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As generative AI makes it easier than ever to produce videos, images, music, and entire social media accounts with a few prompts, creators are facing a new question: How do you stand out when everyone suddenly has the tools to make content?

That question sat at the center of a VidCon panel titled "AI, Authenticity, and the Slop Problem: What Can We Actually Do Now?" Rather than treating AI as an existential threat, the panelists — a mix of creators, investors, media executives, and labor leaders — argued that the creators most likely to thrive are those who lean into qualities AI still struggles to replicate: genuine expertise, creative intention, and real community.

What is AI slop?

The conversation began with a deceptively simple prompt: Define "AI slop." The answers weren't as straightforward as you might expect.

For Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA's national executive director and chief negotiator, slop is content that lacks "human creativity and human values." Legendary Jay, whose cinematic edits have earned millions of followers online, described it as work that "completely lacks intention." Venture capitalist Megan Lightcap argued that slop doesn't even have to be AI-generated. Sometimes, she said, humans rely so heavily on AI tools that the result simply feels "soulless."

Linguist and creator Adam Aleksic pushed the definition even further.

"The better question is not what is slop, but under what circumstances is slop produced," he said. His answer wasn't AI itself. It was the internet's incentive structure.

Platforms reward speed, scale, and engagement. AI simply makes it dramatically easier to produce content that satisfies those incentives, flooding feeds with material designed to perform rather than connect.

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

AI, several speakers argued, isn't inherently the problem. Crabtree-Ireland pointed to musicians experimenting with AI during the creative process as an example of technology supporting artistry rather than replacing it. What concerned him wasn't artists using AI to expand their work, but people using it to impersonate creators, duplicate their likenesses, or mass-produce derivative content that overwhelms platforms.

For creators wondering how to compete, the panel offered a surprisingly optimistic answer.

Make work that couldn't have come from anyone else

Legendary Jay argued that as AI-generated content becomes increasingly common, genuinely original work will become easier, not harder, to recognize.

"When something truly special comes out amongst mediocrity like that," he said, "it really lowers the platform for diamonds in the rough to shine above."

SEE ALSO: VidCon Hall of Fame awards get emotional as Markiplier, pioneers accept awards

Aleksic cautioned against chasing authenticity simply because audiences value it. That, he argued, creates another performance. Instead, he encouraged creators to follow their own interests rather than optimizing for whatever the algorithm currently rewards.

"Follow your natural inclination to do the thing you want to do," he said. "That's actual authenticity versus this weird pseudo-authenticity that people can smell out a mile away."

The panelists also suggested that creators may need to rethink how they measure success altogether. Likes, views, and comments have become increasingly unreliable as bots, engagement farming, and AI-generated accounts proliferate across social platforms.

Instead, Lightcap encouraged creators to focus on signals that are much harder to fake: Will people leave their house to attend an event? Will they pay for a product? Are they willing to become part of a real community?

Keith Soljacich, executive vice president and head of innovation at Publicis Media, echoed that idea from a business perspective. Rather than depending entirely on platform algorithms, he encouraged creators to diversify their revenue streams through products, live experiences, and businesses that don't disappear if recommendation systems change overnight.

"The internet always wins," he said. "If you can diversify, you can protect yourself."

Protecting creators themselves was another recurring theme.

Crabtree-Ireland highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen legal protections for AI-generated likenesses, citing proposed legislation such as the No Fakes Act, which would give people greater control over the use of their faces, voices, and likenesses online. He also urged creators to take advantage of platform tools designed to detect unauthorized AI-generated content before it spreads.

Despite the discussion's focus on AI, the panel repeatedly returned to a more familiar truth about the internet: technology changes, incentives evolve, and algorithms come and go.

The creators who endure tend to be those who offer something that can't easily be automated, who have a distinctive point of view, expertise earned through experience, and a community built on trust rather than clicks.

As generative AI continues to lower the barrier to creating content, those human qualities may become creators' biggest competitive advantage.

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.

Price cuts and low-interest-rate loans are luring buyers, including people offended by the company’s chief executive.

SAVE $120: As of June 26, the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) is down to $279 at Amazon, reduced from $399 — a 30% discount during the final hours of Prime Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 $279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120   Shop Now

We’re in the last stretch of Prime Day, and the Apple Watch Series 11 has dropped to its lowest price since launch — but only for today. The 42mm GPS model is now down to $279 at Amazon, reduced from $399, across most color configurations as the sale winds down. It’s not a Garmin-style marathon watch, but the Apple Watch Series 11 still handles the core training essentials — GPS, heart rate, pacing, and training load — well enough to support half or full marathon prep.

The Apple Watch Series 11 can take an ECG, track heart rate patterns, and alert you if it detects anything unusual, such as irregular rhythms or signs of a high or low heart rate. It also keeps an eye on overnight health stats and sleep quality, giving you a daily sleep score so you can understand how well you rested.

SEE ALSO: MacBooks and iPads just got more expensive. Lock in the best Prime Day Apple deals before they're gone.

The watch can also flag possible signs of high blood pressure by analyzing how your blood vessels respond to each heartbeat, and it can send safety alerts if it detects a hard fall or car crash — even contacting emergency services if needed.

Battery life lasts up to a full day on normal use, and a quick 15-minute charge gives you enough power for several more hours. It’s built to handle daily wear, with a tougher display, water resistance for swimming, and dust resistance for everyday use.

Grab the Apple Watch Series 11 on Amazon before this smartwatch goes back to being expensive.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00)

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation — $148.99 (List Price $179.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) — $299.00

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $279.00 (List Price $399.00)

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones — $378.00 (List Price $459.99)

55" Amazon Ember 4-Series 4K HDR10+ Smart Fire TV (2025 Model) — $279.95 (List Price $459.99)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

Meta Quest 3S 128GB With 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ — $296.79 (List Price $349.99)

The new Siri AI is not coming to all devices, and recent price increases make it more painful to upgrade to new devices all at once. CNET’s Bridget Carey has been testing out the new Siri AI in beta on her phone and says a new Apple TV box and new HomePods are a sure bet this fall -- it just may be more expensive to upgrade than we all expected.

SAVE $90: As of June 26, the Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee and espresso maker has hit a new low price of $89 at Amazon for Prime members. This is $90 off its list price of $179.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker $89 at Amazon
$179 Save $90   Get Deal

If you're looking for a new coffee machine, there are plenty of deals still going strong in the fourth day of Amazon Prime Day.

The Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee and espresso maker is one that's popped up on our radar, as the white model is marked down to $89 for Prime members. That's a new all-time low price for this model at the retailer, but it won't be discounted for long.

This Nespresso Vertuo Next deal saves you $90 off its full price of $179, but it's currently on sale as part of a lightning deal. This means it's a limited-time offering, and the countdown has already begun on its store page. If you want it for your kitchen, you only have today to take advantage of this deal.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best deals to shop

It's compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules and select Starbucks pods, and can make six brew sizes: 5, 8, 12, and 18oz alongside single and double espresso. It also has a slim design that fits nicely on a countertop, coming to 5.5-inches wide.

If it's caught your attention, you don't have long to take advantage of this deal. If you're a Prime member, act fast to save on the Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee and espresso maker at Amazon.

There's plenty more coffee machines and kitchen goodies worth checking out in this final day of Prime Day. Check out our rundown of our favorite kitchen gadgets on sale to see some of our top picks.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $300: As of June 26, the Acer Nitro V 16S gaming laptop is on sale for $1,099.99 at Amazon. That's down from $1,399.99 — a 21% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V 16S AI Gaming Laptop $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Prime Day is in its final stretch, and the Acer Nitro V 16S gaming laptop is down to $1,099.99 at Amazon. That marks the lowest-ever price. For a gaming laptop with an AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor and 32GB RAM, this is one of the stronger deals still live as the sale wraps up.

The Acer Nitro V 16S is built around an AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor, which handles everyday gaming and heavier workloads like streaming and content creation without slowing down. It’s also paired with NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 graphics, which focuses on smoother visuals and better lighting effects in modern games, so shadows, reflections, and fast movement look more realistic and less choppy.

A lot of the performance boost here also comes from software that helps games run more efficiently, improving frame rates and reducing lag when things get demanding on screen. On the display side, you get a 16-inch screen with a sharp resolution and accurate color coverage, so games and videos look more vivid and accurate, especially in fast-moving scenes, thanks to the 180Hz refresh rate.

Inside, it includes 32GB of memory and a fast 1TB SSD, which helps with multitasking and quick load times — so switching between apps, loading games, or moving through large files feels smooth and responsive.

Grab the Acer Nitro V 16S gaming laptop on Amazon before your current laptop starts lagging in protest.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00)

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation — $148.99 (List Price $179.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) — $299.00

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $279.00 (List Price $399.00)

Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB Unlocked Phone (Black) — $669.99 (List Price $899.99)

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones — $378.00 (List Price $459.99)

55" Amazon Ember 4-Series 4K HDR10+ Smart Fire TV (2025 Model) — $279.95 (List Price $459.99)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

Meta Quest 3S 128GB With 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ — $296.79 (List Price $349.99)

TL;DR: For the first time, Apple TV has made an entire F1 race weekend available for free to viewers in the U.S., with live coverage of the Austrian Grand Prix from June 26–28. Fans can watch every session live on Apple TV — including practice, qualifying, and Sunday’s Grand Prix — with no subscription required.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV Apple TV Watch the Austrian GP for free with no subscription required Learn More

This season of F1 feels like it's really hotting up. Mercedes have obviously looked dominant, but is the tide turning? Just ask Lewis Hamilton how he's feeling coming into the Austrian GP weekend — you can bet he's absolutely buzzing to get going again after a stunning victory at the Barcelona-Catalunya GP.

The big question as always with an F1 race weekend is whether you can watch for free. We usually recommend making the most of free trials, but in this case it's actually much more straightforward.

If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Austrian GP?

The Austrian GP is the eighth race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Red Bull Ring:

• Practice 1 — 7:30-8:30 a.m. ET on June 26

• Practice 2 — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET on June 26

• Practice 3 — 6:30-7:30 a.m. ET on June 27

• Qualifying — 10-11 a.m. ET on June 27

• Race — 9 a.m. ET on June 28

Fans can follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.

How to watch the Austrian GP for free

We usually suggest that you make the most of free trials to access F1 race weekends for free, but that's not necessary in this case. No, fans can watch every session live on Apple TV — including practice, qualifying, and Sunday’s Grand Prix — with no subscription required.

For the first time, Apple TV has made an entire F1 race weekend available to live stream for free to viewers in the U.S. Live coverage of the Austrian Grand Prix runs from June 26–28. You simply need to visit Apple TV and tune in. It's that easy.

We don't know why Apple TV has chosen this race weekend to drop this phenomenal treat, but we're not going to ask too many questions. We're just going to sit back and relax all weekend with live action from the Red Bull Ring. It doesn't get better than that.

Apple TV has made the entire Austrian Grand Prix race weekend available for free to viewers in the U.S., with live coverage June 26–28.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free: Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now

This season of F1 is unlike any other. Every season of F1 has a number of fascinating storylines to follow, but due to a major set of regulation changes, there's so much uncertainty right now. And uncertainty can lead to exciting racing.

Lando Norris secured an incredible title victory on the final day of last season. Now the pressure is on McLaren to defend that title against a long list of talented drivers and motivated teams. Expect the likes of George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton to challenge for race wins this season. Mercedes look like the team to beat this season, but Ferrari are not far behind.

If you are interested in watching F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is F1?

Formula One (F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. A season consists of a series of races (Grands Prix) that take place in multiple countries and continents on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads.

Lando Norris is the defending champion. McLaren won the Constructors Championship in 2025.

When is F1 in 2026?

The 2026 F1 season is the 77th edition of the championship. This year's championship features 24 Grands Prix events held all over the world between March and December:

1. Australian Grand Prix — March 8

2. Chinese Grand Prix — March 15

3. Japanese Grand Prix — March 29

4. Miami Grand Prix — May 3

5. Canadian Grand Prix — May 24

6. Monaco Grand Prix — June 7

7. Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix — June 14

8. Austrian Grand Prix — June 28

9. British Grand Prix — July 5

10. Belgian Grand Prix — July 19

11. Hungarian Grand Prix — July 26

12. Dutch Grand Prix — Aug. 23

13. Italian Grand Prix — Sept. 6

14. Spanish Grand Prix — Sept. 13

15. Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sept. 26

16. Singapore Grand Prix — Oct. 11

17. United States Grand Prix — Oct. 25

18. Mexico City Grand Prix — Nov. 1

19. São Paulo Grand Prix — Nov. 8

20. Las Vegas Grand Prix — Nov. 21

21. Qatar Grand Prix — Nov. 29

22. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Dec. 6

It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. The Chinese, Miami, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Singapore GPs will host a sprint race.

How to watch F1 for free

For the first time, Apple TV has made an entire F1 race weekend available for free to viewers in the U.S., with live coverage of the Austrian Grand Prix from June 26–28. Fans can watch every session live on Apple TV — including practice, qualifying, and Sunday’s Grand Prix — with no subscription required.

In the U.S., F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV. If you want access to the whole season, an Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year.

Apple TV Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV Apple TV (7-day free trial) Apple TV comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. This is a sneaky trick, but you could sign up to watch the next F1 race and then cancel your subscription before you need to spend anything. This obviously isn't a long-term fix, but it does give you the opportunity to live stream select F1 race weekends for free. Shop Now Apple TV Prime Video Channel Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel (7-day free trial) Already an Amazon Prime member? You're in luck. You can sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. This lets you watch select F1 races live with the Prime Video app. The subscription typically costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch select races without actually spending anything. Shop Now Apple One Opens in a new window Credit: Apple One Apple One (30-day free trial) Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial. Time it right and this trial could provide access to up to four race weekends for free. You do need to be a new or returning subscriber to each of the included services to get the free trial. Shop Now

It's worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple TVs. This special offer goes live for 90 days after the new device is activated — that's a good chunk of the season.

The story of a woman who let a robot into her home. Plus, a discussion about why Silicon Valley has taken such an interest in taste.

William Gibson once famously said that "the future is already here, it's just not evenly distributed." It appears that the same goes for frontier AI models.

According to The Information, the White House told OpenAI it wants the company to release its next model in a limited fashion, to a select group of close partners.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly told staff that the company's newest model, GPT 5.6, will be launched very differently than previous ones, with the government approving access "customer by customer."

Following this limited release period, the company should be able to launch the model more broadly a "couple of weeks" later, says the report.

SEE ALSO: Claude Fable 5 vs GPT 5.5: Is this why the Trump admin banned one and not the other?

OpenAI competitor Anthropic recently had to pull its most powerful model, Fable 5, after Trump's administration intervened to keep the model out of foreign hands. The company previously launched Mythos, an even more powerful model, as a limited release open only to a small set of pre-approved customers.

As for OpenAI's GPT 5.6, the model is reportedly a "meaningful improvement" over GPT 5.5, both in terms of context window size and efficiency.

In a memo sent to employees, Altman reportedly said that GPT 5.6 is not the company's preferred long term model, and that OpenAI will work with the government and others in the industry "to achieve a more sustainable approach for future releases."

Want more tech news straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

The World Cup has seen its fair share of celebrity guests, but Ed Norton's presence during Thursday's USA vs. Turkey game really got the internet talking.

The actor attended the game alongside some other big names, including Colin Farrell and — crucially — his former Fight Club co-star Brad Pitt.

SEE ALSO: The 12 World Cup WAGs to know in 2026

You can probably already guess what joke people were making.

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Admittedly that won't make much sense unless you've seen Fight Club, David Fincher's 1999 psychological thriller about two men starting an underground bareknuckle fight club together.

The twist (and a 27-year-old spoiler warning)? Pitt's character is never really there — he's just a figment of Norton's character's damaged psyche.

For more FIFA World Cup coverage, including how to stream the games and the moments that have the internet talking, Mashable's got you covered.

Featured Video For You Ed Norton compares Pete Seeger in 'A Complete Unknown' to his 'Death to Smoochy' character

TL;DR: Amazon has the Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle available for $499 on Prime Day. That gets you the Switch 2 console and your choice of a digital copy of Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia — saving you up to $79.99 compared to buying the console and game separately.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle $499 at Amazon
Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Day sale is ending soon.

Amazon has one of the best Switch 2 bundle offers live if you’ve been waiting for a new deal before finally picking up this popular console. As of June 26, the Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle is available at Amazon for $499. That price includes the Nintendo Switch 2 and a download code, which can be redeemed for a digital copy of Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia. 

That last part is important because Amazon’s Switch 2 product page lists a whole mess of extra configurations. Alongside this bundle, you can also see the standard Nintendo Switch 2 system, console and Mario Kart World bundles, console and Donkey Kong Bananza bundles, console and microSD card bundles, or other add-ons. Those aren’t all the same deal; they merely add the extra game or accessories at their standard price, with no discount.

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For this offer, you want to select the "Choose Your Game Bundle," with the configuration set to "Console Only." That may sound counterintuitive, but this is the version that includes the download code insert inside the box. You do not pick Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia on Amazon at checkout.

Instead, after your Switch 2 arrives, you redeem the included "Choose One" code through the Nintendo eShop. From there, you select which of the three games you want to download. 

Mario Kart World costs $79.99 on its own. Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokémon Pokopia are each listed at $69.99 separately, so you’re effectively getting a full Nintendo release bundled in without paying the extra game price. 

Mario Kart World would technically save you the most value in terms of pure price, whichever free game you pick when the time comes depends on your preference. 

Mario Kart World is a fun Mario Kart game and Switch 2 launch showcase all in one, with interconnected courses, Free Roam, 24-driver races, and the Knockout Tour elimination mode. Donkey Kong Bananza is the action-heavy platformer option, built around smashing through underground environments, tearing through terrain, and exploring with DK and his new friend, Pauline. 

Pokémon Pokopia is the surprising critical hit that’s also the cozier choice — letting you play as a human-like Ditto who builds up a new life with Pocket Monster friends. Think of it like a brilliant Pokémon-Animal Crossing hybrid. 

Mashable has also put together a selection of wider Nintendo Switch Prime Day deals — including discounts on preorders for Starfox, controllers, and more as the sale goes on. For Pokemon fans, there are plenty of Pokemon deals we’ve selected for Prime Day as well, from trading cards and Nintendo Switch games to awesome gifts. 

YouTube is adding more Instagram and TikTok-like features to Shorts, because apps are just collapsing into each other these days.

The Google-owned platform announced the additions in a blog post Thursday, which include a "clear screen" feature, speed settings, the removal of the dislike button, and the ability to like posts with a heart.

"Recent experiments showed that simplifying these options made it easier for users to give more specific feedback on videos and led to a more intuitive and better experience overall," the blog post reads.

SEE ALSO: YouTube brings back DMs after 6 years without them

Here's what YouTube Shorts is adding to your videos:

Clear screen

A new tool will you hide all text and buttons onscreen while watching a Short. It's similar to TikTok's "clear mode" launched in 2022.

Heart icon for likes

Replacing the thumbs up icon and making Shorts look more like TikTok or Instagram Reels, Shorts now have a heart icon to like videos. There is no longer an option to dislike with a thumbs down, but the options in the three-dot menu to tap "Report," "Not Interested," and "Don't recommend this channel," remain.

"We’re making this change because we’ve heard that it wasn’t always clear which option to choose when content just wasn’t right for you or when you thought it may not meet our Community Guidelines," reads YouTube's blog post.

Speed settings

You can now watch Shorts at 2x speed, which YouTube has long had on regular videos in a variety of speeds. To play a Short at speed, users just need to press the edge of the screen with their finger; lifting the finger will stop the fast-forward. To lock the speed at 2x, swipe down while pressing on the play button.

Mute button

While you could always turn the volume down on Shorts, there's now a mute button that appears when you pause a Short, for more instant cut-offs.

Want more tech news straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Featured Video For You Boys on the internet are telling me nicotine is a productivity hack

SAVE OVER $700: As of June 26, Prime members can save $750 on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 portable power station at Amazon. That drops the price from $1,499 to $749.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station $749 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $750   Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is coming to an end. If you've been hoping to use this shopping event as an opportunity to grab a portable power station, there's still time to check out some excellent deals. The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is one that's worth a look — 50% off for a limited time.

As of June 26, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 portable power station is down from $1,499 to $749 at Amazon for Prime members. That's a strong price drop, and just a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price at the retailer.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best deals to shop

The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is a helpful power station to have on-hand, whether you want it for outdoor adventures like camping or back-up power at home. It features three AC ports that boast a total output of 2,200W and a 2,042Wh capacity, and it operates quietly. The store page notes that when it's in Silent Charging Mode it works at a noise level of less than 30dB. It also charges up quickly, running up to 80% in 66 minutes with AC Fast Charging, or hitting a full charge in 102 minutes when the Emergency Super Charging mode in the app is used.

On top of all that, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 comes with a LiFePo4 battery that can last up to 10 years and has a lighter build for carrying around, coming in at 39.5 pounds.

If it sounds like the kind of portable power station you've been looking for, act fast to save on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 at Amazon before Prime Day ends.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, June 25, 2026:

AcrossWhere you'll find two hands on one arm

• The answer is Watch.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

State that's home to Shoshone Falls

• The answer is Idaho.

Linking point

• The answer is Nexus.

Vote into office

• The answer is Elect.

Seats for office workers

• The answer is Desks

Down___ and dined

• The answer is Wined.

Singer of "Hello" and "Skyfall"

• The answer is Adele.

Some paycheck withholdings

• The answer is Taxes.

Apt name for a pet groundhog?

• The answer is Chuck.

"S.N.L." V.I.P.s

• The answer is Hosts.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $30: As of June 26, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is only $9.99 for select customers this Prime Day with the on-page coupon code FTVSELECT. That's 75% off its list price and matches its lowest price ever from Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $9.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $30 with on-page coupon code FTVSELECT Get Deal

One of Mashable readers' favorite deals from Black Friday is back for round two on Prime Day 2026. The newest Amazon Fire TV Stick with 4K quality is 75% off for select customers, and it's a deal worth shouting about.

As of June 26, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is just $9.99 with the on-page coupon code FTVSELECT. That's $30 off its list price of $39.99 and matches its best price ever. That's also cheaper than the Fire TV Stick HD (which does not offer 4K quality). Just be sure to hit "redeem" next to the code on the product page before you add it to your cart.

It's easily the best streaming stick deal overall, but it's only available for select customers. Unfortunately, there's a chance you may not see the on-page coupon. We don't know the rhyme or reason why Amazon does this. If you do see the extra savings beneath the Prime logo, you're one of the lucky ones.

While the 4K Select is the newest Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup that offers 4K quality with HDR10+ support, it's important to note that it's also the first to feature the new Linux-based Vega operating system. That's a good thing and a bad thing. It's great if you found the old operating system a bit laggy like we did. But if you're someone who likes to sideload apps, this streaming stick blocks that option; you'll need one of the older models, like the 4K Plus or 4K Max for that.

Otherwise, it still offers the plug-and-play design you know and love, plus support for Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, NordVPN, IPVanish, Alexa+, and Amazon Kids+.

SAVE $90: As of June 26, you can get the DJI Mini 4K drone for $293.55 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount and the lowest-ever price for Prime Day.

DJI Mini 4K (Fly More Combo) $293.55 at Amazon
$449 Save $155.45   Get Deal at Amazon

If you want to get into drones but don't want to drop $500-plus on a premium rig, the DJI Mini 4K is a budget-friendly option worth considering.

It normally hovers (ha) around $450, but Amazon just dropped it to $293.55 for Prime Day — making it the best value you can get right now for a traditional, controller-bound DJI setup. It's also the lowest price we've seen it go for since its 2024 debut. (Want to save even more? The DJI Neo is $139.)

The DJI Mini 4K features a true 4K Ultra HD camera mounted on a mechanical 3-axis gimbal (cheaper knockoff drones use digital image stabilization, which looks shaky and amateurish), so if you're into aerial photography or need to take some product shots for your job, this is the way to do it. It's also super beginner-friendly; it has pre-programmed "QuickShots" (like Helix, Dronie, and Boomerang) that track a subject and film cinematic movements, and an automatic GPS Return-to-Home if you lose signal.

Bonus perk: It weighs under 249 grams, so you don't have to register it with the FAA or deal with Remote ID requirements for recreational use. You can literally open the box, charge it up, and start flying safely.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00)

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation — $148.99 (List Price $179.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) — $299.00

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $279.00 (List Price $399.00)

Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB Unlocked Phone (Black) — $669.99 (List Price $899.99)

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones — $378.00 (List Price $459.99)

55" Amazon Ember 4-Series 4K HDR10+ Smart Fire TV (2025 Model) — $279.95 (List Price $459.99)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

Meta Quest 3S 128GB With 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ — $296.79 (List Price $349.99)

TL;DR: ChatPlayground gives you access to 20+ AI tools like GPT and Claude, lets you send prompts to multiple tools, and has a lifetime subscription on sale for under $60..

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $54.97
$619 Save $564.03   Get Deal

Picking the right AI model for a task used to mean opening five different tabs and running the same prompt five different times. Most people end up paying for one subscription, defaulting to it out of habit, and wondering why the outputs feel inconsistent. ChatPlayground AI puts GPT, Claude Sonnet 4, Gemini 1.5 Flash, DeepSeek V3, Llama, Perplexity, and more AI models in one interface, lets you enter a single prompt, and shows you the results side by side so you can pick the best one. A lifetime Unlimited Plan is on sale for $54.97 right now.

The side-by-side comparison completely changes how you use AI for serious work. Instead of guessing which model handles a task best or burning through your daily limits trying to find out, you run the prompt once and choose the output that works. That matters most when you’re prompt engineering, drafting content, debugging code, or researching something where accuracy is non-negotiable.

Beyond comparisons, the platform includes prompt engineering tools to refine and optimize prompts for better results, image and PDF chat for context-aware responses, saved conversation history for ongoing projects, and AI image generation for creative work.

The Unlimited Plan removes message limits entirely, so it’s a great fit for teams running experiments or using AI heavily throughout the day. Priority access to new models and features is included, along with priority customer support. Available to both new and existing users, with unlimited devices supported and updates included. It runs on the latest versions of Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

Instead of paying monthly for a single model and hoping it handles everything, why not get them all for life?

You can get a ChatPlayground AI lifetime subscription on sale for $54.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The best Prime Day Hisense TV deals: Best Budget Hisense TV deal Hisense 43-inch E6 Cinema Series 4K QLED Fire TV $199.48 (save $59.61) Get Deal Best gaming Hisense TV deal Hisense 55-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K Smart Fire TV $529.99 (save $320) Get Deal Best huge Hisense TV deal Hisense U6 Pro 85-inch Mini-LED 4K Fire TV $1,099.99 (save $900) Get Deal

Prime Day is in its final stretch. This is usually when the better TV deals start to surface before things wrap up.

Amazon has a solid spread of Hisense TVs on sale right now, covering everything from more affordable 4K TVs to larger screens built for a proper home theater setup. It’s a good moment to upgrade, whether you’re planning movie nights, gaming sessions, or just want something better for live events like the World Cup.

Here are the best Hisense TV deals at Amazon right now.

Best budget Hisense TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 43-inch E6 Cinema Series 4K QLED Fire TV $199.48 at Amazon
$259.09 Save $59.61   Get Deal Why we like it

The Hisense 43-inch E6 Cinema Series 4K QLED Fire TV is one of the more affordable ways to get a 4K Hisense TV during Prime Day’s final stretch. You’re getting a 43-inch Hi-QLED display that focuses on punchy color and strong contrast, plus support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, which helps both picture and sound feel more cinematic than you’d expect at this price.

It also covers the basics well for everyday use — Fire TV is built in for easy streaming, Alexa voice control makes navigation simple, and the HDR support helps improve both bright and dark scenes depending on what you’re watching. At under $200, it’s a straightforward pick if you just want a solid, modern smart TV without overthinking it.

Best gaming Hisense TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K Smart Fire TV $529.99 at Amazon
$849.99 Save $320   Get Deal Why we like it

This Hisense 55-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K Smart Fire TV is built with gaming in mind, and Prime Day has pushed it down to a record-low price of $529.99, making it one of the better-value 55-inch gaming TVs right now.

It uses Mini-LED backlighting paired with Hi-QLED color to deliver strong contrast and visuals, so games don’t look flat or washed out. You also get built-in support for major gaming-friendly features like Dolby Vision gaming, VRR-style smooth frame syncing, and low input lag behavior, so controls feel more responsive when things get fast-paced on screen.

Best huge Hisense TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense U6 Pro 85-inch Mini-LED 4K Fire TV $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $900   Get Deal Why we like it

The Hisense U6 Pro 85-inch Mini-LED 4K Fire TV is the kind of TV built for a full home theater setup, and the 85-inch size is a big part of that experience. The Mini-LED backlighting uses multiple local dimming zones to control brightness more precisely, which helps dark scenes look deeper while bright highlights still stand out clearly. Right now, it’s also down to its lowest price since launch at $1,099.99, making this a rare discount for a screen this large.

For sound, the built-in subwoofer adds extra depth, giving effects and music more weight than you’d normally expect from a built-in TV audio setup. And with a glare-free screen plus a slim, edge-to-edge design, it’s meant to disappear into a living room while still dominating it when switched on.

The 2026 World Cup is almost ready for the knockout stages, with the last few days of groups games to play. And the big boys are out in full force today, with both France and Spain — two favorites to win the whole tournament — back in action.

Today, June 26, also sees matchups for Belgium, Egypt, Senegal, and more — including a particularly interesting fixture for World Cup first-timers Cape Verde.

It all kicks off today at 3 p.m. ET, with respective group games scheduled to take place simultaneously. Here's everything you need to know to tune in live today.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 26

• Group I: Norway vs. France (Boston Stadium) — kickoff at 3 p.m. ET

• Group I: Senegal vs. Iraq (Toronto Stadium) — kickoff at 3 p.m. ET

• Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain (Guadalajara Stadium) — kickoff at 8 p.m. ET

• Group H: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia (Houston Stadium) — kickoff at 8 p.m. ET

• Group G: New Zealand vs. Belgium (BC Place Vancouver) — kickoff at 11 p.m. ET

• Group G: Egypt vs. Iran (Seattle Stadium) — kickoff at 11 p.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup games todayWatch Norway vs. France

This is a super interesting fixture. France are tipped as one of the favorites to win the World Cup, but Norway are the strongest they've ever been thanks to goal machine Erling Haaland. Norway have won their first two games, with Haaland netting three goals so far. But France have also won both group games, with Mbappe scoring four. What will happen when two of the world's top strikers face off?

Live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Senegal vs. Iraq

Senegal are a much better team than their World Cup results suggest. They lost their first two games against France and Norway — tough competition by any measure — and now need beat Iraq by a significant number of goals to stand a chance of advancing from the group stage as one of the best performing third-placed teams. Iraq have fared even worse, so Senegal must fancy their chances.

Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Uruguay vs. Spain

Spain are another country tipped to go far. The European champions started slowly with a draw against Cape Verde, before finding form against Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Uruguay are yet to notch up a win at this tournament and need to beat Spain — no easy feat — to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia

Though Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia are lower-ranked teams in the World Cup, this could be one of the most intriguing fixtures of the day. Cape Verde's effort so far has been nothing short of heroic, holding tournament favorites Spain to 0-0 and then surprising Uruguay with a 2-2 draw that felt like a victory for the smaller country. Now Cape Verde are looking for their first-ever World Cup win, and Saudi Arabia — who were poor in their last game — could make that dream a reality.

Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch New Zealand vs. Belgium

It's been a frustrating World Cup so far for Belgium. Despite having an excellent team that includes Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard, they've only managed two draws and sit third in Group G. New Zealand, who have only managed a draw and a loss, present the Belgians with a good opportunity at victory ahead of the knockout stage.

Live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Egypt vs. Iran

Egypt have looked good in the last two games, racking up a hard-fought draw against Belgium and a 3-1 win over New Zealand. Iran will prove tough competition though, coming off the back of their own draw with Belgium. Both teams are still within a chance of an automatic place in the knockouts, so it's all to play for.

Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (Spanish Language) Starting at $10.99/month Get Deal More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement

Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:

• YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months

• Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month

• Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.

You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup on these free streaming services. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpresVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal