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SAVE 35%: Shop Lenovo Yoga laptops during the Best Buy Tech Fest sale. Get the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 laptop for $679.99, saving you $370 for 35% off.

Best Lenovo Yoga 2-in-1 deals Best Lenovo Yoga laptop deal Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 laptop, 16-inch (Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $679.99 at Best Buy (Save $370) Get Deal Best Lenovo Yoga Book deal Lenovo Yoga Book 9i 2-in-1, 13.3-inch (Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,799.99 at Best Buy (Save $200) Get Deal

The Best Buy Tech Fest savings event is here, running through August 25. Just in time for back-to-school season, this sales event dropped savings across the tech gamut. Need a high-tech refrigerator? Check! What about a free keyboard on the new Microsoft Surface Pro 11? They've got that, too. Plus, My Best Buy Plus and Total members get a $25 bonus reward with any purchase over $250.

We've been most impressed by the savings on laptops offered during the Best Buy Tech Fest. You'll find savings of up to $500 on MacBooks, including the M3 MacBook Pro. However, if you're not an Apple user, that's not the most thrilling news. The good news? There are PC deals galore.

One of our favorite deals comes on Lenovo's Yoga line, which includes the 7i and 9i laptops, as well as the 9i Yoga Book. Having spent plenty of time with the full collection, we're big fans, even awarding the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 laptop a Mashable Choice award.

Here are the best deals on Lenovo Yoga 2-in-1 laptops to shop during the Best Buy Tech Fest.

Best Lenovo Yoga laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Or pick: Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 laptop, 16-inch (Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $679.99 at Best Buy
$1,049.99 Save $370.00 Get Deal

Having tested the full range of Lenovo Yoga laptops, we're familiar with the ins and outs of each model. The Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 laptop may have scored the lower than the 9i laptop and Yoga Book in our testing, however, it's an unbeatable value, especially on sale.

The Yoga 7i 2-in-1 laptop is a fully loaded 2-in-1 laptop with a touchscreen display so it doubles as a tablet. It has sweet processing speeds thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 5 processor and with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD, it won't falter when it comes to streaming or gaming.

Where the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 laptop falls short is graphics, so if that's a dealbreaker, go for the 9i 2-in-1, which is also on sale. If you want something a little more flashy, look to the one sale Lenovo Yoga Book 9i, which comes with two touchscreens to truly maximize your on-the-go workspace.

Otherwise, most people, especially those on a budget, will be pleased with the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 laptop, which is on sale at a fantastic value. Shop it at Best Buy now for $679.99 to save $370 for 35% off.

More Lenovo Yoga Deals

• Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1, 14-inch (AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $449.99 $749.99 (save $300)

• Yoga 9i 2-in-1 with pen, 14-inch (Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,299.99 $1,649.99 (save $350)

• Lenovo Yoga Book 9i 2-in-1, 13.3-inch (Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,799.99 $1,999.99 (save $200)

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Aug. 22:

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet $64.99 at Amazon (save $55) Get Deal RUNNER-UP TABLET DEAL Google Pixel Table with Charging Speaker Dock $349 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal BEST LAPTOP DEAL Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,049.99 at Amazon (save $249.01 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Amazon Echo Buds $34.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Bose TV Speaker and Soundbar $199 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal

Whether you're prepping for back-to-school chaos or just feel like treating yourself to a good deal, there are plenty of discounts hanging around on Aug. 22. We've searched up and down the deals pages at Amazon to hand-pick a few that we think are worth adding to your cart — including some top brands like Apple, Google, Bose, and Amazon's own devices.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day for Aug. 22. If none of these deals jump out at you, be sure to take a peek at our picks from Aug. 20 and Aug. 21. Many of those savings are still live — including a sub-$100 Kindle Kids and the very first discount on the Sonos Ace headphones.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet $64.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $55.00 Get Deal

In the market for a basic tablet that won't break the bank? It's hard to beat the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus, especially now that it's down to a record-low $64.99 (46% off its usual cost). As our buddies at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) wrote in their review of the tablet, "It won't wow you, but it doesn't need to." It'll last you up to 13 hours on one charge, offers USB-C charging support, and features a strengthened aluminosilicate glass display and hexa-core processor that's 30% faster than the previous model. The Plus model also packs an extra gigabyte of RAM, revs up its rear camera from 2 to 5MP, and supports wireless charging. Its limited app store selection and overall speed keep it from being great, but as far as basic tablets go, you can't go wrong.

Read our full review of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Tablet with Charging Speaker Dock $349.00 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

On the other end of the spectrum, the Google Pixel Tablet with the charging speaker dock will run you upwards of $599 at regular price. However, as of Aug. 22, it's on sale for a new record-low of just $349, making us much more likely to recommend it. The tablet itself is just OK on its own, but the charging speaker dock can turn it into a smart display or a desktop TV when plugged in.

"It just…works, especially if you’re like me and don’t want two or three big-ass monitors on your desk," Mashable tech reporter Alex Perry wrote in his review. The specs aren't going to blow you away; it packs a Google Tensor G2 chip with 8GB of RAM under its hood and 8MP cameras on the front and back. But its usefulness as more than just a tablet makes it worth it — especially at 42% off.

Read our full review of the Google Pixel tablet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,049.99 at Amazon
$1,299.00 Save $249.01 with on-page coupon Get Deal

The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air hit a record-low of $1,049 on Prime Day. And thanks to a competing sale at Best Buy, Amazon has dropped the price to just 99 cents shy of that record-low on Aug. 22. You'll just have to click the on-page coupon for the price drop. The M3 MacBook Air packs a major punch, including a zippy M3 chip that's 60 percent faster than the M1 and about 15 percent faster than the M2, plus WiFi 6E and support for up to two 5K, 60Hz external displays. Mashable's reviewer was highly impressed with its performance, writing, "The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air continues to blur the line of the Air and Pro models, providing ample “oomph” for creatives, professionals, and students who need robust performance that can handle their multifaceted workflows."

Read our full review of the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Totally different than the second-generation Echo Buds we featured yesterday, the 2023 release offer a more budget-friendly AirPods alternative. While they could use a few tweaks in the fit department, the new Echo Buds are overall a solid pair of wireless earbuds. They sound great, last up to 20 hours with the charging case, are simple to use, and seamlessly pair with other Alexa gadgets. Not to mention, they're super affordable at just $34.99 on sale.

Read our full review of the Amazon Echo Buds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose TV speaker and soundbar $199.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Built-in TV speakers aren't usually anything to write home about, which can make watching your favorite shows and movies kind of a bummer. Give it a boost into something more substantial with the Bose speaker and soundbar. While it adds some serious sound, it doesn't add any serious bulk to your entertainment space. It only measures about two inches in height and two feet in width. Plus, it's super simple to set up. As of Aug. 22, snag it on sale for only $199 — that's 29% in savings.

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

SAVE $73.06: As of August 22, get the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH air purifier for just $145.98, which is 26% off its normal price of $210.04. Make sure to click the on-page coupon to get the full discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Coway Airmega AP-1512HH air purifier $145.98 at Amazon
$210.04 Save $64.06 Get Deal

Fall is almost here, which means allergy season is looming. It's time to get your home dust- and dander-free now that the seasons are about to change. One easy way to do that is with an air purifier — and it's even easier when it's on sale.

As of August 22, get the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH air purifier for $145.98 at Amazon. That's $73.06 off its normal price of $210.04 thanks to a 26% discount, and a $10 on-page coupon.

SEE ALSO: The best Shark deals this week save you up to $100 on home cleaning tech

This compact air purifier is small enough to fit just about anywhere in your home, and its surprisingly modern design means it'll probably look good there, too. It can clean up to 361 square feet in just 13 minutes, and areas up to 874 square feet in just 30 minutes, so you can have a clean apartment or small space within an hour. That's all thanks to its HEPA filter, which takes about 99.999% of 0.01-micron particles out of the air. It can also handle pollen and other allergens.

You can choose between three different cleaning speed options, and watch in real time as the unit clears out the air in your home thanks to its color-coded LEDs. The air quality indicator can let you know when you might want to run the machine in short bursts as well.

If you need an easy, simple air purifier that gets the job done, you can't go wrong with this one — especially since it's under $200.

In an era of expensive devices or services falling prey to security problems and whatnot, it's always nice to hear about a genuinely funny and seemingly harmless iPhone bug.

Spotted by a security researcher named Konstantin on Mastodon (and corroborated by TechCrunch), typing the characters "":: (that is, two quotation marks followed by two colons) into some iPhone text entry fields can cause the phone to temporarily crash. TechCrunch confirmed that it works if you do it while searching in the Settings app or searching through your app library; I won’t be testing this myself and wouldn’t recommend anyone else try it either.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review: 3 ways it beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max

To be fair, however, it doesn't appear that this is a security issue — and it doesn't seem like it should cause long-term issues for any phones that do suffer this specific kind of crash. It's also easy enough to avoid, as that particular string of characters is more akin to something a toddler (or very groggy adult who just woke up) would type into their phone.

We reached out to Apple and will update this piece if we get a response.

SAVE $194.01: As of August 22, get a refurbished Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm, GPS + Cellular) for just $234.99 at Woot!. That's a discount of 48%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot! Refurbished Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm, GPS + Cellular) $234.99 at Woot!
$429.00 Save $194.01 Get Deal

The Apple Watch Series 8 may be a few generations behind now, but that hasn't stopped it from remaining an excellent smartwatch. It can be expensive to keep up with everything Apple has to offer, so if you're looking to grab one of the company's watches but don't want to shell out for the latest and greatest, this deal is for you.

As of August 22, get the refurbished Apple Watch Series 8 45mm, (GPS + Cellular) at Woot! for just $234.99. That's $194.01 off its normal price of $429 and a discount of 48%. The watch is considered Grade A refurbished, which means there's minimal cosmetic damage. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and you can choose from several colorways.

The Series 8 may not come with some of the Series 9's niceties (like the latest processor), and it won't be equipped with some of the features you may be looking for, like Double Tap. But it's an excellent entry into Apple's smartwatch collection that still comes with a wide variety of features: track your sleep, fitness, menstrual cycle, and just about everything else, too. Plus, use it for your favorite apps, to call and text, and tell time (wow!).

Kidding aside, just because it's cheaper, that doesn't make it less functional. It's an excellent price that still comes equipped with everything you should need in a smartwatch. You're just going to have to act quickly if you want yours though, as this deal is only available for six more days or until the watches are sold out.

A mash-up of years-old comments by the Ohio senator with a hip-hop track is finding a broad audience. It’s part of a new genre of videos on the app.

SAVE $250: The Google Pixel Tablet (256GB) with charging speaker dock is on sale for $349 at Best Buy, down from the list price of $599. That's a 42% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Tablet (256GB) with charging speaker dock $349.00 at Best Buy
$599.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

A great tablet can prove itself worthy in so many situations. From the classroom to relaxing time with a good movie, a tablet is a great addition to your tech lineup, and there's currently a great model on a huge discount at Best Buy.

As of Aug. 22, the Google Pixel Tablet (256GB) with charging speaker dock is only $349, discounted from the usual price of $599. That's a 42% discount that'll save you an impressive $250. Plus, you can choose between the Porcelain or Hazel colorways.

Instead of watching YouTube videos in bed on a small phone, enhance the experience with a tablet. The Google Pixel Tablet brings an 11-inch screen to the party with 256GB of storage space for your downloaded music and shows. The size and storage make it ideal for travel, heading back to the classroom, or keeping around the house to use a family calendar.

But today's deal bring in another worthwhile gadget — a charging dock that also serves as a speaker. Together, the two can be your own mini theatre while you're away on a work trip or heading back home for the holidays.

The Google Pixel Tablet is the first to come equipped with a built-in Google Tensor G2 chip that means you'll be getting snappy streaming with accurate voice typing, and the ability to multitask with ease.

If you own other Pixel devices like earbuds, a watch, or you plan on grabbing the new Pixel 9 Pro XL, expect the tablet to play well with these devices, connecting with ease.

If you've been turning on the desktop computer to book a hotel or weighing down your backpack with a 17-inch laptop, take advantage of today's deal on the Google Pixel Tablet with speaker charging base. You'll be streamlining your online tasks while also snagging a great new streaming device to enjoy during your deserved down-time.

SAVE UP TO $500: Shop MacBook Air and Pro models up to $500 off at Best Buy during the store's Tech Fest event. Find the MacBook Pro with M3 chip down to $1,499, taking $500 off the price for a sweet 25% savings.

Best MacBook Deals at Best Buy Best M2 MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 13.6-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 at Best Buy (Save $200) Get Deal Best M3 MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 at Best Buy (Save $250) Get Deal Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,499 at Best Buy (Save $500) Get Deal

To close out summer, Best Buy's Tech Fest is delivering a deluge of deals across TVs, home appliances, headphones, and more. It's just in time with back-to-school season in full swing. Even if you're like us, and not headed back to classroom this fall, it's a good time to upgrade your tech — we see that broken space bar and spinning wheel of death when you're trying to stream.

One of the best deals, among the many at the Best Buy Tech Fest, is the savings on Apple MacBooks. Having thoroughly vetted all the MacBooks that Apple has to offer, we concluded that the latest MacBook Air with M3 chip is the best laptop for most people. Plus the MacBook Pro is phenomenal for professionals who need superior processing power.

These rarely discounted devices are now up for grabs with major savings. You'll find these laptops up to $500 off. And as a little extra bonus, Best Buy is giving its My Best Buy Plus and Total members a $25 bonus reward with the purchase of $250. Best Buy Tech Fest runs through August 25, so don't hesitate on its low prices.

Here are all the best MacBook deals to shop at Best Buy.

Best MacBook Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,499.00 at Best Buy
$1,999.00 Save $500.00 Get Deal Why we like it

There are a lot of different MacBook models with varying specs available during the Best Buy Tech Fest, so what makes this one the best? The Apple MacBook Pro with M3 chip is a powerhouse of a laptop. With 18GB RAM and 512GB SSD to boot, it's the laptop of creatives who are designing and editing daily, especially with its battery life that lasts over 16 hours.

In her review, Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon noted that compared to the MacBook Air with M2 chip, the M3 MacBook Pro had an 18% increase in performance with its ultra-fast chip. To get the M3 chip, you don't necessarily have to splurge on the MacBook Pro anymore as the Air models now come loaded with the same processor. However, MacBook Pros are better for professionals in graphic design or video editing with their increased RAM and storage.

Plus, to maximize your MacBook savings, the Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is the best value. Normally, $1,999, it's down to $1,499 knocking $500 of the price for 25% savings. That's the best deal among all the MacBooks currently on sale at Best Buy.

More MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13.6-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $799 $999 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849 $1,099 (save $250)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13 inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249 $1,499 (save $250)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 18GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,099 $2,399 (save $300)

If you still remember your MySpace songs, you're in luck. Today, Instagram is launching the ability to add a song to your profile, allowing you to customize your page even further.

SEE ALSO: Instagram is failing to protect female politicians from abuse and hate speech

In a true gross-generational collaboration, Sabrina Carpenter helped Instagram launch the feature. The pop star added her new single, "Taste," as her debut profile song. The song will appear below your Instagram bio on your profile.

Please, Please, Please. Credit: Instagram

The profile song is one in a series of recent updates by the Meta-owned company. Two weeks ago, it expanded the carousel limit from 10 to 20 photos, akin to Facebook albums, and it might switch its grid from squares to rectangles.

Profile songs are one of several ways to incorporate music into your profile. Last year, it added the option to add a song snippet to Notes and partnered with Carpenter's fellow Disney star-turned-pop star, Olivia Rodrigo, to add songs to grid posts.

The social media platform is also partnering with the "Espresso" singer with an Easter egg to promote her forthcoming album, Short n' Sweet. If you mention any words related to her new album or popular songs, your Notes will turn baby blue. It partnered similarly with Taylor Swift when she released The Tortured Poets Department.

Wishing Apple would do something a bit more adventurous? A MacBook, perhaps, that's all screen and can be turned into a giant, 18.8-inch display? We've got bad news for you: It probably won't happen very soon.

This is according to Apple expert Ming-Chi Kuo, who claims that the device launch was pushed back from the first half of 2026 to the end of 2027 or even 2028.

This is so far in the future that it makes one wonder whether such a gadget will ever happen. But Kuo does have some info about the device that makes it sound like Apple is indeed working on it. For example, he claims that Apple has given up on a larger, 20.25-inch design, and settled on an 18.8-inch display size. He also said that this latest delay was due to "technical challenges with the display and mechanical."

Tweet may have been deleted

We've heard many reports about a foldable iPad and/or a foldable MacBook (these two might be the same device, in fact) being in the works over the years. A report from The Information in February claimed that Apple is working on several foldable devices, including a foldable iPad and a foldable iPhone. In March, Kuo said that the device is "expected to enter mass production in 2027." And analyst Jeff Pu said in May that a 20.3-inch foldable hybrid device will enter mass production in late 2025.

As for the device's specs beyond the display size, very little is known at this point. It would essentially be a giant touchscreen when unfolded (think a very large iPad or a touchscreen monitor), and a laptop when partially folded, with the bottom part of the display being used as a keyboard. Such laptops do exist – Lenovo in particular tried its hand at creating something like that – but they haven't gained significant traction.

SEE ALSO: M4 MacBook Pro: All the rumors and leaks about the next-gen Apple laptop

If this latest report is accurate, then all of the previous rumors were overly optimistic. The foldable iPad/MacBook hybrid might have its moment one day, but this moment may take three years or more to arrive.

Jack Innanen doesn’t fold under pressure, but he does panic.

We’re at a thrift store in Bushwick, and Innanen, a 25-year-old Canadian comedian, actor, and fashion TikTokker, is creating two outfits using a word generator — his go-to resource when he's at a creative standstill. The words: "mathematics," "Paris," and "combination." One outfit is for work, the other for a night out, like a bar or, as Innanen prefers, chess club.

"What people don't know is that chess club is cool," he tells Mashable. "Chess night is fun. Chess night is a good time. You go there, and you kick some ass." He got into chess during the pandemic, claiming he was in the top 90th percentile of players globally (it is unclear to me where he got that number), though he admits he’s since "fallen off." 

SEE ALSO: The business of being Victoria Paris

Back to the panicking: He can't find a pair of pants that feel Parisian enough (he's looking for corduroy, but we're faced only with a barrage of camo). So, he starts "fully breaking down."

"Oh god, I'm not even thinking about 'combination,'" he says, running his hands through his hair and darting his eyes across the room. "OK, I've got to get serious."

"OK, I've got to get serious." Credit: Mashable / Joseph Maldonado

The only difference between this and how he approaches his TikTok videos when he’s feeling stuck — "I just use a random word generator and do word association until something hits" — is that he’s being timed. It makes him flip through the clothes faster but doesn't necessarily improve the quality of his choices. He spins in circles. He moves his hands frantically, all pointing to a level of physical comedy you might not notice in the closeup way he records TikTok sketches. He's like a goldfish that grows to fit in their given space, and this thrift store is big. His linguistic mannerisms — "holy shit" or "what people don't know" — echo across the selection of cowboy boots that don't fit him.

Despite the pressure, Innanen assembles two surprisingly cohesive outfits. The first includes a Notre Dame sweatshirt (Paris), pleated slacks (Paris), a Mickey hat (combination, although his explanation eludes me), and a leather briefcase (mathematics). The second outfit features pleated pants that don’t button (mathematics), a shirt with an eagle (combination, somehow), a blazer (Paris), and the Mickey hat again (combination). 

"OK, I've got to get serious." Credit: Mashable / Joseph Maldonado Left: Work fit Paris, mathematics, combination Credit: Mashable / Joseph Maldonado Right: Going out fit Paris, mathematics, combination Credit: Mashable / Joseph Maldonado

Innanen's flair for fashion is apparent — look at his brand collaborations with Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Acne Studios, and Coach — and an interest he finds "really fun." But it's a side quest; he sees it as separate from the rest of his content, centered almost entirely on sketch comedy. He typically plays two characters, one eccentric and the other normal. Take, for instance, the vegan who doesn't want to kill the bacteria on his body, the guy who can't stop slipping engagement rings into random girls' drinks, and the marketing exec who sexualizes a slogan. 

"I just love telling good stories and funny stories," he says at SEY Coffee, where water drips on our shoulders from an overactive air conditioner. "Whether that's the writing aspect, the performing side, the editing side — I love it all."

For Innanen, it's particularly fun to have complete creative control over his work and mold it himself.

"Online stuff gives you the full ability to have [the] freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want, which is fun," he says. "I write it myself. I perform myself. I edit myself. I distribute it myself."

Innanen has two TikTok profiles: his main account, @yungjackinnanen, with 3.3 million followers, and his secondary page, Spammy Boy or @oldjackoutoutout, with over 988,300 followers. His main account is polished, while his more chaotic spam account, spawned during the pandemic, operates under one rule: no drafts. 

He posts frequently on his spam account, sometimes multiple times daily, yet it’s rare to see unsupportive or negative comments under Innanen's videos. Most popular influencers have snark pages and subreddits devoted to hating them. Innanen does not. While there’s a level of privilege to his online experience — straight, white, cis, men rarely receive the vitriol faced by marginalized communities — the absence of hate is still notable. That is until you meet him; Innanen is hard to hate.

Innanen is hard to hate. Credit: Mashable / Joseph Maldonado "It's in the cleverness. It's very subtle. I love that in people." Credit: Mashable / Joseph Maldonado

Talking to him, you never know which character will respond — Schmidt from New Girl? His comedic inspirations Jake and Amir? Or Innanen himself? Regardless, he’s undeniably charming and down for anything. It isn't easy to anticipate what he might say next. 

He recalls how his grandmother introduced him to Kurt Vonnegut when he was 16, though he was too busy playing Minecraft to appreciate it then. After she passed, he rediscovered Vonnegut in college and began admiring the author’s unique blend of dark humor, absurdity, and satire.

"He's so clever and funny," he says, noting that The Sirens of Titan is his favorite of the author and recommending a deep cut he just finished reading: A Man Without a Country. "He's not setting up jokes and punchlines. It's in the cleverness. It's very subtle. I love that in people."

Replicating that kind of humor online is tricky because short-form content only has a few seconds to capture an audience. While TikTok is ideal for sketches, it lacks the nuance and space to play with more depth, something Innanen aspires to create more of in future projects.

Innanen talking about his "first serious acting gig." Credit: Mashable / Joseph Maldonado

"There's an aspect of my sketches that are to the mass audience where I'm like, 'OK what's a good hook here? What will most people find funny? Can I deliver this line in a goofy way?' Versus if, in a different medium, like if I were to write a movie or something, I would want [to replicate Vonnegut's humor]. I love just how subtly witty he is, and I'd love to have a character like that or lines delivered like that that are not as slap-sticky as sketches can be."

For now, though, his focus is on acting. Innanen was recently cast as a lead in FX‘s ensemble comedy pilot Snowflakes, created by The Tonight Show writers Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw. It follows a cohort of twenty-somethings "trying to be good people, despite being neither 'good' nor 'people' yet," according to Deadline. It's Innanen's "first serious acting gig" and only his second audition.

"The script for Snowflakes came across, and I was like, 'This is the funniest thing I've ever read,'" Innanen says. "We shot the pilot, and it was the most incredible experience. Everyone's hilarious. The whole cast is hilarious and so talented — the creators and everyone producing it. And I just got to be myself." He says acting allows him to "hone in just on performing."

"I don't write my own lines. I'm not filming it," he says of the differences between short-form content on TikTok and film. "But I just love being silly on camera. It's just the best.”

Left: Jack's accessories Credit: Mashable / Joseph Maldonado Right: Jack's On Repeat Credit: Mashable / Joseph Maldonado

He fell into acting in the same way he fell into TikTok: by following his passion. As a teenager, he made YouTube videos that are now unlisted, videos he seems deeply ashamed of and does not want to show me, like "What Guys Look For In Girls." He was a Minecraft YouTuber, made lyric videos for songs he liked, and eventually studied astrophysics at university. He even tried his hand at playing music, to no avail. (His Spotify On Repeat is a mix of Drake, Frank Ocean, and Otis Redding.)

Now, he stands on the cusp of extraordinary success — the kind that could propel him far beyond TikTok fame. It’s unclear if he’s fully aware of his position or doesn’t want to tempt fate. 

Ultimately, Innanen always creates something memorable, no matter how chaotic things seem in the moment. Whether it's an outfit, a conversation, or a video on his spam account asking Google to "look up 'try not to squirt challenge impossible edition,'" he thrives in the unpredictability — and that's exactly what his audience wants. 

In an early August Bloomberg Law report, it was discovered that ultra-sensitive and personal information of nearly three billion people was leaked in an April 2024 data breach. A cybercriminal group called "USDoD" exposed a database owned by National Public Data, a background check company, on the dark web.

Some of the exposed information includes Social Security numbers, addresses, full names, information on relatives, and more. Concerned readers can find out whether they are one of the billions who are affected by visiting npd.pentester.com.

However, the question is, once you've been affected by the breach, what do you do?

SEE ALSO: Social Security number breach: Do this to find out if you’re one of the billions affected Social Security data leak: 7 steps to take if you've been affected

According to advice from the Social Security Administration (SSA), here are the steps you should take if you believe your personal data has been breached:

1. Visit IdentityTheft.gov. Here, you can make a report and get a recovery plan. You can also call 1-877-438-4338.

2. Visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center. File an online report.

3. Notify one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

4. Consider adding a credit freeze and/or fraud alert to your credit report.

5. Check your credit report for anything out of the ordinary. (You can get a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com)

6. File a police report. Keep a copy of it for your records in case issues arise in the future.

7. Contact the IRS to prevent others from using your Social Security number to file a tax return to steal your refund. Call 1-800-908-4490 or visit Identity Theft Central.

Again, as mentioned at the outset, you can double check if you've been breached by navigating to npd.pentester.com; type in your first name, last name, and birth year.

Jenna Ortega and Catherine O'Hara appeared on "The Tonight Show" and played "True Confessions" with Jimmy Fallon.

Seth Meyers ran through the major moments and speeches of the DNC in his "A Closer Look" segment.

Chicken and homophobia company Chick-fil-A may be getting into reality TV. Deadline reports that the fast food chain has plans to launch its own streaming service later this year, featuring original unscripted content. Apparently this is the Bad Place.

Not much is known about Chick-fil-A's small screen aspirations beyond the publisher's sources, however it's reportedly in talks with multiple production companies. While the chicken chain's primary focus is creating new, family-friendly reality shows, Deadline said it's seeking to acquire existing content to bulk out its offering as well.

SEE ALSO: Walmart and Chick-fil-A get graded on their gun safety rules. Which one got an F?

Chick-fil-A has reportedly budgeted approximately $400,000 per half-hour episode of an unscripted show, but hasn't completely ruled out scripted or even animated projects. However, it's likely the higher production costs of such shows will drive it towards unscripted content as it dips its first toe into the streaming space.

Such shows could include at least one 10-episode family-friendly game show, with the company behind NBC's The Wall said to be involved in its development. 

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This isn't Chick-fil-A's first foray away from poultry. The company previously created a series of animated shorts called Stories of Evergreen Hills, about a young girl who "discovers how little acts of kindness can bring people together." It also branched out into family-friendly board games and puzzles with its brand pennycake.

Even so, launching a new streaming service is a tricky endeavour, particularly considering that the field is already extremely crowded. 

While streaming services began as a simple, cost-effective alternative to an overstuffed DVD collection, there are now so many subscription-powered platforms that they can feel more like a chore than a convenience. This isn't even to mention their ever-increasing, compounding costs amidst a cost-of-living crisis. As such, persuading people to sign up to a new streaming service can be a difficult task.

There's already Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Peacock, Max, and HBO just to name a few, all of which no doubt have much bigger catalogues than Chick-fil-A will be able to rustle up. Then there's the specialised platforms such as UK content-focused BritBox, anime streaming service Crunchyroll, Asian drama-oriented Viki, and comedy streamer Dropout. Chick-fil-A will likely have a hard time competing with these streaming services, though the novelty of watching something from the chicken box will no doubt attract some viewers. 

Social media users are already mocking the company's streaming ambitions, with some jokingly asking whether they'll be able to watch on Sundays. Chick-fil-A famously closes its restaurants on Sundays due to its founder's religious beliefs, a practice his family has maintained.

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TL;DR: Live stream the 2024-25 Women's Super League for free on BBC iPlayer and YouTube. Access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Women's Super League continues to grow in popularity, and it's easy to see why. There are so many intense rivalries, star players, and intriguing storylines playing out every week. And you can watch some of the biggest fixtures without spending anything.

If you're interested in watching the Women's Super League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Women's Super League?

The Women's Super League (WSL) is the highest level of women's football in England. Established in 2010, it is run by the Football Association and features 12 professional teams. Chelsea are the current WSL champions after winning their seventh title last year.

How to watch the Women's Super League for free

Sky Sports will show up to 44 WSL games this season, but it's not free. Fortunately, there are free alterrnatives on offer.

BBC Sport has agreed to show 22 live matches for free on BBC iPlayer. And it gets better, because all non-Sky Sports/BBC broadcasted WSL fixtures will be live streamed globally on YouTube.

Anyone from around the world can access WSL fixtures for free on YouTube, but the same can't be said for the top games featured on BBC iPlayer. This popular service will block your access if you attempt to connect from outside the UK, so if you want to watch the WSL on BBC iPlayer from abroad, you'll need to use a VPN.

VPNs can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. The process is actually really simple:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Watch the WSL on BBC iPlayer for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch multiple WSL fixtures on BBC iPlayer before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking BBC iPlayer. There are decent alternatives like NordVPN and Surfshark, but ExpressVPN leads the way. This high-speed service is the top choice for streaming, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This heavily discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the Women's Super League from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

"The Daily Show" host Jordan Klepper has reacted to the speeches made by Barack and Michelle Obama at the DNC.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 22 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 22

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, August 22, 2024:

AcrossPost made about "pommel horse guy" or "brat summer," say

• The answer is Meme.

Late game show host Trebek

• The answer is Alex.

Apple product

• The answer is Cider.

Food filled with carnitas or carne asada

• The answer is Taco.

"Anybody ___?"

• The answer is Else.

DownApple product

• The answer is Mac .

Best of the best

• The answer is Elite.

Olympic prize

• The answer is Medal.

C-suite figures

• The answer is Execs.

Caviar, e.g.

• The answer is Roe.

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

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

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, the newest addition to the Pixel family, just dropped — and the troll in me wants to see whether iPhone stans, if blind-tested, would choose the Android device over their beloved Apple smartphone, particularly when it comes to pictures.

I'll admit that, before reviewing the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, I would bet money that my iPhone 15 Pro Max would beat it to a pulp in a camera test — no contest. (Although the Pixel family has a reputation of delivering incredible photos, when I did the Pixel 8 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max face-off, the latter impressed me more.) However, after reviewing the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, i was taken aback at how well it stacked up against the iPhone 15 Pro Max when I took their cameras for a spin.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Curious about what the iPhone stans had to say, I blind tested seven of them, which were conducted using five sets of images. Stick around for the final verdict.

SEE ALSO: Pixel 9 Pro XL hands-on review: I zoomed in on strangers 5,280 feet away and saw the color of their clothes Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Wide camera test

So here's what we're working with for both phones when it comes to the main wide camera lens:

iPhone 15 Pro Max: 48MP, f/1.8 aperture, and 1.22µm

Pixel 9 Pro XL: 50MP, f/1.7 aperture, and 1.2µm

On paper, the Pixel 9 Pro XL will likely capture more detail due to its higher resolution. And with its slightly larger aperture, the Google phone should allow more light gathering, which means better low-light performance. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slight edge in its pixel size, which should offer better dynamic range and less noise.

However, because of image processing and other factors that affect camera performance, let's use the best tools for analyzing which phone is better: our eyes.

Test 1 Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Votes: 1 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Test 2 Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Votes: 1 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Test 3 Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Votes: 0 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Telephoto test

The new Pixel 9 Pro XL has an upgraded Super Res Zoom feature that has a digital zoom that maxes out at 30X. (Check out how well it zoomed in on strangers 5,280 feet away.) For an apples to apples test, I focused on both phones' 5X telephoto capabilities.

A quick look at specs:

Pixel 9 Pro XL: 48MP, f/2.8, 5X optical zoom

iPhone 15 Pro Max: 12MP, f/2.8, 5X optical zoom

According to these specs, for zoomed-in photos, the Pixel 9 Pro XL should deliver better detail.

Test 4 Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Votes: 5 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Ultrawide test

And finally, let's get into the ultrawide test:

Pixel 9 Pro XL: 48MP, f/1.7, 123 degrees

iPhone 15 Pro Max: 12MP, f/2.2, 120 degrees

On paper, the Pixel 9 Pro XL should deliver better detail and more scenery.

Test 5 Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Votes: 0 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Winner

As much as I wanted to see the underdog pull through with this one, the iPhone stans preferred the iPhone 15 Pro Max's photos — for the most part.

When it comes to the telephoto sensor, which is useful for zoomed-in shots and portraits, the iPhone users in this investigation preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max remains undefeated in our blind camera tests.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (256 GB) - Blue Titanium Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

TL;DR: Score the refurbished HP EliteBook 840 G5 for $319.97 (reg. $410) — perfect for professionals on the move.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP EliteBook 840 G5 (Core i5-835U, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $319.97
$410.00 Save $90.03 Refurbished Get Deal

If you’re constantly on the move and need a reliable laptop that can keep up, the refurbished HP EliteBook 840 G5 (Core i5-835U, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is your new best friend. This isn’t just another laptop; it’s a powerhouse designed for people who need serious performance without being weighed down.

Hop between meetings, work remotely, or handle your daily grind with a refurbished EliteBook, on sale for 21% off at $319.97 through September 3.

Let’s talk specs. Powered by an Intel i5-8350U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, this machine is built to handle multitasking like a pro. You can run multiple applications simultaneously without breaking a sweat. And with a 14-inch display, you get a perfect balance of screen space and portability, so you’re not lugging around a bulky device.

But here’s the best part: it’s refurbished, meaning you get top-tier performance at a fraction of the cost. The EliteBook 840 G5 has been rigorously tested to meet high standards, so you’re getting a laptop that looks and performs like new. Plus, with Windows 10 Pro pre-installed, you’re ready to hit the ground running right out of the box.

This laptop has been given a refurbished rating of "A", meaning it's been tested to work like new, and has zero to minimal scuffing.

Perfect for freelancers, remote workers, and anyone who needs a solid, portable machine without the premium price tag, this laptop is a steal at just $319.97 while supplies lats.