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Microsoft Surrenders OpenAI Board Position

NYT Technology - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 16:45
As regulatory scrutiny picks up, the tech giant says it is pleased with the progress OpenAI has made with governance and considers its oversight role unnecessary.

Pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Z Flip 6 and get an Amazon gift card worth up to $300

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 13:13

PRE-ORDER, GET A GIFT CARD WORTH UP TO $300: Get an Amazon gift card worth up to $300 when you pre-order Samsung's newest smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. The phones are priced at $1,899.99 and $1,099.99, respectively.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 $1,899.99 at Amazon
$2,319.99 Save $420.00 Get a $300 Amazon gift card with preorder Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $200.00 Get a $200 Amazon gift card with preorder Get Deal

Samsung just unveiled two new smartphones during its Galaxy Unpacked press conference on Wednesday. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are official, and they're already available for preorder, shipping out to waiting buyers on July 24. That's very soon — and you should definitely pre-order if you want to lock one in. But you might want to skip Samsung and head to Amazon to secure the bag — the retailer is sweetening the deal pretty significantly.

As of July 10, you can pre-order either the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Flip 6 from Amazon and get an Amazon gift card worth up to $300 with your purchase. The Z Fold 6 (512GB) is $1,899.99 and comes with a $300 Amazon gift card, and the Z Flip 6 (256GB) is $1,099.99 and comes with a $200 Amazon gift card. That's essentially saving you up to $300 on either model to spend on anything else you need in the future from Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Samsung and Apple are leading the list of early Prime Day fitness tracker deals

Both phones have a slew of new and advanced features as well as iterative improvements over the prior models. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 will come with a more durable and brighter screen, as well as a powerful processor that'll be great for gaming. The smaller, vertically-folding Flip 6 boasts a big 50MP wide-sensor lens camera upgrade as well as a 4,000mAh battery in comparison to the previous model's 3,700mAh capacity. Both devices will also use Samsung's Galaxy AI features, as well as Google Gemini for the Z Fold 6.

There's a lot to be excited about when it comes to these new smartphones, but saving money has to be the biggest perk. Use that gift card to snag some accessories for your new phone. You'll almost certainly want a case at the very least.

Get 25% off JetBlue flights this fall

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 12:49

Get 25% OFF: As of July 10, you can save 25% off your base airfare at JetBlue when booking fall flights with promo code FALL2024.

Opens in a new window Credit: JetBlue JetBlue's Get the Fall Rolling Sale 25% off base airefare with code FALL2024 Get Deal

Looking to get some travel in this fall? You can save some cash when booking travel in the near future if you fly with JetBlue. The airline is offering significant savings as part of its Get the Fall Rolling sale, during which you can book your spooky season travel early and shave some cash off of your total expenses.

As of July 10, JetBlue is offering 25% off your base airfare when you book flights by midnight and use promo code FALL2024. Your travel dates must fall between September 7 and November 20, excluding Friday and Sunday flights. Your discount applies only to the base fare and is only valid on nonstop flights. You won't get money off any previous bookings before today, and it won't apply to transatlantic flights or Mint bookings. Also, you get one discount per person per flight.

SEE ALSO: This Deeper Connect VPN travel router is just $159

To book your trip, just head on over to the JetBlue sale page and search for your destination. Be sure to apply the promo code when booking, and your discount will be deducted from your total. The discount appears to be valid on all destinations, as long as your booking abides by the fine print.

It's time to get out there later this year – but act quickly, because you only have until the end of the day to snag 25% off your fall flight.

'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 4: What's with the dogs at Harrenhal?

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 12:25

Usually one to rest on its abundance of winged beasts, House of the Dragon has upped the quota of another loyal creature this season: Westerosi dogs.

The canine count in Season 2 isn't sky-high (like those dragons), but there's been enough appearances of four-legged friends to get my attention. (If there's a dog in it, I'll watch it, but they had better not die). Early in the season, audiences tossed aside their reactions to casual child murder to instead berate a doomed ratcatcher for randomly kicking his dog.

SEE ALSO: Daemon's Harrenhal visions in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 4, explained

And in episode 4, "The Red Dragon and the Gold," there's a glorious but fleeting moment involving three dogs in the Harrenhal council room. But these dogs aren't from any of the surreal visions in episode 3 and episode 4 plaguing Daemon (Matt Smith). According to keen-eyed viewers on X (formerly Twitter), they seem to be an Easter egg pointing to the future of the biggest, most cursed castle in the Seven Kingdoms, and the many different houses who will hold Harrenhal during the Game of Thrones years. Here's what it all means.

What do the dogs mean in House of the Dragon, Season 2, episode 4?

At the beginning of the episode, after a disastrous meeting between Daemon and Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes), we get a shot of three giant dogs that resemble wolfhounds or deerhounds, sitting illuminated by the castle's very little light. We've seen the hounds in the background of Harrenhal scenes before, but here, they're overtly symbolic.

Matt Smith in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

X user @TheJoeMagician posted about the moment, identifying the dogs as one of two connected Easter eggs in the episode, representing characters crucial to the future of Harrenhal.

"The three dogs, House Clegane for Gregor Clegane and the Black Goat for Vargo Hoat. Both characters who in the future hold Harrenhal. Daemon seeing the future?" they wrote.

Tweet may have been deleted

The three dogs represent the sigil for House Clegane, an image made for the unnamed founder of the Lannister-loyal house, who was the kennelmaster at Casterly Rock. The story goes, he and Lord Tytos Lannister were on a hunt when they encountered a lion, and three dogs died defending them (heroes!). For his pooch-assisted rescue, he was given a title and land to start his own house. Game of Thrones fans will recognise this house as that of Ser Gregor Clegane ("The Mountain") and his brother Sandor Clegane ("The Hound"). The violent, brutal Gregor in particular will become Castellan of Harrenhal down the track, so this question about Daemon seeing the future seems pretty spot-on. Especially because of the goat.

What does the black goat mean?

Earlier in the same scene in episode 4, Daemon is marching through the halls with Ser Simon Strong (Sir Simon Russell Beale), the current Castellan of Harrenhal, when he sees a black goat. It could represent Vargo Hoat, who, like Lionel Messi and Serena Williams but with none of their talent or decency, is referred to as The Goat.

A sword for hire, he betrays the Lannisters in exchange for Harrenhal in Game of Thrones. In the show, Vargo was replaced by the character Locke (Noah Taylor). He's the guy who cuts off Jaime Lannister's hand. Notably, in A Feast for Crows, Gregor Clegane chops off Vargo's limbs and serves them back to him as... roast goat. When we see the goat in House of the Dragon, as X user @erinwallaceyay points out, it's standing among several pieces of chopped wood. The dismemberment imagery isn't subtle.

Featured Video For You House of the Dragon Season 1: Everything you need to remember about Season 1 in 60 seconds

Both House Clegane and Vargo Hoat meet sticky ends associated with the Harrenhal curse, which Mashable's Belen Edwards has explained for you here. Daemon seeing images — whether real or imagined — of houses associated with grave misfortune can't be a good sign, as Daemon himself was told he'd meet his demise in the castle by the mysterious Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) on arrival.

There's even more animal sigil symbolism in the Harrenhal scenes, as @TheJoeMagician also points out; when Daemon first arrives at Harrenhal in episode 3, he's greeted by a cauldron of bats flying into the night. These nocturnal mammals could represent two Riverlands houses who later have control of Harrenhal one after the other. House Lothston's crest is one bat on gold and white, while House Whent is nine bats on gold.

So, Daemon is getting a bit of a subliminal future history lesson at Harrenhal, much like we're seeing in the House of the Dragon opening credits. But that's not all his vision means; luckily, we've got an entire explainer for that.

New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

Snag the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ for $100 and get a free $15 Target gift card

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 12:22

SAVE $30 + GET A FREE $15 TARGET GIFT CARD: Target Circle members can get the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ for just $99.99, down from the usual price of $129.99. That's a 20% discount, and the deal also comes with a free $15 Target gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ $99.99 at Target
$129.99 Save $30.00 Free $15 Target gift card with purchase Get Deal

You're not alone if you've been thinking about espresso all summer. That's partly thanks to Sabrina's Carpenter's hit song "Espresso," but it might also be that espresso goes hand in hand with summer mornings and afternoons spent lounging outside. If you're looking to add in some "me-espresso" to your morning routine, Target has a sweet deal today.

As of July 10, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is on sale at Target for $99.99 for Target Circle members, marked down from the usual price of $129.99. That's $30 off, or a 20% discount. On top of the sale price, the deal also tacks on a free $15 Target gift card. To grab this sale price and the free gift card, you'll want to sign up as a Target Circle member, which is free to join.

SEE ALSO: These are the best Target Circle Week deals for Apple AirPods

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ machine is all about versatility and convenience. Instead of fumbling around with measuring coffee grounds in the hazy early morning hours, let the Nespresso pod and machine do the work. The Vertuo Pop+ accepts Nespresso Vertuo coffee pods and can then produce five cup sizes, depending on your brewing preferences.

Pretend you're on a European holiday and sip a 1.4- or 2.7-ounce espresso pour, or go larger and opt for the 5-ounce size. If you're more of a cup-of-coffee person, choose from an 8- or 12-ounce cup. And if you're new to the world of Nespresso, the deal also throws in a capsule tasting pack, so you can try out a few options to choose your favorite.

The removable water tank sits on the side of the machine, making it more accessible to remove and refill than models where the tank is located on the back. The tank holds 25 ounces of water, so you won't have to constantly refill with each cup.

If you're not into drab kitchen colors, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ comes in some fun colorways like Mint, Pacific Blue, and Red — which can add a "pop" of color to your morning.

When it comes to sustainability, Nespresso Vertuo capsules are made of aluminum, and it's free to use Nespresso's recycling program.

Hurry to snag the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ from Target for just $99.99 and cash on the free $15 Target gift card that comes with your purchase.

Get a Walmart+ subscription for a year for just $49

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 12:12

SAVE 50%: Through July 18, sign up for a Walmart+ annual membership for just $49. That's $49 off the typical annual membership cost of $98.

Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart+ Walmart+ annual membership $49.00
$98.00 Save $49.00 Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Day is approaching, and Walmart's competing sale, Walmart Deals, is going on now. There are solid laptop, gaming, vacuum, and more deals to check out, and there are added benefits for Walmart+ members, which is the store's membership subscription. If you want to make the most of Walmart Deals instead of shopping at Amazon, a Walmart+ membership could be your ticket — and you can get one at a huge discount right now.

Through July 18, sign up for a Walmart+ annual membership for just $49. That's $49 off the typical annual membership cost of $98. This 50% discount means you can make the membership fee back in no time, saving money on exclusive member deals. The offer isn't available to members enrolled via Walmart+ Assist, or with InHome or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.

SEE ALSO: Six invite-only deals are live ahead of Prime Day 2024

The annual Walmart+ membership has a ton of perks, including free delivery on orders above $35, special prices on fuel at select stations, and access to mobile scan & go, which lets you scan items as you shop, saving you some time. You also get return pickups from home, benefits at Walmart Auto Care, and early access to discounts and major sales (like Black Friday and Cyber Monday), among other perks. It's a worthy alternative (or addition to) Amazon Prime, especially given this discounted pricing, which makes it $90 cheaper than Prime.

5 best Samsung Galaxy AI features announced at July Unpacked 2024

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 12:02

This year's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked continues the trend of big tech's current obsession: artificial intelligence. Samsung's 2024 iteration of Unpacked saw the South Korea-based tech giant introducing a slew of neat, albeit superficial, AI additions to the Galaxy ecosystem and its lineup of phones, rings, and things.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Unpacked 2024, including Samsung Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and more

So to save you some time, here are five of the most interesting Galaxy AI features that were announced at Unpacked 2024:

Portrait Studio

Sydney Sweeney made a surprise appearance to help Samsung show off Portrait Studio — a feature that makes AI-powered avatars from your selfies. This one might need some more time in the oven, but the idea is to add a fun way to spice up your selfies.

Credit: Samsung

It's not new in the world of generative AI, but the ability to do so on Samsung devices is meant to add convenience to users who are feeling a little creative. Simply upload a photo from your gallery and explore a variety of styles by clicking the pencil icon. Choose from options like comic, 3D character, watercolor, and sketch to personalize your selfies effortlessly.

Photo Ambient

The new Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a variety of customization options, including the AI-powered Photo Ambient feature. This feature allows your wallpaper to change in real time based on the time and weather. It ensures that your device's appearance is always dynamic and relevant to your environment.

Credit: Samsung

In addition to real-time wallpaper changes, Photo Ambient helps create a cohesive look for your device. It analyzes your wallpaper and suggests screen layout options, such as moving the clock and adjusting frame colors. This ensures that the background image remains prominent while your device maintains a unified aesthetic.

Interpreter Credit: Samsung

First introduced on the Galaxy S24, Galaxy AI's Interpreter feature is now optimized for foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip 6. In FlexMode, you can have real-time conversations with translations displayed on both the Cover Screen and Main Screen. In Conversation Mode, each person's language is shown on the screen visible to them, making face-to-face communication smoother.

Additionally, there's also a listening mode for when you're attending foreign language lectures or traveling abroad. This is meant to be paired with Galaxy Buds 3 for simultaneous audio translation, which can translate what you hear into text in real-time.

Energy Score Credit: Samsung

Energy Score, found on the likes of Samsung Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch Ultra, provides a clear picture of how your health impacts your daily life. Generated by Galaxy AI, this score evaluates your sleep, activity, sleeping heart rate, and heart rate variability. With these insights, you can focus on specific areas to improve your overall well-being.

Wellness Tips Credit: Samsung

Joining Energy Score is a new feature called Wellness Tips, which is driven by comprehensive data and individual interests. These tips cover various aspects of health, including sleep, exercise, and stress management, helping you make informed decisions to support your wellness journey.

Get the Shark Pet cordless stick vacuum $110 off ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 11:53

GET $110 OFF: As of July 10, you can get the Shark (IX141) pet cordless stick vacuum for just $149.99, down from $259.99 at Amazon. That's 42% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark (IX141) pet cordless stick vacuum $149.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

If you’re a pet owner, you know how hard it is to keep a clean house. (I have two beagles and vacuum twice daily, and there’s still fur everywhere.) If you need something more powerful to tackle the relentless onslaught of pet hair, Amazon has some early Prime Day deals worth checking out.

Ahead of the big event, Amazon’s offering hefty discounts on select Shark brand vacuums and cleaning appliances, including the popular Shark (IX141) pet cordless stick vacuum (with XL dust cup). This model, which normally retails for $259.99, is currently on sale for $149.99 — a savings of $110, or 42%. The Shark website and Best Buy are matching the price, but Amazon offers free shipping for Prime members (so there’s that).

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Dyson: Which cordless vacuum should you get?

The Shark (IX141) pet cordless stick vacuum is lightweight, has a 40-minute runtime, and transforms into a handheld vacuum so you can clean the couch, stairs, and other tight spaces (it also comes with a crevice tool). Plus, the XL dust cup with CleanTouch Dirt Ejector makes it easy to empty without getting your hands dirty.

Grab this deal and make cleaning up after your pets that much easier.

Amazon deal of the day: The newest Echo Buds are only $25 ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 11:40

Check out the top Amazon deals of the day as of July 10.

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Amazon Echo Buds $24.99 at Amazon (save $25 with Prime) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Bose SoundLink Flex $99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST CAMERA DEAL Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 $59 at Amazon (save $20.99) Get Deal BEST SMARTHOME DEAL Amazon Smart Thermostat $51.99 at Amazon (save $28 with Prime) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Dash Tasti-Crisp air fryer $34.99 at Amazon (save $15 with Prime) Get Deal

We may be a week away from Prime Day, but today is a pretty great day to grab some deals. Unless you feel like waiting another week to see if prices drop further (no guarantees, though!), we recommend grabbing these handpicked Amazon deals ASAP. From a powerful and portable Bose speaker to a sleek analog air fryer, there's a little something for everyone to shop on July 10.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Be sure to take a look at the deals from July 9 as well — most of those are still available.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 with Prime Get Deal

Released in June 2023, the Amazon Echo Buds aren't the most exciting pair of earbuds on the market. But they don't need to be at this insanely low price point. As of July 10, you can scoop up a pair for a record-low $24.99 with Prime. That's 50% in savings. They look similar to AirPods and feature about 20 hours of battery life with the charging case. Plus, they put Alexa right in your ear. They have their flaws (poor fit depending on your ear shape, no noise cancellation), but it's hard to care when they only cost $25.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Flex $99.00 at Amazon
$149.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

If you're a Bose fan and like the color purple (or lilac, to be specific), the small-but-mighty SoundLink Flex just dropped to an all-time low price of $99 at Amazon as of July 10. That's 34% in savings and 99 cents less than it currently costs at Target during its competing Circle Week sale. The Flex is built to go with you wherever life takes you — and survive. It features a rugged texture, a completely waterproof design, and is resistant to UV light and corrosion. It also lasts up to half a day on a single charge and can automatically detect its position to deliver the ultimate listening experience.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fujifilm Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 instant camera $59.00 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $20.99 Get Deal

A great way to document your summer adventures, the Instax Mini 11 is "the best instant camera for beginners," according to our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis). The Mini 11 features automatic exposure, one-touch selfie mode, and simple instant operation without much of a learning curve. For Prime members, it's marked down to just $59 ahead of Prime Day, which is the lowest price we've seen in over a year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Smart Thermostat $51.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $28.00 with Prime Get Deal

Amazon's Smart Thermostat originally debuted in 2021 as a more affordable competitor to the Google Nest. And ahead of Prime Day, it just got even cheaper. Regularly $80, it's on sale for just $51.99 if you're a Prime member. While that's not its lowest price ever, it's the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday season in 2022. If you're looking to optimize your HVAC energy use and are a fan of Alexa, this is the way to go. Ask Alexa to adjust the temperatures or automatically tune your thermostat to suit your preferences.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dash Dash Tasti-Crisp air fryer (2.6-quart) $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15.00 with Prime Get Deal

Curious about the air frying lifestyle? Scoop up your own Dash Tasti-Crisp air fryer for only $34.99 (reg. $49.99) with Prime and start cooking. This analog model is great for beginners who typically cook for one or two people. Just adjust the temperature and set the time and let it do its thing. Ahead of Prime Day, it's already at its lowest price on record.

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

Samsung's new smartphones are now up for preorder — here's how to get a Galaxy Z Fold6 or Z Flip6

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 11:11

PRE-ORDER NOW: Samsung's two newest foldable smartphones — the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 — are both available to pre-order as of July 10. They'll officially release on July 24, and start at $1,899.99 and $1,099.99, respectively.

Where to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 starting at $1,899.99 Pre-Order Here Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 starting at $1,099.99 Pre-Order Here

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked press conference wrapped up Wednesday, and with it came a slew of new announcements on the brand's latest wearable tech and smartphones, among other things. The company introduced its Galaxy AI tech earlier in 2024, and now it's being brought to its two newest mobile devices — the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6. Both of which are already up for preorder, and will officially ship out on July 24.

SEE ALSO: Where to pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

Starting at $1,899.99, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is said to have its most advanced and durable display yet, even with fewer layers than the previous generation (which will thankfully make the device much easier to fold up). The maximum brightness of the screen has been upgraded, too, and will be easier to use in direct sunlight without too much glare. Mobile gamers will be happy to learn that the Z Fold6 is ray-tracing-enabled, and the phone's thinner bezels provide more screen real estate than ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 $1,899.99 at Amazon
Includes $300 Amazon gift card Pre-Order Here

Starting at $1,099.99, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 was touted by the company as the slimmest and lightest version of the pint-sized foldable to date, but also the most powerful. The two main upgrades here are the camera and battery. The Z Flip6 features a 50MP wide-sensor lens, and has the ability to use AI tech to enhance your photos — this includes sharpening details, detecting lighting and objects, and helping you take the perfect hands-free group shot. The smartphone now has a 4,000mAh battery compared to 3,700mAh on the Flip5. The brand also says that the Flip6 employs its strongest display and hinge yet. Both handhelds take advantage of Samsung's Galaxy AI suite, including Note Assist, Circle to Search, Composer, live translations, and more. Plus, the Z Fold6 adds in Google's voice-enabled AI assistant, Gemini.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 $1,099.99 at Amazon
Includes $200 Amazon gift card Pre-Order Here

Both phones are now available to pre-order, and will officially release on July 24. Here's everywhere you can snag one right now:

Samsung

Amazon

Best Buy

Samsung taps Sydney Sweeney and K-pop stars TXT for its Unpacked event

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 11:08

Samsung Unpacked 2024 had a not-so-surprise guest in the audience at its event in Paris on Wednesday: Sydney Sweeney.

This is the Immaculate star's second Samsung Unpacked as a Samsung celeb partner. Sweeney was the only celeb partner shown at the event during the livestream, but K-Pop group Tomorrow x Together and a "digital magician" named Caleb were featured in pre-recorded segments.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Unpacked 2024, including Samsung Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and more

Sweeney lent her face to a demonstration of the new AI-powered 3D avatars generated by its "portrait studio," which involved some stilted back and forth between her and the presenter. The new feature generates portraits in four filters: "Sketch," "Watercolor," "3D Cartoon," and "Comic."

Tomorrow X Together promoted the Galaxy Z Flip 6 in a behind-the-scenes video teasing their new song, "Open Always Wins," released in collaboration with Samsung. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 upgrades from the Galaxy Z Flip 5 with a smaller battery, more Galaxy AI integration, a better camera, and dust and heat protection.

As for the digital magician, he used Galaxy AI to identify stars and draw himself on a starry, starry night by the Eiffel Tower.

Last year, Samsung Unpacked panned to K-pop stars, like BTS' Suga and IVE's Wonyoung, in the crowd. This event was light on star power, with only Sweeney in attendance IRL, but this year's focus was on AI, so maybe that was intentional.

Amazon undercuts Target on JBL Tune headphones by a petty four cents

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 11:06

GET $10 OFF: As of July 10, you can get a pair of JBL Tune headphones at Amazon for $39.95, down from $49.95. That's $10 off and a whopping four cents cheaper than Target's Circle Week price.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL Our pick: JBL Tune headphones (520BT) $39.95 at Amazon
$49.95 Save $10.00 Get Deal

OK, we’ve got some tea to spill: Amazon is pettier than we thought. As you might know, it’s Target Circle Week (Target's sale strategically placed one week ahead of Prime Day). Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy do sales leading up to Prime Day to compete with Amazon's big event. But this year, Amazon is being extra.

As of July 10, the JBL Tune headphones (520BT) are available at Amazon for $39.95. That’s $10 off the listing price, and — wait for it — four cents cheaper than Target's sale price of $39.99. That's right, Amazon is literally undercutting Target by a mere four cents.

SEE ALSO: The best headphones for 2024 (and why they made our list)

Whether this is a strategic move or just pure pettiness is up for debate. (But we’re going with pettiness.) Either way, a deal’s a deal. So, if you’re looking for a pair of budget headphones, you can snatch a pair of purple, black, white, or blue JBL Tune headphones on Amazon right now for $39.95.

These headphones feature the signature JBL sound quality, up to 57 hours of battery life, and a comfortable, lightweight design. The quick-charge function will give you up to three hours of music in just five minutes. The built-in microphone also allows you to take hands-free calls.

This is a pretty solid deal, regardless of who's undercutting who.

Get a 50-inch 4K Roku TV for $200 with Target Circle

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:51

GET $80 OFF: As of July 10, Target Circle members can get a Westinghouse 50-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Roku TV for $199.99, down from $279.99, at Target. That's 28% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Westinghouse Our pick: Westinghouse 50-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Roku TV $199.99 at Target
$279.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

If you’re on the hunt for a budget TV, Target Circle Week has plenty of options. Now through July 13, you can get discounts on everything from smart TVs to small electronics by signing up for a free Target Circle account. If you’re already a Target Circle member, sign in and check out the deals.

SEE ALSO: Target's Circle Week is here and runs through July 13

One of the best TV deals we’ve spotted is the Westinghouse 50-inch 4K Roku TV, which is on sale for $199.99 (regularly $279.99). That’s an $80 discount, or 28% off, the listing price, and the lowest we’ve seen this model go for since February.

This deal is only available via Target’s website. It’s already out-of-stock in some areas, so you’ll need to act fast if you want to add it to your cart. Select the “edit location” box to check availability in your area.

While this TV doesn't have the bells and whistles of some of the more expensive OLED or QLED models, it offers a solid 4K picture, HDR compatibility, and a built-in Roku TV so you can stream your faves. You can also cast your content directly from your mobile device to the big screen via the Roku Mobile App or Apple AirPlay2.

Grab this deal while you can.

Samsung gives your doodles the AI treatment with 'sketch-to-image'

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:47

Your doodles may be looking better soon, with the help of Samsung.

At Samsung Unpacked 2024, the company revealed some major new products and features, including new Galaxy Buds 3 series, Z Flip 6, Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Other AI updates were unveiled, into a sketch-to-image option which allows users to "create more sophisticated art pieces by generating image options."

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 unveiled with built-in Google Gemini at Unpacked July 2024

Essentially, you can draw anything — crudely or not — and using Samsung's AI capabilities, the image will get a digital facelift and be made more realistic. Any sketch on the Gallery or Notes screen will work, likely better with the use of the S-pen.

"Galaxy AI understands what you're trying to draw and generates images in different styles for you to choose from," Samsung announced at the event.

According to Android Police, which tried the product, "Don't expect this feature to get it right every time."

'Circle to Search' now lets you circle restaurant menus for quick translations

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:37

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked for summer 2024 came and went without much in the way of surprises, but Samsung device owners got some news about upcoming AI features.

Specifically, Samsung is partnering with Google to borrow some of the latter's AI features. In a blog post posted concurrently with the livestreamed event, Google confirmed that the new Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 will get Circle to Search, with its translation and homework help features intact. Other unspecified Samsung devices will also get these features later this year, per the blog post.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Unpacked 2024, including Samsung Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and more SEE ALSO: Where to pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy Ring Google features coming to Samsung devices

If you aren't familiar with Circle to Search, it's a somewhat recent Google innovation that allows you to, well, draw a circle around something on your screen and have Google's AI fetch more information about it for you. The Samsung foldables will be able to do that, but that's not all.

Circle to Search can also do full-screen translation, meaning users can theoretically circle an entire restaurant menu in another language and get the full thing back in their language of choice. There's also a way for students to circle things like math problems and have AI allegedly help them solve them. Google's also promising that, later in July, you'll be able to use Circle to Search for barcodes and QR codes on your screen, too.

Kids, just remember not to make it super obvious that a chat bot helped you with your homework.

Bumble adds option to report AI photos and videos

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:33

Months after introducing filtering tool Deception Detector — which uses AI to weed out spam, scam, and fake profiles — dating app Bumble announced a way to report suspected AI-generated profiles.

Some daters haven't hesitated to use generative AI to write dating app bios — or even to have conversations with matches for them. Earlier this year, Bumble founder and former CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd took it a step further, saying that AI concierges will date for us in the future.

SEE ALSO: Dating app fatigue has led to a flurry of IRL singles events

When it comes to AI-generated photos and videos, however, daters don't seem to be fans. According to recent Bumble survey results shared with Mashable, 71 percent of millennial and Gen Z respondents said there should be limits to using this type of media on dating apps. Of those people, 71 percent said people using AI-generated material to portray them doing things they've never done — or visiting places they've never been — qualifies as catfishing.

How to report for suspected AI in Bumble profiles. Credit: Bumble

On Bumble, you can now report such profiles by scrolling to the bottom and tapping the "Hide and report" button. Select the option "Fake profile" and then the reason, "Using AI-generated photos and videos." You can also write more details if you wish.

As Mashable previously reported, Deception Detector led to a 45 percent decrease in reports of fake accounts in its testing phase. We'll see how many reports of AI-generated profiles Bumble gets moving forward.

"An essential part of creating a space to build meaningful connections is removing any element that is misleading or dangerous. We are committed to continually improving our technology to ensure that Bumble is a safe and trusted dating environment," said Bumble's VP of product, Risa Stein, in the press release. "By introducing this new reporting option, we can better understand how bad actors and fake profiles are using AI disingenuously so our community feels confident in making connections."

Heads up Prime members: Score two free Kindle books during the month of July

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:32

GET TWO FREE KINDLE BOOKS: Amazon Prime members who are also signed up for the free Amazon First Reads program can get two free Kindle books during the month of July.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Two free Kindle books Exclusive deal for Prime members Get Deal

So many books to read, so little time. The list of must-read books get longer by the day, but we're not complaining. If the summer heat has you chilling indoors, and you're looking for new reads, Amazon has a great offer in store this month.

For the month of July, Amazon Prime members who are signed up for the free Amazon First Reads program can snag two free Kindle books. The free book options extend to several titles selected as Amazon editors' picks.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day Echo deals: the Amazon smart home devices are falling to record-low prices

Snagging this deal comes with a two-step process. First, you'll need to be an Amazon Prime member, but with the anticipation of Prime Day sales officially dropping next week, there's never been a better time to join. A Prime membership costs $14.99 per month, or you can save by signing up for an annual plan at $139.

After that, you'll need to be signed up for Amazon's First Reads program, which is free to join. Once you have both of those tasks ticked off, your two free Kindle books await.

If you're an avid reader, you know how exciting it can be to discover a great title, but sorting through the millions of options can get overwhelming. But thanks to today's deal, you can rely on the expertise of Amazon editors and check out some of their recommended titles — for free.

This month's titles include short story The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman, mystery title You Shouldn't Be Here by Lauren Thoman, and historical fiction Daughter of Fire by Sofia Robleda, to spotlight a few options.

You can read Kindle titles either on a Kindle device or through the Kindle app on your phone or tablet. If you're in the market for a Kindle e-reader to make reading just that much more enjoyable, our favorite model is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. However, the Kindle Scribe can be fantastic if you like to take notes in the margins, and the Kindle Paperwhite is also a solid option with fantastic battery life. If you're looking to spend under $100, the Kindle is your ticket to reading utopia.

Plus, we're already seeing plenty of great early Prime Day books deals and Kindle deals if you're hoping to stock up on titles for the summer, so this is a great time to snag a Kindle device.

It's hard to beat the enjoyment of getting lost in a good book. Perhaps the only thing that could make it better is if you scored that book for free, and thanks to today's Amazon First Reads deal, that reality is just a few clicks away.

Samsung's Live Translate will be available on third-party apps like WhatsApp

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:26

Samsung Live Translate will be available on third-party apps — and WhatsApp is included.

Samsung announced the news during its Samsung Unpacked keynote on Wednesday, and Mashable has confirmed with the company that WhatsApp will be one of the apps that are supported.

Originally announced in November 2023, Live Translate is Samsung's artificial intelligence feature that translates phone calls in real time. It's built into Samsung's phone app, but now we know that it will also be available in other apps running on Samsung phones.

Samsung also said that Live Translate will expand to more languages this year. More precisely, the feature will be available for 16 languages in July, and 20 languages by the end of 2024.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Ring hands-on review: Watch me use 'double tap' to take selfies

The company also re-iterated that live translations are happening entirely on-device, meaning your data should stay private.

Live Translate originally launched on Samsung Galaxy S24 devices, but was later expanded to other models, including Samsung Galaxy S22 and S23, as well as Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4.

Where to pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy Ring

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:15

PRE-ORDER NOW: Samsung's first smart ring, aptly named the Samsung Galaxy Ring, is available for preorder as of July 10 at Samsung and Amazon for $399.99. It will start shipping on July 24.

Where to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Ring: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Ring $399.99 at Samsung.com Pre-Order Here Amazon Samsung Galaxy Ring $399.99 at Amazon Pre-Order Here

Samsung officially announced the Samsung Galaxy Ring at its Galaxy Unpacked showcase Wednesday, adding a smart ring to its lineup of fitness wearables for the first time ever.

If you've been waiting to get your hands on one since Samsung first teased it back in January, you won't have to wait much longer: As of July 10, the Galaxy Ring is available for preorder through Amazon and Samsung ahead of its July 24 release date. It retails for $399.99, and you'll have your choice between nine sizes and three finishes: titanium black, titanium gold, and titanium silver.

Don't know your ring size? Shoppers can request a free sizing kit from Samsung, or purchase one for $10 through Amazon. The latter comes with a $10 credit toward your Galaxy Ring.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Unpacked 2024, including Samsung Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and more

So what exactly can this smart ring do? According to Samsung, it can measure and track sleep activity, heart rate, and menstrual cycles thanks to its accelerometer, PPG sensor, and skin temperature sensor. While it's meant more as a companion to the Galaxy Watch, the ring is designed to offer 24/7 wear that a smartwatch may not be comfortable enough to.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring comes in nine different sizes and three titanium finishes. Credit: Samsung / Mashable composite

At a preview demonstration for the wearable back in February, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder said he easily found a size that worked for his fingers. He wrote, "it was something that I felt I could comfortably wear for longer periods of time."

The ring also comes equipped with Galaxy AI, which is designed to take health data to offer a "Sleep Score" and "Energy Score" that are meant to guide the user to healthier habits.

Of course, this isn't the first smart ring in the game, nor is it the first one with an AI component: The first Oura Ring hit the market in 2015, and just this week, the company announced its new AI health advisor. The Oura Ring starts at $299 and also has sleep and heart rate tracking, but it does require a $5.99 monthly Oura app membership (after one free month) to access your health metrics.

The Galaxy Ring, on the other hand, will function with the Samsung Health app and will not require any additional subscription costs.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Ring vs. Oura Ring: What are the differences?

Aside from health metrics, you can pair the smart ring to a Galaxy Phone to take pictures or silence alarms via the Gestures capability, much like Apple's Double Tap feature found on the Apple Watch Series 9.

Samsung also claims the ring has a battery life of up to seven days, with a 30-minute quick charge that will bring it to 40 percent battery life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Ring $399.99 at Amazon
Pre-Order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Ring $399.99 at Sasmung
Pre-Order Here

Samsung announces AI-powered 3D avatars with new 'portrait studio'

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:12

Today's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked unveiled a slew of new(-ish) features, AI updates, and wearable products. Samsung promised the event would introduce "the next generation of Galaxy AI and the ever-expanding Galaxy ecosystem", mirroring recent tech events that brought an extreme focus on AI.

Among the company's announcements included 3D avatars, generated with AI. Using Samsung celeb partner Sydney Sweeney as an example, Samsung displayed how the avatars can be generated with its new "portrait studio".

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 unveiled with built-in Google Gemini at Unpacked July 2024

It seems that there are four filters and styles the avatars can be generated with: "Sketch", "Watercolor", "3D Cartoon", and "Comic".

Samsung isn't the only tech firm working on creative AI avatars. WhatsApp is reportedly working on AI-generated stickers, while TikTok just introduced AI digital avatars through its creative suite.

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