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Google may have lost the antitrust case that deemed it a monopolist, but the search engine giant continues to dominate the market with Google Search. According to Impression Digital, Google's share of the global search market is 83% compared to Microsoft Bing's 9.19%.
The aforementioned antitrust ruling, however, outlined in a 286-page document written by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, appears to convey that Apple shares the same sentiment as the average user: Google Search is the preferred tool for information discovery.
In addition to Mehta's landmark conclusion that Google is a monopolist due to its massive scale, high capital costs, control of key distribution channels, and more, we got some insight into why Apple denied Microsoft's pitch to install Bing as the default generative search experience (GSE) on Safari.
5 reasons why Apple denied Bing for SafariThe partnership between Apple and Google to use Google Search as Safari's default search engine dates back to 2002. At the time, however, the agreement was non-exclusive. In other words, Apple could feature other search engines without breaching its contract with Google. In 2007, Google inked a deal to solidify default exclusivity on Safari.
As of this writing, Safari still uses Google. Google pays Apple a lot of money to maintain its presence on Safari. (According to Bloomberg, Google paid Apple $20 billion in 2022.)
Interestingly, and some would say humorously, Microsoft wouldn't be able to do the same with Bing. The Redmond-based tech giant made numerous attempts to make Bing the default for Safari, but according to the antitrust ruling, Apple's SVP of Services Eddy Cue said that there's no price that Microsoft could ever offer to Apple to preload Bing within Safari.
Here are five reasons why Apple denied Bing for Safari:
1. Bing's 'inferior' search qualityCue said that Bing is "inferior" compared to Google Search. In 2021, Apple conducted a study that measured the relevance of search results on Google and Bing. While Bing outperformed Google Search when it comes to the desktop user interface, Apple's investigation found that Google had the edge over Bing on all other benchmarks.
2. Bing's 'horrible' ad monetizationAlthough Microsoft proposed sharing 100% of Bing's revenue with Apple to secure the default position on Safari, Cue was still concerned that Bing would not be able to deliver enough revenue because it was "horrible" at monetizing advertising.
3. Google deal is too goodIn order to get into a partnership with Microsoft, Apple would need to drop its deal with Google. In an email to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Cue said that Apple would "jeopardize its revenue" if it stopped partnering with Google.
Interestingly, Google analyzed how much Microsoft would need to offer Apple to "outbid" Google's current offerings. As it turns out, the Redmond-based tech giant would have to pay Apple "122% of Bing's revenue share" just to equal Google's 33.7% revenue share.
4. Google has better brand recognitionThe antitrust ruling claims that Google has excellent brand recognition, giving Apple an incentive to keep Google as Safari's default GSE.
"It's a great product for our customers, and we wanted our customers to know that they're getting the Google search engine," Cue said. It's a symbiotic relationship, according to Cue, because Google benefits from Apple telling the world that "Google is the best search engine." After all, Apple is arguably one of the most trusted brands, and by extension, users expect that Apple would partner with a company that delivers great service, too.
That being said, partnering with Microsoft Bing, which has a low market share, may not be as well received by Apple users.
5. Google knows its stuffCue claimed that Google knows how to advertise and it can monetize very well. Apple's SVP of Services maintained that the Cupertino-based tech giant would only get out of a partnership with Google if Apple viewed it as an entity it no longer wanted to do business with. "It [was a] no brainer to stay with Google as it is as close to a sure thing as can be," Cue said.
Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, is once again planning a controversial design change to the platform.
X is currently testing the removal of like, comment, and repost buttons, along with their counts, from replies to posts. The view count would be removed from reply posts as well.
Tweet may have been deletedThis change to X has not yet been released, but was discovered in code of the most recent X app, X for iOS v10.53, by X user @aaronp613. New features and platform changes discovered this way don't always go live and sometimes remain unreleased. However, this does shows that the company is seriously considering the move and officially testing out the removal of these buttons and counts.
The removal of these features would only affect how replies look while viewing the original post. If a user clicked on a reply, the post page for that reply would reveal the like, comment, and report buttons and views.
Unpopular changes to XRemoving interaction counts from replies would undoubtedly change the culture of X by affecting the social media meme known as the "ratio." When a user publishes a controversial or unpopular post on X, the reply posts from users who comment in the replies often receive more reposts and likes than the original post. This is known as a "ratio."
Musk is no stranger to making major cultural changes to X. Of course, the most obvious example is the complete rebranding of Twitter to X and the removal of the vernacular "tweet" to refer to posts.
Most recently, Musk's X made all users' likes private, a move that the company admitted was made in order to protect users who like controversial posts.
However, there have also been instances where X has backtracked on unpopular changes. Last year, X removed link headlines from posts because Musk did not like the way it looked. The contextless link previews caused trouble on the platform and X soon-after reverted back to displaying headlines.
Last month, another similar X test was discovered in the code of the X for iOS app that removed like, comment, and reply buttons from the main original post when viewed in the feed. This change required that users swipe left or right to interact with a post. As of publishing, X has yet to make this feature live.
A changing of the guard is underway as more OpenAI leaders leave the company.
On Monday, co-founder and ChatGPT lead John Schulman announced that he was leaving OpenAI for rival AI company Anthropic.
Tweet may have been deletedHours later, co-founder and president Greg Brockman shared that he was taking a sabbatical until the end of the year. According to The Information, VP of product Peter Deng has also left OpenAI.
Tweet may have been deletedThe alleged staffing triple-whammy comes not long after other high-profile departures from OpenAI due to reported disagreements over the company's mission and approach to safety. OpenAI's chief scientist Ilya Sutskever resigned in May, and days later, safety leader Jan Leike who worked under Sutskever quit, after publicly criticizing OpenAI on X, saying "safety culture and processes have taken a backseat to shiny products."
Tweet may have been deletedPublicly, Sutskever said his decision to leave OpenAI is to focus "on a project that is very personally meaningful." But the internet immediately began speculating about whether his departure was triggered by the attempted ouster of CEO Sam Altman, which was allegedly led by Sutskever who reportedly disagreed with Altman's prioritization of profit over safety.
Tweet may have been deletedSchulman has taken a similar public stance by explaining his decision to leave OpenAI as a matter of personal growth. "I've decided to pursue this goal at Anthropic, where I believe I can gain new perspectives and do research alongside people deeply engaged with the topics I'm most interested in," said Schulman. "To be clear, I'm not leaving due to lack of support for alignment research at OpenAI... my decision is a personal one, based on how I want to focus my efforts in the next phase of my career."
SEE ALSO: The AI bubble has burst. Here's how we know.Brockman's only explanation for his decision to take leave was, "first time to relax since co-founding OpenAI 9 years ago."
Of course this could all be as straightforward as OpenAI leadership moving on and taking time off after many years of achievements and hard work now that the company has entered a new chapter of its existence. However, the timing of the departures can't be ignored. First, there's Altman's behavior: the former OpenAI board fired Altman for "outright lying," and then there was the whole Scarlett Johansson debacle.
Plus, ChatGPT has massive operating costs. Rival companies are catching up, with some of those companies like Meta offering free open-source models, and there's no news of GPT-5. Combine those issues with a really bad day for tech stocks on Wall Street and Goldman Sachs' bearish take on generative AI, and it starts to look like those who left OpenAI saw the writing on the wall — and the writing said the AI bubble has burst.
Tweet may have been deletedThat said, there's still lots to expect from the OpenAI pipeline. The company's search engine prototype SearchGPT is coming soon, and its AI video generator Sora awaits its public debut. So, a splashy launch could reignite interest and market demand, even without OpenAI's old guard. We'll just have to wait and see.
Mashable has reached out to OpenAI about the significance of its staffing changes, and will update if we hear back.
Ti West and Mia Goth are at it again with the final entry in the X trilogy: MaXXXine. This time around, ambitious porn starlet Maxine Minx (Goth) pursues stardom in '80s Hollywood. Star-studded like the first film, the third installment also stars Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Lily Collins, Halsey, Giancarlo Esposito, and Kevin Bacon.
While it just hit theaters in early July, it's already available to watch at home. We're unsure of when it will make its actual streaming debut, but you can purchase or rent the film on digital as of Aug. 2. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch MaXXXine from the comfort of your couch.
What is MaXXXine about?As the lone survivor of the first film, X, Maxine Minx finally gets her big break as a Hollywood actress six years later. But with the notorious (and real) serial killer, the Night Stalker, targeting rising stars, her brush with death is still looming. And her bloody past could come back to haunt her.
"There's a horrid determination in Maxine, who will not be slowed down by the bodies stacking up on the morgue, her grief, or the slaughterhouse secrets she ran from in Texas. To her, Los Angeles is a place of heat and promise. West paints his setting accordingly, framing Maxine as a goddess, tall and untouchable among the squalid backdrops and the blaring evening news reports of the (real) serial killer known as the Night Stalker," Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko writes in her review.
Take a sneak peek at MaXXXine in the decked out '80s slasher trailer:
Is MaXXXine worth watching?Originally hitting theaters in early July, MaXXXine continues to dominate the box office a month later, surpassing the first two films in the trilogy with a $19.8 million global haul. On Rotten Tomatoes, Ti West's third and final horror installment in the trilogy has a 72 percent critic rating and 78 percent audience rating, which is not too shabby. Compared to its predecessors X and Pearl, though, it falls just a little short.
As Mashable's reviewer put it, "Vibrant in sleaze, satire, and shocking violence, MaXXXine was on the brink of being the best West and Goth have made yet. But a bungled ending leaves a sour taste."
Read our full review of MaXXXine.
How to watch MaXXXine at home Credit: A24Just a month after MaXXXine made its theatrical debut, it became available to watch at home via video-on-demand sites like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (Vudu). You can either purchase the film for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days. Just remember that once you start watching a rental, you'll only have 48 hours to finish it before losing access. If you'd rather stream MaXXXine instead, scroll to learn more.
As of Aug. 2, you can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:
Prime Video — buy for $23.49, rent for $18.49 for Prime members
Apple TV — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
YouTube — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Google Play — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
There's no official streaming date yet for MaXXXine, but as an A24 film, we know it will eventually make its streaming debut on Max (how fitting). Max is the streaming home of new A24 theatrical releases, so the Ti West and Mia Goth film will join other recent flicks like Love Lies Bleeding, The Iron Claw, and Problemista on the service.
If you want to be prepared, you can sign up for a Max subscription ahead of time. Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are some ways you can save money on your plan. Check out the best Max streaming deals below.
Best Max streaming deal for most people: Save 16% on Max with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Watch NowIf ads don't bug you, Max subscriptions start at just $9.99 per month. You can easily sign up for a single month of service once MaXXXine is released, then cancel before you're charged for another. Alternatively, you could stick around for the long haul and save some money. An annual plan with ads will run you $99.99 per year, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month. That's 16% in savings compared to the monthly plan. The only downside is that you have to splurge on a full year upfront.
Best Max deal with no ads: Save 16% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (No Ads) annual subscription $169.99 per year (save 16%) Watch NowCan't stand ads interrupting your movie? There are two ad-free tiers to choose from: Max Ad-Free and Max Ultimate Ad-Free. The basic Max Ad-Free tier will run you $16.99 per month, while Max Ultimate goes for $20.99 per month. We recommend choosing a yearly plan instead, however, as you'll save 16%. It'll only cost you $169.99 per year (about $14.17 per month) for Max Ad-Free or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month) for Max Ultimate.
Note: Both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, but the Ultimate tier takes things a step further with 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.
Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Watch NowIf you're a Cricket customer on the $60 per month unlimited plan, you can sign up for Max with ads for free. That's a $99.99 per year value for zero dollars. Just do yourself a favor and head over to the Max app (or navigate to Max.com), choose Cricket as your provider, and enter your credentials to login. Then you're free to watch whatever you want, whenever you want — including MaXXXine once it's released. Check out the terms and conditions on Cricket's website to learn more. If you're wanting to watch MaXXXine for free, this is your only option.
Best Max deal for students: Save 50% on Max with ads monthly for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get DealCollege students can now score 50% off an ad-supported monthly subscription to Max for 12 months. That drops the price down to just $4.99 per month. You'll just have to verify your student status with UNiDAYS, which will give you a unique discount code, then head back over to Max and redeem your code to stream for half price.
Best bundle deal: Get Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / Max Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get DealIt may not be your cheapest option for watching MaXXXine, but you can get the most bang for your buck in the long run with this new bundle deal — especially if you already subscribe to Hulu or Disney+. The new bundle offers access to Max, Hulu, and Disney+ with ads for only $16.99 (reg. $25.97) per month or ad-free for $29.99 (reg. $48.97) per month, which is up to 38% in savings.
Someone on Reddit found some of the safety guardrails Apple has put in place to keep Apple Intelligence from straying too far off course.
Reddit user devanxd2000 posted some of the underlying code behind Apple Intelligence, Apple's upcoming suite of AI features that will be available on devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 16. Interestingly, much of the code contains written clauses that act as instructions for the AI, and humorously, they're written almost in the form of digital pep talks.
"You are an expert at summarizing messages," one instruction reads. "You prefer to use clauses instead of complete sentences. Do not answer any questions from the messages. Please keep your summary of the input within a 10 word limit."
SEE ALSO: I tested Apple Intelligence on my iPhone 15 Pro Max: 3 ways it spoiled me rottenPerhaps the most fascinating one is a set of instructions for AI that helps users respond to email messages:
"Do not hallucinate," the instructions read. "Do not make up factual information."
On one hand, the AI skeptical among us may be happy to hear that Apple is thinking about these things ahead of Apple Intelligence's launch. On the other hand, one could argue that it's a problem if AI needs to be explicitly told not to make things up. Regardless, it's interesting to see how the sausage is made with new and evolving technology.
SAVE $12: As of August 6, get a digital copy of Nintendo Switch Sports for $27.99 at Best Buy. That's the lowest price we've seen so far.
Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Nintendo Switch Sports (Digital) $27.99 at Best BuyLooking for something a little different to add to your Nintendo Switch library? There have been plenty of Switch game sales lately, but maybe you want something else. Try something that puts your Joy-Con controllers to good use. If you've already finished both 1-2-Switch games and other titles like Fitness Boxing, you might want to move on to Nintendo Switch Sports, a fun little adventure that tends to be overlooked on the console/handheld hybrid. You can snag a digital copy today at Best Buy and get in on some seriously fun sports solo or with some friends.
As of August 6, you can get the digital version of Nintendo Switch Sports for just $27.99, the lowest price we've seen. That's $12 off its normal price of $39.99, and you'll have your code delivered to the email address registered to your account or the one you enter upon purchase. From there, just enter your code on the Nintendo Switch eShop and you'll be able to download your copy.
There are plenty of different sports to jump into with this motion-controlled game, including golf, soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and chambara (swordplay). You'll swing your Joy-Con like a racket, toss a bowling ball with your controller, and even use the Leg Strap accessory (sold separately) to pretend you're kicking a soccer ball. You can play with friends and family online or on the same system with multiple controllers, and the better you do, the more rewards you'll get.
If you were around for the Wii Sports era, this is the next best thing. Now it's here for the Switch, so you get more precise motion controls and expanded play. If that sounds like fun to you (and you've been missing Nintendo bowling), this is a deal you won't want to pass up.
The office software market has been widened a little further with the official release of Zoom's AI-powered word processor, Zoom Docs.
SEE ALSO: Reddit wants Microsoft to pay up if its search engine wants to crawl the platform If your company uses Zoom, expect to use it soonFully unveiled in March of this year, Zoom Docs is powered by the company's Zoom AI Companion, allowing users — specifically, businesses — to work more collaboratively within Zoom's video conference ecosystem. Thus, with the AI Companion at its heart, Zoom Docs can do things like generate meeting summaries or create reports or action lists.
Participants can create, share, and co-edit documents in real time without leaving the meeting window during meetings. This feature extends to mobile attendees, who can view and collaborate on documents without needing to sign in. Additionally, users can generate editable and shareable documents that include customizable meeting information, simplifying the dissemination of relevant details.
Additionally, permission sharing is streamlined with bulk settings — allowing temporary access for meeting attendees to collaborate during sessions.
The best part, as mentioned above, is that since Zoom Docs exist within the company's Workplace ecosystem, documents can be shared seamlessly across Zoom Team Chat, Zoom Mail, or directly in Zoom Meetings, for a more fluid experience.
At the time of this writing, Zoom Docs is available right now and is included with all paid Zoom Workplace plans.
SAVE $90: The TheraGun Prime massage gun is on sale for $209 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $299. That's a 30% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Therabody TheraGun Prime massage gun $209.00 at AmazonGetting a deep-tissue massage can be an excellent investment in your physical health and overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, they can be pricey and hard to fit into your already busy schedule. Instead of waiting weeks to get in with a massage therapist, get muscle relief at home with a massage gun. Thanks to a sale at Amazon today, you can grab a top-of-the-line model at a great discount.
As of August 6, the TheraGun Prime is on sale for $209 at Amazon, down from the list price of $299. That's a 30% discount or a savings of $90.
Life can be hard on our muscles for so many reasons. Maybe you've been inspired by the Olympics to take up field hockey and have sore quads, or you pick up a toddler 107 times per day and deal with shoulder pain. In either case, a massage gun can help soothe sore muscles.
The TheraGun Prime offers deep-tissue muscle treatment, helping with discomfort and tightness thanks to percussive massage therapy. The five built-in speeds help you select which feels best, while the four included attachments offer precise muscle targeting. The Thumb attachment is designed for lower back pain, while the Cone can be ideal for feet and hands.
SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Ring will track your sleep and 'vitality' levelsThis deal also includes a USB-C charging cable and a travel pouch, so you'll have easy storage. You can also connect to the Therabody app on your smartphone to get individualized guidance for treating certain conditions like arthritis, sciatica, and plantar fasciitis. You'll also be able to see the TheraGun Prime's current settings in the app.
If you're in need of some pampering in the form of massage, check out today's sale on the TheraGun Prime massage gun. You could be in for a world of relief.
Save 23%: The 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip is a phenomenal laptop, and it's dipped down to its lowest price ever, at $894.98, knocking $249.02 off the price for 23% savings.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M3) $849.98 at AmazonWhile there are no big shopping events this week, it feels like there may as well be with how good these deals are. This week, Apple AirPods Max are down to $399.99, just $5 more than their lowest price ever, and now the MacBook Air with M3 chip has hit its lowest price ever at $849.98.
The MacBook Air with M3 chip is currently our favorite MacBook. Mashable's Tech Editor, Kimberly Gedeon, found that the latest M3 MacBook Air performed 15% faster in our Blender test and 20% faster in our Geekbench 6 test than the previous MacBook Air with M2 chip. While we usually recommend the MacBook Pro for creators, these tests signal that the M3 MacBook Air is a worthy alternative.
Ahead of back-to-school season, the 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip is conveniently down to $849.98. That gives you $249.02 off for 23% savings. It comes loaded with 8GB RAM and 256SSD, perfectly suitable for the student in your life.
SAVE 27%: Apple AirPods Max are on sale for $399.99 (reg. $549) at Amazon, putting $149.01 back in your pocket.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $399.99 at AmazonAs September approaches, so does the school year. Back-to-school season means shopping for freshly sharpened pencils, new notebooks, and any tech a thriving student needs. While big summer sales like Prime Day have passed, deals are popping up to give a little extra savings on big ticket items like headphones, tablets, and more.
The latest deal to catch our eye is a sale on the super popular Apple AirPods Max. Typically priced at $549, these headphones are easily some of the most expensive we've tested, making their excellent audio quality and chic look out of reach for many. However, now that they've dipped below $400, we're all in on the AirPods Max.
SEE ALSO: This week's best earbuds and headphones deals: Sony, Bose, and Apple dealsLike their earbuds counterpart, the Apple AirPods Max easily connect to iOS devices, making these a great purchase for those living in the Apple ecosystem. These over-the-ear headphones are stylish with a modern, oversize design, however, our reviewer noted that they might even be too big for those with smaller heads. They deliver top-notch audio, including spatial audio for those seeking surround sound on the go, and great active noise cancellation.
Right now, you can purchase the Apple AirPods Max for $399.99 at Amazon, just $5 shy of their lowest price ever. This gets you $149.01 off for 27% in savings.
Want more peace of mind when you're home alone? Check out the best home security deals this week:
Best Home Security Deals This Week Best Home Security Deal Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight Camera $119.99 at Amazon (Save $130) Get Deal Best Video Doorbell Deal Google Nest Doorbell $109.99 at Amazon (Save $70) Get Deal Best Budget Home Security Deal Eufy Security Indoor Cam E220 $35.99 at Amazon (Save $19) Get DealYou're nice and comfortable on the couch. You've got your snacks, you've got your ice cold drink. Maybe your pet is curled up beside you. Then the unthinkable happens: someone knocks on your door. Not only do you have no clue who it could be, but now you've got to get up, disrupt your plans, and see who it is.
That's just one dilemma a home security camera or a video doorbell could solve. If you haven't yet hooked up your home with one of these gadgets, it's always a good idea to do so. You never quite know what's lurking around out there, after all. And beyond the laziness factor, you want to make sure you're keeping abreast of everything going on outside your door. Home security cameras and video doorbells are a great way to accomplish that.
There are a few great deals on security essentials going on this week, and if you're looking to outfit your home with them so you can feel a bit better about being on your own or just being able to see what's going on outside your window, you might want to scoop a few of them up now before they're no longer available. From a great home security camera to an affordable option that you can put anywhere in your home, these deals are some of the best we've found. Don't miss out!
Best home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight Camera $119.99 at AmazonThe Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight Camera is the perfect solution for keeping an eye out on the world around you both day and night. It captures video in 2K HDR with 12x zoom, so you won't miss anything. It also has a 160-degree field of view so even if the area you have to mount it with isn't ideal, you can still see more of your surroundings. It has color night vision and an integrated spotlight for when you need additional light to work with, and it's all set up easily and wirelessly, no need for cords. You will have to play for the Arlo Secure plan if you want additional features, though this cam does come with a free trial with 30-day video cloud storage, 24/7 emergency response, and other options, so keep in mind you'll need to pony up a bit more per month to use this camera despite its hefty discount.
Best video doorbell deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Google Nest Doorbell $109.99 at AmazonThe battery-powered Google Nest Doorbell doesn't need special wiring or drilling to install, so it's quick to set up and you'll be able to watch what's going on at your door in minutes. Just use its included customization app and you'll be able to watch everything that goes on with a 24/7 live video feed right outside of your door. You get up to three hours of video to look back on if you happen to miss anything, and an additional Nest Aware subscription will grant you more features that can help you stay vigilant.
Best video doorbell deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Eufy Security Indoor Cam E220 $35.99 at AmazonThe Eufy Security Indoor Cam E220 is a budget-priced camera that won't break the bank, especially if you end up needing more than one. It's a small and compact device that still serves up 2K video (with 1080p if you use Apple HomeKit). It also utilizes AI to determine whether it's seeing a human or pet and if it should notify you of an event accordingly. It can integrate with your favorite home assistant and can pan and tilt to track anything you might want to keep your eye on, with a 360-degree swivel and a 96-degree tilt. It's proof you don't have to be swimming in cash to get a great security setup.
More home security dealsWyze Cam v3 with Color Night Vision — $30.68 $35.98 (save $5.30)
Eufy Security SoloCam S220 — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)
Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera — $24.99 $29.99 (save $4)
TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt Security Camera — $24.99 $29.99 (save $4)
Eufy Security Solar Wall Light Cam — $139.98 $189.98 (save $50)
The end of summer isn't one of our top three times of year to buy a TV on sale, but that doesn't mean it's a complete ghost town when it comes to TV deals. Regardless of what the calendar says, it's always a good time to finally ditch that glitchy 2017 LED that has become the bane of your existence.
We've pulled the TV deals worth jumping on during the first week of August, including a better version of our absolute favorite Prime Day TV deal (plus several other cheap QLED TVs), as well as new record-low pricing on 2024 OLED and QLED models from Samsung and LG.
Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch Q6 QLED 4K Fire TV $348.00 at WalmartWe did not have "best Prime Day TV deal still on sale weeks later" on our August bingo card, but here we are. The deal has simply moved from Amazon to Walmart, and it's technically a better deal: You can now score the 65-inch TCL Q6 QLED for $348 versus $389.99 during Prime Day.
No, TCL's Q6 series aren't the most premium QLED TVs on the market, or even from TCL — but they're also not the most basic QLED TVs out there. The Q6 gets brighter than the Q5, making HDR worthwhile by boosting color accuracy with that extra layer of quantum dots sandwiched between the screen and LED backlights. If you're looking for an affordable way to level up your football watching experience this season, this is it.
More TV deals this week43- to 50-inch TVs
Insignia 43-inch F30 4K Fire TV — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)
Toshiba 43-inch C350 4K Fire TV — $179.99 $279.99 (save $100)
TCL 43-inch S4 4K TV — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)
55- to 58-inch TVs
TCL 55-inch Q5 QLED 4K TV — $329.99 $449.99 (save $120)
Amazon 55-inch Omni 4K QLED Fire TV — $449.99 $599.99 (save $150)
Hisense 55-inch U7 ULED 4K TV — $599.99 $799.99 (save $200)
Insignia 58-inch F30 4K Fire TV — $269.99 $379.99 (save $110)
Samsung 55-inch S90D OLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $1,997.99 (save $500)
65-inch TVs
Pioneer 65-inch 4K TV — $329.99 $499.99 (save $170)
Toshiba 65-inch C350 4K Fire TV — $359.99 $419.99 (save $60)
LG 65-inch 75 Series NanoCell 4K TV — $549.99 $899.99 (save $350)
Hisense 65-inch U6 ULED 4K TV — $599.99 $799.99 (save $200)
LG 65-inch C4 OLED 4K TV — $1,799.99 $2,499.99 (save $700)
Samsung 65-inch S90D OLED 4K TV — $1,797.99 $2,697.99 (save $900)
75-inch TVs and up
Toshiba 75-inch C350 4K Fire TV — $469.99 $649.99 (save $180)
TCL 75-inch Q6 QLED 4K TV — $599.99 $799.99 (save $200)
Hisense 75-inch U7 ULED 4K TV — $1,099.99 $1,499.99 (save $400)
Samsung 75-inch QN90D Neo QLED TV — $2,599.99 $3,299.99 (save $700)
LG 77-inch C4 OLED 4K TV — $2,799.99 $3,499.99 (save $700)
Sony 77-inch Bravia 8 OLED 4K TV — $3,299.99 $3,899.99 (save $600)
Hisense 85-inch U6 ULED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,799.99 (save $600)
Hisense 100-inch U7 ULED 4K TV — $2,498 $4,999.99 (save $2,501.99)
SAVE UP TO 37%: The week of Aug. 6, save hundreds of dollars on laptops. Score the Apple MacBook Air 15 inch for 19% off or the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c for 37% off.
Best laptop deals Best overall deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch $1,049.98 at Amazon (save $249.02) Get Deal Best laptop deal under $500 HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c $489.99 at HP (save $300) Get Deal Best laptop deal under $350 Lenovo Ideapad 1i $329.99 at Best Buy (save $170) Get DealA laptop is a lifeline for many of us. Whether you work from home, own your own business, or are heading back to school, a laptop is probably necessary. Some tasks are so much easier to accomplish on a laptop like making a spreadsheet, checking financial info, or booking your next vacation.
Although Prime Day was last month and we're waiting on the announcement of the next Prime Day, you can still get a sweet deal on a new laptop.
During the week of Aug. 6, you can score some serious savings on laptops from brands like Apple, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and more. Here are some of our top picks this week.
Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,049.98 at AmazonThe MacBook Air 15-inch is our current top overall pick for most people who are looking for a MacBook. Apple introduced several upgrades with this newest model including support for Wi-Fi 6 and support for two external monitors, but only when the lid is shut.
Thanks to today's deal, Amazon has this 15-inch model on sale for $1,049.98 which is a 19% discount off the list price of $1,299. This price also makes it the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon, so if you've been considering the MacBook Air 15-inch, today is a great time to snag it.
Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air.
Best laptop deal under $500 Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c (Intel Core i3-128GB SSD) $489.99 at HPSometimes the versatility of a Chromebook is exactly what you need, and one on a massive discount is even better. Today you can grab the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c (Intel Core i3-128GB SSD) for 37% off, which means a sale price of $489.99 compared to the usual price of $789.99.
For starters, this HP Chromebook Plus can support Wi-Fi 6 while offering dual hinges so you can use it in tent or tablet mode. It's also travel friendly, weighing just a bit over three pounds. The white backlit keyboard can also be great for travel should you find yourself typing out a document on a plane or a dimly lit hotel room.
Read Mashable's full review of the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c.
Best laptop deal under $350 Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Our pick: Lenovo Ideapad 1i (Intel Core i3-256GB SSD) $329.99 at Best BuyIf budget is a consideration, check out the sale price on the Lenovo Ideapad 1i. While this model usually costs about $500, Best Buy has it discounted to just $329.99. The full HD display is perfect if you're looking for a lower-cost laptop to stream movies. With a 15.6-inch screen, you'll be in good shape for seeing the entire spreadsheet at work without having to squint or constantly scroll.
While it's not a stunning high-end model, the affordable price of the Lenovo Ideapad 1i mixed with its decent stats could be the perfect combo.
More laptop deals this week:Lenovo Yoga 7i (Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $599.99 $899.99 (save $300)
Asus Zenbook 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $749.99 $1,049.99 (save $300)
Dell Inspiron 16 (Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $749.99 $1,149.99 (save $400)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $899 $1,099 (save $200); extra $50 off for paid My Best Buy members
MSI Prestige 14 H (Intel Core i9, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,099.99 $1,299.99 (save $200)
Asus TUF (Intel Core Ultra i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,099.99 $1,399.99 (save $300)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (AMD Ryzen 9, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,699.99 $1,999.99 (save $300)
While there are no big Amazon shopping events on the horizon (until October, that is), you still have plenty of opportunities to save on top products. Even on a random Tuesday in August, there a huge discounts on brands like Apple, Samsung, Shark, and more. And we've already done the digging for you — all you have to do is add them to your cart.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Aug. 6. And be sure to check back at our picks from Aug. 5 as well, since many of those are still live.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB, unlocked) $949.00 at AmazonOnce again, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — aka "the best Android phone," according to Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon — has hit a new record-low price. Beating out its Prime Day price, the 256GB, unlocked version is down to just $949 as of Aug. 6. That's 27% in savings. The phone was just released earlier this year and it packs a bunch of neat AI features, a durable titanium design, and a rear telephoto lens with truly insane zoom capabilities. It's also a close rival to the iPhone 15 Pro Max (and maybe even better in certain categories) if you're in the market for a new phone.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $399.99 at AmazonApple is at it again. The "stupidly comfy" AirPods Max are back on sale for just $399.99 — that's just $5 shy of their Prime Day price. While definitely overpriced on a regular day, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder insists that they "sound amazing, look good, and play nice with Apple gadgetry." With a 27% discount, we're much more likely to grab a pair.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark SmoothStyle + storage bag $79.99 at AmazonLaunched last summer, the Shark SmoothStyle is essentially a fancier version of the Revlon One-Step. It serves as a round hot air brush at its core, but also packs some extra features. You can use it wet or dry to style your hair in one go without frying it. And the ceramic-coated plates will prevent it from damaging your precious strands. Usually, it goes for $100, but you can get the device itself and a storage bag (a $119.99 value) for just $79.99 as of Aug. 6.
Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q Revo $659.99 at AmazonNeed an extra hand in the cleaning department? The Roborock Q Revo offers both vacuuming and mopping, making it one helluva companion for your home. Plus, it's back on sale for its all-time low Prime Day pricing. While it may not be the top robovac in the brand's lineup, it still packs 5500Pa extreme suction, dual spinning mops, reactive tech obstacle avoidance, smart suggestions, no-go zones, voice-commands and shortcuts, self-washing, drying, emptying, and refilling features, and more. As of Aug. 6, it's on sale for just $659.99 — that's about 27% in savings.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung T5 EVO portable SSD (4TB) $229.99 at AmazonWhile our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) called Samsung's T5 EVO portable SSD a "tough sell" at full price, we're much more inclined to recommend it with its current discount. "The T5 EVO is a good (though not cost-effective) upgrade to a spinning hard drive, giving users a boost in both speed and capacity," PCMag's review states, but "you may want to hold off on buying it until it goes on sale." The 4TB option is usually $424.99, but you can scoop it up for only $229.99 as of Aug. 6 — that's 46% in savings and its lowest price on record.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
TL;DR: Live stream Brazil vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The basketball at Paris 2024 has been fantastic, and it's set to continue as we hit the knockout stages. Next up is Brazil and the USA, after both putting on strong performances so far. With the USA team stacked with names including Lebron James and Kevin Durant, it's not a game you'll want to miss.
If you want to watch Brazil vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.
When is Brazil vs. USA at Paris 2024?Brazil vs. USA at Paris 2024 takes place at 3:30 p.m. ET on August 6.
How to watch Brazil vs. USA at Paris 2024 for freeBrazil vs. USA at Paris 2024 will be available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but fans from across the globe can still access this by using a VPN. A VPN is a tool that hides your real IP address (i.e. your digital location) and connects you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Brazil vs. USA from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are often not free, but some do tend to offer free trial periods or money-back guarantees. If you make the most of these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without having to part with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream select basketball games from Paris 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Brazil vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream France vs. Canada at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
With so much incredible talent on display at Paris 2024, it's hard to keep track of what to watch. And basketball is not one you're going to want to miss. Next up it's host nation France and Canada going head-to-head for a spot in the semi-finals and a chance at a gold medal.
If you want to watch France vs. Canada at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.
When is France vs. Canada at Paris 2024?France vs. Canada at Paris 2024 takes place at 12:00 p.m. ET on August 6.
How to watch France vs. Canada at Paris 2024 for freeFrance vs. Canada at Paris 2024 will be available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is a streaming platform that is geo-restricted to the UK, but don't worry, basketball fans from elsewhere in the world can still access this by using a VPN. A VPN is a tool that hides your real IP address (i.e. your digital location) and connects you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream France vs. Canada from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream select basketball games from Paris 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream France vs. Canada at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Serbia vs. Australia at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Paris 2024 keeps on delivering incredible sport, and as hundreds of the world's best athletes compete, it's hard to know what to keep track of. But basketball fans aren't going to want to miss the next few matches. Now in the knockout stages, Serbia and Australia will be the next teams to face off in the quarter-finals.
If you want to watch Serbia vs. Australia at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.
When is Serbia vs. Australia at Paris 2024?Serbia vs. Australia at Paris 2024 takes place at 8:30 a.m. ET on August 6.
How to watch Serbia vs. Australia at Paris 2024 for freeSerbia vs. Australia at Paris 2024 will be available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is a streaming platform that is geo-restricted to the UK, but don't worry, basketball fans from elsewhere in the world can still access this by using a VPN. A VPN is a tool that hides your real IP address (i.e. your digital location) and connects you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. Perfect for streaming all the action from Paris 2024.
Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Serbia vs. Australia from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream select basketball games from Paris 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Serbia vs. Australia at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Germany vs. Greece at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
If you're one of many fans hooked on all the incredible sports at Paris 2024, you won't want to miss the basketball, especially as we approach the knockout stages. In the first quarter-final, it's Germany and Greece going head-to-head for a spot in the semi-finals.
If you want to watch Germany vs. Greece at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, don't go anywhere because we have all the information you need to know
When is Germany vs. Greece at Paris 2024?Germany vs. Greece at Paris 2024 takes place at 5 a.m. ET on August 6.
How to watch Germany vs. Greece at Paris 2024 for freeYou can watch Germany vs. Greece at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is technically geo-restricted to the UK, but fans of either team from across the globe can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, and watch all the basketball you want.
Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Germany vs. Greece from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream select Paris 2024 events before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Germany vs. Greece at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
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