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I’m a MacBook stan, but this Windows laptop I tested may convert me: 17 hours of battery life

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 14:32

The best Windows laptop we've tested in 2024 so far is — drumroll, please — the HP OmniBook X.

Not only does it have surprisingly long battery life, but its performance beats the likes of the M3 MacBook Pro and M3 MacBook Air. The OmniBook X is a part of a new wave of Copilot+ machines and Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite PCs.

What is a Copilot+ PC?

If you've been out of the loop, one of the chuckle-worthy reasons Copilot+ PCs gained popularity is because Microsoft announced the new AI-powered Recall feature alongside its new Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 devices (which were one of the first Copilot+ PCs to hit the market.)

Microsoft made it clear that you can only enjoy Recall if you get a Copilot+ PC.

Surface Laptop 7, a Copilot+ PC Credit: Microsoft

Recall, which takes continuous screenshots of your display so you can search your own digital footprint via a timeline, caused a lot of controversy. If social media is anything to go by, many people were creeped out by it. Cybersecurity pundits were concerned about Recall's safety, calling it a "privacy nightmare."

Recall was supposed to launch alongside the new crop of Copilot+ PCs, which are AI-powered Windows laptops that must have a qualified NPU, a specialized processor that handles AI tasks.

The processor that's been outfitted in many Copilot+ PCs these days is the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip. And let me tell you — it's been shaking up the laptop industry.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite threatens MacBooks

Last year, if you were to ask me, a laptop reviewer and expert, "Which laptop should I get that has long battery life and robust performance?", I'd advise you to get an M3 MacBook.

Apple's 15-inch M3 MacBook Air Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

While you can find a Windows laptop with great performance, they're not the most power-efficient machines, particularly compared to MacBooks.

However, the launch of Copilot+ PCs, which often sport a Snapdragon X Elite chip, has me changing my tune in 2024. Qualcomm boasted that it beats the M3 chip in power efficiency and performance — and it's not wrong.

Mashable tested its first Copilot+ PC, the Snapdragon X Elite-packed HP OmniBook X, and it is a game-changer in the Windows laptop space.

HP OmniBook X beats M3 MacBook Air in battery life and performance

We ran a 1080p video rundown test to determine how long the OmniBook X lasts on a charge. So imagine our surprise when we saw that the HP laptop survived for an incredible 16 hours and 47 minutes. That's nearly 17 hours.

HP OmniBook X Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

MacBooks typically last quite long, but the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air tapped out after just 10 hours and 52 minutes on the same test.

  • HP OmniBook X battery life: nearly 17 hours

  • M3 MacBook Air: nearly 11 hours

On Geekbench 6, which tests for processor performance, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip delivered a multi-core score of 13,888, beating the M3 MacBook Air's score of 12,057.

HP OmniBook X Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

For what it's worth, we also tested the OmniBook X against the M3 MacBook Pro. The HP laptop beat it, too (13,888 vs. 11,998).

  • HP OmniBook X Geekbench 6 score: 13,888

  • M3 MacBook Air: 12,057

  • M3 MacBook Pro: 11,998

As such, if you're not married to the Apple ecosystem, and you're OS agnostic, the HP OmniBook may be the best choice for you if you're looking for a long-lasting, high-performing PC.

You can purchase the HP OmniBook X with 1TB of storage at Best Buy for $1,199. There’s also a cheaper variant, sporting 512GB of storage, that will set you back $1,049.99 via HP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy HP OmniBook X $1,199.00 at Best Buy
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Lots of wireless earbuds from top brands are on sale ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 14:16
The best early Prime Day wireless earbuds deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II $169.95 at Amazon (save $109.05) Get Deal BEST APPLE DEAL Apple AirPods (2nd generation) $89 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal BEST JBL DEAL JBL Vibe Buds $28 at Amazon (save $21.95) Get Deal BEST SONY DEAL Sony WF-1000XM5 $278 at Amazon (save $21.99) Get Deal BEST SOUNDCORE DEAL Soundcore Space A40 $50.99 at Amazon (save $29 with on-page coupon) Get Deal

Prime Day doesn't officially start until July 16, but worthwhile discounts are already popping up at Amazon — particularly on wireless earbuds.

We're seeing some early deals on big-name brands like Bose, Sony, Beats, Apple, and JBL, but we expect things to really ramp up in the weeks to come. Still, if you'd rather shop ASAP, you can score the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II or the JBL Vibe Buds for record-low prices.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2024

As with any Amazon-hosted event, we're also predicting price drops on the mega retailer's own Echo Buds and Apple AirPods of all shapes and sizes. However, those deals are starting off a bit slower than other brands.

Below, we've rounded up a list of the best wireless earbuds deals Amazon has blessed us with ahead of the shopping event of the season. We'll be keeping a lookout for even more to drop as Prime Day nears, so be sure to check back often.

Best early Prime Day wireless earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II $169.95 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $109.05 Get Deal Why we like it

Ahead of Prime Day's official start, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are sitting at an all-time low of $169.95 (reg. $279) at Amazon. These buds feature a completely personalizable ANC experience, which intelligently adjusts noise cancellation and sound performance based on your environment. They come with three sets of ear tips and stability bands for a comfortable listening experience and last up to six hours on one charge (24 with help from the charging case). While we haven't had a chance to review the newest installment (we reviewed the original QuietComfort Earbuds and mostly loved them), our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) have and they were big fans — honoring them with a 4.5-star rating and an Editor's Choice award.

Apple earbuds early Prime Day dealsJBL earbuds early Prime Day dealsSony earbuds early Prime Day dealsSoundcore earbuds early Prime Day dealsEven more wireless earbuds deals

This is likely the biggest password leak ever: nearly 10 billion credentials exposed

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 13:11

Cybersecurity researchers are calling it the largest password compilation leak of all time.

On July 4, a newly registered user on a popular hacking forum posted a file containing nearly 10 billion compromised passwords in plaintext. The post was first noticed by researchers at Cybernews.

"Xmas came early this year," user "ObamaCare" wrote on the forum. "I present to you a new rockyou2024 password list with over 9.9 billion passwords!"

RockYou2024 leaked password compilation

This gigantic list of leaked passwords known as RockYou2024 provides hackers with an important tool that can be utilized in a brute force attack. 

A brute force attack is a popular hacking method where the attacker guesses a user's password by trial-and-error. Hackers commonly use automated scripts when carrying out a brute force attack, which enables them to try out a slew of passwords within a short period of time. With a leaked password database this big, hackers have a nearly unlimited pool of passwords to try out. 

“In its essence, the RockYou2024 leak is a compilation of real-world passwords used by individuals all over the world," writes Cybernews' researchers. "Revealing that many passwords for threat actors substantially heightens the risk of credential stuffing attacks."

As Cybernews researchers point out, this list may very well be the largest password leak ever, beating the previous record holder known as RockYou2021, which had around 8.4 billion passwords.

In fact, the hacker forum user "ObamaCare" claims they used that older list and updated it with newer password leak data from over the past three years. As a result, 1.5 billion more passwords have been added to the previous compilation to create RockYou2024.

"I updated rockyou21 with collected new data from recent leaked databases in various forums over this and last years," wrote the hacker forum user while adding that they also included recent compromised passwords that they recently obtained themself.

The RockYou2024 leaked password list is new, so at the time of this writing, it's unclear if any private data has been compromised as a direct result of this compilation.

Anyone signed up to any service online should assume that a password that they use is on this list. Cybersecurity researchers recommend that users update their passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

Serve up delicious smoothies, sauces and more with $20 off this Ninja personal blender

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:46

SAVE $20: As of July 5, the Ninja QB3001SS Fit Compact Personal Blender is on sale at Amazon for 29% off. That's $20 off its normal price of $69.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender $49.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

You should probably stop spending so much money on takeout. Invest in yourself and make tons of delicious, good-for-you food at home and you'll not only save your hard-earned dollars, but you'll get higher-quality eats, too. Right now, you can save on a personal blender to help you do just that, and you'll be stoked on how many awesome soups, sauces, smoothies and more you can make at home with very little effort.

As of July 5, you can get the Ninja QB3001SS Fit Compact Personal Blender at Amazon for just $49.99. That's $20 off its normal price of $69.99 and a discount of 29%.

This 700-watt push-to-blend unit is perfect for one person to crush ice, blend up fruits and vegetables, and mix together frozen drinks. It's compact, so it has a small footprint for your countertop, and it's simple to use. You blend directly in its 16-oz. single serve cup, so you can pour your sauces out from the source, sip your smoothie where you made it, and have fewer dishes to wash. Plus, it comes with a 50-recipe guide to help you get on the right track to figuring out what to make next.

So if you're ready to tackle making more dishes at home or you just want to try your hand at making more yummy drinks like your favorite coffee shop or juice bar, this is a great investment, especially when you can get it for under $50.

Score today's best unlocked Samsung phone deal before it's gone

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:32

SAVE $50: Today, July 5, the unlocked Samsung Galaxy A35 5G smartphone is on sale at Amazon for $349.99, taking 13% off its regular list price of $399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy A35 5G $349.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Upgrading your phone can be expensive and time consuming, especially when you're negotiating a trade-in with a specific carrier. Opting for an unlocked smartphone can be a convenient workaround - and also save you more money.

As of today, July 5, the unlocked Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is on sale at Amazon for just $349.99. Today's limited-time deal takes $50 off the list price, saving shoppers 13% off the regular $399.99 price. While we can expect to see more unlocked phone deals this upcoming Prime Day, this best-price deal is a great option for those who need an upgrade ASAP. Plus, when you shop the deal on Amazon, you also get three free months of Amazon Music.

The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a great mid-range Android pick, especially considering its four years' worth of software updates and included long-term software support. In PC Mag's smartphone review, mobile analyst Iyaz Akhtar called the phone an "excellent value" for its durability and camera functionality, commending it as a viable alternative to the more expensive Google Pixel 7a.

Score $50 off the unlocked Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and get three free months of Amazon Music when you take advantage of today's deal at Amazon.

Ti West reveals the sexy 'MaXXXine' Easter Egg you might have missed

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:28
'MaXXXine' writer / director Ti West breaks down a crucial easter egg that ties all three movies together.

Beat the summer heat with up to $150 off bladeless fans at Amazon and Best Buy

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:05

UP TO $150 OFF: As of July 5, you can get up to $150 off bladeless fans from Dyson, Dreo, and more. Shop bladeless fan deals at Amazon and Best Buy.

Our top picks: Best bladeless fan deal overall Lasko oscillating tower fan (T42951) $64.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal Best runner-up bladeless fan deal Dyson Purifier Cool (TP07) $499.99 at Best Buy (save $150) Get Deal Best bladeless neck fan deal JISULIFE portable neck fan $25.99 at Amazon (save $6) Get Deal

Unless you’re lucky enough to live in a comfortable climate year-round, chances are you’ve already had a serious case of swamp ass at some point during this summer — and the season’s only just started.

SEE ALSO: The best fans for beating the summer heat

Fortunately, there’s an easy and affordable fix for staying cool when the mercury starts to rise: bladeless fans. These innovative gadgets can cool an entire room, depending on their size and power, sans blades, giving you a chill breeze without the drawbacks of traditional fans (like higher energy bills). And, thanks to the Fourth of July holiday (and upcoming Prime Day), retailers are offering big discounts on bladeless fans right now, with savings up to $150 at Amazon and Best Buy.

Here are our top picks for staying calm, cool, and comfortable this summer:

Best bladeless fan deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Lasko Our pick: Lasko oscillating tower fan (T42951) $64.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Lasko oscillating tower fan (T42951) is an affordable, high-powered option ideal for small bedrooms or medium-size living rooms. It’s 42 inches tall, has three adjustable speeds, and has a remote control that allows you to change the oscillator, settings, and timer from across the room. The 7.5-hour timer and "nighttime mode" are designed to help light sleepers fall and stay asleep with dimmed lights and quieter operation. This bladeless fan is a bargain at $64.99 ($15 off the listing price).

Best runner-up bladeless fan deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Our pick: Dyson Purifier Cool (TP07) $499.99 at Best Buy
$649.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re a Dyson stan, the Dyson Purifier Cool (TP07) smart air purifier fan is $150 off at Best Buy. It’s still much more expensive than the Lasko model above, but this fan is an air purifier and fan combined. In addition to keeping you cool, it auto-senses pollutants and allergens in the air and filters them out. You can also see how clean your air is via the LCD screen or the MyDyson app. This bladeless fan also features a "night mode," voice control, and programmable settings, all of which can be adjusted via the app.

Best bladeless neck fan deal Opens in a new window Credit: JISULIFE Our pick: JISULIFE portable neck fan $25.99 at Amazon
$31.99 Save $6.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you live in an urban area and take public transit in the summer, the JISULIFE portable neck fan could be the best purchase you make all season. At only $25.99, it's a steal.

It features three speeds and runs on 4000mAh batteries that can last up to 16 hours, depending on how often you use it at max power. It’s also lightweight, and thanks to its bladeless design, you won’t have to worry about getting your hair caught in the fan.

Shop even more bladeless fan deals:

New iPad mini reportedly coming soon. A new leak exposes what's inside.

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 11:29

The iPad mini 7, perhaps next to the iPhone 16, is arguably one of the most highly anticipated Apple products. The current-generation iPad mini debuted in 2021 — and Apple hasn't upgraded it since.

However, rumor has it that the Cupertino-based tech giant plans to unleash a new iPad mini this year, as well as the 11th-generation iPad, according to MacRumors. And Nicolás Álvarez on X discovered some clues about gen-over-gen upgrades due to a reference in Apple's backend code (h/t @aaronp613).

SEE ALSO: iPad mini 7: Release date and all the other leaks we've seen iPad mini 2024: Expected new upgrades

Apple dropped the iPad Air and iPad Pro (the thinnest product the Cupertino-based tech giant launched), and now the company is focusing on two new iPads: iPad mini 7 and the 11th-gen iPad.

According to Álvarez's findings, the iPad mini 7 is set to sport an A17 chip. It's unclear whether it will be the A17 Pro processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro models, but if it is, MacRumors claims that it may run Apple Intelligence.

The 11th-gen iPad, however, will reportedly sport an A16 processor, a step up from the A14 Bionic chip packed inside the current 10th-gen model.

Did Apple initially plan to launch an M3 iPad Pro?

Álvarez's discovery revealed that Apple reportedly planned on unleashing an M3 iPad Pro this year — not the M4 iPad Pro. The previous iPad Pro featured an M2 chip, so naturally, we expected an M3 iPad Pro.

Instead, Apple surprised the tech world, leap-frogged the M3 chip, and debuted the M4 iPad Pro. As it turns out, the Cupertino-based giant allegedly planned on unleashing an M3 iPad Pro initially, but it appears that Apple made a last-minute shift of plans.

Finally, Álvarez claims that we should expect an M5 iPad Pro some time next year or early 2026.

Amazon deal of the day: Breville's Super Q Blender just dropped below $400 — a record-low price

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 11:23
Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Breville the Super Q Blender $399.95 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal BEST LAPTOP DEAL 2023 MacBook Pro (M3 chip, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399.99 at Amazon (save $199.01 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST BLUETOOTH TRACKER DEAL Apple AirTags (4-pack) $79.99 at Amazon (save $19.01) Get Deal BEST HAIR TOOL DEAL Shark HD430 FlexStyle system $249.97 at Amazon (save $50.02) Get Deal BEST VACUUM DEAL Samsung Jet 60 Pet $199 at Amazon (save $130) Get Deal

Lingering 4th of July sales and early Prime Day discounts have made selecting the best deals of the day at Amazon on July 5 quite difficult. But we're always up for a challenge.

We're seeing massive price drops (and even some record lows) on devices from Apple, Samsung, Breville, and Shark, which happen to be some of our favorite brands. Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Be sure to check back at our deals from July 2 and July 3 — many of those are still live. Happy shopping.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville Super Q Blender $399.95 at Amazon
$549.95 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Deemed the "best cooking blender" upon testing, the Breville Super Q Blender has a lot to love about it. From its sleek brushed stainless steel design to its host of innovative features, you can expect exceptional results. Other pros include its quiet operation, intuitive control panel with various settings, and its powerful 1,800-watt motor. It's pretty dang expensive at $550, but as of July 5, you can grab it for only $399.95 in select colors — that's its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2023 MacBook Pro (M3 chip, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399.99 at Amazon
$1,599.00 Save $199.01 with on-page coupon Get Deal

Just 99 cents shy of its all-time low price at Amazon, the base model 2023 MacBook Pro (which includes 8GB RAM and 512GB of storage) is on sale for just $1,399.99 with an on-page coupon. It looks and feels like the MacBook Pro you know and love, but inside it's packed with the crazy fast M3 chip. Apple claims the M3 chip is up to 15 percent faster than the previous M2 chip, but we actually found it to be even faster than that in our testing. Our reviewer was also blown away by its battery life and "divine" built-in speakers.

Read our full review of the M3 MacBook Pro.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $79.99 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $19.01 Get Deal

Investing in Bluetooth trackers can help you keep track of your luggage on all of your summer travels. And if you're an iPhone user, we'd highly recommend Apple's AirTags. AirTags calibrate their locations as long as there's an Apple device with Find My nearby, instead of relying on a Bluetooth range. That's what makes them such a great choice for locating lost luggage. Typically, a single AirTag costs $29, which means it would cost $116 to buy four separately. This four-pack deal is just $79.99, which essentially gets you 1.25 for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark HD430 FlexStyle system $249.97 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.02 Get Deal

Our favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe, the Shark FlexStyle, is back on sale at Amazon as of July 5. This deal includes the auto-wrap curlers, a styling concentrator, an oval brush, and a paddle brush, making it a mix of the curly system and straight system accessories. In testing of the FlexStyle, Mashable Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard found that it offered a nearly one-to-one experience with the Airwrap, nothing that she couldn't imagine a reason why you'd choose Dyson's more expensive option instead. Regularly $299.99, this air styling and drying system is on sale for $249.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Jet 60 Pet $199.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal

If you're jealous of your friend's fancy Dyson stick vacuum, you can get yourself a similar style device on a budget by opting for the Samsung Jet 60 Pet. It offers that sleek, slim aesthetic with an impressive amount of power and an even more impressive price tag. The Jet Cyclone technology operates similarly to Dyson's, keeping dust and debris from clogging up the filter. Plus, it's extremely light and easy to maneuver at only five pounds. It's usually $329, but you can save 40% as of July 5 and snag it for just $199 at Amazon.

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

Upgrade your kitchen when you shop today's best KitchenAid deals at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 11:17

The 4th of July sales may be over, but there are still plenty of kitchen deals lingering on the market from top brands. If you have more summer cookouts and al fresco dinners in store this season, you can shop today's best deals to make sure your kitchen is properly equipped.

Today's best KitchenAid deals at Amazon as of July 5: Best stand mixer deal KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer $249.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best hand mixer deal KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer with Turbo Beater II Accessories and Pro Whisk $79.95 at Amazon (save $30.04 ) Get Deal Best immersion blender deal KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender $44.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal Best KitchenAid attachment deal KitchenAid KSMPSA Pasta Roller Attachment $74.99 at Amazon (save $25) Get Deal

As of today, July 5, KitchenAid has lowered its prices on stand mixers, attachments, and other kitchen equipment for a limited time at Amazon. While none of today's deals are the lowest KitchenAid prices we've ever seen, today's price drops still shave a noteworthy chunk of change off the premium kitchenware's prices.

Best stand mixer deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid Our pick: KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer $249.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

At a hefty 22 lbs, the KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is formidable in the Kitchen, giving home chefs the power they need to tackle big baking projects. With the 4.5 quart capacity, you can mix up to eight dozen cookies in a single batch. Aside from its power and bandwidth, what makes the KitchenAid Stand Mixer so special is its versatility. As you collect different KitchenAid attachments, the stand mixer expands beyond baking and can help you make homemade pasta, sausage, burgers, and even ice cream.

Best hand mixer deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid Our pick KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer with Turbo Beater II Accessories and Pro Whisk $79.95 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $30.04 Get Deal Why we like it

If saving kitchen counter space is a top priority, then the KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer is a high-functioning alternative to the signature KitchenAid Stand Mixer. The corded 9-speed mixer comes with a selection of attachments that help you beat heavier ingredients. Plus, it has a Soft Start Feature that brings the beaters up to the selected speed at a gradual pace to keep ingredients from splattering around the kitchen. Comfortable to hold and easy to clean, this KitchenAid hand mixer can assist on everything from mixing batter, making pizza dough, and whipping up mashed potatoes.

Best immersion blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid Our pick: KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender $44.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While there are certainly far cheaper immersion blenders on the market, the KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender is a powerhouse that stands out for its high-quality performance. With a four-point blade, five different blending speeds, and a protective pan guard, the Kitchen Aid Hand Blender offers extra precision and ease of use whether you're making shakes, smoothies, sauces, or soups. Normally $59.99, today's 25% off sale makes the premium hand blender more budget friendly.

Best KitchenAid attachment deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid Our pick: KitchenAid KSMPSA Pasta Roller Attachment $74.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

There are plenty of reasons to love KitchenAid Stand Mixers: notably, the way they can transform their functionality depending on the attachments being used. In particular, we love how the KitchenAid Stand Mixer can turn into a gourmet pasta machine when you use the KitchenAid KSMPSA Pasta Roller Attachment. The commercial-grade pasta roller makes sure your pasta dough is seamlessly smooth. Rolling six-inch sheets of pasta, the attachment also has eight different thickness settings so you can make your homemade pasta to match your exact preferences.

Don't feel like cooking? Collect the best DoorDash promo codes of the week.

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 11:07

UPDATE: Jul. 5, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest DoorDash promo codes from across the web. Note that some of these codes are location-specific or exclusive to new users.

Best DoorDash promo codes this week: Best deal for new users Use code WELCOME30 Get 30% off your first order Get Deal

We all love a good, home-cooked meal. But who has the time to make one every single night? Couldn't be us. That's why we always keep our delivery apps at the ready. Our app of choice at the moment? DoorDash. There's a constant bounty of promo codes, scoring you savings not just on takeout, but also on grocery delivery and select retail stores.

You can find our favorite DoorDash promo codes from across the web below, so take a look and then chow down while booting up your favorite streaming service or video game. Oh, and a lot of these codes will be exclusive to new users, so if you already have an account, you may want to consider creating a new one (you didn't hear that from us). Also, because some codes are location-specific, they may not work for everyone. Just test them out and see which ones stick for you!

SEE ALSO: The best deals on streaming services this week How do I use a DoorDash promo code?

Before we get into our picks for the week, let us quickly go over how to use a DoorDash promo code, because if you don't know how to do that, you won't benefit from any of the great deals we're about to show you. Thankfully, the process is really easy. (If you already know how to do this, feel free to keep scrolling to get straight to the latest DoorDash coupons.)

All you need to do is load up your shopping cart with whatever is on the menu for the night and head to the checkout screen. Once you get there, scroll down to the bottom where you'll find a section labeled "Summary."

The 'Summary' section lives at the bottom of the checkout screen. Credit: DoorDash

Tap on that section and you'll be brought to a separate screen titled "Promo codes, rewards & gift cards." Then, just input your promo code (and gift card, if you have one) and head back to the checkout screen. You should now see your discount applied automatically.

This is where you'll use your promo code and get those sweet benefits. Credit: DoorDash

Congrats! You just scored some savings, and that takeout order is going to taste so much better because of it. Now, on to this week's promo codes — take a look below, and enjoy your meal.

Best DoorDash promo codes this week

Get the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for their lowest price ever at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 11:01

SAVE $109.05: As of July 5, get the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for just $169.95 at Amazon. That's 39% off their usual price of $279 and their lowest price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II $169.95 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $109.05 Get Deal

If you're an audiophile, chances are you already have a great pair of noise-canceling headphones. They're the perfect antidote to a hustling, bustling world that just won't let up. And, right now, you can get an excellent pair from Bose for an even better price than the last time we showcased them.

As of July 5, you can get the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for $169.95 at Amazon. That's $100 off their normal price, or a 39% discount. That's their lowest price ever, so if you're ready to grab your own pair, now's the time to do it.

SEE ALSO: Pump up the jams with 4th of July headphone deals

These are one of your best bets when it comes to customizing the level of background noise you want to hear. They not only offer great sound quality, but they're perfect for cutting out ambient noise or distractions like kids playing in the background, construction, and anything else that might keep you from accomplishing your day's goals. But you can also use a set of customization options to make sure you can hear all the important things going on around you, too, like approaching calls or your boss calling your name.

If you're ready to scoop up a great pair of earbuds, don't sleep on this deal. It's possible they could go even lower with Prime Day on its way, but this is a great price to grab them at as it is.

You should probably wait to get a Fire Tablet until Prime Day starts, but there are a few on sale ahead of the big event

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 10:54

It wouldn't be a proper Prime Day without a slew of early deals to shop before the big event (which takes place on July 16 and 17 this year). When it comes to Amazon's popular Fire Tablets, the deals aren't all that great just yet, but there are a few options on sale that could be the right fit if you're desperate to separate yourself from the iPad crowd and can't wait until Prime Day officially begins.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner — here's how to find the best deals

While we do think you should probably wait until July 16 (the deals will most likely be a lot better), who are we to tell you not to buy a Fire Tablet right now? If you're ready to throw your credit card down, check out our top early Prime Day Fire Tablet deals below and snag your favorite.

Best early Prime Day Fire Tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (64GB) $84.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Any time you can get a new Fire Tablet for under $100 is a good day. This Fire HD 10 is fully kitted out with the maximum amount of storage, and features great performance even though it's not the latest generation model. It's also got a 13-hour battery life and a 5MP front-facing camera. Pick one up ahead of Prime Day and score $95 in savings — it's just $84.99.

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Get up to 20% off hotels and more during Priceline's Red, White, & Blue Getaways Sale

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 10:43

SAVE ON HOTELS, FLIGHTS, AND MORE: Priceline's Red, White, & Blue sale is on! Score up to 20% off select hotels, find exclusive flight deals, and get discounts on rental cars for your next vacation.

Our top picks: Best hotel deal Get up to 20% off select hotels Book by 7/15 & travel by 9/30 Get Deal Best travel deal Up to 44% off flights + $20 off car rentals Book now and save Get Deal Best bundle deal 30% off (or more) when you book a Hilton Hotel and flight package Book by 7/15 & travel by 12/31 Get Deal

Now that summer’s officially here, it’s getting harder and harder to focus on anything but sun-drenched days on the beach, balmy nights, and some much-needed R&R. (I know my Instagram account has thousands of travel posts saved for “the future.")

SEE ALSO: 4 AI travel concierge services that'll help plan your next vacation

Fortunately, booking a vacation isn’t as far-fetched as it seems, thanks to Priceline's Red, White, & Blue Getaways sale. Sure, you’ll still have to manage a budget to make sure you can afford it, but with up to 20% off hotels and more, it just got a lot easier to make those travel dreams a reality.

Here are our favorite deals from the sale:

Best hotel deal Opens in a new window Credit: Priceline Our pick: Get up to 20% off select hotels Get Deal Why we like it

Lodging is usually the most expensive part of any trip (unless you’re flying halfway around the world or prefer first class). To help you get more bang for your buck, Priceline’s sale offers 20% off select hotels. The only caveat is that you’ve gotta book your stay by July 15 and travel by September 30.

This deal's destinations include New Orleans, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Atlanta, Ocean City, and San Juan.

Best travel deal Opens in a new window Credit: Priceline Our pick: Up to 44% off flights + $20 off car rentals Get Deal Why we like it

Priceline's Red, White, & Blue Getaways Sale also offers up to 44% off flights, but most of these deals seem to be Frontier Airlines routes, and the departure and return destinations are a bit limited compared to the hotel discounts.

Still, that's a pretty substantial discount if you're flexible with your travel dates and can work around Frontier's policies (like baggage fees).

If you prefer to drive, Priceline is giving customers $20 off rental car Express Deals through July 8 with the coupon code RDTRIPPIN20.

To get this discount, you’ll need to book by July 8 at 9 a.m. EST, and your total must be $250 minimum before the discount.

Best bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Priceline Our pick: 30% off (or more) when you book a Hilton Hotel and flight package Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re a fan of Hilton Hotels, this deal is for you. (I love the Canopy by Hilton properties!) Right now, you can get 30% off (or more) when you book a hotel and flight package.

This deal is valid through July 15, so you’ll need to book within the next week to take advantage of the savings before time runs out. The travel time is a little more flexible for this one, though. You can take your trip anytime from now until December 31.

More deals from Priceline’s Red, White, & Blue Getaways sale:

OpenAI was hacked last year, according to new report. It didn't tell the public for this reason.

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 10:01

A hacker snatched details about OpenAI's AI technologies early last year, The New York Times reported. The cybercriminal allegedly swiped sensitive information from a discussion forum where employees chatted about the company's latest models.

The New York Times was hush-hush about the source of this news, claiming that "two people familiar with the incident" spilled the beans. However, they maintain that the cybercriminal only breached the forum — not the core systems that power OpenAI's AI algorithms and framework.

OpenAI reportedly revealed the hack to employees during an all-hands meeting in April 2023. It also informed the board of directors. However, OpenAI executives decided against sharing the news publicly.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI reportedly plans to block access in China. Chinese AI companies may fill the void. Why did OpenAI keep the breach under wraps?

According to The New York Times, OpenAI didn't reveal the hack to the public because information about customers was not stolen.

The company also did not share the breach with the FBI or any other law enforcement entities.

"The executives did not consider the incident a threat to national security because they believed the hacker was a private individual with no known ties to a foreign government," the newspaper said.

The New York Times' sources say that some OpenAI employees expressed fear that China-based adversaries could steal the company's AI secrets, causing a threat to U.S. national security.

Leopold Aschenbrenner, leader of OpenAI's superalignment team (a unit focused on ensuring that AI doesn't get out of control) at the time, reportedly shared the same sentiments about the lax security and being an easy target for foreign enemies.

Aschenbrenner said he was fired early this year for sharing an internal document with three external researchers for "feedback." He insinuates his firing was unfair; he scanned the document for any sensitive information, adding that it's normal for OpenAI employees to reach out to other experts for a second opinion.

However, The New York Times points out that studies conducted by Anthropic and OpenAI reveal that AI "is not significantly more dangerous" than search engines like Google.

Still, AI companies should ensure that their security is tight. Legislators are pushing for regulations that slap hefty fines on companies with AI technologies that cause societal harm.

Give your backyard the summer glow-up it deserves

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 09:37

One of the many perks of summer is that your backyard becomes a bonus living space. Suddenly, you’re entertaining, chilling out, and even working outside. That said, you want that outdoor living space to be just as stylish as your indoor one. 

Whether you have friends coming over for a backyard bash or you’re planning on passing the summer on a chaise lounge with a cold bev, these rad Walmart deals will help you create a backyard paradise without breaking the bank. Prices subject to change, so act fast.

Tesla's big software update includes something called 'Night Curfew'

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 09:15

Tesla's latest car update is great news for parents who (unwisely?) let their kids borrow the car, and bad news for said youths lucky enough to borrow a Tesla in the first place.

As Not a Tesla App first reported, Tesla has released its newest software update, version 2024.26, to employees, which includes two new music streaming apps, updated menus, and new PIN-enabled Parental Controls.

Tesla's update, the publisher reports, lets drivers set a maximum speed limit for any young drivers aiming to careen around town in mom's Tesla like Dom Toretto, as well as acceleration limits for anyone thinking doing a sick burnout is a good idea. There's also a "Night Curfew" mode which notifies parents in the Tesla app when the car is out past the time you said you'd be home and now you're grounded.

SEE ALSO: Tesla recalls every Cybertruck again

Tesla drivers will also be able to pick from more music streaming services, as the company has added YouTube Music and Amazon Music. As Mashable's Stan Schroeder reports, Spotify was one of the first third-party apps available for Tesla cars in 2015, but the company only updated it last year. Now, it's got a little more competition with the new additions.

Other features of the software update include local weather conditions in the vehicle status bar, the ability to add sub-destinations in navigation, instant full-screen mode for Zoom when in park, and some menu and panel overhauls.

To use most of these new updates, drivers will have to be signed up to Tesla's Premium Connectivity subscription, which costs $10 per month, but considering how much Teslas cost, that probably sounds like loose change to owners. Otherwise, having a WiFi connection will let you use them, but that means hotspotting your phone if you're on the road.

We don't know exactly when the update will be rolled out to all Tesla owners, and at present Not a Tesla App records zero percent of cars updated with it. But kids, your days of unbridled acceleration are numbered.

YouTube has delivered an important update to its audio eraser tool

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 08:21

YouTube has implemented an important update to its eraser tool, helping creators to easily remove copyrighted music without affecting any other audio within a video.

On Wednesday, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan shared the new tool on X, formerly Twitter, writing, "Good news, creators: our updated Erase Song tool helps you easily remove copyright-claimed music from your video (while leaving the rest of your audio intact)."

Tweet may have been deleted

Mohan posted a video which revealed the company has been testing this tool for a while, and the updated version of the eraser now uses an AI-powered algorithm to detect the copyrighted song without impacting other audio in a clip or having to upload a new video.

YouTube's support page includes a full how-to for creators looking to use the eraser. There are options for replacing, editing, muting, and removing said audio.

'In A Violent Nature' has the year's most intense ending. Here's what it means.

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 07:29

Chris Nash's inverted slasher In A Violent Nature — one of the year's most inventive horror films — is now available on VOD. It's a relief it wasn't a bigger hit, or else it might have done for forest trails what Spielberg's Jaws once did for sharks. A deeply unsettling work told mostly from the perspective of a bloodthirsty killer, it recalls the premise and iconography of major masked villains across the decades, but wraps its story in the visual parlance of atmospheric "slow cinema," resulting less in startling thrills and more in creeping existential dread.

SEE ALSO: 'In A Violent Nature' review: A beautiful, bloody slasher with a twist

The film's use of POV has been much-discussed, but its ending is equally strange and subversive, adding a unique exclamation point to the whole affair. In A Violent Nature, through its genre deconstructions and surprisingly considered visual approach, nestles a story of — as its title suggests — the nature of violence, both as a human impulse and as a catalyst for horror cinema. All of this leads to a quiet crescendo, in the form of an unbearably tense vice grip that never yields, even once the credits have rolled.

Here's Johnny: In A Violent Nature's instantly-iconic killer

Slasher movies live or die based on their central killers. While more recent mainstays like Jigsaw and Ghostface (from the Saw and Scream movies, respectively) have an intellect bent with complex motives (relatively speaking), classic villains like Friday the 13th's Jason Voorhees, Halloween's Michael Meyers, and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre's Leatherface embody a sense of unstoppable malice.

Johnny from In A Violent Nature belongs to that latter group, beginning with his emergence from being buried beneath the ground — a rebirth into what is eventually revealed to be a vicious cycle of killings — and because he seems instinctively driven to slash his way through the Ontario wilderness. It also helps that he has a memorable outfit: simple, tattered lumberjack plaid turned mysterious thanks to a vintage firefighter mask and the chained grip hooks that accompany it.

Credit: Pierce Derks/IFC Films/Shudder

Equally accessorized with the rusty and rustic, he lumbers his way through thickets and campsites — accompanied by Michelle Hwu's ambient sound design — in the hopes of recovering a locket from a band of rowdy twentysomethings who unknowingly picked it up. The item, through one brief daydream, is revealed as tied to his childhood. This motive, at first, seems like a conveniently tacked on explanation to justify his steady rampage, but his very first on-screen kill is disguised with unexpected panache. With his victim helplessly caught in a bear trap, Johnny reaches for his face, only for the movie to cut to several minutes later, as the killer's stout and rotting hand — now soaked in blood — reaches for a locket he thinks is his, in one continuous motion.

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This oblique cut is the first of several that denies the viewer the complete satisfaction of on-screen gore (don't fret; there's still plenty of that), but it also lends credence to the idea that something palpable, and perhaps fundamentally human, lies beneath Johnny's inhumane compulsions. That Johnny seems, at first, Terminator-esque in his one-tracked drive is also a function of Nash initially refusing to reveal the killer's face, even when he's unmasked. However, the film reveals Johnny's monstrous complexion at a moment that challenges the implications of his appearance. The first time we see his glassy eyes, infected teeth, and decomposing flesh happens to be when he sits down to play with a toy car. Like Jason and Leatherface, he appears to be constrained by arrested development.

None of this changes his or the movie's overarching trajectory — Johnny soon continues his vicious killing spree — but fleshing the character out this way is part and parcel of the movie's injection of melancholy into what might otherwise be cheap thrills.

In A Violent Nature is aesthetically rich slasher cinema

In A Violent Nature has a few of the most hilariously inventive kills in slasher cinema, but it also wrestles with its own violence in uncomfortable ways. There is, perhaps, only one death that plays out to its fullest potential in terms of sick satisfaction (the lady on the ledge; you'll know it when you see it), because for the most part, the film is designed to deny the thrilling release of on-screen bloodshed.

One kill unfolds entirely underwater, out of view. Another, up against a tree, cuts away during its most squelching moments. If he's in search of some catharsis, Johnny's drive to violence seems to help him almost achieve it, but each kill requires another. Nash's placement of the camera enhances this sense of forward momentum; we're almost always following Johnny from behind as he marches toward some unattainable goal.

Along the way, Nash and cinematographer Pierce Derks' use of digital noise replicates film grain, ramping up the visual tension even within stillness — as though the frame were pulsing and alive — while giving the movie a photographic quality reminiscent of celluloid. While shot on the Canon C70, it resembles an eerie 16-millimeter found footage discovery, further enhanced by its narrow 4:3 aspect ratio. This mimicry of film extends to the use of halation: sunlight pierces the corners of the frame in uncanny ways, creating a halo effect around Johnny, making him seem like a creature plucked out of time — like something that has always existed in these woods.

While there's arguably a finite timeline to Johnny's story — rumors and urban legends place his origin a few decades prior — nothing precludes his evocation of a Michael Meyers-esque embodiment of evil, who revels in (or at least, tries to revel in) his vicious handiwork. These echoes burrow their way under your skin, and become all the more viscerally upsetting as the film begins to focus on death not just as entertainment but as inevitability.

The aforementioned woman on the ledge (Charlotte Creaghan), though she becomes a victim of cartoonish brutality, has a rare and poignant moment of acceptance right before her death. She doesn’t resist. A later victim, the Park Ranger (Reece Presley), becomes the center of one of the most ghastly and sadistic on-screen killings in recent slasher cinema, though not because of its actual bloodshed. Rather, Johnny breaks the Ranger's spine, paralyzing him and forcing him, and us, to watch — in an unbroken three-minute take — as he's slowly dismembered (and eventually, beheaded) by logging equipment. He can’t resist either.

Accompanied only by mechanical rumbling, this kill in particular completes the movie's transformation from something thrilling, wherein death lurks around every corner, to something deeply sad, in which the camera unflinchingly portrays death head on, with no possibility of escape. All of this builds to the movie's stunning climax, a final 20 minutes that proves intensely nerve-wracking, despite the fact that Johnny isn't even on screen. 

Credit: Pierce Derks/IFC Films/Shudder In A Violent Nature ramps up the intensity during its quiet climax

The movie's "final girl," Kris (Andrea Pavlovic) is, like her group of friends, marked for death by her proximity to the man who initially stole Johnny’s locket. When she realizes the kind of unrelenting force she's up against, Kris runs away as fast as she can, all but leaving the movie's core premise behind. But before she escapes, the camera lingers on her unbroken stare, as Johnny executes her friend. There's something fearfully paralyzing about what she sees, but also, on the level of an audience expecting cathartic payoff, there's something enrapturing too — Kris lingers just a hair longer than any real person might.

As she runs helter-skelter through the darkened woods, the film briefly resembles the claustrophobic horrors of The Blair Witch Project, but it soon allows her an escape when she reaches a dirt road and flags down a pickup truck, à la the original Texas Chain Saw. During these climactic moments, there are plenty of shots that feel like they could serve as emphatic final images — from Johnny slashing away at a long-dead victim, to Kris charging through the forest (and eventually, standing still on the road) — thus concluding the movie in a state of unrest.

However, Nash prolongs this restlessness well beyond what might feel most rhythmic, or cinematically "correct," by essentially extending the movie beyond its natural life, into an extra act as Kris hitches a ride with a helpful woman (Lauren Taylor, of Friday the 13th Part 2). It's here, perhaps more than any other moment in the film, that the genre's expectations come charging into play, from the slasher’s proclivity for "one final scare" to the creeping suspicion of an accomplice (the driver seems to be familiar with the dangers lurking in the woods).

Through shaky, claustrophobic closeups, Nash ratchets up the nauseating tension amidst this car ride, during which it feels violence could erupt at any moment. The aforementioned sound design, involving rusting trees and trilling insects, becomes louder and more harrowing, as though the forest itself were cursed. By sticking with Johnny's perspective through most of the film, Nash turns the concept of the cinematic gaze into something malevolent. When the movie finally leaves Johnny behind, switching its POV to Kris, it can't help but echo this sensation, a lingering feeling verging on the desire for on-screen violence. Watching these final minutes unfold involves not just expecting some vicious eruption, but on some level, yearning for it, as though it were the only possible escape from Kris' newfound paranoia.

This is, on one hand, a deft aesthetic embodiment of the way trauma seeps its way into your bones. But it is also wildly self-reflexive as a postscript to a horror film, as though Johnny's unrelenting thoughts of violence had, in some way, been transferred to Kris' psyche, through the mere act of her witnessing his executions — as an enraptured audience member cursed with the instinct to look away, but the desire to keep watching.

How to watch: In a Violent Nature is available to rent/buy on Amazon, Apple TV, Vudu, and Microsoft.

Japan Finally Phases Out Floppy Disks

NYT Technology - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 06:29
One of the world’s most technologically advanced nations has held on to some of the most outmoded devices.

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