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This Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2 comparison will help you decide whether Google's newest smartwatch, which dropped at the Aug. 13 Made by Google event, is worth it. Perhaps you already have a Pixel Watch 2 and you're wondering, "Should I upgrade?"

Don't worry. We'll break down the differences between the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Watch 2 to help you determine whether Google's latest iteration of the Pixel smartwatch line is advanced enough to warrant a new purchase.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: I tested both for 13 days Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2 price

The Pixel Watch 3, unlike the Pixel Watch 2, now comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm.

Pixel Watch 3 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The 41mm Pixel Watch 3, available at the Google Store, starts at $349.99 for the Wi-Fi version and $449.99 for LTE (if you'd like to have an always-connected smartwatch).

If you prefer the larger 45mm Pixel Watch 3, it'll start at $399.99 for the Wi-Fi variant. For LTE, it'll cost you $499.99.

The Pixel Watch 2 has the same starting price as the Pixel Watch 3 at $349. In addition to the Google Store, it can also be found on Amazon. It only comes in a 41mm case size.

Here's a price chart to help you understand the differences between the two:

Pixel Watch 2

• 41mm (no cellular support) - $349.99

• 41mm (cellular support) - $399.99

Pixel Watch 3

• 41mm (no cellular support) - $349.99

• 45mm (no cellular support) - $399.99

• 41mm (cellular support) - $449.99

• 45mm (cellular support) - $499.99

If you've been dreaming of a larger Pixel Watch 3, you can grab one starting at $399. Since both models have the same starting price, if you don't have a Pixel Watch at all, it wouldn't be logical to grab the last-generation model. So grab the Pixel Watch 3.

If you have an older generation Pixel Watch, stick around to find out whether the Pixel Watch 3 is worth the upgrade.

Google Pixel Watch 2 $329.67 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $20.32 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Pixel Watch 3 $349.99 at Google
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The Pixel Watch 3 continues Google's signature round design language, but as mentioned in the last section, the Pixel Watch 3 has a larger 45mm size now.

Pixel Watch 3 45mm watch Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

On top of that, the bezels on the Pixel Watch 3 are now over 16% smaller compared to the Pixel Watch 2, which means you can enjoy more screen real estate.

Pixel Watch 3 (41mm) - 10 percent more screen compared to Pixel Watch 2

Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) - 40 percent more screen compared to Pixel Watch 2

Compared to the Pixel Watch 2, you should be able to read your texts a lot easier. Plus, navigating Google Maps and seeing your health metrics should be more visible, too.

The Pixel Watch 3 also has a brighter display — its luminance has doubled over the last generation. To be specific, the Pixel Watch 3 now delivers up to 2,000 nits of brightness, making it easier to see while you're outside. It can also drop down to as low as one nit, allowing you to see your smartwatch in darker environments, too.

Pixel Watch 3 41mm watch Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

According to Reddit, we've been seeing some Pixel Watch fans hoping for a more fortified display, but the Pixel Watch 3 still has the same Gorilla Glass 5 screen as the Pixel Watch 2.

Other than the additional 45mm size, as well as a brighter display, there aren't any other significant changes to the design. You'll still find the rotating crown on the right of the Pixel Watch 3 as well as the side button.

The Pixel Watch 3 comes in the following case-and-band combinations:

• Pixel Watch 3 (41mm) - Matte Black Aluminum Case and Obsidian Band, Polished Silver Aluminum and Porcelain Band, Champagne Gold Aluminum and Hazel Band, Polished Silver Aluminum and Rose Quartz Band

• Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) - Matte Black Aluminum Case and Obsidian Band, Polished Silver Aluminum and Porcelain Band, Matte Hazel Aluminum and Hazel Band

There are also plenty of other band types that you can grab here. I've had some hands-on experience with these. I highly suggest getting an Active Band or a Leather Band. I would caution against the Stretch Band if you have small wrists because they can lose their elasticity after some time. However, if you have huge wrists, the Stretch Band is your best bet.

Just like the Pixel Watch 2, the Pixel Watch 3 has a water resistance rating of IP68. In other words, you can wear it in the shower and while swimming, but stick to shallow areas and dry it off immediately when you can.

Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2 battery life

We'd have to test the battery life of both Pixel Watches to know, for sure, how they fair on a single charge. However, Google made one significant change that may help the Pixel Watch 3 achieve longer battery life:

Credit: Google

The Pixel Watch 3's refresh rate is now dynamic, which means that it can automatically adjust from anywhere between 1Hz to 60Hz, depending on your activity. This ensures better power efficiency. Why? Because when you're not actively using your watch, the Pixel Watch 3's refresh rate can drop down to the lowest setting, reducing energy consumption.

However, according to Google, the Pixel Watch 3 has the same battery life rating as its predecessor: 24 hours of battery life with an always-on display and up to 36 hours in Battery Saver mode.

It's also worth noting that the Pixel Watch 3, specifically the 41mm model, charges 20 percent faster than its predecessor.

Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2 health and fitness

You won't find any significant additions to the Pixel Watch 3 like a brand new blood-pressure sensor or anything,

Pixel Watch 3 45mm Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Pixel Watch 3 has the same sensors as the Pixel Watch 2:

• Compass

• Altimeter

• Red and infrared sensors for SpO2 monitoring

• Multipurpose electrical sensors compatible with ECG app

• Multi-path optical heart-rate sensor

• 3-axis accelerometer

• Gyroscope

• Ambient light sensor

• Electric sensor to measure skin conductance (cEDA) for body-response tracking

• Skin temperature sensor

Though there aren't any major hardware changes, Google has made quite a few advancements to the software with AI facilitating a few new features:

• New advanced running capabilities that help you plan run routines, beat your best times, and improve your form. For example, you can add timed warmups and cool downs, as well as set targets for pace, heart rate, times, and distances.

• You can execute saved run routines, which come with real-time guidance with audio and haptic cues (you'll get notified when you're off pace or over your heart rate target)

• You'll get notified when it's time for your next sprint — or when it's time to cool down

• New media controls during workouts allow you to adjust the volume and change songs

• New AI-powered form-tracking with advanced motion sensing, allowing you to see your cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and more

• New running dashboard in Fitbit app shows your weekly mileage, person records, detailed analysis of running workouts, and more

With Fitbit Premium (the Pixel Watch 3 comes with six months of it for free), Google says your workout routine will become more personalized than ever.

Pixel Watch 3 45mm Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Using Google AI, you'll get customized run recommendations each day based on your past runs, readiness, and target cardio load. Plus, you'll get information on your form and how you can improve it with content and drills. FitBit will also help you wake up with something called "Morning Brief." Every morning, Morning Brief delivers a summary of your most important health and fitness metrics, including how you slept, your readiness score, weekly exercise progress, and other health metrics (e.g., heart-rate variability, breathing rate, and blood-oxygen levels).

Plus, unrelated to health, you'll also get information about the weather, too.

Of course, the Pixel Watch 3 benefits everyone who is immersed in the Google ecosystem (which is nearly all of us). You can access Google Maps (even while you're offline), use Wallet to make payments, communicate with couriers via Google Nest Cam, pause shows and change channels on Google TV, and more.

Plus, Google AI can pick up and hold calls for you (if you need some time to find your phone). If you have a Pixel phone, you can use the Pixel Watch 3 to trigger the camera shutter for hands-free selfies and group shots.

Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Is it worth the upgrade?

If you're someone with an old Pixel Watch, and you really want a larger screen, then yes, the Pixel Watch 3 is totally worth it. Plus, it has a brighter and better display for better clarity in different lighting conditions.

We haven't tested the Pixel Watch 3 for battery life, but according to Google, you likely won't see any major changes between the two. So if you're hoping that Pixel Watch 3 will be more energy efficient, there's a possibility there won't be any significant gen-over-gen enhancements. (Though I suspect you may see a minor improvement due to the display having a dynamic refresh rate.)

No major hardware additions in terms of a new sensor nor health-tracking tool, but Google went all out with improving some workout features and making them more personalized with AI advancements.

So the answer is easy. If you've been praying for a bigger display, get the Pixel Watch 3. If you've been holding out for better battery life or a more fortified display, you want to wait for the Pixel Watch 4.

Google Pixel Watch 2 $329.67 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $20.32 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Pixel Watch 3 $349.99 at Google
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The new Pixel 9 lineup is here, bringing with it some snazzy new AI features.

On Tuesday's Made by Google event, the tech giant unveiled the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as well as a new generation of smartwatches, the Pixel Watch 3. As Google continues to develop AI tools and features across all of its offerings, the Pixel division is no exception.

The Google Pixel 9 lineup comes with Gemini integrations, AI photo-editing tools, and health and fitness upgrades. Here are the most noteworthy AI features.

1. Gemini now has voice mode

Gemini is catching up to ChatGPT with its own voice mode. Gemini Live is a new feature for Google's chatbot that can talk back. Previously, users could prompt Gemini with audio messages, but it responded with text. Now Gemini Live can share audio responses.

Similarly to OpenAI's GPT-4o Voice Mode, Gemini Live can have a fluid back-and-forth conversation with users. You can interrupt it and it will calibrate it's response accordingly, so you don't have to wait for it to complete its initial response. Plus, Gemini Live is contextual, meaning it remembers previous conversations so you can pick up where you left off without having to re-explain your original prompt.

Gemini Live is live as of today and is supported by all of the Pixel 9 devices. But you'll have to shell out for a Gemini advanced subscription to get access.

Gemini Live is Google's response to ChatGPT Voice Mode. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable 2. AI-powered Weather app

The Google Pixel 9 family got an upgraded Weather app with, you guessed it, AI features. The native app has the standard breakdown of weather by hours and days, but at the top of the screen, the app provides an AI-powered summary of the outlook for the day.

On the hot summer day that Mashable saw this feature in action, the app said, "Hot one today, so wear sunscreen if you’re heading out this morning." It's not solving for a huge problem; in fact it's pretty easy to quickly check the daily weather forecast, by looking at the pictures of suns and clouds. But for people rushing out the door in the morning and not thinking about what the rest of the day might be like, it could be useful for remembering to bring an umbrella or a jacket.

It's not curing cancer, but it's an AI-powered weather summary is a nice little feature. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable 3. 'Made You Look' is for parents with inattentive kids

This one is for all the parents out there. If you find yourself having to jangle keys or make silly faces to make your kids look at the camera, the "Made You Look" feature has your back. When you take a picture with the phone unfolded, the external display will show cutesy animations to draw the attention of your kids — or easily distracted adults. Then, the feature's AI will recognize when the subject is smiling and snap the pic. 

There's something slightly unnerving about relying on a screen to get your child's attention. Then again, parents use screens to distract their kids, so why not do the opposite? Since this feature requires the external screen, it's only for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. 

This one's for the parents. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Featured Video For You The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold tech and specs 4. You'll never be left out of a group photo again with 'Add Me'

With Google's "Add Me" feature, the group selfie, or asking a stranger to take a photo of the whole group, are no longer the only options. Now you can take a picture of your friends, have a friend take a picture of you, and merge the solo shot into the group photo. 

When Mashable saw it demonstrated in person, the result looked pretty convincing. The merged image gets the scale and lighting right of every person so it looks like a seamless group photo. But it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the real world and if users will have to be careful to pose in the exact same spot. The "Add Me" feature is available for all Pixel 9 devices.

Left: The original photo... Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Right: ...and the altered photo, with the third person added using generative AI. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable 5. AI is coming to the Pixel Watch 3

The Pixel Watch 3 is getting the AI treatment. Like other wearables, it caters to health and fitness applications. So naturally, the Pixel Watch 3's new AI features focus on these use cases. With a Fitbit Premium subscription, users can get personalized AI-powered running recommendations based on goals and target cardio load using Google AI data tracking from past runs. The Fitbit Morning brief will also summarize key health and fitness information, so you can plan your workout accordingly. If you get a call during your workout, Google AI can pick up or hold calls for you while you finish up or grab your phone. 

Personalized running recommendations powered by AI. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As mentioned, most of the AI features require a Fitbit Premium subscription which costs $9.99 a month. But the Pixel Watch 2 came with free Fitbit Premium for the first six months, so here's hoping Google will offer a similar deal. 

Let's get ready to rumble with this Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6 face-off.

The Made by Google 2024 event gave us yet another foldable on the block: the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It comes with all the upgrades and AI features you’d expect in this era of smartphones. 

With its Pixel Fold out of the way, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold refines the usual first-gen setbacks with noticeable improvements. From the looks of it, it’s already giving Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 a run for its money.

SEE ALSO: What to expect at Made by Google 2024 Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 price and specs

Right off the bat, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6 are far from affordable smartphones. However, both deliver premium specs and the latest in AI tech, so you should be getting your money’s worth. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Credit: Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at $1,799 and is available at the Google Store. That’s a smidge cheaper than Samsung’s $1,899 Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is available on Samsung’s official store. That’s a $100 increase over the Galaxy Z Fold 5, whereas the Pixel’s price didn’t budge. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s base configurations:

• 8-inch Super Actua Flex inner display, 6.3-inch outer display

• 4,560mAh battery

• 16GB RAM

• 256GB or 512GB storage

• Tensor G4 processor

• IPX8 rating

• Rear camera: 48MP main lens, 10.5MP ultrawide lens, 10.8MP telephoto lens

• 10MP front camera

• 10MP inner camera when unfolded

• Google Gemini AI

And here's what the Galaxy Z Fold 6 brings to the table:

• 7.6-inch AMOLED inner display, 6.3-inch outer display

• 4,400mAh battery

• 12GB RAM

• 256GB or 512GB storage

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor

• IP48 rating

• Rear camera: 50MP main lens, 12MP ultrawide lens, 10MP telephoto lens

• 10MP front camera

• 4MP inner camera when unfolded

• Galaxy AI 

On paper, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold touts bigger numbers, including in its outer display size, RAM, and battery. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 dishes out larger megapixels in the camera department, and is equipped with a beefier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Credit: Mashable

Regardless, both offer similarly impressive specs, which puts the Z Fold 6’s $100 difference into question. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 $1,899.99 at Samsung
$2,019.99 Save $120.00 Shop Now Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Displays

It’s all about OLED here, as size is just about the only difference between the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6. You can expect bright, 120Hz displays with vivid colors on both foldables, but the Pixel kicks things up a notch with a bigger inner display. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Credit: Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with an 8-inch Super Actua Flex inner display (2076 x 2152 resolution) and a 6.3-inch outer display (1080 x 2424 resolution). It’s a noticeably bigger experience than the original Pixel Fold (7.6-inch inner display, 5.8-inch outer display) — and it's 80% brighter, reaching up to 2,700 nits of peak brightness. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Credit: Mashable

As for the Galaxy Z Fold 6, its inner display boasts a 7.6-inch AMOLED screen (2160 x 1856 resolution), and the outer display now stands at 6.3 inches (968 x 2376 resolution). That’s a 0.1-inch size up over the Z Fold 5 for the cover screen. Plus, both screens can now reach a substantially higher 2,600 nits of max brightness compared to the Z Fold 5’s 1,750 nits. Not as high as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 2,700 nits, though. 

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 8-inch inner display is one of the biggest seen on a foldable, which is an impressive feat. So far, its displays outshine the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but its size may be unwieldy for those who prefer a more compact phone. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Design

In essence, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6 are foldable versions of their mainstream counterparts, namely the Pixel 9 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra, respectively. Both sport a premium tablet foldable design, but it's fair to say the second-gen Pixel Fold has seen the biggest changes. 

Measuring 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm folded, 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm unfolded, and weighing 257 grams, it’s thinner and lighter than the previous iteration. It also looks more advanced, thanks to its double-stacked rear camera cutouts. Otherwise, it mimics the overall design aesthetic of a Pixel phone — camera visor included — but leaves more room for its displays to shine. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Credit: Mashable

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 takes the “if it ain’t broke” approach, as it only makes minor design changes to its familiar Z Fold series formula.

Coming in at 153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1 mm folded and 153.5 x 132.6 x 5.6 mm unfolded, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is shorter and narrower than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but it's thicker than the Google rival.

The Z Fold 6 is noticeably lighter, too, weighing 239grams — making it 18 grams lighter than its competitor. Its inner display may not be as big as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but its design is certainly more compact. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Credit: Mashable

For color options, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold simply comes in Obsidian and Porcelain, while the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a few more options, including Crafted Black, White, Pink, Navy, and Silver Shadow. 

It’s worth noting the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has an IPX8 rating, while the Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers an IP48 rating. This means both are water-resistant, but the Z Fold 6 comes with better dust resistance — a rare trait for foldables.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Performance

Performance in foldables is important — and they were made for multitasking and juggling several apps simultaneously. Despite Google and Samsung using different processors, it’s safe to say both the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6 can handle being under pressure, thanks to their chipsets. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Credit: Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with Google’s new Tensor G4 processor, which aims to give AI features a boost and better performance. This includes tools like Gemini with Split Screen, Chat with Gemini, and Gemini Nano for Pixel-exclusive AI features. 

On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 boasts a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip — and it brings the heat. Along with enhancing Galaxy AI features, it offers raw power. As the Galaxy S24 Ultra will attest, this processor is powerful, scoring 7,078 in our Geekbench 6 test.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Credit: Mashable

Google’s custom-made Tensor chips aren’t known for their power, but they do work well with AI features and image processing. Expect a similar experience with the Tensor G4, but if you’re after stronger performance, the Z Fold 6’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has that covered. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Battery life

Despite a difference in battery capacity, Google and Samsung’s last-gen foldables offered excellent battery life. With the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6, we can expect the all-day battery. 

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with a 4,560mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than the Pixel Fold’s 4,821mAh capacity. While it still needs to be tested, the upgraded Tensor G4 chip should deliver better power efficiency. At the very least, it should last a little over 24 hours, similar to the Pixel Fold. 

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 turns up with a smaller 4,400mAh battery capacity, but not by much. Either way, that’s the same as the Z Fold 5 — and that lasted around 28 hours in our tests. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Cameras

Camera specs are harder to judge on these foldables, as Google and Samsung’s image processing and AI features can transform an average photo into specific kinds of masterpieces. Still, a higher megapixel count can make for more detailed snaps. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Credit: Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts a triple rear camera array, with a 48MP wide camera, 10.5MP ultrawide camera with autofocus, and a 10.8MP telephoto camera. You can also expect a 10MP front camera and a 10MP Dual PD inner display camera. Needless to say, there are multiple ways to snap a shot. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Credit: Mashable

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6’s rear triple camera comes with a 50MP PD wide camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens. There’s also the 10MP selfie camera and 4MP under-display lens. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Software

These are both Android foldables, so the user experience on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6 isn’t too dissimilar. Still, Google uses "stock" Android, which makes it feel right at home on a Pixel, but Samsung’s One UI has had many years to perfect the foldable software experience. 

Either way, both run on Android 14 — and they come with seven years of OS and security updates. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: AI

It’s Gemini vs. Galaxy AI, even though Google’s main competitor is OpenAI’s ChatGPT. That’s not to say Galaxy AI doesn’t offer some strengths, like its live translations and instant time lapse effects on photos, but it can be a bit hit-or-miss on the Galaxy Z Fold 6. 

Gemini is one of the pioneers of artificial intelligence (formerly Google Bard), and it aims to shine on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The built-in AI assistant integrates with many of Google’s apps, including Calendar, Maps, Gmail, Photos, and more. There’s also Pixel Screenshots, an AI feature that uses Gemini Nano to help save, organize, and recall things you want to remember – like events and locations – just by speaking with it. 

It will be interesting to see how Gemini can be used, especially compared to Galaxy AI. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Which is best?

While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has a longer legacy, Google’s second take on the Pixel Fold introduces bold changes to tablet foldables. Namely, its significantly larger inner display, wider design, and thinner form factor. 

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold looks to impress, and for a slightly more affordable price, but the Galaxy Z Fold 6 seems to cater to those who enjoy a more compact design — one that can be used with one hand when folded. Of course, these are still premium foldables, so it comes down to brand allegiance, too. 

We’ll need more hands-on time with both foldable phones to see how they perform. In the meantime, the Made by Google 2024 event gave us a slew of new Pixel products worth checking out, including a new Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel Buds Pro 2, Pixel Watch 3, and more. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 $1,899.99 at Samsung
$2,019.99 Save $120.00 Shop Now Featured Video For You The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold tech and specs

Google just dropped its new Gemini Live feature today, but before it got announced, I got a chance to experience Google's new ChatGPT Voice Chat competitor for a short spell — and it's arguably the biggest threat to OpenAI's popular AI tool.

I wouldn't quite say that Gemini Live beats ChatGPT just yet. After all, I didn't get enough time with Gemini Live to say that for sure. However, from what I saw at a recent press briefing with Google, OpenAI should be shaking in its boots.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI has a '99% effective' ChatGPT-detection tool ready. So why aren't they releasing it? Gemini Live can now have continuous conversations

As a Gemini Advanced subscriber, the premium version of Google's AI chatbot, I couldn't quite have a continuous voice conversation like I could with ChatGPT — until Gemini Live came along.

You can access Gemini Live via the Gemini app (if you have the Advanced tier). Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

For example, with ChatGPT, listening mode can remain on as long as I'd like, allowing ChatGPT to converse with me without needing constant input, seamlessly responding to ongoing spoken interactions.

With Gemini Advanced, prior to Gemini Live, I couldn’t do the same. I’d have to tap the microphone button to get it to "listen." Once I said my peace, listening mode would end in just a few seconds before Gemini jumped in with a response. This interaction is similar to what you'd experience with Siri or Google Assistant. You invoke it; it listens; you speak; it responds; and the conversation stops — that's it. There was no uninterrupted conversation capability.

Gemini Live has a glowy new UI Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, with Gemini Live, I got to experience a new-and-improved Google AI chatbot. Similar to ChatGPT, I was able to choose a preferred voice from 10 options. I rejected voices like "Lyra," "Ursa," and "Capella" because they were too bubbly for my tastes. In the end, I opted for "Orbit." Why? Nothing more than I thought he sounded attractive. (What? I want my AI chatbot to sound hot.)

After selecting Orbit as my official Gemini Live voice, a Google rep hit the waveform icon at the bottom-right of the Gemini app (on one of the Pixel 9 phones that dropped today). Next, a glowy UI appeared, indicating that Gemini is listening and ready to have a conversation. Here's what was said to kick off the interaction: "I'm looking to become more of a morning person. What are some ways I can get started?"

"That's a great question!" Gemini said. "To start, try setting a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, even on weekends. It helps regulate your body clock. Also, try getting some bright light as soon as you wake up. It helps signal your body that it's time to be alert."

Gemini Live has contextual continuity

Gemini Live also appeared to have great context retention. In other words, the chatbot was capable of building upon the context of our conversation based on our previous interaction.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

For example, "And what about caffeine?" was the next question directed at the Google chatbot. Gemini continued the dialogue in a coherent manner, adding, "Caffeine can definitely help give you a morning boost, but if you're sensitive to it, try limiting your intakes earlier in the day. Also, remember caffeine's got a long half-life, so even a late afternoon coffee will keep you up at night."

In response to "And what about working out?", Gemini said, "Working out in the morning in the morning can make you feel more alert."

Gemini Live can be interrupted

On the current iteration of ChatGPT that's available to the general public, you can interrupt ChatGPT, but it'd require you to tap a button. On Gemini Live, we interrupted the Google AI chatbot with a question about sleep, sans tapping on any buttons, while it delved deeper into how exercising can aid with one's "morning person" goals.

You can start talking to interrupt Gemini Live. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It trailed on for a bit, but it suddenly stopped mid-sentence before adding, "To improve your sleep, try to have a consistent bedtime routine. Maybe read a book. Take a warm bath. Or do some light stretching."

Again, we didn't need to press anything to interrupt it.

Here are the Gemini Live transcripts that appeared after we had a conversation with it. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Similar to ChatGPT, you can find a transcript of your chat once you're done speaking to Gemini Live.

How to get Gemini Live

Gemini Live did a lot of catching up with ChatGPT. Gemini was behind when it came to voice capabilities, but this changes with Gemini Live, making it a true threat to OpenAI's chatbot tool.

Curious about how you can get Gemini Live? You must be a Gemini Advanced subscriber to get it. It officially drops on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

Have you ever tried taking photos of small children? Getting them to look at the camera can be a chore, to say the least. Google's new Pixel 9 Pro Fold phone may have the solution to this problem.

Launching with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a camera feature called "Made You Look." It's a simple little thing that takes about five seconds to understand when you see it in action, but it's admittedly something I've never seen on a smartphone before. If it works as intended, it could finally help net you some good pics of your kids to send to grandma.

Here's how "Made You Look" works.

SEE ALSO: 'Google is a monopolist’: Google loses huge antitrust case over search Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 'Made You Look' first impressions All the stars are here. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I should start by mentioning that this feature is exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. You cannot do it on the regular Pixel 9 phones or any other Pixel phones because it requires the unique form factor of a foldable (e.g., the external display).

With that out of the way, here's how it works. When you want to take a picture of a child, you can swipe over to "Made You Look" in the camera app and select from a group of four different cute little animations.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

After you make your selection, this animation actually gets displayed on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's outer display, meaning the subject of your photo can see it. One animation we saw in our demo involved a cute little cartoon fish swimming in the middle of the screen.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Google probably could have stopped there, but it went the extra mile. "Made You Look" uses AI to detect when someone is looking in the direction of the outer screen. When that happens, the animation changes, further drawing the subject's attention towards the screen. In the case of children, it's almost certain to make them smile. Our demo showed a bunch of cartoon characters suddenly flooding the screen.

Given that everyone present for the demo was an adult, it's hard to say exactly how well "Made You Look" will work for children. But at least Google is trying to find a solution to an age-old problem.

Featured Video For You The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold tech and specs

Google created a new weather app for the new Pixel phones, which includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

What's most fascinating about it is that Google has incorporated AI features into the Pixel Weather app, perhaps as a way to differentiate it from the competition.

I got to take a quick look at Pixel Weather at a pre-Made by Google event. Here's what I saw.

SEE ALSO: 'Google is a monopolist’: Google loses huge antitrust case over search Google Pixel Weather app: What does it do?

Put simply, it tells you the weather. In terms of basic features, Pixel Weather bears a resemblance to the default iPhone weather app. You can see both hourly and 10-day forecasts, look at a weather radar map for your area to track precipitation, and generally use it to get an idea of what you need to prepare for on any given day.

My time with Pixel Weather was limited to a very brief hands-on experience followed by a similarly brief hands-off demo. When I got to actually use the app, I couldn't detect any noteworthy shortcomings when compared to Apple's equivalent. The only thing I noticed was that the precipitation radar didn't animate quite as smoothly as it updated from hour-to-hour, but that's not something that would actually impact your life in any meaningful way.

Google Pixel Weather app: AI features

As for the artificial intelligence features packed into Pixel Weather, it seems pretty limited at the moment. The AI can write a brief summary of the day's weather with some advice on how to handle it – and that's about it.

It's a bit hard to see, but Pixel Weather's AI is telling us to wear sunscreen because it is hot. Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

To be more specific, the weather that day was 89 degrees with a "feels like" temperature of 93 degrees. Terrible. Anyway, when prompted to give an AI summary of the weather, Pixel Weather came up with the following:

"Hot one today, so wear sunscreen if you're heading out in the morning."

That's admittedly not very insightful and arguably not that helpful, unless you never think to wear sunscreen anywhere but the pool or beach. I didn't get a clear idea of whether the AI summaries will ever be longer or more detailed than that. I won't cast judgment on the feature yet based on a quick and obvious summary of a very hot day, but this is something to keep in mind.

Featured Video For You The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold tech and specs

Say hello to the new Pixel Watch 3.

At the annual Pixel event on Tuesday, Google announced its new addition to the Pixel Watch series, which is available in two sizes for the first time: 41mm and 45mm.

That's a lot more screen real estate than on the Pixel Watch 2, which was only available in 41mm — and not just because of the bigger variant. The 41mm version of the Pixel Watch 3 has smaller bezels, meaning it has a 10% larger display than its predecessor. If you opt for the 45mm variant, you'll get 40% more screen, which should make a pretty big difference in nearly all usage scenarios.

The 41mm variant has a 10% larger display than the Pixel Watch 2. Credit: Google

The display has been improved in other ways, too. The Pixel Watch 3 sports Google's Actua Display, which has up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness.

Despite these improvements, battery life hasn't taken a hit. It's still rated at 24 hours of normal use (on both variants). If you turn on Battery Saver mode, the Pixel Watch 3 will deliver as much as 36 hours of battery life.

A couple of new features are there to help you manage your workouts and rest better, including a new, more detailed running dashboard in the Fitbit app, as well as readiness and cardio load tracking, telling you how much time you need to recover before your next workout.

SEE ALSO: Google Lens is coming to your Chrome desktop browser

Another new feature is the Morning Brief, a summary of your key health and fitness metrics, including sleep data, progress towards your weekly exercise goal, weather info, and more.

Some key details remained the same compared to the Pixel Watch 2, though. The chip that powers the watch is still Qualcomm's SW5100. And the Pixel Watch 3 (both variants) still has 2GB of SDRAM and 32GB of storage memory.

Pixel Watch 3 (41mm) will start at $349.99 for Wi-Fi and $449.99 for LTE. Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) will start at $399.99 for Wi-Fi and $499.99 for LTE. Pre-orders start to today, but it will hit store shelves on Sept. 10.

We got a chance to try out the Pixel Watch 3 for a spell, so be sure to check out our hands-on review. You should also check out our Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch 3 face-off for a deeper understanding on the differences between the two.

Enhance your listening experience with a new speaker. Check out our picks for this week's best deals:

Best Speaker Deals Best Floor Speaker Deal Klipsch R-610F Floorstanding Speaker $168 at Amazon (Save $221) Get Deal Best Portable Speaker Deal JBL Flip 6 $99.95 at Amazon (Save $30) Get Deal Best Compact Portable Speaker Deal Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 $84.46 at Amazon (Save $15.53) Get Deal

You could enjoy your favorite albums with a great pair of headphones. But why keep all that goodness to yourself? A high-quality speaker can be transformative when it comes to how you listen to music. And contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend an entire paycheck on a speaker that sounds like, well, music to your ears.

Whether you're looking for a great speaker to take along with you for music on the go or you want a significant upgrade to your home setup, there are some excellent speaker deals this week that you can scoop up to level up your listening experience. That way you can stay bumpin' that in style.

Check out our top picks for the best speaker deals this week below.

Best floor speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Klipsch R-610F Floorstanding Speaker $168.00 at Amazon
$389.00 Save $221.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This booming 340-watt speaker is 37 inches tall, and comes with spun-copper woofers that can help enhance the bass from your favorite movies, TV shows, and music. Its Tractrix horn technology helps ensure that sound is aimed at you instead of bouncing off the walls as well. Plus, its aluminum tweeter helps to keep distortion down so your sound comes through crisp and clear. The speaker itself is tall and sleek, and fits in with just about any decor – and if you can get two of them, you can give your sound system a significant upgrade that also boasts a modern look that some other lower-priced speakers may not have. For a discount like this one, it's well worth snagging the deal while you can at Amazon right now.

Best portable speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon JBL Flip 6 $99.95 at Amazon
$129.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Want to take the party with you wherever you go? The JBL Flip 6 is a fantastic option that brings the bass (and probably plenty of stares). It's loud, super crisp, and projects volume well, so you can take it to a barbecue to provide the night's soundtrack or enjoy room-filling sound at home. It has 18 hours of battery life that can keep you partying on just a single charge, and it's rated IP67, so it can fall into water (like your pool) and still keep on ticking. Plus, if you get multiple speakers, you can link them together for more volume and immersion – though you likely will get the effect you're looking for with just one.

Best compact portable speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 $84.46 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $15.53 Get Deal Why we like it

No one wants to tote around a huge speaker if they don't have to. Luckily, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a delightfully compact option that can travel with you no matter where you go. It's small and petite, waterproof, and it can even float for up to 30 minutes should you need it to. But most importantly, it rocks some serious bass that you can feel. It's easy to set up and get going without too much muss and fuss, and its volume might just blow you away for a speaker of this size. Plus, you can pair it with multiple Wonderboom speakers if you choose, which will give it even more va-va-voom. Its clarity is unmatched for its form factor and size, and it's a fantastic deal at this price.

SAVE 43%: The Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones are on sale for just $198 at Amazon, discounted from the normal price of $349. That's $150 off and the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones $198.00 at Amazon
$348.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Unless you're lucky enough to live in a remote cabin in northern Sweden, you've probably noticed the world is a bit loud these days. Whether you live downtown with noise from traffic or your home has non-stop chaos, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a huge source of serenity. Sony consistently makes some of the best headphones, and you can currently snag a worthy model at a massive discount.

As of Aug. 13, the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones are on sale for just $198 at Amazon, down from the list price of $348. That's a 43% discount, or a savings of $150. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: We tested the best Bose headphones of 2024

While the Sony WH-1000XM4 aren't the newest model, they still come packed with high-quality sound features at a more affordable price point. PCMag, Mashable's sister publication also owned by Ziff Davis, reviewed the Sony WH-1000XM4 back in 2020 and mentioned they offer awesome sound quality with impressive noise cancellation.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 can get up to 30 hours of battery life before they'll need a recharge, and just 10 minutes of charging will give you another five hours of listening power. The noise-cancelling headphones also come with some cool advanced features like speak-to-chat, which automatically lowers the volume during conversations. They also automatically pause when you remove them, so you won't have to worry about rewinding your audiobook.

If you're heading into back-to-school season without a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones, today's deal is if your sign. Snag the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones for their lowest price ever of $198 and tune out any unwanted distractions.

Over 54 minutes of elevator music and then – complete silence.

That's what X users who tried to tune into Elon Musk's interview of Donald Trump were treated to on Monday night as X's live audio platform, Spaces, glitched out when hundreds of thousands of user accounts tried to listen in.

Musk blamed the issue on a denial-of-service attack (DDoS) attack. However, some X employees say that's not true.

Tweet may have been deleted X's Spaces failure

The interview between Musk and former president Donald Trump was heavily promoted in advance by both participants. 

Earlier this summer, Musk officially endorsed Trump in his reelection campaign for president. Trump has been struggling in the polls since President Joe Biden announced he wasn't running for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. To promote the interview, Trump returned to Musk's X before the Spaces chat and published a barrage of posts on the platform for the first time in nearly a year.

Trump's X account shared the Spaces chat around 15 minutes before its scheduled 8 p.m. ET start. While both Trump and Musk were in the Space, it took just over 54 minutes past the planned start time before the two started their conversation.

During that time, X users were reporting issues even entering the Space on X. Mashable viewed a few hundred thousand users in the Space around 8:30 p.m. When Mashable tried to enter the Space, we were abruptly pushed to a screen that said "This Space is not available." Other X users reported similar experiences and were unable to enter the Space to listen in. Those lucky enough to get inside were subject to elevator-esque waiting music, and then eventually, complete silence.

Tweet may have been deleted

When X's tech issues were finally resolved, Musk blamed a "massive DDoS attack" for the glitches.

"There appears to be a massive DDOS attack on 𝕏," Musk posted. "Working on shutting it down. Worst case, we will proceed with a smaller number of live listeners and post the conversation later."

However, aside from the glitches in the Trump and Musk Space, the rest of X seemed to be running as normal at the time. Further raising doubts about Musk's DDoS claim, some X employees told The Verge that what Musk said about an attack simply was not true.

"A source at the company confirmed to The Verge that there wasn’t actually a denial-of-service attack," the tech outlet reported. "Another X staffer said there was a '99 percent' chance Musk was lying about an attack."

X previously faced technical difficulties when Musk tried to host a Spaces stream last year with then-presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. The platform, then-known as Twitter, crashed in a similar fashion as hundreds of thousands of users attempted to enter the Space.

Musk's fake numbers and "Twitter" flub 

Once the Space chat was up and running at the 54 minute mark, the two had a typical right-wing political discussion talking about many of the topics that Musk posts about on social media and Trump brings up in his stump speeches.

Trump congratulated Musk for the tech issues, attributing them to "breaking every record" of viewership, citing inaccurate stats. Later on in the interview, Trump appeared to be looking at the views on his post that shared the Space, which was at around 60 million views at the time. Post views on X function more like impressions, tracking each instance a post appears in front of a user, whether they actively clicked on it — or it just appeared on their feed as they scrolled.

The live audio Space itself between Trump and Musk peaked at around 1.4 million concurrent viewers.

Musk has leaned into Trump's inaccurate viewership references though.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Combined views of the conversation with @realDonaldTrump and subsequent discussion by other accounts now ~1 billion," Musk said on X, calculating the total of all post views or impressions about the Space chat.

As of publishing time, the X Space between Trump and Musk has roughly 24 million views, which includes the live viewership numbers as well as replays. The post itself, however, claims 183 million views or impressions.

Interestingly, when talking about the platform that he acquired and rebranded as X, Musk referred to it as "Twitter" numerous times during his conversation with Trump. He also called "posts" by their no longer official name, "tweets."

As for Trump, his @realDonaldTrump account pinned the Space to the top of his X profile. Trump's account hasn't posted to X since. 

As of Tuesday, Trump is back on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump shared links to his conversation with Musk on Truth Social – but he didn't share a link to X. Instead, he pointed Truth Social users to recordings of it on YouTube and the right-wing video platform Rumble.

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones $198 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL Amazon 55-inch Omni QLED Fire TV $449.99 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal BEST OUTDOOR DEAL Coleman Carlsbad Dark Room 6-person camping tent $167.30 at Amazon (save $182.69) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Samsung Galaxy A9+ (64GB) $169.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

We had to do a little more digging today than usual, but we still managed to find some deals at Amazon worth your hard-earned cash — and from top brands like Samsung and Sony, too. There's no saying for sure how long these discounts will stick around, so be sure to add them to your cart if they tickle your fancy.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Aug. 13. Be sure to check out our picks from Aug. 12 as well; some of those discounts are still live.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones $198.00 at Amazon
$348.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphoness truly knock it out of the park, earning a nearly perfect score upon testing. However, they're really only a slight upgrade over the previous generation, the WH-1000XM4s, and will run you nearly $150 more. The WH-1000XM4 headphones earned the Best of the Year badge of honor in 2020, as well as an Editor's Choice award from our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis). They credit the top-notch noise cancellation and audiophile-friendly sound quality for their 4.5-star rating. They're usually $348, but as of Aug. 13, you can pick up these fantastic headphones for only $198 — that's a new record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch Omni QLED Fire TV $449.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

If you've had your eye on Samsung's The Frame TV, but can't swing the price, Amazon's Omni QLED Fire TV is a solid dupe. It offers an "Ambient Experience" mode that pulls up artwork, photos from your personal collection, or a selection of handy Alexa widgets. Plus, the QLED display offers local dimming, adaptive brightness, and support for Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive. It's easily the best-looking Fire TV with more lifelike color, bolder contrast, and better clarity. The 55-inch model typically goes for $599.99, but you can snag it on sale for only $449.99 as of Aug. 13. While it may not be a record-low, it's still 25% in savings and currently cheaper than the 50-inch model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Carlsbad Dark Room 6-person camping tent $167.30 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $182.69 Get Deal

Got a camping trip coming up? Upgrade your sleeping setup with this Coleman Calrsbad Dark Room six-person camping tent. It's quick and easy to setup, can fit two queen-size air mattresses, and features dark room technology that reduces heat and blocks out 90 percent of sunlight for more comfortable rest. It's typically $349.99, but you can save 52% and snag it on sale for only $167.30. That's currently cheaper than the four-person option.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB) $169.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

While it may not be as fancy or impressive as the Galaxy Tab S9 lineup, the A9+ is still a reliable tablet that can handle basic tasks proficiently without breaking the bank. Not everyone needs a tablet that competes with their computer. Our sibling site PCMag called it the "best low-cost Android tablet you can buy," noting that it checks off all the boxes a low-cost tablet should. The A9+ features an 11-inch screen, quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and expandable storage up to 1TB. The 64GB option is already priced at an affordable $219.99, but you can get it for only $169.99 as of Aug. 13. That's just $10 shy of its lowest price on record.

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

Our top picks: Best smart entertainment deal Roku Streaming Stick 4K $34 at Amazon (save $15.99) Get Deal Best smart vacuum deal iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ $999 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal Best smart air purifier deal Levoit Vital 200S-P air purifier $159.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal

Not all technology is beneficial for everyone. For example, you might not need a one-wheel electric scooter or you might think the advent of glasses with built-in speakers will never be your jam, and that's all good. But smart home technology in particular can be helpful for most people.

SEE ALSO: Move over Roomba! An Apple smart home robot is reportedly in the works

Smart home tech covers everything from a doorbell that links to your phone so you can see when your Amazon package has arrived to a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temp once you've left for the day. Not only can smart home tech make your life easier, it can help save energy and save you money on monthly utility bills.

If you're in the market for some smart home upgrades, we're seeing some great deals this week. Here are some of our favorites for the week of August 13:

Best smart home entertainment deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Our pick: Roku Streaming Stick 4K $34.00 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If you stream shows or movies to your home's TV, you'll want a Bluetooth streaming stick. These small devices give you a dashboard to navigate to your favorite streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and MAX. Thanks today's deal at Amazon, you can snag the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for just $34, marked down from the normal price of $49.99. That's a 32% discount.

Mashable shopping reporter Samantha Mangino put the Roku Streaming Stick 4K in a head-to-head battle with the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Her review of the two found the Roku Streaming Stick 4K to be significantly better in performance speed and user-friendly controls. "For me, Roku is very clearly the winner. Between its ease of use, quick navigation, and brilliant streaming, it's a no-brainer," wrote Mangino.

Best smart home vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Our pick: iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ $999.00 at Amazon
$1,399.00 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Some of the most beneficial smart home advancements have come in the category of robot vacuums. Thanks to today's deal, you can save $400 on our favorite Roomba model, the Roomba Combo j9+, spending $999 instead of the usual price of $1,399. While it's not an inexpensive robot vacuum by any means, it's an impressive robot that not only vacuums your floors but mops them too.

Mashable senior shopping reporter Leah Stodart is an expert on robot vacuums an found this model to the very best Roomba in 2024 and one of the only negatives she mentions is the high price, which is significantly discounted at Amazon this week.

In addition to the impressive performance both in vacuuming and mopping, the Roomba Combo j9+ is a dream when it comes to smart home tech since you can set it to clean on a specific schedule and forget about it for up to 30 days. Its charging dock also serves as a self-empty station that shouldn't need attention much more than once per month.

Best smart home air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Levoit Our pick: Levoit Vital 200S-P air purifier $159.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Summer is nearing its end which unfortunately means that smoke season could appear any day. To protect your health and the health of your family and pets, today is probably the best day to snag an air purifier — before the air quality drops and local stores sell out.

The Levoit Vital 200S-P air purifier is on sale today at Amazon for just $159.99, down from the usual price of $189.99. That's a $30 savings that'll leave you breathing easy should air quality drop. But an air purifier can also be great if you deal with seasonal allergies or have pets.

The Levoit Vital is designed to work in larger rooms (up to 1,800 square feet) with HEPA filtration. But to help extend the life of the filter, there's a washable pre-filter on the Levoit that can capture pet hair and dust.

Set schedules for the air purifier through the free app where you can also control settings and check the filter life.

More smart home deals to shop:

• TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulbs (4-pack) — $21.99 $25.99 (save $4)

• Govee Smart Plug (4-pack) — $22.90 $26.99 (save $4.09)

• Kasa Smart Light Switch (3-pack) — $33.99 $44.99 (save $11)

• Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb — $39.99 $59.98 (save $19.99)

• Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Sengled Smart Color Bulb — $49.99 $69.98 (save $19.99)

• Echo Spot with Sengled LED Smart Light Bulb — $79.99 $99.98 (save $19.99)

• eufy Smart Lock C33 — $99.99 $159.99 (save $60)

• Echo Show 8 with Sengled Smart Color Bulb — $149.99 $169.98 (save $19.99)

Google's Circle to Search feature might reportedly be able to identify songs just like Shazam.

Android Authority dug around in the code through an APK teardown of the latest Google beta app and discovered an "Audio search" function. While exploring the feature, the outlet found that Circle to Search can be used to identify a song that's playing, or even humming and ambient noise.

Circle to Search is a tool that launched with the Google Pixel 8 series and Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup last year. By drawing a squiggle or a circle around an image, Android users can look up an object like an article of clothing or a restaurant menu and search for it in the same window. It's a useful feature for quickly identifying something you love and want to buy or easily translating text within an image.

In the video demo of the feature, by invoking Circle to Search, Android Authority found a musical note icon. When tapping the icon, an overlay popped up that shows "listening" function and then performs a Google search. Mashable has reached out to Google for confirmation and will update this story with a response.

SEE ALSO: What to expect at Made by Google 2024: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL and more

So when will this feature become available? The Made by Google event is today at 1 p.m. ET. While today's event will mostly focus on hardware like the debut of the Pixel 9 series, the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2, we can also expect a few new software features as well. If not today, the Google Android 15 launch is expected in the next months, so we might hear something about Circle to Search's audio function then.

People in treatment for major depression now have another recovery option to try.

Rejoyn, the first-ever app cleared by the Food and Drug Administration to help treat depression, officially launched to the public on Tuesday.

Rejoyn isn't a form of digital talk therapy or an expansive library of exercises in cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of treatment that helps people reframe negative thoughts and beliefs.

Instead, the app's parent company, Otsuka Precision Health, likens Rejoyn to physical therapy for the brain. The app offers a six-week program that challenges patients to recognize and remember four specific emotions, like happiness and disgust, they see on a series of photos of faces, then determine whether they match the emotion on the face in front of them.

SEE ALSO: Your mental health coach is ready to text you now

Formally known as the emotional faces memory task (EMFT), the activity is thought to help patients strengthen neural connections between the brain's prefrontal cortex, which manages executive functioning, and the amygdala, which processes emotions.

As users improve their face-matching ability, they move onto more difficult face-matching scenarios.

Rejoyn appears to work by strengthening neural connections in the brain. Credit: Otsuka Pharmaceutical

"EMFT is designed to really enhance circuits that have been shown to be not optimally functioning in depression," Dr. John Kraus, Otsuka Pharmaceutical's chief medical officer, told Mashable. Rejoyn also includes brief lessons in cognitive behavioral therapy.

Though Rejoyn is now available in the App Store and Google Play, only patients with diagnosed major depression who are currently on antidepressant medication are eligible for a prescription for the app. Patients must also be at least 22 years old.

Rejoyn is considered low risk by the FDA. Kraus said that the company didn't detect any adverse events during its clinical trial, but like with any treatment for depression, patients should consult their health care provider if their symptoms don't improve, or if they experience suicidal feelings or behavior.

Rejoyn was tested against another memory task involving shapes instead of faces. Those who matched faces saw improvement in their depression symptoms compared to those who worked with shapes. Rejoyn, however, has not been tested against proven computer-based treatments for depression, like cognitive behavioral therapy, which are often free.

Initially, Rejoyn will cost $50 for individual patients paying cash. For insurers, the price is $200. Otsuka Precision Health expects insurance carriers to eventually add coverage for the app. Patients can receive a prescription from their healthcare provider.

They can also request a virtual consult through the telehealth provider group Wheel Health, Inc., via Rejoyn's website. The consult, which costs $29, will assess whether Rejoyn is appropriate the patient. Upon receiving a prescription, they receive a unique code to access the app's treatment program.

When the six-week treatment period ends, patients can access the cognitive behavioral therapy lessons for another four weeks. After that point, they're no longer able to use the app. Kraus said patients could potentially receive a new prescription in the future, if recommended by their health care provider.

While Rejoyn doesn't emphasize achievement, it does require consistent and sustained attention. Each matching task takes 20 to 30 minutes. Users can pause their progress if they need to momentarily step away, but the session will reset after 15 minutes.

Given the cost and timeframe, patients may want to consider whether the app is best-suited for their needs, compared to other apps or treatment options, said Dr. John Torous, a psychiatrist and director of the digital psychiatry division at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

He noted that most people stop engaging with mental health apps within weeks of starting to use them, so patients may benefit more when they choose an app they believe they'll stick with from the outset.

Torous said patients are most likely to experience progress when they're using an app as part of their ongoing treatment with a mental health provider.

"Pure self-help is hard, but at least having your clinician check in...[and] keeping you accountable is going to be very important for making it work," Torous said.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

Problems in the livestream renewed questions about X’s ability to handle big events, but it also showed how the platform can still grab attention.

Netflix keeps making Squid Game a reality.

SEE ALSO: 'Squid Game' Season 2 release date announced as Netflix renews series for a final season

First, the streaming giant produced Squid Game: The Challenge, a competition show that eerily recreated some of Squid Game's greatest hits, from Red Light Green Light to glass bridge hopscotch. Then, in Dec. of 2023, Netflix opened Squid Game: The Trials in Los Angeles. The Trials invited fans into an immersive, Squid Game-themed experience that tested their luck and skill in the show's deadly children's games. Now, Netflix is bringing that experience — renamed Squid Game: The Experience — to New York City.

Opening on Oct. 11 at the Manhattan Mall, Squid Game: The Experience lets players compete — as individuals, or in groups of up to 24 — for Squid Game glory. An Aug. 13 press release from Netflix teases that while some of the experience's games are inspired by the original show, some are brand-new. (Red Light Green Light will definitely be involved, though, as the press release points out terrifying murder doll Young-hee will be in attendance.)

Once the games portion of the experience is done, participants can enjoy Korean food and drinks at the Night Market, or check out the Squid Mart for exclusive merchandise.

Tickets for Squid Game: The Experience start at $39, with general sales beginning Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. ET. However, if you don't want to wait that long, you can join the waitlist now for the chance to purchase tickets before anyone else.

Squid Game Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Season 2 premieres Dec. 26.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 13 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 13

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Look it up!

These words a very resourceful.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are related to reference books.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Reference.

NYT Strands word list for August 13

• Dictionary

• Thesaurus

• Reference

• Almanac

• Handbook

• Atlas

Looking for other daily online games? Find one you might like – or hints for another game you're already playing – on Mashable's Games page.

Seth Meyers has recapped everything that's happened in the last three weeks, from Biden stepping down to Kamala Harris overtaking Trump in the polls.

Jon Stewart has broken down how Trump is reusing old Biden attacks on Kamala Harris during his "Daily Show" monologue.

TikTok has finally added a group chat feature so you can send all those cucumber recipe videos to the group rather than just one person.

Announced by the company on Monday, the tool lets you add up to 32 people (including you) in one very demure, very mindful conversation. You can add friends or followers to a group chat, or friends can add you, but you can only invite mutual followed friends to the chat. If your TikTok settings ensure you don't get DMs, invites to group chats won't appear.

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To start a group chat, all you have to do is open your inbox on TikTok, press the + button to create a new chat, select which friends you want to add, then hit "Select group chat." As with most other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal, and Instagram, you can change the name of the chat and add members.

You can also start a group chat by directly sharing a video — TikTok now shows a "Create group chat with friends" option when you select multiple people to share to.

TikTok said it has limited the number of groups someone can create and how many times messages can be forwarded. Muting and blocking tools have been brought over to the group chats, as well as the option to report harassment and abusive or hateful behaviour.

The group chat feature is not available for people under 15 (the minimum age to use TikTok is 13), and teens aged 16 to 17 have access restrictions. According to to TikTok: "If a teen is sent a link to join a group conversation, they will not be able to join unless the group includes at least one mutual friend. If they are eligible to join, they will be required to make a proactive decision to join. When a teen creates a group conversation, by default we will require them to review and approve new joiners."

In the same blog post, TikTok announced the addition of stickers in DMs, so you can plague your group chat with them.

It's the latest in a bunch of features TikTok has added of late, including the TikTok Spotlight entertainment tool, more in-FYP ticketing, and AI-generated digital avatars. That's all when the company isn't fighting U.S. legal battles from every angle.