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The Federal Trade Commission has announced a new rule that should theoretically make online user reviews of products more useful.

In a press release, the FTC announced a finalized set of guidelines aimed at taking down fraudulent or misleading product reviews on the internet. Among the things that will be prohibited once the rule goes into effect are paid reviews and those generated by artificial intelligence. The maximum penalty for transgressions is $51,744 per violation.

“Fake reviews not only waste people’s time and money, but also pollute the marketplace and divert business away from honest competitors,” FTC chair Lina Khan said. “By strengthening the FTC’s toolkit to fight deceptive advertising, the final rule will protect Americans from getting cheated, put businesses that unlawfully game the system on notice, and promote markets that are fair, honest, and competitive.”

SEE ALSO: FTC bans 'ask me anything' app for teen use What did the FTC ban?

The FTC's press release included a helpful list of everything that is prohibited by this new rule:

• Fake reviews and testimonials, whether written by humans or AI, that misrepresent either the author of the review or the author's experience with the product

• Paid reviews (either negative or positive)

• Reviews and testimonials from company insiders with a conflict of interest

• Companies owning websites that claim to host independent reviews of their products

• Using groundless legal threats or intimidation to have negative reviews removed

• Buying or selling fake social media followers or views for a commercial purpose

That's a pretty comprehensive list of things that can be troublesome in the realm of online product reviews. Amazon, alone, had to remove 200 million fake reviews on its site in 2020, per TechCrunch. These new rules aim to make it easier to identify genuine reviews and reduce the presence of fake ones.

Check out the best camping gear deals the week of August 15 to get you prepped for fall adventures.

Our top picks: Best tent deal Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent (8 person) $138.28 at Amazon (save $151.71) Get Deal Best cooler deal Igloo 110-quart Glide Cooler (white) $129.99 at Amazon (save $36.02) Get Deal Best portable Bluetooth speaker deal Soundcore Motion 300 (black) $59.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best backpacking deal LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle (Laguna Teal, 1L) $43.99 at Amazon (save $5.96) Get Deal

While some of us area heading back to school soon, others will take to the outdoors. Fall is one of the best times to head outside. Not only do the summer crowds vanish, the temperature drops back into a range that's comfortable to be outside all day. It also means you might be able to snag that camping reservation you've been hoping would open up.

Spending time in the great outdoors comes with the need for some great gear. You'll want to cover some bases before setting out, like having a reliably weatherproof tent and a cozy sleeping setup.

If your collection of camping gear could use a tune up, we're seeing some great deals at Amazon during the week of Aug. 15. Here are some of our favorites:

Best tent deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Our pick: Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent (8-person) $138.28 at Amazon
$289.99 Save $151.71 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're taking the whole family camping, you'll want somewhere cozy and spacious to sleep. Sleeping up to eight people, the Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent impresses in functionality with a budget-friendly price. Thanks to today's sale price, you can grab the tent for just $138.28, down from the list price of $289.99. That's a massive 52% discount.

One of the highlights of the Coleman Evanston tent is the screened-in porch, allowing you to still feel the joys out being outside without having to deal with all the bugs. Measuring about six feet tall in the center, all but the tallest family members won't have to duck once they're inside. There's also an included rainfly should the forecast look like you might get some soggy weather.

Coleman says the Evanston takes about 15 minutes to set up, so you might need to pack a bit of patience, but the payoff of having a great and affordable shelter is probably well worth it.

Best cooler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Igloo Our pick: Igloo 110-quart Glide Cooler (white) $129.99 at Amazon
$166.01 Save $36.02 Get Deal Why we like it

A hot meal off the campfire is arguably one of the best parts of camping. To keep your food chilled all weekend, pack into the Igloo 110-quart Glide Cooler, which is on sale for $129.99 in the white colorway.

With a telescoping handle and soft-ride wheels, you'll be fully mobile when it comes to getting the food from the car to the campsite. The Igloo cooler uses Ultratherm foam insulation for keeping ice cold longer, and the 100-quart capacity means you can pack along up to 168 cans.

Stainless-steel hinges also add to this models' durability. Plus, is there any better seat in the house besides on top of the cooler?

Best portable Bluetooth speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Our pick: Soundcore Motion 300 (black) $59.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

All good camping adventures need some great tunes. But you don't want to lug along a heavy speaker that'll take up precious space in your backpack. Instead, pack along the Soundcore Motion 300 Bluetooth speaker that's currently on sale for just $59.99, down from the list price of $79.99.

You'll get up to 13 hours of listening time with one charge on the Soundcore Motion 300, which could be great if you'll be camping off-grid. It also comes with a detachable strap so you can hang it off your tent and keep it off the table while camping. Plus, it has a IPX7 waterproof rating, so you don't have to worry if it gets a bit damp in the (inevitable) rain or gets splashed if you take it down to the lake.

Best backpacking deal Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw Our pick: LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle (Laguna Teal, 1L) $43.95 at Amazon
$49.95 Save $6.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Hydration is key on pretty much any adventure, and while you're out camping, you might not have easy access to freshly filtered water. While the lake might look incredibly clear, there could be some undesirable things in that water. Keep yourself safely hydrated with the LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, the Laguna Teal bottle can come along on your next adventure for only $43.99, which is a 12% discount off the usual price of $49.99.

The LifeStraw filter inside the 1-liter water bottle filters out 99.99% of undesirable bacteria like E. Coli and Salmonella. It also rids your drinking water from parasites that you really don't want to ingest, like Giardia. Plus, it takes care of sand and dirt because who likes gritty water?

Packing along the LifeStraw water bottle will mean you can refill from any stream, lake, or glacier on your route. It's also excellent when traveling in countries where it's not safe to drink the tap water.

More camping deals at Amazon this week

• Energizer Pro260 LED Headlamp — $11.50 $16.99 (save $5.49)

• LifeStraw Personal Water Filter — $14.85 $19.95 (save $5.10)

• Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit — $15.55 $24.47 (save $8.92)

• Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller — $22.97 $26.50 (save $12)

• Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $27.99 $39.99 (save $12)

• Coleman Kids 50°F Sleeping Bag — $28.99 $34.99 (save $6)

• Klymit Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad — $59.99 $69.99 (save $10)

• Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Camping Stove — $59.99 $89.99 (save $30)

• Helinox Chair One — $99.95 $109.95 (save $10)

• Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20)

• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe Sleeping Pad — $135 $179.95 (save $44.95)

• Coleman Montana Camping Tent (8 person) — $159.94 $269.99 (save $100.05)

Mercury Retrograde has long permeated our culture in an attempt to explain phenomena like communication issues or travel woes. Here is what is actually happening when Mercury is "in retrograde."

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Amazon Fire Max 11 (64GB) $169.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal BEST APPLE DEAL 2022 Apple iPad (64GB, WiFi) $299 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST SSD DEAL Samsung 990 EVO SSD (1TB) $69.99 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal BEST CHARGING DEAL Anker 548 Power Station (60,000mAh) $99.74 at Amazon (save $50.25 with on-page coupon) Get Deal

August 15 may not sound like a major day for discounts, but I can assure you there are deals to add to your cart. We've already done the hard part and scoured Amazon's listings for the ones that are actually worth it so you don't have to. Good news: top brands like Apple, Samsung, and Amazon itself are among our list.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these pique your interest, be sure to check out our picks from Aug. 13 and Aug. 14; some of those discounts are still live.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 (64GB) $169.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal

The Fire Max 11 is our favorite budget tablet, not to mention Amazon's best iPad competitor, thanks to its crisp 11-inch display (the biggest Fire tablet to date), 8MP cameras that support 1080p video, 14-hour battery life, upgraded octa-core processor, and WiFi 6 compatibility. And as Mashable's reviewer noted, it's also "blazing fast, making it a good alternative to pricier tablets for streaming and games." At full price, it'll run you $229.99, but as of Aug. 15, it's down to just $169.99 — that's 26% in savings and about $30 away from its record-low.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2022 Apple iPad (64GB, WiFi) $299.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

When the new iPad Air and iPad Pro dropped a few months ago, the classic 10th generation iPad got a permanent price drop to $349, making it a whole lot more affordable. Even better, as of Aug. 15, it's back on sale for 14% off, dropping that price down to just $299. This is hardly the first time the classic iPad has hit this low price, but after jumping back up to $329, it's good to see this price drop return. It may not be the most advanced iPad in the Apple ecosystem, but it's still pretty solid with an A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and fun color options.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 990 EVO SSD (1TB) $69.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

If you're sick of doing the storage shuffle to make space on your computer for new stuff, the Samsung 990 EVO SSD offers 1TB of "premium storage that won't break your budget." Our friends over at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) tested it out and found it to be an "excellent-value mainstream M.2 internal SSD, with whizzy performance and the class-leading warranty, software, and security that you'd expect from Samsung." It even earned their coveted Editor's Choice award. Usually $149.99, it's on sale for only $69.99 as of Aug. 15 — that's over half off and its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 548 Power Station (60,000mAh) $99.74 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.25 with on-page coupon Get Deal

It's hurricane season, which means it's not a bad idea to prepare yourself for potential emergency power outages. If you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a generator, the Anker 548 Power Station makes having backup power affordable and simple. It features a built-in retractable light, an SOS button for emergencies, two USB-C outlets, two USB-A outlets, and a battery that will maintain 85 percent charge even after a year. Better yet, when you're not using it for backup power, you can take it along on camping trips for portable charging. Regularly $149.99, it's on sale for just $99.74 at Amazon with the on-page coupon. That's its lowest price on record.

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

Google's AI Overviews got off to a rocky start, but it hasn't deterred the tech giant from charging ahead with foisting AI-generated summaries upon your search results, like it or not.

On Thursday Google announced new updates to AI Overviews, some of which might make publishers a little happier. As of today, Google is moving the relevant sites section of its AI Overviews to the righthand side of the page. This is a change from the previous interface which was below the AI-generated summary and features the websites more prominently. Now when you Google something like "how to get marks off walls," relevant pages show up right next to the summary. Other sites populate the page below in the classic format.

The new AI Overview interface features websites more prominently on the page. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

On mobile, relevant sites are a little less prominent, but you can peruse them by tapping the site icons on the upper right.

Find relevant sites by tapping on the icon. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google Relevant sites related to the AI Overview pop up when you tap the icons. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

Additionally, Google is exploring a feature in its testing ground Labs that directly links to relevant sites. "[The goal is to] make it easier for people to click out and visit the sites that interest them and and reduce the friction even further," Hema Budaraju told Mashable. "This experiment has shown positive results that these links make it possible for people to connect, and naturally will drive more traffic to publisher sites."

SEE ALSO: What's actually new in Google Gemini AI?

Aside giving erroneous responses, like the notorious glue-on-pizza debacle, the debut of Google's AI Overviews felt like a big middle finger to publishers who rely on search traffic and already have a tenuous relationship with the dominant search engine. "This will be catastrophic to our traffic, as marketed by Google to further satisfy user queries, leaving even less incentive to click through so that we can monetize our content," Danielle Coffey, CEO of the News/Media Alliance, told CNN when AI Overviews was first announced in May. Indeed, Marc McCollum, chief innovation officer at publisher monetization company Raptive told the Associated Press, that search traffic could decline by 25 percent, costing many publishers their main source of revenue.

But that was then. Whether or not Google acquiesced to publisher backlash or simply wanted a better user experience is unclear. However, Google's announcement carefully positions itself and AI Overviews as a conduit for discovering more by clicking out to publisher sites. Google claims that AI Overviews have contributed to a "greater diversity of websites" and "higher quality" of clicks on those sites. We'd love to get our hands on that data, but alas, we'll have to take Google's word for it.

Perhaps bolstered by its unpublished findings, Google is expanding AI Overviews to six countries: the UK, India, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico and Brazil, with local language support. Plus, users enrolled in Labs can test out new two new additional features. As of today, Labs users can save specific AI Overview responses so you can easily access it again. Users can also opt to "simplify" a response if the AI Overview is too technical or complicated for novices.

A great philosopher once said, "You're not hardcore unless you live hardcore." Elon Musk is finding that out the hard way.

If you'll recall, back in Nov. 2022, Musk sent what we here at Mashable called "his weirdest email so far." The email, titled "A Fork in the Road," followed a string of odd choices from the billionaire after he bought and began running the platform then known as Twitter. In that email, Musk issued an ultimatum demanding employees click yes to working "extremely hardcore." Well, now that little stunt had cost X hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Ireland's Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that a former senior executive for Twitter was wrongly terminated when he declined to click the yes button in Musk's email, reported the Irish news outlet RTÉ. The WRC ordered X to pay the ex-employee, Gary Rooney, a record €550,000 or roughly $605,000.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk sends Twitter employees his weirdest email so far

The email from Musk came on the heels of the self-crowned chief twit firing roughly half of Twitter's workforce. He effectively demanded his employees work unspecified hours under high-intensity conditions. Rooney apparently balked at agreeing to those "hardcore" demands on a one-day deadline. Rooney claimed he was let go after not clicking yes, RTE reported. The WRC, in fact, ruled Rooney had been fired for not clicking yes, RTE noted, and said it was an unfair termination because Twitter didn't have substantial grounds to let him go.

WRC adjudication officer Michael MacNamee wrote in the ruling: "No employee, when faced with such a situation, could possibly be faulted for refusing to be compelled to give an open-ended unqualified assent to any of the proposals."

Musk might've gotten the "hardcore" promises he was looking for, but now his company may have to write a pretty hefty check as a result.

Save with this week's best skincare deals on toner, moisturizer, and more.

The best skincare deals of the week at a glance: Best Essence Deal COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence $14.99 at Amazon (Save $10.01) Get Deal Best Toner Deal I'm From Rice Toner $17.50 at Amazon (Save $13.50) Get Deal Best Moisturizer Deal COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream $11.20 at Amazon (Save $20.80) Get Deal

The glass skin beauty trend is all about healthy, glowing skin that's bouncy, dewy, and clear. You need to drink plenty of water, to start, but having the right products can help, too.

But as you're probably already well aware, some of the items that you need (and other routine skincare maintenance products) can be pricey. If you're looking to level up your skincare game, you can rely on some great sales right now to do just that.

This week's best skincare deals include savings on cult favorite essences and moisturizers, as well as other goodies that can help your skin drink up hydration and look as clear as it possibly can. But you don't have to sift through everything alone. We've handpicked a few of the best you should scoop up now before the deals go away.

Below, check out the best skincare deals of the week.

Best essence deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence $14.99 at Amazon
$25.00 Save $10.01 Get Deal Why we like it

We get it. Snail mucus? As in the sticky stuff that snails leave when they move? Yeah, that's right. It'll do wonders for your skin, and that's why this essence, or a water-based hydrating product, is such a highly-rated favorite among skincare enthusiasts. It helps to repair and hydrate thirsty skin while absorbing quickly – and has none of those heavy, sticky feelings that a traditional moisturizer has. Snail mucin helps to deliver deep moisture, so you can add serums and other treatments that can help you achieve the smooth, virtually poreless look that glass skin requires. And continued use will make sure that your moisture barrier stays happy and satisfied, which means better, healthier skin in the long run. Just don't think about snails, if it helps.

Best toner deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon I'm From Rice Toner $17.50 at Amazon
$31.00 Save $13.50 Get Deal Why we like it

Face toners are important if you want to remove additional dirt or impurities that your cleanser didn't catch. They also help prep skin for serums and moisturizers, while closing pores and helping to brighten (and sometimes tighten) skin. This milky toner is packed with Goami rice extract that can help you soothe dry skin while balancing out oil levels your face might have issues with. It's deeply hydrating and doesn't leave your skin feeling tight, as some other more stringent options do, which makes it a good option for people with different skin types, too.

Best moisturizer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream $11.20 at Amazon
$32.00 Save $20.80 Get Deal Why we like it

Once you've hydrated your face properly, it's a good idea to seal all that moisture in. You can do just that with this light moisturizing cream, packed with royal jelly extract, honey, and propolis. It goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly, without annoying stickiness or oiliness, and still manages to inject much-needed moisture for your glass skin look. Use it day and night and in tandem with other treatments and serums, and you'll see results quickly.

More skincare deals

• May Coop Raw Sauce — $25 $30 (save $5)

• COSRX Niacninamide 15% Face Serum — $18.99 $25 (save $6.01)

• Tula Skincare Acne Heroes Level 3 Acne Clearing Routine — $88 $98 (save $10)

• Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner — $13.90 $23 (save $9.10)

• Olay Regenerist Serum — $20.60 $27.49 (save $6.89)

"The Substance," directed by Coralie Fargeat, hits theaters Sept. 20.

"The Daily Show" has broken down the Project 2025 training videos that were recently leaked by ProRepublica.

Duolingo just made its music course a lot more fun. The language-learning platform has partnered with Sony Music to include over 60 pop songs as part of its curriculum.

SEE ALSO: 'Kneecap' takes the Irish language revolution to the big screen

Duolingo expanded into its music course last year. Its music course teaches users the foundations of music like rhythm, note lengths, music reading, and ear training in the same gamified fashion it teaches languages like High Valyrian. Students can expect to learn music theory and comprehension on a digital mobile piano. It hopes that the integration of pop songs by the likes of Hozier and Pharrell Williams will make the learning process more engaging and increase retention and comprehension.

"At Duolingo, we're constantly looking for ways to make learning more effective and entertaining," George Audi, head of business development at Duolingo, said in a press release. "We're partnering with Sony Music, a leader in the music industry, to bring our learners a library of chart-topping songs they can learn to read and play."

Duolingo became popular thanks to its quick, daily language lessons that pester you to uphold your "streak" by using the app every day. It's now the highest-grossing app in the Education category on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Duolingo serves millions of users and offers courses in over 40 languages.

In January, it cut 10 percent of its contractors, replacing them with generative AI. Prior to its music course, the educational platform branched out from languages into math lessons.

"Babes" stars Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau on the power of girl talk and seeing period sex onscreen.

Stephen King's Dark Tower series, which stands at seven core books, a prequel short story and a later novel, is pretty much finished now, right?

Obviously there's a Mike Flanagan TV adaptation in the works, but in terms of the books themselves, that chapter is over?

SEE ALSO: Stephen King shares his 2 line review of 'A Quiet Place: Day One'

Well, you never know. On Wednesday, King shared some fan art on X (formerly Twitter) of main character Roland Deschain walking through Mid-world — and he followed it up with a post hinting that we might not have seen the last of the Gunslinger's former home.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Mid-world is still there," wrote King. "The Tower still stands."

Mid-world is, of course, the name of the world that's home to the series' eponymous Dark Tower, which itself holds the very fabric of the multiverse together. We don't know exactly what King meant by that post, but it at least suggests the horror master would be happy to revisit that world one day. Given that he already returned to it with The Wind Through the Keyhole, a novel set between books four and five that was published eight years after the main series ended, this maybe isn't all that much of a surprise.

Still, just because it's on his mind, doesn't mean we'll be seeing any more Dark Tower stories anytime soon. The "Upcoming Works" section of King's official site is currently blank, and based on previous interviews it appears that King is currently working on another novel featuring Holly Gibney, his recurring private detective.

"Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" star Charlie Vickers taught Jimmy Fallon Elvish on "The Tonight Show'.

Blake Lively appeared on BBC Radio One and played "Unpopular Opinion", fielding questions about Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds.

Over the past few days, the entire TikTok community has latched onto the word "demure." Once a relatively obscure term you might’ve last encountered during a Gilmore Girls rewatch, it suddenly became ubiquitous. That’s the way things work on TikTok — for better or worse.

For those unfamiliar with the platform, the latest TikTok trend involves users claiming how "demure" and "mindful" they are in various situations. It’s a self-effacing, tongue-in-cheek joke where people adopt a persona that boasts about being demure while doing something as mundane as eating a blooming onion at Outback Steakhouse.

The trend started with creator Jools Lebron, known as @joolieannie on TikTok, who coined the catchphrase "very demure, very mindful." Mashable's Christianna Silva provided a detailed breakdown of the trend, but in short, Jools's playful rants about how she’s "demure," "mindful," and "cutesy" in her day-to-day activities took off, and soon everyone was using the word "demure."

SEE ALSO: Why is everyone online 'very demure, very mindful' right now?

But the rise of "demure" is not an isolated incident. The internet —TikTok in particular — has a habit of plucking words from obscurity, turning them into memes, and then overusing them to the point of exhaustion. Just look at the spike in Google Trends searches over the past week.

Very demure. Credit: Screenshot: Google Trends

Mashable's Elena Cavender has frequently covered the internet’s insatiable appetite for new slang. TikTok, in particular, seems to have a knack for reviving old or obscure words. Sometimes it’s crass, like "glazing" or "serving c*nt," but there are also phrases like "it’s giving" or "girly pop." And then there are updated ways of saying old things, like calling someone who gossips a "yapper" or using "pookie" as a term of endearment. Just as everyone was once obsessed with "aesthetic," now "demure" is the word of the moment.

So, why does TikTok latch onto certain words and phrases so intensely, squeezing every bit of viral juice out of them? The answer lies in its nature as an audio-visual medium.

Tweet may have been deleted

When Twitter was the driving force behind viral memes, the humor relied on text-and-image-based formats. Think of Tim Robinson’s "we're all trying to find the guy out who did this" meme or Dril's "please don’t put in the newspaper that I got mad." The jokes were about what was read or seen, not heard.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

But with TikTok, words themselves become funny because we see and hear people say them. It’s the age-old challenge for writers: the right word at the right time can be surprisingly delightful. TikTok amplifies these words, turning them into trends as creators like @joolieannie demonstrate that how a word is said can make it interesting and new. And as we mindlessly scroll through TikTok, these words inevitably worm their way into our vocabulary.

The "demure" trend is no different from when streamer Sketch had the entire sports world saying, "What’s up, brother," in a specific voice and cadence. Words and phrases can be funny simply because they are. It may sound like circular logic, but it holds true.

Think of it this way: in your group of friends — especially during high school or college — you probably had buzzwords and shorthand that only your group understood. You spent so much time together that you developed an internal language. TikTok’s influence on our word usage is similar, only now the friend group is essentially everyone with an internet connection.

TL;DR: The Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle is on sale for just $45.97 (reg. $428) through September 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $45.97 at The Mashable Shop
$428.00 Save $382.03 Get Deal

Having the right tools to manage your tasks and stay productive is essential. Whether you're a professional looking to streamline your workflow or a student wanting to maximize your efforts, Microsoft is a trusted name in tech.

The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle offers a practical solution for many looking to up their game. For just $45.97 (reg. $428), this bundle provides a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro 2019 and the latest OS, Windows 11 Pro.

Upgrade Your OS to Windows 11 Pro

Windows 11 Pro is designed to offer a modern, streamlined experience that enhances your computer's performance. With its intuitive interface and advanced features, Windows 11 Pro helps you stay organized and focused.

One of the more exciting recent updates includes integrated AI to help your day run smoother. Copilot, the new AI assistant, can answer questions, give you writing ideas, generate images from descriptions, and a lot more. The AI updates can also be seen in the Paint app and other places.

This OS also features more advanced security features such as BitLocker encryption, Windows Defender, secure boot, virtualization-based security, hypervisor-protected code integrity, and Windows Hello.

Amp Productivity with Office 2019

Microsoft Office Pro 2019 is a comprehensive suite of productivity applications that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, OneNote, and Publisher. While it's not the most recent iteration of Office, these tools are still terrific for managing professional, academic, and personal tasks.

Whether you're a student preparing for the new school year or a professional seeking to enhance your productivity, this bundle provides a comprehensive solution to help meet your needs.

The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle is on sale for just $45.97 (reg. $428) through September 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Secure your connection and access global content with a NordVPN 2-year subscription on sale for $89 (reg. $189) through August 18.

Opens in a new window Credit: NordVPN NordVPN: 2-Yr Subscription $89.00 at The Mashable Shop
$189.00 Save $100.00 Use code TAKE15 for 15% off at checkout Get Deal

Planning a summer getaway and want to stay connected without missing a beat? NordVPN has your back, letting you enjoy your favorite streaming services and social media platforms, no matter where you are in the world. Whether you're exploring the rich history of Europe or taking in the vibrant sights of Asia, NordVPN helps you bypass those pesky local restrictions, so you can stream, post, and stay in touch with everything back home. 

Act fast — this deal for a two-year subscription to NordVPN priced at $89 (reg. $189) is ending after August 18.

NordVPN is like your digital Swiss Army knife when you're on the move. It keeps your personal data secure while you're sipping espresso in a café or lounging in a hotel lobby. With servers in 60 countries, accessing essential services and connecting with friends and family is a breeze, no matter how far you wander.

Use NordVPN to snag better deals on flights and hotels by browsing as if you're in another country. Keep up with your favorite shows by tapping into your home country's streaming libraries, and effortlessly update your followers on your adventures by accessing social media without a hitch.

Pack your bags, hit the road, and let NordVPN open up a world of unrestricted possibilities for your summer adventures.

With a 2-year NordVPN subscription at just $89 through August 18, you're set for smarter, safer travels.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Check out this two-pack of corner floor lamps for $109.97 (reg. $299) and enjoy over 16 million colors and 300 lighting effects.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lamp Depot Lamp Depot Minimalist LED Corner Floor Lamp (2-Pack) $109.97 at The Mashable Shop
$299.99 Save $190.02 Get Deal

Ready to transform your living space with a splash of color? This discounted Corner Floor Lamp 2-Pack offers over 16 million colors and 300+ multicolor effects, giving you endless options to set the perfect mood for any occasion.

Whether you're looking to create a vibrant party atmosphere or a calming ambiance for a cozy night in, these lamps have you covered. Get a set of two LED lamps on sale through September 3 for $109.97.

Convenience is at your fingertips with the included remote control, which allows you to switch colors, adjust brightness, and choose from lighting effects with ease. Designed to fit snugly and discreetly into corners, these lamps save valuable floor space while adding a modern touch to your home decor. The sleek metal finishes and weighted rubber bottom ensure they stay securely in place, providing a high-end look without the high-end price. The soft-white, integrated LEDs offer a gentle, ambient glow that enhances the aesthetic of any room.

Imagine setting the perfect lighting for movie nights, romantic dinners, or even a productive work session, all from the comfort of your couch. These stylish, functional lamps are a versatile decor upgrade that you can adjust with your mood.

Regularly $299, add two Lamp Depot Minimalist LED Corner Floor Lamps to your home for $109.97 through September 3 and enjoy the endless possibilities they bring to your space.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Grab a refurbished iPad and Beats Flex headphones bundle for $289.99 (reg. $399.99), ideal for budget-conscious creatives.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished 2020 Apple iPad 8th Gen (32GB, WiFi) with Beats Flex Headphones $249.99 at The Mashable Shop
$399.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

For anyone who’s ever tried to juggle creativity, productivity, and entertainment, you know it can get pricey to find the right tools. But what if you could get all that power in a single, cost-effective bundle?

Enter the refurbished 8th-generation iPad with Beats Flex headphones — a dynamic duo designed to keep your creative juices flowing without burning a hole in your wallet, on sale for 27% off at $289.99 (reg. $399.99).

This bundle is perfect for students, young professionals, or anyone who’s serious about creating on the go. The 8th gen iPad with an A12 Bionic chip handles everything from sketching your next masterpiece to editing videos and tweaking your latest photoshoot.

But what’s an iPad without some great audio to go with it? The included Beats Flex headphones deliver solid sound quality, whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist, attending a virtual meeting, or just zoning out with some tunes. Lightweight and wireless, they’re the perfect companion for your daily hustle.

The base iPad model holds 32GB of storage, so if it's not enough for your needs, you can check out the 128GB model. Whether you’re whipping up a presentation, streaming a movie, or diving into some serious gaming, this iPad has got you covered.

Refurbished doesn’t mean flawed — it means you get Apple quality with a budget-friendly price tag. Backed by a warranty, this bundle gives you peace of mind while saving you a chunk of change. So, whether you’re a budding artist, a student on the go, or just need a reliable device for everyday tasks, this combo could be the ultimate creative toolkit.

For a limited time, get the 2020 refurbished Apple iPad 8th Gen and Beats Flex Headphones bundle for $289.99 (reg. $399).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

How to watch 'Twisters' at a glance: BEST WAY TO WATCH NOW Rent or buy 'Twisters' on Prime Video $18.49 or $23.49 as a Prime member (save $1.50) Get Deal BEST WAY TO WATCH LATER Peacock Premium yearly subscription $79.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS Peacock Premium free for select Xfinity customers (save $7.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Peacock Premium $1.99/month (save $6/month) Get Deal BEST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS Peacock Premium $1.99/month (save $6/month) Get Deal BEST FOR INSTACART+ MEMBERS Peacock Premium free for Instacart+ members (save $7.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR JETBLUE TRUEBLUE MOSAIC MEMBERS Peacock Premium free for one year for Mosaic status members (save $79.99/year) Get Deal

If the outrageously good soundtrack wasn't enough to catch your attention, perhaps cowboy Glen Powell will do the trick. Twisters just spun into theaters less than a month ago, but the cow-flinging disaster flick is already available to watch at home.

Similar to the 1996 classic Twister, the film follows Powell's character Tyler and Daisy Edgar-Jones' Kate as they chase gnarly storms like you've never seen. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung (Minari), Twisters is sort of a sequel, sort of a remake, and sort of a standalone story — and here's everything you need to know to watch the latest box office hit from the comfort of your couch.

What is Twisters about?

Five years after giving up storm-chasing for a quieter life in meteorology, Kate Cooper (Edgar-Jones) is drawn back in for one last job (a la Bill Paxton's character in the original Twister). Her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos, Hamilton) drags her back to test a groundbreaking new storm-tracking system. They cross paths — and inevitably butt heads — with reckless YouTube star Tyler Owens (Powell), who's known as the "Tornado Wrangler." However, a difference in principles is the least of their concerns once the powerful twisters touch down. Chaos — and even a little romance — ensues.

Get a taste of the tornado flick in the official trailer below:

Is Twisters worth watching?

Like any film, whether Twisters is worth watching is completely subjective. The disaster flick has earned a 75 percent critic rating and 91 percent audience rating via Rotten Tomatoes, yet Mashable's own film critic called it "big and flashy, but not fun or frightening." Meanwhile, Mashable entertainment reporter Belen Edwards thought it was a fun film, but was ultimately disappointed at the ending.

Twisters also smashed expectations at the box office, earning $80.5 million its opening weekend. That's the same amount Oscar-winner Oppenheimer brought in during its opening weekend in 2023 and comes in as the third-biggest opening weekend for a film this year (behind Inside Out 2 at $154 million and Dune: Part Two at $82 million). It was only projected to generate up to $55 million on opening weekend, so Twisters has been a surprise success this season.

Read our full review of Twisters.

How to watch Twisters at home

Less than a month after its theatrical debut, Twisters is already available to watch at home. Thanks to digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+, you can rent or purchase the film online. Keep in mind that with rentals, you'll only get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish once you start it. If you'd rather stream Twisters, keep scrolling for more information.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase Twisters:

• Prime Video — buy for $23.49 as a Prime member (reg. $24.99), rent for $18.49 as a Prime member (reg. $19.99)

• Apple TV+ — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Google Play — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• YouTube — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

Is Twisters streaming?

While there's no official streaming date yet for Twisters, it's very likely we'll see the film pop up on Peacock in the coming months. NBCUniversal owns Peacock, so we're expecting the movie to debut on the platform alongside other recent Universal Pictures hits like Abigail and The Fall Guy.

The streamer recently raised its prices, with subscriptions now starting at $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without ads. But luckily, we've found a few ways you can save some money — check out the best Peacock deals below.

The best Peacock streaming deals (to watch at a later date)Best long-term Peacock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99 per year or $139.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

If you can commit to Peacock long-term and pay for a year up front, it'll save you about 17%. A yearly subscription goes for $79.99 per year with ads or $139.99 per year without, which is essentially 12 months of streaming for the price of 10. Comparatively, a monthly subscription will run you $7.99 per month ($95.99 per year) or $13.99 per month ($167.88 per year).

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

If you're an Xfinity customer and haven't checked your eligibility through your account, be sure to jump on that. Select customers can score a Peacock subscription for free. Here's a brief breakdown of who is eligible:

• Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can score free Peacock Premium (with ads) for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025).

• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get 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.

Best Peacock deal for students Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $1.99 per month for one year Watch Now

College students can snag a Peacock Premium subscription for just $1.99 per month for an entire year. All you have to do is prove your student status through SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to secure the discount. Just remember that the code can only be used once (aka, don't share it with your friends).

Best Peacock deal for first responders Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders $1.99 per month Watch Now

Just like students, first responders can score Peacock Premium for just $1.99 per month so long as they can verify their first responder status via SheerID. Just sign up using the unique promo code you receive and the price will drop down to $1.99 per month. Although the student discount is limited to a year, first responders who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew the deal annually. You'll just have to go through the process each time to receive a new promo code and secure the discount 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 $79.99/year) Watch Now

As of Dec. 2023, Peacock and Instacart have partnered up to offer paid Instacart+ members a free Peacock Premium subscription. That's a $79.99 per year value for zero dollars. An Instacart+ account costs you $99.99 per year and includes free grocery delivery on orders over $35, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders, among other perks. Plus, the best part is that you get a two-week free trial to test things out. Definitely grab this freebie if you haven't yet. Better yet, wait until Twisters is released on Peacock to watch for free.

Best for JetBlue members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members Watch Now

Through July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when they sign up for Peacock. If you have Mosaic status, you can get your first year of Peacock Premium for free (a $79.99 value). Read more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.