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Michelle Phan tells Mashable how much VidCon has changed since she first attended

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 17:27

VidCon 2026 welcomed content creator Michelle Phan into its second class of Hall of Famers, alongside Markiplier, Philip DeFranco, and Blogilates founder Cassey Ho.

A pioneer in the beauty content creation space, Phan began posting makeup tutorials on YouTube in 2007. On top of spawning an internet beauty empire, her tutorials led to partnerships with Lancôme and L'Oréal. Phan also launched her own brands, including beauty subscription box IPSY and EM Cosmetics.

Phan started her career long before words like "YouTuber" or "content creator" became household terms, and she's witnessed the internet go through a drastic shift in terms of attitudes towards creators.

"Today, people know that the moment you turn on the camera and you're dancing in front of it or filming, they don't look at you weird," Phan told Mashable digital culture editor Crystal Bell.

"When I was being a YouTuber, people would look at me strange when I had my camcorder out and I'm filming out in public. They thought, 'Who is this person doing this weird thing?'" Phan recalled. "But today it's so normalized. Everyone's making content, and I think that's a beautiful thing, because everyone has a story to share."

That shift is clear at VidCon 2026, which has grown leaps and bounds since Phan first attended in the convention's early days.

"It was so surreal just to see how massive it is now and all the different creators," Phan said. "I would say I feel like I knew that it would become bigger like this, but it's so surreal to see that we're here now."

You can watch the whole interview above, and for all things VidCon, Mashable has you covered.

This is your last chance to get the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for under $1,000

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 17:12

SAVE $380: As of June 26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (unlocked, 256GB) is still at a record-low price of $919.99 for Prime Day. It usually costs $1,299.99, so Prime members will want to bolt to Amazon before Prime Day ends later tonight.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) $919.99
$1,299.99 Save $380   Get Deal

The flagship Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra in an Android phone with some serious iPhone-user-swaying powers.

And this handset is now at its lowest price ever for the final hours of Prime Day. If your current phone is on its last legs, the unlocked version of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) is just $919.99 at Amazon. It usually costs $1,299.99, and it'll likely bump back up to full price when Prime Day ends around midnight on Friday, June 26.

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth gave the Galaxy S26 Ultra a glowing review when it was released back in March, going as far as to say that 2026 might just be the year he switches to Android. That's how good of a job Samsung did with its newest flagship smartphone. In particular, he noted the innovative Privacy Display, a never-before-seen hardware feature that blocks your pixels from prying eyes. Even Apple doesn't have anything like it.

SEE ALSO: 60+ best Prime Day tech deals, vetted by a tech editor on a budget. Grab AirPods for $99, Kindles for $85.

You'll get the same 200MP wide lens, 50MP ultra-wide lens, 50MP telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, 10MP lens with 3x optical zoom, and front-facing 12MP selfie camera as the S25, now enhanced by wider camera apertures, better steadying capabilities, and upgraded night photography and video. The S26 Ultra's zooming abilities are particularly awesome.

Processing speed is another major W for the S26 Ultra. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 actually beat the iPhone 17 Pro Max's processor in a Geekbench 6 performance — this thing could technically power a laptop. If you've been complaining about your current phone's lagging for months, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be huge for your sanity.

Mark Zuckerberg Urges Meta to Explore Working With Polymarket and Kalshi

NYT Technology - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 17:03
Mr. Zuckerberg’s plans for Arena, a prediction markets app that Meta is building, also include appealing to 18- to 34-year-old users.

Bumble in serious decline as it considers sale, reports say

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 16:56

The dating app Bumble is considering a sale, according to a Reuters report Thursday. And fresh data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, shared with Mashable, may help explain why.

Bumble has experienced the largest decline in global downloads among top dating apps over the past year and a half, according to Sensor Tower.

What's going on at Bumble?

It's no secret that Bumble has been going through a tough time for the past few years. Its stock is down 96 percent from its IPO at the time of this writing, even with a boost given the news of a potential sale.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for 'Double Date Island,' Tinder's new TikTok dating show

Bumble began with the distinction that women began the conversation (in heterosexual matches). But the company decided to switch it up in 2024, allowing men to message first with the "Opening Moves" feature.

The app has since removed Opening Moves in Mexico and Australia, signaling that it wasn't a hit among users.

During Bumble's Q4 2025 earnings call, founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd announced that Bumble will test an AI-powered dating experience, even as the numbers showed the app's total revenue and paying users decreased year over year. The year-over-year dips in total revenue and paying users continued in Q1 2026.

Wolfe Herd also recently shared that Bumble is removing its swipe feature. While she wasn't forthcoming about what will replace it, her mention of the potential AI assistant and matchmaker seemed a strong indication to many Bumble users. Their reaction was less than positive.

How Bumble is exploring a sale

Sources close to the company told Reuters that Bumble is working with Morgan Stanley investment bankers on a potential sale process. It's not a done deal, however, and the app might stay independent.

Bumble didn't respond to Reuters' request for comment. Morgan Stanley and asset manager Blackstone, which reportedly owns 22 percent of Bumble, also declined. Mashable has also reached out to Bumble for comment.

The buzz on Bumble's numbers

Sensor Tower's senior insights analyst, Kara Lee, reported that in 2025 and the first half of 2026, global Bumble downloads fell by 23 percent and 15 percent year-over-year, respectively. Between Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, Bumble has seen the greatest decline in global total downloads, Sensor Tower says.

Tinder's downloads decreased in the same time period, Lee wrote, but by four percent and two percent year-over-year, respectively. Downloads of Hinge, meanwhile, increased by 14 percent and 25 percent during this time, respectively.

This is consistent with the financial reports. Tinder and Hinge are both owned by Match Group, and according to their Q1 2026 earnings, Hinge's direct revenue and paying users are up year over year. For Tinder, those metrics were down in previous quarters, but now it's making something of a comeback, as its direct revenue was up two percent year over year.

Hinge is also beating its two main rivals in monthly active users (MAU), according to Lee. They're up 23 percent year over year in 2025 and 25 percent year over year in the first half of 2026.

Bumble's user base, however, has experienced consistent declines over the last five quarters, Lee reported. While its monthly active users increased by 4 percent year over year in the first quarter of 2025, they dropped by 14 percent year over year a year later.

Tinder's monthly active users have fallen slightly, but it averages a mobile user base that's 2.5 times larger than Bumble's.

So while Bumble isn't the only dating app struggling, it might be faring the worst right now.

Last-call for Prime Day shopping: We found 175+ deals on Apple, Ninja, Lego, Sony, and DJI products

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 16:47

We're heading into the final hours of Prime Day 2026, folks. This is your last chance to shop the best Prime Day deals and enjoy record-low prices on products from Apple, Bose, DJI, Dyson, Lego, Pokémon, and Samsung. Mashable will be providing regular updates as we close out Amazon's summer sale, so keep checking back as we spot new deals and products start selling out.

The best Prime Day deals at a glance: New price drop! Amazon Echo Spot $39.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $279 at Amazon (save $120) Get Deal Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $198 at Amazon (save $201.99) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $124.99 at Amazon (save $35) Get Deal Best Competitor Deal Ninja Slushi Frozen Drink Maker $179 at Walmart (save $120) Get Deal Best power station deal Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station $199 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal New price drop! LG C5 Series 65-inch OLED 4K Smart TV $1,099.99 at Amazon (save $297) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer Set $111.99 at Amazon (save $48) Get Deal Best Deal Under $10 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $9.99 with code FTVSELECT (save $30) Get Deal

Remember: Amazon Prime Day 2026 ends at 2:59 a.m. ET on Friday, June 26. If you save your shopping for the weekend, the best Prime Day deals will already be gone. On top of that, Apple just announced sweeping price increases on MacBooks and iPads, so take advantage of lower prices while you still can. (MacBooks are almost completely sold out at Amazon already.)

If you're a Prime member, this is a great opportunity to save on boring household essentials like dish soap, but also big-ticket splurges like a new 65-inch OLED TV. In the closing hours of the sale, we're still hard at work vetting the latest Prime Day deals on Mashable favorites like Apple Watches, Sony noise-cancelling headphones, and Kindle e-readers.

SEE ALSO: The 55+ best Prime Day tech deals, chosen by a tech editor on a tight budget

We're also tracking prices at alternative Prime Day sales from Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and beyond, so we'll be sure to point you toward the lowest possible price, even if it's not at Amazon. And as per usual, we're using price-tracking tools like camelcamelcamel to separate the great deals from the great pretenders. Finally, you can follow our live blog for the most up-to-date price drops, news, and stock alerts, or check out our Prime Day hub for all of our coverage.

Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough weren't available at the time of writing, but could return before Prime Day ends. Deals marked with a 🔥 are at an all-time low price.

Best Prime Day Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) ✅ 🔥 $279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120   Get Deal

We're obviously hunting for the best Apple deals during Prime Day, and right now, the entire Apple Watch lineup is at record-low prices. That means you can save $120 on the Apple Watch Series 11, a Mashable Choice product. In his review, Mashable's Stan Schroeder said, "the Apple Watch Series 11 isn't all that different from last year's model, but it has a significantly longer battery life, and that's a huge deal." It's never been cheaper before.

AirPods dealsiPad deals

Please note: Apple increased iPad prices on June 25. As a result, many Prime Day iPad deals are sold out.

MacBook deals

Please note: Apple increased MacBook prices on June 25. As a result, most MacBooks are now sold out at Amazon; however, you can still find select configurations of the MacBook Neo at Best Buy and Walmart.

Best Prime Day headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones ✅ 🔥 $198 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $201.99   Get Deal

The best deal on headphones goes to the Sony WH-1000XM5s, an older pair of flagship cans that we still love and recommend. "They [have] unbeatable ANC and sound for the money, and even in 2026, they sound shockingly good," writes Bethany Allard, our resident headphones expert. Normally $399.99, they're marked down to just $198 for Prime Day — a 50% savings and their lowest price ever.

More headphones dealsMore earbuds dealsBest Prime Day Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot ✅ 🔥 $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal

Amazon's smart alarm clock is the perfect size for nightstands. It provides everything you need to start your morning, including a weather report and tunes to get you out of bed. It was on sale for $44.99 during the first three days of Prime Day (normally $79.99), but now it's $5 cheaper. At $39.99, it's a full 50% off — its biggest discount ever.

More Echo dealsMore Amazon device dealsBest Prime Day Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite ✅ 🔥 $124.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

Our e-reader reviewer, Samantha Mangino, and our tech editor have both raved about this Amazon device, and it's back to its lowest-ever price for Prime Day. At its record-low price of $124.99, or 22% off, the excellent Kindle Paperwhite has proven to be one of the most popular Prime Day deals among Mashable readers this year. Compared to the regular Kindle, the Paperwhite has a larger display, better battery life, a waterproof rating, and an adjustable warm light.

More Kindle dealsOther e-reader dealsBest Prime Day laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Aspire 14 AI (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $479.99
$879.99 Save $400   Get Deal

The Acer Aspire 14 AI is a smaller version of our favorite budget Windows laptop. It has a long battery life, a 1200p touchscreen, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports (which you don't normally see on laptops this cheap). Amazon's Prime Day deal on it looks extra-good in the wake of Apple's MacBook Neo price hike, according to our laptop tester Haley Henschel.

More laptop deals

Note: For MacBook deals, scroll back up to the Apple section in this story or check out our dedicated Prime Day MacBook deals guide.

External hard drive dealsBest Prime Day DJI deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 🔥 $269 at Amazon
$419 Save $150   Get Deal

DJI's entire fleet of gadgets is on sale this Prime Day, and this deal on its DJI Mini 3 is a standout. Amazon has it discounted to $269, or 36% off — its lowest price ever. (It was $30 more expensive during Amazon's Big Spring Sale in March.) This lightweight entry-level drone can shoot 4K video and fly for almost 40 minutes on a single charge.

Keep in mind that, thanks to the U.S. drone ban and DJI's problems with the FCC, the company's drones and new releases are sold through third-party sellers on Amazon. Not only that, but now that we're mostly through Prime Day, many DJI drones are out of stock.

More DJI drone dealsDJI camera dealsDJI creator tools on saleBest Prime Day kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker $169.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50   Get Deal

The Ninja Creami ice cream maker is a cult favorite, and also a personal favorite of our shopping team. Mashable reporter Samantha Mangino called this appliance a lot of fun in her review, and a sweltering hot summer is exactly the right time to try it. Grab one while it's on sale and discover why TikTok is still obsessed with this device.

More kitchen dealsBest Prime Day home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Aiper Aiper Scuba S1 Robotic Smart Pool Cleaner 🔥 $499.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400 New release Get Deal

Aiper's new S1 is a smart robot pool cleaner, and it's currently the No. 1 new release in the category at Amazon. That might have something to do with its Prime Day discount. For a little while longer, Prime members can save 50% on this popular product, which keeps your pool sparkling clean. This home robot has 11 different sensors, and you can even control it via the Aiper app.

More Prime Day home dealsBest Prime Day speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Soundlink Flex Bluetooth Speaker 🔥 $99 at Amazon
$149 Save $50   Get Deal

Bose has had some of the best Prime Day deals of 2026, with 50% off select headphones and 34% off Bluetooth speakers — including the Soundlink Flex. Mashable has reviewed the new Soundlink lineup, and the Flex is a highly portable and waterproof speaker with clear, loud sound that's ideal for summer get-togethers.

More speaker dealsBest Prime Day power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station, 600W ✅ $199 at Amazon
$299 Save $100   Get Deal

Ready for summer adventures? If you're gearing up to pack the car and head into nature, don't forget to invest in a portable power station to keep your campsite powered. Plus, it can serve as an at-home power backup in an emergency.

Prime Day and Black Friday are the best times of year to buy these popular devices, and one of our favorite Bluetti power stations is at its lowest price of the year. The Bluetti Elite is a good entry point if you've never owned a power station before. Weighing less than 10 pounds, it's a lightweight device built for weekend excursions.

More portable power station dealsBest Prime Day TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG C5 Series 65-inch OLED 4K Smart TV ✅ 🔥 $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,396.99 Save $297 New price drop! Get Deal

For the first three days of Prime Day, we've been recommending a great deal on the Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV, arguably the best TV available right now. However, after a surprise $100 price drop on the award-winning LG C5 Series OLED TV, we have a new top TV deal to recommend. LG's C Series OLED TVs have incredibly bright and crisp displays, and the 65-inch version has never been on sale for this price before. We wouldn't be surprised if this offer sells out.

More TV dealsSoundbar dealsProjector dealsBest Prime Day robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop 🔥 $449.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $350   Get Deal

Mashable's resident vacuum guru, Leah Stodart, named the Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop the best affordable vacuum-and-mop combo. Despite its budget price, Stodart says it's the most heavy-duty robot mop you'll find, delivering spotless cleans. Get the Eufy C28 for just $449.99 during Prime Day. That's the vacuum's lowest price ever, offering $350 in savings.

More robot vacuum and mop combo dealsMore vacuum dealsUpholstery cleaner dealsBest Prime Day Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer Set 🔥 $111.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $48.00   Get Deal

No guide to the best Prime Day deals would be complete without some great offers on Lego. And according to our biggest Lego nerds, this is the top discount of the sale so far.

We love Star Wars Lego sets, and this epic Star Destroyer is down to its best-ever price at Amazon. If you're a Prime member and a Star Wars fan, you can pick up this 1,555-piece set for $111.99, a 30% discount. And if you're looking for more Lego sets, check out our complete guide to the best Prime Day Lego deals.

More Lego dealsBest Prime Day fitness tracker deal Oura Ring 4 ✅ 🔥 $214.70 at Amazon
$349 Save $134.30   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Get Deal at Target

Multiple Mashable team members have tested (and loved) the Oura Ring 4. While it's recently been replaced by the slightly thinner Oura Ring 5, we're big fans of this smart ring. One of our former reporters even wore this ring while training for and then running the New York City marathon. While prices vary based on the ring size, the Oura Ring 4 is starting at just $226 for Prime Day, a big discount from the $349 list price.

More fitness tracker deals

Note: For Apple Watch deals, scroll back to the Apple section of this story.

Best free Prime Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Audible Standard Free for 3 months + $20 credit Get Deal

Amazon almost always offers free limited-time subscriptions to its own services, like Audible, Kindle Unlimited, and Amazon Music Unlimited. This year, its Audible deal is the best freebie you can get during the sale. New and returning subscribers get three free months of an Audible Standard subscription, plus a free $20 credit to spend on audiobooks.

More free (or almost free Prime Day deals)Best Prime Day streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: HBO HBO Max Save 40% on annual subscriptions Get Deal

If you've been feeling left out of the House of the Dragon or Hacks hype, this is easily the best week of the year to sign up for HBO Max — it even beats Black Friday, in terms of how many tiers get the discount. The HBO Max Prime Day deal makes annual subscriptions 40% cheaper than usual. Pay $78.99 for a year of the Basic With Ads tier, $132.99 for a year of the Standard tier, or $164.99 for a year of the Premium tier.

More streaming dealsBest Prime Day gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony PlayStation Dual Sense Controller $65.60 at Walmart
$74.99 Save $9.39   Get Deal

While it's not a huge discount, we have to call out this gaming deal from Walmart's Summer Sale. So far, we've seen a lot of interest in Prime Day PlayStation deals, but not a lot of actual PlayStation deals. That's probably because of all the recent price increases in the gaming world. So, take advantage of this discount on the popular PlayStation wireless controller, which is just $65.60 right now at Walmart.

If you're trying to limit your shopping to Amazon, you can also score a great deal on the previous-gen Sony INZONE H9 wireless gaming headset.

More Prime Day gaming deals

Still haven't found what you're looking for? Check out our Prime Day 2026 live blog, where we're providing real-time updates on the latest deals, inventory changes, and competitor sales.

UPDATE: Jun. 26, 2026, 4:29 p.m. EDT We've updated this guide with a Beats headphones deal from Walmart. Several more MacBooks are also out of stock at Amazon.

The fastest-growing jobs in the creator economy dont require going viral

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 16:35

With the ever-growing state of the creator economy, the allure of being a content creator is more prevalent than ever. Some of the most accessible jobs in the field, however, aren't the ones that require going viral on your own.

Two different panels at VidCon 2026 focused about the jobs that exist behind the camera, from editors to talent agents. This kind of focus makes sense: the next generation of creators will think more like media companies than ever before, and a media company needs its staff to survive.

"We all know at this point that the number one job in the country right now that kids want to do is to be a content creator, but I feel like that's 1% of what's actually happening in the creator economy," said Adorian Deck, creator and the founder-CEO of Decked Media, a company which helps creators and brands build out their multi-platform strategy.

Making yourself valuable in the creator space

Among the jobs available in the creator economies are the usual suspects of entertainment: editors, talent managers, and producers. But that's only one piece of the pie. There are heads of creator development, post supervisors for content, accountants, finance managers, and chiefs of staff.

No matter the exact job description, panelists talked about the importance of being adaptable.

Editors Sara Currie, YB Chang Biste, and talent manager Gil Krueger (far right) talked about finding opportunity on the panel Behind the Camera: the Jobs Powering the Creators. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

YB Chang Biste, creator, former senior editor for the Try Guys, and now freelancer, said that being quick to adjust to different styles of creators helped her establish herself in her career.

"You could be the best editor in the world, but if you meet a YouTuber who has a very specific style of editing and style of humor that you might not be familiar with, you might not be the best editor in the world anymore," Chang Biste said.

SEE ALSO: The creator strategies still working in an AI-saturated internet

Sean Klitzner, who was the co-creator, showrunner, and creative director of Beast Games, talked about when he initially started working with Mr. Beast, he started out in a creative wall. Then, he noticed they needed production help. From there, he noticed the budget needed reworking, and shortly after became Mr. Beast's chief of staff.

"I just said yes to whatever they needed," he said, before distilling his experience to a simple piece of advice: "Go through the door that's open."

Finding jobs supporting creators

So how does a person go about actually breaking into the space? Partially, it relates back to going through that open door. However, it can also entail going down traditional job channels.

"This is gonna sound like super old man advice but LinkedIn is your friend," said Gil Kruger, who runs the creator talent management agency Best Regards Media. Chad Wild Clay, the creator behind Spy Ninjas, also echoed this, saying that his company regularly posts jobs on LinkedIn.

Networking, of course, was also pushed as an essential part of finding work. Chang Biste and former editor for Mr. Beast, Sara Currie, also pointed to the online network they're a part of: EditHers, a group which brings together women editors on YouTube. Groups like these can be vital for making connections, and seeing call outs for work you wouldn't otherwise.

Klitzner also pointed to behind-the-scenes jobs being a viable point of entry for anyone who eventually wants to be a creator in front of the camera:

"Go learn everything you have to do to get to that point," he said.

Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.

The tech product dilemma: buy now or wait for lower prices?

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 16:34

In 2026, as tech product prices rise, we're having deja vu all over again. A year ago, President Donald Trump's ever-changing tariffs had tech product prices skyrocketing. Consumers found themselves asking the question: Should I buy that laptop or smartphone, or should I wait?

Now, thanks to the AI boom, we're experiencing a shortage of computer memory known as RAMageddon, we're asking that question once again. Our recommendation: If you need it, buy it now. Why? Because there's no telling when prices will drop — or even if they will.

When we posed this question to consumer experts last year, they recommended buying products like laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles sooner rather than later as price hikes were on the way. Lo and behold, that prediction turned out to be accurate.

And prices are still rising. Apple just announced price hikes across all of its products, except the iPhone, just this week. MacBook Pros will now be $300 to $500 more expensive than they were just days ago. Last month, Nintendo raised the price of its Switch 2 console by $50. And Apple's CEO has warned of steeper prices on the iPhone 18 when it launches in September.

In short, a future "deal" on these products will very likely resemble their present prices.

It is possible that prices go back down if the AI bubble bursts and data center expansions are put on hold. But just the current buildout is going to have knock-on effects for some time to come. Earlier this year, for example, Western Digital said that the AI industry has basically bought out its entire storage supply for 2026, with agreements already being put in place for 2027 and 2028.

Of course, your mileage may vary on the "buy it now" front. If you've decided your near-decade old PC is no longer cutting it for work, that's a must-have purchase. You don't want to end up spending hundreds of dollars more on a laptop that was $500 less just yesterday.

But if you just upgraded your smartphone or laptop last year, it might make more sense to skip a version or two, and wait to see what prices look like at the end of the decade — or on Black Friday, for that matter.

After all, the enormous price hikes could backfire for some tech companies, forcing them to bring prices back down to Earth — even if it eats into their profit margins.

18 Walmart deals that beat Amazon Prime Day: Lego sets, Ninja Slushi, Beats headphones, and Owala water bottles on sale

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 15:48

We all know this week as the annual Amazon Prime Day event. We've seen excellent deals on some of our favorite products like Jackery portable power stations, Amazon Echo devices, and Apple Watches while shopping the Amazon sale. But other retails get in on the fun of Prime Day savings, too, and this year, Walmart brought out the big deals.

After scouring both Amazon and Walmart, the Mashable shopping team has located 18 deals from Walmart that beat out Amazon's sale prices. The lesson here is to shop around during a major sale to make sure you're getting the best deal possible. But since that takes some serious effort, we've done the heavy lifting for you. Here are 18 items to buy at Walmart during Prime Day and skip on shopping them at Amazon.

Ninja Slushi

What better way to spend the summer than sipping frozen drinks? The Ninja Slushi sunk to $199.99 at Amazon during the first day of this year's Prime Day event, but it's been sold out for days now. Instead of sitting there overheating and parched, get the 72-ounce Ninja Slushi for $179.99 at Walmart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi $179 at Walmart
$299 Save $120   Get Deal Sony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller

For those who plan to spend the summer chilling inside with the PS5, grab the DualSense Wireless Controller from Walmart while it's on sale for $65.60. You'll have to go with the white color to score this discount, but that's a classic. The same controller is $74 at Amazon, which makes Walmart the clear winner here.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller (white) $65.60 at Walmart
$74.99 Save $9.39   Get Deal Beats Studio Pro Headphones

Read Mashable's full review of the Beats Studio Pro Headphones.

All-day comfort and 40 hours of battery life are just some basic highlights on the Beats Studio Pro headphones. Shop the matte white colorway at Walmart and you'll get them for only $132.05, down from the list price of $349.99 at Beats. The matte white colorway is sold out at Amazon and the other options are selling for a sale price of $149.95, making Walmart the easy choice.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Beats Studio Pro Headphones (matte white) $132.05 at Walmart
$349.99 Save $217.94   Get Deal Owala FreeSip (24 ounce)

Read Mashable's full review of the Owala FreeSip.

Keep hydrated through summer heat with Mashable's favorite water bottle. With a 24-ounce capacity, the Owala FreeSip is on sale at Walmart for $22.78 in several colors, like black, flamingo salmon, and gray whale. The same bottle is only available in Black for $22.78 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip (24 ounce) $22.78 at Walmart
$29.97 Save $7.19   Get Deal Apple iPad

Stock is running low at Amazon on the 2025 11-inch Apple iPad with 128GB of storage. Instead of battling with others at Amazon, snag it for the sale price of $299 at Walmart, down from the normal price of $349.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 11-inch Apple iPad (2025, 128GB) $299 at Walmart
$349 Save $50   Get Deal Lego Succulents

Lego deals are some of Prime Day's most popular. But this year, Walmart won the Lego battle by offering much better discounts. Snag the Lego Succulents set for yourself or to gift in the future for only $25, down from the normal price of $49.99. The set is also on sale at Amazon but for $39.99, so shopping at Walmart will score you an extra $14.99 savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Succulents $25 at Walmart
$49.99 Save $24.99   Get Deal Ray Ban Meta Warefarer (Gen 1)

Coming in at $22 cheaper than Amazon's sale price, snag the Ray Ban Meta Wayfarer glasses for only $224 at Walmart during Prime Day. The same pair is listed at Amazon for $246, so shop Walmart to get the best discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ray-Ban Meta Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (Gen 1) $224 at Walmart
$299 Save $75   Get Deal Lego Ideas Red London Telephone Booth

If you're in the market for the Lego Ideas Red London Telephone Booth, Walmart has your back. Plus, it's on sale for $85, down from the standard price of $114.99. That's a savings of $29.99 and you'll have your own personal British telephone booth.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Red London Telephone Booth $85 at Walmart
$114.99 Save $29.99   Get Deal Apple AirPods Max 2

The $399 sale price on the Apple AirPods Max 2 has come and gone several times at Amazon during Prime Day. Instead of playing that game, grab them at Walmart for the same price. You'll have more color options, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 $399 at Walmart
$549 Save $150   Get Deal Samsung 65-inch Crystal UHD 4K TV

Prime Day is always a great time to score a discount on an upgraded TV. Coming in at a massive $400 cheaper than Amazon, the 65-inch Samsung UHD 4K TV is on sale at Walmart for $298. That's down from the normal price of $469.99, so you're in for a savings of $171.99 when shopping at Walmart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch Crystal UHD 4K TV $298 at Walmart
$469.99 Save $171.99   Get Deal More Walmart deals that beat Amazon Prime Day prices

What streaming platforms wants from creators like The Besties

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 15:46

The Besties are coming to Amazon's Fire TV Stick this summer, as announced at the VidCon 2026 panel, What Happens When a Creator's Social Content is a Big Streamer's Pipeline?

But what can other creators learn from The Besties' success? In this panel moderated by NorthStar Media Group producer Ivana Kirkbride, Besties Mackenzie Turner and Lael Hansen were joined by Pocketwatch CEO Chris H. Williams, and Global Head of Partnerships at Amazon's Fire TV Channels Dan Green. Together, they laid out the secrets to the Besties' success and what other creators need to know if they want their content on ad-revenue streaming platforms like Amazon Fire TV.

"If it works on YouTube, it'll work anywhere."

Williams repeated this in the panel, stressing that horizontal long-form content translates well to streaming services like Hulu and Amazon Fire. "As a brand and as content," he explained, "It's proven it's meddle in this insanely competitive environment, and now I have nine years of data to prove it."

From there, he explained what Pocketwatch looks for, with Green confirming along the way.

What are streamers looking for from content creators? Presentation slide on What Happens When a Creator's Social Content is a Big Streamer's Pipeline? Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable

Williams broke it down into three things.

1. Watch time.

Green noted that Amazon will look at a creator's subscriber numbers. But streamer studios/distributors are more interested in how long subscribers are watching. Are they making it through a full video? Watching one after another? Engagement and watch time is a better indicator of carrying over an audience than subscriber number.

"A 15-second view is different than a 15-minute view, right?" Williams explained. "In terms of the engagement of the audience, the level of fandom, what's going to translate when we take it somewhere else."

Turner expanded on this, saying that The Besties fandom is more engaged in their long-form content twice a week, making their show a part of their routine.

Green noted that a regular cadence for posting is also a good sign to streamers about a creator's ability to keep an audience interested.

2. Where are they big?

Williams explained that Pocketwatch is focusing on domestic audiences, so being big in the U.S. or at least with English-speaking audiences is a factor for him.

3. What device are they being consumed on?

Streamers want to know if creator content will be watched on television. Green noted that 20-somethings who grew up watching content on their phones and tablets are now watching that same content on TV. Kirkbride asked if Amazon had internal data to back that up, and while he declined to expand on her question he confirmed they do.

4. Horizontal over Vertical; Long form over short form

"That's what people want to watch," Green said of the horizontal, long-form content like The Besties put out. "It fits more of a laid-back TV viewing experience versus on a mobile [experience]. Mobile is more sort of for short, quickly consuming something where you've got a few spare minutes."

Williams agreed, saying, "No one has cracked the code on how to distribute vertical video, yet you know everybody's been trying."

Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.

Ever wonder what people actually buy on Prime Day? Heres what Mashable readers have purchased so far.

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 15:37
A quick look at what Mashable readers bought during Prime Day Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $9.99 with code SELECT4K Get Deal Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle $499.00 at Amazon (Includes 'Mario Kart World,' 'Donkey Kong Bananza,' or 'Pokémon Pokopia') Get Deal Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Solar Generator $199.00 at Amazon Get Deal

Prime Day was overwhelming enough when it felt like every single item ever was on sale for a single day. But in 2026, when you have four whole days to stress over all of the money-saving opportunities, some serious guidance is necessary. You could narrow down the best Prime Day deals by seeking out products at record-low prices or strictly shopping products that are at least half off. Another smart way to decide what to spend your money on is to see what other people already spent their own money on.

SEE ALSO: The best free deals on Prime Day: Score Audible, Kindle Unlimited, and more without spending anything

Below, we're breaking down the top Prime Day items purchased by Mashable readers so far this year. If you're still looking to shop, just know that Prime Day officially runs through the end of June 26. (Many deals quietly stay live for the day or two afterward though.)

Here's what people have been adding to their cars:

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $9.99
$39.99 Save $30 save $30 with code SELECT4K Get Deal

Out of the laundry list of Amazon devices with heavy discounts for Amazon's own sale, the $9.99 Fire Stick really called to Mashable readers. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is already the most budget-friendly Fire stick, but a promo code appearing in the listing dropped it to just 10 bucks.

Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle Nintendo Switch 2 Gaming Console (Choose Your Game Bundle) $499 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon

The chances of the Switch 2 itself seeing a direct discount are basically nonexistent. The next best thing is getting a free game thrown in with your Switch 2 purchase. With Amazon's Choose Your Game bundle, you can grab a Switch 2 and a copy of Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia for the regular price of the console alone ($499). Mashable readers were psyched to avoid dropping an extra $79.99 on one of the year's most popular games.

New or current Switch 2 owners also used Prime Day to expand their console's storage for cheap. Mashable readers flocked to the 256GB Samsung P9 Express microSDXC card, which is 50 percent off.

Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Solar Generator Bluetti Elite 30 V2 $199 at Amazon
$285 Save $86   Get Deal at Amazon

Get in loser, we're touching grass this summer. That's the vibe we're getting from the popularity of the Bluetti Elite 30 V2, a compact little solar generator that'd be great for camping or a road trip. For less than $200, why not grab one as a backup for emergencies?

The color selection is certainly another big selling point: This compact generator comes in pink, blue, and purple on top of the expected black and white.

Pokémon Chaos Rising Booster Bundle Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Chaos Rising Booster Bundle $44.88 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon

Mashable-reading TCG fans decided to skip the brawl over the Pokémon card restock at their local Target, scooping popular packs from Amazon instead. The Chaos Rising Booster Bundle dropped as low as $45.27 during Prime Day, fluctuating near the $50 mark throughout the sale. Amazon's price is slightly more expensive than market value, but a few dollars doesn't matter a whole lot when a Mega Greninja ex could be involved.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70   Get Deal at Amazon

There were two popular pairs of Apple headphones among Mashable readers this Prime Day: The AirPods Pro 3 on sale for $179.99 and the AirPods Max 2 on sale for $399.99. Both were record-low prices, and the AirPods Max 2 have since sold out in every color. As of June 26, you can still grab the AirPods Pro 3 at their Prime Day price — they're $40 cheaper than they were for Black Friday.

60+ best Prime Day tech deals, vetted by a tech editor on a budget. Grab AirPods for $99, Kindles for $85.

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 15:06
The best Prime Day tech deals: Day 4 Best overall Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones $179 at Amazon (save $180) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $124.99 at Amazon (save $35) Get Deal New price drop! Amazon Echo Spot $39.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal Best TV Deal LG C5 Series 65-inch OLED 4K Smart TV $1,099.99 (save $297) Get Deal Best Deal Under $50 Anker Smart Display Charger, 45W $25.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Jackery Explorer v2 Power Station, 1070Wh $399.99 at Amazon (save $399.01) Get Deal Best Samsung TV Deal Samsung The Frame 55-inch QLED Art TV $697.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal Best Apple Watch Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $279 at Amazon (save $120) Get Deal Best Memory Deal SanDisk Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive, 512GB $99.99 (save $20) Get Deal

I'm Mashable's tech editor, and I love my job. I get to test the coolest new tech products before anyone else, and I literally get paid to nerd out over the latest noise-cancelling headphones, smart glasses, robots, and laptops. On a more depressing note, all year long, I've been reporting on endless price hikes, but now that Prime Day 2026 has arrived, I can finally write about price drops.

So, with Prime Day ending today, I'm sharing all of the best Prime Day tech deals you can grab before prices go back up. Remember: Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs until Friday, June 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and the Mashable shopping team will be providing round-the-clock coverage until the final minutes. Only the very best Prime Day deals — the ones I'd recommend to friends and family or shop myself — make the cut.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2026: Live updates on Apple, Samsung, DJI, Kindle, and more Amazon deals

The Mashable shopping team doesn't just pick random Amazon deals. We use price tracking tools to separate the great deals from the pretenders. We also check competing sales at sites like Best Buy, Dyson, and Target to make sure we're directing you to the lowest price at any given moment.

So, with all this in mind, here are my favorite Prime Day tech deals of 2026. I've personally tested many of these products, and I'm also leaning on recommendations from my colleagues on the Mashable tech and shopping teams. Many of these deals are already showing the dreadful countdown timer, so be sure to scoop them up ASAP before time runs out.

Record-low prices on the latest Apple Watches

The latest generation of Apple Watches offered some big upgrades, and Prime Day has delivered the best-ever deal on the Apple Watch Series 11. This smartwatch has a longer battery and other key upgrades over its predecessor, and our reviewer named it a Mashable Choice product. However, if you want to go all-out on the new Apple Watch Ultra 3, this premier fitness and sleep-tracking smartwatch is also on sale at an all-time low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 3 $649 at Amazon
$799 Save $150   Get Deal Save up to 50% on Bose headphones

Bose makes the most comfortable headphones in the world, according to both our readers and product testers. On the final day of Prime Day, you can still save 50% on the Bose QuietComfort noise-cancelling headphones. But make note that the deal countdown timer is already hovering, meaning it will disappear as soon as Prime Day concludes. While the brand's flagship QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) headphones are only $70 off, you can save big on some of the brand's other audio products.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones $179.99 at Amazon
$359 Save $179.01   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Earbuds $129 at Amazon
$179 Save $50   Get Deal Kindles starting at $85

Our favorite Kindles rarely go on sale, but you can always count on Prime Day for some discounts on these popular e-readers. For Prime Day, you can buy Kindle e-readers starting at $84.99, and the Kindle Paperwhite — our most-recommended Kindle and the one I use personally — is back to its record-low price of $124.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $84.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $25   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $124.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal Amazon Echo Spot

The best Prime Day tech deals always include a few Amazon devices, which get discounts up to 75% for the annual summer sale. And for the final day of Prime Day, Amazon dropped prices on its popular smart alarm clock even lower, offering a 50% discount. For a few more hours, you can grab the Echo Spot for $39.99. This has been one of the most popular deals among Mashable readers during Prime Day — and that was before the surprise price drop.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot Smart Alarm Clock $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Save $350 on the new MacBook Air

Updated on Friday, June 26 at 2:41 p.m. ET: As of this writing, Amazon's entire inventory of MacBooks is selling out, including the new M5 MacBook Air. We're leaving this laptop in this shopping guide in case more inventory becomes available, but it looks like you've missed your chance to score this deal.

I tested the M5 MacBook Air for Mashable when it was released earlier this year, and the longer I use it, the more I like it. If you've been waiting for Prime Day to buy this Apple laptop, then I have good news and bad news. The good news is the 15-inch model is still on sale at Amazon for $1,149 in select colors. The bad news is MacBooks are literally flying off shelves because of the impending price hike. Thanks, RAMageddon. This same base model M5 MacBook Air will soon be $1,499, so grab it while you can. The 13-inch option has already disappeared from Amazon (you can still grab it at Costco, no membership required).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Air M5 $1,149 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $350   Get Deal Anker chargers starting at $25.99

Looking for the best Prime Day deals under $50? I've got you.

I never travel without my Anker Prime GaN USB-C wall charger, which can charge my laptop, my phone, and my earbuds at the same time. If that seems like overkill, you can also grab Anker's most adorable wall charger with a built-in display for just $25.99 this Prime Day. Fair warning — the latter is almost sold out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Zolo Power Bank, 20,000mA $29.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $40   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Smart Display Charger, 45W $25.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $14.00 Almost sold out! Get Deal The best Apple AirPods deals

Apple's AirPods deals weren't quite as impressive as we hoped overall (wishful thinking, I guess) this Prime Day, but we still recommend grabbing the AirPods Max 2 headphones while they're down to a record-low $399 and the AirPods Pro 3 while they're down to only $179 (just $10 shy of their record-low). Unfortunately, Amazon's stock of the AirPods Max 2 has disappeared, but Walmart still has them on sale for their Prime Day price (though they're going fast as well!). Likewise, the AirPods Pro 3 are going in and out of stock at Amazon and Walmart based on your location — I suggest grabbing them ASAP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 Headphones $399 at Walmart
$549 Save $150 Almost sold out! Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Restock on memory products

Thanks to the global memory shortage, prices on SD cards, hard drives, and memory components have doubled, tripled, and quadrupled in 2026, with no end in sight. While deals on MicroSD cards and portable SSDs used to be a staple of Amazon sales, that's less true of late. Still, you can find some good deals on memory products at Amazon.

If you need a new MicroSD Express card for your Switch 2, a Samsung card is at its lowest price in months. And if you need a regular MicroSD card, you can pick up a 1TB Samsung card for $80 off. This is the first time that particular drive has gotten a discount.

SEE ALSO: We found 10+ Prime Day deals on MicroSD and portable SSDs: How to beat RAMageddon Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung P9 microSD Express Card, 256GB $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00 For Nintendo Switch 2 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung microSDXC T7, 1TB $239.99 at Amazon
$319.99 Save $80   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung T9 Portable SSD, 1TB $179.99 at Amazon
$287.99 Save $108   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive, 512GB $99.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $20   Get Deal LG C5 Series 65-inch OLED 4K Smart TV

For the final day of Prime Day, Amazon has dropped prices by an extra $100 on this award winning OLED TV. Previously, I'd been recommending Samsung's S90F OLED as the top TV deal of the event, but my calculus has changed. My advice: Grab this TV before it sells out. LG's C Series OLED TVs are famous for their incredibly crisp, vivid, and bright displays, and the 65-inch model has never been priced this low.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG C5 Series 65-inch OLED 4K Smart TV $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,396.99 Save $297   Get Deal Nintendo Switch 2 Choose Your Game bundle

Technically, this isn't a Prime Day tech deal, as the new Nintendo Switch 2 Choose Your Game Bundle first launched a few weeks ago. But absent a compelling offer from Nintendo, this is the best Prime Day video game deal of the moment. This bundle lets you choose between three popular titles to bundle with the console. Remember: The Switch 2 is getting a price hike later this year, so don't miss your chance to save.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Choose Your Game Bundle $499 at Amazon
  Learn More Get 50% off Jackery power stations

I've loved Jackery power stations long before they became the trendy new "it" product. For creators, campers, and anyone with a safety-first mindset, these popular orange power stations keep you powered on when everyone else is off-grid. The best Prime Day tech deals always include massive savings on power stations, and this is my top pick of the sale so far.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer v2 Power Station, 1070Wh $399.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $399.01   Get Deal Bose Soundlink Flex speakers

Bose has discounted its popular Soundlink Bluetooth speaker by as much as 34%. I've personally tested this line of speakers, and I can vouch for them being loud, highly portable, and easy to use. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors. That doesn't affect the sound, obviously, but it's a nice touch.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Soundlink Flex Bluetooth Speaker $99 at Amazon
$149 Save $50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Soundlink Plus Bluetooth Speaker $179 at Amazon
$269 Save $90   Get Deal Record-low prices on Samsung TVs

I've been recommending Samsung's famous art TVs, The Frame, for many years, and they keep getting better. For Prime Day 2026, you can get these cult-favorite, ultra-thin TVs on sale at Amazon for their lowest-ever price. And if you want to splurge on a Samsung OLED TV instead, you can grab the brand's award-winning S90F OLED 65-inch TV for 29% off its list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung The Frame 55-inch QLED Art TV (2025) $697.99 at Amazon
$1,097.99 Save $400   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung S90F 65-inch OLED 4K TV $1,197.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $500   Get Deal Best Prime Day TV deals under $500

If a premium Samsung OLED TV isn't in your budget, I feel you. It's not in mine at the moment, either. However, despite all the price hikes we've seen in 2026, prices on 55- and 65-inch TVs keep getting lower, and not just during big sales like this.

For Prime Day 2026, grab the new Amazon Ember 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV, which comes with Amazon's new art mode. You can also score an insane price on the Hisense 65-inch E6 Series QLED 4K Fire TV.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Ember 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV $279.95 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $180.04   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch E6 Series QLED 4K Fire TV $379.99 at Amazon
$478 Save $98.01   Get Deal 50% off Fire TV Stick Deals

The best Prime Day tech deals always include savings on the Fire TV streaming sticks, which start at just $9.99 this year for select Prime members. (When buying the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, look for an on-page coupon or use the discount code FTVSELECT at checkout.) If you're not ready to buy a new smart TV, then upgrade your older model TV with these streaming sticks. During the Amazon sale, these devices are on sale for up to 75% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $15.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $19   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $9.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $30 Use code FTVSELECT Get Deal Prime Day deals on Sony headphones

The past-gen Sony XM5 headphones have 95% of the same features as the new flagship XM6 headphones, but during Prime Day, they have a much lower price. So, if you want to enjoy Sony's premium sound and best-in-class active noise cancellation, you can pick up these headphones for under $200. You can also grab the recently released XM6 wireless earbuds for their lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $198 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $201.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WF-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds $265.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $64 Almost sold out! Get Deal Affordable wireless earbuds

Prime Day is known for its outrageously low earbuds deals and this year is no different. You can get some of our favorite budget earbuds from Soundcore for under $25 while the sale is still live. Or, if you prefer buds with a little more panache, check out the CMF Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds from trendy British brand Nothing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Anker Soundcore P30i Wireless Earbuds $23.69 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $16.30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds $37.05 at Amazon
$49 Save $11.95   Get Deal Headphones under $100

If your headphones budget maxes out at $100, you still have some solid options during Prime Day. Heck, even if it maxes out at $50, you have a great selection to choose from. Our go-to budget Sony headphones have literally never been more affordable, and you can grab the always-popular Beats Solo 4 for $99. Both pairs are 50% off for Prime members.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones $29.99
$69.99 Save $40   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 Wireless On-Ear Headphones $99.95
$199.95 Save $100.00   Get Deal Save on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Full disclosure: I fully expect Samsung to release a new Galaxy Watch in July at the next Galaxy Unpacked event, though it's likely to get minor upgrades. All the new stuff should come via Gemini, which is also available on the excellent Galaxy Watch 8. Grab this Mashable-tested Android smartwatch while it's 38% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 $218.49 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $131.50   Get Deal Fitness tracker deals

Right now, the Oura Ring 4 is available at unprecedented prices, with select sizes starting at just $214. (Remember, if you're not sure of your size, order the Oura Ring sizing kit first.) However, this smart ring isn't the only screen-free fitness tracker we love. You can also grab the Mashable-tested Whoop MG fitness tracker for its best-ever price, and during Prime Day, your purchase includes a 12-month Whoop membership, too.

Oura Ring 4 $214.70 at Amazon
$349 Save $134.30   See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy See It at Target Opens in a new window Credit: Whoop Whoop MG Peak fitness tracker $189
$239 Save $50 12-month Whoop Peak membership included Get Deal The best gaming laptop deals

Even during Prime Day, gaming laptop deals aren't easy to find, thanks to the ongoing memory shortage. However, I do have two compelling options for you, including one with an RTX 5070 GPU. Typically, Amazon doesn't have the best laptop deals, but both of these offers come from Prime-land.

First, we have the Acer Nitro V 16S Gaming Laptop, which is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 GPU, and plenty of RAM and storage. This is a more-than-capable laptop for gamers who don't want to mess around with building a PC. And if you want something with even more power, check out the ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V 16S Gaming Laptop (AMD Ryzen 7, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $300   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop (Intel Core Ultra 9, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,099.99 at Amazon
$2,590 Save $490.01   Get Deal DJI creator tools on sale

Mashable readers and reviewers alike appreciate DJI's cult-favorite creator tools. The brand makes some of the most popular gadgets for professional content creators, and no DJI products are more popular than the TikTok-famous DJI Mic Mini and DJI Osmo Pocket 3 gimbal camera. I've personally tested both of these devices for Mashable, and their reputation is well-deserved.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 bundle (with screen protector, suction cup mount) $375 at Amazon
$496.99 Save $121.99 Almost sold out! Get Deal SEE ALSO: The creator-approved Prime Day deals worth hitting 'add to cart' on Top Dyson deals

For the best Prime Day Dyson deals, don't just rely on Amazon! Dyson is hosting a very competitive sale at its online store, where you can find our favorite Dyson products at the lowest prices we've seen. If you've always wanted a fancy Dyson stick vacuum with the laser attachment, grab the V12 Detect Slim for $250 off. If you're a Prime member, you can also grab the Dyson Supersonic Nural for its best-ever price. Mashable's reviewers have raved about this hair dryer, which improves upon the famous original.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Stick Vacuum $479.99 at Dyson
$729.99 Save $250   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer $327.49 at Dyson
$449.99 Save $122.50   Get Deal Deals on Apple AirTags 1 and 2

The best Prime Day tech deals always include offers on AirTags, and the recently released AirTag 2 just got its first-ever discount, though it's not a very big one. Still, you can grab these long-range trackers for $24 (or $89 for a 4-pack). If you really want to save, then head to Amazon-associated retailer Woot, where you can score a four-pack of the original AirTags 1 for $69.99 while supplies last, which they won't.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag 2 tracker $24 at Amazon
$29 Save $5   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag 2 (4-pack) $89 at Amazon
$99 Save $10   Get Deal An answer to excessive screen time

Multiple Mashable writers and editors use Brick to reduce their screen time. It's a physical device that you tap your phone to, and it locks whichever apps and websites you select. You have to physically tap your phone to Brick again to unlock those apps. So, no more mindlessly selecting "remind me in 15 minutes." The device has helped us cut down our screen time, and it rarely goes on sale. So be sure to snag it for almost $16 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Brick Brick $44.24 at Brick
$59 Save $14.76   Get Deal Blink Mini cameras starting at $9.99, somehow

Looking for Prime Day deals under $25? You can't do much better than this Blink Mini indoor security camera for just $9.99. That's so cheap we have to wonder if Amazon is selling it as a loss, or if the company has achieved Apple Tim Cook levels of supply chain wizardry. Either way, you can grab this Amazon brand's security cameras to protect your home inside and out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Mini $9.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $15.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 camera $27.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $52   Get Deal DJI drone deals

Because DJI drones have been officially banned in the United States, you can only buy these popular drones from third-party sellers on Amazon. However, if you're willing to risk it, you can score some great deals on these drones, which have professional-quality cameras but controls that are simple enough for beginners.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 Drone $269 at Amazon
$419 Save $150   Get Deal Prime Day deals on smart glasses

So far this year, smart glasses have been one of my top testing priorities. I've tried some of the latest smart glasses from Xreal, Meta, TCL RayNeo, Viture Beast, and Even Realities. One of my favorite augmented reality glasses is now at a record-low price. The TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR glasses are like an OLED TV you can take with you anywhere, and it's by far the most affordable entry point if you're curious about this technology.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL Ray Neo Air 4 Pro AR Smart Glasses x Batman Limited Edition $255
$319 Save $64   Get Deal A power station with a bonus solar panel

When you add solar panels to a portable power station, you transform these devices into eco-friendly generators. For backyard powerups or RV camping, this Mashable-tested Anker power station is one of our favorites, and during Prime Day, you can bundle it with a foldable 400W solar panel.

SEE ALSO: The 12 best Prime Day camping deals I'd recommend before going on summer adventures Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station + 400W Solar Panel $799 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $300   Get Deal Roborock robot vacuums

Our resident robot vacuum expert has raved about the Roborock Saros 10R ever since it was released last year, calling it the most reliable robot vacuum and mop she's ever tested. And for Prime Day, it's at an all-time low price. Of course, I know that $800+ price tag is still out of reach, which is why we also recommend the brand's Qrevo bot, which has nearly as much suction power and a much more reasonable price tag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo S Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop $399.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $300   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum and Mop $884.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $715   Get Deal Sony's new Bluetooth turntable

My colleague Haley Henschel reviewed Sony's newest wireless record player, which was just released in the spring. For Prime Day 2026, this trending product got its first big price drop, with a cool $100 discount. This record player is a good choice for vinyl newbies and moderate collectors, and it's easy to use. For more, check out our full review.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable $248
$348 Save $100   Get Deal Shark's personal fan

My colleague, Samantha Mangino, tested the Shark ChillPill and found that it's a great little device, but a little too expensive to recommend at full price. During Prime Day, the ChillPill has gotten a slight discount of $20, knocking the price down to $129.99, the lowest price we've seen to date. You can also buy the 2-in-1 version for just $99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark ChillPill 2-in-1 Personal Fan $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark ChillPill Personal Fan 3-in-1 $129.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $20   Get Deal Amazon Echo Show 11

Amazon devices always get big discounts during the retailer's sales events. In fact, I don't know why you'd buy Echo devices any other time of year. The newest Amazon smart display is currently 32% off for Prime members.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 11 smart display $149.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $70   Get Deal Google Pixel smartphones

Mashable recently named the Google Pixel 10a one of the best smartphones of 2026 so far, and that was before it got a price cut that moved it into budget territory. This mid-range phone has all of Google's latest AI bells and whistles, and enough camera and processing power to get the job done. Read our full Pixel 10a review if you need more info, or go ahead and pick up this handset while it's on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10a, Unlocked (128GB) $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100   Get Deal Red light masks

I'll admit that I was very skeptical of red light masks at first, but after talking to dermatologists and trying them myself, I can admit that I was wrong. The affordable Lumin eye mask is the red light device I personally use to try and fight signs of aging, and my colleague Leah Stodart recommends the Dreame Chrona if you want a full-face treatment.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lumin Lumin Luminator Red Light Eye Mask $69.99 at Amazon
$108.99 Save $39 Lowest-ever price Get Deal Dreame Chrona LED Mask $209.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $40   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Dreame Canon's portable photo printer

My colleague, Miller Kern, has a Canon Ivy 2 and loves it. It's awesome for printing out photos that would otherwise be buried in your camera roll, and it's an essential for junk journaling. The mini printer uses ZINK peel-and-stick paper, so you can stick photos directly onto your journal pages or scrapbook spreads. And the images are actually pretty high-quality.

Canon Ivy 2 mini photo printer $99.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $20   Get Deal at Amazon Apple MagSafe Charger

Need a new charger for your iPhone or Apple Watch? The classic Apple MagSafe charger just hit a new record-low price. Don't overthink this one.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MagSafe Charger $28 at Amazon
$49 Save $21   Get Deal Amazon Echo Dot Max

I attended the launch event for the new Echo Dot Max, and I immediately liked this Alexa smart speaker for a very stupid reason: Its design reminds me of the Death Star. However, it's also a very capable speaker. Amazon added more powerful tweeters and woofers in its refreshed Echo lineup, and so this speaker isn't just useful for asking Alexa about the weather. It's also a powerful little music player, so there's no need to splurge on a pricey Sonos or Marshall home speaker system.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot Max $64.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $35   Get Deal

UPDATE: Jun. 26, 2026, 3:11 p.m. EDT This shopping guide has been updated with additional deals from LG, SanDisk, and Amazon Echo. We've also added more info on the latest MacBook inventory at Amazon.

The Besties are coming to Amazon Fire this summer

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 15:03

The Besties have been crushing it on YouTube with 2.98 million subscribers. Their show, which features sleepover-style excitement and spooky stories suitable for kids, is now available on Hulu. And at Vidcon 2026, Mackenzie Turner and Lael Hansen announced a partnership with Amazon Fire that'll put them on that streaming platform by the end of summer.

In the panel The Convergence is Here: What Happens When a Creator's Social Content is a Big Streamer's Pipeline?, The Besties were joined by Pocketwatch CEO Chris H. Williams, Global Head of Partnerships at Amazon's Fire TV Channels Dan Green, and NorthStar Media Group producer Ivana Kirkbride, who moderated the session.

On the panel, they discussed how a creator like The Besties might move their libraries onto streaming services, with the help of companies like Pocketwatch. Then, in the middle of the panel, Green confirmed The Besties would make their Amazon Fire debut this summer, and Williams concurred, dropping the release date of Aug. 1.

Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.

15+ board game deals to grab before Prime Day ends tonight

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 14:14

Prime Day isn't over yet. With the sale in its final hours, there are still plenty of deals worth adding to your cart — and they're not all tech deals. If you're looking for something to occupy your time indoors this summer, we've found over 15 board games on sale for up to 45% off. That includes many classics like Candy Land and The Game of Life, as well as cult favorites like Ticket to Ride and Azul.

Below, we've rounded up some of our favorite Prime Day board game deals still live. The sale ends tonight at 3 a.m. ET, so be sure to snag these deals as soon as possible.

The best Prime Day board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: CATAN CATAN The Game $29.99 at Amazon
$54.99 Save $25.00   Get Deal Why we like it

An iconic strategy game of trading, building, and settling, the sixth edition of CATAN The Game is nearly half price at Amazon for Prime Day. It's only been cheaper once before (on Black Friday). The timeless favorite for adults and kids alike is designed for three to four players ages 10 and up. You'll compete with opponents to expand your settlements while managing resources, nurturing trade relationships, and avoiding the robber.

More Prime Day board game deals

Im buying the Shark ChillPill while its on sale for Prime Day. Save $30 on this personal fan and mister.

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 13:30

I just published a story on the coolest new gadgets of 2026 (so far), and I had to include the Shark ChillPill, the new personal fan and mister from SharkNinja. In our review, we noted that this device is slightly overpriced, which is why we recommend you pick up this gadget during Prime Day, when it's available starting at $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: SharkNinja Shark ChillPill Personal Fan 2-in-1 $99.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SharkNinja Shark ChillPill Personal Fan 3-in-1 $129.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $20   Get Deal

Please note that there are two versions of this gadget on sale. The 2-in-1 version on sale for $99.99 does not have the cooling plate, while the 3-in-1 version with the plate is on sale for $129.99, a $20 discount from the usual price.

Amazon's offer on this personal fan and mister is set to end tonight, which is when the 4-day mega sale officially wraps up. Until 2:59 a.m. ET, you can still take advantage of the best Prime Day deals, so don't miss out on your chance to save.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2026 live: We're vetting the latest Amazon deals on Apple, DJI, Samsung, and more Why I'm excited about the Shark ChillPill The misting mode in action during Mashable's ChillPill test. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

As someone who deals with hot flashes and excessive sweating, the Shark ChillPill was pretty much designed for me. It's a powerful personal fan that can cool you off on hot subway cars, at outdoor festivals, sports events, and all types of summer adventures. For our European friends dealing with a sweltering heat wave, this is an especially smart pickup.

What makes the ChillPill unique is that it's not just a fan. It also has a misting mode. Additionally, it comes with a cooling plate, which you can press against your skin for an immediate cool-down.

This is the first real discount on either version, and it's set to end soon.

Read more: The Shark ChillPill might be the summer's hottest accessory

15+ hand-picked smartwatch deals to shop on the last day of the Prime Day sale

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 13:06
The best Prime Day smartwatch deals at a glance: Best Garmin deal Garmin Venu 3 $317.95 at Amazon (save $132.04) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $279 at Amazon (save $120) Get Deal Best budget pick Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $61.75 at Amazon (save $37.25) Get Deal Best Samsung deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm) $218.49 at Amazon (save $131.50) Get Deal Best Google deal Google Pixel Watch 4 $334.99 at Amazon (save $115) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is going strong for one final day, and there are still plenty of deals to add to your cart. If you're in the market for a new smartwatch, it's likely your best chance to score a sweet discount until Black Friday.

I've done a little digging to gather the best Prime Day smartwatch deals you can grab on day four of the sale, including top brands like Apple, Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung, and Google. If you're looking for more of a fitness tracker and not necessarily a smartwatch, we've got a guide to the best deals on those as well.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2026 live: We're vetting the latest Amazon deals on Apple, DJI, Samsung, and more

Note: If you see a discount you deem worthy, I do recommend grabbing it as soon as you possibly can. We've been noticing lots of products going out of stock at Amazon today.

Without further ado, here are the best smartwatch deals to shop at Amazon on the final day of the Prime Day sale.

Best Garmin smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu 3 $317.95 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $132.04   Get Deal Why we like it

As an OG Garmin Venu owner since 2020, I highly recommend snagging the third-generation smartwatch while it's on sale for Prime Day. While there's now a fourth-generation option on the market, it'll cost you $500 on sale. The Venu 3, on the other hand, is down to as low as $318 at Amazon. Released in the latter half of 2023, the Venu 3 is a powerful fitness tracker and smartwatch with extensive insights, a beautiful AMOLED touchscreen, and wildly impressive battery life. While the Apple Watch requires daily charging, the Venu 3 (like most Garmin watches) will last up to two weeks per charge in smartwatch mode. And since you don't have to charge it every night, you'll get a more holistic view of your health, stress, body battery, and sleep (not that I'm biased or anything).

Another option: For hardcore athletes, the Garmin epix Pro (gen 2) Sapphire Edition is half off for Prime Day, knocking the cost down to $499.99. Yes, that's still steep, but this thing offers some of the most advanced training metrics you can find on a smartwatch. Plus, it has a built-in flashlight and a battery life of up to 16 days.

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120   Get Deal Why we like it

A new record-low price (just $279) for the Apple Watch Series 11 graced us with its presence this Prime Day — and it's still live and in stock on the final day of the sale. That's 30% in savings and beats its previous low by $20. Compared to the Series 10, the newest edition of Apple's smartwatch has a more scratch-resistant display and a longer battery life (finally). It supports features like hypertension notifications and Sleep Score, and it's one of our shopping team's favorite smartwatch fitness trackers (particularly for those already in the Apple ecosystem).

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 11.

Another option: The Apple Watch SE 2 (40mm) is $80 cheaper if you're seeking an Apple-branded watch on a budget. It's a more entry-level option with the same processor as the Series 11, but shorter battery life, and slightly fewer features.

Best budget deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $61.75 at Amazon
$99 Save $37.25   Get Deal Why we like it

We've sung the praises of the CMF Watch 3 Pro often in the past year, and we don't plan on stopping anytime soon. It earned a spot on our list of the best smartwatches of 2025, and it's down to its lowest price ever for Prime Day — just $61.75. Mashable's reviewer, Lauren Allain, said the CMF Watch 3 Pro "looks, feels, and functions like a smartwatch that costs hundreds more." It packs a surprising amount of features for the price, including stress tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, precise heart rate monitoring, dual-band GPS tracking, and in-depth sleep tracking. To put it simply, it's the best smartwatch you've probably never heard of.

Read Mashable's full review of the CMF Watch 3 Pro.

More Prime Day smartwatch deals

Markiplier chats to Mashable about being a VidCon Hall of Famer

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 12:42

VidCon 2026 inducted its second class of Hall of Famers on Thursday, with creators Markiplier, Philip DeFranco, Michelle Phan, and Blogilates founder Cassey Ho honored as influential champions of digital culture.

Markiplier (aka Mark Fischbach) has been a YouTube cornerstone since 2012. The 36-year-old creator (and Mashable 101 alumnus) delivered an emotional speech during VidCon Anaheim's Opening Night Celebration, and Mashable caught up with him afterward.

"I've had many meme phases in my life. One of them was that I cry all the time in videos, and people've kind of forgotten about that," he told Mashable digital culture editor Crystal Bell.

"I don't really mind awards, but I really, really, really care about people making things, and wanting to make things. More importantly than anything, I've said inspiration is the most valuable currency that people have, and some people really, really just need inspiration to be able to go to the next step and make the next thing, and see it in themselves that they can make it, So if I can show that, that makes me really happy, seeing people behind stage actually coming up to me, that means so much more than this. This is meaningful, I swear it's meaningful, but really that personal connection is more meaningful."

SEE ALSO: VidCon 2026: Live updates from the internet's biggest weekend

2026 has already been a major year for Markiplier, with his pivot to cinema seeing his feature debut, horror movie Iron Lung, hitting cinemas in January with an extended theatrical run before streaming on YouTube in May. What advice does Markiplier have for budding creators and filmmakers — to go the Hollywood or social media route?

"I think it's perfectly valid to start on YouTube, start on TikTok. I think it's also perfectly valid to go the traditional path," said Markiplier. "You go to film school, you can pitch your script out there, you can write a book first, and maybe sell that. You could make short films with your friends, you can start building an audience right away, and that's the power of social media. You get a leg up because you already have people that let you make from. And it's much harder in the traditional sphere to do that."

You can watch the whole interview above, and for all things VidCon, Mashable has you covered.

Polymarket: Hackers stole users funds

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 12:18

While bets soar across online prediction markets, some Polymarket users may have seen their wallets thin — not because of losing predictions, but because hackers weaseled their way into their accounts.

SEE ALSO: FCC ID mandate plans could kill anonymous burner phones

The prediction market platform announced the breach on Thursday (June 25) via X, explaining that attackers had gained access to an undisclosed number of user accounts after compromising a third-party vendor. Hackers injected malicious script into Polymarket's frontend, which was spotted and contained by the platform, but not before the hackers siphoned funds from affected users.

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The platform said it will notify users and fully refund any lost money, but has not yet shared any more details on the incident.

The attack may have been part of a large scale phishing attempt aimed at cryptocurrency wallets, reported TechCrunch, after blockchain monitoring firm PeckShield spotted $3 million in cryptocurrency leaving Polymarket accounts and transferring to Ethereum.

Polymarket only just announced it reached more than $1 billion in annualized revenue, as trading reaches all time highs during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But the Donald Trump Jr.-backed platform has also been mired in controversy, including a recent Wall Street Journal report that found Polymarket had paid influencers to post misleading advertisements that were then boosted by an "army" of social media accounts.

The Bear Season 5 gives Carmy one hell of a career pivot

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 12:08

Despite a torrential storm, broken pipes, and a rampaging spoon thief, The Bear Season 5 — and therefore the series as a whole — managed to cook up a happy ending.

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' reheats 'The Pitt's nachos in a baffling Season 5: Review

The Bear earned not one but two Michelin stars from Michelin inspector Peter Clark (Gary Janetti), who visited the restaurant in Season 4. (The man everyone thought was the inspector in Season 5, played by Peter Grosz, was just a red herring.) Thanks to its new, doubly stellar rating, the Bear is able to stay in business, meaning Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas), Marcus (Lionel Boyce), and the rest of the Bear's staff are able to keep cooking up a storm in the kitchen they worked so hard to build.

Outside the kitchen, Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) gets the opportunity to fly to Japan for a hospitality conference, and Jess (Sarah Ramos) is coming with him. While I'm not the biggest fan of how The Bear has handled its romances in the past, the reveal of the two holding hands on the plane did cause my Grinch heart to grow three sizes. Elsewhere, Ebra (Edwin Lee Gibson) kickstarts the Beef's ghost kitchen empire, with emphatic approval from Carmy (Jeremy Allen White).

Speaking of Carmy, what happened to The Bear's main Bear?

Season 5 of The Bear finally lets Carmy move on.

In The Bear's series finale, Carmy makes good on his promise from the end of Season 4. He officially leaves the food industry.

His mind was made up before he participated in what might have been the Bear's final night, but even then, that last service was proof that he needed to escape this line of work. Between a blowup fight over his quitting announcement to his panic over a dropped lamb dish, Season 5 made it clearer than ever to Carmy that working in a restaurant simply isn't healthy for him. The reverse is also true: Carmy's behavior in the kitchen has repeatedly created a hostile work environment for his coworkers, something he has grown to recognize and tried to change over the show's run.

In a Season 5 conversation emblematic of Carmy's understanding of his unhealthy relationship with restaurant work, he compares his response to stress to Sydney's own coping mechanism. When she gets frustrated, she heads out to the Bear's empty back alley to yell into the void. Carmy, on the other hand, knows that he would just yell at other people, and that knowledge is why he needs to leave the industry.

Carmy explores a new passion in The Bear's series finale.

While The Bear Season 5 doesn't actually explore Carmy's new life beyond cooking — which feels like a bit of a cop-out given the bombshell of Season 4's ending — it does give viewers a taste of what's in store for ex-chef Carmy. In the series finale, Carmy interviews for an internship at an architecture firm, suggesting a new career path that would still let him exercise his creativity.

The Bear has established Carmy's love of art and design often throughout its run, between his elaborately structured dishes and his gorgeous drawings of his creations. On top of that, Season 4 featured a long sequence of him visiting and admiring famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio in Oak Park, just outside of Chicago. Clearly, he has an eye for the field, and in his final appearance at Richie's daughter Eva's (Annabelle Toomey) birthday party, he already seems to be more at peace outside the restaurant world. Here's hoping he can let it rip in his new career.

The Bear Season 5 is now streaming in its entirety on Hulu. Episodes also air Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on FX.

3 Apple products that did not increase in price

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 11:40

Apple is not immune to the scourge of RAMageddon. On Thursday, the company announced that many of its flagship products would increase in price due to the current tough tech economy. But what didn't get a price increase?

That's what we're here to figure out. While many product categories, such as MacBooks and iPads, were subject to this change, a few major ones weren't. Here are the Apple products that did not get price hikes this week.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day ends today: Last chance to score 150+ best deals on Apple, DJI, Kindle, and Lego favorites iPhones

The big headliner here is the iPhone. Apple's most important product was exempt from this week's price hikes, with each model available on the Apple Store online remaining at its regular MSRP. These include:

  • iPhone 16

  • iPhone 16 Plus

  • iPhone 17e

  • iPhone 17

  • iPhone Air

  • iPhone 17 Pro

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max

SEE ALSO: 7 Prime Day iPhone deals to get ahead of the price increase, including a free iPhone from T-Mobile

If you want to buy one of those devices, it will cost the same now as it did a week ago. That said, Apple is going to announce a new batch of iPhones in September, so it will be interesting to see if those devices see a rise in sticker price.

Apple Watches

Next up is the Apple Watch. Apple did not increase prices on the following models:

  • Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 3

  • Apple Watch Hermès Series 11

  • Apple Watch Ultra 3

  • Apple Watch SE 3

  • Apple Watch Series 11

SEE ALSO: Last chance: Save 30% on the Apple Watch Series 11 before Prime Day ends today

Apple maintained iPhone prices despite the ongoing global memory shortage, possibly to keep consumers happy, but Apple Watches likely do not require nearly as much onboard memory as a smartphone. That may explain why these devices stayed at the same price as before.

AirPods

Lastly, Apple elected to keep the available AirPods models at their normal prices:

  • AirPods 4

  • AirPods 4 ANC

  • AirPods Pro 3

  • AirPods Max 2

SEE ALSO: The best Prime Day AirPods deals you can still shop on the final day

Again, the memory shortage probably doesn't affect earbuds to the same degree that it would affect a phone, laptop, or tablet. It's not a surprise, then, that AirPods were not affected.

Now that we've established which Apple devices were safe from price hikes, all eyes are on the iPhone 18.

I rely on my MacBook Neo every single day. This is the app that keeps it alive

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 11:35

My MacBook has been through the trenches with me — UX/UI design school, late-night freelance deadlines, and way too many coffee shop sessions to count. For a while, I split my setup between a laptop and an iPad. In theory, it worked (the iPad for design work, the laptop for everything else), but carrying both around got annoying fast.

As someone constantly bouncing between writing, editing, and design, I just needed one machine that could actually keep up. So, a little impulsively, I upgraded to a MacBook Neo and fully committed to the one-device life.

Having one device means I keep everything stored on it, work and personal, and that's where CleanMyMac comes in. It's a user-friendly tool to help you keep the digital clutter under control.

Opens in a new window Credit: MacPaw CleanMyMac Find much-needed storage space and reduce computer clutter. Shop Now The high cost of digital weight

At first, the new Mac handled everything pretty well. Then the cracks started showing up at the absolute worst moments. I’m talking lags and storage warnings popping up mid-deadline because I had Photoshop, Illustrator, and a dozen oversized image files open at the same time. Creative work adds up fast. High-res scans, layered TIFFs, raw photos, and random downloads you swear you’ll organize later quickly turn your desktop into an overflowing digital storage unit.

Maintaining a laptop is its own administrative chore that often carries a hidden mental weight. A recent CleanMyMac report found that over 60% of users stress about low storage, yet the fear of losing important files keeps them from decluttering, even though 81% report feeling a sense of relief once they finally do.

A smoothly running computer often requires digging through hidden caches, deleting leftovers from apps you forgot existed, and figuring out what’s actually safe to remove. It’s the kind of maintenance nobody really talks about until your computer starts overheating for help.

I realized pretty quickly that consolidating everything onto one machine meant I needed a better way to look after it — a laptop is only as good as the storage and processing power you still have left. That search led me to CleanMyMac.

First impressions and Smart Care

Setup took a couple of minutes. Once installed, CleanMyMac opens straight into Smart Care, which runs a full system scan and pulls everything into one dashboard before touching anything. With a single click, it checks for system junk (like bloated application caches from heavy design apps), runs a background malware scan, and checks for critical application updates. In less than two minutes, it flushed out the temporary file buildup that was clogging my system memory, giving me a fresh, fast machine ready for heavy rendering when I open my next canvas.

Credit: MacPaw

What I like most is that nothing gets deleted automatically. The app flags everything first, which matters when you work with creative files you absolutely cannot afford to lose. After looking through the scan results, I cleared out the obvious junk and immediately freed up space without accidentally wiping anything important.

Favorite features: file cleanup, finding duplicates, and more Credit: MacPaw

One of the most frustrating things about using a laptop long-term is how quietly it accumulates clutter and the My Clutter feature helped it come to the surface. I knew my biggest offender was going to be duplicates. I'm guilty of redownloading the same files, moving images across clouds, and saving things twice without realizing it. The duplicate count CleanMyMac surfaced was genuinely embarrassing, including random documents and downloads I had no memory of saving twice.

Space Lens was another feature that caught me off guard by how useful it turned out to be. It builds a visual map of everything on your drive, representing folders and files as bubbles sized by the space they take up. For someone like me who hoards pictures of textures taken on a phone camera and half-finished project folders across random directories, seeing it laid out visually made it immediately obvious what needed to go. I found folders I'd completely forgotten about buried three levels deep.

Credit: MacPaw

Cloud Cleanup handled the rest, syncing my iCloud and Google Drive to offload local copies of files I don't need sitting on my machine.

Easy long-term health monitoring

Waiting until your Mac literally dies on you to fix it is exhausting. It's way better to just make it a background habit. CleanMyMac handles this via its menu bar app, which sits neatly at the top of my screen while I work.

When I’m building a heavy collage project, a quick glance at the menu icon shows me a real-time health score of my system. I can monitor my memory pressure, keep an eye on CPU temperatures, and see exactly which background applications are hogging resources. If a design app starts misbehaving or using up all my RAM, I can safely quit it from the menu bar before it crashes my entire project.

If delegating the chore of digital decluttering sounds like a relief, CleanMyMac might be the perfect solution for you.

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