Feed aggregator

Need a new phone? These are the best deals on unlocked phones from Prime Day 2024.

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 03:00

UPDATE: Jul. 18, 2024, 3:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest deals on unlocked phones during the first day of Prime Day 2024.

We rounded up the best unlocked phone deals during Prime Day. Check out our favorite picks:

The best early Prime Day unlocked phone deals at a glance: BEST MOTOROLA DEAL Motorola razr+ (256GB) $599.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal BEST SAMSUNG GALAXY DEAL Samsung Galaxy S24+ (512GB) $819.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal BEST GOOGLE PIXEL DEAL Google Pixel 8a $449 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

If you're due for a phone upgrade, Amazon Prime Day could be the perfect opportunity to scoop one up for a steep discount. Snagging an unlocked phone at Amazon eliminates the annoyance of coordinating a trade-in or new data plan at a specific carrier. Plus, you can usually find better deals.

Prime Day has officially kicked off today, July 16, but in true Amazon fashion, deals started popping up days ahead of time — particularly on Motorola and Samsung Galaxy phones. Apple iPhone deals have been no-shows so far, while a single (but stellar) Google Pixel deal is on our radar. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled throughout the sale though.

Here are the best unlocked phone deals we could find at Amazon the day before the annual shopping event. We'll be refreshing the list now that the sale has officially begun, so keep checking back for the latest and greatest deals.

Note: All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

The best unlocked phone deal ahead of Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: Google Our pick: Google Pixel 8a (128GB) 🔥 $449.00 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Just released two months ago, the Google Pixel 8a is "a compelling option for anyone who’s overdue for an affordable Android upgrade" — especially when you see its price tag. Mashable's Alex Perry called it "the best deal in Android-land" at full price, and just 24 hours before Prime Day, it's even better with a $50 discount. Besides the $100 gift card preorder deal, this is the first discount we've seen on this budget-friendly phone. It's basically a lite version of the Pixel 8, sharing the same Tensor G3 chip, over 24-hour battery life, Magic Editor and Magic Take camera tools, storage options, 8GB RAM, and up to 120Hz refresh rate. Where it differs is its size (it's just 0.1 inches taller and wider with a slightly smaller display), audio (no spatial audio, one less microphone), and camera.

More unlocked phone deals

380+ expertly-curated Prime Day deals that are still available as of July 18

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 03:00

UPDATE: Jul. 18, 2024, 3:00 a.m. EDT This post has been updated with last-minute deals that are still available.

Check out our giant list of the best Prime Day deals that are still available at the end of the sale:

The best Prime Day deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, GPS + Cellular, 44mm) $249.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon (save $35 with Prime) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon 50-inch Omni 4K Fire TV $319 at Amazon (save $160) Get Deal Best tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (32GB) $74.99 at Amazon (save $65) Get Deal Best unlocked phone deal Motorola razr+ (256GB) $599.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra $349 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon - Silver $281.82 at Amazon (save $67.18) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy X10 Pro Omni $599.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Coleman Sundome Camping Tent $59.98 at Amazon (save $30.01) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Chefman 6-quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven $69.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

Deal hunters, gather round: We're almost done with Amazon Prime Day 2024. And with the big event ending tonight, some of the top Prime Day deals are selling out fast.

Though the flagship summer sale officially started in the wee hours of July 16, Amazon's been releasing early Prime Day deals ever since it announced the event's dates in late June. (Much like Black Friday, Prime Day is less of a one-off and more like an ongoing season.)

We're providing live updates on the top Prime Day 2024 deals right here, so be sure to bookmark or check this page regularly. Trust us, it's a lot easier than scrolling through hundreds of thousands of discounts. That's what you have us for, right?

When is Amazon Prime Day?

Prime Day 2024 officially runs from Tuesday, July 16 through Wednesday, July 17. The shopping event typically happens in mid-July, so this year is right on par with years past. Prime Day ends at midnight PT on July 17, so plan your shopping accordingly.

What kind of deals can you find this year?

Anyone who's shopped a Prime Day sale before already knows the drill: It's two glorious days of sitewide digital doorbusters, with Amazon's own devices and services getting the steepest price drops. You can save up to 71% on Amazon Echo devices, and many of Amazon's Fire TVs have never been more affordable. On top of that, we're seeing the lowest-ever pricing on many Apple, Samsung, and Sony gadgets.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2024: Everything Prime members need to know

In a repeat from Prime Day 2023, Amazon also revived its invite-only deals program, giving select shoppers a chance to grab extra-exclusive doorbusters that are likely to sell out. Prime members can visit these products' listings to request an invitation; if chosen, you'll receive an email with a unique link to buy the item during the sale. (Amazon doesn't specify how it picks these lucky shoppers; all we know is that they're exclusive to Prime members.) Check out Mashable's invite-only deals guide if you want to participate.

The best Prime Day deals still available

Now that we've covered the basics, let's get to the deals. We'll be adding more deals to this page over the next 48 hours, and we'll update prices and availability as the top products go in and out of stock.

Read on for our ongoing list of the best Prime Day deals, and head over to our sister site, PCMag, for additional Prime Day coverage. Note: All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price. Amazon's exclusive invite-only deals are marked with a 📨.

The best Prime Day Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, GPS + Cellular, 44mm) 🔥 $249.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

In the days and weeks leading up to Prime Day, Amazon rolled out the best Apple discounts we've seen all year. For Prime Day proper, we're seeing even more record-low prices on AirPods, MacBooks, and Apple Watches. If you have any Apple tech on your shopping wish list, this is the time to buy.

Case in point: The budget version of Apple's famous smartwatch has never been more affordable. The GPS + Cellular version of the Apple Watch SE is priced at just $249.99. Even though it's not as advanced as the Series 9, it's still one of the most sophisticated wearables and fitness trackers in the world, with improved workout metrics, sleep tracking, and fall and crash detection. Best of all, it's never been priced this low.

More Apple deals

MacBooks

Mac

iPads

Apple Watches

AirPods

Apple accessories

The best Prime Day Echo and Kindle deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Echo Spot 🔥 $44.99 at Amazon with Prime
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The all-new Echo Spot is a smart alarm clock with a built-in speaker and a customizable digital face, which shows colorful animations in response to different prompts and questions. (It looks a lot like an upgraded Echo Pop.) You can control it with Alexa voice commands or by tapping its display.

Available in black, glacier white, and ocean blue, the Spot is now on sale for just $44.99 (normally $79.99) for Prime members through July 17 'in celebration of Prime Day,' per an Amazon blog post — a 44% savings. You've also got the option of bundling it with a Sengled smart bulb worth $19.99 for just under $2 more." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More Echo deals

Echo smart speakers

Echo Show smart displays

Echo Buds

Echo Frames

Other Echo devices

Kindle dealsThe Top Prime Day TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: TCL Our pick: TCL 65-inch Q6 QLED 4K Fire TV 🔥 $399.99 at Amazon
$479.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

TCL's Q6 TV is one of the most impressive cheap QLED TVs out there right now, so the opportunity to score the big 65-inch version for under $400 is a serious W in the chat for anyone looking to ditch their old, faded LED TV. Meanwhile, the sale price on Amazon's in-house 65-inch QLED TV is $659.99. TCL's is a no-brainer.

Even as a more basic QLED, the Q6 gets bright enough to make HDR worthwhile, complemented by the noticeable boosted color accuracy from the layer of quantum dots on top of the LED screen. Compared to just plain LED, QLED provides an overall punchier picture and is way better for gaming or watching sports.

More TVs on sale at Amazon

43-inch TVs and smaller

50- to 55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

75-inch TVs and up

The best Prime Day tablet deals

For discounts on iPads, scroll back up to the "Prime Day Apple deals" section.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (32GB) 🔥 $74.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A $74.99 tablet is hard to square with all the talk of inflation. But we're not going to argue with this deal. For Prime Day 2024, many of Amazon's tablets are down to their lowest-ever prices. The Fire HD 10 has a 10.1-inch full HD display and 13 hours of battery life, perfect for binge-watching a new TV series on the couch. This tablet was just released in 2023, and Amazon promises it offers 25 percent faster performance compared to the previous generation of Fire tablets.

More tablet deals

iPads

Amazon Fire tablets

Android tablets

Prime Day unlocked phone deals Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Our pick: Motorola razr+ (256GB) 🔥 $599.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"On sale for an all-time low $649.99 (normally $999.99), last year's Motorola razr+ is a budget-friendly alternative to other foldable flip phones like the Google Pixel Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) reviewed the razr+ with an 'Excellent' rating, crediting its larger 3.6-inch outer screen and striking 6.9-inch internal display. While it comes in several different colors, only the black and blue variants are down to a record-low at Amazon." — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor

More unlocked phone deals

Google Pixel

Motorola

Samsung

Prime Day headphone and speaker deals

For discounts on AirPods and Echo devices, scroll to the "Prime Day Apple deals" and "Prime Day Echo deals" sections, respectively.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Ultra 🔥 $349.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like them

Check out our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones.

"If comfort is your number one priority when it comes to noise-cancelling headphones, may I present to you the Bose QuietComfort Ultras. If the name isn't enough of a giveaway, Mashable's Sam Mangino tested them out and confirmed, "These are the most comfortable pair of headphones you can buy right now." These babies offer all-day battery life (even with noise-canceling engaged) and solid noise cancellation quality with three different audio settings. They're not the most intuitive and the price is a bit steep at $429. However, with Prime Day pricing, you can snag them for a more affordable $349 instead." — Lauren Allain, Mashable contributor

More headphone and speaker deals

Headphones

Earbuds

Best Bluetooth speaker deals Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Flex 🔥 $99.00
$149.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The small-but-mighty SoundLink Flex from Bose just dropped to a record-low $99 at Amazon in its limited edition chilled lilac colorway. That's 34% in savings and — unsurprisingly — 99 cents less than we saw it at during Target Circle Week. Amazon loves to outshine the competition. The SoundLink Flex's got a rugged texture and is completely waterproof, so it's designed to go wherever you go. It can automatically detect whatever position it's in to give you the most immersive listening experience and it'll last you about half a day on a single charge." — Christina Buff, Mashable contributor

Amazon smart speaker

  • Echo Pop — $17.99 $39.99 (save $22)

  • Echo Dot — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

  • Echo Spot — $44.99 $79.99 (save $35) 🔥

  • Echo — $54.99 $99.99 (save $45)

Bose

Sony

Soundcore

JBL

Ultimate Ears

Sonos

More Bluetooth speaker deals

Prime Day fitness tracker deals

For discounts on Apple Watches, scroll back up to the "Prime Day Apple deals" section.

Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Our pick: Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon (silver) 🔥 $281.82 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $67.18 Get Deal Why we like it

The famous Oura smart ring only recently became available on Amazon, and it's never gone on sale there before. For Prime Day, all Oura Gen3 Horizon rings started at 15% off, but as of day two dropped even lower to 19% off. Not only is this fitness tracker so lightweight that you'll forget you're wearing it after a few days, but it provides deep insights into your sleep, activity, and heart rate (it even monitors your stress levels). Be careful to order the correct ring size, but if you get it wrong, the smart rings will remain on sale post-Prime Day so you can get the right size.

More smartwatch and fitness tracker deals

Pet GPS and fitness trackers

The best Prime Day robot vacuum deals Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Our pick: Eufy X10 Pro Omni 🔥✨ $599.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The very best Roomba might be at its best sale price yet, but it's still not the best robot vacuum deal during Prime Day. Rather, you can actually stack more automated cleaning features for a few hundred dollars less by snagging the Eufy X10 Pro. This CES 2024 release has only been on sale a few times since it came out in January, its 25% one being the most severe yet.

Both have pretty powerful suction, recognize objects like phone chargers, empty themselves, and mop with force. But after mopping, only the Eufy X10 Pro will self-wash and dry its own mopping pads, prepping it to scrub the next floor with clean pads. Having tested both in her own apartment, senior shopping reporter Leah Stodart says that not having to deal with soggy mopping pads made her subconsciously reach to open the Eufy app over the iRobot one for pretty much every task.

More robot vacuum deals

Robot vacuums

Robot vacuum and mop combos

The best Prime Day outdoor deals Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Our pick: Coleman Sundome Camping Tent 🔥 $59.98 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $30.01 Get Deal Why we like it

"If you aren't a hardcore camper, then this tent makes it easier to enjoy the occasional camping trip. You can choose from multiple sizes to accommodate your hiking party (or festival crew), and bring it home for a steep discount. This camp also comes with near-instant setup, which is very much appreciated for those of us who are instruction-challenged. Plus, it's the best-selling camping tent on all of Amazon." — Timothy Beck Werth, Mashable Contributor

More outdoor deals

Tents

Cooler, grills, water bottles and cooking supplies

Drones

Miscellaneous outdoor deals

The top Prime Day kitchen deals Opens in a new window Credit: Chefman Our pick: Chefman 6-quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven 🔥 $69.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The [42]% price slash on this Chefman air fryer looks even better when you pit this fryer directly against competition like the same-size Instant Vortex. The Chefman model splits its 6-quart capacity into dual baskets that can cook two independent foods simultaneously at different temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, complete with clear windows to keep an eye on golden brownness. The 6-quart Vortex has just a single basket with no window, maxes out at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and actually costs $18 more, even on sale." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More kitchen deals

Air fryers

Drink makers

Coffee makers

Blenders

Instant Pots and other pressure cookers

Electric composters

Cookware, storage, and other kitchen accessories

Prime Day home deals Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Clean Sense Air Purifier 🔥 $119.99 at Amazon
$239.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Let the 50% discount on a Shark air purifier be the reminder you need that allergies don't have to be an inevitable inconvenience for your entire life, actually. The Shark Clean Sense uses a HEPA filter to capture a variety of airborne problem causes, from indoor allergens like pet dander and dust to outdoor contaminants like VOCs and wildfire smoke. It can take care of spaces up to 500 square feet.

More home deals

Miscellaneous home upgrades

Bathroom and beauty

Hobbies

Home security

Mattresses, pillows, and bedding

Pet tech

Household essentials

Board games and card games

Prime Day gaming deals Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox / Seagate Xbox Series S + 2TB Seagate Expansion Card Bundle $529.98 at Best Buy
$659.98 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The Xbox Series S is awesome, but unfortunately, it comes with less storage space than you'll probably need. That's why we think this bundle is a no-brainer — it comes with the 512GB version of the console itself, with the addition of a 2TB Seagate expansion card. That's a comfortable amount of extra space, and should be extremely helpful as you download all the Xbox Game Pass titles in your backlog. Best Buy is offering the bundle for $130 off its usual price during its Prime Day-rivaling Black Friday in July sale." — Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter

More gaming deals

PlayStation

Xbox

Nintendo

Best Prime Day travel deals Opens in a new window Credit: Southwest Get up to 30% off base fares on Southwest flights (use code PRIME) Get Deal Why we like it

"If you have a trip booked between August 6 and Dec. 18, you can use the promo code PRIME to slash your base fares on Southwest flights by up to 30%. The fine print is that you have to book your flight by the end of Prime Day, so you only have until 12:01 a.m. PT on July 18, and that only select flights are discounted. Still, if you're flexible, you can definitely score a much cheaper flight than usual. I did a little poking around and found a significant amount of $70 flights from Nashville, for what it's worth." — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor

More Prime Day travel deals

Cruises and rentals

Luggage

Bluetooth trackers, portable chargers, and more travel tech

Best Prime Day gift card deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lyft Lyft gift card $80.00
$100.00 Save $20.00 save $20 on $100+ Get Deal Why we like it

Gift card promos are our favorite underrated Prime Day deals — they're basically free money toward a haul or a service you were going to pay full price for and not think twice about it. Our favorite that's still live on the second day of Prime Day is from Lyft, where buying a $100 gift card unlocks $20 off with code LYFTPD. That's at least one free ride, or a much less daunting charge when prices are surged.

More Prime Day gift card deals

Food delivery

  • Chipotle — receive $10 in promotional credit on $50+ with on-page coupon

  • Doordash — receive $20 in promotional credit on $100+ with code DASH

  • Instacart — save $15 on $100+ with code INSTACART

  • Let's Eat (The Cheesecake Factory, Chili's, Cracker Barrell, Red Lobster, Panera Bread) — receive $10 in promotional credit on $50+ with on-page coupon

Shopping

  • Adidas — save $10 on $50+ with on-page coupon

  • Bath & Body Works — save $10 on $50+ with code BATHPD

  • Best Buy — save $10 on $100+ with code BESTBUY

  • H&M — save $10 on $50+ with code HMUSPD

Entertainment and relaxation

  • Google Play — receive $10 in promotional credit on $100+ with code GOOGLEPD

  • Razer Gold — receive $20 in promotional credit on $100+ with code RAZER

  • Regal Cinemas — save $10 on $50+ with code REGAL

  • Roblox — save $5 on $25

  • Spafinder — save $10 on $50

  • Vudu — save $10 on $50+ with code VUDUPD

Rideshare

  • Uber — receive $10 in promotional credit on $100+

Best Prime Day digital entertainment deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon MGM Studios "Challengers" (digital purchase) $5.99
$17.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"One of the best — and most talked about — movies of the year comes from Luca Guadagnino the master of steamy romance, whether it be the swoon-worthy food journey of I Am Love, the lusty summer love found in Call Me By Your Name, or the cannibalistic coming-of-age that was Bones and All. And yet the hottest of all is hands down Challengers. 

Sure, on the surface this about tennis (much to the chagrin of pope of trash John Waters.) But just beneath its very sweaty surface is a tale of triangle, regret, jealousy, and desire that throws Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor into intense scenes that are scintillating and sublime. 

Plus, on Prime Day, this digital purchase is less than the cost of a movie theater ticket, and way less when you consider its leading lady Zendaya insists this hot hit needs to be seen at least three times to be fully appreciated. So buy it, and watch it once for every side of this intense love triangle. You'll be a better person for it." — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

More entertainment and streaming deals

'Red Rooms' trailer: Psychological cyber-thriller confronts our obsession with true crime

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 02:46
The trailer for French-language psychological thriller 'Red Rooms' shows a woman obsessed with an accused serial killer's trial.

Get a lifetime pass to all 14 Babbel language courses for under ÂŁ100

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: From July 17 to 21, you can save 78% on a lifetime subscription to all 14 Babbel languages, on sale for just £99.92 (reg. £460.49).

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) £99.92 at the Mashable Shop
£460.49 Save £360.57 Get Deal

There are many reasons to learn a new language. For starters, it helps you communicate while traveling and can boost your marketability as a professional. If you've been thinking about learning another language, this lifetime all-language subscription to Babbel Language Learning is on sale for just £99.92 (reg. £460.49) for a limited time, so this is the right time to take the plunge.

Not only can learning a new language open the door to new opportunities, but it's also terrific for your brain health. According to an article in Real Simple, learning a new language has a host of cognitive benefits.

Babbel was created with the assistance of more than 100 linguistic experts to help learners see success quickly. Designed for all skill levels, Babbel uses smaller lessons that take only around fifteen minutes to complete, which allows even the busiest professionals to get their daily lessons in.

Built with a conversational focus that steers clear of tedious drills, Babbel teaches you about things you'll actually need in the real world, like dining, directions, family, and weather. It also uses speech-recognition software to ensure you're speaking correctly, which can be a big confidence booster for a new language speaker.

With this deal, you'll get lifetime access to study all fourteen languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Indonesian. This platform can be used to study anywhere, with lessons and progress synced across all of your devices. You can even download lessons to study offline if you have a long flight coming up.

Feed your brain and lean into growth with the all-language lifetime pass to Babbel Language Learning, now just £99.92 (reg. £460.49) until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 18

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 22:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for July 18's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An intellectual personality.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter N.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle...

NERDY.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Prime Day deals you can shop right now

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 18

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 21:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for July 18's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Spacious places

  • Green: Boxing terminology

  • Blue: Glam

  • Purple: Could be pictures used for texting

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Open Space

  • Green: Boxing Unit

  • Blue: Glitziness

  • Purple: Emoji

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #403 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Open Space: COURT, PLAZA, SQUARE, YARD

  • Boxing Unit: BOUT, CONTEST, MATCH, ROUND

  • Glitzinees: DAZZLE, FLASH, POMP, RITZ

  • Emoji: FIRE, HEART, SKULL, SPARKLES

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Prime Day deals you can shop right now

Watching the RNC tonight? Multi-task and pick up these Prime Day deals.

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 20:41

Prime Day is coming to an end, but there's still time for some last-minute shopping. Take a break from watching the RNC tonight and engage in a little retail therapy (we all know you're gonna need it).

SEE ALSO: When does Prime Day end? How long you have to get these deals

Frankly, it's surprising that some of the Prime Day deals still live are even available — we've seen worse deals sell out faster. If you waited until the final hours of Prime Day to get your shopping done, have no fear: These are the best Prime Day deals still available.

Note: We'll be updating this article with the latest prices throughout the main event. All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best Amazon device deal: Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd Gen, Wired Charging Case) $119.99 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd Gen).

"We'll keep things short and sweet: Thirty-five bucks for comfortable, decent-sounding wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation is just stupid. (Hell, we've never seen the standard Apple AirPods without ANC dip lower than $69.) Less than $10 now separates these 2021 Echo Buds from last year's entry-level/non-ANC version, which have a more polarizing semi-in-ear design, so it's exceptionally easy to recommend them for most people." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

Best Apple Watch deal: Apple Watch Series 9 Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 45mm) $309.99 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $119.01 Get Deal Why we like it

"For just $309.99, you can get the 45mm model of the Apple Watch Series 9, released last year. Our reviewer Stan Schroeder called it "a robust and elite wearable device – the best Apple has ever made," thanks to its strong suite of health-focused features and powerful hardware. Its display has double the peak brightness of the Series 8, making it much more suitable for use in bright sunlight, too." — Alex Perry, Tech Reporter

Best iPad deal: Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) $899.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The iPad Pro is not only the most advanced tablet we've ever seen, but maybe the most advanced computing power period. It's also the only way to take Apple's new M4 Chip for a spin. So, if you need an iPad for professional use, something that can accomplish all your work and stand in for a laptop, then look no further than the new iPad Pro. This Apple tablet scored a 14,586 on the Geekbench 6 test, which is better performance than both the M3 MacBook Air and M3 MacBook Pro. Frankly, that's bananas.

During Prime Day 2024, you can get the latest iPad Pro for $899, saving you $100. (Look for an on-page coupon that drops an extra $20 off the price.) We don't expect this deal to last much longer, so this is your chance to get the most powerful iPad ever — and at the lowest price we've ever seen." — Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter, and Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More last-minute Prime Day deals still available

MacBooks

Mac

iPads

Apple Watches

AirPods

Apple accessories

Robot vacuums

Robot vacuum and mop combos

Echo smart speakers

Echo Show smart displays

Echo Buds

Echo Frames

Kindles

43-inch TVs and smaller

50- to 55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

75-inch TVs and up

Amazon Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8 (2nd gen): Which one should you buy on Prime Day?

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 19:30

It can be exciting when a brand like Amazon drops new versions of its devices, but it can also be overwhelming to figure out which one is best for you (and if it's worth paying more than its original version). After testing the second generations of both the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8, I'll walk you through what’s the same, what’s different, what they bring to the table compared to the first gen versions — and which one you should buy during Prime Day 2024.

Best Prime Day Amazon Echo Deals: Best Echo smart speaker deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon (save $35 with Prime) Get Deal Best Echo Show smart display deal Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) $84.99 at Amazon (save $65 with Prime) Get Deal Best Echo Buds deal Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd Gen, Wired Charging Case) $34.99 at Amazon (save $85 with Prime) Get Deal

While these stationary devices don’t have the portability or functionality of an iPad or a Surface tablet, they work flawlessly with Alexa and serve as a smart home HQ to make your day-to-day life just a little bit more streamlined.

Pricing

While the 2nd gen Echo Show 5 is no longer available, the newest Echo Show 5 retails for $89.99. The Echo Show 8 has been phased out, but you can still get some versions of it for $129.99.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day 2023 Day 2: Shop 350+ of the best deals on Apple devices, 4K TVs, robot vacuums, and more Size matters

The most noticeable difference between the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8 is, of course, their size. The Echo Show 5 has a 5.5-inch screen and 6 inch by 3 inch footprint, while the Echo Show 8 is significantly larger — boasting an 8-inch screen and an 8 inch by 4 inch footprint.

Echo Show 5 (2nd gen) is smaller and would work better in a bedroom or office. Credit: Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) is significantly larger — best for a central house hub. Credit: amazon

In my opinion, that makes the Echo Show 8 way better suited to be your family “hub” — located in a central location like the kitchen or dining room for crazy easy video calls with the grandparents using Alexa. All you have to do is add contacts you’d like to call in the Alexa app on your phone. However, it may not be a necessary purchase if you already have a tablet with great video functionality.

Regardless, the Echo Show 8 offers some other advantages for video calls in addition to its size, too.

On the other hand, the Echo Show 5 would be better in places where you want the device's functionality, without it being front and center — like your desk or nightstand.

And if you're a sucker for colorways, the Echo Show 8 only comes in the Glacier White and Charcoal color options. You can get more variety with the new Echo Show 5, which comes in Glacier White, Charcoal, and Deep Sea Blue. The Echo Show 5 Kids comes in Chameleon green.

Camera and video calling

The Echo Show 5 got a decent camera upgrade from its 1st gen version — increasing the megapixels from 1 to 2. However, it was a whole different ball game for the Echo Show 8. While the 1st gen Echo Show 8 offered a 1-MP camera, this revamped model comes equipped with a 13-MP camera.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd gen) has small, but useful, updates

The image is incredibly crisp, and alongside the larger screen make the Echo Show 8 the video call winner. But that’s not even the best part: The new Echo Show 8 features auto-framing functions that automatically pan and zoom the camera to keep it focused on the people in view of it.

Both devices also feature some handy connectivity features, like Intercom to page every Alexa device in the house (“We’re leaving in fifteen minutes, so be ready!”) and Drop In, which allows you to video chat with any connected Alexa device.

Zoom calls

The Echo Show 8 can also join Zoom calls, while the Echo Show 5 can’t. To be totally honest, I could not get the Zoom call feature to work after several tries because none of the calls I joined had a dial-in number.

I’ll still say the Echo Show 8 wins on this one just because it’s theoretically possible, and I’m really hoping to be able to join Zoom calls from it soon to free up my laptop and extra monitor for in-meeting multi-tasking.

Kid-friendly content

During the initial set-up, you can choose to make any Echo Show device a dedicated device for a kid. This gives you access to some expanded parental controls, which is great for older children, tweens, and teens that you still want to shield from some of the worst things the internet has to offer.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) is the smart display your home needs

However, the Echo Show 5 Kids is the first and only Echo Show that’s bottom-to-top and side-to-side designed for kids. It features the fun Chameleon look (dinosaur scales, according to my 5-year-old), and comes with a free year of Amazon Kids (a $69 value for Prime members) — which offers curated books, games, and videos just for kids far beyond what’s available through a basic Prime membership. In addition, it comes with souped-up parental controls so you can tweak things even more.

Alexa functionality

Both the 2nd gen Echo Show 5 and the 2nd gen Echo Show 8 have some new Alexa abilities that their 1st gen counterparts don’t.

First up is the home monitoring function, where you can remotely access the camera on your device from the Alexa app just to check in on things. You’ll need a WiFi connection to do it, but I had no problems getting it to work. I can imagine it would be great to check in on pets, the babysitter, or just to take a peek at your home while on vacation to make sure everything is on the up-and-up.

Next is the addition of motion-enabled routines. This allows Alexa to detect when you enter or leave a room and use that activity to start a routine. Fair warning, this can open a can of worms re: privacy, but it also opens up some exciting possibilities for the smart home buff. You could have Alexa read your calendar when you walk into your office, or turn off all smart-enabled devices when there’s no motion detected in the living room — and those are just two simple ideas. With the addition of Alexa-enabled devices or smart plugs, your options open up even more. Amazon does offer ways to manage these settings if you'd like to delete recordings or manage your data.

All of these devices feature all the same Alexa functionality you came to expect from the previous iteration of Echo Show devices.

Which one is better?

For only $45 more, the Echo Show 8 was the clear winner for me. Not only does it have a larger screen and a 13-MP camera with auto-framing (making it the absolute best for video calling), it also allows you to hop on Zoom meetings, if/when you can get that function to work properly.

If video calls and Zoom meetings aren’t your concern, then the Echo Show 5 is still a great choice — like the 2nd gen Echo Show 8, the new Echo Show 5 boasts many of the same expanded Alexa functions, like home monitoring and motion detection routines. And of course, if you want one that’s made for kids, then you’re gonna want to go with the groovy green Echo Show 5 Kids.

Overall, I’m a fan of both, but the Echo Show 8 came out on top for our home.

Prime Day Amazon device deals

Echo smart speaker deals

Echo smart display deals

Dinnner is served: Get the Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer Oven for $40 for Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 18:38

SAVE $20: The Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer Oven is on sale for $39.99 at Amazon for Prime Day 2024. That's a discount of 33%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer Oven $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Air fryers are miracle workers in the kitchen. They can help you whip up entire meals in minutes, whether you want to reheat last night's pizza or put in some chicken nuggets for the kids. Not only does your food come out healthier, but it might even be a little tastier, too. And right now, with the last batch of Prime Day 2024 deals you can still shop, you can get a great air fryer for less. Dinner is served — and it won't even take hours!

As of July 17, get the Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer for just $39.99. That's 33% off its normal price of $59.99 and a discount of $20. This price applies to the Aqua and Cool Grey colorways.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day kitchen deals: Frozen drink machines, air fryers, and more

This compact air fryer only requires a small footprint for you to whip all the meals and other goodies you could want. It claims to be able to reduce any added fat to foods by 70 to 80% and can handle a variety of different meals, so you can make just about anything with it. It has three presets for you to use to cook your favorite foods, an auto shut-off feature, and a cool touch handle so you don't get burned when trying to pull out your reheated french fries.

If you're looking to spruce up your kitchen, or you just want to throw in the towel on using the oven to cook during the scorching summer, this air fryer is a great alternate option. Plus, for less than $50, you really can't beat it. Be sure to snatch yours up before this Prime Day deal is gone.

These 10 items are on fire with Mashable readers this Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 18:06

We have less than ten hours left of Prime Day, so if you're trying to grab the best tech and home items at record-low prices, your window of opportunity is closing.

If you're not into scanning massive lists of the best deals available in every category, we get it (though we are partial to ours). Instead, it can be useful to look at what people are actually buying from these "best of" lists, which is why we've gathered the 10 most popular deals among Mashable readers, sorted by category.

Whether you're looking to grab a new pair of headphones or are ready to jump on the air fryer trend four years later (no judgement), this list has got you covered.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

1. Most popular TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch Q6 QLED 4K Fire TV 🔥 $299.99
$449.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why people like it

Anyone who wants to throw their slow 2018 LED out the window on a daily basis has likely been itching to upgrade to QLED. So when TCL dropped the 55-inch version of its budget QLED to less than $300, we knew it would pop off. The deal looks even better compared to Amazon's sale price on its own regular LED (not QLED!) Fire TV, which goes for $20 more. The 65-inch version of the Q6, which is on sale for $399.99, is the second best-selling TV deal this Prime Day.

Even as a more basic QLED, the Q6 gets bright enough to make HDR worthwhile, complemented by the noticeable boosted color accuracy from the layer of quantum dots on top of the LED screen. Compared to just plain LED, QLED provides an overall punchier picture and is way better for gaming or watching sports.

Shop more Prime Day TV deals.

2. Most popular headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) 🔥 $168.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $80.01 Get Deal Why people like it

You thought Apple wouldn't snatch this crown? Though all AirPods are at their lowest prices ever this Prime Day, Mashable readers are scooping the 2nd generation AirPods Pro the most. These are Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard's favorite noise-cancelling earbuds for Apple users, as they seal out ambient noise better than many truly wireless earbuds and can be charged directly from an iPhone 15.

Shop more Prime Day headphones deals.

3. Most popular robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy X10 Pro Omni 🔥 $599.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why people like it

Senior Shopping Reporter and resident robot vacuum expert Leah Stodart's favorite Prime Day robot vacuum deal has rubbed off onto Mashable readers, apparently, because this CES 2024 release is selling. Readers prioritize the full hands-off experience, and the Eufy X10 Pro Omni covers convenience on multiple fronts: smart mapping, self-emptying, small obstacle avoidance (think phone chargers and laundry), mopping, and above all, self-washing and self-drying of its mopping pads. You rarely find a full self-cleaning station like this for under $1,000, let alone $500.

Shop more Prime Day robot vacuum deals.

4. Most popular Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) $179.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why people like it

We hate to hate on what our readers are buying, but we have to be honest: this is a mid-ass Kindle deal, especially since this is Amazon's sale. We expect the retailer to show out with deals on their own devices, but $10 off is disappointing, especially when we saw it drop down to the $150 range during last year's Prime Day, and all the way down to $140 during this past Black Friday season.

Still, we can't deny that the Kindle Paperwhite is one of our favorite e-readers, thanks to its gorgeous display and size that's pleasant to read on, but still keeps it plenty portable. If you're itching to buy it anyway, as clearly plenty of people are, you will technically get it for lower than full price. Plus, we haven't seen the price dip since December, so this might be your best chance to save some money, even if it's not a ton.

Shop more Prime Day Kindle deals.

5. Most popular smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) 🔥 $169.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why people like it

The Apple Watch SE has long been the best option for folks who don't necessarily need the bells and whistles of more expensive Apple Watches, but still want the blend of a smartwatch and basic fitness tracker.

$250 is still a bit of a steep asking price for that experience, which is why we're not surprised that this drop to a new record low had people reacting — at the time of writing, this deal is only available in the starlight colorway. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder, who primarily covers tech, deemed this deal one of the five best tech deals of Prime Day.

Shop more Prime Day Apple Watch deals.

6. Most popular tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th generation, WiFi, 64GB) 🔥 $299.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why people like it

If you're sensing a trend, yes, people love a good Apple deal. Though Amazon does run decent-to-great Apple deals year-round, shopping holidays like Prime Day often offer some of the best, which you can see on this tablet's drop back to its lowest price ever.

The 10th generation iPad is likely the best option for most folks, with the A14 Bionic chip offering plenty of power for streaming and note-taking, without creeping anywhere near M1 or higher prices. The biggest downside of the tablet is that it isn't compatible with second-gen Apple Pencil or new Apple Pencil Pro, but it is compatible with the newer USB-C Apple Pencil.

Shop more Prime Day tablet deals.

7. Most popular speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why people like it

At full price, the Echo Pop offers a very budget-friendly option for your smart home lineup. At less than $20, it's a steal and saves you a few more bucks than if you were to go for the Echo Dot (which is usually $10 more than the Echo Pop).

If you already own a smart speaker, this likely isn't a must-get. However, our review deemed it "a good choice if you’re trying to save some dough while making your home a little smarter. Or if you already have a suite of Echo devices and are looking to add a little more Alexa to your home." We would've loved to see it return to its under-$15 record-low price, but just a few bucks away isn't bad either.

Shop more Prime Day speaker deals.

8. Most popular kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Chefman Chefman 6-quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven 🔥 $81.44 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $38.55 Get Deal Why people like it

Scoring a decent six-quart air fryer with a digital display for under $100 can already be a bit of a task, but this is Prime Day. That means not only can you find that deal on this Chefman air fryer, but you'll also be getting dual basket functionality, meaning you can cook two different foods at two different temperatures at the same time.

Shop more Prime Day kitchen deals.

9. Most popular fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 🔥 $99.95
$159.95 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why people like it

Our sister site PC Mag (also owned by our publisher, Ziff Davis) considers the Fitbit Charge 6 one of the best value fitness trackers on the market at full price — and they're right to say it. Though you're paying just $100, you get up to 40 exercise modes, Bluetooth functionality with gym equipment, a mobile app that won't make you want to scream every time you use it, and compatibility with the suite of Google lifestyle apps.

If you're looking at an Apple Watch mainly for the fitness features, we recommend checking out this Fitbit instead to get the most bang for your buck.

Shop more Prime Day fitness tracker deals.

10. Most popular video game deal Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation 5 Slim digital edition $449.00 at Amazon
Get Deal Why people like it

So far, the video game deal Mashable readers like the most isn't even a deal. The PS5 Slim dropped late last year, offering (as the name suggests) a more physically streamlined console, while also expanding the hard drive space from 825GB to 1TB, and of course, retaining the qualities we loved in the original console.

What we do love a little less is that this digital-only edition is priced at $449 instead of the $399 the digital-only PS5 cost, but if you're not too thrilled about that, you can wait until this console actually goes on sale — or until the rumored PS5 Pro drops.

Shop more Prime Day gaming deals.

Add a Google Nest to your home for 35% off and never fight over the thermostat again

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 17:38

SAVE $45.61: The Google Nest Thermostat is on sale for $84.38, down from $129.99, at Amazon for Prime Day 2024. That's a discount of 35%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Google Nest Thermostat $84.38 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $45.61 Get Deal

Let's face it: it's extremely hot outside. If you don't already have a smart thermostat, it might be time to get one. That way, you don't have to worry about whether someone's setting the temperature indoors too high (so you're sweltering) or too low (so you're on the Arctic indoors). Luckily for you, Prime Day 2024 is here, and that means you can score a great thermostat for less.

As of July 17, the Google Nest Thermostat is on sale for just $84.38. That's a discount of 35%, and $45.61 off its normal price of $129.99. Keep in mind that while this model is designed to work independently of a C-wire, you may end up requiring one depending on how your home is set up. So while this is an affordable smart thermostat on its own, if you don't know what that means or how to install one, installation is better left to the professionals who can get everything set up the way you need it.

SEE ALSO: I went through all of the Prime Day tech deals and these 5 are the best

This smart thermostat is all about helping you save on your energy bills (and is Energy Star-certified). Set it to the temperature you want, and then it'll handle the rest. You can make any potential tweaks in the accompanying app, and the thermostat will handle things from there. It can turn on and off when you need to save energy, and the app lets you control additional functions as well, even when you're not home.

For under $100, being able to take a hands-off approach to your heating and cooling should be a load off of your shoulders. Grab this thermostat and see how it works out for you while you can as the final hours of Prime Day approach.

9 burning questions we have for 'The Acolyte' Season 2

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 17:30

The Acolyte has trapped me in a vicious loop.

When I'm not thinking about its Season 1 finale (a Star Wars masterclass, by the way), I'm thinking about how much I want Season 2. When I'm not thinking about how much I want Season 2, I'm thinking about the finale. On and on and on it goes.

SEE ALSO: 'The Acolyte' sticks the landing with a banger of a finale — and I need more, stat

Side effects of this cycle include intense speculation on what a potential Season 2 of The Acolyte might look like. Yes, the finale was deeply satisfying, answering many of our biggest questions from the season. But it also set up several fascinating threads that could pay off big time should the show continue.

As we look ahead to the future of The Acolyte, here are nine burning questions we have for Season 2, starting off with the most important one:

1. When is Season 2 of The Acolyte coming out? Lee Jung-jae in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

In my dream world, within six months! But as of now, Disney has yet to announce a renewal of The Acolyte, let alone a release date. Based on the varying times between seasons of The Mandalorian or Andor, it's possible that turnaround for a second season of The Acolyte could take two to three years.

My one request for Season 2? (Besides having it in the first place, of course.) Give us an order of at least 10 or 12 episodes. As much as I loved Season 1, The Acolyte did sometimes feel like it was rushing. I would have loved more time to sit with these characters and their relationships — especially Jecki (Dafne Keen) and Yord (Charlie Barnett), gone too soon.

2. How powerful are the twins, really? Amandla Stenberg in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Over the course of The Acolyte, we learn that twins Mae and Osha Aniseya (both played by Amandla Stenberg) were created using the Force. Because of this, they're basically the same person split in two, and proof of a Force vergence on Brendok. But what kind of power does that give them beyond any run-of-the-mill Sith or Jedi? We've seen they're both capable Force users and fighters, but hopefully Season 2 will push them and their power even further, so we can see their true potential.

SEE ALSO: 'The Acolyte' keeps referencing 'The Last Jedi' — here's why 3. What is next for Osha and the Stranger? Amandla Stenberg and Manny Jacinto in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

By the end of the episode, Osha has fully embraced the Dark Side, killing Jedi Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae), and agreeing to hone her power with help from the Stranger (Manny Jacinto). That opens up the potential for a Dark Side-focused training arc, something we haven't seen onscreen much in Star Wars. So with that in mind, I'm going to need at least one extended training montage, complete with lightsabers, Force use — the works.

Then, there's the Oshamir of it all. The Acolyte has made it clear that the Stranger (alias Qimir) takes the art of seducing someone to the Dark Side very seriously. Will that seduction continue in Season 2, and maybe bloom into a full-fledged romance? Based on that glorious shot of Osha and the Stranger holding hands at the very end of the finale, all signs point to yes. Oshamir shippers, our time is now.

4. How will Mae fare with the Jedi? Amandla Stenberg in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

In one of the most heartbreaking moments of The Acolyte's finale, Mae sacrifices all her memories of her twin sister in order to make sure she won't accidentally lead the Jedi to Osha in the future. Once the Jedi catch Mae, they bring her to Coruscant, where Master Vernestra Rwoh (Rebecca Henderson) says they'll need her help hunting down the Stranger. (More on that later.)

But how will Mae fit into the Jedi Order? Does she remember how to use the Force? Or did the Stranger's memory wipe — which also ridded her of any memories of him — destroy any training she may have picked up from him?

SEE ALSO: All 12 Star Wars movies, ranked from worst to best

Worst of all, what happens when Mae crosses paths with Osha again, with their roles completely reversed from where they started the show? Will they fall back into the same dance, one sister embracing the Dark, the other backing the Jedi while missing a crucial piece of the puzzle? Or will the revelation that she has a sister bring Mae back to the Dark Side?

5. What happened between the Stranger and Vernestra? Rebecca Henderson in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

The Acolyte finale confirms the theory that Vernestra was the Stranger's Jedi Master, but it leaves the details of their fallout unknown — at least, for now. All we know is that Vernestra had a pupil who "turned evil," and that the Stranger seemed frightened enough of Vernestra to throw his helmet back on as soon as he sensed her arrival on Brendok. There's clearly lots of history here that's ripe for exploring in Season 2. What could the Stranger have done for Vernestra to give him those gnarly back scars? How did he turn to the Dark Side in the first place? And did Vernestra mass-memory wipe the other Jedi to cover up her own Padawan's fall? I sense another flashback episode on the horizon!

6. What the heck is Yoda going to do about all The Acolyte's chaos?

Vernestra turns to another powerful green Jedi Master in The Acolyte finale — none other than Master Yoda himself. Presumably she's going to tell him about the threat the Stranger poses, but we don't get to see more of him beyond his lil green head. How does he react to the news of all these powerful Dark Siders rising from the shadows? Let's be real, if he's anything like Vernestra — or Sol, or Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss) — he'll be jumping on the coverup train right away.

7. What role will Darth Plagueis play in The Acolyte Season 2? (And why is he on the Stranger's island?) Amandla Stenberg and Manny Jacinto in "The Acolyte" (with Darth Plagueis presumably lurking out of frame). Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Yoda isn't the only major Star Wars cameo in The Acolyte finale. There's also the quickest peek at a Sith Lord lurking in the shadows of a cave on the Stranger's island. This is likely Darth Plagueis, the Sith who would go on to train Emperor Palpatine. And while I'm definitely interested in seeing how his story (and Palpatine's) connects to Osha's, I have a more pressing question: Why is he on the island on the first place? Is he roommates with the Stranger? Just some Peeping Tom? Please, Plagueis, stop creeping on my ship!

SEE ALSO: 'The Acolyte's Darth Plagueis tease raises a huge, silly question We've got some questions left over from Season 1, too...8. Are there any Brendok witches left? Margarita Levieva and Leah Brady in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

The Acolyte wrapped up most of my biggest questions heading into the finale, but not all! First up, the question of the Brendok witches. Most of them perished in the battle with the Jedi, but Mother Koril (Margarita Levieva) was not among the dead. She turned to smoke and disappeared before Indara wiped out the coven, meaning she could still be very much at large. Could she resurface to reconnect with her daughters in Season 2?

9. How does the Stranger connect to Kylo Ren and the Knights of Ren? Manny Jacinto in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

In an intriguing bit of musical foreshadowing, The Acolyte has used snippets of Kylo Ren's theme to score parts of the show, including several key moments involving the Stranger. Is there a chance that he — and now Osha — could be the original Knights of Ren from the sequel trilogy? In an interview with Nerdist, Headland took a good long pause before saying that this is "a really good theory." Which could mean nothing! Or everything...

The Acolyte Season 1 is now streaming on Disney+.

Get a Sony portable speaker for just $70 on Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 17:18

SAVE $60: For Prime Day, get the Sony SRS-XE200 Bluetooth speaker for $69.99, down from $129.99. That's a discount of 46% and its lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony SRS-XE200 Bluetooth speaker $69.95 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $60.04 Get Deal

Portable Bluetooth speakers are convenient and perfect for summer adventures on the go. Sony has been an audio expert for decades, so it's worth considering the affordable Sony SRS-XE200 Bluetooth speaker, which is 46% off for Prime Day.

As of July 17, the Sony SRS-XE200 Bluetooth speaker is on sale at Amazon for $69.99. That's $60 off the list price of $129.99, or a 46% discount, for Prime Day. This all-time low price puts it in the range of some of the more budget-friendly speaker options, so if you've been considering getting a Bluetooth speaker for around the $70 price bracket, this deserves consideration.

SEE ALSO: The best Prime Day headphones and speaker deals we've found are right here

The Sony SRS-XE200 is loaded with features, the top one being the IP67 water- and dust--resistance, which makes it an excellent option for outdoor adventures. The sound engineering is also impressive, with two drivers that have a non-circular diaphragm, which means that this speaker has great audio quality. You also get a 16-hour battery life and quick charging to help you get 70 minutes of playtime on a 10-minute charge.

All in all, this is an impressively designed speaker for a great price.

T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon were all tested for speed. Which one won?

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 17:18

More than four years ago, T-Mobile merged with Sprint to form a gargantuan mobile network across the U.S. Whether that's been a successful gambit is above my pay grade, but at the very least, T-Mobile can say it has the fastest network in the land. Well, according to Ookla, anyway.

The folks behind the popular Speedtest software (Note: Mashable and Ookla are owned by the same parent company) put together a report scraping user data from January through June of this year, concluding that T-Mobile beats Verizon and AT&T at almost every metric that matters.

SEE ALSO: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile declare legal war on FCC T-Mobile vs. AT&T vs. Verizon: Which network is fastest?

Ookla measured the three networks using multiple metrics, including raw speed and consistency. Spoiler alert, but T-Mobile won just about all of them. For instance, here's how the three networks stack up in terms of speed using Ookla's "Speed Score" metric, which combines download and upload speed into one number:

  • T-Mobile: 205.98

  • Verizon: 112.28

  • AT&T: 107.77

Not every category is that stark. For example, T-Mobile's consistency score (which measures how often a network puts out at least 5Mbps down and 1Mbps up) was within six percentage points of AT&T's, the third-place winner of that category. Still, based on Ookla's findings, T-Mobile has claimed the top spot in the mobile network wars.

I'm a professional dog trainer, and I found the best Prime Day pet deals

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 17:05

Aside from working as the Mashable Shopping Editor, I'm also a professional dog trainer, a pet product reviewer, a dog show and kennel assistant, and a dog sport exhibitor. It's safe to say that I spend a lot of time with dogs, so I know what gear is and isn't worth pet owners' money.

My two dogs, a Border Collie Mix named Miso and a Rough Collie named Dashi, are also discerning product testers. They regularly help me test and review everything from collars and leashes to beds, dog crates, and treats.

From enrichment toys to supplements, these are the best Prime Day pet deals of 2024 — many of which I've already purchased for my two pups.

Best high-value treats: Full Moon Chicken Jerky Opens in a new window Credit: Full Moon Full Moon Chicken Jerky $14.99 at Amazon
$30.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal

I'm not joking when I say that the Full Moon Chicken Jerky treats are my favorite high-value reward. I use them in the AKC dog show ring to hype up my Collie, during agility practice after a good run, and even with client dogs who are working on ignoring triggers like bikes and other dogs. They have simple ingredients, come in a huge 1.5-pound bag, and are almost always over 50% off during Prime Day and Black Friday, bringing them down to just $15. I usually buy a few bags to hold me over until the next shopping event. This year, I bought three bags of the chicken flavor and one pound of the beef flavor.

Best for keeping your dogs busy: Pawstruck Bully Sticks Opens in a new window Credit: Pawstruck Pawstruck 8-12-inch Bully Sticks for Dogs $32.49 at Amazon
$46.41 Save $13.92 Get Deal

Listen, we all love our dogs, but sometimes you just need your dogs to sit down and shut up for a while you take a work call. That's when I use bully sticks — it's basically the dog equivalent of putting an iPad in front of a little kid for an hour. My dogs love bully sticks, and I pair them with a bully stick holder for safety when I'm not supervising them 100%. Bully sticks are expensive though, so I usually save my chew purchases for Prime Day, then buy in bulk. This Pawstruck deal will save you a little under $14 — not bad.

Best poop bag deal: Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags Opens in a new window Credit: earth rated Earth Rated dog poop bags $11.19 at Amazon
$16.79 Save $5.60 Get Deal

You'd buy poop bags even if they weren't on sale, so you might as well pick up some at a discount during Prime Day. These Earth Rated bags are extra fancy, and lightly scented with lavender to make the poop-scooping experience a little less terrible. I like using these particular bags on hikes: If my dog poops and I need to tie a bag to my hiking backpack for the rest of the hike, I'll be met with a light hint of lavender instead of a wafting poop smell. This Prime Day deal will get you a little over $5 off.

More editor-approved Prime Day dog deals under $40

These are all products I own, use regularly, have tested, or have used in the past and approved of.

Home Depot's 12-foot skeleton is getting even more upgrades as part of its huge Halloween drop

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 16:56

Hope you still have cash left over after Amazon Prime Day: The Home Depot will release its jam-packed 2024 Halloween collection online early Thursday morning.

After teasing the drop on social media last week, the home improvement retailer shared the first full look at its spine-chilling lineup Wednesday — including new add-ons and upgrades for its viral 12-foot skeleton ($299), which returns for its second restock of 2024. Shoppers will be able to spruce up "Skelly" with a new sharp-toothed Scary Head ($79.98) and a new accessory kit ($49.98), complete with a purse, shoes, and Wednesday Addams-esque wig. An LED Lighting Kit ($29.98) for its ribcage, which sold out quickly when it first went on sale last summer, will be on sale as well.

Skelly STUNS in new accessory kit. Credit: The Home Depot

As if one 12-foot skeleton wasn't enough, the Home Depot is also set to launch two other versions of Skelly as part of Thursday's drop. One is a new limited-edition "Servo Skelly" ($379), a 12-footer with a moving, motorized head. The other is a three-foot "Mini LED Skelly" ($39.98), another returning hit from 2023. The 12-Foot Home Depot Skeleton Extended Universe knows no bounds.

OK Kubrick stare... Credit: The Home Depot

This year marks the fourth coming of Skelly, which was refreshed for 2024 with customizable LCD "LifeEyes." Those who own an older Skelly model purchased between 2020 and 2023 will be able to buy an Eye Kit ($29.98) to update its peepers.

That's just the tip of the Home Depot Halloween iceberg; shoppers can expect to see a wide range of old and new faces in the upcoming launch. Leading the pack are the new 7 Ft. Skelly's Dog ($199), 12.5-Ft. Inferno Deadwood Skelly ($379), and 7-Ft. Animated Frankenstein's Monster ($279), which made their initial appearances with Skelly in the Home Depot's limited "Halfway to Halloween" drop this past April. Other new props featured in the launch include:

  • 12. Ft. Giant-Sized Animated LED Levitating Reaper ($299), a glowing cloaked skeleton armed with a scythe

  • 8.5 Ft. Animated Knight Dullahan ($379), a skeletal headless horseman

  • 7 Ft. Animated LED Captain Cuts ($249), a gruff-voiced pirate with a parrot pal

  • 5.5 Ft. Animated LED Fear Valley Wolf ($199), a rabid canid covered in fur and festering wounds

  • 7 Ft. Animated Victorian Vampire ($199), a Nosferatu wannabe

  • 9 Ft. Giant-Sized LED Murderous Maple ($249), a haunted light-up tree

  • 7 Ft. Animated Plague Doctor ($199), a moving medieval monster

  • 3.5 Ft. Animated Chucky Doll ($199), an almost-too-accurate Good Guy replica made

  • 7.5 Ft. Animated LED Trickster Trio Stack ($199), a pile of creepy clowns

Mashable can also confirm the fate of the 12-foot Inferno Pumpkin Skeleton ($379), Skelly's gourd-headed friend from the past three years: After going MIA this spring, it will indeed be included in Thursday launch, per a representative for the Home Depot. A new three-foot mini-me ($39.98) will be up for grabs, too.

View this post on Instagram

We'll update this story early Thursday morning when links go live. In the meantime, shoppers can preview select items in the collection on the Home Depot's X/Twitter and Instagram accounts.

If you miss out on any of your favorite props in this week's drop, start popping by your local Home Depot between now and Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 2). Most of the company's Halloween collection will be available in stores by then — save for the Servo Skelly and 12-foot Inferno Pumpkin Skeleton, two online exclusives.

SEE ALSO: Live, laugh, LifeEyes™️: How the 12-foot Home Depot skeleton became a perennial hit

The Home Depot isn't the only retailer fleshing out (boning out?) its Halloween collection for 2024. Target re-launched its eight-foot, TikTok-famous Lewis the Pumpkin Ghoul ($180) online this week alongside four new friends.

Now is a good time to buy any Halloween prop you might have your eye on, as they tend to sell out well before October. For their part, we expect many of the Home Depot's offerings to fly off its virtual shelves in mere hours, if that: Skelly's new 7-foot dog sold out in under 60 minutes during that first launch this spring.

Save big on the new AI-packed Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE at Best Buy

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 16:52

Today is the last day that you can save on the new Acer Chromebook deal with Best Buy’s Black Friday in July sale. 

SEE ALSO: Google unveils 6 new Chromebooks, including fresh Chromebook Plus laptops with more AI

The big-box retailer is topping their previous sale for the Google Chromebook released earlier this year, which slashed the price by $70, with a $100 off deal on the new Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE. 

Best Buy’s Black Friday in July sale is competing with Amazon Prime Day and their slightly more expensive retail price for this device with a temporary price tag of $549.00

This cloud gaming laptop has a great display, RGB keyboard, a better processor than previous versions, and is packed with AI features intended to make the user experience a breeze. It's designed to meet the maximum requirements for cloud gaming apps like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Mashable’s Brittany Vincent previously reported:

Google's newly-released Chromebook Plus line comes with new-and-improved specs and souped-up AI features," Vincent said, before adding that its 256GB SSD has "plenty of space to store all your docs, photos, and more."

Opens in a new window Credit: Credit: Mashable Photo Composite Acer - Chromebook Plus 516 GE Cloud Gaming Laptop with Google AI- 16" 2560x1600 120Hz - Intel Core 5 120U - 8GB RAM - 256GB SSD - Obsidian Black ¤549.00
¤649.00 Save ¤100.00 Get Deal

The best Bose headphones I've tested are just $10 away from their lowest price ever

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 15:56

SAVE $80: As of July 17, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are just $349 at Amazon for Prime Day, saving you 19% on their usual $429 price tag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $349.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal

As Mashable's shopping reporter on the headphones beat, I've tested out my fair share of headphones, from the high end to the budget friendly.

While testing, I tried to avoid calling one pair of headphones the definitive best, especially as a person's headphones experience can rely so heavily on personal preference. However, if what you're looking for is headphones designed for all-day wear, I'd say without contest that the most comfortable ones I've ever tested are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones. And for the second day of Prime Day, they're on sale for $349 at Amazon, knocking $80 off their usual price.

SEE ALSO: The best Prime Day headphones and speaker deals we've found are right here

Obviously, not everyone is working with the same head shape — again, preferences are important. But as someone who's tried Sony's flagship line, JBL headphones, Bowers & Wilkins headphones, and two additional headphones from the QuietComfort line (the QC 35 II and QC 45 headphones), the QuietComfort Ultra headphones feel the lightest, squeeze the least, and have the softest ear cushions. I've worn them for entire workdays and on flights while wearing glasses without any issue.

Mashable Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino also tested the headphones, and said in her review, "These are absolutely the most comfortable over-the-ear headphones I've tried."

Comfortable as they are, they're not without their faults. The Bluetooth pairing can be inconsistent, especially with multiple devices paired, which feels like a glaring issue at their price point. They don't support passive playback without being turned on (kind of defeating the point of having a wired connection), and could offer better spatial audio (though this is Bose's first attempt at offering it on their headphones).

All that said, their noise-cancelling is top-notch — these headphones were a godsend to me when I worked from home right across the street from a large construction project. Their battery life holds up, even with ANC turned on, and their ear cups fold in for travel (which can't be said for the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones).

At $349, the trade-offs could well be worth it for you, especially if you've been on the hunt for the most comfortable over-ear headphones possible.

Take 20% off the foldable DJI Mini 4K drone this Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 15:48

SAVE $60: The DJI Mini 4K drone is on sale for $239, down from $299, at Amazon for Prime Day. That's 20% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K drone $239.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $60.00 Get Deal

Drones are incredibly fun, but not everybody wants a big electric bird. That's exactly why the DJI Mini 4K exists, and it's now on sale as part of Amazon's Prime Day discounts. It's a nifty little 4K drone that's small and foldable and still promises up to 31 minutes of recording.

As of July 17, the DJI Mini 4K drone is on sale at Amazon for $239. That's $60 off the list price of $299, a 20% discount for Prime Day. It's one of the best drone deals you can get this Prime Day, and a record-low price for this tiny drone. Amazon also has the DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo bundle with two batteries, a shoulder bag, and a charging hub on sale for the record-low record price of $359.

SEE ALSO: The best drones for beginners

The DJI Mini 4K is a pretty capable drone, with a three-axis gimbal that makes it easier to capture stable footage in 4K while flying at high speeds. It also has level 5 wind resistance, which means it can handle a bit of resistance from the weather, despite being so small. It can also transmit HD video over six miles, so you won't lose this easily.

Trello leak: Over 15 million email addresses exposed. How did this happen?

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 15:18

Trello is a popular project management tool that's well-known for its kanban-style list format. 

On Tuesday, the private data connected to 15,115,516 Trello user profiles was shared on a popular forum for hackers, as first noticed by the cybersecurity news website Bleeping Computer. It appears that a single hacker discovered a flaw in Trello's system and was able to extract sensitive private user data.

While much of the data connected to a Trello account is public information, not all of it is. By far, the most concerning part of the breach for Trello users is the email address data. 

Over 15 million Trello users now have their private email addresses associated with their Trello profiles exposed to the public.

How did this happen?

The Trello data breach and subsequent leak can be traced back to earlier this year. Bleeping Computer first noticed in January that the hacker, with the moniker "emo," was selling the Trello data on the hacking forum before providing greater access to it this week. 

Both Trello's parent company, Atlassian, and "emo" (the hacker), have since shared more information about how this leak came to be.

According to a forum post by the hacker, they discovered that "Trello had an open API endpoint that allows any unauthenticated user to map an email address to a trello account." In a correspondence with Bleeping Computer, the hacker further explained that once they discovered the flaw, they put together a list of hundreds of millions of email addresses and cross checked them with the Trello accounts in the API. From there, "emo" was able to link those email addresses with Trello accounts and create a user profile for more than 15 million accounts. 

Atlassian confirmed the issue with Bleeping Computer in a statement, saying that the Trello REST API was intended to allow Trello users to invite guests to public boards through email. The company has updated the Trello API to preserve this feature while preventing its misuse by bad actors.

"Given the misuse of the API uncovered in this January 2024 investigation, we made a change to it so that unauthenticated users/services cannot request another user's public information by email," Atlassian said in its statement. "Authenticated users can still request information that is publicly available on another user's profile using this API. This change strikes a balance between preventing misuse of the API while keeping the ‘invite to a public board by email’ feature working for our users. We will continue to monitor the use of the API and take any necessary actions."

Fixing the issue is certainly a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, the leaked data that was obtained through this method is still out there. And if one wonders exactly what can be done with this data, "emo" the hacker shared exactly why the Trello leak is useful to bad actors in their forum post.

"This database is very useful for doxing," wrote emo, who explained one can simply match the email address to a full name or alias attached to a Trello account using the stolen data.

Trello users should be aware that this sensitive data is out there.

Pages

Subscribe to Page Integrity, Inc. aggregator