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250+ Prime Day deals our shopping experts have deemed worth it: Save on Apple, Echo devices, TVs, headphones, and more

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 03:00

UPDATE: Jul. 16, 2024, 9:20 p.m. EDT This post has been refreshed with new board game deals, along with updated pricing (including emojis denoting new record lows), and availability during the opening day of Prime Day.

Check out our giant list of the best Prime Day deals:

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/speaker deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra $229 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) $159.99 at Amazon (save $140) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy X10 Pro Omni $599.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Coleman Skylodge 12-Person Camping Tent $194.99 at Amazon (save $195) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Foodi 7-in-1 XL Pro Indoor Grill and Griddle with Air Fry (IG651) $179.99 at Amazon (save $190) Get Deal

Deal hunters, gather round: Amazon Prime Day is back for its tenth year. And with the big event finally here, thousands of Prime Day deals are officially live.

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 will be two days of site-wide 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.

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 to shop in 2024

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) 🔥 $249.99 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $79.01 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: Amazon Our pick: Amazon 50-inch Omni 4K Fire TV $319.99 at Amazon
$479.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon hasn't been making TVs for as long as some other manufacturers, but in a few short years, it's proven it can make some of the best budget and mid-range TVs in the world. The 4K Omni Series is firmly in the mid-range, but for Prime Day, it got a price drop that puts it in budget pricing territory. With Amazon's Fire TV OS, it's smarter than most similarly priced TVs, with excellent Alexa integration and voice control. For gaming, this TV comes with three HDMI ports (including an HDMI eARC).

More TVs on sale at Amazon

4K LED TVs

4K QLED TVs

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

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 🔥 $229.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like them

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

"We're big fans of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth said, "In terms of audio quality, noise cancellation, and battery life, I'm more impressed the longer I use these earbuds." At a regular price of $299 though, they don't come cheap, but there's no better time to buy than during Prime Day. They're down to $229, their lowest price ever, giving you $70 off for 23% savings." — Bethany Allard, Shopping Reporter

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. Grab it in purple, green, stone blue, or white smoke." — 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: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) $159.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $140.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Launched last summer, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 was dubbed the 'king of the Android smartwatch mountain' by Mashable tech reporter Alex Perry. The sixth iteration saw a suite of added sleep and fitness features, including a nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, and irregular heart rate notifications. Plus, it lasts longer on a single charge and features a 20 percent larger display than previous models." — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor

Like all of the best Prime Day deals, this price drop easily beats this product's lowest-ever price. Now that Prime Day has started, the 40mm version with Bluetooth dropped to a record-low $159.99. With sleep and heart rate tracking in addition to tons of fitness insights, this wearable is a handy alternative to the Apple Watch.

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 Skylodge 12-Person Camping Tent 🔥 $194.99 at Amazon
$389.99 Save $195.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"If your camping trips often involve a big group, or you just like extra space to stow your gear, this is the tent for you. Take 50% off this tent that will sleep up to 12 people, has floor-to-ceiling windows for better views and ventilation, and includes a convertible screen room if you want to divide off an area. This roomy tent is 14 x 10 feet, 6.6 feet high in the center, and can fit four queen-size airbeds. Plus, it's built to withstand the weather. Spread out and stake your claim on your next camping trip." — Jillian Anthony, Mashable Contributor

More outdoor deals

Tents

Cooler, grills, water bottles and cooking supplies

Miscellaneous outdoor deals

The top Prime Day kitchen deals Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Our pick: Ninja Foodi 7-in-1 XL Pro Indoor Grill and Griddle with Air Fry (IG651) 🔥 $179.99 at Amazon
$369.99 Save $190.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The juiciest discount we're seeing on any Ninja cooker so far this Prime Day season is a 51% price slash on the Ninja Foodi Smart XL indoor grill and air fryer combo. This 7-in-1 flat top griddle can take your dinner from frozen to BBQ-ed (complete with grill marks) in 25 minutes, searing at temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit — use the included meat thermometer to check your work. The lid, which can grill open or closed, can also air fry and dehydrate. — Leah Stodart, senior shopping editor

More kitchen deals

Air fryers

Drink makers

Coffee makers

Blenders

Instant Pots and other pressure cookers

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

Hobbies

Home security

Mattresses, pillows, and bedding

Pet tech

Household essentials

Board games

Everything you need to know about Prime Day 2024, from a team of professional deal hunters

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 03:00

UPDATE: Jul. 16, 2024, 9:20 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with new board game deals during day one of Prime Day 2024.

Amazon Prime Day is turning 10 this year, and the members-only sale is already panning out to be a huge draw for sticker shock-weary shoppers on the hunt for summer deals. (Granted, not every deal is worth it.)

Here's what you need to know about Prime Day 2024.

What is Prime Day?

Prime Day is an annual sitewide sale open to paid and trial members of Amazon's Prime subscription service. First held in 2015 in honor of Amazon's 20th anniversary (with mixed success), it was originally plugged as a "one-day-only event filled with more deals than Black Friday." In the years since, it's morphed into a 48-hour affair that's preceded by weeks of preview offers. Prime Day is a misnomer at this point.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2024 is here: See 150+ deals worth shopping

For the past two years, Amazon has hosted another major two-day sale for Prime members in October, teeing up its Black Friday festivities. (The 2022 version was called "Prime Early Access Sale," and it was renamed to "Prime Big Deal Days" in 2023.) However, the summer iteration of Prime Day has remained Amazon's flagship sale.

When is Prime Day 2024?

Prime Day is now live from Tuesday, July 16 through Wednesday, July 17 in 2024. This lines up with Amazon's historical preference for early-week slots in mid-July. (For reference, Prime Day 2022 was live from Tuesday, July 12, through Wednesday, July 13, and Prime Day 2023 ran from Tuesday, June 11, through Wednesday, July 12.)

What are the best Prime Day deals?

In doling out many of its steepest price drops ahead of Prime Day, Amazon is keeping things in the family. A slew of Echo devices from Amazon's in-house brand of smart home gadgets are sitting at all-time low prices for Team Prime, including the all-new Echo Spot (44% off), the Echo Show 8 (43% off), the Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (71% off), and the Echo Frames (37% off, plus a free Echo Pop). Prime members can also snag five free months of Amazon Music Unlimited, three free months of Audible Premium Plus, and three free months of Kindle Unlimited if they haven't subscribed before. Meanwhile, Prime Video rentals and purchases are up to 50% off.

The best early Prime Day deals at a glance: Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3) $849 at Amazon (save $250 with on-page coupon) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd Gen) $34.99 at Amazon (save $85) Get Deal Best smart speaker deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon (save $35) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm) $279 at Amazon (save $120) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy X90 Pro $449.99 at Amazon (save $450) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer $69.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best unlocked phone deal Motorola razr+ (256GB) $599.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal Best home deal Shark Clean Sense Air Purifier $119.99 at Amazon (save $120) Get Deal

Outside of the Amazon ecosystem, we're seeing some new all-time lows on big-ticket tech, including Apple devices. The 41mm Apple Watch Series 9 is marked down to $279 (30% off), the second-gen AirPods are now only $69 (47% off), the AirPods Max have dipped to $394.99 (28% off), and the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air is sitting at $849 (23% off). The latter is easily Amazon's best Prime Day laptop deal.

Amazon is also granting access to a selection of invite-only deals during Prime Day. (Their exact timing is between Andy Jassy and God.) If you're interested in a cheap pair of Sony headphones, a $150 SodaStream bundle, a $103 Foreo Luna mini 3 bundle, or an original Peloton Bike for just over a grand, hustle and request an invitation ahead of time — they were still up for grabs at the time of writing.

The Mashable shopping team is keeping a close watch on the sale, so if you don't want to comb through every listing yourself, bookmark our guide to the very best Prime Day deals.

More great Prime Day deals

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

Laptops

Robot vacuums

Earbuds

Smart speakers

Smartwatches

Tablets

Unlocked phones

Kitchen

Home

Household essentials

Board games

Can you shop on Prime Day without being a Prime member?

You have to be a Prime member in order to shop Amazon's Prime Day deals. But if you don't want to commit to a monthly or annual paid subscription, you can still participate by scheduling a free 30-day trial of Prime around the sale. Just remember to cancel it as soon as Prime Day is over to avoid getting charged.

Who's competing with Prime Day?

Other retailers traditionally hold competing sales during Prime Day, but this year, only Best Buy is going head-to-head with Amazon.

The electronics store's Black Friday in July sale runs from Monday, July 15 to Wednesday, July 17 (or a full 24 hours longer than Prime Day). It's not a subscribers-only affair, but paid (Plus and Total) members of the My Best Buy program get exclusive access to certain offers and receive a $50 bonus reward when they spend $500 or more during the event.

Target and Walmart both ran their (unofficial) Prime Day counter-programming last week. However, it's still worth cross-checking Amazon's sale prices with their listings, just in case they randomly decide to match or one-up their prices.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 17

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 02:16

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 17 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 17

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, July 17, 2024:

AcrossPetty coat?

  • The answer is fur.

Do penance

  • The answer is atone.

Gave in under pressure

  • The answer is caved.

Song played during the opening credits

  • The answer is theme.

___ Swanson, Nick Offerman's role on "Parks and Recreation"

  • The answer is Ron.

Down"As a matter of ___ …"

  • The answer is fact.

Home of Brigham Young University

  • The answer is Utah.

Apt name for a dog who loves to run free

  • The answer is Rover.

Pixar's title clownfish

  • The answer is Nemo.

Biblical garden

  • The answer is Eden.

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

Get lifetime cloud storage with Koofr, now only £100

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

TL;DR: Through July 21, you can get a lifetime subscription to Koofr cloud storage with 1TB of space for just £100.19 (reg. £621.32) with coupon code KOOFR40. That's 84% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage (1TB): Lifetime Subscription £100.19 at the Mashable Shop
£621.32 Save £521.13 Get Deal

Leave “storage almost full” reminders behind and save yourself unnecessary frustration by storing your important files, photos, and data in the cloud. In today’s world, nearly everything runs on a subscription-based model, but now you can leave monthly fees and auto-renew charges in the past, too. With Koofr, you only have to pay once and you’re set with 1TB of cloud storage space for life. Until the end of the day on July 21, you can score 1TB of Koofr cloud storage for only £100.19 with coupon code KOOFR40.

If you deal with large files or like to film at concerts, then you don’t have to worry about being selective with storage anymore. A terabyte of storage can store approximately 250,000 12MP photos, 500 hours of HD videos, or 6.5 million document pages like PDFs. With this plan, you won’t see any warning signs anytime soon.

Koof allows you to view all of your files within a central hub. It also integrates seamlessly with external cloud accounts like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, and OneDrive, so you can access files across multiple platforms. Your files are also accessible through your smartphone, personal computer, or via WebDav, so you can access your files anytime, anywhere at your convenience.

If your files are all over the place, Koofr has a built-in duplicate finder tool that helps you find and remove duplicate files within your account. It also features advanced file management features like the ability to rename options and link appearance customisation. Enjoy privacy as you transfer or add new data into the cloud.

Keep your physical life and digital life organised this year and grab a lifetime subscription to a Koofr cloud storage plan (1TB) for only £100.19 (reg. £621.32) with code KOOFR40 until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 17

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 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 17'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:

Not just a little, but almost completely.

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 Q.

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...

QUITE.

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

I'm a professional robot vacuum reviewer, and this is the best Prime Day robot vacuum deal

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 21:10

As one of Mashable's senior shopping reporters (but more importantly, the resident robot vacuum expert), I'll be the first one to tell you that there are way too many robot vacuums on sale for Prime Day.

A ton of the models on sale this year have been under my roof at some point. I have at least three in my apartment at any given time, relying on them for my every day cleaning, comparing them to others I've used, and writing about the experience. My knowledge also extends to price points — I could probably rattle off the MSRP and record-low sale price for any given 2023 or 2024 model from sheer memory. I love being normal.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

So naturally, I was subconsciously scanning the long list of Prime Day options for the one or two deals that could be crowned the absolute best bang for your buck — the deals I'd tell a friend or family member about if they asked which robot vacuum they should get. Spoiler alert: It's not a Roomba.

If you're also in the market for a robot vacuum this Prime Day and are experiencing decision fatigue, I got you.

My favorite Prime Day robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy X10 Pro Omni $599.99
$799.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why I 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. There are simply other robot vacuums that can do more for less money — namely the Eufy X10 Pro Omni, which is sitting beside me as I type this.

Of the robot vacuums announced at CES 2024 in January, I was most excited to try the Eufy X10 Pro Omni. Not because it does anything particularly unique on its own, but because it took a stab at self-washing and self-drying mopping pads at a price point much lower than any other CES release that offers this feature

SEE ALSO: Top 6 robot vacuum and mop combos to look for on Prime Day

Back to the Roomba Combo j9+ comparison: 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 a clean slate. Having tested both in my apartment, not having to deal with soggy mopping pads made me subconsciously reach to open the Eufy app over the iRobot one for pretty much every task.

In terms of actual cleaning, the X10 Pro Omni is just about as meticulous as you could ask for. 8,000 Pa suction power isn't far from the most powerful suction power on the market, and is especially powerful for a robot vacuum under $1,000. I also appreciated Eufy's decision to arm the X10 Pro Omni with dual spinning mopping pads rather than a single stationary cloth. I trust that active scrubbing more, and can visibly see the performance on dusty cat paw prints by the litter box, shoe prints by the door, and dried mystery splatters by the kitchen counter.

A cheaper honorable mention

If you're laughing manically at the thought of spending more than $500 on a robot vacuum, I also have a stellar budget pick for you.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 $399.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 is the most advanced of Shark's latest line and it impressed me way more than I thought it would. It gets where it needs to go via accurate smart mapping and did a solid enough job of vacuuming and mopping that I wasn't constantly grabbing my Dyson for touchups. This thoroughness can mostly be attributed to Shark's Matrix mode: a cleaning mode that triggers the vacuum to go over a desired spot (with heightened scrubbing or suction power) multiple times from different angles, upping the likelihood of picking up hair or debris that couldn't quite be grabbed on the first pass.

While this model does self-empty, it's no full-fledged self-cleaning station, so you do have to rinse the mopping pads and let them dry before clicking them on for another mopping run. However, this Shark pick still gets credit for nailing the holy trinity that is smart mapping, self-emptying, and mopping on a budget — less than $400 on Prime Day.

Get your game on with the best Prime Day 2024 board game deals

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 20:40

The first day of Amazon Prime Day 2024 has brought with it several goodies: tons of sales, daring discounts, and superior sales. While that includes savings on big-ticket items like tech, it also spans smaller items like home goods and – surprise! – board games.

If you're looking for a good way to gather the whole family or wrangle your friend group, consider a board game or two. One great option is Catan, a bestseller that's going to end up selling more now that it's been discounted. Pick up a copy for your own, but don't forget to check out what else is in store.

Below, find some of our favorite picks for Prime Day board game deals.

Best Prime Day board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Catan Base Pack $37.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $22.50 Get Deal Why we like it

Catan is a massively popular strategy game that you won't want to skip out on now that it's discounted so heavily. Previously known as Settlers of Catan, this board game finds you gathering resources like lumber, wool, and grain to help expand settlements. Collect points for each city and other achievement along the way and claim victory for all your successes. It's a challenging yet satisfying adventure that's a blockbuster for a reason. Don't miss out on adding the base pack to your board game collection.

More Prime Day board game deals under $50:

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 17

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 20:00

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 17'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: Types of businesses

  • Green: Get in the way

  • Blue: A bunching of animals

  • Purple: Maybe heads of state?

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: Buildings Around Town

  • Green: Hinder

  • Blue: Animal Group Names

  • Purple: Starts of U.S Presidents

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 #402 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Buildings Around Town: BANK, LAUNDROMAT, POST OFFICE, SUPERMARKET

  • Hinder: CHECK, CURB, HAMPER, INHIBIT

  • Animal Group Names: PACK, PRIDE, SCHOOL, SWARM

  • Starts of U.S Presidents: BIDE, CART, NIX, WASHING

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

Score some serious savings with the best Prime Day deals under $50

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 19:51

Want to shop Prime Day deals, but don't want to spend an arm and a leg? Check out some of our favorite Prime Day deals under $50 you can shop right now.

Best Amazon Prime Day Deals Under $50 Best Prime Day Deal Under $50 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $34.99 at Amazon (Save $25) Get Deal Best Earbuds Deal Under $50 Amazon Echo Buds with Wireless Charging Case $44.99 at Amazon (Save $95) Get Deal Best Prime Day Video Game Deal Under $50 'Super Mario RPG' $39.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal

Prime Day 2024 is in full force, and that means round-the-clock deals are flying by across just about every category of item. While that includes TVs and smartphones and other big-ticket items, it also counts when it comes to smaller, more affordable goodies, too. You don't have to be rolling in the dough to snag some great Prime Day deals.

Right now, you can score some excellent deals under $50 that you'll be glad you pounced on. From great earbuds to reliable streaming sticks and much more, you can add these deals to your cart and check out now to scoop up the savings. Below, find some of our favorite discounts.

Best Prime Day Deal Under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $34.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the latest and greatest addition to Amazon's roster of streaming options. It's quicker than the previous model and supports Wi-Fi 6E. Plus, with double the storage, it's capable of additional feats, like displaying artwork that can essentially turn your TV into a Samsung Frame display and provide you with plenty of apps to use, since streaming content is spread all over the place these days. Saving 42% off this streaming stick is a great deal, especially if you enjoy a lot of shows and movies online.

Best Earbuds Deal Under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with Wireless Charging Case $44.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why we like it

You'll rarely find a better deal on noise cancelling earbuds outside of the realm of Apple AirPods than the Amazon Echo Buds with Wireless Charging Case for less than $50. They deliver crisp, dynamic audio, and audio personalization so you can better adjust your music (and podcasts if you choose) to fit your listening profile. They're IPX4 sweat-resistant, can switch between multiple devices at the same time, and last up to 15 hours per charge with the charging case. Getting them for this price is an absolute steal.

Best Prime Day Deal Under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Super Mario RPG' $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Nintendo Switch exclusive "Super Mario RPG" is a whimsical remake of the classic SNES title. It follows Mario and the gang while they track down the Smithy Gang, who's wreaking havoc on the Mushroom Kingdom. Form a party, fight in turn-based isometric battles, and save Princess Peach (and Star Road) with modernized graphics and mechanics to bring this '90s classic back to the forefront of gamers' minds – and to new players who had no idea Mario was more than a platforming darling.

More Prime Day deals under $50:

Save $50 on Apple AirPods (third-gen) on Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 19:50

SAVE $50: This apple isn't rotten right to its core. Apple AirPods (third-gen) are on-sale for a record-low price on Amazon for Prime Day. Usually costing as much as $169.99, today you can get them for $119.99. That's a nearly 30 percent discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon AirPods (third-gen) $119.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

AirPods (third-gen) have a battery life of six hours, are comfortable, and have great sound quality for headphones that don't come with noise-cancelling capabilities. They also feature Apple's Personalized Spatial Audio which aims to surround you in sound for an immersive experience. The AirPods (third-gen) also limit background noise when you're on call. Not to mention their sleek design.

Your purchase comes with a Lightning Charging Case with up to 30 hours of battery life.

While Mashable found that the Beats Fit Pro outperform the AirPods (third-gen) in features, battery life, comfort, and sound quality, we know that there are AirPods loyalists out there. If you've been waiting to take the leap from wired headphones to AirPods, now just might be your time.

The best Prime Day deals on cameras and smartphone printers

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 19:33

Perhaps photo dumps aren't scratching the same in-the-moment itch that they once were, or maybe your phone's storage is begging you to let it breathe.

Whatever the case, if you're in the market for a camera this Prime Day, you have a few good deals to choose from. We're not seeing the selection of instant cameras on sale that we're used to seeing on Black Friday. (They do make great gifts, so the holiday timing makes sense.) But we've pulled the ones that are worth looking at, including instant cameras, action cameras, regular mirrorless cameras, and some portable instant printers that can link up to your phone — that's basically a camera.

SEE ALSO: Gift card promos are our favorite underrated Prime Day deals

Be sure to check back through the end of Prime Day on July 17, as it's very possible that Fujifilm, Canon, and Polaroid will drop new camera deals. Other Prime Day categories have way more deals that you can shop right now, and we're keeping track of those, too.

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

Best Prime Day camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Mini Shot 2 ERA (60 sheets bundle) $127.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $62.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The simultaneous nostalgia and modernity of having an instant camera in 2024 is just plain fun. The best one to grab during Prime Day is this bundle from Kodak, which comes with 60 extra printing sheets. This version of the Kodak Mini Shot sports a Y2K-esque film camera look and use tools like auto-focus and face detection to capture your moment in high quality. The photo will pop out in just a few seconds.

The Kodak Mini Shot 2 also doubles as a portable printer that can sync up to your phone and print physical versions of memories in your camera roll.

Other cameras on sale for Prime Day

Instant cameras

Portable printers

Action cameras

Mirrorless cameras

Everyone's favorite board game, Catan, is on sale for Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 18:52

SAVE $22.50: As of July 16 (AKA day one of Prime Day), the popular board game, Catan, is on sale for $37.49, down from the retail price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Catan Base Pack $37.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $22.50 Get Deal

If you've been waiting to purchase your very own Catan set, now is your chance. Formerly known as Settlers of Catan, the blockbuster board game is on sale for an impressively low price for Prime Day as part of a limited-time lightning deal.

The game challenges players to collect resources — brick, lumber, grain, wool, and ore —to expand their settlements and cities. Along the way players collect victory points for each settlement, city, and other accomplishments like having the longest road. Whoever reaches 10 victory points first wins the game.

The base pack comes with all the Resource Cards, Development Cards, and Settlements you need to get started to play with three to four players. If you're playing with a bigger group or become a fanatic, you can always purchase expansion packs.

Prime Day features record-low prices for Ultimate Ears speakers

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 18:22
Ultimate Ears Prime Day deals: Our top pick Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 56.99 at Amazon (Save $43) Get Deal Best new release deal Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 79.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal Upgrade pick Ultimate Ears Epicboom $269.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal

Do you hear that? It's the sound of a sale on some of our favorite Ultimate Ears speakers for Amazon Prime Day.

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3, Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4, and the new Ultimate Ears Epicboom are all at record-low prices.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 $56.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $43.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Named one of Mashable's 6 best Bluetooth speakers on sale for Prime Day, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a powerful, durable, and portable speaker. It boasts a battery life of 14 hours, excellent sound for its size, and is available in a bunch of fun colors. Today you can purchase it for the absurdly low price of $56.99. It previously cost $99.99.

Best new-release deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The newer model, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4, which Mashable has yet to review and test is also on sale for $20 off at $79.99. It features 14 hours of battery life, and waterproof 360-degree sound in a tiny package.

Upgrade pick Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Epicboom $269.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is also on sale. In Mashable's review, SaVanna Shoemaker praised its durability, power, and how hard it is to destroy. Our main criticism of the product was its steep price, but you're in luck as it's a full $80 off for $269.99.

Save $41 on the newly launched Amazon Xbox Fire TV Stick 4K Max with Wireless Controller bundle

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 17:40

SAVE $40.99: As of July 16, the Amazon Xbox Fire TV Stick 4K Max with Wireless Controller bundle is on sale for $78.99 at Amazon. That's a 34% discount off its retail price of $119.98.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Xbox Fire TV Stick 4K Max with Wireless Controller bundle $78.99 at Amazon
$119.98 Save $40.99 Get Deal

Gaming has changed a lot in recent years. In the early days, you couldn't get by without some serious hardware, like a gaming PC or a console, versus now you can game on nearly any device with a screen, provided you're connected to the internet. Xbox recently announced that it's launching with the Amazon Fire TV stick. The Amazon Xbox Fire TV Stick 4K Max with Wireless Controller bundle that that collaboration birthed is now on sale.

As of now, you can get the Amazon Xbox Fire TV Stick 4K Max with Wireless Controller bundle for $78.99 at Amazon. That's 34% (or $40.99) off the list pricing of $119.98. Since it's a new bundle, we don't have old deal pricing to compare it to. The bundle includes an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, a Robot White Xbox Core Wireless Controller, and a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for new members.

If you consider the current pricing of these products, the controller is going for $44, while the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is available for $35, which pretty much puts the price on bar with the bundle. You get a month of Game Pass Ultimate for free, which otherwise costs $15, which should sweeten the deal.

SEE ALSO: The best Prime Day gaming deals, from consoles to accessories and beyond

You can use this bundle to immediately get started with streaming the many games in the Game Pass catalogue right on your TV, without the need to buy a dedicated gaming console. Note however, that this is game streaming and not native gaming, which means it's susceptible to the usual bunch of internet problems, causing visual artifacts, buffering, and input lag.

Apple and Salesforce AI training datasets co-opt MrBeast, Marques Brownlee videos

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 17:22

A new investigation claims that tech companies used subtitles from more than 48,000 YouTube channels — including from top creators like MrBeast and Marques Brownlee and higher learning institutions like MIT and Harvard — to train their AI models, even though YouTube prohibits the harvesting of platform content without permission.

The investigation, conducted by Proof News and published in conjunction with Wired, found that companies like Anthropic, Nvidia, Apple, and Salesforce used a dataset of 173,536 YouTube videos including those from Khan Academy, MIT, Harvard, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, the BBC and late night shows like The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT now saves chat history even if you've opted out of sharing training data

Marques Brownlee posted an Instagram Reel noting that, in his opinion, "the real story is Apple and a whole bunch of other tech companies are training their AI models using data that they buy from third party data scraping companies some of which get their data in slightly illegal ways... Apple can technically say they're not at fault for this."

View this post on Instagram

Wired says that representatives for the non-profit AI research lab that scraped and disseminated the YouTube dataset, EleutherAI, did not respond to the publication's requests for comment. The dataset is part of a compilation the nonprofit calls The Pile, which also includes material from the European Parliament, English Wikipedia, and emails from the employees of the Enron Corporation released during the federal investigation into the company in the early 2000s.

Wired reports that most of the collections that make up The Pile are accessible to "anyone on the internet with enough space and computing power to access them." These include Apple, Nvidia, Salesforce, Bloomberg and Databricks, all of which have publicly acknowledged their use of The Pile to train AI models.

Jennifer Martinez, a spokesperson for AI startup Anthropic, said in a statement that while the company had used The Pile to train its generative AI assistant, "YouTube’s terms cover direct use of its platform, which is distinct from use of the Pile dataset. On the point about potential violations of YouTube’s terms of service, we’d have to refer you to the Pile authors."

In his Instagram Reel, Brownlee added, "The double whammy is that I actually pay for more accurate manual transcriptions on every video that we put out... so that means the stolen transcriptions specifically are paid content that's being stolen more than once."

His concerns echo those of creators across the world who are concerned that their work will be consumed or exploited by AI without compensation or permission. Many are currently suing tech companies for unapproved use of their work.

Wired reports that The Pile is still available on file-sharing services but has been removed from its official download site. Proof News has created a tool to search for creators in the YouTube AI training dataset.

5 most useful features of iOS 18 public beta — and how to use them

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 17:02

The iOS 18 public beta is finally here, giving beta testers a chance to try out new iPhone features poised to officially release later this year. The new tweaks that Apple added to the next big update appear to be countless — but we've condensed the list to the top five most useful features.

From Tap to Cash to RCS messaging, allow us to walk you through how to use the best features of the latest iOS 18 public beta. But first, you'll need to install it. (We have a guide on how to install the iOS 18 public beta here.) Keep in mind that the iOS 18 public beta is still quite unpolished and raw, so make sure you have an iPhone backup handy before installing it.

iOS 18 public beta: Top 5 most useful features

Now that you've got iOS 18 public beta on your iPhone (and you hopefully have a backup because it's a risky install), let's dive into the top five most useful features.

1. QR Code for Wi-Fi password sharing

If you often have loved ones over, and you can never seem to remember the Wi-Fi password, you can generate a QR code for easy sharing. You can print it, too, so trusted users can always have access to it.

To get this feature, go to Passwords and tap on Wi-Fi. Next, tap on the credentials you'd like to share and tap on Show Network QR Code.

2. RCS messaging

Perhaps after some pressure from big-tech companies like Google and Samsung, Apple is finally offering RCS messaging support to iPhone users. In other words, the feature gap between Android and iPhone messaging will be significantly narrowed. High-resolution media sharing should go more smoothly, and typing indicators and read receipts should be a thing, too.

You can enable RCS Messaging by going to Settings > Apps > Messages before tapping the toggle next to RCS Messaging. (If you don't see this option, your carrier may not support it.)

Now, texting an Android user won't feel as different as it usually does, but you'll still see the green bubbles.

3. Tap to Cash

You can easily send money from one iPhone to another with the new Tap to Cash feature.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Go to Apple Wallet and tap on the "Cash" card. Hit the Send or Request button. Finally, type in the name of the recipient.

4. Satellite text messaging

Satellite connectivity is no longer for reserved for emergencies. You can now send messages to friends and loved ones without a Wi-Fi and cellular connection. You can do this by swiping down on your iPhone to reveal the Control Center. Next, tap on Satellite before hitting Try Demo.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Next, tap on Messages followed by Satellite Connection Demo. You'll then be prompted to temporarily turn off cellular. Next, you'll have to stand in a location with a clear view of the sky and wait for satellite connectivity. (I had to wait three minutes.)

5. Voice Memo transcription

Did you know that, with iOS 18, all your recordings can get transcribed? All you need to do is navigate to the Voice Memo app, record a message, and tap on the triple-dot icon on the top-right corner of your recording.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Tap on View Transcript to see iOS 18's speech-to-text capabilities in action.

Hoping to see Apple Intelligence on this list? Unfortunately, Apple Intelligence features aren't available in the latest beta. In fact, many Apple Intelligence features may not appear until 2025.

Elon Musk Says He Will Move X and SpaceX Headquarters to Texas

NYT Technology - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 16:44
The social media and rocket companies are headquartered in California, which the billionaire criticized for its recent transgender legislation.

Amazon Fresh is $40 off for Prime Day: Use this promo code on orders $100+

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 16:20

Prime Day isn’t just good for saving on electronics. You can also save on groceries, but you have to be a Prime member to reap these benefits. 

Eligible Amazon Prime members can get $40 off Amazon Fresh orders of $100 or more (pre-tax) on delivery and pick-up orders with the code PRIMEFRESH40 during Prime Day. Note that this deal is only available until July 17 at 11:59 PT, so snag it while you can.

Opens in a new window Credit: unknown Amazon Fresh save $40 on orders of $100+ with code PRIMEFRESH40 Don’t Have Amazon Prime?

If you're not a current Prime member, you can sign up for a free trial for Amazon Prime. If you’re a student, you’re eligible for a six-month free trial, if you’re not a student then you can unlock the one-month free trial offer to take advantage of Prime Day deals.

SEE ALSO: The best Amazon Prime Day deals for 2024 – live now What is Amazon Fresh?

Amazon Fresh is the grocery subsection of the mega-retailer. While AmazonFresh does have some physical locations in some cities, you may only be able to use this code through delivery depending on where you live, if an AmazonFresh store isn’t near you.

Note that this discount only applies to the Amazon Fresh grocery service and not the Whole Foods Market service that's also owned by Amazon.

iOS 18 has a new 'Photos' feature you likely haven't heard of yet

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 15:59

If you simply can't find that old photo you swear used to be on your iPhone, Apple may have a fix for that when iOS 18 officially drops later this year.

According to MacRumors, the next big software update for iPhones will have a new feature in the Photos app that will let you recover lost or damaged photos and videos that may not properly appear in your other albums like they should. You can find these photos by opening the Photos app, going to Albums, and scrolling down until you see Utilities.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 Pro may finally get a pink-ish color with new 'rose' color rumor

Of course, that feature won't work for anyone who is not currently using the iOS 18 public beta, so don't bother trying if you're working with iOS 17 or older. You'll also need to actually have some damaged photos or videos lying around on your device, otherwise the options to recover (or destroy) them won't show up at all.

These kinds of images or videos can be lost or damaged for many reasons. As MacRumors pointed out, some third-party apps don't save things to the photo library properly — or databases get corrupted. In these instances, if iOS 18 can intelligently identify photos with problems (and give users a way to restore or destroy them), it could arguably be one of the most impactful features for the Photos app in quite some time.

We'll find out together later this year when iOS 18 drops.

Echo vs. Echo Dot: Which Amazon device should you buy?

Mashable - Tue, 07/16/2024 - 15:44

With the rise of AI and ChatGPT, nothing seems too unthinkable and futuristic in the world of tech anymore. Moreover, products that once seemed advanced (read: the Amazon Echo when it was first released in 2015) don't seem to be all that advanced anymore. This means companies have to constantly innovate to continue attracting buyers, which is what Amazon did in 2022 when it released its 5th Generation Echo Dot. Since then, the corporate giant has unveiled even newer products (in the Echo Show and Echo Pop families).

This is great and all, but when the time comes to actually invest in a new Echo device for your home — thus upgrading it to "smart home" status — it can be hard to decide which one to get. Do you want to be able to video call your family with Echo Show 10's sleek swivel screen? Maximize affordability with the Echo Pop? Or upgrade your kids' rooms with an Echo device just for kids?

SEE ALSO: 245+ Prime Day deals our shopping experts think are worth it: Save on Apple, Echo devices, TVs, headphones, and more

With this technology boom though, it can be hard to transition your home from “basic” to “smart-home” status. Establishing a tech-friendly home isn’t always easy, but there is hope. Smart speakers like Amazon's Echo family of products are a great starting point because they're affordable, require minimal effort to operate, and help you easily complete small tasks around the house. They take voice-recognition technology to the next level by playing music, finding binge-watch-worthy flicks, reading news, and adjusting room settings. They’ll do the work for you, so you can relax and take care of stuff that actually matters sans interruptions.

A common dilemma many specifically face is "to Echo or to Echo Dot?" Among its robust lineup of smart speakers, the Echo (Fourth Generation) and Echo Dot (Fifth Generation) are eerily similar, despite the former being almost twice as big as the latter. Given that the latest Dot was released in 2022 and the 4th Gen Echo came out two years before that, there are obvious technical upgrades in the Dot that don't exist in its bulkier predecessor. At least on paper.

The Echo (Fourth Generation) and Echo Dot (Fifth Generation) fall in the middle of the whole Echo line-up. The Echo Show, is at the top of the range, with it's motion-tracking screen, while the Echo Pop is even smaller and more budget-friendly than the Dot.

Bad at making uninformed choices? Same here. To help you out, here’s everything you need to know if you’re deciding between the Echo and the Echo Dot.

Good things come in colorful packages. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Difference between Echo and Echo DotAmazon Echo smart speaker review (4th Gen) Amazon Echo (4th Gen) $54.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $45.00 Shop Now

The Echo weighs 34.2 ounces and its dimensions are 5.7 x 5.7 x 5.2 inches. On its round exterior, you'll find an action button, volume buttons, a mic-off button, a light-up ring, a power port, and a 3.5-millimeter audio output. With three distinct color options currently available at Amazon, this under-$100 device is sure to fit your home decor seamlessly.

Setting up the Echo is also seamless and you can use it within minutes. Indeed, the only things inside the package are the device itself, a power adapter, and two guides. The setup guide is highly visual, which is always a perk. To begin, you have to download the Alexa app and sign in. No, you don't need to have a Prime account to use an Amazon smart device (though its range of possibilities surely increases for those of us who are Prime members). Plug in the included power adapter into the Echo and then plug the Echo into a wall outlet. The light ring on the Echo will turn blue when it’s on and then orange when Alexa greets you. Next, connect the Echo to your home WiFi network. The Alexa app will then walk you through the rest of the setup process, including customizing your "wake word," mastering the pronunciation of your name, allowing access to phone contacts, and more.

SEE ALSO: These are the best Echo devices to gain hands-free control of your smart home, and more

Once all that is ready, you're good to go. Give your newest smart home companion a warm welcome: After all, it will be your go-to from now on for blasting music, waking you up in the morning, providing news and weather reports, calling loved ones, and so much more.

Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker review (5th Gen) Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 Shop Now

The Echo Dot takes smart living to a new level. Though this device is two years newer than the aforementioned Echo (4th Gen), it's actually $50 cheaper if you don't get it with an LED clock display. Use that info as you will.

The Echo Dot weighs 10.7 ounces (much lighter than the Echo, clearly) and its dimensions are 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches. This baby can thus easily fit on countertops, shelves, or nightstands. Similar to the Echo, it boasts an action button, a microphone-off button, volume controls, a light ring, and a power port. It pretty much comes with the same color options as the bigger Echo, except for its deep sea blue shade being slightly darker than the Echo's twilight blue shade. Potayto, potahto.

Setup is also a breeze with the Echo Dot. First, plug it into a wall outlet and open the Alexa app to start setup. (You’ll need to download the Alexa app on your smartphone beforehand.) Once you open the app, select “devices” and then select the “+” icon. Follow the on-screen instructions from that point on and personalize the device to your liking.

What you get when you order an Amazon Echo Dot. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Smarter, easier living featuresEcho

The Amazon Echo functions as your personal butler and best friend. Since it's a smart speaker that connects to the Alexa Voice Service, you use it to do everything from playing the latest hits to purchasing some kitchen staples to killing your boredom with a round of Jeopardy! Advanced sound technology helps the Echo immediately respond to you and recognize your voice. In fact, during the setup process on the Alexa app, Echo learns your voice's cadences and pitch by making you repeat some sample prompts. Impressive.

You can tell Alexa exactly what to put on your grocery list and manage the items on your Alexa app. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Prompt response: Beamforming technology, noise-cancelation, and seven microphones will enable the Echo to hear you from your nearby location. Just speak the wake word and say commands like “Alexa, find an Amazon Music playlist,” or “Alexa, call Dad” for immediate assistance. Something to note: Your speaker does not by any means have to be called Alexa. Other fun options include Echo, Ziggy, or Santa. Referring to your device as that last option unlocks a whole new Ho-Ho-Ho personality for it. Another thing to note: Amazon is getting better about accessibility, in the form of Adaptive Listening. This feature, when enabled, essentially gives you more time to finish speaking — Alexa's way of accommodating speech patterns like stuttering.

Beats master: Of course the Echo can play music, but it’s more than a basic speaker. It comes with Dolby premium sound that fills a whole room — with deep bass and clear high notes alike. If you have two Echo devices in one room, you can actually tell one of them to "play music everywhere," which will amplify sound to even higher levels and make for an actual at-home clubbing experience. Word of caution, however — Alexa didn't cooperate with me, strangely, when I tried to test out this feature. For those of us who are highly picky about music streaming services, Amazon lets you set default options which you can change at any time. Do you want Alexa to pick music from Apple Music but podcasts from Spotify? No problem, there's an option for that.

Hands-free communication: If you need to message or call loved ones, the Echo has your back. You can use Alexa to communicate with people via phone or text on the Echo, without grabbing your smartphone. Plus, Alexa can also make household announcements across Amazon Echo devices at home, so your family knows if dinner is ready or guests are arriving. Use the Drop-In feature to connect to other Amazon Echo devices or the Announcement feature to record cute messages in your own voice (accompanied by a range of sound effect offerings, including dinner bell, kiss, trumpet, as well as, a bit alarmingly, toilet flush and fart).

Control smart devices: If you have other smart devices that work with Alexa, you can easily control them with Echo's Zigbee smart home hub. Just ask Alexa to dim the lights, adjust the room temperature, or turn on a compatible smart-plug-connected appliance. The best thing about this? You don’t have to press any buttons, and you can even engineer routines for yourself ahead of time to set these processes in motion at a certain time in your home.

The Echo can double as a night light Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Echo Dot

Making the smart living switch isn’t always budget-friendly, but the Echo Dot is affordable and provides great voice control features. These features aren't all that different from what you get with the Echo. The only true upgrades are new motion sensors that let you touch-control the device, the 1.73-inch front-firing speaker (versus a woofer and tweeters), and "Eero mesh network support so the Echo Dot can serve as a node for your Eero network if you use one," according to our sister site, PCMag. Use the Dot to receive reminders, save cookie recipes to your app for future reference, bask your room in a night light glow, communicate with friends and family, soothe yourself with some white noise, and beyond.

Listening companion: We’ve all tried the conventional speaker setup, which typically involves too many outlets and wires. Echo Dot offers the opposite experience for all your listening needs. You can use your voice to play music through streaming services, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify. Plus, Audible and other media forms are available on the Echo Dot. Ask Alexa to find the perfect playlist or podcast, and you’ll have something to listen to when you cook in the kitchen, lounge on the couch, or work out in your living room. Another extra-cool feature? The Dot will start playing deep sleep music when it detects sounds of snoring — if you enable it to do so.

Task help: There are times we wish that we had a personal assistant for little things, including making lists and scheduling calendars. The Echo Dot helps make your everyday routine (and entertainment) more seamless with voice control. Try saying: "Alexa, set a timer for five minutes," "Alexa, play the Reuters news briefing," "Alexa, open my daily horoscope," or "Alexa, find my phone." The possibilities are endless. Be sure to reference the "more" tab on the Alexa app to browse through all of the Echo Dot's offerings.

Use the Dot to send messages to houseguests, remind you of tasks, and more! Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Converse with and check in on loved ones: Like the Echo, the Echo Dot allows you to send messages, make phone calls, and use other Echo devices as intercoms. Enjoy hands-free communication with loved ones and make announcements via Drop-In to keep everyone in touch at home. If you have elderly parents at home, you can also take advantage of Alexa Together — Amazon's remote caregiving offering that does cost extra but allows you to connect compatible fall detection devices to the Echo Dot, see snapshots of your loved ones' daily interactions with Alexa, get 24/7 access to trained agents who can call 911 in case of an emergency, create gentle reminders such as "take your pills," and more.

Monitor your smart home environment: The Echo Dot also offers the option to monitor smart devices at home. If you have light bulbs, thermostats, or streaming media players that are compatible with Alexa, you can control their activity with the Echo Dot. Just speak to Alexa in your room of choice, and you can easily monitor lighting, temperature, and more with verbal commands. Also, if you enable sound detection routines, you can program a particular sound (dog barking, oven dinging, door opening) to trigger a certain Alexa Routine. This feature has an accessibility bonus since it can be used as a way to provide visual cues to those with hearing challenges. For instance, "if Alexa detects running water for a period of time... she can trigger the living room smart lights to flash on and off, serving as a visual reminder to shut off the faucet," as reported in USA Today.

Don't let the Dot's size fool you — it's mighty smart. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Price and competitionEcho

At $99.99, the Echo is moderately priced, but it comes with benefits that go beyond other smart speakers. With its high-tech sound features, including Dolby audio, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite beats at the right volume. When you’re entertaining guests, you can engage the multi-room music feature to turn your pad into a dance floor (adjusting bass settings accordingly). In addition to playing music, the Echo allows you to control smart devices and communicate with loved ones via voice control. It also comes with a skills range so extensive that it might take you months to try them all out.

The Echo comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. If you would like additional protection, you can buy an extended warranty separately at Amazon.

In terms of competition, the $99.99 Apple HomePod mini can be considered a pretty close match (at least price-wise). It's teeny compared to the Echo, though, and a larger/more advanced Apple smart speaker — the HomePod — will cost you $299 (see our full review of the Apple Homepod). While this competitor might be a better choice for Apple fans, due to its easy iOS compatibility, Siri isn't as smart or loyal of an assistant as Alexa in our opinion.

Echo Dot

For those on a technology budget, the 5th Gen Echo Dot delivers all the smart speaker benefits at a fraction of the price. At $49.99, it’s more affordable than other Amazon Echo devices (despite being the newest Dot) and still has desirable features like advanced voice recognition, smart device control, and assistance with small tasks via Alexa. For $59.99, you can get the Echo Dot with an LED display, which allows you to display the current time in style. That's pretty much the only added benefit the extra $10 will give you.

Unlike the Echo, the Echo Dot only comes with a 90-day limited warranty. It’s applicable to defects in materials and workmanship and you can contact Amazon’s Customer Service for assistance. This warranty, too, can be extended to a one-year, two-year, or even three-year plan for an additional fee.

If we're talking about what's available on the smart speaker market that can compare to the Dot, the Google-Assistant-powered Nest Mini (2nd Generation) immediately comes to mind, as it also costs $49.99. The Nest Mini is cute as a button (and weighs almost as much). It's compatible with streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and iHeart Radio, as well as Youtube, has smart home pairing with Arlo, Nest, Ring, and other appliances, and it allows you to voice-purchase essentials from storefronts that aren't limited to Amazon. Still, with the Dot's new-and-improved front-firing speaker, there's no question that it wins the contest when it comes to quality audio. Also, with its upgraded temperature and movement sensors, the Dot seems to be leading the smart home game. I mean, what other speaker will listen for the sound of broken glass and immediately alert you to a potential robbery happening when you're MIA fr

Clearly, the Echo is way bigger than the Echo Dot (reflected in their price difference). Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Privacy concerns

With all Amazon Echo devices comes concern about privacy. In the past, according to what reporter Jack Morse wrote for Mashable a few years back, "Alexa has been known to record people and rooms even when there's no wake word spoken intentionally — or spoken at all." The fact that it can be listening in on your most private conversations — or else sneakily gather info like a credit card number you say when purchasing something over the phone — is legitimately scary.

Amazon has realized that tons of people have been turning away from their Echo product line because of this very risk. That's why now, on the Alexa app, you can review your daily voice history and delete anything you don't vibe with, manage the access to data certain skills have, and more. On the exterior of both the 4th Gen Echo and 5th Gen Echo Dot, you can also find a mic-off button that will prevent any audio input from reaching Alexa. For more information about how Amazon handles user privacy, check out its Q&A on the matter.

So, to Echo or to Echo Dot?

If you want a large smart speaker that delivers high-quality sound, allows you to engage in hands-free control, and use your voice to communicate with loved ones, the $99.99 4th Gen Echo is a good call. Another perk of this device is that it’s customizable: You can choose a decorative shell to compliment your home decor vibe. Plus, it works with other Amazon Echo devices for the ultimate sound setup whenever you need it.

If you don’t want to fork over a lot of cash for a smart speaker, the Echo Dot is a great pick — especially considering it's newer than the 4th Gen Echo. At only $49.99, it’s a steal compared to other Amazon-connected devices and offers the same smart speaker benefits... and then some.

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