Feed aggregator

Nintendo's Play Together sale is slashing up to 84% off popular multiplayer Switch games

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:40

SAVE UP TO 84%: Select multiplayer games for the Nintendo Switch are on sale in the My Nintendo Store through Aug. 11 as part of its Play Together Sale.

Our top picks at a glance: For real Olympics heads 'Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020' $23.99 at the My Nintendo Store (save $36) Get Deal For platformer fans 'Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble' $37.49 at the My Nintendo Store (save $12.50) Get Deal For cutthroat competitors 'Nintendo Switch Sports' $27.99 at the My Nintendo Store (save $12) Get Deal For horror buffs 'Dead by Daylight $11.99 at the My Nintendo Store (save $18) Get Deal For cozy gamers 'Fae Farm' $41.99 at the My Nintendo Store (save $18) Get Deal

Do the Olympics have you in the mood for some friendly competition? The My Nintendo Store is running a massive sale on multiplayer games so you can duke it out with pals from the comfort of your couch (or cardboard bed).

Live now through Sunday, Aug. 11, or the day the Paris Games wrap up, Nintendo's Play Together Sale takes up to 84% off popular co-op titles and DLCs for its Switch console. (Note that it's advertising "savings of up to 50%," but we spotted a handful of discounts that are even higher.) The lineup runs the gamut across many genres, but goes particularly heavy on sporty stuff; think Nintendo Switch Sports and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 — the final entry in the "Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games" series, apparently.

Prices start at just $3.24, and most deals were matched at Best Buy and Target when we last checked. Scroll down for our hand-picked list of the highlights.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020' $23.99 at My Nintendo Store
$59.99 Save $36.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

The International Olympics Committee is reportedly dumping Mario & Sonic for NFTs and esports, but we're not ready to move on just yet. Its final collab with Nintendo and Sega is set at the 2020 Summer Games and features over 30 events, including karate, gymnastics, archery, and equestrian jumping. This appears to be one of its biggest discounts ever, at least compared to its historical pricing on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio / Sega 'Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble' $37.49 at My Nintendo Store
$49.99 Save $12.50 Get Deal Why we like it:

According to our sister site, IGN, this all-new arcade platformer is "a brilliant return to form with the best stages and controls the [Super Monkey Ball] series has seen in over 20 years." It launched just over a month ago, and it's already on sale for 25% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Nintendo Switch Sports' $27.99 at My Nintendo Store
$39.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Read Mashable's full review of Nintendo Switch Sports.

The Wii version was eons better, but Switch Sports makes a fun, goofy party game for up to four in-person players. A recent free update added basketball to its roster, joining football, volleyball, badminton, bowling, and golf.

Opens in a new window Credit: Behaviour Interactive 'Dead by Daylight' $11.99
$29.99 Save $18.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Equal parts sweaty and silly, DBD is a cult-favorite asymmetrical survival game that's a real "who's who" of horror. (Chucky! Alan Wake! Nicolas Cage!) A new limited-time 2v8 Mode lowers the learning curve for killers and ups the chaos factor for survivors.

Opens in a new window Credit: Phoenix Labs 'Fae Farm' $41.99 at My Nintendo Store
$59.99 Save $18.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

This magical farming sim from last fall is a cozy gamer must-play. It just got its second major update with new characters, regions, outfits, potions, and more, and it's completely free for Team Switch (not PC).

More Play Together Sale deals:

Anker’s 3-in-1 mag charger is back down to $88, its lowest ever price

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:29

SAVE 20%: As of July 31, you can get the Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station for just $87.99, down from its usual price of $109.99. That's a discount of $22 and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station $87.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal

If you have multiple Apple products, you probably know the unique frustration of dealing with the different cables you need to keep everything charged. Before the move to USB-C for newer iPhones, you might need a Lightning charger, a USB-C cable, and a MagSafe Apple Watch cable for some configurations. While that's been streamlined somewhat, it's still much more convenient when you don't have to use multiple chargers to juice everything back up. Thanks to a deal at Amazon, you can bring home a super handy 3-in-1 MagSafe-compatible charger that's now returned to its lowest price ever.

Anker has been hosting some great charger deals at Amazon this July. And as of July 31, you can get the Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station for just $87.99 at Amazon. That's $22 off its normal price of $109.99 and a 20% discount. That's the lowest price we've seen this charger go for, back down again for you to snag.

This MFW-certified MagSafe charger is compact and foldable, and weighs just 6.9 ounces, so you can place it just about anywhere. It can charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all at once, so you don't have to fiddle about with multiple cables and find a place for each device. Its 15W ultra-fast wireless charging capabilities and MagSafe mean you won't be waiting long. It can boost your Apple Watch Series 9 back up to 47 percent power in just 30 minutes.

All you need to worry about is a single charger to power the stand, and it comes with a 40W charger as well as a 5-foot USB-C to USB-C cable if you happen to need one. Place it on your nightstand and let everything charge back up overnight while you sleep. From now on, you don't have to worry about getting caught with dead AirPods on your commute since they won't be dwindling at a 5 percent charge.

Simone Biles shades former teammate MyKayla Skinner in Instagram caption

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 13:58

Simone Biles didn't forget the haters in the immediate aftermath of Team USA women's gymnastics winning the gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The gymnastics GOAT posted an Instagram celebrating with victory with a particular caption. Under a pic of the squad celebrating, Biles wrote: "Lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions."

This was a direct shot at Biles' former Team USA teammate MyKayla Skinner.

View this post on Instagram

Skinner criticized the squad after its selection.

"Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and depth isn't what it used to be." Skinner said in a YouTube video published earlier this month that was later deleted.

She added: "I just notice like, I mean, obviously a lot of girls don't work as hard. The girls just don't have the work ethic.”

Notably, however, Skinner also brought up SafeSport, an independent body created to curb abuse, and how coaches can't be as tough as they used to be. Keep in mind, Biles has championed a complete overhaul and shift in priorities for U.S. gymnastics amid horrific, long-running abuse in the sport.

"It's hard too because of SafeSport. Like, coaches can't get on athletes," Skinner said. "They have to be really careful what they say. Which, in some ways is really good, but at the same time, to get to where you need to be in gymnastics you do have to be, I feel like, a little aggressive and a little intense."

While Skinner later walked the comments back, Biles clearly did not forget what she said. Folks were pretty pleased to see Biles throw such specific shade.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Even current and former teammates like Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and McKayla Maroney commented on Biles shade.

Tweet may have been deleted

There's something quite satisfying about Biles — the best to ever do it — to not forget to be just a little petty after triumphing once again.

Tweet may have been deleted

And to put a perfect little bow on the whole sequence, Biles posted Wednesday on X: "oop I’ve been blocked."

Android users, beware! Text message stealing malware is targeting smartphones to gain access to users' data

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 13:51

A new malware campaign has just been outed and it's targeting Android devices in the sneakiest of ways.

According to a new report from ZLabs researchers at the mobile security company Zimperium, there's a massive SMS stealer campaign spreading across the globe that's gaining access to Android users' devices and stealing their sensitive information before sending it to bad actors for financial gain.

How are they doing this? By tricking users with fake app download pages or through Telegram bots that provide false promises of free Android apps.

A massive SMS stealer campaign

The hackers' initial encounter with a potential victim begins mostly in one of two ways.

Some victims were served with a fake app advertisement on a malicious webpage. Users who are tricked by the ads are taken to a page that mimics a legitimate Android app download link. The software, of course, isn't the advertised app. Instead, It's malware that prompts users to inadvertently give it permission to read their SMS messages.

Another way the SMS stealer campaign is targeting victims is through Telegram bots. Zimerium researchers say it discovered "roughly 2,600 Telegram bots" that lured victims into believing they were being offered pirated Android apps for free. Victims would be asked for their phone number in return for the app. However, the downloads they actually receive are "unique malicious applications disguised as legitimate APKs."

Once these bad actors gain access to the device, they're able to use the victim's personal data for financial gain. The text message access of this malware campaign is especially heinous. It potentially provides these malicious actors with OTPs, or one-time passwords, that are often required by banks and other financial institutions to verify a user's access.

Zimperium researchers say that they have been tracking this SMS stealer campaign for nearly two and a half years. Over that time period, researchers say they have seen "over 107,000 malware samples" connected to the campaign, showing how the bad actors behind this malicious software have been constantly updating their campaign so it stays effective.

And it seems like these hackers have found success.

Researchers claim that the SMS stealer campaign has claimed victims in 113 countries. The majority of the victims appear to be in India and Russia. However, there are also a significant number of victims in Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Ukraine, and Spain.

Android users should be aware of this malicious campaign and beware of any download links promising free app downloads. 

Get a 1TB Samsung T7 portable SSD for just $100

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 13:41

SAVE $60: Get the 1TB Samsung T7 portable SSD for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount from the list price of $159.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung T7 portable SSD (1TB) $99.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal

When it comes to storage, you can never have too much. And it's helpful to have a portable SSD so you can store those big files, like the thousands of photos we take every year, and not have to pay for expensive monthly storage subscriptions. You can grab a great deal on an SSD with 1TB of space for under $100 today.

As of July 31, you can get the 1TB Samsung T7 portable SSD for $99.99, down from the list price of $159.99. This is a discount of $60, or 38%. Although this isn't the best price we've seen on this drive, this is the Prime Day 2024 pricing that's stuck around, and a pretty decent price point to snag the drive.

SEE ALSO: Spend $50 on school supplies at Amazon and save $10

The Samsung T7 SSD has a spot on our list of the best SSDs to get, and that's for a reason. It's been around for a while now, but this drive gets USB 3.2 Gen 2, which means speeds of up to 1,050MBps. Samsung has positioned this one as a drive for creators and gamers, and the speeds are decent enough for that kind of usage.

The drive used to be quite expensive in the early days, but at this price, it's as good a package as any, especially considering Samsung's reliability with SSDs.

More portable storage deals

Prime Day is over but you can still buy a TV for $79, which feels like a mistake

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 13:27

SAVE $50: The Insignia 32-inch HD Fire TV is just $79.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $129.99. That's a 38% discount and the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 32-inch HD Fire TV $79.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Prime Day graced us with fantastic deals in mid-July, but sadly we now have to wait (and cross our fingers) for a Prime Day sequel come October. However, if you missed out on the sale, you can still shop a handful of Prime Day holdouts. And if you're in the market for a new TV, one of our favorite Prime Day TV deals is still available.

The Insignia 32-inch HD Fire TV is just $79.99 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $129.99. That's a 38% discount or a savings of $50. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon. To make things even more interesting, this TV is actually listed for sale on Amazon by Best Buy (yes, you can buy Best Buy products through Amazon).

With a sale price of under $80, the 32-inch Insignia HD Fire TV is pretty unbeatable when it comes to price, but it also does well in terms of performance. With 720p resolution, your shows will look crisp and clear. While it's not top-of-the-line, the affordable price still makes this TV a solid option, especially if you're shopping for an extra TV for the garage, kitchen, or a kids' bedroom.

It also comes with an Alexa Voice remote, so you can speak commands instead of entering them into the remote. Alexa will be able to locate and launch your desired show or movie after you've told her what you'd like to watch. As we've come to expect from a smart TV, you can stream your favorites from Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and more on the Insignia TV. Plus, you can use it as a gaming monitor.

Hurry to snag the Insignia 32-inch HD Fire TV while it's on sale for just $79.99. We don't know how much longer this Prime Day discount is going to be available.

5 back-to-school tech tools for boosting productivity

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 13:09
Whether you’re studying for the AP Calculus exam or university finals, here are five must-have tools to keep distractions at bay.

Daters are changing their app locations to the Olympic Village

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 13:02

During this year's Paris 2024 Olympics, singles are pole vaulting into the Olympic Village — on dating apps, anyway.

This isn't exactly a new strategy to find an athletic and attractive partner. Mashable's Rachel Thompson wrote about Tinder users doing this for the 2018 Winter Olympics, and you'll find other years-old videos about this on TikTok too. But, here we go again: It's another Olympic year, and another chance to score literal or figurative gold.

SEE ALSO: Team USA's women's gymnastics gold medal win sparks lots of online love

Influencer Sofia Elizabeth shared a TikTok video about changing her dating app location to the Olympic Village — it's located north of Paris across Saint-Denis, Saint Ouen, and L'Île-Saint-Denis. She later clarified that she did so on Hinge because changing your location on that app is free (unlike on Tinder and Bumble).

"Whoever said to change your location to the 'Olympic Village' currently in Paris to match with an Olympian, I just wanna thank you from the bottom of my heart," she said in a video with over 16 million views as of publication. She didn't respond to Mashable's request for comment, and Hinge declined to comment.

While this is a tactic for singles watching the Olympics at home, some Olympians themselves are indeed on dating apps during the games. Emily Delleman, rower for Team USA, posted a TikTok about her experience Tinder swiping at the Olympic Village.

Delleman, who didn't respond to Mashable's request for comment, said in her video she had downloaded Tinder for the first time in years. She added that Tinder was "hyping up" matching with athletes on the App Store — which is indeed the case:

'Connect with pro athletes,' proclaims Tinder on the App Store. Credit: Screenshot: App Store

Delleman made it clear on her profile that she was an Olympian — but unlike Elizabeth, didn't have luck matching with fellow athletes.

"So far I think I've seen a total of two other Olympians," Delleman said. Given that Tinder was a bust, she said she searched for "other forms of entertainment" — like TikTok.

Tinder told Mashable that in July, there's been an almost 20 percent increase in swipes in France, and a 103 percent increase in Passport Mode (a paid feature to change your location) to sites like Paris. The U.S., Brazil, and Turkey are the top origin countries where daters are using Passport Mode to change their location to France.

In Paris, Tinder says there's been a 52 percent jump in the number of users with "Olympian" as their job description, and a 43 percent in "athlete."

The Olympic Village will accommodate 14,250 athletes during the Olympic Games, and 8,000 during the Paralympic Games.

And if all goes well, Elizabeth said, you can fly to Paris to meet your match "and see their cardboard beds in-person."

Iconic moments from the 2024 Olympics: Our running list

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 12:37

The metallic smell of gold medals is in the air and patriotism has never been higher, as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games shake out to be bursting with unforgettable moments.

SEE ALSO: Team USA's women's gymnastics gold medal win sparks lots of online love

Historic wins are everywhere, from fencing to shooting, and women athletes are dominating their sports. We've gotten pregnancy announcements (Can you Imagine?), lost wedding bands, and celeb cameos. There's plenty of drama and heartbreak, too, including devastating team mix-ups and accusations of espionage. Yep, the Olympics has a squarely anti-spy stance when it comes to the integrity of the games.

Here are the Olympic moments that have stood out at Paris this year and started the internet buzzing.

A very... French opening ceremony

The games kicked off with a feast of Parisian delights on the Seine: giant heads in the river replicating Louvre paintings, Marie Antoinette's decapitated head singing with French metal band Gojira, a slippery can-can with Lady Gaga, and even a ménage à trois. Team USA charged in like we were once again crossing the Delaware; the Palestinian delegation paraded to a roar of support; and Céline Dion brought it all home singing from the Eiffel Tower.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted USA gymnastics to the haters: Try again

The U.S. of A. came in hot on to the Olympic mat, once again, sweeping the competition for a gold medal win in the women's gymnastics team final. There were jaw-dropping performances by Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles and redemption for G.O.A.T Simone Biles, whose floor routine proved a history-defining moment for the Olympics.

"Everybody wants to know what I would do if I didn't win. I guess we'll never know."

Tweet may have been deleted Brazil gymnastics makes history

Brazil's women's gymnastics team showed up in the same final and showed out in a history-making podium win, as team member Flávia Saraiva quickly recovered from a frightening uneven bar fall and donned her medal with a black eye.

Tweet may have been deleted Men's gymnastics wins bronze, "pommel horse guy" wins hearts

The Olympic gymnastics team competition was an all-around impressive feat of sports, and the U.S. men's team came away with their first medal since the 2008 Beijing Games, taking bronze. Stephen Nedoroscik, a pommel horse specialist and the internet's new Clark Kent, caught the audience's attention as he calmly threw off his black frame glasses and threw up huge scores on the event. A new American hero was born.

Tweet may have been deleted USA Women's rugby has incredible, emotional win

Women's rugby, a new U.S. favorite led by beloved TikTok star and on-field beast Ilona Maher, had heart rates skyrocketing as Alex Sedrick made a dramatically last-second play to beat Australia in the bronze medal match. Viewers rose to their feet to watch the American team take home their first medal. New Zealand, watch out.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted The world becomes obsessed with Olympic shooting

Viewers couldn't get enough of the skill and mechanical irises of Olympic air pistol shooting. And when South Korean athlete and world record holder Kim Yeji took home the silver in the 10-meter pistol competition, the internet erupted. Newly christened fans resurfaced a clip of her competing while decked out in all black, backwards cap on, and a hand in her pocket — a true badass.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Ireland hive rallies for swimming win

Ireland's moment continues at the Olympic games, and the internet rejoices! In two impressive showings, Ireland's Daniel Wiffen won gold in the men's 800-metre freestyle — the country's first medal in any men's event — while Mona McSharry took home bronze in the women's 100-metre breaststroke, the first since 1996.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Olympic surfers can get pantsed, too

As Olympic surfing competitors lined the beaches of Tahiti, eyes might have missed the moment when German surfer Tim Elter was ceremoniously de-pantsed by a rough wave. The internet did not miss it. "When the waves don't deliver, then my ass does," Elter wrote in a comment on Instagram.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Haikyu!! fans awaken for Japan v. Argentina match

An Olympic volleyball match had fans of beloved volleyball manga Haikyu!! reliving their favorite moments, as Team Japan squared up against Team Argentina in a match that mirrored a pivotal scene in the story. On the IRL Olympic court, Japan entertained fans sporting Haikyu!! merch with iconic fandom songs "Phoenix" and "FLY HIGH." As one X user put it, life really does imitate art.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

New iPhone 16 leak reveals 5 vibrant colors and camera redesign

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 12:15

A new iPhone 16 leak, posted by Sonny Dickson, was dropped on X (h/t MacRumors). The description-less post supposedly gives us insight into Apple's next-generation, entry-level devices: the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

The leaked photo revealed five colorways that will potentially be available on the iPhone 16, and by extension, the iPhone 16 Plus, which are expected to launch in September. From left to right, the colorways are white, black, blue, green, and pink. As MacRumors pointed out, this isn't too far off from what is available for iPhone 15, with white standing in for yellow this year.

SEE ALSO: I tested Apple Intelligence on my iPhone 15 Pro Max: 3 ways it spoiled me rotten Tweet may have been deleted

This lines up exactly with predictions Apple reporter Ming-Chi Kuo made about the iPhone 16's color palette back in May. As such, it's reasonable to believe these will be the iPhone 16 colors when it drops later this year.

However, colors aren't the only interesting thing happening here. The iPhones in Dickson's photo all have vertically oriented dual-camera bumps, a notable departure from the diagonally oriented bumps on the iPhone 15. It's not a monumental alteration by any means, but it's worth noting, nonetheless.

As always, keep your grain of salt handy; this is an unconfirmed leak. We expect Apple to lift the veil off the new iPhones in early September.

You can get a smart HEPA air purifier for your bedroom for $29 if you hurry

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 12:14

SAVE 40%: As of July 31, get the GoveeLife Smart Mini HEPA Air Purifier for $29.08 at Amazon by clipping the 40% off on-page coupon. That's $19.39 off its normal price of $48.47.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon GoveeLife Smart Mini HEPA Air Purifier $29.08 at Amazon
$48.47 Save $19.39 40% off with on-page coupon Get Deal

Whether you realize it or not, the air you're breathing in right now is probably filthy. Most of our homes have terrible indoor air quality, even worse than the air outside. Dust, pollen, chemicals, harmful gas, and pet dander can quickly take over your home. If you don't have an air purifier, you're taking all of these particles into your lungs at any given moment. Change that by bringing home an affordable smart HEPA air purifier for a pittance. For under $30, you can start breathing crisp, purified air. And your health is definitely worth that much, right?

As of July 31, you can get the GoveeLife Smart Mini HEPA Air Purifier for just $29.08 at Amazon by clipping the on-page coupon. That's 40% off its normal price of $48.47 and a discount of $19.39.

This smart air purifier is much smaller than you might expect, but it's no less capable. At just 2.49 pounds and 6.2 x 10.7 x 6.2 inches, it doesn't have a large footprint, but it can still purify a 376 square foot room once per hour. With three speed options and two different modes to choose from as well as a timer, you can choose how and when it cleans, as well as for how long, by way of the companion app. If you don't feel like using an app, you can also use its physical controls or your favorite digital voice assistant of choice. It's also whisper quiet at just 24dB when running in sleep mode.

Perfect for a bedroom or an office, the GoveeLife Mini Air Purifier runs automatically while you sleep or work. It automatically adjusts its air speed on the fly based on the air condition around you. Plus, you can use it to freshen the scent of each room as well with its aromatherapy function. Use a fragrance pad beneath the air outlet with a few drops of an essential oil for an uplifting scent burst you'll smell throughout your entire home.

You can't beat an air purifier for under $30, especially when it comes packed with this many features. Be sure and grab yours quickly before this deal ends, and don't forget to clip that 40% off coupon.

Set the mood with color-changing smart bulbs for just $6.25 each

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 11:49

GET $15 OFF: As of July 31, you can get a four-pack of Kasa smart light bulbs for just $24.99. That's a $15 discount and only $6.25 per bulb.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kasa Smart Store Kasa smart light bulbs (4-pack) $24.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Lighting can be surprisingly important when it comes to getting the vibe right for a party, movie night, or even just a quiet dinner at home when you wind down after your day. A color-changing smart bulb is a little thing that could be a big home upgrade — and there's a great deal on them at Amazon today.

As of July 31, you can get a four-pack of Kasa smart light bulbs for just $24.99. That’s $15 off the listing price and breaks down to about $6.25 per bulb. It's also the lowest price we've seen on these bulbs, according to CamelCamelCamel.

SEE ALSO: The lighting is always flattering with the best smart bulbs — these are our faves

If you haven’t heard of smart bulbs, let us introduce you to the future of lighting. The Kasa smart light bulbs (4-pack) do so much more than turn on and off. They can cycle through 16 million colors, be set to a specific hue, and even turn on and off via voice commands (with a compatible device like an Amazon Echo or Google Home).

The best thing about these bulbs is that you don’t need a smart home hub to use them — all you need is a WiFi connection and the free Kasa app. Once you've installed the app and connected the bulbs, you’re ready to go.

With the app, you can set schedules for when the lights turn on and off, dim them, and group multiple bulbs together. Plus, they come with a two-year warranty if anything goes wrong.

More smart light bulb deals

'Haikyu!!' fans rally online for Japan’s Olympic volleyball match with Argentina

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 11:24

For fans of Haikyu!!, a historic event three years in the making unfolded on Wednesday: Japan went head to head with Argentina in the men′s volleyball preliminary round at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

SEE ALSO: Stephen Nedoroscik's pommel horse performance for Team USA gymnastics generates online buzz

The Olympic match mirrored a pivotal scene in the beloved volleyball manga in which Team Japan squared off against Team Argentina in the Olympic finals. The moment was only alluded to in the manga, which saw Karasuno High duo Hinata and Kageyama, for Team Japan, face off against their longtime rival Oikawa (playing for Argentina). While the winner of said Olympic match was never revealed on the page, some fans like to believe that setter Oikawa came out on top.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Unfortunately for Argentina, that's not how today's very real match went. Japan beat Argentina 3-1 in a preliminary round Pool C match at the South Paris Arena.

Tweet may have been deleted

It should then come as no surprise that "FLY HIGH," the opening song for the anime adaptation of Haikyu!!, played immediately following Japan’s victory. (Another one of the anime's themes, "Phoenix," played during warm-ups.) Fans were even seen sporting Nekoma and Inarizaki towels, representing rival high schools in the manga.

Oikawa, you will always be No. 1 in our hearts, but today just wasn't your day. At least we'll always have the manga.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

The 'Women in Blue' cast reflects on their stark similarities to their characters

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 11:24
Bárbara Mori, Ximena Sariñana, Natalia Téllez and Fernando Rovzar discuss all the ways in which the actors were able to connect to their characters in the series 'Women in Blue'.

This never happens: The AirFly Bluetooth transmitter is on sale for just $30

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 11:20

SAVE 33%: The AirFly Duo wireless Bluetooth transmitter is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $44.99. That's a savings of $15 and the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: AirFly AirFly Duo wireless Bluetooth transmitter $29.99 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Sometimes a small gadget that you never knew you needed makes a world of difference. A Bluetooth transmitter is a great example of a tiny device that will make travel so much better. Plus, it's on sale at Amazon for a great price today.

As of July 31, the AirFly Duo wireless Bluetooth transmitter is on sale for just $29.99, down from the list price of $44.99. That's a 33% discount or a savings of $15. It's also the best price we've seen at Amazon on a rarely-discounted item.

With the AirFly Duo, you'll no longer have to stress about making sure you have the exact right, wired headphones connection to take advantage of in-flight entertainment. The Duo will transmit audio via Bluetooth directly from any tech with a 3.5 audio jack: that includes in-flight entertainment, gym equipment, gaming devices, and TVs. You simply pop the Duo into the headphone jack, press play, and

Wirelessly transmit audio from in-flight entertainment, gym equipment, gaming devices, TV's or any 3.5 audio jack (aka a normal headphone jack). That means you can finally use your regular Bluetooth headphones anywhere you go, no extra cords or headphones needed.

If you're traveling with someone else, the AirFly Duo can also transmit audio to two sets of Bluetooth devices, meaning you and your travel companion can watch the same thing together. Enjoy the same movie on one tablet, or keep the kids entertained on a long car ride with the same kids' show.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best noise-cancelling headphones for flying in 2024

The AirFly Duo gets up to 22 hours of battery life before it needs a recharge via a USB-C cable. There's also an on/off switch so you can conserve energy when not using the AirFly Duo. However, you can still use the AirFly Duo while it's charging.

The device can transmit via Bluetooth up to 33 feet away, so you also have room to roam when you're using the gadget.

Listen to your comfy Bluetooth headphones from any device thanks to the AirFly Duo wireless Bluetooth transmitter. Since we rarely see this item on sale, today's price of 33% off makes this a great time to snag the AirFly Duo for your next big travel day.

Personal air conditioners are all over Paris, and they're on sale for $23

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 11:18

UP TO 25% OFF: As of July 31, save up to 25% off personal air conditioners at Amazon. Our favorite pick is the Sweetfull Portable Neck Fan, which is just $22.99, a 23% discount from its original price of $29.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sweetfull Portable Neck Fan $22.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $7.00 Get Deal

If you've been watching the games in Paris, you may have noticed athletes and fans alike decked out in personal air conditioners. Europeans might turn up their noses at air conditioning, but we say there's no shame in staying cool. (Paris famously chose not to provide air conditioning for athlete housing, a decision they may be regretting in the midst of a totally predictable heat wave.)

What are personal air conditioners? These wearable gadgets help cool you down in a flash. They range from simple neck fans to $200 personal cooling appliances. And you don't have to be sweltering in the Paris heat to score one. You can bring one home from Amazon right now for up to 25% off.

As of July 31, you can save big on several personal air conditioners at Amazon. One of our favorite picks is the Sweetfull Portable Neck Fan. It's just $22.99 right now, which is down from its original price of $29.99. That's a discount of 23% and $7 off.

This wearable neck fan looks like a pair of headphones, but it's a bladeless fan that promises to cool you down by 70% without any wires or cords. Its fan runs for 4 to 9 hours on its 4000 mAh rechargeable battery, and it's quiet as well, so you won't walk around all day sounding like a box fan. It's also just 8.5 ounces, so it won't give you neck pain at the cost of being cool and comfortable.

For people who run really hot, several premium Torras personal air conditioners are also on sale right now. So, when you can't stay inside to enjoy that sweet, sweet air conditioning, a personal air conditioner can help.

More personal air conditioners on sale now:

'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 7: The real reason Vermithor may have chosen Hugh

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 11:04

House of the Dragon Season 2, episode 7 played out like a particularly bloody instalment of How to Train Your Dragon, with Vermithor and Silverwing choosing Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew) and Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) as their new riders, respectively.

But what made second-largest-dragon-in-Westeros and certified lowfolk diner, Vermithor, pick Hugh Hammer as his new human friend? Was it the fact that Hugh stood brave and risked his own life to save another of Vermithor's would-be snacks? Or something else?

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 7: Did Rhaenyra know Vermithor would do that? Hugh Hammer's mother may be why Vermithor chose him

We find out in episode 7 that Hugh's mother was the sister of Baelon Targaryen, meaning her father was King Jaehaerys the Concilliator himself — the very first rider of Vermithor.

Even though Hugh doesn't tell his wife Kat (Ellora Torchia) what his mother's name was, he does reveal that she worked in a pleasure house.

Hugh (Kieran Bew) and Kat (Ellora Torchia). Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

"She was granted more freedom than most 'cuz of who she was," he says. "She used to tell me I was no different to her brother's boys: Viserys and Daemon."

The fact that Hugh's grandfather was Vermithor's first rider surely plays a part in why the dragon chose him — but if we look at George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood book, there may be even more to it than that.

Hugh's mother had a difficult relationship with her father

Although Hugh only gives us limited information in the show, it seems most likely that his mother is Saera Targaryen, who fled Westeros and worked at a pleasure house in Lys after a falling out with her parents.

In the book, Saera and King Jaehaerys have a difficult relationship that results in him sending her away to live with the Faith as punishment for her sleeping with Ser Braxton Beesbury. After she flees across the narrow sea the two become estranged, but Jaehaerys mistakes his carer for Saera when he's on his deathbed, thinking she's finally come back to him.

Is it possible that Vermithor felt a special connection to Hugh because of who his mother was? That maybe he chose Saera's son because he knew how much she secretly meant to Jaehaerys?

New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

Snag 'Marvel's Spider-Man 2' at its best price yet

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 10:54

GET $20 OFF: As of July 31, you can snag Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for PS5 for $49.99, down from $69.99, at Amazon. That's a $20 discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" (Standard Edition, PS5) $49.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

If you haven’t played Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 yet, now’s the time to get out your wallet.

As of July 31, you can score Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (Standard Edition, PS5) for just $49.99, down from its usual price of $69.99. That’s a $20 discount and the lowest price we’ve seen for this open-world action-adventure title since it first hit shelves in 2023.

SEE ALSO: 'Marvel's Spider-Man 2' review: It's the anti-'Starfield'

Starting where Marvel's Spider-Man left off, Spider-Man 2 finds Peter Parker and Miles Morales have only each other to rely on as they deal with new personal challenges and serve and protect New York City.

According to Mashable reviewer Alex Perry, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the “anti-Starfield.” Perry writes that "Spider-Man 2 could represent a better future for open-world games."

With a focus on a compelling narrative and tons of NYC scenes that’d make any New Yorker nostalgic, this is a must-play for Marvel fans.

Get the Bose SoundLink Flex portable speaker for $40 less at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 10:38

GET $40 OFF: As of July 31, you can snag a Bose SoundLink Flex speaker for $109, down from $149, at Amazon. That's a $40 discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Our pick: Bose SoundLink Flex speaker $109.00 at Amazon
$149.00 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Bluetooth speakers are the unsung heroes of summer adventures, from backyard barbecues to beach days. These nifty little gadgets make it easy to create your own soundtrack wherever you go, but they can get expensive — unless you find a killer deal.

As of July 31, you can get a Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker for just $109 at Amazon. That’s $40 off the listing price and the lowest price we’ve seen this speaker go for at Amazon, per price trackers like CamelCamelCamel. (Select colors of this speaker were briefly priced at $99.99 during Prime Day and Target Circle Week, but that deal didn't last long.)

The SoundLink Flex is one of Bose’s best portable speakers, and a way better option when compared to the Bose SounLink Max, at least according to Reddit. We've also tested out this speaker, and it offers big sound and easy connectivity. Not only is it fully waterproof, but it can even float. It's also dust-proof and resistant to corrosion and UV light, making it the ideal summer companion. It also comes in a variety of colors, but the black model is the cheapest at $109. You can get other colors, like white smoke or stone blue, for $119.

This speaker is small enough to throw in your duffle but powerful enough to fill a room or outdoor space with crisp, immersive audio. You can also connect it to your phone to make and answer calls hands-free. With up to 12 hours of playtime per charge, you’ll be able to keep the tunes going all day long – or until your neighbors complain, whichever comes first.

Get the SodaStream Terra for 40% off and never run out of bubbles again

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 10:19

SAVE 40%: The SodaStream Terra starter kit is on sale at Amazon for $59.99, down from the list price of $99.99. That's $40 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: SodaStream SodaStream Terra starter kit $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Soda water is one of life's greatest simple pleasures. Whether you prefer to cool down with a fizzy glass, or use some seltzer as a cocktail mixer, one thing is certain: you're going to run out eventually. Save yourself some trips to the grocery store and some soda budget with this Amazon deal on a tried and true kitchen essential.

As of July 31, the SodaStream Terra starter kit is on sale at Amazon for just $59.99, marked down from the normal price of $99.99. That's a 40% discount or a savings of $40. The sale price also matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

The SodaStream is not one of those overly complicated kitchen appliances that'll soon end up in the back of the cupboard. Rather, it's an easy-to-use accessory that complements hydration. The SodaStream Terra starter kit comes with the machine itself, a dishwasher-safe carbonating bottle, the CO2 cylinder, and a 40ml bottle of bubly flavor drops. With this set, you can get your fix of fresh soda water anytime.

SEE ALSO: Here's why a smart lock should be the first smart home device you own

The included CO2 cylinder can carbonate up to 60 liters of water, so you'll save yourself some cash on liters and cans, not to mention you won't have to lug heavy soda water home. The included bubly flavor drops makes the equivalent of about 33 cans of lime-flavored seltzer.

When you're done with your freshly carbonated water, the included bottle is safe to clean in the dishwasher, so you won't have to add it to your hand-washing pile.

The SodaStream Terra gives you bubbly water at the press of a button, and you'll no longer have to wonder if there's any fizz left in that bottle you opened a few days ago. Thanks to today's deal, you can grab the Terra for just $59.99 at Amazon, which happens to be the best price the mega-retailer has ever offered on this model.

Pages

Subscribe to Page Integrity, Inc. aggregator