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Massive June 12, 2025 internet outage: What we know so far

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 15:28

On Thursday afternoon, a massive list of popular internet services all started experiencing outages at the same time.

Thousands of confused internet users took to Google and social media to ask why they couldn't log into their favorite websites and apps. The front page of Down Detector was a menagerie of spiking orange line graphs, starting around 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 12. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis owns both Mashable and Down Detector.)

Here's what we know so far.

What's causing the service outage?

At the time of writing, it's unclear what the cause of this outage is, though both CloudFlare and Google Cloud have reported problems. Cloudflare's status page is reporting broad service interruptions.

According to the most recent updates from the company:

  • "We are starting to see services recover. We still expect to see intermittent errors across the impacted services as systems handle retried and caches are filled."

  • "We are seeing a number of services suffer intermittent failures. We are continuing to investigate this and we will update this list as we assess the impact on a per-service level."

  • Cloudflare engineering is investigating an issue causing Access authentication to fail. Cloudflare Zero Trust WARP connectivity is also impacted.

And at the Google Cloud status page, the company reported earlier today that "Multiple GCP products are experiencing Service issues." The most recent update states: "We have identified the root cause and applied appropriate mitigations. Our infrastructure has recovered in all regions except us-central1. Google Cloud products that rely on the affected infrastructure are seeing recovery in multiple locations. Our engineers are aware of the customers still experiencing issues on us-central1 and multi-region/us and are actively working on full recovery. We do not have an ETA for full recovery."

A representative for Google Cloud told Mashable via email, "We are currently investigating a service disruption to some Google Cloud services. Please view our public status dashboard for the latest updates.”

What does Down Detector say?

Down Detector, a platform where users can report errors, has received an avalanche of user reports, with Google Services, popular AI platforms, and e-commerce websites all affected. Social apps like Twitch, Nintendo Switch Online, and Discord all received a spike in error reports as well.

Even more services. Credit: Screenshot: Downdetector Some impacted services. Credit: Screenshot: Downdetector More services. Credit: Screenshot: Downdetector Is Google down?

Down Detector users have reported problems to a variety of Google services, although Google Search and Gmail appear to be working for most users. Multiple Mashable reporters have also experienced problems accessing services such as Google Meet. Google Cloud is reporting issues, which would help explain why so many Google services are struggling.

As of 3:30 p.m. ET, Google Cloud said it doesn't have an ETA for "full recovery" yet.

What websites, apps, and platforms are affected?

As of 3:20 p.m. ET, dozens of popular platforms are down or experiencing issues. According to Down Detector, the following sites reported a surge in error messages.

  • Discord

  • Google and all related services (e.g. YouTube, Google Meet)

  • Spotify

  • Twitch

  • Character.ai

  • Rocket League

  • Cloudflare

  • Etsy

  • Pokemon Trading Card Game

  • Snapchat

  • fuboTV

  • Anthropic

  • Shopify

  • Gemini

  • MLB.tv

  • Doordash

  • Ikea

  • Equifax

  • Marvel

  • Vimeo

  • Nintendo Switch Online

  • Gitlab

  • Calendly

  • Bluesky

  • Grok

  • Fortnite

  • Apple Music

  • Netflix

  • Disney Plus

  • Prime Video

This story is developing...

UPDATE: Jun. 12, 2025, 4:30 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with additional details about the widespread internet service disruption. An earlier version of this story stated that Amazon Web Services (AWS) was impacted by the outages; however, an Amazon representative told Mashable this is not the case. An AWS spokesperson said, "Currently there are no board service issues with AWS."

The internet is down. Social media is not taking it well.

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 15:23

Countless sites and services — stalwarts like Twitch, Gmail, Discord, Nintendo, and more — went down on Thursday afternoon, eastern time. The internet, even as large swaths of it went down, was quick to react on social media. And, in short, people were freaking out.

People posted screenshots of Down Detector, which showed, well, just about everything was out. It's worth noting that Down Detector registers user-reported issues, so you still may have access to sites experiencing spikes. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis owns both Mashable and Down Detector.)

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The memes and jokes flowed in, too, of course.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Almost all of the internet may be down, but the internet still has jokes about it.

This story is developing and will be updated as needed...

Is Google down? Users report issues with Google Meet, Nest, and more

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 15:21

If you're having trouble with Google right now, you're not alone.

On Downdetector, users started reporting outages with Google around 1:30 p.m. EST — so you're not the only person experiencing tech issues today. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis owns both Mashable and Downdetector.)

SEE ALSO: Massive internet outage reported: Google services, Cloudflare, Character.AI are all down

And Google Search isn't the only thing on the internet struggling right now. Mashable editors are experiencing service disruptions to Google Meet in particular.

"We are currently investigating a service disruption to some Google Cloud services. Please view our public status dashboard for the latest updates," a Google Cloud spokesperson told Mashable over email. As of this writing, Google's status dashboard reports that "multiple [Google Cloud Platform] products are experiencing Service issues."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

And, on Downdetector, users are also reporting outages with Google Cloud, Discord, Spotify, Amazon Web Services, CharacterAI, Snapchat, Cloudfare, Rocket League, Pokemon TCG, Google Nest, FuboTV, Box, HighLevel, Etsy, Vimeo, OpenAI, Google Drive, Mailchimp, Shopify, UPS, Microsoft Azure, Google Maps, Anthropic, cursor, reCAPtcha, Dialpad, Verizon, YouTube, Gmail, NPM, AT&T, T-Mobile, Gemini, Twitch, Pokemon GO, Dragon Ball, Phasmophobia, DoorDash, and more.

So, basically, the entire internet is having issues.

SEE ALSO: Much of the internet is down and social media is not taking it well

This is a developing story.

Massive internet outage reported: Google services, Cloudflare, Character.AI are all down

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 15:17

Is the entire internet down?

As of 2:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 12, users are reporting widespread service disruptions at popular websites and apps, including Twitch, Gmail, Discord, Nintendo Switch Online, and dozens of other platforms.

The service Down Detector showed a spike in error messages across the internet, and users are taking to social media to complain of problems at their favorite websites. The service disruptions have also affected many services (Disclosure: Ziff Davis owns both Mashable and Down Detector.) As of this writing, Mashable reporters are also experiencing problems accessing some Google services, such as Google Meet.

Cloudflare, a popular IT management company that provides hosting services, is among the services disrupted. Cloudflare reported "Broad Cloudflare service outages" on its website on Thursday afternoon. The company initially reported that they are "continuing to investigate this issue."

However, a more recent message states, "We are starting to see services recover. We still expect to see intermittent errors across the impacted services as systems handle retried and caches are filled."

Credit: Down Detector

According to DownDetector, the following sites are experiencing a spike in user error reports:

  • Discord

  • Google and all related services

  • Spotify

  • Twitch (receding now)

  • character.ai

  • Rocket league

  • AWS

  • Cloudflare

  • Etsy

  • Pokemon trading card game

  • Snapchat

  • fuboTV

  • Anthropic (maker of Claude)

  • Shopify

  • Gemini

  • MLB.tv

  • Doordash

  • Ikea

  • Equifax

  • Marvel

  • Vimeo

  • Nintendo Switch Online

  • Gitlan

  • Calendly

On social media sites like X, confused users are reacting in real-time to the widespread service disruptions across the internet.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new details emerge.

UPDATE: Jun. 12, 2025, 3:17 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with additional details about the internet service disruptions.

Get in on the viral dirty soda trend with this 20% off Ninja Thirsti bundle deal

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 14:06

SAVE 20%: Through Aug. 10, you can slash 20% off a Ninja Thirsti Max bundle and Dirty Soda pack when you use the code JEN20, DEMI20, TAYLOR20, or MAYCI20 at Ninja Kitchen's website. Add the Ninja Thirsti Max bundle and your choice of Dirty Soda pack to your cart to redeem the codes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Thirsti Max bundle + Dirty Soda flavor pack Get 20% off with codes JEN20, DEMI20, TAYLOR20, or MAYCI20 Get Deal

Dirty soda — aka soda spiked with cream and flavored syrup — is a TikTok favorite, thanks greatly in part to MomTok creators Taylor Frankie Paul, Jen Affleck, Demi Engemann, and Mayci Neeley. So, Ninja decided to tap into the viral drink trend by joining forces with the beloved Utah-based influencers to create four hand-crafted Dirty Soda bundles for fans.

No need to head to a drive-thru. Ninja's collab with the MomTok ladies makes it easy for fans to craft the unique drinks at home at the touch of a button using the Ninja Thirsti. And for a limited time, you can get the drink maker and exclusive Dirty Soda packs for 20% off.

Through Aug. 10, shoppers and MomTok fans can save 20% when purchasing the Ninja Thirsti Max bundle and a Dirty Soda pack at the Ninja Kitchen website with the code JEN20, DEMI20, TAYLOR20, or MAYCI20. That knocks the cost of the Ninja Thirsti Max drink system bundle down to $143.99 from $179.99 and the Dirty Soda pack of your choice down to $16.78 from $20.97 — a grand total of $160.77.

In order to redeem the discount, you'll first need to add the Build Your Own Ninja Thirsti Max bundle to your cart. Then choose one of the Dirty Soda packs and add it to your cart. When you're ready to check out, enter the code of the MomTok creator that matches your Dirty Soda pack — JEN20, DEMI20, TAYLOR20, or MAYCI20 — and hit "apply." The price should go from $200.96 to just $160.77.

One of our favorite Ninja appliances, we're big fans of the Ninja Thirsti. Mashable Sam Mangino calls it "a fantastic carbonated drink maker, best for the flavored water devotee."

Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for life for just A$23

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 13:00

TL;DR: Upgrade your PC for just A$23 with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro lifetime license, on sale through 20 July.

Opens in a new window Credit: Windows Microsoft Windows 11 Pro AU$23
AU$307 Save AU$284 Get Deal

Do you have an old computer that could use a refresh? Upgrade its operating system and give it new life with a lifetime license to Windows 11 Pro, now just A$23 (reg. A$307) through 20 July.

If you’ve got an older device lying around, you don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars for a brand-new laptop. Just give it a new lease on life with a Windows 11 Pro upgrade. This new operating system is filled with features that can help you tackle both work and play.

What’s new in Windows 11 Pro?

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro was created with modern professionals in mind, but you don’t have to be tackling work to appreciate the new features. It offers a seamless interface that’s easy to navigate, snap layouts, improved voice typing, and a more powerful search experience everyone can benefit from.

We should all be taking our cybersecurity more seriously, and Windows 11 Pro offers advanced security measures like a biometric login, encrypted authentication, and advanced antivirus defenses to beef up your protection.

Need to get work done? Windows 11 Pro includes Microsoft Teams, and also offers some unique professional features. Azure AD lets you manage logins and permissions for employees, while Hyper-V makes it possible to create and run virtual machines to test things. You’ll also get Windows Sandbox, a way to test files safely without risking your computer.

If you’d like to ditch the mouse and keyboard, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro gives you the option to go touchscreen. And it also puts Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, right on your desktop.

Once you tackle all your responsibilities, it’s time to start gaming. Windows 11 Pro includes DirectX 12 Ultimate, with graphics that make you feel like you’re right there in the game.

Note: You’ll need 4GB RAM and 40GB of hard drive space to run Windows 11 Pro, and if you’re running Windows 11 but can’t install upgrades via Windows Update, you won’t be able to install this version either.

Elevate your PC experience with this lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, now just A$23 (reg. A$307) through 20 July.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Someone spent $150,000 on a Labubu. Yes, really.

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 12:59

Picasso? Don't know him. Rolex? Don't care. The hottest item on the collectibles market right now is a mischievous, sharp-toothed, gremlin-like little girl named Labubu. And yes, someone just paid $150,000 for one.

That’s not a typo. As reported by CNN, at a recent auction in Beijing, a mint green, first-generation Labubu figure measuring a whopping 131 centimeters tall (that’s over four feet!) sold for 1.08 million yuan, or about $150,325.

Let’s pause for effect: $150K. For a toy figure with a devilish grin and bunny ears. If you weren't convinced by now, Labubu is an icon, a legend — and she is the moment.

SEE ALSO: The cult and community of Labubu What makes this $150K Labubu so special?

This wasn’t your everyday Labubu plush keychain from Pop Mart (which typically retails anywhere from $27.99 to $39.99). This Labubu figure was the only one of its kind, auctioned at the prestigious Yongle International Auction House, which normally deals in fine jewelry and modern art. So when the auctioneer banged the gavel and congratulated the anonymous online bidder, it wasn’t just a win; it was a moment in collectible toy history.

The minty mischief-maker stood tall like a playful art statue, and it wasn’t alone. The auction featured 48 rare Labubus, including a 160 cm brown version that went for a cool $114,000. Only 15 of those exist, but even that couldn’t top the green figure's jaw-dropping price tag.

So, why are people paying Range Rover money for a Labubu?

Thank the global Labubu craze.

Created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung and mass-produced by Chinese toy powerhouse Pop Mart, Labubu isn’t your average cuddle toy. It’s part art, part misfit charm, part collector goldmine. Think of it as the lovechild of a Nordic folklore creature and a TikTok star, with a resale value much higher than its price tag. It's not uncommon for people to pay double or triple retail price for a Labubu keychain, and limited-edition drops and collabs can go for hundreds of dollars on sites like StockX.

Toothy, trendy, and now worth $150K. Credit: VCG/VCG via Getty Images

The demand is there. Pop Mart stores regularly see long lines and sold-out releases for Labubu drops. Blind boxes, where you don’t know which character you’re getting, are snapped up instantly, and $28 toys are being flipped online for over $270. Labubu isn’t just trending — she's a pop culture phenomenon.

Celebrities like BLACKPINK's Lisa, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and even basketball star Dillon Brooks have sported Labubus clipped to their handbags and belt loops. Labubu is fashion's most playful accessory, a toothy vehicle for self-expression and the ultimate symbol of consumer culture.

As Mashable previously reported, business is booming for Pop Mart. "Labubu is currently Pop Mart's top-selling IP in the U.S. and one of the strongest globally," Emily Brough, Pop Mart's head of IP licensing for the Americas, told Mashable. In 2024 alone, Labubu generated more than $419 million, outperforming all other IPs in the company’s catalog. And the company's revenue in China alone topped $1.09 billion, up 34 percent from the previous year, reports CNN. Globally, Pop Mart profits shot up 125 percent, driven largely by Labubu-mania.

Best last-minute Fathers Day gift ideas, like options with next-day Prime shipping

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 12:50
The best last-minute Father's Day deals at a glance: Bird Buddy Pro smart bird feeder $249 (save $50) Shop Now MasterClass Save 50% on the first year Shop Now Meater Plus smart meat thermometer $69 (save $30) Get Deal Regal Cinemas e-gift card $85 (save $15) Shop Now Roborock Qrevo Master self-emptying robot vacuum and mop $799.98 (save $800.99) Get Deal

Dads always insist that they don't want anything for Father's Day, leaving you stumped on a gift idea until you're scrambling at the last minute. But you're not tied to the ol' "it's still in the mail" excuse just yet — there are still plenty of good Father's Day gift ideas that can arrive by Sunday, June 16.

I've rounded up a variety of last-minute Father's Day ideas below, many of which also happen to be on sale. Some are physical items available with next-day or two-day delivery at Amazon, to digital gifts that don't involve any shipping at all. Be sure to double check the shipping window before purchasing. (If you're reading this on Saturday, June 14, your options may strictly be limited to the digital gifts.)

1-800 Flowers — next-day gift basket delivery, plus savings up to $30

A gift basket full of his favorite snacks is kind of a guaranteed win. Most of 1-800 Flower's Father's Day gift baskets have $10 to $30 discounts in the days leading up to the big day, plus one or two-day delivery options for many. Choose from a variety of snack crates featuring meats and cheeses, munchies like pretzels and popcorn, chocolate-covered fruit (and just plain chocolate), and more, or go extra hard with a full grilling-themed one.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1-800 Flowers 1-800 Flowers Shop Now Home Depot — save up to 50% on Father's Day essentials

There's quite literally something for every type of dad at Home Depot, and a ton of it is up to 50% off during the Father's Day sale. Save on tools and outdoor equipment, grills, lawn mowers, fire pits, patio furniture, smart home products, and even home renovation items like ceiling fans. Some are eligible for delivery as quick as same-day, or you could pick your item up for free if you have a Home Depot nearby.

Opens in a new window Credit: Traeger Home Depot Father's Day Sale save up to 50% Shop Now Masterclass — save 50% on the first year

The final boss of digital gifts, a MasterClass subscription is an immersive online learning program that features courses taught by the celebrities and industry leaders who have mastered their skill. Gordon Ramsay teaches cooking, Tom Morello teaches electric guitar, and Annie Leibovitz teaches photography, just to name a few. The Father's Day deal will get dad half off his first year of an annual plan, which usually cost between $120 and $240.

Opens in a new window Credit: MasterClass MasterClass Save up to 50% on the first year Shop Now Meater meat thermometer — save 31%, plus next-day Prime shipping

If dad's cursing out his half-broken ancient meat thermometer every time he cooks, an upgrade is imminent. The Meater Plus is one of the internet's favorite smart wireless meat thermometers and is on sale for $69 at Amazon ahead of Father's Day. The connected app provides crucial intel for BBQ-ing, grilling, smoking, and air frying, like current and target temperature notifications.

Opens in a new window Credit: Meater Meater Plus $69 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $30.95 Shop Now Bird Buddy — next-day Prime shipping

A solar-powered smart bird feeder is the ultimate gift for anyone who is proud of their yard. Bird Buddy's award winning design uses smart species recognition to detect the variety of visitors, which dad can watch on the app through the live stream camera.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bird Buddy Bird Buddy Pro $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50 Shop Now Yeti cooler — next-day Prime shipping

Once dad has a Yeti cooler, he'll likely never need another cooler again — these things are virtually indestructible (and bear resistant!) The Tunrda 35 cooler uses three inches of PermaFrost insulation to keep up to 20 cans cold for several days, plus a built-in drain system for the ice when it does melt. A few other Yeti items are also available with next-day shipping at Amazon, and some colors are even on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Shop Now Movie theatre e-gift card — save $15

There are a ton of good movies set to hit theaters in the last half of 2025, including 28 Years Later, Elio, Jurassic World Rebirth, Superman, and Happy Gilmore 2. If dad's a big theatre guy, some free trips to the big screen (maybe even an IMAX viewing or two) will be his ideal gift. Best Buy has slashed $15 off of this $100 Regal gift card, which will be delivered to his inbox within minutes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Regal Regal e-gift card $85 at Best Buy
$100 Save $15 Get Deal Beats headphones — next-day Prime shipping and up to 51% off

A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones is a staple for, well, life. Dad would appreciate the peace and quiet when he's working, working out, diving into his favorite hobby, or sitting on an airplane. Beats has a large selection of water-resistant over-ear, on-ear, or earbuds that can all arrive the next day from Amazon. Some pairs, like most colors of the Beats Studio Pro that Mashable's Alex Perry loved, are up to 51% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Shop Now Roborock Qrevo Master robot vacuum — save 50%, plus free two-day shipping

Your parents cleaned up after you for the first chunk of your life — now, return the favor by crossing one major chore off their list. After a lot of at-home testing, I crowned the Roborock Qrevo Master the best robot vacuum of 2024 for its ability to successfully mop corners and get to the right room without getting stuck. This model also self-empties and washes and dries its own mopping pads. At $799.98 on sale at Amazon, it's one of the most advanced robot vacuums you can get under $1,000.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Master $799.98 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $800.01 Shop Now

Amazon Prime Video ads to double, report says

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 12:33

It's not your imagination — you're likely seeing more ads these days.

Prime Video, Amazon's streaming offering, has quietly doubled its ads, according to an exclusive report from Adweek. Citing ad buyers and documents it reviewed, Adweek reported that Amazon has moved to four to six minutes of ads per hour of streaming. That's double the two to three-and-a-half minutes when Prime Video first launched ads in January of last year.

“Prime Video ad load has gradually increased to four to six minutes per hour,” an Amazon representative told an ad buyer, according to Adweek.

It seems like every streaming platform has gradually moved to include more ads. HBO Max — then known as Max, which was previously HBO Max, which was previously HBO Now, which was previously HBO Go — rolled out ads last year and recently cracked down on password sharing. That's a double whammy of ad inconvenience. Netflix? Ads and password sharing crackdown. Hulu or pretty much anywhere else? Ditto.

You can, of course, pay extra to get an ad-free experience. For Amazon, that means an extra $3 per month. Streamers, of course, have rebranded the ad-supported tiers as cheaper options.

But I, for one, remember the days when ponying up hefty monthly fees meant no ads on streaming at all. Unfortunately for consumers, it appears the ads will only become more and more frequent.

Get a free $30 gift card when you grab Sonys new XM6 headphones at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 12:31

FREE GIFT CARD WITH PURCHASE: When you grab the new Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones at Amazon for $448, you'll get a free $30 Sony gift card to spend as you please.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones $448 at Amazon
Get a free $30 Sony gift card Get Deal

Sony dropped its newest flagship headphones last month, the WH-1000XM6s, and we're loving them. And so are our readers; the noise-cancelling headphones are one of Mashable readers' top purchases in May 2025. They're expensive (shocker), but our reviewer Timothy Beck-Werth says they mostly justify their cost, thanks to phenomenal noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, improved audio quality, and a travel-friendly design.

If you're in the market for a pair of elite headphones and want to be among the first adopters of the newest Sony technology, Amazon will give you a free $30 gift card with your purchase of the Sony WH-1000XM6s. This deal is only available at Amazon, which also has the best price on the headphones. They're $448 at Amazon, while they're listed at $449.99 (full price) at Sony, Best Buy, and Target. Sure, $1.99 isn't much as far as savings go, but paired with a free $30 gift card, it's the best deal you'll find on the headphones right now.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best headphones of 2025 — how do the new Sony XM6 compare?

The listing doesn't specify how you'll receive your $30 gift card, but we can assume the information will be emailed to the account you have on file at Amazon after your purchase. The deal is only available until 2:59 a.m. ET on June 23, so if you want to score a free gift card with your purchase, you have about a week and a half to decide.

If you need some influencing, check out our full review of the new flagship headphones.

Best Audio Deals

All colorways of the 13-inch Macbook Air M4 are on sale for $849 at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 12:21

SAVE $150: All colorway options of the M4 Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) are on sale at Amazon for $849, down from the normal price of $999. That's a 15% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 at Amazon
$999 Save $150 Get Deal

The school year might be winding down, but it's already time to consider the next round of classes. If you could use with a shiny, new, and speedy laptop, there's a great Apple deal at Amazon today that's well worth a look.

As of June 12, every colorway option of the M4 Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $849 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $999. That's a 15% discount that shaves $150 off the list price.

If we're being honest, a lot of us look at our laptop as much (or more) than our phones, the dog, or even a partner. Because of that, you deserve a laptop that comes in a colorway that brings you joy. Apple gifted us with options on the M4 Apple MacBook Air and with today's deal, you can choose what suits you best. Go with the bright Sky Blue, stick with a classic Silver, go all-drama with Midnight, or stick with the cheery Starlight. While we've been in a flurry of discounts on the M4 Air this spring, it's rare to see every color option included in the sale.

SEE ALSO: The Apple Watch SE is still down to $169 at Amazon — act fast to save $80

In terms of performance, you're in good hands with the M4 Air. Mashable considers it the best MacBook to buy in 2025, largely thanks to the upgraded M4 chip and better cameras. There's also the near-silent operation which is also welcomed.

Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder also points out the upgrade to internal memory in his review. Last year's model topped out at 8GB but the new M4 Air comes with 16GB of starting memory. Plus, you get the option to use two external displays. Apple mentions this model can get up to 18 hours of battery life, so you're in for all-day use before you'll need to recharge.

If you've been considering a MacBook upgrade, today's deal on every colorway on the M4 Air means this is a great time to snag the 13-inch model for $849. You'll be so thankful of the speedy new chip come next semester.

The best tech deals to shop this week

Score a Samsung Galaxy A16 smartphone for $175— its lowest price yet

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 12:15

SAVE $25: As of June 12, get the Samsung Galaxy A16 for $174.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199.99. That's a discount of 13% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy A16 $174.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $25 Get Deal

Looking to pick up a new smartphone? You don't have to pay over $1,000 to get a quality phone that you can rely on. In fact, you can get a Samsung smartphone that fits your budget for a steal right now if you hurry to Amazon, where you can find the Galaxy A16 smartphone discounted to a price that's more than nice.

As of June 12, get the Samsung Galaxy A16 at Amazon for $174.99, down from its usual price of $199.99. That's $25 off for a discount of 13%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: Save $500 on the Samsung Frame TV at Amazon

The Galaxy A16 boasts a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 800 nits of brightness, a 50MP camera array with a 12MP front-facing lens, 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. It's powered by the Exynos 1330 processor, and includes a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging, so you won't be left waiting around if you need to juice it up after long-term use. And of course, most importantly, it does support 5G connectivity.

It has an IP54 rating for high water and dust resistance, and it's built to last. Plus, it packs all the features you'd expect from a high-end Samsung smartphone into a small, more affordable package, so you can feel good about having a reliable phone in your pocket instead of something that's more hit or miss.

Is it going to run all your apps simultaneously without batting an eye? No. Is it a great smartphone for under $200? Yes. So don't miss it now that it's available at its lowest price yet.

Best Tech Deals

Wikipedia halts AI plans as editors revolt

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 12:10

An experiment adding AI-generated summaries to the top of Wikipedia pages has been paused, following fierce backlash from its community editors.

The Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit behind Wikipedia, confirmed this to 404 Media, which spotted the discussion on a page detailing the project. Introduced as "Simple Article Summaries" by the Web Team at Wikimedia, the project proposed AI-generated summaries as way "to make the wikis more accessible to readers globally." The team intended to launch a two-week experiment to 10 percent of readers on mobile pages to gauge interest and engagement. They emphasized that the summaries would involve editor moderation, but editors still responded with outrage.

"I sincerely beg you not to test this, on mobile or anywhere else. This would do immediate and irreversible harm to our readers and to our reputation as a decently trustworthy and serious source," one editor responded (emphasis theirs). "Wikipedia has in some ways become a byword for sober boringness, which is excellent. Let's not insult our readers' intelligence and join the stampede to roll out flashy AI summaries."

Others simply responded, "yuck" and called it a "truly ghastly idea."

Several editors called Wikipedia "the last bastion" of the web that's held out against integrating AI-generated summaries. Behind the scenes, it has proactively offered up datasets to offset AI bots vacuuming up the content of its pages and overloading its servers. Editors have been working hard to clean up the deluge of AI-generated content posted on Wikipedia pages.

"Haven’t we been getting good press for being a more reliable alternative to AI summaries in search engines? If they’re getting the wrong answers, let’s not copy their homework," said one editor.

Another pointed out that the human-powered Wikipedia has been so good that search engines like Google rely on them. "I see little good that can come from mixing in hallucinated AI summaries next to our high quality summaries, when we can just have our high quality summaries by themselves."

Wikipedia was created as a crowdsourced, neutral point of view, providing a reliable and informative source for anyone with internet access. Editors responding on the discussion page noted that Generative AI has an inherent hallucination problem, which not only could undermine that credibility, but provide inaccurate information on topics that require nuance and context that could be missing from simple summaries.

Some of the editors checked how the AI model (Aya by Cohere) summarized certain topics like dopamine and Zionism and found inaccuracies.

One editor even accused Wikimedia Foundation staffers of "looking to pad their resumes with AI-related projects."

Eventually, the product manager who introduced the summary feature chimed in and said they will "pause the launch of the experiment so that we can focus on this discussion first and determine next steps together."

AI-free Wikipedia lives to fight another day.

Instagram rolls out long-awaited grid customization and more creative features

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 12:00

Instagram is giving users more control over how they express themselves, starting with one of the app’s most highly requested features: grid customization.

Beginning today, users will be able to rearrange the posts on their profile grid, editing how their content is presented to followers. Whether you’re going for a clean aesthetic, curating a personal portfolio, or just hiding that one post that’s been throwing off your vibe, you’re now in control of how your content shows up on your profile.

Instagram rolls out its most expressive update yet. Credit: Instagram

The update headlines a wave of new features unveiled as part of Instagram’s push to inspire more creativity across the platform. As part of the rollout, Instagram is introducing several new tools to enhance self-expression, including more seamless integration between Instagram Notes and Spotify.

Users can now share what they’re listening to on Spotify directly into Instagram Notes. This echoes the golden era of MySpace profiles, when your favorite song was a key part of your online identity. It’s an easy way to set the mood or show off your current obsession. And if that obsession happens to be Tyler, the Creator? You’ll unlock a limited-time secret visual effect in your Notes just by streaming his music.

Rosalía in your fonts. Credit: Instagram

Instagram is also debuting handwritten fonts, a new series of fonts for Stories and Reels inspired by the real handwriting of beloved creatives. The platform is kicking things off with Rosalía's bold penmanship, landing June 20.

To try out the new features, just open Instagram.

Channeling your inner MySpace era, one Note at a time. Credit: Instagram How to stream Spotify music to your Instagram Notes Total Time
  • 2 minutes
What You Need
  • Smartphone
  • Instagram app
  • Spotify app

Step 1: Link your Spotify account to your Instagram, if you haven't already

Step 2: Head to your DM inbox on Instagram

Step 3: Tap on the 🎵 when creating a Note

Step 4: In the audio browser, tap to "Share from Spotify"

If you are already playing music on Spotify, your Note will automatically update to show what you’re listening to. If you’re not actively listening to music on Spotify, your Note will automatically show the next song you play within 30 minutes.

Step 5: Choose whether or not you add text or emoji to your Note

Step 6: Tap "share" to post your Note!

In a feed where algorithm-driven trends can make everything start to look the same, these new tools are a reminder that individuality still matters.

Get your own personal AI stock coach for life for just $55

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 11:51

TL;DR: Sterling Stock Picker uses AI to help you navigate the stock market, and right now you can secure a lifetime subscription for $55.19 (reg. $486) with code SAVE20 through July 20.

Ever wondered whether ChatGPT could help you with stock market picks? Wonder no more — Sterling Stock Picker is built using AI tools inspired by ChatGPT to help you make informed investment decisions.

You can now navigate the stock market confidently with this lifetime subscription to Sterling Stock Picker for just $55.19 (reg. $486) with code SAVE20 through July 20.

Smarter investing starts here

If you’ve always wanted to invest in the stock market but felt too intimidated, there’s now an app for that. Sterling Stock Picker uses AI-powered tools to make investing easy for beginners and experienced stock market players alike.

It only takes three easy steps to get started with Sterling Stock Picker. First, discover your risk tolerance with a quick 5-minute questionnaire. Second, search for stocks aligned with your personal values. And finally, build your portfolio with easy tools like the Done-for-You Portfolio Builder, which helps remove the guesswork.

Not sure whether to buy, hold, or sell? No problem — the platform’s North Star system makes it easy to determine which action is best to take. And if you’d rather let Sterling Stock Picker take the wheel, it can highlight top-performing stocks and recommend updates to your portfolio

This app also gives you access to Finley, your own personal AI financial coach. Ask Finley questions about your portfolio, individual stocks, or the market in general, and receive real-time insights based on real data.

Invest wisely with a lifetime subscription to Sterling Stock Picker, now only $55.19 (reg. $486) with code SAVE20 through July 20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sterling Stock Picker Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription $55.19
$486 Save $430.81 Get Deal


Here are the top 25 products Mashable readers bought in May 2025

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 11:41

Mashable's shopping team does our best to curate the best deals on any given day to help our readers stretch their dollars a bit further. We're like shopping watchdogs, relentlessly scanning top product listings and tracking prices to find you the best deals. Last month was doozy in the deals department, thanks to Memorial Day weekend and the usual spring-to-summer transitional sales, and Mashable readers really took advantage of those discounts.

Our team has gathered some intel on the top-selling products across all categories in May 2025 and some of them are actually still on sale. Unsurprisingly, y'all really love Apple products, Amazon Fire TV sticks, and Sony's brand-new flagship headphones. More notably, we were intrigued by the sheer number of people splurging on the digital version of A Minecraft Movie and how many people love Legos (what's not to love?).

Here are the 25 most popular items Mashable readers bought in May 2025. Don't worry; your privacy is protected. We can't identify individual people's purchases, just what was purchased and how many. We've noted the current prices as well, including any relevant discounts or freebies.

The top 25 products Mashable readers bought in May 2025
  1. Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $17.99 $34.99 (save $17 with code FTVHDWIN)

  2. Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones (black) — $448 + get free $30 Sony gift card

  3. A Minecraft Movie (Bonus X-Ray Edition)$19.99 $24.99 (save $5)

  4. Anker 735 3-port USB-C charger — $29.99 $55.99 (save $26 with on-page coupon)

  5. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max$29.99 $59.99 (save $30 with code MAX4KNEW)

  6. Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $549 $599 (save $50)

  7. Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box$17.99 $34.99 (save $17)

  8. Apple AirTags (4-pack) — $74.99 $99 (save $24.01)

  9. Apple Pencil Pro — $99 $129 (save $30)

  10. Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones (silver)$448

  11. Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones (midnight blue)$448 + get free $30 Sony gift card

  12. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K$24.99 $49.99 (save $25 with code WIN4KFTV)

  13. Apple AirPods Pro 2$169 $249 (save $80)

  14. Limited-edition Star Wars TIE Fight Stand for Amazon Echo Dot$59.99

  15. Amazon.com Gift Card (Balance Reload)

  16. Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth audio transmitter$54.99 + free 60-day Audible trial

  17. Anker Soundcore P20i wireless earbuds$19.99 $39.99 (save $20)

  18. Prime memberships

  19. DoorDash e-gift cards$42.50 $50 (save $7.50)

  20. Amazon 9W Official OEM USB power adapter$19.99

  21. Apple 11-inch iPad (128GB, WiFi)$299 $349 (save $50)

  22. Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) in midnight$849 $999 (save $150)

  23. Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) in sky blue $849 $999 (save $150)

  24. Breville Barista Pro espresso machine — $849.95 (currently out of stock)

  25. Acer Nitro V gaming laptop (Intel Core i7-13620H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)$999.99 (currently only available from 3rd party retailer)

The best tech deals to shop this week

Snag a 65-inch Toshiba C350 Fire TV for its lowest price yet at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 11:40

SAVE $120: As of June 12, get the Toshiba C350 Series Fire TV for $299.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $419.99. That's a discount of 29% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Toshiba C350 Series Fire TV $299.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $120 Get Deal

Looking for a TV that's big enough to command attention without forcing you to spend an arm and a leg? There are a few choices out there, but few that you'll find are as good of a deal as what Amazon has on offer right now: a discounted Toshiba Fire TV that's down to the best price we've tracked so far.

As of June 12, get the Toshiba C350 Series Fire TV for $299.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $419.99. That's $120 off and a discount of 29%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

This 4K UHD TV runs on Toshiba's Regza Engine to serve up crisp images on its LCD panel, which offers clear, bright hues thanks to HDR and HDR10 support and immersive audio. Its built-in Fire TV app makes it easy to connect and watch a slew of different shows and movies, live TV, and more without having to hook up an additional antenna. Though it's compatible with Alexa and can look up live TV channels in addition to what Amazon offers if you choose to do so.

SEE ALSO: Save $500 on the Samsung Frame TV at Amazon

It's not only a good pick for viewing content, but for playing games as well. Whether that means you hook up your new Nintendo Switch 2 or you're brushing up on your skills for a tournament, Game Mode reduces input lag so you can't blame that last KO on your TV.

This is a large display that would work great in a living room or a bedroom, and for just under $300, you really can't beat it. Snag it now before the price goes up again for its next sale.

Best TV Deals

An absurd TikTok trend lets AI finish your photo

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 11:38

A new trend on TikTok uses a CapCut template and AI to animate your photo — and it's so absurd.

The trend morphs a regular photo into something out of your most illogical dream, turning a moment from your real life into something that quickly falls off the deep end. In one photo, a man is sitting with his dog in his lap. AI turns that dog into a human wearing a dog suit (for some reason?) and a cop arrests him as the man screams on with three (?) arms.

"To early to be laughin wakin the whole house up🤣🤣🤣🤣," one user commented under the video.

"Well that’s my nightmare sorted tonight," another user said.

In another photo, a woman lays fully clothed in an empty bath tub. When the photo comes to life using AI, water immediately fills the tub, she stands up and miraculously walks through a porcelain-enameled tub, and flings herself back into the tub when she notices a robber is coming through the bathroom door.

The edits are often nonsensical. Still, a few patterns have emerged. These videos usually end up having someone kick the air and someone else with a few too many hands. There's often a cop or a robber somehow involved.

To try the trend for yourself, you have to download CapCut, TikTok's editing app, and use the trend's template. As with most CapCut trends, there are multiple templates, each of which are linked on the specific TikTok videos themselves. One specifically asks the question "who will be taken by the police?" while others simply promise that "AI will guess what will happen next." With most versions of the template, CapCut will have you pick a photo — I chose a photo of my cat at the dinner table — and then will automatically apply the AI effects. In the AI version of the video, my cat put on a purple blazer and white dress shirt, had him do a kick in the air, turned him into an old Asian person, and then rained vegetables down across the screen.

SEE ALSO: Report: Creating a 5-second AI video is like running a microwave for an hour

People trying the trend say it shows how ridiculous AI is; always adding a hand, walking through solid objects, or depicting the true chaos of dreams. In one video, where a dog is turned into a truly horrifying human, a commenter shared, "You know what, it’s my own fault for having the internet."

Beyond the relative silliness of the trend, very few users are questioning the ethics of participating in it at all.

Using AI has lasting effects on the environment. A group of more than 130 civil society organizations including Amnesty International and Defend Democracy published an open letter asking the AI industry and its regulators to mitigate the environmental impacts of this tech, TechCrunch reported in February. While we don't know exactly how much energy it takes to try out this specific TikTok trend, an investigation from MIT Technology Review found that a newer AI model uses "about 3.4 million joules, more than 700 times the energy required to generate a high-quality image" to create a five-second video.

Google DeepMind and National Hurricane Center Join on New A.I. Model

NYT Technology - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 11:26
The National Hurricane Center will experiment with the company’s DeepMind program to enhance the work of its expert meteorologists.

Take $450 off the DJI Power 1000 portable power station at Amazon and go off-grid

Mashable - Thu, 06/12/2025 - 11:18

SAVE $450: The DJI Power 1000 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $549 with the on-page coupon, marked down from the list price of $999. That's a 45% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 portable power bank $549 at Amazon
$999 Save $450 Get Deal

Camping used to be confined to designated campgrounds, but times have changed. We now have water purification systems and coolers that can chill for weeks, so there's no real reason to stay on-grid this summer. That's especially true if you're packing along a portable power station. If you're in the market for one, check out today's deal at Amazon.

As of June 12, the DJI Power 1000 portable power station is on sale for $549, down from $999, at Amazon, thanks to the on-page coupon. That's $450 off, or 45% in savings.

If you'll be camping off-grid this summer, packing along a portable power station is a must. It's just as important as the cooler, if not more. The DJI Power 1000 portable power station will allow you to recharge all your essential devices like your phones, lanterns, rechargeable mosquito repellers, and plenty more.

Two USB-C 140W ports means you'll be repowering phones and laptops in no time, and the DJI focuses on quiet operation. If you'll be using it while you're asleep, rest well thanks to the 23 decibel noise level, which is as low as many air purifiers and fans.

SEE ALSO: The Anker Solix C1000 portable power station is nearly half off at Amazon

When it comes time to recharge the DJI Power 1000 itself, expect to go from zero to full charge in just 70 minutes. If you only have 50 minutes, you'll be able to get back up to 80% charge.

Once summer camping season is over, the DJI Power 1000 is perfect for bringing out into the yard for projects before winter sets in. It's also essential for power outages since it can keep your home's refrigerator cooling and gives you the ability to stay up to date on the power restoration timeline with your fully-charged phone.

Instead of assuming you have to camp with dead batteries, snag the DJI Power 1000 while it's on sale for $549 at Amazon. That $450 discount can then be reinvested into camping toys like stand-up paddleboards, warmer sleeping bags, or fun lights.

The best tech deals to shop this week

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