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Grab the JBL Go 3 portable speaker for under $30

Mashable - 1 hour 46 min ago

SAVE $10: As of June 6, the JBL Go 3 portable speaker is on sale for $29.95 at Amazon. That's 25% off its list price of $39.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Go 3 $29.95 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $10.00 Get Deal

A portable speaker is a great way to bring your favorite songs on the go, especially if you're planning some outdoor adventures this summer. Thankfully, there are some great deals available at the moment, including a very nice discount on the JBL Go 3.

The JBL Go 3 has been marked down to $29.95 at Amazon, a 25% discount from its list price of $39.95. All of the available color options are on sale as well, so you can have your pick of a wide range of options. Some colors even come with a 90-day free trial of an Amazon Music Unlimited Individual Plan, but make sure to look for the green tag if it applies to your chosen color.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best Bluetooth speakers, tested for sound, portability, and cool factor

This portable speaker boasts big sound in a very portable build, complete with an integrated loop that makes carrying it around nice and easy. It offers up to five hours of battery life and is even waterproof and dustproof, so it can join you on adventures to the beach, pool, camping, and more.

It's currently listed as a limited-time deal, so act fast to save on the JBL Go 3 at Amazon.

There are a few more portable speaker deals available at Amazon right now that are worth checking out, including on the Sonos Move 2 and the Sony SRS-XB100.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

Its National Doughnut Day! How to get free doughnuts at Krispy Kreme.

Mashable - 1 hour 54 min ago

FREE DOUGHNUTS: Krispy Kreme is giving away free doughnuts on National Doughnut Day (June 6).

Opens in a new window Credit: Krispy Kreme National Doughnut Day: Free Doughnuts at Krispy Kreme Learn More

Oh, it's National Doughnut Day is it? Don't pretend that you didn't know. You've had this date circled in your calendar for months. You've cleared your schedule. You've dropped everything. And we get it. We've done the same.

National Doughnut Day takes place on June 6, and Krispy Kreme is celebrating in style.

SEE ALSO: Testing the Ninja Slushi by making a frozen version of every drink I can think of

You can get any doughnut for free from Krispy Kreme on June 6 (in store only). There's no catch. There's no qualifying purchase. There's nothing stopping you from heading to your nearest store and picking up your freebie.

And if that wasn't enough, you can also get a dozen original glazed doughnuts for just $2 in shop, online for pickup, or delivery. Simply use the code BOGO2 at the checkout.

Celebrate National Doughnut Day with Krispy Kreme's giveaways.

The Trump-Musk Fallout + A DOGE Coder Speaks + ChefGPT

NYT Technology - 2 hours 8 min ago
“We’re having a broligarchy blowup of the highest order.”

Get $40 off the Fitbit Charge 6 for a limited time

Mashable - 2 hours 49 min ago

SAVE $40: As of June 6, the Fitbit Charge 6 is on sale for $119.95 at Amazon. That's 25% off its list price of $159.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $119.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Amazon has offered a number of impressive Fitbit deals lately, including a very nice discount on the Fitbit Charge 6.

The Fitbit Charge 6 is currently listed for $119.95. That's a 25% discount from its list price of $159.95 and as a sweet little bonus, your purchase also comes with a two-month Audible Premium Plus free trial. Keep in mind that this only applies to new customers.

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is back to its best-ever price at Amazon

Fitbit Charge 6 boasts a wide variety of features to help you out throughout the day. Some of them include all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate tracking, automatic exercise tracking, calorie tracking, Active Zone Minutes, and more. It even boasts up to seven days of battery life to keep you updated all week.

In our comparison of Fitbit vs. Apple Watch, writer RJ Andersen said the Fitbit Charge 6 "packs a powerful punch into a tiny device — including health and fitness tracking, sleep tracking, built-in GPS, and more — while boasting a great battery life and a solid price tag."

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal on the Fitbit Charge 6 at Amazon.

Amazon has quite a few Fitbit models on sale right now. To see all of the available discounted models, check out our breakdown of Fitbit deals.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

Seth Meyers takes A Closer Look at the Musk-Trump social media feud

Mashable - 2 hours 53 min ago

Donald Trump and Elon Musk's post-DOGE exit feud has hit the social media mudslinging phase, with extremely serious accusations, contract termination threats, and petty name-calling erupting on Trump's Truth Social and Musk's X.

Late night show hosts like Stephen Colbert and (in the clip above) Seth Meyers have been unpacking each step in the break-up of the year. The political backscratcher duo of the U.S. president and the richest man in the world has quickly and publicly crumbled, with Musk and Trump now throwing barbs at each other within press conferences and on social media — including Trump threatening to terminate Musk's government contracts, Musk threatening to retire SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, and Musk publicly claiming, "Donald Trump is in the Epstein files."

“Holy shit! In the span of three hours, they went from Elon criticising the bill, to Trump threatening to take Elon’s contracts away, to Elon suggesting that Trump might be a pedophile," Meyers said in his "A Closer Look" segment on Thursday's Late Night. "Also, if we were to take you at your word, Elon, you already knew that — and it wasn’t a dealbreaker."

SEE ALSO: Seth Meyers takes 'A Closer Look' at Musk and Trump's U-turn

Meyers wrapped up by taking a broader look at the bigger picture.

"It's as clear as ever that neither of these guys really believed in anything. Elon spent nearly $300 million to get Republicans elected, and now he's shocked that they're doing the thing everyone said they would do. And in the process, Trump used Elon to get back into power. You know, in a way, they were right. Watching these guys destroy each other is both big and beautiful," Meyers said (using a clip of Trump saying “beautiful” to finish his sentence).

You can still score the PlayStation DualSense Edge controller at its best-ever price

Mashable - 2 hours 55 min ago

SAVE $30.99: As of June 6, the PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller is on sale for $169 at Amazon. That's 15% off its list price of $199.99 and its lowest price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller $169 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $30.99 Get Deal

PlayStation's Days of Play is still going strong, as are the many great PlayStation deals available right now. If you've been looking to pick up a new controller for your PS5, or an extra for your next co-op session, the PlayStation DualSense Edge Controller is still down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

The PlayStation DualSense Edge Controller has received a 15% discount at Amazon that has dropped its price from $199.99 to $169. The deal applies to both the midnight black and white versions of the controller as well, so you can scoop up the one that best matches your PS5 setup.

SEE ALSO: Get the PlayStation 5 Pro for its lowest-ever price at Target

The DualSense Edge has plenty to offer PS5 players, with stick caps you can change out, adjustable triggers, mappable back buttons, and more to help you personalize how you play.

The Days of Play sale runs runs through June 11, so act fast to save on the PlayStation DualSense Edge Controller. If you're looking for the standard DualSense controllers instead, those are also on sale right now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

Save over $100 on Sonys WH-1000XM4 headphones right now at Amazon

Mashable - 3 hours 44 sec ago

SAVE $120: As of June 6, Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are on sale for $228 at Amazon. That's 34% off their list price of $348.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones $228 at Amazon
$348 Save $120 Get Deal

Sony's new WH-1000XM6 headphones may have just dropped, but if you don't mind picking up older models, they're currently enjoying some nice discounts at Amazon. In particular, Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones are over $100 off right now.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have received a 34% discount at Amazon, dropping their price from $348 to $228. This deal applies to multiple color options as well, so you can choose between midnight blue, black, or silver.

SEE ALSO: My favorite Beats earbuds are $30 off for a limited time

If you've been on the hunt for solid noise-canceling headphones, the XM4 headphones will keep the outside world from interrupting your tunes with Dual Noise Sensor technology. With great sound quality on top of that, you can be fully immersed in the music, audiobooks, podcasts, and more that you love to listen to.

Don't miss out on these stellar Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones for $228 at Amazon.

Also at Amazon, Sony's ULT WEAR headphones are on sale and the Sonos Ace are marked down by over $100 as well.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

Say More: Bob the Drag Queen, plus Karate Kid: Legends stars play Choose Your Squad

Mashable - 3 hours 8 min ago

Mashable's Say More is back with a new episode full of fun.

This week, our vodcast series co-host, Senior Creative Producer Mark Stetson, played a rousing game of Choose Your Squad with Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, and Ben Wang, stars of the kick-butt new movie Karate Kid: Legends. Plus, we reveal Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko's full interview with Bob the Drag Queen.

Previously, Mashable debuted a clip from this interview to celebrate the release of Bob the Drag Queen's debut novel, Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert. Now, you get to see this truly iconic RuPaul's Drag Race Star dig deeper into the process of writing his New York Times best-selling historical fiction. Plus, Bob spills the tea on his time on Dimension 20: Dungeons and Drag Queens and Season 3 of Traitors. As an added bonus, Bob shares his thoughts on a Golden Girls reboot we'd actually want to see!

Stay tuned after Bob's interview for Chan, Wang, and Macchio, as they dream up the all-time Karate Kid battle, bringing in characters from the original trilogy, the 2010 spinoff, Cobra Kai, and — of course — Karate Kid: Legends. On top of the joy of dreaming up such a showdown, this winsome trio also imagined how Jackie Chan might team up with the Cobra Kai crew. It's a blast you won't want to miss.

Mashable Say More will have new episodes every Friday, viewable on Mashable and Youtube. You can subscribe to our podcast feed anywhere you download podcasts.

Karate Kid: Legends is now in theaters.

Stephen Colberts rundown of the Musk-Trump flame war is pure gold

Mashable - 3 hours 19 min ago

Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s post-DOGE exit feud has not only reached the point of the words "Epstein files" being dropped in an X post, but it's moved Stephen Colbert to deliver one of the best monologues you’ll see on late night in an age.

"Is this Twitter war a Cheesy Gordita Crunchwrap Supreme? Because it’s dripping hot messy filth and I am eating up every sloppy bite," said Colbert on Thursday night.

The richest man in the world and the U.S. president's relationship has quickly and very publicly soured over the last week. Despite seemingly being best friends mere days ago, both have since taken to social media to sling serious mud at each other.

SEE ALSO: Jon Stewart gleefully unpacks Elon Musk's DOGE exit and his 'special' key

Colbert took The Late Show audience through every step and tweet in Musk and Trump's ongoing “flame war” on Thursday, from Trump’s comments about Musk in a scathing press conference and writing contract-threatening and "Elon was wearing thin" posts on Truth Social, to Musk threatening to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft and retweeting a post suggesting "Trump should be impeached."

If there’s a step in this petty feud that you’ve missed, Colbert will remind you of it, running all the way up to Musk publicly claiming, "Donald Trump is in the Epstein files," and Kanye West inexplicably entering the chat.

"You know things are bad when the rational voice meditating your dispute is Kanye West," said Colbert. "That’s like walking into an intervention organised by Captain Morgan."

The Versa 4 is my favorite Fitbit — and its on sale for a limited time

Mashable - 3 hours 30 min ago

SAVE $50: As of June 6, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $149.95 at Amazon. That's a 25% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50 Get Deal

Fitbit is one of the most recognizable names in the fitness tracker market, and for good reason. They are great watches with a wide range of functions. But if you're looking for an all-rounder tracker with both fitness and lifestyle features, I recommend the Versa 4.

And as of June 6, you can find the Fitbit Versa 4 for just $149.95 at Amazon. This deal can be found in all color options: black, pink sand, and waterfall blue.

SEE ALSO: Every single Fitbit is on sale for up to 25% off

I've tested this Fitbit a lot, and in my opinion, it's an excellent choice afor just about everyone. Whether you're hoping to run a 5K or want to get some insights into your sleeping habits, this watch has a bit of everything.

There are over 40 sports tracking modes that include running, swimming, cycling, and general workout features. However, it's worth noting that the battery life isn't as long-lasting for long-distance activities as the likes of Garmin or Coros. So if you're looking to push into marathon territory, check out the Forerunner range instead.

Other features of the Versa include heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS so you can head outside for activities without your phone. And style-wise, the Versa 4 ticks all the boxes. It has a bright AMOLED display with vibrant colors and images and is touchscreen-controlled, so it's easy to use as well as stylish on your wrist.

Get this Fitbit deal on Amazon.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

Need new earbuds? Save $30 right now on these bangers from Bose.

Mashable - 3 hours 42 min ago

SAVE $30: As of June 6, Bose QuietComfort earbuds are on sale for $149 at Amazon. This deal saves you 17% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Earbuds $149 at Amazon
$179 Save $30 Get Deal

Deals on earbuds are aplenty at Amazon right now, with discounts on Beats, Samsung, and Soundcore. There's something for everyone, and if you're on the hunt for fantastic noise cancellation, look no further than the Bose QuietComfort earbuds.

As of June 6, these earbuds are reduced by $30, down to $149. They come in four colors: black, chilled lilac, twilight blue, and white smoke.

SEE ALSO: Save $50 on the Bose Ultra Open earbuds at Amazon

The noise cancellation is designed to block out any and all distractions, creating an immersive listening experience. These earbuds will block out the annoying chatter, so you don't need to turn up your music.You'll also get up to 8.5 hours of listening time on the go, and with a quick 20-minute top-up charge, you get an extra two hours. Style-wise, like most, these earbuds come with multiple ear tips so they fit comfortably. Not to mention, a secure fit means they are better for sports such as running or gym workouts.

And one of our favorite features is the customizable tap controls. Adjust the volume, skip tracks, or pause your music with ease. And the Bose QCE app offers more personalization options to tweak EQ settings and check battery life.

Find this fantastic audio deal at Amazon.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

Stop suffering from poor speeds — this mesh WiFi router is on sale and it’s a total game-changer

Mashable - 3 hours 48 min ago

SAVE $75: As of June 6, the Amazon eero 6+ router is on sale for $224.99 at Amazon. That's a 25% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon eero 6+ $224.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $75 Get Deal

Life is too short for a bad connection. So make slow streaming, buffering, and dropped FaceTime calls a thing of the past, and upgrade to a mesh WiFi system.

As of June 6, you can find a great deal on the eero 6+ mesh router system at Amazon. This product is currently reduced to $224.99, saving you 25% on the list price. This discount is specific to the three-pack option, but you can find deals across all bundles.

SEE ALSO: Get the Nintendo Switch 2 online at Target

A mesh WiFi system is the perfect way to eliminate dead spots in your home, and is ideal for when you need the WiFi to reach a long way from the router, or through very thick walls. The setup includes a main router and extra nodes (satellites) placed around your home. They work together to provide reliable WiFi coverage all over your home.

The eero 6+ is an exceptional router system that offers gigabit WiFi speeds at an affordable price. It is backward-compatible with older eero devices, making it flexible for all home setups. It boasts WiFi 6 technology and an extra boost from the 160 MHz radio channel, so the eero 6+ ensures fast and reliable connectivity for the entire household. The TrueMesh technology reduces dead spots and dropped signals, keeping your smart home running smoothly even when you’re away.

And the setup is super easy, taking just minutes by using the eero app.

Get this impressive WiFi setup from Amazon now.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

Save $50 on the Bose Ultra Open earbuds at Amazon

Mashable - 3 hours 57 min ago

SAVE $50: As of June 6, Bose Ultra Open earbuds are on sale for $249 at Amazon. That's a saving of 17% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Ultra Open Earbuds $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50 Get Deal

Open earbuds are the latest technology to take the audio market by storm. Allowing you to listen to your music and podcasts while also remaining aware of your surroundings is a big safety plus, and they're growing in popularity.

As of June 6, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are reduced to $249, saving you $50 on list price. There are seven colors to choose from, all at the same reduced price.

SEE ALSO: I tested sleep earbuds for over a month: Here are the 3 best pairs

They work by resting just outside your ears rather than fitting inside the ear canal like standard designs. This positioning uses Bose’s open-ear audio technology to direct sound precisely toward your ears, allowing you to hear music clearly without blocking external noise. This type of earbud is fantastic for running, walking, and any outdoor activity where you need to remain aware of your surroundings. They're also water resistant, so there won't be any issues on rainy days.

This design doesn't mean you'll be scrimping on sound quality; in fact, it's quite the opposite. Sound quality is second to none, as is the battery life. Enjoy up to seven hours of play time, and an extra 2.5 hours with the charging case.

Get this deal at Amazon.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

I tried Samsungs new One UI 8 beta and found 19 new features and updates

Mashable - 4 hours 8 min ago

Samsung launched its One UI 8 beta late last week to the Galaxy S25 series late last week. It’s an open beta, so anyone can try it, and that’s exactly what I did. As you’ve no doubt ascertained from the headline, my goal here is to show you all the fun new stuff that One UI 8 is bringing to the table for Galaxy users.

If you want to try the beta yourself, simply download and install the Samsung Members app (assuming you have a Galaxy S25 phone). In the app, you’ll be able to enroll in the open beta. Once enrolled, simply check for a software update — which you can do right from the app — and install the One UI 8 beta. After the phone is updated, reboot, and you’ll be met with One UI 8.

Unlike One UI 7, the beta doesn’t have any massive new design changes, like we expect to see with iOS 26 and Android 16. In fact, I let my wife mess around with my phone a few times over the weekend and didn’t tell her that I was on One UI 8. She never noticed, and I’d wager most folks wouldn’t either. So, if you want a one-line review of One UI 8, I would tell you that it’s all about iterative refinements rather than something new. 

With that said, there are plenty of changes under the hood, and you’re probably curious what they look like. So, without further delay, here are all the new features and updates that come with One UI 8.

Quick Share overhaul Credit: Joe Hindy / Mashable

Samsung's Quick Share function has received a full overhaul. In place of the old version, the new UI includes two screens. One is dedicated to sharing and the other is dedicated to receiving. To it see it, pick a file out of your phone and share it to Quick Share to open the UI and get started.

On the Receive side, your phone will immediately start looking for another phone that has engaged in Quick Share to share a file to your phone. The screen is super basic and easy to use, with a quick link to the Settings so you can change who can and can’t share with you.

For the Send side, the file you want to share is shown and your phone lists nearby devices that can receive the file. Alternatively, you can generate a QR code that briefly uploads the file to Samsung’s cloud servers. Then, the other device can scan the QR code and download the file. In all, it works easily and without much fuss in our testing.

My Files gets per-app filters Credit: Joe Hindy / Mashable

Have you ever downloaded a file and then immediately forgotten where it was or what its name was? This change might help you find it. In the My Files app, you can now filter your files based on which app downloaded them. This works in the Recent files and Download views. Once there, select the app to see all the files — including documents, images, and videos — downloaded by that one app.

Split screen can now split apps 90:10 Credit: Joe Hindy / Mashable

Split screen has always been a polarizing feature. Some folks use it all the time, and some hardly ever do. One UI 8 adds a new trick to the mix that may make it more palatable for the latter folks. The new 90:10 split allows you to mostly hide the second app and give one app most of the attention. You can then flip back and forth between the two by tapping on whichever app is mostly hidden.

To use the feature, put two apps in split-screen mode as normal. The fastest way is long pressing an app in the recent apps menu and then selecting the second app from there. Once done, drag the divider bar until one of the apps is 90 percent showing and the other is 10 percent showing.

The Reminder app has been redesigned Credit: Joe Hindy / Mashable

Reminders are a big deal for people, and Samsung is trying to make its Reminders app the one you pick. The redesign now puts a bunch of categories at the top of the app that functionally serve as organizers for your various types of notes and reminders. Thus, you can quickly see what’s there for today, scheduled for later, or even look over completed reminders.

The app also now houses new types of sample reminders for users to try out as a tutorial for the various things the app can do. Finally, there’s an Add Reminder box at the bottom of the screen that lets you quickly add a reminder. The box will populate with suggestions as you type to help you save time.

Samsung also integrated Reminders with the Calendar app and vice versa. You can use the Calendar app to create or view reminders without needing to open the Reminders app.

A big list of small improvements

For the most part, One UI 8 is an improvement over One UI 7, and a lot of the changes reflect this philosophy. Most of the new stuff I saw in One UI 8 was more or less an iteration over what was there previously. Let’s briefly go through all of those changes as well.

Calendar

On top of the integration with Reminders, Calendar also has some new suggestions while creating events to help make events more quickly. You’ll also be able to drag and drop reminders around on your calendar to reschedule them.

Samsung Internet

Samsung’s built-in browser continues to improve. In One UI 8, the browser now lets you reconfigure your quick menu to get access to features you use most often. It’s very similar to how Microsoft’s Edge browser does it where you can add, subtract, and move options around.

The weather app looks nicer

Functionality remains the same, but the graphics now feature more transparent elements and more realistic-looking imagery.

AI Select

The screenshot feature is now faster to use. You can immediately select an area of the screen when engaging with AI Select instead of having to wait for it.

Enhanced DeX support

Samsung has improved DeX a little bit. When you connect to a device, you can rotate the display 90, 180, or 270 degrees and there are more resolution options for better monitor support.

Samsung Health

The Health app has been revised a little bit as well. You can now set reminders to record your food intake and challenge your friends to distance running challenges. For the running, you can set a distance and then the first friend to hit that distance wins.

Camera

Samsung has added a new option to swipe up or down on the camera viewfinder to access quick controls in Camera faster. You have to enable this in the settings menu before it’ll work. Look for the Swipe Up/down option.

New modes and routines

New preset routines are now available for weather. They can also be customized to meet your specific needs. There are also new actions and integrations for Clock, Calendar, and Samsung Notes.

Profile cards

You can further design and configure your profile card and then send it to other users. Other users will see your profile card when you call them.

Contact history now includes recorded calls

When viewing a contact’s history, any recorded calls are now readily visible and accessible, making it easier to listen on old phone calls.

Secure Folder gets some enhancements

Secure Folder can not prevent hidden apps from sending notifications when you lock them away. The Secure Folder can also now be completely hidden and encrypted for maximum protection.

Accessibility

Samsung has enhanced its accessibility features. There’s nothing too big here, but there are some helpful changes. The Assistant menu has more ways for users to zoom in on their screen, including a pinch-to-zoom and buttons to increase or decrease zoom.

In addition, you can now set your mouse to your keyboard. By pressing the keys on the keyboard, you can move the mouse pointer around. Your keyboard can also be magnified for easier typing, and Bluetooth hearing aids are now easier to pair.

Auracast broadcasts are now easier

The feature allows you to broadcast audio to multiple devices at once. This is now easier to do in One UI 8 with the inclusion of QR codes. You can generate one for other people to scan or scan one yourself to become a part of the broadcast.

Group alarms get a little better

You can now add existing alarms to an alarm group. In addition, you can add alarm groups to widgets on your home screen, which allows you to turn them all on or off with a single tap.

Quicker support at service centers

Going to a Samsung service center is now easier. You can scan a QR code or NFC scan prompts at the service center to quickly share basic information like your name and phone number. Samsung says the data is encrypted and can only be accessed by support staff.

My final thoughts

So, as previously stated, One UI 8 is more of a refinement than a big departure from what you already know.

Overall, the beta seems pretty stable. I haven’t run into any notable bugs, which makes sense since most of the stuff here is the same. For now, I recommend leaving One UI 8 for the official release unless you really want to try out one of these improvements or new features. 

Wes Anderson on the personal inspirations for The Phoenician Scheme

Mashable - 4 hours 8 min ago

From The Royal Tenenbaums and Fantastic Mr. Fox to The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and Asteroid City, Wes Anderson has been fascinated with flawed fathers. These disappointing dads aim to reconnect to their children through cockamamie ploys, be it an odd road trip, a dangerous sea mission, a reckless heist, or a faked cancer diagnosis. Anderson's latest film is actually named for his protagonist's paternal ploy: The Phoenician Scheme. 

SEE ALSO: 'The Phoenician Scheme' review: Wes Anderson does espionage thriller as only he can

Benicio del Toro stars as Zsa-zsa Korda, an unscrupulous robber baron dedicated to building his wealth over all else. That is, until he reunites with his estranged daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), who is readying to take her vows and become a nun. Ushering her into his home and his motley crew of young sons, Korda asks her to become his assistant in pulling together a complicated business scheme — and to be his heir. However, her principles clash with his utter lack thereof, creating a wall he tries to overcome with opulent gifts. But could her faith and advocacy have a bigger impact than his showering her in luxury?

In Mashable's interview with Anderson, he revealed the personal inspirations of this story, how del Toro's influence honed the shape of Korda, and what it means to accept a "secular rosary." 

Wes Anderson's mother inspired elements of The Phoenician Scheme.  Credit: Roger Do Minh / TPS Productions / Focus Features

Sitting down with Anderson in Manhattan, I confessed that I was personally moved by The Phoenician Scheme, as it offers a hopeful look at parent-child relationships that are challenged by a dramatic difference in values. Anderson described Korda as "a brutal, ruthless, unkillable guy, who has no real compunction about double-crossing anybody. He's also happy to lie, or [do] whatever is needed [to get what he wants]." 

This leads to a string of assassination attempts that don't seem to change him one bit. But then Liesl, in her stark white novitiate uniform, denounces his use of slave labor and his scheme to induce a famine in order to lower construction costs. Slowly but surely, Korda begins to shift, confronted by his daughter and a series of religious visions in which she has a key role. Anderson recalled, "There's one line where he says something to the effect of, 'I've just decided to go on her side. I'll be religious, if that's what's right.'"

SEE ALSO: Every single Wes Anderson movie ranked, worst to best

"And I have to say, not to get overly personal," Anderson continued, "but my mother, when it came to the politics of the last 14 years or something like that, she went so far away from everybody else in the family. And I did at one point say to her, 'I think it's better if you just go on our side. Because otherwise, we're just — you're annoyed at us. And we don't even talk about politics, right?' But, um, she didn't do it, though." 

How does Wes Anderson's own father (and father figures) connect to The Phoenician Scheme? Credit: Courtesy of TPS Productions / Focus Features

Anderson's father also provided inspiration for the father-child relationship in The Phoenician Scheme, and more broadly in his filmography, which is peppered with failed fathers (and failed father figures) facing their own mortality. 

"I love my father," he said, "But it's probably — he moved out of the house at a certain point. And I'm sure that if we really trace it back to, why do I get drawn to that? What's my personal investment in this kind of story? I guess it must start there. It's something about when he got in his car and moved to another place." 

Anderson continued, "I've always been close to my father, but I've always had a lot of father figures who I guess I've sought out. I've been drawn to them, and I mean, a lot of them have died. My father died. Most of the father figures died. But you know, that's what happens when you become 56 years old." 

How Benicio del Toro shaped Zsa-zsa Korda.  Credit: Courtesy of TPS Productions / Focus Features

Anderson wanted to make a movie about a robber baron, a man whose wealth depended on his immorality. And he wanted del Toro, who'd previously appeared in Anderson's vignette-filled film The French Dispatch. 

In a Q&A this author moderated in New York City on The Phoenician Scheme's opening weekend, del Toro revealed he was pleased to work with Anderson again, but he was warned he'd have a lot more lines than he did in The French Dispatch. Receiving 20 pages of the script at a time as it was being developed, del Toro was surprised not only by how many lines he had in the film, but also that he was the lead. He'd initially assumed The Phoenician Scheme would be like The French Dispatch, made up of interwoven shorts. He didn't initially realize he was its leading man.  

Within this answer, both the audience and I got a sense of del Toro's humility and gentleness, the latter of which informed Anderson and co-writer Roman Coppola's approach to Korda. 

Speaking of the notorious schemer, Anderson said, "There's violence around him. And this character is bleeding for half of the movie, one way or another. But when we started working on the script and I started talking with Benicio about it, there's something in Benicio. There was a lighter side of him, a more hopeful side of him that just seemed to kind of want to come out. It was because of our collaboration with Benicio that we started to see this other thing in the character."

Conversely, there's a complexity to stoic nun Liesl too, even before she's under her father's influence. "I mean, as soon as she walks in the door, she's devout and presents herself that way," Anderson said. "But she's a little more stylish than a nun normally would be, even before he offers her a 'secular rosary,' [as] he calls it; it's not like she bounces it back to him. That's already in her, the potential for that. And I think it's already in him, the potential to change his path." 

Anderson continued, "And I even think at a certain point, he realizes that actually his giant business plan is a ritual, a scheme to get her." Anderson added, "Consciously, [Korda is saying], 'If I'm not able to handle this, you [Liesl] need to do this. You're the one I choose. But unconsciously, it might be that he's just saying, 'Can we please do something together? Let's play this game.'"

In that way, even if the scheme isn't going to plan, it's not that bad. Or, as Anderson put it, "So, it's more successful than he might think. You know, his venture is actually not the failure that we would think it is."

The Phoenician Scheme is now playing in theaters everywhere. 





IGN Live 2025: What to expect from the massive gaming event

Mashable - 4 hours 8 min ago

IGN is stepping up this weekend with a major entertainment showcase packed with high-profile reveals and appearances. The two-day event, IGN Live, will stream online, but if you're in Los Angeles, you can catch it live at the Magic Box @ The Reef. Expect panels, giveaways, demos, meet-and-greets, and plenty of hands-on time with upcoming games. (Yes, there's still time to get tickets.)

SEE ALSO: IGN Live 2025 is this weekend: How to buy tickets

With E3 effectively gone, IGN and Summer Game Fest have been working to fill the gap. So, if you're planning to drop by or tune in virtually, here's a look at some of the key names and titles set to take the stage. IGN’s got a running lineup live on its site, but here are a few standouts.

Xbox and Outer Worlds 2 Take the Stage

Xbox is hosting an official watch party at IGN Live, featuring the full Xbox Showcase and a special stream for Outer Worlds 2. Expect first looks and surprise drops.

Squid Game Season 3: First Look

Netflix is dropping an exclusive clip from Squid Game Season 3. Fans attending live get it first.

RAIDOU Remastered Hands-On at Lenovo Booth

Japanese developer Atlus will have RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army playable on-site at the Lenovo booth. This will be a perfect time for fans a chance to experience the Persona 5 developers' 2006 occult cult classic with a modern upgrade.

Norse: Oath of Blood Developer Commentary

A special session will break down the brutal combat and myth-driven design behind Norse: Oath of Blood, complete with dev Q&A.

Animalkind Makes Its Cozy Debut

The upcoming cozy game from Uncommon Games, Animalkind, will show off a new reveal at IGN Live, offering a gentler alternative on a floor filled with high-octane titles.

FBC: Firebreak Live Dev Panel

Developer Mike Kayatta will walk fans through the upcoming FBC: Firebreak, a new entry tied to the Control universe.

Disclosure: IGN Entertainment is a subsidiary of ZiffDavis Inc., which is the parent company of Mashable.

Score this powerful, refurbished MacBook Pro for under $500

Mashable - 4 hours 8 min ago

TL;DR: Get one of Apple’s most powerful laptops, a refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (2.6GHz Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD), for just $479.99 (reg. $2,399) while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (2.6GHz Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $479.99
$2,399 Save $1,919.01 Get Deal

Not many things live up to their hype, but the MacBook Pro is one of them. As Apple’s most powerful laptop, this sleek device is portable without skimping on power.

Right now, you can get a refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (2.6GHz Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for just $479.99 — over $1,000 off the usual price — while supplies last.

See what this $480 MacBook Pro has to offer

It can be tough to find laptops that are as portable as they are powerful, but this MacBook Pro offers it all. A 2.4GHz Quad-Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM help you multitask and conquer even the lengthiest to-do lists, and it weighs just 3.02 pounds, making it easy to bring anywhere.

You can tackle work, play, or both simultaneously on the 16-inch Retina display. It’s also equipped with AMD Radeon Pro 5300M GPU, which provides smooth and vibrant visuals if you’re working on more creative tasks like video editing or graphic design.

This model comes with the Apple Touch Bar, a unique feature that offers customizable controls and convenient shortcut access. There’s also a Force Touch Trackpad that gives you precise cursor control, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports to stay connected.

256GB of storage lets you save files locally. And if you need more, there are expandable options that go up to 2TB. You’ll also enjoy 10 hours of battery life on a full charge, so there’s no rush to hang up the FaceTime calls you can make thanks to the built-in 720p FaceTime HD camera.

You’ll save over $1,000 on this MacBook Pro thanks to its grade A refurbished rating. That means it will arrive in near-mint condition, with virtually no signs of prior use, while you score a deep discount.

Bring home your own MacBook Pro for just $479.99 (reg. $2,399) while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Make summer plans weatherproof with this accurate $28 app

Mashable - 4 hours 8 min ago

TL;DR: Keep your own personal weatherman in your pocket with a lifetime subscription to Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus, now just $27.99 (reg. $199.99) with code TAKE30 through July 20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Weather Hi-Def Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus: Lifetime Subscription $27.99
$199.99 Save $172 with code TAKE30 Get Deal

Looking for a weather forecast that can actually prevent you from getting caught in the rain? No judgment if you like piña coladas and that sort of thing, but if you’re hoping to stay dry and on top of your local weather info, Weather Hi-Def Radar is up to the task.

Just in time for summer, you can grab this reliable weather app — complete with future radar — for just $27.99 (reg. $199.99) with code TAKE30 through July 20.

Rain, storms, or sunshine — this weather app keeps you ready

Knowing an accurate weather forecast can make a big difference in your day. If you like to be prepared, Weather Hi-Def Radar is the app for you. It doesn’t just give you the current weather, but also offers real-time animated weather radar images.

If you’re planning around the forecast, you’ll appreciate the future radar animations on the interactive satellite map. This helpful feature is typically a premium one on other apps, but included in this lifetime subscription.

Weather Hi-Def Radar lets you save multiple locations, making it easy to check conditions at your destination. You can also check out road conditions and barometric pressure readings in specific locations. If you don’t want to save a certain spot, you can also tap the map and see the current weather conditions anywhere.

This app is a must-have for any summer road trips coming up. Just give the app location permissions, and you’ll see the GPS location, direction of travel, and current elevation as you drive. You can also take advantage of the advanced map overlays to be alerted about icy road conditions, tropical storms, wildfires, earthquakes, local air pollution data, and more.

Make the most out of your summer with a lifetime subscription to Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus, now just $27.99 (reg. $199.99) with code TAKE30 through July 20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

This $35 app offers language lessons that don’t feel like homework

Mashable - 4 hours 8 min ago

TL;DR: Learn up to 56 languages with this lifetime subscription to Qlango Language Learning, now just $34.97 (reg. $119.99) through July 20.

The kids have it right — summer should be fun, not filled with learning. But if you want to learn a new language, Qlango can offer both. This app gamifies the language learning process, and right now, a lifetime subscription to all 56 language options can be yours for just $34.97 (reg. $119.99) through July 20.

Turn your summer downtime into language-learning wins

Learning a new language isn’t considered a very entertaining task, but Qlango sets out to change that. It has an engaging question-and-answer format that encourages you to think and respond in your target language. If you get stuck, Qlango gives you a hint to make sure you always keep moving.

Qlango employs a scientifically proven spaced repetition technique that helps boost your understanding, presenting words at strategic intervals meant to help you retain them. They’re also intentional with what they teach — focusing on 6,679 essential words that you need to know.

Choose from 56 different language options, much more than competing apps offer. There are also six different difficulty levels to choose from, so you can start from scratch or refresh your skills in a language you’ve studied before

Qlango offers lesson customization, so you can choose to work on words and sentences, dictation, translation, sentence formation, or matching. And you can set study goals and work at your own pace, so mastering your target language fits into your busy schedule.

Fit in some productive fun this summer with a lifetime subscription to Qlango Language Learning, now just $34.97 (reg. $119.99) through July 20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Qlango Qlango Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $34.97
$119.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal

Upgrade your laptop game with this MacBook Air M1, now at 61% off

Mashable - 4 hours 8 min ago

TL;DR: Enjoy power and portability with this MacBook Air M1, now for just $579.99 (reg. $1,499), while limited supplies last.

If you’ve been eyeing a MacBook but cringing at the cost, here’s your chance to score a rare deal on one of Apple’s classic laptops. This MacBook Air delivers powerful performance in a sleek, lightweight build, and right now it can be yours for only $579.99 (reg. $1,499).

Enjoy high-end tech without the high-end price

If you’re looking for a powerful laptop that’s easy to bring along anywhere, you can’t beat the MacBook Air. Weighing just 2.8 pounds, this sleek Apple device delivers impressive performance without the bulk. This particular model comes with Apple’s M1 chip, so it can keep up with everything from streaming Netflix to video editing.

This MacBook Air M1 offers more speed than Intel-based laptops, with an impressive 3.5 times faster overall performance and 5 times faster graphics for apps and games.. It also boasts a 16-core Neural Engine, so it can handle more advanced tasks like AI and machine learning.

Stream, scroll, or game on the ample 13.3″ Retina display. Then save your favorite content right on the device thanks to the 256GB SSD. And if you’re settling in for a good binge-watching session, don’t worry — this model also offers an impressive 18-hour battery life on a full charge.

You’re getting this device at a deep discount thanks to its grade A refurbished rating. That means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition, with virtually no signs of prior use, while you get it at this sale price.

Secure your own MacBook Air M1, now for just $579.99 (reg. $1,499), while limited supplies last.

Wondering why you’re getting this powerful device at such a low price? It’s due to the grade A refurbished rating, which means it will show up in near-mint condition, with virtually no signs of prior use, and you’ll enjoy a deep discount.

Upgrade your daily laptop with this MacBook Air M1, now just $579.99 (reg. $1,499) while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2020) M1 MGN63LL/A 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $579.99
$1,499 Save $919.01 Get Deal

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