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TL;DR: Get hands-on hacking lessons from the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle on sale for A$54 through 1 June.

Opens in a new window Credit: Aleksa Tamburkovski The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle AU$54
AU$1,718 Save AU$1,664 Get Deal

Some tech skills you can learn on your own. Others, like ethical hacking, are a little harder to practice without a controlled environment. That's why it's nice when you find something like the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle. This set of 18 courses takes you from beginner to expert in everything from basic hacking to penetration testing, Burp Suite, and BitNinja, and it's on sale for A$54 (for now). 

Ethical hacking classes

A big part of what makes this bundle valuable is the range of practical hacking lessons. You won’t just read about ethical hacking concepts. You’ll get to actually practice them. The courses guide you through setting up your own hacking environment with tools like Virtual Box and Kali Linux, learning to identify vulnerabilities, and even building your own tools for penetration testing. This practical, project-based approach helps make sure you’re not just memorizing theories, but actively learning by doing.

You’ll also get a solid understanding of how to approach real-life scenarios, whether it’s using Python to build penetration testing tools, working with Burp Suite for advanced web testing, or diving into Metasploit to exploit vulnerabilities and practice post-exploitation techniques.

The bug bounty training also gives you the chance to learn how ethical hackers make money by legally identifying and reporting flaws to major companies like Facebook and Google. If you're looking for a solid side hustle, that's the way to go. 

Through 1 June at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle on sale for A$54. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

California continues to invest in its tech prowess, as Governor Gavin Newsom announces new generative AI initiatives that sick the technology onto some of the state's biggest man-power burdens.

Part of the leader's executive order on AI, which directed state agencies to implement the new technology in the name of efficiency, three new agreements will see state investments in some of the industry's most popular generative AI technologies, meant to reduce highway congestion, improve roadway safety, and enhance customer service in state call centers. 

SEE ALSO: AI companions unsafe for teens under 18, researchers sa

"GenAI is here, and it’s growing in importance every day. We know that state government can be more efficient, and as the birthplace of tech it is only natural that California leads in this space," said Newsom. "In the Golden State, we know that efficiency means more than cutting services to save a buck, but instead building and refining our state government to better serve all Californians."

Specifically, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will use Microsoft's Azure Open AI to process and analyze traffic data in order to "reduce traffic congestion, enhance incident response, and improve transit reliability." It will also harness Google's Gemini AI under a contract with Deloitte Consulting to mitigate traffic incidents and recommend safety solutions. Meanwhile, support call center workers that are part of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) will now have access to Anthropic's Claude, based on a previous pilot tasked with reducing customer call times.

California previously partnered with Nvidia to implement AI solutions and provide tech training and education to students and workers. In this week's announcement, Newsom — countering the sentiment of federal leaders — reiterated that the new tech adoption wouldn't replace state workers, but instead support employees in a new collaborative partnership, working alongside SEIU Local 1000, the public services union representing California state employees.

But California has also come under fire for its speedy adoption of AI, including the use of generative AI to write portions of the state Bar exam.

Following the success of this second phase, the state will turn toward implementing AI in housing, workforce planning, and bill analysis, according to the announcement.

Twitch may be the platform most people associate with livestreaming, but the numbers tell a different story.

According to new data from Stream Charts, Amazon’s livestreaming giant has slipped to third place globally. The Global Livestreaming Landscape report for Q1, released April 29, puts TikTok Live ahead of Twitch, trailing only YouTube Live at the top.

SEE ALSO: Twitch streamers' uploads, highlights capped at 100 hours

TikTok Live racked up over 8 billion hours watched between January and March — a 30 percent jump from Q4. That surge is credited partly to the rising popularity of IRL content and a wave of gaming events across Southeast Asia that pulled in massive viewership.

TikTok’s e-commerce engine is another driving force behind the platform’s upward trajectory. Combine that with the frictionless experience of tuning into a stream on your phone, and its continued surge in viewership feels inevitable.

More than anything, TikTok’s most significant advantage over Twitch is discovery. Surfacing new creators is baked into the platform’s DNA — something Twitch has struggled with for years. The gap is so vast that many Twitch streamers have been building their brands through TikTok clips to funnel viewers back to their longer-form content.

Per the report, Twitch appears to be stuck in neutral. The platform clocked 4.84 billion hours watched, a 1-2 percent decrease relative to the previous quarter. It still holds ground in gaming, but, overall, Twitch's growth could be interpreted as stagnant. Thanks to its diversity of content, YouTube continues to dominate with a staggering 14.98 billion watch hours in Q1 alone.

Despite slipping to third place, Twitch still belongs to an elite tier of global streaming platforms — one that rivals like Kick and Rumble are nowhere near. The right-leaning upstarts captured just 2.9 percent and 0.5 percent of global watch hours, respectively.

The internet can be bad — think scams, misinformation, and abuse. The internet can be good — think folks rallying support for a local business or finding their life partner. But sometimes the internet can also be downright silly.

That's the case with the latest trending discussion on X. People are fighting over whether 100 people could beat up a gorilla. It's reminiscent of a different, more pure time online — the era of Buzzfeed lists and Weird Twitter — where people would frequently argue over dumb, silly hypotheticals. In fact, outlandish "who would win" arguments are kind of a staple of the internet.

The gorilla versus 100 people argument started with a post from @DreamChasnMike on X, who said he thought it was possible but "everybody just gotta be dedicated to the shit."

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The responses and posts have been both detailed and funny. Some folks with actual applicable knowledge have weighed in. What started as a silly post has gotten a lot of response.

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MrBeast, the YouTuber famous for setting up outlandish stunts, even joked about organizing the fight.

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Now, could 100 men actually take down a gorilla? It depends. Rolling Stone, hilariously, called up a number of primate experts, and the consensus seemed to be that @DreamChasnMike's original idea of a sign that read "IF U AINT READY TO D I E DONT SIGN UP" is correct. In short, 100 people sans weapons would have to overtake the gorilla as one big mass, despite casualties. In other words, dudes would have to keep going after watching their compatriots get torn apart.

Luckily, this is just a silly internet argument and nobody actually has to fight a gorilla.

President Donald Trump's tariffs have already had a huge impact on the U.S. economy — so much so that the Trump administration appears to be backing off a bit on some tariffs.

As President Trump celebrated the 100th day of his second term, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that Trump would ease the 25 percent tariff on automobiles. The move was designed to give car companies an opportunity to move production to the United States.

According to Lutnick, there would even be a way for auto companies to completely avoid tariffs on their vehicles. And a fact sheet issued by The White House yesterday said that vehicles finished in the U.S. with 85 percent or more domestic content would be fully exempt from the automotive tariff.

Interestingly, only one company qualifies for this new tariff exemption: Tesla.

According to the 2024 Made in America Auto Index from Kogod School of Business at American University, only three vehicles hit the 85 percent domestic content threshold: the Tesla Model 3 Performance, Tesla Model Y Long Range, and Tesla Model Y.

The fact that Trump's automotive tariff exemption only benefits Tesla was first noticed by the online automotive news site FuelArc. The outlet also pointed out how oddly specific the 85 percent number was, especially considering that three of Ford's Mustang models have 80% domestic content.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been extremely close to the administration, including President Trump himself. Musk openly endorsed and campaigned for Trump during the 2024 election season. Musk also donated a reported $288 million to Trump and other Republicans' campaigns. Musk's relationship with Trump has extended into the administration, with Trump bringing Musk into the fold as a special government employee in order to cut federal programs and spending under DOGE.

However, Musk's coziness with the president has also hurt Tesla. The company recently reported a 71 percent decline in profit amid boycotts and protests against Musk and Tesla. In addition, many liberal Tesla customers appear to be rejecting Musk through Tesla, and a record number of Tesla vehicles have gone onto the resale market this year.

Sundar Pichai told a federal judge that the government’s solution to fix its monopoly in search would harm innovation.

The troubling recent trend of mass video game industry layoffs continued this week.

This time, it was Electronic Arts, considered one of the industry's biggest third-party video game publishers. Per Bloomberg, EA cut more than 300 jobs, with about a third of those affecting Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi games.

SEE ALSO: The 5 Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles I can't wait to play (besides 'Mario Kart World')

Respawn's official X account posted a statement on Monday that the studio had to cancel two "early-stage incubation projects" as part of these cuts.

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Bloomberg's report indicated that one project was canceled earlier in the year, with the other described as a multiplayer extraction shooter set in the Titanfall universe. It's unclear how far along the game was in development, but according to Bloomberg, it was nowhere close to being released.

While none of us have access to the full economics behind EA, it should be noted that Respawn, in particular, has developed multiple financially successful games for EA. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was a commercial success, and Apex Legends has generated billions in revenue since 2019. Because of that success, EA CEO Andrew Wilson took home $25.6 million last fiscal year.

SAVE 39%: As of April 30, you can get the Marbero Portable Power Station for $66.99, down from $109.99, at Amazon. That's a 39% discount and $43 in savings. It's also the lowest price we've seen since 2022.

MARBERO Portable Power Station 88Wh Camping Lithium Battery Solar Generator Fast Charging with AC Outlet 120W Peak Power Bank(Solar Panel Optional) for Home Backup Outdoor Emergency RV Van Hunting $89.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $20 Get Deal

If the unpredictable weather patterns have you worried, or you just like to be prepared, a portable power station could come in handy. Although not as powerful as a full-blown generator, these little powerhouses are still a great way to keep your devices powered when the electricity goes out.

As of April 30, you can get the Marbero Portable Power Station for just $66.99, down from $109.99, at Amazon. That’s a 39% discount and a savings of $43. It’s also the lowest price we’ve seen on this solar power station since 2022.

SEE ALSO: Take nearly half off a Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station and get power on demand

The Marbero Portable Power Station is super slim, lightweight (3.2 pounds), and has a built-in handle, making it easy to carry around the house. You can also take it to the beach or camping. There are eight output ports and a battery management system to keep your devices safe (e.g., voltage control, temperature control, and an auto-shutoff). The DC charger output cable (included) is powerful enough to power a fridge, vacuum cleaner, and air compressor, according to the product description.

There’s also a three-level flashlight and SOS mode for emergencies.

SAVE $30: As of April 30, get the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine at Amazon for $269.95, down from its usual price of $299.95. That's a 10% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Breville Bambino Espresso Machine $269.95 at Amazon
$299.95 Save $30 Get Deal

If you need coffee like you need oxygen, you probably spend a lot of time at Starbucks or your local coffee shop. Unfortunately, that means you've got some extraneous expenses that can quickly add up. And when prices are skyrocketing across a variety of categories, you probably want to try and save as much as you can, where you can. That's where an espresso machine comes in. You can save on one that can help you cut out those morning Starbies visits fast if you head to Amazon now.

As of April 30, get the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine at Amazon for $269.95, down from its usual price of $299.95. That's $30 off and a 10% discount.

SEE ALSO: Save $250 on the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo automatic espresso and coffee machine

This espresso machine is all about luxury, as it's capable of serving up barista quality drinks thanks to its 54mm portafilter. That's meant to be used with ultra-fine types of coffee, so you get the best filtered espresso you can get when you go to make your morning cup.

It also comes with an automatic steam wand so you can make textured milk and microfoam. The wand lets you adjust the milk's temperature and texture for a fluffy foam that caps off your drink in a quick and easy way that a milk frother just can't. Plus, the machine heats up in just three seconds, so you don't have to sit around and wait on your "order." The machine itself also makes sure that the water used for your espresso is at the right temperature automatically before it makes your cup.

Tired of spending all that cash at the coffee shop? Do it at home with your new Breville Bambino.

SAVE $50: The Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker is on sale at Amazon for $179.99, down from the usual price of $229.99. That's a 22% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker $179.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $50 Get Deal

Within the last decade, kitchen appliances and gadgets have seen some major upgrades. The air fryer is probably our generation's microwave, but we also have plenty of other advancements that makes life in the kitchen much more streamlined. If you could use some cooking assistance, check out this Amazon deal on a handy all-in-one appliance.

As of April 30, the Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker is on sale at Amazon for just $179.99, marked down from the normal price of $229.99. That works out to a 22% discount and a savings of $50.

SEE ALSO: Save $250 on the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo automatic espresso and coffee machine

Ninja makes some of our favorite modern kitchen appliances, like great pizza ovens, indoor grills, and countertop ovens. But if your kitchen space is limited, the Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker might be the perfect do-it-all model. It comes with 14 functions, including crisp, bake, rice/pasta, sear/sauté, steam, toast, pizza, slow cook, air fry, broil, and more. Plus, its quick operation means you can have a fully cooked meal in just 15 minutes. Ninja says cooking times in the Combi are 50% quicker than in a conventional wall oven.

This model is also great for families or those who like to entertain, since it has a larger capacity. Ninja mentions you can easily serve eight people, since the multicooker can handle a six-pound roast chicken, two pounds of fries, or a five-pound roast. A countertop oven can also be super useful if you tend to meal prep and need the oven space for several dishes, but still want to get a loaf of bread baked for dinner.

If you forgot to defrost the pork loin for tonight's dinner, the Ninja has you covered, since super-heated steam can thaw out frozen ingredients and get them cooked in under 30 minutes.

This model comes with a Bake Tray, Crisper Plate, and a Combi Cooker Pan, and all of those are safe to clean in the dishwasher, saving you time and effort in the post-dinner clean.

If your kitchen countertop is too crowded, upgrade to the Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker. It's perfect for hot summer days when you couldn't image turning on the range, and it's on sale today at Amazon for $179.99. With 14 functions, you'll be in for a summer full of great (and easy) meals.

SAVE 25%: As of April 30, you can get the retro-style 8BitDo Retro 87 mechanical keyboard for $89.99, down from $119.99, at Woot. That's a 25% discount for $30 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: 8Bitdo Store 8BitDo Retro 87 mechanical keyboard $89.99 at Woot
$119.99 Save $30 Get Deal

Tech design has become somewhat predictable lately. (Almost sterile, if I’m being honest.) Fortunately, there are ways to get around this, even in a Musk-dominated world.

Right now, you can get the 8BitDo Retro 87 mechanical keyboard for $89.99, down from $119.99, at Woot. That’s a 25% discount for $30 in savings.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces the M3 iPad Air with Apple Intelligence and a new Magic Keyboard

This Xbox Edition keyboard features a super cool retro design with Xbox-inspired colors. It is compatible with Windows 10 (version 1903) or later and Android 9.0 or later. (It’s not for Xbox consoles.)

It also has an RGB backlight with eight light modes. There are 87 keys, including double-layered ABS keycaps with a matte UV coating, function shortcut keys, and a Fn lock. The keyboard features Kailh Jellyfish X switches and an integrated Xbox button to activate the Game Bar. You’ll also get fast-mapping on Super Buttons (no software required).

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day on April 30: OUR TOP PICK EarFun Air Pro 4 noise-cancelling earbuds $63.99 (save $32 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST SMARTWATCH DEAL Google Pixel Watch 3 $299.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST SMARTHOME DEAL Amazon Echo Hub $129.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST GAMING DEAL Acer Nitro V15 Gaming Laptop (Intel Core i7-13620H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD) $699.99 (save $150) Get Deal BEST SOUNDBAR DEAL Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $189.99 (save $60) Get Deal

We're thrilled to wrap up the month of April and all of the crazy economic uncertainty that came along with it. And what better way to celebrate than with some of our favorite tech brands actually lowering prices? While we certainly don't encourage splurging for the sake of splurging, we do recommend snagging gadgets while they're on sale if you're in the market for an upgrade. We've rounded up some discounts we think are worth grabbing.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on April 30. If none of these are your cup of tea, be sure to check out our picks from April 28 and April 29. Many of those deals are still live, including the best prices ever on the M4 MacBook Air and our favorite Bluetooth speaker for bass lovers.

Our top pick: EarFun Air Pro 4 Opens in a new window Credit: EarFun EarFun Air Pro 4 noise-cancelling earbuds $63.99 at Amazon
$95.99 Save $32.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal

"If you don't want to pay over $100 for headphones, but still want good ANC and sound quality, the EarFun Air Pro 4 are one of the best value earbuds we've ever tried," Mashable's reviewer writes in our best headphones roundup. The Air Pro 4s offer noise cancellation that rivals that of much more expensive earbuds. Not to mention, they pair easily with most devices and offer better battery power than AirPods Pro, balanced sound, customizable EQs and customizable ANC levels. Usually sliding in right under $100, they're on sale for just $63.99 at Amazon with an on-page coupon as of April 30. That's 34% in savings.

Google Pixel Watch 3 Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm) $299.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $50 Get Deal

The Google Pixel Watch 3, released last year, added some potentially life-saving features to its already stacked lineup. Some of those include loss of pulse detection and the ability to call 911. Other upgrades include better heart rate tracking accuracy, more advanced running features, and a brighter display with smaller bezels (aka more screen real estate). Typically $349.99 for the 41mm option, you can grab one on sale for just $299.99 as of April 30 at Amazon and save $50. If you don't mind missing out on the new features, you can also save even more by opting for the previous generation for just $149.99.

Amazon Echo Hub Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Hub $129.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $50 Get Deal

Finding it hard to keep track of all your smart home devices? Add the Amazon Echo Hub to your lineup and control them all in one place. Essentially like your smart home's brain, the Echo Hub offers a full-featured control panel with instant access to all of your gadgets — cameras, lights, doorbells, thermostat, switches, etc. Anyone in your home can play music, ask Alexa questions, dim the lights, adjust the temperature, stream videos, and more from one singular place. Slash 28% off as of April 30 and grab it for just $129.99. That's just $5 away from its best price ever.

Acer Nitro V15 Gaming Laptop Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V15 gaming laptop (Intel Core i7-13620H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD) $699.99 at Amazon
$849.99 Save $150 Get Deal

A Mashable Choice Award winner and our favorite budget gaming laptop, the Acer Nitro V15 is on sale for just $699.99 during Amazon's Gaming Week sale. That's 18% in savings on an already affordable laptop that can handle graphically intense games without overheating. Mashable's reviewer Kim Gedeon rated it a 4.7/5 overall, crediting its performance, quiet and balanced keyboard, wide variety of port options, and overall design (which she dubbed "the perfect balance of fun and serious").

Read Mashable's full review of the Acer Nitro V 15.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $189.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $60 Get Deal

Upping your sound system is possible on a budget thanks to the Fire TV Soundbar Plus. It's usually $249.99, but you can get it on sale for only $189.99 as of April 30. That's 24% in savings. The Soundbar Plus features three full-range speakers, three tweeters, and a built-in subwoofer (unlike the basic Fire TV Soundbar), so it can blast sound in every direction. It serves as an all-in-one sound system for immersive audio, offering Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume support. If you already have a Fire TV Stick, you can even control it using the same remote.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

SAVE $300: Amazon has the Acer Nitro V 15 (Intel Core i7-13620H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) on sale for only $699.99 during its Gaming Week event. That's 30% off its usual retail price of $999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V 15 (Intel Core i7-13620H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $699.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $300 Get Deal

The 2023 Acer Nitro V 15 has been Mashable's No. 1 cheap gaming laptop since last spring, with former tech editor Kim Gedeon calling its Triple-A power "impressive" and "damn good." In our performance benchmark, it scored on par with some gaming laptops twice its price. And in our graphics test, it beat out a similarly priced MSI laptop with a better GPU.

Right now, the Nitro V 15 is even cheaper than usual thanks to Amazon's Gaming Week sale, live now through May 4. As of April 30, the model with a 13th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage is down to just $699.99. (Our review unit had double the storage but was otherwise identical.) The same configuration has a $999.99 sticker price on Acer's website — ignore Amazon's advertised MSRP — so shoppers save $300, or an impressive 30%. According to the Amazon price-tracking site CamelCamelCamel, this is its biggest discount ever.

SEE ALSO: The best cheap laptops under $1,000

If you did want to bump up to a full terabyte of storage, Newegg had our tested variant listed for $849.99 at the time of writing.

The Nitro V 15's power was the biggest highlight for Gedeon: "It can handle Cyberpunk 2077, one of the most graphics-intensive games on the market, like a champ," she wrote. That combined with its thermal design, silent keyboard, and understated design (for a gaming PC) helped it secure a Mashable Choice Award. It's not without its flaws — the biggest ones being a dim display and a chassis that loves retaining fingerprints — but for the money, this is an excellent buy.

It's worth mentioning that Amazon has this labeled as a "limited-time deal," so there's a good chance it won't hang around until the very end of its Gaming Week event. Consider adding it to your cart sooner rather than later.

SAVE $300: As of April 30, get the 32-inch Samsung M8 Smart Monitor for $399.99 at Samsung, down from its usual price of $699.99. That's a discount of 46%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung M8 Smart Monitor $399.99 at Samsung
$699.99 Save $300 Get Deal

If you're looking for a new monitor to upgrade your home office or desktop area, you might be interested in one that can multitask. How about a monitor that can act as both a display and an all-in-one streaming device and meeting station? We're talking a monitor that has all the streaming apps you could need, as well as a webcam. If that sounds like something you need to add to your must-buy list, you should head over to Samsung for some savings.

As of April 30, get the 32-inch Samsung M8 Smart Monitor for $399.99 at Samsung, down from its usual price of $699.99. That's $300 off and a discount of 46%.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge leak reveals major specs, including how thin it actually is

This 32-inch display is an all-in-one streaming TV and desktop monitor with AI features that can help upscale content to near-4K. Its UHD resolution and HDR 10+ support help pictures pop when you're enjoying shows and movies, with brighter colors and better contrast that gives you additional detail. That gives it a leg up on the competition when it comes to other monitors in this price and size range.

But what really makes it an interesting monitor is its addition of streaming apps that are built in, much like you see in Samsung TVs. In addition to apps like Netflix and Hulu, you can use Samsung TV Plus to watch live TV channels and other on demand shows for free. You can use it as a TV or monitor and swap between use cases at your leisure. Plus, you can use it with a mouse and keyboard with your tablet or phone.

Interestingly, it also comes with a webcam, so between using it as your main monitor or entertainment center, you can hop on calls when needed without skipping a beat.

If you want a monitor that can truly do it all, don't miss out on $300 off here while it's still available.

The total number of apps on the Google Play store has dropped by almost half in the last year, and that's actually good news for Android users.

According to app analytics firm Appfigures (via TechCrunch), apps hosted on Google Play have decreased from 3.4 million to 1.8 million since the start of 2024, which is roughly a 47 percent drop. However, the decline in apps is most likely the result of Google cracking down on scam and spam apps. Google confirmed to TechCrunch that its "new policies were factors" in the drop off.

In short, Google is saying good riddance to bad apps.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9a early reviews: Is this the new mid-range mobile to beat?

Google Play was considered the easier marketplace for app approval compared to Apple's App Store, which is famously thorough about its approval process. In the past, Google Play has taken a more lax approach, relying more on automated systems to review apps and having a shorter review period than the App Store.

But as of August 2024, Google started enforcing stricter app requirements. The updated policy targeted low-quality apps, specifically "static" apps with limited functionality, as well as apps that "crash, force close, freeze, or otherwise function abnormally." Last year, Google's security blog reported the company took action against 2.36 million apps that violated its Google Play policies and banned more than 158,000 "bad developer accounts that attempted to publish harmful apps."

For Android users, this should hopefully mean a better Google Play Store experience, with fewer spammy apps.

SAVE $250: The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo automatic espresso and coffee machine is on sale at Amazon for $549.95, down from the list price at De'Longhi of $799.95. That's a 31% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: De'Longhi De'Longhi Magnifica Evo automatic espresso and coffee machine $549.95 at Amazon
$799.95 Save $250 Get Deal

Convenience is the name of the game these days. If you're dealing with a fiddly coffee machine that makes mornings more frustrating than they should be, it's time to streamline the operation. These days we have automatic espresso and coffee machines that not only excel in convenience, they make pretty great coffee. If your kitchen is asking for an upgrade, check out this deal at Amazon.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo automatic espresso and coffee machine is on sale at Amazon for $549.95, marked down from the standard price listed at De'Longhi of $799.95. That's a 31% discount that takes $250 off the price.

SEE ALSO: Save $150 on this impressive coffee machine from Breville

Standing in line for an $8 latte isn't super fun. Neither is waiting in the drive-thru line while wondering if you'll be late for that very important meeting. Instead, become your own at-home barista thanks to the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo. But you don't need to take barista courses to know what to do for your perfect pour. Since the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo is an automatic model, it does the hard work for you — all you'll need to do is press a button. You can choose between latte, cappuccino, espresso, coffee, or a coffee over ice.

To get the perfect frothy milk, the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo comes with the brand's LatteCrema System which adds texture to either milk or milk alternatives. Plus, the machine has a built-in burr grinder with 13 settings, so you'll get treated to freshly ground beans each morning.

Ditch the morning struggle and upgrade to the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo while it's on sale at Amazon for $549.95. Assuming every trip to the coffee shop costs at least $5, it'll take under four months to make this fully automatic espresso machine worth the investment.

SAVE 28%: As of April 30, you can get a Turtle Beach Recon 50P wired gaming headset for $17.99, down from $24.95, at Woot. That's a 28% discount and $6.96 in savings. Use the code TURTLEFIVE for an additional $5 off, bringing the price down to just $12.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Turtle Beach Turtle Beach Recon 50P wired gaming headset $17.99 at Woot
$24.95 Save $6.96 Use the code TURTLEFIVE for an additional $5 off Get Deal

If you’re getting flak for missing cues during combat or can’t hear your teammates calling out enemy locations, you might want to get some new gaming headphones.

Right now, you can get the Turtle Beach Recon 50P wired gaming headset for $17.99, down from $24.95, at Woot. That’s a 28% discount and $6.96 in savings. Use the code TURTLEFIVE for an additional $5 off, bringing the price down to just $12.99. Note: This code is only valid through May 2, 11:59 p.m. CT.

SEE ALSO: The best headphones in 2025

These headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear during long gaming sessions. With 40mm speakers and premium ear cushions, this headset delivers crystal-clear audio for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and even mobile gaming with a 3.5mm connection.

They also have a removable mic, so you can chat when you want and remove it when you don’t.

If you want to be a creator, I have great news for you: There are plenty of jobs.

Creators are now the fastest-growing job segment within the digital economy. According to a new study from by the Interactive Advertising Bureau and written in conjunction with Harvard Business School professor emeritus John Deighton (and first reported by Axios), creator jobs grew 7.5 times in four years. Total job opportunities for creators grew from 200,000 in 2020 to 1.5 million in 2024. Creators now make up one out of every ten full-time, internet-dependent jobs.

How does the IAB define a creator? "Someone who produces original content, often with a specific skill, passion, or expertise at the core. Their value comes from what they show — whether it’s knowledge, creativity, or entertainment. Their audience follows them because they consistently deliver engaging, high-quality content that provides intrinsic value."

The report also states: "This remarkable growth stems from three key factors: 1) the shift of ad budgets to digital platforms, streaming services, and online publishers, 2) the ease of creating and distributing digital content, and 3) the rise of a more professionalized creator economy," the report states."

And the digital economy isn't showing signs of slowing down, according to the report. In fact, the IAB claims it's the fastest-growing and leading driver of U.S. GDP growth, valued at $4.9 trillion.

SEE ALSO: The trade war’s surprising targets: content creators

Leora Kornfeld, principal research consultant and co-author of the study, told Axios that this is at least in part due to more consumer choice enabled by the internet and social media.

This comes as more and more people want to become influencers. According to a 2023 Morning Consult survey, 57 percent of young people want to be influencers. The same survey found that even 41 percent of adults would choose influencing, too.

Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks navigate familial tension, secrets, and murder at home in Prime Video's adaptation of Alafair Burke's crime novel The Better Sister.

In the eight-part series, with a trailer out today, the pair play estranged sisters Chloe and Nicky, whose lives are very different. Chloe is soaring at the top of her executive job and living a seemingly idyllic family life. Conversely, Nicky is in a pretty bad place, struggling with addiction. But the kicker is that her ex Adam (Corey Stoll) is now Chloe's husband and they live together with and Nicky's teen son Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan) — essentially, Chloe is living what could have been Nicky's life.

When Chloe returns home after a fancy event to find Adam murdered, Chloe and Nicky find themselves reunited and wading into some family truths while Detectives Nancy Guidry (Kim Dickens) and Matt Bowen (Bobby Naderi) investigate his death. Matthew Modine, Lorraine Toussaint, Gabriel Sloyer, and Gloria Reuben also star.

The last time Jessica Biel was in a crime thriller series about sisters everything turned out fine, right?

The Better Sister is streaming on Prime Video on May 29.

SAVE 50%: As of April 30, you can get the official Atari 7800+ Console for $64.99, down from $129.99, at Woot. That's a 50% discount and $65 in savings. It's also a new all-time low price.

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$129.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal

If you’re feeling a little burnt out by all the AI news, maybe a little nostalgia is what you need. The retro Atari 7800+ console could be your ticket back to the pixelated yesteryear. (Yes, they still make Ataris.)

Right now, you can get your hands on an official Atari 7800+ Console and wireless controller for just $64.99, down from $129.99, at Woot. That’s a 50% discount and a savings of $65. It’s also the lowest price we’ve seen on this modern-classic console, so you can go back to the future while keeping money in your pocket.

SEE ALSO: Check out over 35 of the best Amazon Gaming Week deals

The Atari 7800+ connects via HDMI and supports both 2600 and 7800 game cartridges. It comes with a USB-C power cable and new wireless CX78+ gamepad. (You’ll need to pick up a 1A USB power adapter if you don’t have one on hand.) It also comes with a 'Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest' cartridge, so you can start playing right out of the box.