years ago, so we're glad Apple blew the dust off the iPad Air and gave it an update.

Check out three new features that have landed on the iPad Air.

1. New sizes

The iPad Air is now more similar to the iPad Pro more than ever. Like the iPad Pro, which comes two flavors (i.e., 12.9-inch and 11-inch models), the iPad Air now comes in two variants, too: 11-inch and 13-inch.

This means that you can now have a larger screen experience with the mid-tier iPad to match its more premium sibling.

2. New M2 chip

The iPad Air upgraded from the obsolete M1 chip to a, er, less obsolete M2 chip. The M1 chip is so 2020, but the M2 chip is a little more modern as a two-year-old processor.

You can already find the M2 chip in laptops such as the 13.6-inch M2 MacBook Air and the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air.

The M2 chip should provide zippier gen-over-gen performance over the M1 chip, giving users a better user experience while navigating iPadOS.

Featured Video For You Everything Apple announced during its iPad event, including new OLED iPad Pro 3. New webcam location

Hold the previous-generation iPad Air upright and you'll find the webcam perched on the top bezel. However, with the new iPad Air, you'll find the webcam on the right side bezel instead.

This new location will nudge users to have video calls in a horizontal orientation instead of the portrait posture. We didn't see this one coming. Gotta hand it to Apple to keep us on our toes —or should I say on our sides?

This story is developing ...

Apple's iPad Pro was last updated nearly two years ago; it was high time for an update, and Apple delivered.

On Tuesday, the company launched the new iPad Pro in two sizes: 11 and 13 inches.

The new iPads have a new, super-thin design; Apple says they're thinner even than the iPod nano, making them the thinnest Apple product ever. More prcisely, the 11-inch version is just 0.21 inches thick, while the 13-inch version is even thinner, at 0.20 inches.

They're also quite light, with the smaller, 11-inch model weighing 0.98 pounds, and the 13-inch variant weighing 1.28 pounds.

SEE ALSO: New iPad Air announced — here's everything you need to know

As rumored, the new iPad Pro devices have an OLED display, which should improve contrast, color, and energy efficiency, reducing battery drain. Apple upped the ante by using new display tech called Tandem OLED, combining light with two OLED panels into one to get even better fullscreen brightness.

Both the 11-inch and the 13-inch model come with the new Ultra Retina XDR display Credit: Apple

The display's Apple name is Ultra Retina XDR, and it's coming to both iPad Pro models. Apple calls it the "world's most advanced display."

Some specs for the new displays: 2,420 x 1,668 pixel resolution for the 11-inch model, and a 2,752 x 2,064 pixel resolution for the larger version. Peak brightness (while watching HDR content) goes up to 1,600 nits, and the contrast ratio is 2,000,000:1 for both models. If you opt for the 1TB or 2TB model of either the 11-inch or the 13-inch iPad Pro, you can also get the optional nano-texture glass display.

Peak brightness on the new displays is 1,600 nits. Credit: Apple Featured Video For You Everything Apple announced during its iPad event, including new OLED iPad Pro

The new iPad Pro devices also sport Apple's latest M4 chip, skipping one number (the previous iPad Pro had the M2 chip inside). It has up to 4 performance cores, and 6 efficiency cores, with up to 50% faster performance than the M2. It also has a 10-core GPU. with dynamic caching, mesh shading, and ray tracing. Finally, the new chip has a new neural engine, which Apple claims is the most powerful neural processing unit in any personal computer today.

The iPad Pro starts with 256GB of storage, which can be increased to 2TB. It comes in two colors: Space Black and Silver. The 11-inch version starts at $999, while the 13-inch version starts at $1,299.

Apple's new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro "feels just like using a MacBook," Apple claims. Credit: Apple

If you want your iPad Pro to be a little more like a laptop, you should probably consider the new Magic Keyboard, which will set you back $299. There's also an all-new Apple Pencil Pro, which costs $129.

The iPad Pro 2024 can be ordered today, and it will be available next week.

It's been a long wait, but Apple's new iPad tablets are here.

The company kicked off Tuesday's 'Let Loose' event with the new iPad Air, which comes in two sizes for the first time, with either an 11-inch and a 13-inch display.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad Pro 2024: Thinner and lighter than ever, with M4 chip inside

This is the first time Apple has launched two iPad Air sizes at the same time, now matching the sizes of their iPad Pro brethren.

The iPad Air has an M2 chip, a landscape, 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front camera, and comes in four finishes: blue, purple, Starlight, and Space Grey.

No OLED display on this one. Credit: Apple

It also supports Apple's new Apple Pencil Pro, which can be bought separately, for $129.

As expected, the new iPad Air does not have the new Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, seen on the new iPad Pro. Instead, it comes with a Liquid Retina LED display, which has a 2,360x1,640 pixel resolution on the smaller model, and 2,732x2,048 pixel resolution on the larger variant.

Four colors: Blue, purple, Starlight, and Space Grey. Credit: Apple

Storage starts at 128GB, but you can also have the new iPad Air with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of storage.

Pricing is the same as before, starting at $599 and $799, respectively. The new iPad Air can be ordered today, with availability starting next week.

Here we go: Apple Store is down ahead of the company's "Let Loose" event, scheduled for 10am E.T. on Tuesday, May 7.

As is tradition, there's no additional information on the Apple Store page. "Be right back. We’re making updates to the Apple Store. Check back soon," a sign says, accompanied by the event's logo.

The event is about to start very soon - it's a little odd that Apple didn't take the Store down earlier - so if you want to tune in, you can do so on YouTube and Apple's website.

SEE ALSO: 2024 iPad Air: 4 new features coming to the rumored new Apple tablet

As for what we expect to see today - hint: it's new iPads and accessories, lots of them - check out our pre-event predictions post here.

Like most farming simulators and open-world adventure games, one of the most satisfying parts of the journey lies in the art of cooking. It's a small victory, a genuine moment of self-care between quests, gathering precious ingredients you've painstakingly collected or grown yourself, then whipping up something delicious (or cursed) that boosts your stats for a bit.

One of the games you're probably instantly thinking of is Stardew Valley, the wildly popular farming sim that allows you to grow your own crops, go fishing, and trawl the deepest caves for goodies to fry up later. From crafting Crab Cakes to conjuring mysterious Void Mayo, recipes are a core part of the game, giving you health, defence, and boosted skills.

And if you've ever wanted to try cooking some of the dishes IRL, there's The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook, out May 14 through Penguin Random House.

SEE ALSO: Chinese fantasy farming sim 'Immortal Life' adds trauma bonding to pastoral ideal, and I love it Cooking is a major part of "Stardew Valley". Credit: Stardew Valley / ConcernedApe

Co-authored by Stardew Valley creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone and Ryan Novak, the illustrated cookbook includes 50 recipes inspired by meals and food from the game including the Pink Cake, Lucky Lunch, and Crab Cakes. As the game itself is structured across the four seasons and urges a knowledge of seasonality with produce, the book is also organised into spring, summer, autumn, and winter recipes.

Seasonality is the name of the game. Credit: Penguin Random House

Plus, there's a letter from the game's beloved but absent character, your grandfather who bequeathed you his farm (the one you're cultivating in the game)

Aw. Credit: Penguin Random House

To give you a little taste of the cookbook, Mashable's snagged an exclusive recipe from Penguin Random House for Stardew Valley's covetable Seafoam Pudding. In the game, it's made in the kitchen or through a cookout kit, so you can do either. Whether it would pair with highly questionable Crystal Fruit wine is unclear.

Here's how delightful it looks in the book, beloved by friendly monster Krobus and pseudo-written by the game's TV chef The Queen of Sauce:

Krobus loves this one. Credit: Penguin Random House

And here's the recipe for you below. In the game, it's a tricky dish to make with big benefits; you need flounder, midnight carp, and squid ink, in exchange for which you're given a +175 boost in energy and +78 health, as well as a +4 boost in your fishing skills. The authors have simplified the ingredients IRL, but there's no guarantee the dish's consumption will see quite the same skill boost. Sorry.

Stardew Valley's Seafoam Pudding

Reprinted from The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook by ConcernedApe and Ryan Novak.

Credit: Penguin Random House

Squid ink congee topped with marinated fish

From the kitchen of: The Queen of Sauce

Yield: Makes 4 to 6 servings

Imagine a crew of pirates, sailing the ocean for weeks on end with bags upon bags of rice in the ship’s larder and all the fish they could ever want. Not content with the same meal over and over again, the cook decides to get creative. Carp and flounder fillets are marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil with ginger, garlic, and white pepper. Meanwhile, fluffy rice is slowly cooked in a bath of umami-rich fish broth. Combine the two, and voilà! The entire crew gets to enjoy a savory, filling rice porridge loaded with that flavorful fish. I officially dub this dish Seafoam Pudding!

Featured Video For You Grow plants from fantasy games with this IRL initiative

There’s no need to be jealous of that hypothetical pirate crew; we can enjoy that very same maritime delicacy here on dry land! We’ll even take it a step further by adding squid ink for extra flavor and a mysterious splash of color. But don’t be discouraged if you can’t get ahold of any squid ink (it is sold in jars); this is a delicious dish with or without it. Ahoy, landlubbers, culinary adventures await!

Ingredients

1 (4-inch) piece fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves

3 tablespoons soy sauce, plus more for serving

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, plus more as needed

1 teaspoon ground white pepper, plus more for serving

12 ounces flounder fillets, cut into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces

12 ounces carp (or cod) fillets, skin removed, cut into 2-inch pieces

1 cup jasmine rice

2 quarts good-quality fish stock

2 cups water

2 to 3 teaspoons squid ink (optional)

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (white and green parts)

1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves and soft stems

Peel the ginger and cut in half. Finely grate half the ginger on a box grater and place in a medium bowl. Cut the remaining ginger into very thin matchsticks. Finely grate the garlic and add to the bowl with the ginger. Stir in the 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon white pepper. Add the fish and gently stir until the pieces are coated with seasoning. Place in the refrigerator to chill.

Put the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and quickly rinse with cold water.

In a medium Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine the stock, water, and rice. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and the mixture is thick and slightly creamy, about 1 hour. (The consistency will be similar to porridge or a slightly looser rice pudding.) Stir in the squid ink, if using.

Use tongs to lift the fish pieces, one by one, from the marinade (discard the marinade) and gently nestle them in the simmering rice pudding. Cover with a lid and simmer until the fish is just cooked through and becoming flaky, about 10 minutes, lifting the lid and gently stirring occasionally (if some of the fish breaks apart, that is okay). The pudding will be thick, but you can stir in additional hot water (or stock) to make it thinner, if you prefer.

To serve, ladle the seafoam pudding into individual bowls, then drizzle with additional sesame oil and sprinkle with additional white pepper, if desired. Top with the sliced ginger, the scallions, and cilantro. Serve immediately, with additional soy sauce on the side.

Queen’s Tip: If you can’t find carp or flounder, cod makes an excellent alternative.

Reprinted from The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook by ConcernedApe and Ryan Novak. © 2024 by ConcernedApe LLC. Published by Random House Worlds, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.  

The annual Met Gala is a chance for celebrities to out-do their previous red-carpet looks on the steps of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and for the rest of us to observe (and critique) at home. But this year, it became a little harder to do so with confidence, thanks to the infiltration of artificial intelligence.

This year's Met Gala was flooded with AI-generated celebrity looks, bestowed upon a roster of pop culture icons from Katy Perry to Rihanna. Some of these images were of people not even present at the event, while others, like Dua Lipa, were actually in attendance but had fake looks posted of them anyway.

SEE ALSO: The 2024 Met Gala was filled with floral fashion. The internet had thoughts.

Pop star Katy Perry was the subject of many viral AI looks shared online over the evening, including one that garnered over 300,000 likes and 13 million views. "Katy Perry. That's it," read the post on X (formerly Twitter). Later, readers added a community note to explain that the image was created with AI, and featured the Met Gala stairs from 2018, not 2024.

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Other posts also showed Perry at the Met Gala, complete with outfits and even staircase decoration in line with this year's theme, "The Garden of Time."

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Perry, who didn't attend the event this year, reposted the AI-generated look on her Instagram page, using the opportunity to let fans know that she's working on new music. "Couldn’t make it to the MET, had to work," she wrote. In the post, Perry included a screenshot of texts with her mother — who had fallen for the AI conundrum — to which the singer replied, "lol mom the AI got you too, BEWARE!"

View this post on Instagram

Other AI-generated red carpet looks targeted Rihanna, who also couldn't make it to this year's event according to People. One user imagined what the artist, who is usually a Met Gala stalwart and red carpet fan favorite, would wear to the event. Granted, it was a regal, on-theme look – but it's entirely fake.

Readers also added community notes to these posts, writing on one of them: "This is either AI, or digitally altered. Rihanna has, at the time of this post, not yet arrived at the Met Gala."

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A digitally-altered picture of Selena Gomez, too, made the rounds, and hasn't been debunked on X just yet. Gomez didn't make it to the event this year, either.

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Fake looks of Dua Lipa also circulated during the event, including some that were simply fake news. A post on X, for example, showed photographs of Lipa in a Regency-era corset dress, which was actually taken in 2021 but presented as if it was the singer's 2024 Met Gala choice (Lipa wore a black lace Marc Jacobs dress to this year's event).

The prevalence of these fakes, whether AI-generated or not, is on the rise. While AI-generated Met Gala looks are seemingly harmless, we've all seen the onslaught of deepfakes targeting celebrities in the last few months alone. And with this steady upsurge in AI-generated content comes confusion and a growing lack of media literacy: this already unreliable landscape of the internet could become so much worse.

SEE ALSO: Why the internet is comparing the Met Gala to 'The Hunger Games'

Many people are aware of this, with many X users taking to the platform to express just how unnecessary AI is in the midst of the Met Gala, of all things. "Me trying to differentiate the real #MetGala pics on the TL from the AI ones," one user wrote. "Getting very annoyed with the AI Met Gala tweets," said another.

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Tech itself played a big role at this year's Met Gala, and not only with the unfortunate AI content. TikTok, the app facing an uncertain future in the U.S., sponsored the event, and its CEO Shou Zi Chew graced the red carpet. Meanwhile, TikTok influencers were notably missing from the limelight, despite the app's sponsorship role and the greater spotlight on its cultural relevance. Instagram head Adam Mosseri also attended the Met Gala, following in the footsteps of other tech leaders who have previously been invited.

The Met Gala, which has become increasingly intertwined with social media, presents an interesting case for tech. The interest in the event makes for easy viral content — but the prominence of AI this year highlights the scary reality that the internet is getting harder to read and believe.

The James Webb Space Telescope has detected the farthest supermassive black hole yet — a space vortex so far from home, it's in one of the first galaxies of the universe. 

Black holes were little more than a theory 50 years ago — a kooky mathematical answer to a physics problem — but even astronomers at the top of their field weren't entirely convinced they existed. 

Today, not only are supermassive black holes accepted science, they're getting their pictures taken by a collection of enormous, synced-up radio dishes on Earth. Webb, the leading infrared space observatory, is also doing its part to reveal how these mysterious behemoths form in the first place. The finding was recently published in the journal Nature and highlighted by NASA during its Black Hole Week campaign.

SEE ALSO: He found a Milky Way black hole 50 years ago, and finally got to see it Tweet may have been deleted

The supermassive black hole was found at the center of GN-z11, an extremely luminous galaxy that was alive when the universe was only about 430 million years old, a fraction of its current age, which is nearing 14 billion. 

Black holes are some of the most inscrutable phenomena in outer space. They don't have surfaces, like a planet or star. Instead, they have a boundary called an "event horizon," or a point of no return. If anything swoops too close, it will fall in, never to escape the hole's gravitational clutch.

The most common kind, called a stellar black hole, is thought to be the result of an enormous star dying in a supernova explosion. The star's material then collapses onto itself, condensing into a relatively tiny area. 

The first image of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Credit: Event Horizon Telescope collaboration

But how supermassive black holes, millions to billions of times more massive than the sun, form is even more elusive than typical stellar black holes. Many astrophysicists and cosmologists believe these invisible giants lurk at the center of virtually all galaxies. Recent Hubble Space Telescope observations have bolstered the theory that supermassive black holes begin in the dusty cores of starburst galaxies, where new stars are rapidly assembled, but scientists are still teasing it out. 

A team of scientists using Webb was able to discern that GN-z11 has a central black hole with a few pieces of evidence. 

"We found extremely dense gas that is common in the vicinity of supermassive black holes accreting gas,” said Roberto Maiolino, the principal investigator at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, in a statement. “These were the first clear signatures that GN-z11 is hosting a black hole that is gobbling matter.”

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Then, the team found signs of electrically charged chemicals that are usually found near active supermassive black holes. The scientists also observed the ancient galaxy blasting out a powerful wind, something also linked to supermassive black holes with voracious appetites. 

With all of these clues taken together, the team believes GN-z11 has a central black hole as massive as 2 million suns. 

Another team of researchers is studying this ancient galaxy for proof of first-generation stars, so-called "Population III" stars. The confusingly named stars are thought to have formed in the early universe, before elements heavier than helium existed. 

The James Webb Space Telescope is also doing its part to reveal how these mysterious behemoths form in the first place. Credit: NASA GSFC / CIL / Adriana Manrique Gutierrez illustration

Most of the elements in the universe come from exploded dead stars, so scientists have figured that the firstborn stars were probably composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium, the primitive material that blew out of the Big Bang. 

Scientists have theorized that they might find helium clumps around massive galaxies from early eras. The thinking is that these pristine pockets of gas could collapse and form Population III star clusters. The team thinks it has spotted such a clump in the halo surrounding the galaxy. 

Finding proof of these stars could be one of the most important discoveries of modern astrophysics. 

The 2024 Met Gala kicked off on Monday night, with a slew of celebrities descending upon New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art to show off their fits — and not all of them were real. Meanwhile, a slew of internet denizens descended upon social media to judge said fashion.

This year's Met Gala theme was "The Garden of Time," complimenting the museum's spring exhibition Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. Though the name understandably evokes images of fairy tale princesses, the exhibit will actually focus on fashion throughout history.

SEE ALSO: Katy Perry and Rihanna's Met Gala looks went viral. But they weren't real.

"Approximately 250 garments and accessories spanning four centuries will be on view, visually united by iconography related to nature, which will serve as a metaphor for the fragility and ephemerality of fashion and a vehicle to examine the cyclical themes of rebirth and renewal," reads the Met's description.

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The Gala's theme was specifically inspired by English writer J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story of the same name. "The Garden of Time" follows a noble couple who use crystalline flowers that rewind time to prevent a mob of less fortunate people from reaching their luxurious villa. Of course, this strategy only works for long as their garden grows.

Ballard also wrote a story entitled "Why I Want to Fuck Ronald Reagan," which would have made a very interesting Met Gala theme as well.

In an unintentional parallel, "The Garden of Time" theme gained further relevance in light of nearby protests in support of Palestine. Hundreds of pro-Palestine protestors marched through New York while the Met Gala was underway, beginning around 1.2 miles away at Hunter College and travelling north toward the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While the protestors ultimately did not disrupt the Gala, the disaffected proletariat marching toward an extravagant event by the wealthy seems remarkably on the nose considering the plot of Ballard's short story.

Nicki Minaj, Lizzo, and Amelia Gray Hamlin Credit: Mashable composite: Matt Crossick / PA Images via Getty Images; Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic; Taylor Hill / Getty Images

The Met Gala's theme offered designers a significant scope for creativity, whether they reached for historical inspiration, alluded to time itself, or relied on tried and true florals. And as always, some were more creative than others.

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Met Gala co-host Zendaya prompted a double take with two outfits (not quite Lady Gaga's four but still impressive), wearing first an ocean blue, leaf-clad look by John Galliano for Maison Margiela meant to channel the natural world, then a black vintage Givenchy couture gown with a bouquet headpiece.

"See this? This is how you dress for a theme. A lot of you should be taking notes," said TikTokker @nickycbell.

Look #1 Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue Look #2 Credit: Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic

Entrepreneur Mona Patel was captivating in an Iris Van Herpen gown adorned with moving butterflies, while singer Tyla embodied the sands of time in a dazzling dress from Balmain — complete with an hourglass clutch. "This is what I mean when I say drama," said TikTokker @marissaspagnoli of the gown.

Mona Patel Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue

Sydney Sweeney seemed to take inspiration from both flowers and fairytales, arriving in a pale blue Miu Miu ballgown adorned with floral embroidery, while Mindy Kaling's Gaurav Gupta gown was intended to represent a plant's life from bud to wilting blossom. Several attendees drew directly from the time-warping crystal flowers from Ballard's story, including Elle Fanning and Janelle Monáe.

Janelle Monáe, Quannah Chasinghorse, and Elle Fanning Credit: Mashable composite: Kevin Mazur / MG24 / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue; Taylor Hill / Getty Images; Gilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images Sydney Sweeney, Alia Bhatt, and Kim Kardashian Credit: Mashable composite: Gilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images; Kevin Mazur / MG24 / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue; Matt Crossick / PA Images via Getty Images. Mindy Kaling Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue

Other designers seemed to stretch the limits of the theme, like high school art students inventing justifications to just do whatever they want. Model Anok Yai looked stunning in a crystal-encrusted blue Swarovski jumpsuit, but tying it to the theme via water in a garden felt like a stretch. Doja Cat's "timeless" white T-shirt was also a fairly unique take on the theme, particularly as she put a wet-look spin on it. The orchid inspiration of Sabrina Carpenter's admittedly incredible Oscar De La Renta dress was difficult to discern as well.

Tweet may have been deleted Doja Cat, Anok Yai, and Little Simz Credit: Mashable composite: Kevin Mazur / MG24 / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue; John Shearer / WireImage; Gilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images. Sabrina Carpenter Credit: John Shearer / WireImage Tweet may have been deleted

Despite some arguably tenuous links to the theme, the women at least looked amazing. In contrast, onlookers have come to expect many of the Met Gala's male attendees to give them nothing, and indeed several failed to serve this year. 

Dishonourable mention goes to Alexander Skarsgård for showing up in a plain black Calvin Klein suit, as well as Jerry Seinfeld for his equally uninspiring tuxedo. Hugh Jackman's unimpressive Tom Ford number only scores points for sticking to the time theme, as he reportedly rewore the same tuxedo he donned at his first Met Gala 20 years ago. And Ed Sheeran's blue Stella McCartney outfit was praised by X user @georgia_211 as "Troy Boltons tux from the HSM 3 prom scene back to life."

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Fortunately, other men had much more fun with their looks, including fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, actor Jeremy Pope, desaturated chocolate factory owner Barry Keoghan, and as X user @keyon put it, "fresh from the Montague vs capulet battlefield" Bad Bunny in John Galliano for Maison Margiela.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Jeremy Pope, and Barry Keoghan Credit: Mashable composite: Lexie Moreland / WWD via Getty Images; Taylor Hill / Getty Images; Taylor Hill / Getty Images Raul Lopez, Lil Nas X, and Troye Sivan Credit: Mike Coppola / MG24 / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue Wisdom Kaye, Harris Reed, and Gustav Magnar Witzøe Credit: Mashable composite: Gilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images; Taylor Hill / Getty Images; Gilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images.

Stray Kids also made their Met Gala debut, becoming the first K-pop group to have all members attend the event. While their red, white, and blue Tommy Hilfiger outfits could definitely have been kicked up a few notches, all eight of them together created a striking capsule fashion show for the label. Other designers would do well to take note.

(L-R) Bang Chan, Han, Felix, Seungmin, Hyunjin, I.N, Lee Know, and Changbin Credit: Kevin Mazur / MG24 / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue

Want more Met Gala? Here's what happened last year.

Jon Stewart hitched a ride with Jimmy Kimmel and his family while they were on the school run.