- Help
- Google+
House of the Dragon Season 2, episode 3, "The Burning Mill," brings viewers back to one of Westeros' most notorious castles: Harrenhal. And what a return it is!
The episode sees Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) swoop into Harrenhal with his dragon Caraxes, but this is far from the triumphant conquest he envisioned. Castellan Simon Strong (Sir Simon Russell Beale) is all too ready to turn the castle over to Team Black, no fight needed. On top of all that, Harrenhal is supremely spooky, its melted ruins exposing anyone within to the elements.
SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' director Geeta Vasant Patel breaks down Rhaenyra and Alicent's pivotal meeting"The Burning Mill" uses this spookiness to its fullest extent as Daemon first steps foot in Harrenhal. He prowls down long, empty corridors and staircases. Rain and thunder crash in from above, bats burst from the rafters. In the hands of director Geeta Vasant Patel, the castle becomes a maze that Daemon must wander alone, a solitude made all the more isolating following his argument with Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) in episode 2. For both Patel and Smith, grounding Daemon's Harrenhal entrance in the aftermath of that argument proved crucial.
"When you look at the scene for what it is, it's very easy to just treat it as if it's out of line with the timeline. What I wanted to do is make it emotional and concurrent with what had happened in episode 2," Patel told Mashable. "It's not just about a man who comes to Harrenhal and is walking around scared. You can put that anywhere in the season. Why [we see it] now is that in episode 2, he's been tossed aside by Rhaenyra. He has never been this low."
Rhaenyra's presence lingers even in this scene. Long before Daemon experiences a vision of young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), you can hear her faint, disembodied voice calling to him as he seeks out Simon Strong.
SEE ALSO: Daemon's Harrenhal vision in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 3, explainedCreating Daemon's emotional vulnerability during the Harrenhal invasion started with his flight into the castle. "If you're just grounded in reality, this is a man who's on a drinking binge in a car," Patel said. She worked with House of the Dragon's VFX team to make Caraxes's movements more reckless, like a "drunken dragon" mirroring his rider's instability.
Matt Smith in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBODaemon's journey within the castle itself is near-labyrinthine, highlighting both the scale of Harrenhal and Daemon's own uncertainty. One point of inspiration Patel cited for both her and Smith was the scene in The Silence of the Lambs where Clarice (Jodie Foster) makes her way through Buffalo Bill's (Ted Levine) house. In both sequences, the camera follows our uneasy protagonist through an unfamiliar place, whipping from doorway to doorway as they contemplate what's next. There's no music, just the eerie sounds of the environment.
Harrenhal's creeping, frightening loneliness serves as the perfect reflection for Daemon at this point in time. "This place represents what's in his soul right now," Patel said.
She continued: "As Daemon's going from corridor to corridor, it's a metaphor for him thinking, 'I don't know where I am in my life. I've never been here before. I'm actually scared for the first time in my life, and I'm angry.'"
Daemon takes that anger out on a Strong soldier passing by — the only violence in his takeover of Harrenhal, and a moment that wasn't in the original script. "In the script, the guy was just running away. But as Matt and I were working through it, we were both thinking, 'This doesn't feel like Daemon, where's he's at in the story.' Daemon needs to pummel that guy and take everything out on him," Patel said.
While the beatdown is a very Daemon move, Patel hinted that a stay in Harrenhal might be a major catalyst for a change in Daemon. "One thing [Matt and I] spent the most time on was the question of, 'How do we stay Daemon, but also start allowing a shift in him?'" Patel explained. "Since we worked on [the finale] together, we knew where Daemon was going, and we wanted to see how it started in episode 3. Luckily, we both got to work together on the bookends of his experience at Harrenhal."
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
In its annual trends research report, YouTube says fan culture is turning Gen Z into creators.
The platform says that the increasing volume of fan-made content — recaps, reactions, parodies, and commentary that can be more popular than its source content — has made fan culture "the central driver of emerging popular culture."
As The Washington Post reported last week, the YouTube study found that 65 percent of 350 U.S.-based Gen Z respondents describe themselves as "video content creators." The report contextualizes that majority as the result of a larger increase in fan-made content. Fans expect their media to be malleable and to be empowered to remix it," the report reads. Sixty-six percent of Gen Z Americans say they often spend more time watching content that discusses or unpacks something than they do watching the thing itself.
SEE ALSO: Facebook reveals new plan to woo Gen Z users back to the platformOnline fandom is a powerful tool for virtual connection, with 47 percent of Gen Z respondents reporting that they belong to a fandom that no one they know personally is a part of. Of all respondents aged 14-44 who identified as fans, 80 percent said they consume content about the thing they’re a fan of at least weekly on YouTube. Notably, eight percent of those surveyed by YouTube who identified as fans also considered themselves professional fans or "someone who earns revenue from a fanship."
Fandom is not new, but it seems it's being taken more seriously than ever. In May, veteran YouTube creator Jenny Nicholson's four-hour video breakdown of the sins of Disney's Star Wars hotel earned coverage from unlikely sources, including The New York Times, NPR, and Rolling Stone. Nicholson has been making similar analyses for more than seven years, but the detailed assessment of the hotel's failures was her longest video yet and her third most-viewed. It has now been viewed more than eight million times, indicating the growing power of fan-made analysis.
The YouTube study was conducted by research firm SmithGeiger, with report insights from KR&I's Fandom Institute. Respondents were adults who are active online, ages 14–44. The study defined Gen Z respondents as those between 14 and 24.
For those in the market for a new fitness tracker or smartwatch, Amazon Prime Day is the time to shop. The mega retailer tends to drop prices on top brands like Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, Samsung, and more — often to record lows.
Though the sale formally runs on July 16 and 17, we've already started tracking the best fitness tracker deals at Amazon. Things are a bit slow right now, with Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy deals running the show. Garmin and Fitbit deals are currently MIA, but we definitely expect those to start popping up soon.
If you don't see something that jumps out at you yet, be sure to check back as Prime Day nears. We'll be updating this page with the latest price drops on fitness trackers and smartwatches ahead of and throughout the sale.
Early Prime Day smartwatch and fitness tracker deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) $196.95 at AmazonLaunched last summer, Samsung' Galaxy Watch 6 was dubbed the "king of the Android smartwatch mountain" by Mashable tech reporter Alex Perry. The sixth iteration saw a suite of added sleep and fitness features, including a nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, and irregular heart rate notifications. Plus, it lasts longer on a single charge and features a 20 percent larger display than previous models. As of July 1, the 40mm version with Bluetooth is down to just $196.95 at Amazon. That's 34% in savings and an a new record-low. It's possible Prime Day will drop prices even further, but you can rest assured that you'll get a great deal if you add it to your cart now.
More smartwatch and fitness tracker dealsAmazfit Active (42mm) — $114.99 $129.99 (save $15)
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, GPS, 40mm) — $189 $249 (save $60)
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, GPS + Cellular, 40mm) — $239 $299 (save $60)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (LTE, 40mm) — $259.99 $349.99 (save $90)
Garmin vívoactive 5 — $267.75 $299.99 (save $32.24)
Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 45 mm) — $329.99 $429 (save $99.01)
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (Bluetooth, 43mm) — $329.99 $399.99 (save $70)
Polar Pacer Pro — $330.21 $349.95 (save $19.74)
Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular, 41mm) — $399 $499 (save $100)
The filmmaking team known as Radio Silence — which consists of producer Chad Villella and co-directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett — is at it again with another horror gem.
With Abigail, the team that previously brought us Ready or Not and Scream VI has delivered a crowdpleaser filled with fresh blood. Matilda the Musical's Alisha Weir stars as a savage ballerina vampire and, according to Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko, delivers one helluva performance.
If you missed it in theaters or would rather watch it at home where you can hide under a blanket, it's available on digital as of June 25. It will also be streaming in the coming months. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Abigail.
What is Abigail about?Abigail follows a group of criminals who kidnap a rich man's daughter after ballet rehearsal in order to claim a $50 million ransom. The script is flipped, however, when they realize the pint-sized dancer (Alisha Weir) is actually a vampire. Now they're locked in an isolated mansion with her, not the other way around. As expected, heads will roll.
Here's the full trailer:
Is Abigail worth watching?Despite the trailer practically giving away the entire plot, audiences and critics alike deemed Abigail "certified fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 85% and 83% score, respectively. While Mashable's own reviewer wasn't a huge fan of the sentimental detours that detract from the fun of it all, she still deems the overall film "a blast."
"It's exactly the kind of gonzo, gory, goofy crowdpleaser you'd hope for considering its very well-promoted premise. Still, I wish it moved as fast and ferociously as its terrorizing tiny dancer," Kristy Puchko writes.
Read our full review of Abigail.
How to watch Abigail at homeYou can watch the tiny terrorizing ballerina flick at home by purchasing it at digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV, as of June 25. It will also be available to rent as of July 9. With rentals, just be aware that you'll have a limited 30-day viewing schedule and just 48 hours to finish once you click play.
Here are some quick links to watch Abigail on digital:
Buy at Prime Video — $18.49 $24.99 (save $6.50 with Prime)
Buy at Apple TV — $19.99
Buy at Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $19.99
Buy at YouTube — $19.99 $24.99 (save $5)
Buy at Google Play — $19.99
Abigail is a Universal Pictures film, which means it will eventually make its streaming debut on NBC Universal's streaming platform, Peacock. Previous Universal films have debuted on the streamer as soon as 45 days after their theatrical release, so we expect to see a streaming date soon. We'll keep you updated. Until then, you can prepare by signing up for a Peacock subscription.
The best Peacock streaming dealsBefore you sign up for Peacock, do yourself a favor and check out the best streaming deals below. You may qualify for a discounted subscription or even a free account.
Best long-term Peacock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $59.99 per year (save 17%) Get DealWant the most bang for your buck? You can sign up for a full year of Peacock Premium (with ads) for just $59.99, as opposed to paying $5.99 monthly. That ends up saving you 17% in the long run. You'll have to watch some ads here and there, but it's hard to beat the price, which works out to just about $4.99 per month. In comparison, the Premium Plus plan without ads would run you $119.99 per year (about $9.99 per month).
Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn MoreIf you're an Xfinity customer, be sure to check the details below to find out if you're eligible for a free Peacock account.
Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can score free Peacock Premium for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025).
Xfinity Internet customers who are also Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can score Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.
NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.
New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.
If you're a college student with a .edu email address to prove it, you can score Peacock Premium for just $1.99 per month for an entire year. Just verify your status through SheerID and you'll get a personal promo code to secure the discount. Remember, your code can only be used once.
Best Peacock deal for first responders Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders $1.99 per month for one year Watch NowSimilar to the student deal, first responders can take advantage of the special $1.99 per month pricing as well if they can verify their first responder status via SheerID. Just sign up using the personal promo code you receive to secure the discount. If you continue to meet verification qualifications, you can renew the deal annually. Just remember you'll have to go through the process each time to receive a new promo code each year. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.
Best for Instacart users Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $59.99/year) Watch NowIn Dec. 2023, Instacart teamed up with Peacock to give new and existing Instacart+ members a free Peacock Premium account. That's a $59.99 per year value for zero dollars. If you're an Instacart+ member and haven't taken advantage of this freebie yet, head over to your account to sign up. Not an Instacart+ member? You can sign up for $99.99 per year and get free grocery delivery on orders over $35, lower fees, credit back on eligible pickup orders, access to Peacock Premium, and other perks. Oh, and your first two weeks are free.
Best for JetBlue members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members Watch NowThrough July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when they sign up for Peacock. Meanwhile, TrueBlue members with Mosaic status can score an entire year of Peacock Premium (with ads) for free — that's a $59.99 value. This offer is only valid if you're a new Peacock subscriber. You can read more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.
The BET Awards 2024 aired on Sunday, June 30, giving a spotlight to some of the most celebrated Black artists of the year — and highlighting some musical legends that made a huge impact on Black pop culture.
This year's BET Awards garnered significant attention due to the impact of the historic writers' strike of 2023, which had arguably affected the previous year's event. Actress and repeat host Taraji P. Henson, a supporter of the strike, skipped last year's show in solidarity, adding to the anticipation of her return this year.
Some winners include Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Regina King, and Nicki Minaj. This year Usher was nominated and presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long career and impact on the culture. But an award show wouldn’t be complete without the viewer-chosen, unofficial category that causes chatter on social media: meme-worthy moments.
Here are five of the wildest meme-worthy moments of the BET Awards that had the internet talking.
1. Usher’s Lifetime Achievement Award SpeechUsher’s Uncensored Speech #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/tziePcPVqa
— just rob. (@_Rob93) July 1, 2024Usher gave an 8-minute speech, but viewers at home didn’t hear much of it because it was censored. Some BET Award attendees recorded Usher's speech and uploaded it to X, sparking some users to express disappointment that so much of it was cut from the official broadcast.
2. Will Smith’s performanceWill Smith debuted his new song at the BET Awards.
From Fresh Prince to music royalty, he showed us why he’s always been a legend. 🌟🔥 #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/2ZY1pihbKh
Will Smith performed his new single “You Can Make It” featuring Kirk Franklin and Sunday Choir. Surrounded by a ring of flames, Smith’s performance was quite literally fire. This isn't the first time Smith has performed at an award show recently. At the end of last year, Smith and long time friend DJ Jazzy Jeff performed together at the Grammy's to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
They not like us!
It doesn’t get better than Taraji performing our fave Kendrick anthem!👏🏽
She brought the house down with her fierce energy and undeniable swag. 🔥 #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/tu76PfdMEV
Taraji P. Henson’s opening performance “It’s About Us” was a light-hearted, yet lyrically inclined, parody of the Kendrick Lamar diss track. In true Henson fashion, she “popped out” and set the tone for the night — gold grill and all!
VIDEO:
Usher Raymond Tribute
Introduction: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Usher Career Montage
&
Music Medley featuring: Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chloe, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monét & Latto
2024 BET Awards#BETAwards pic.twitter.com/P74GVH2NVm
This female-heavy tribute was filled with emerging artists and OGs who have already left their mark putting their own twist on some of Usher’s most noteworthy songs. The artists that graced the stage were Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monet, and Latto.
"I have more Grammys than Will Smith but I have the same amount of BET Awards as Sam Smith. Does that make sense to yall?
If I have to do a Baby Boy remake let me know, I'll have Jonathan Majors put me in headlock" -Donald Glover at the #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/udTHZslE21
One thing for sure, two things for certain, Donal Glover a.k.a Childish Gambino is going to say what’s on his mind — and make you laugh.
GET UP TO $200 OFF: Looking for a new TV? As of July 1, you can score up to $200 off Samsung, Sony, LG, and other leading brands.
Our top picks: Best TV deal overall LG 65-inch Class C3 Series $1,499.99 at Best Buy (save $200) Get Deal Best runner-up TV deal Sony 65-inch Class BRAVIA XR X90L $1,099.99 at Best Buy (save $200) Get Deal Best budget TV deal Pioneer 55-inch 4K Xumo TV $239.99 at Best Buy (save $110) Get Deal Bonus TV deal Samsung 43-inch Class The Frame QLED 4K TV (LS03B) $799.99 at Samsung (save $200) Get DealFourth of July is just around the corner, and online retailers are gearing up for the holiday (and preparing for the inevitable Prime Day slump in sales) by offering discounts on everything from laptops to home appliances.
SEE ALSO: The best time to buy a TV: A guide to the times of year that you'll find the best TV dealsThis year, the TV market is seeing some pretty sweet deals, with top brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG slashing prices on a variety of models in multiple sizes.
Whether you’re trying to build the theatre room of your dreams or you just need a small set for the bedroom, here are the best 4th of July TV deals we could find.
Best TV deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: LG Our pick: LG 65-inch Class C3 Series $1,499.99 at Best BuyThe LG 65-inch Class C3 Series evo 4K Smart webOS TV is powered by an α9 AI Processor Gen6 (made exclusively for LG OLED). If you’re not well versed in TV jargon, here's what that means: Its AI-assisted processor automatically adjusts the picture and sound quality to deliver the best viewing experience possible, no matter what you're watching (or how bright or dark the room is).
Its webOS 23, LG ThinQ AI, and Magic Remote features also make it super easy to use. Bonus: Gamers will appreciate the NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR support for a smooth, tear-free gaming experience.
Best runner-up TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Our pick: Sony 65-inch Class BRAVIA XR X90L $1,099.99 at Best BuyIf you want a high-end 65-inch TV but aren’t quite ready to spend $1,499.99, Best Buy has the Sony 65-inch Class BRAVIA XR X90L LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV for $1,099.99 — $200 off the listing price.
Although the Sony doesn’t have Dolby Audio or Vision, it does have the Cognitive Processor XR, which remasters images and sounds to produce a more natural, true-to-life viewing experience. And with the BRAVIA CORE app, you can browse hundreds of Sony Pictures Entertainment titles and stream 4K movies straight to your TV.
This TV is also great for gaming (especially if you have a PlayStation). It supports HDMI 2.1, 4K at 120Hz, and VRR.
Best budget TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Pioneer Our pick: Pioneer 55-inch 4K Xumo TV $239.99 at Best BuyThe Pioneer 55-inch 4K Xumo TV is on sale at Best Buy for $239.99, down from $349.99. That’s a $110 discount off the original listing price (and, if you do it in payments, just $60 a month via Zip).
With 4K resolution, Xumo TV (which lets you stream all your faves), plus three months of Apple TV+ and one month of FurboTV (for new customers only) included, this is a pretty good deal. There’s also a voice remote for easy control.
Even if you don't need the streaming services, the sheer value of a 55-inch 4K TV for $239 is tough to beat. And, thanks to Dolby Vision and Audio, it’ll feel like you’re at the movies (except you’ll be way more comfortable).
Bonus TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 43-inch Class The Frame QLED 4K TV (LS03B) $799.99 at SamsungThe Samsung 43-inch Class The Frame QLED 4K TV (LS03B) is ideal for anyone who enjoys watching TV but would rather not look at a blank, lifeless screen when it's not being used.
Designed for those who prefer the finer things in life, The Frame features an anti-glare display that transforms into a work of art whenever it’s idle. It also hangs flush with the wall (thanks to the included slim-fit wall mount) like a real picture frame rather than protruding outward. You can also customize the bezel: Choose from modern brown, modern teak, or modern white.
Of course, this TV also delivers Samsung’s signature QLED 4K picture, but the real draw here is its ability to blend in with your decor.
More July 4th TV deals:Roku 43-inch Class Select Series — $219.99 $249.99 (save $30)
Insignia 58-inch Class F30 Series — $269.99 $379.99 (save $110)
Amazon Omni QLED — $659.99 $799.99 (save $140)
Samsung 75-inch Class DU7200 Series — $699.99 $749.99 (save $150)
Samsung 77-inch Class S90C — $2,299.99 $2,499.99 (save $200)
ChatGPT may not be the only built-in AI chatbot on iPhone.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported as much in his latest newsletter. Regarding Apple's new Apple Intelligence initiative, Gurman speculated that we might see an official announcement of a partnership between Apple and Google by the end of this year. This collaboration would involve integrating Google's Gemini chatbot into iPhones where appropriate.
SEE ALSO: Google's Gemini AI is coming to Honor's future smartphones"As for an Apple deal with Google or Anthropic, I expect at least the former to be announced around the time Apple Intelligence launches this fall," Gurman said.
In case you missed it, ChatGPT will hook into Siri and other Apple apps later this year. If you ask Siri a question, and ChatGPT is a better fit to answer it as opposed to Apple Intelligence, you'll be prompted to use ChatGPT instead. Apple stated last month that other AI chatbots will eventually join the fray, but thanks to Gurman, we can now reasonably assume that Google Gemini will be the next one.
Of course, if you're not a fan of all this AI stuff, you can always opt out.
Yorgos Lanthimos' latest picture, Kinds of Kindness, is a triad of absurdist, unsettling stories exploring topics — cannibalism, maiming yourself, and rape — not exactly poised for digital trends.
But fear not the film released a TikTok lens to promote the movie.
SEE ALSO: 'Kinds of Kindness' review: A poor thing from Yorgos LanthimosThe film stars Lanthimos' Poor Things collaborators Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Margaret Qualley, in addition to The Favourite's Joe Alwyn, as well as Lanithmos newcomers Jesse Plemmons. Hong Chau, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer. For Mashable, Robert Daniels described the film as "prickly, dark" and a return to Lanthimos' "unconventional roots, his older, spikier films like Kinetta and Dogtooth."
The lens allows users to recreate the movie posters for Kinds of Kindness that feature an abnormally large face transposed onto a normal-sized body. To maximize the Kinds of Kindness-ness of the filter pair it with the film's opening song the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" or the soundtrack to Stone's iconic dance sequence "Brand New Bitch" by COBRAH. So far, it's been used four times on the platform.
Kinds of Kindness joins another new release Inside Out 2, which is on track to be the highest-grossing film of 2024, in using TikTok lenses to draw attention to the films. The Inside Out 2 lens randomly assigns users one of the emotions from the film: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Disgust, Envy, Anxiety, Ennui, Embarrassment, and Nostalgia.
Despite summer 2024's best efforts, no one is recreating the digital culture moment that was Barbenheimer.
It's no secret that TikTok's #BookTok community wields major influence on what books become bestsellers. And the TikTok Book Awards further established TikTok in the book space.
SEE ALSO: The 10 best books of 2024 so far, according to BookTokThe awards, which are based in the UK and Ireland, are back for another year. Today, the social media company announced the shortlist for the 2024 TikTok Book Awards.
While there are still seven categories, they differ slightly from last year. TikTok divided Book of the Year into international, UK, and Ireland, replaced BookTok Author of the Year with BookTok Breakthrough Author, and introduced the BookTok Rising Star Creator and TikTok Shop Book of the Year.
Curated by a panel of judges including members of the UK literary community, TikTok creator Jack Edwards, and previous winner Eden Victoria, the awards aim to "celebrate and recognise the books, the independent book shops, the authors and the creators that have made the #BookTok community such a unique place," according to TikTok.
The BookTok community will decide all the winners — except for TikTok Shop Book of the Year, which is determined based on sales data and impact on the app. The in-app voting hub is open until July 14, and winners will be announced on July 25.
Last year's winners included Bolu Babalola's Honey and Spice, Dolly Alderton's Everything I Know About Love, and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Here's the official 2024 shortlist.
Book of the Year (UK & Ireland)None Of This Is True, Lisa Jewell
Gwen & Art Are Not In Love, Lex Croucher
Small Worlds, Caleb Azumah Nelson
The Rachel Incident, Caroline O'Donoghue
Book of the Year (International)Yellowface, R.F Kuang
Fourth Wing, Rebecca Yarros
Sword Catcher, Cassandra Clare
Chain Gang All Stars, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
BookTok Breakthrough AuthorBookTok Creator of the YearBookTok Rising Star CreatorIndie Bookshop of the YearGET $100 OFF: As of July 1, you can score up to $100 off cookware, appliances, and gadgets from Le Creuset, Keurig, Ninja, and more.
Our top picks: Best kitchen gadget deal overall Yonanas Soft Serve Maker $38.06 at Amazon (save $11.93) Get Deal Best cookware deal Caraway Cookware Set $319.99 at Crate&Barrel (save $175.01) Get Deal Best coffee maker deal Keurig K-Duo single-serve K-Cup pad and carafe coffee maker $139.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Instant Vortex Air Fryer (6QT) $79.95 at Amazon (save $40.04) Get Deal
Fourth of July is just days away, and deals have been pouring in from every direction — from major appliances to robot vacuums to mattresses. There are also tons of discounts on a variety of kitchen essentials, from cookware to small countertop appliances (like the ever-popular Nespresso and Keurig machines).
While it’s tempting to get carried away and fill your cart with every item you see, focusing on the kitchen finds that you'll actually use and get the most value out of will help you get the most bang for your buck.
Here are some of the best 4th of July kitchen deals and steals that are worth adding to your cart.
Best kitchen gadget deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Yonanas Our pick: Yonanas Soft Serve Maker $38.06 at AmazonWe’re not saying you need a soft serve maker, but if you have a hankering for dairy-free ice cream and are looking to cut down on trips to the store, this deal on the Yonanas Soft Serve Maker might be worth considering.
The Yonanas Soft Serve Maker is designed to turn fresh fruit into “ice cream” (sorbet) — no dairy, added sugars, or preservatives required. It's a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way. (This little gadget also won a Mashable Choice Award in 2022.)
This compact, easy-to-use machine typically retails for around $50, but right now, it's on sale for just $38.06 at Amazon.
Best cookware deal Opens in a new window Credit: Caraway Our pick: Caraway Cookware Set (sapphire blue) $319.99 at Crate&BarrelYou’ve probably seen the Caraway nonstick ceramic pan set on your Instagram feed, but this cookware set isn’t just for aesthetic appeal. (Though it is really pretty.) These pans are made without PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, heavy metals, or hard anodization — toxic materials that are typically found in traditional nonstick cookware.
SEE ALSO: I deleted Postmates because of the TikTok-famous Caraway cookware setThe set includes a 10.5-inch frying pan, a three-quart saucepan, a four-and-a-half-quart saute pan, and a six-and-a-half-quart Dutch oven. It also comes with a convenient storage system to keep your pans organized and easily accessible.
You can get the set at Amazon, Target, and the Caraway website for $395 (down from $545), or if the color isn’t that important to you, the sapphire blue set is available for $319.99 at Crate&Barrel. This is still a steep price, but according to Mashable freelance writer Michelle Rostamian, this cookware set is worth every penny.
More cookware deals:All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan (12-inch) — $99.95 $239.99 (save $140.04)
Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage Covered Rectangular Casserole (4QT) — $102 $134.95 (save $32.95)
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven (5.5QT) — $309.36 $419.95 (save $110.59)
The Keurig K-Duo single-serve K-Cup pad and carafe coffee maker is on sale at Amazon for $139.99, down from $189.99. That’s a 26% discount of $50.
This versatile machine lets you brew a single-serve K-Cup pod or a full pot of coffee from the thermal carafe. (It’s ideal for families or people who are always on the go and want both options.)
This Keurig model can handle six, eight, 10, or 12-ounce K-Cup pod sizes or a full pot of coffee. The water reservoir is 60 ounces, so you can brew multiple cups before needing to refill it. It also features a programmable 24-hour brew timer so you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee, which is super nice (as long as you remember to set it).
Best air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Store Our pick: Instant Vortex Air Fryer (6QT) $79.95 at AmazonAir fryers are among the most popular countertop appliances on the market. If you don’t already have one (or you want to replace your current model), the Instant Vortex Air Fryer (6QT) is currently 33% off at Amazon, making it a very affordable $79.95.
This air fryer features four-in-one functionality, so you can air fry, broil, roast, and reheat your faves with little to no oil. EvenCrisp technology gives you that golden, crispy texture without the mess and potential health risks of deep frying. Plus, the one-touch smart programs make whipping up appetizers, snacks, and side dishes quick and easy.
More air fryer deals:Ninja Air Fryer (AF101) — $82.99 $129.99 (save $47)
Ninja Air Fryer Pro (AF141) — $89.99 $119.99 (save $30)
Instant Vortex Plus (4QT) — $109.95 $129.99 (save $20.04)
Shopping is a year round activity (for us at least), but summer is an especially good time to be a deal hunter. With Prime Day 2024 coming July 16 and 17, 4th of July sales, and Target Circle Week all in the ether, it's no sleep, all deals. The biggest brands are on sale, including Apple and their ultra-popular AirPods.
Let's temper ourselves though. The deal we're seeing right now — we've seen better. All of the AirPods here hit their lowest prices during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days back in October 2023, so we're waiting to see these savings get even bigger. However, they're still marked down. We'll be updating these prices as Prime Day gets closer so you can maximize savings. In the meantime, here are the best deals on AirPods.
Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods (2nd generation) $89.00 at AmazonApple AirPods (2nd generation) are our best budget earbuds for a reason. They're affordable, reliable, and easy-to-use. Compatible with any Bluetooth device, you can be listening to music in seconds without having to install a new app. Apple users just need to snap open the case and the AirPods will connect. Typically priced at $129, these AirPods are down to $89 for 31% savings. This is a great price, but if you're willing to hold out, we saw these AirPods drop down to $79 during Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday last year.
Best AirPods Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) $199.00 at AmazonAirPods Pro are a lovely step up from entry-level AirPods. They have all the same perks, easy connectivity and quick charging, but with better sound quality for audiophiles. The Apple AirPods Pro provide active noise cancellation and personalized spatial audio, so you get sound that's just right for you. You can find the AirPods Pro for $199, giving you $50 off and 20% savings. This is a good deal, but their lowest price ever is $179.99, so we're keeping our eyes peeled for that price come Prime Day.
Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $479.95 at AmazonAirPods Max, Apple's answer to over-the-ear headphones, may not be our top pick for sound quality, but they're certainly the most stylish. Coming in green, blue, pink, silver, and space gray, they look great while also providing active noise cancellation. Similar to AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max give specialized settings with spatial audio and Dolby Atmos.
Right now, you can find them for $479.95. Last year, we saw these headphones dip down to $429, so their current price isn't the best we've seen, but it's not bad. We're not sure what Prime Day will bring, but right now find them for $69.05 and 13% savings.
If a robot vacuum is the big purchase on your radar this Prime Day, you're clearly someone who sees the value in automating one of the most tedious chores. Consider stretching that convenience past the vacuuming itself with a self-emptying robot vacuum — there are already a handful on sale at Amazon ahead of July 16 (the official kickoff of Prime Day), including a Shark, Eufy, and Narwal model at 50% off.
SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineupsYour self-emptying options at Amazon currently range from budget models at $300 or $400 to more premium robot vacuum and mop combos dropping from their usual near $1,000 price point to a more digestible $500-ish price tag. A few of those premium self-empty docks are also decked out with the ability to self-wash and self-dry the mopping pads — the ultimate automation experience, now much more affordable than usual.
If you're not ready to make a move quite yet, keep checking back to this list — we'll be updating it accordingly as Amazon inevitably drops new robovac discounts in the coming weeks. (We'll also let you know when Amazon switches over to calling these official early Prime Day deals.) For now, deals with a strikeout were either sold out or no longer available at their best sale price when we last checked. Anything marked with a 🔥 has dropped to an all-time low price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy X9 Pro $449.99 at AmazonEufy's X9 Pro debuted in fall 2023 and sits right in the sweet spot between the X8 Pro (which doesn't mop) and the X10 Pro Omni (which is sitting at its MSRP of $799.99). Its current discount code X9PROEUFY bumps the discount to a full 50% off, beating the discount seen in mid-June that was exclusive to Prime members.
The X9 Pro is much more reminiscent of the X10 Pro Omni than it is the cheaper X8 Pro: It has a flat edge to get into corners, it mops, empties into a self-cleaning station that washes and dries the mopping pads, and uses AI to detect and avoid small obstacles like phone cables. As a mopper, the X9 Pro provides more elbow grease than many competitors thanks to double-pressurized, rotating mopping heads. These automatically lift above the ground if carpet is detected.
More self-emptying robot vacuums on sale at AmazonShark AI Ultra — $299.99 $599 (save $299.01)
Roborock Q5+ — $399.99 $699.99 (save $300 with on-page coupon)
Eufy X8 Pro — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250 with Prime) 🔥
Eufy G30 Hybrid — $249.99 $429.99 (save $180 with Prime) 🔥
Roborock Q8 Max+ — $579.99 $819.99 (save $240 with on-page coupon)
Roborock Q Revo S — $699.99 $799.99 (save $100 with on-page coupon)
Yeedi M12 Pro+ — $749 $1,099 (save $350 with on-page coupon) 🔥
Narwal Freo — $699.99 $1,399.99 (save $700 with on-page coupon) 🔥
Between 4th of July deals and early Prime Day savings, Amazon is practically overflowing with deals on July 1. And this is only the beginning. If you want to avoid actual Prime Day chaos, you can start shopping now.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these catch your eye, be sure to check back tomorrow for all-new picks.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman 4-person Dark Room Instant Tent $89.99 at AmazonCamping is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the summertime, but that early morning sunshine makes getting good rest nearly impossible. For those easily disrupted by the light and heat of the sun, a comfortable tent like the Coleman Dark Room can block out 90% of sunlight. Not only will it remain dark in the early hours of the day, but it'll keep some of that heat out as well. Regularly $184.99, you can snag it on sale as of July 1 for only $89. That's a savings of 52%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 indoor grill $159.99 at AmazonIf you're an apartment dweller missing the luxury of outdoor grilling, check out this deal on the Ninja DG551 Smart XL indoor grill. It's on sale for just $159.99 — 43% off its usual cost — and can fill the void. With its virtually smoke-free design that can fit up to six steaks or two dozen hot dogs, you can enjoy year-round cookouts. Plus, thanks to its smart cooking system, you can take most of the guesswork out of the grilling experience.
Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville the Fresh & Furious Blender $149.96 at AmazonThe Breville Fresh and Furious blender looks and feels like a fancy high-end appliance, but its price tag won't make you cringe — especially with its current discount at Amazon. Usually $199.95, you can slash the cost down to just $149.96 as of July 1. It includes a 50-ounce jug, nine one-touch blending tasks, five speed settings, and an 1100W motor that can pulverize your ingredients into a silky smoothie. And did we mention how good it looks atop your counter?
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones $35.99 at AmazonThe already budget-friendly Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are on sale for just $35.99 (reg. $79.99) at Amazon as a Prime Day invite-only deal. That means that you can request an invite now to receive a unique email link to purchase the deal. Invites will be sent on July 16 and July 17. The Sony headphones last for up to 50 hours on a single charge and offer a quick-charging feature that gives you another 1.5 hours of listening from a three-minute plug-in.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
Did you know that you can now store hotel keys via Google Wallet? If you tend to be absent-minded, making you prone to losing entrance cards, you may be relieved to hear that Google Wallet now supports digital key cards.
As 9to5Google spotted, Google recently updated the Wallet Help page, which gives users a quick-and-easy guide on how to store and save hotel key cards.
SEE ALSO: Google Pay app is shutting down in the US after being replaced by Google Wallet How to store hotel key cards via Google WalletPhysical hotel key cards will now become a thing of the past. As mentioned, if you have a tendency to be irresponsible on vacations, you no longer have to worry about misplacing hotel key cards — as long as you don't lose your Android device.
Here's an easy, step-by-step process on how to store hotel key cards in Google Wallet:
Open the hotel's website (or app).
Sign into the hotel's website.
Find the "Add to Google Wallet" button on the reservation confirmation page. (If you don't find this button, the hotel may not support digital hotel key cards.)
Sign into your Google account.
Tap "Add" followed by "View in Wallet."
You can then use it by unlocking your phone before holding the back of the device to the door's key card scanner.
As AndroidCentral pointed out, Google Wallet uses Near-Field Communication (NFC) to facilitate the usage of digital hotel key cards — the same technology that underpins "Tap to Pay." Apple, by the way, has been supporting digital hotel key cards since iOS 15, which launched in 2021.
The Clarion Hotel Post, located in Sweden, is the first to allow its guests to use Google Wallet for digital keys.
Prime Day 2024 is just weeks away, kicking off July 16 and 17. However, you don't need to wait two weeks to start shopping. Summer sales are here with 4th of July deals rolling in and Target Circle Week around the corner. But we know you probably don't want to wait for the markdowns, especially on major brands. We're on the hunt, or should we say...watch?
Apple Watch models are on sale at Amazon ahead of Prime Day. Both the SE and Series 9 watches are marked down with up to 24% savings. With this deal you can start tracking your workouts and health metrics for under $200. And we know it's summer, so you have to be ready to jump-in a body of water at any given moment. These Apple Watches aren't just on sale — they're waterproof.
Best Apple Watch SE deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, GPS, 40mm) $189.00 at AmazonAlready a budget-friendly option, the Apple Watch SE is down to $189 ahead of Prime Day. That's just $10 more than its lowest price ever during Black Friday 2023. While it is affordable, it still has the advanced tech you want in a smart watch. The bright retina display tracks your heart rate and watches for irregular rhythm. You can track your workouts — even in the water — as it's water resistant up to 50m. Right now you'll save $60 for 24% savings. We're not sure what Prime Day will bring, but we can confidently say, this is a good deal.
Best Apple Watch Series 9 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 45 mm) $329.99 at AmazonFor the latest technology, look to the Apple Watch Series 9. It's loaded with bigger displays, offering either a 41 or 45 mm display over the SE's 40 and 44mm options. It has an always-on retina display, so you don't have to wake it up every time you need to check the time. The health metric offerings are even more extensive on the Series 9 with the ECG app and temperature sensing. Like the SE, it's water resistant, so you can jump in the water care free. It's down to its lowest price ever of $329, saving you $99.01 for 23% off.
More Apple Watch dealsApple Watch SE (2nd generation, GPS + Cellular, 40mm) — $239 $299 (save $60)
Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular, 41mm) — $399 $499 (save $100)
Apple Intelligence — Apple's name for a set of artificial intelligence features on its devices — might not always be completely free.
In the latest installment of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple is looking into making money from Apple Intelligence down the road.
SEE ALSO: Apple's upcoming AirPods might have built-in camerasApple Intelligence, or AI for short, was announced in June 2024, during the company's annual WWDC event. It will launch as a free set of features on Apple products including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, with some of the announced features becoming available as beta when iOS 18 launches in September. The new options include AI-generated images called Genmoji, a smarter Siri, and a feature called Rewrite that suggests edits for your writing, among others.
According to Gurman, however, Apple needs new revenue streams, especially as it's getting increasingly hard to innovate on hardware devices such as the iPhone. One of these could be a paid tier for AI called, perhaps, "Apple Intelligence+" which would enable additional features to subscribers. Apple could also get a cut of the subscription revenue generated from AI partners.
This probably won't happen overnight; Gurman doesn't have a precise timeline, but he does say the implementation will "take time," and that Apple could be making money from AI "in a few years."
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...
Boston's most important responders: Bostonians The people of Boston are to be congratulated for being...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
Digital Privacy: A Catch 22 Mobility, convenience, accessibility and real-...
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...