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You're here because you just can't figure out which Xbox is actually the newest and most powerful one. No judgment; it happens to the best of us.

Video game console naming has always been a bit of a problem for every gaming giant except PlayStation, the only major player in the industry that just uses a linear progression of numbers. Other companies historically have run into problems, as Nintendo did when it decided "Wii U" was an appropriate name for the console after the Wii, which had next to nothing in common with the Wii.

Xbox might take the cake, though. Microsoft's console ecosystem is lousy with nonsensical device names that don't tell you anything about the devices themselves. It put "One" in the name of the third-generation console, for crying out loud. Without wasting more time, here's a basic rundown of which Xbox consoles are the newest, so you don't get confused.

SEE ALSO: Biggest announcements from the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase Which is the newest Xbox?

The newest Xbox is, of course, the Series X. But it's also the Series S, which came out at the same time in 2020. Shoot, this is already ridiculous. Here's a straight up timeline of Xbox console releases to make sense of all of this:

• Xbox (the original) launched Nov. 15, 2001

• Xbox 360 (the first true follow-up) launched Nov. 22, 2005

• Xbox One (the third console, despite having "One" in the name) launched Nov. 22, 2013

• Xbox One S (a smaller Xbox One with very minor internal differences) launched Aug. 2, 2016

• Xbox One X (a more powerful Xbox One that is nonetheless still the same console) launched Nov. 7, 2017

• Xbox Series S (the true successor to the Xbox One, without 4K support or a disc drive) launched Nov. 10, 2020

• Xbox Series X (also the successor to Xbox One, but with more horsepower and a disc drive) launched Nov. 10, 2020

It's easier to think of "Xbox Series" as an all-encompassing name for the current generation of Xbox consoles, with S and X being different models of the same device. The Series S is cheaper, but also slightly less powerful and lacks a disc drive. The Series X is more expensive, but you get maximum graphical fidelity and the ability to use discs.

The next one should just be called "Xbox 5" so it's easier for everyone.

The 15-second "Emio" horror game trailer has freaked people out, as a curveball from the usually cute and adorable Nintendo.

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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 11 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 11

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, July 11, 2024:

AcrossPart of a cherry you shouldn't eat

• The answer is stem.

"Detour" sign feature

• The answer is arrow.

Depart

• The answer is leave.

Nail polish brand that sounds like two letters of the alphabet

• The answer is Esse.

Part of a pomegranate you should eat

• The answer is seed.

DownShopper's excuse to "save money"

• The answer is sale.

Head lock?

• The answer is tress.

Wipe, as a memory card

• The answer is erase.

Common date night activity

• The answer is movie.

Fast-growing plant

• The answer is weed.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

TL;DR: The CISSP Security and Risk Management training bundle is on sale for £23.31 (reg. £329.81) through July 21 and can help prepare you for top security certifications.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterstock The CISSP Security & Risk Management Training Bundle £23.31 at the Mashable Shop
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As cyber threats become more sophisticated, businesses and organisations need professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect their assets. For those aiming to excel in the field of cybersecurity, this CISSP Security and Risk Management course bundle offers a comprehensive home-learning package designed to prepare you for the industry’s most recognised certification, the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).

The CISSP Security and Risk Management training bundle is on sale for £23.31 (reg. £329.81) until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

This bundle includes eight advanced classes, with each course covering a domain to help you prepare from the comfort of your own home (or office). Domain 1 takes you through security and risk management and is one of the most important ones to master, as it covers the foundations of what's to come.

You'll also go through advanced, multi-lesson courses that cover asset security, security engineering, communications and network security, identity and asset management, and security and asset testing.

Domain 7 teaches you all about security operations, which is the backbone that ensures an organisation’s ongoing protection against threats. This course dives deep into the operational aspects of security, teaching critical topics such as incident response and understanding, complying with investigations, and disaster recovery planning, testing, and implementation.

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Our digital landscape is constantly evolving, and so are the threats it faces. This bundle can help you gain advanced skills and knowledge needed to stay current in the cybersecurity field.

This CISSP Security and Risk Management training bundle is on sale for £23.31 (reg. £329.81) through July 21.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Vekic vs. Paolini in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Italian dynamo Jasmine Paolini narrowly missed out on winning the French Open, but now the No. 7 seed has a real shot at winning Wimbledon.

Paolini decisively beat Emma Navarro in the quarter final, but Paolini will have to show the same dominance against Donna Vekic to advance past this semi-final.

Vekic is in the Wimbledon semi-final for the very time. The unseeded Croatian has a chance to make her own piece of Wimbledon history. She'd be only the second unseeded woman to reach the final.

If you want to watch Vekic vs. Paolini in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Vekic vs. Paolini?

Vekic and Paolini will meet in the semi final of Wimbledon 2024 women's singles. The match will take place on July 11 from 8.30 a.m. ET / 1.30 p.m. BST.

How to watch Vekic vs. Paolini in Wimbledon 2024 for free

Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the semi-final matchup between Vekic and Paolini.

BBC iPlayer is a free streaming platform that's geo-blocked outside of the UK. But anyone can access BBC iPlayer, no matter where you are around the world, by signing up for a VPN. VPNs are clever tools that can obscure your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server based in the UK, allowing you to sidestep any geo-restrictions and access BBC iPlayer from any country.

Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free use. They require an upfront fee or subscription. But the top VPN providers usually have incentive deals like free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage offers. you can unblock the BBC iPlayer without spending anything in the long run. This will give you time to stream the remaining Wimbledon 2024 matches before claiming back your money.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is at the discounted price $99.95 — a total saving of 49%. As part of this plan you'll also get a bonus three months at no extra cost, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and an attractive 30-day money-back guarantee. Be sure not to miss it. This deal is available for a limited time only.

Live stream Vekic vs. Paolini in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Rybakina vs. Krejcikova in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Elena Rybakina won Wimbledon in 2022 and another title is almost in the Kazakhstani's grasp. Rybakina defeated Elina Svitolina in straight sets to reach this semi-final, but the No. 4 seed haves to beat Barbora Krejcikova to advance further.

On paper, this semi-final is Rybakina's game for the taking. But Krejcikova has done well to this point, playing an excellent defensive game.

The 28-year-old Czech is the No. 31 seed — what a story it would be if she could knock out the top-ranked player in the women's singles and reach the final for the first time.

If you want to watch Rybakina vs. Krejcikova in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Rybakina vs. Krejcikova?

Rybakina and Krejcikova will meet in the semi final of Wimbledon 2024 women's singles. The match will take place on July 11 from 9.45 a.m. ET / 2.45 p.m. BST.

How to watch de Rybakina vs. Krejcikova in Wimbledon 2024 for free

Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the semi-final matchup between Rybakina and Krejcikova.

BBC iPlayer is a free streaming platform that's geo-blocked outside of the UK. But anyone can access BBC iPlayer, from any country around the world, by signing up for a VPN. VPNs are clever tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server within the UK, helping unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere around the globe.

Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free use. They require an upfront fee or subscription. But the top VPN services usually have generous deals such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up to these offers. you'll be able to unblock the BBC iPlayer without losing any cash in the long run. This will give you more than enough time to stream the final Wimbledon 2024 fixtures before claiming back any initial investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is at the sale price $99.95, which gives you a total saving of 49%. As part of this plan you'll also get a bonus three months for free, a year of free unlimited cloud backup, and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. But don't miss it. This deal is available for a limited time only.

Live stream Rybakina vs. Krejcikova in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's time for the next fixture of the WNBA, and this time Chicago Sky and New York Liberty go head to head. It's set to be a great game, and not one basketball fans are going to want to miss.

If you want to watch the Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty?

Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on July 12. This fixture takes place at the Barclays Center in New York.

How to watch Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty for free

Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but you don't need to be subscribed to tune in. You can watch the WNBA for free by using a 30-day trial of Prime Video in the U.S.

Fans from outside the U.S. will need to use a VPN to watch the WNBA for free on Prime Video. However, this process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

5. Watch Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the WNBA on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select WNBA fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA for free with ExpressVPN.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for July 11's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A brief, surprise appearance in a piece of media.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No letters repeat.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle...

CAMEO.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for July 11's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: What a kid needs for school

• Green: A base of necessary importance

• Blue: To move from one to another

• Purple: Bright signs

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: School Supplies

• Green: Fundamental

• Blue: Transfer

• Purple: Light-Up Signs

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #396 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• School Supplies: PEN, RULER, SCISSORS, TAPE

• Fundamental: ESSENTIAL, KEY, PRINCIPAL, STAPLE

• Transfer: GIVE, HAND, PASS, SEND

• Light-up Signs: APPLAUSE, EXIT, RECORDING, WALK

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

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It's said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – but numerous tech outlets, YouTubers, and even some Samsung fans seem to think the consumer electronics giant took mimicry a bit too far this time.

On Wednesday, Samsung had its big Galaxy Unpacked event where it unveiled a slew of new products including smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds. Samsung even announced a whole new line with its Samsung Galaxy Ring health-focused wearable.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Unpacked 2024, including Samsung Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and more

However, those who viewed the event via livestream couldn't help but notice a few of the marquee new products looked a little too Apple-like.

Samsung criticized for 'copying' Apple

Social media users had other critiques about the products revealed at this year's Unpacked, bemoaning the lack of substantial updates in the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, for instance.  

However, one common thread in the various analyses, whether it be from consumers, reviewers, or journalists is that Samsung seems to be trying to "clone" Apple's products. 

Tweet may have been deleted

"Today was a huge L for Samsung," said YouTuber Quinn Nelson of Snazzy Labs, a tech review channel with more than one million subscribers. "Watch Ultra is the most shameless copy of an Apple product in ages — and it’s hideous."

"Wait, it gets more shameless," the YouTube creator continued via his X account @SnazzyLabs. "Buds3 and Buds3 Pro are clones of AirPods."

Nelson is referring to Samsung's new Galaxy Watch Ultra smartwatch and its new line of earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 3 series. It seems obvious that Samsung released these two products to compete with Apple's Apple Watch Ultra and the company's line of Airpods. But, for many, the similarities between the two went beyond competition and into "copycat" territory.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Copy and paste," posted the Apple Hub account on X, with nearly one million followers, alongside a photo of Samsung's new smartwatch and earbuds side-by-side with Apple's version of the products.

With the visual of Samsung and Apple's smartwatch and earbuds together, it's hard to deny just how much Samsung seems to have borrowed from Apple. Along with appearing to lift its product naming scheme from Apple, Samsung's new Galaxy Watch Ultra even has a nearly identical watch band.

And it's not just social media users and content creators sharing their disapproval either. News outlets like The Verge and Business Insider also couldn't help but call out Samsung for its Apple clones.

"Samsung's new 'Ultra' watch and earbuds are shameless Apple copycats," reads a headline from Business Insider.

The Verge's article, "Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds are blatant AirPod clones in both form and function," focused on Samsung's new Galaxy Buds 3 and criticized Samsung for its "subtle in-ear design" in favor of the more "Airpods-esque" stems.

Samsung unveiled much more than a few Apple clones at Galaxy Unpacked. The company's foldable smartphone is in a product category of its own, one that Apple doesn't even have its own answer to yet. But, unfortunately, Samsung's new smartwatch and earbuds are such blatant lookalikes that it seems that's what many are focusing on from the event.

Tweet may have been deleted

"To see Samsung just release a bunch of Apple clones is disheartening," wrote Apple Insider's Andrew O'Hara on X. "It’s boring and a massive fail compared to where Samsung used to be."

It's hard to argue with that assessment. 

Anonymous messaging apps like NGL: ask me anything are attractive to curious teens eager to share unfiltered opinions or hear candid confessions from their peers.

But a new order from the Federal Trade Commission highlights how such apps can be weaponized against teen users through bullying, harassment, and deception. Often marketed as free, the apps can impose a different cost, taking a toll on users' mental health.

NGL, an abbreviation of the phrase "not gonna lie," knew about these and other harms, according to the FTC. On Tuesday, July 9, the agency announced that it has banned NGL labs from offering or marketing anonymous messaging apps to teens under the age of 18. It marks the first time the agency has issued such a ban.

"NGL marketed its app to kids and teens despite knowing that it was exposing them to cyberbullying and harassment,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan in a statement. "In light of NGL’s reckless disregard for kids' safety, the FTC's order would ban NGL from marketing or offering its app to those under 18. We will keep cracking down on businesses that unlawfully exploit kids for profit."

SEE ALSO: Teens who talk about their mental health on this app may be taking a big risk

At one point, in 2022, NGL was reportedly the most downloaded in Apple's App Store, notching millions of downloads, according to the FTC.

In a detailed complaint, the FTC alleged that NGL and its cofounders charged users recurrently without obtaining proper consent; falsely claimed that the app's AI content moderation screened out bullying and harassment; deceived users with fake messages to increase the number of paid subscribers; and actively marketed the app to kids despite knowing that similar services had harmed users. The complaint was filed by the FTC and the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.

The defendants, which include NGL cofounders Raj Vir and Joao Figueiredo, agreed to pay $5 million to settle the case.

NGL told the New York Times that many of the FTC's allegations were "factually incorrect," but that the company made changes required by the settlement.

"After nearly two years of cooperating with the FTC's investigation, we view this resolution as an opportunity to make NGL better than ever for our users and we think the agreement is in our best interest," Figueiredo told the Times.

The FTC found that in order to boost downloads and engagement, NGL sent users computer-generated fake messages. They included questions like, "Are you straight?", "Have you done drugs?", "Have you ever cheated?", and "Have you ever had any surgery?" One message simply read, "I know what you did."

Users thought their friends or contacts sent these messages. Some subscribed to the app's premium version for as much as $9.99 per week, lured by the company's promise that the sender would be revealed.

Users weren't given the name of the sender but instead offered "hints" as to when the message was sent, whether the sender had an Android or iPhone, and the sender's location. When customers complained, NGL executives laughed at them privately, according to the FTC's complaint.

In a text message thread about those complaints with Vir and Figueiredo, the company's Product Lead wrote "Lol suckers," referring to customers who felt they'd been scammed.

NGL also violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule. That federal regulation requires apps and online services knowingly being used by children under 13 to inform their parents about the personal information collected from children and obtain verifiable parental consent.

Fairplay, a nonprofit organization that filed a complaint to the FTC against NGL last fall, applauded the FTC's order in a statement.

"Big Tech does not have carte blanche to offer children products and features that are demonstrably harmful and deceptive," said Fairplay policy counsel Haley Hinkle.

Samsung and Google are working on an XR (extended reality) headset, threatening the Apple Vision Pro. How do we know? Well, Google SVP of Platforms and Services Rick Osterloh made an appearance at Samsung's Unpacked event, which showcased new products like the Samsung Galaxy Ring, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Osterloh appeared on stage to reaffirm Google's commitment to bringing AI-powered capabilities, particularly in the form of Google Gemini, to Samsung phones and other Android devices. After all, on both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, you'll find Gemini built into the OS. But that's not the only way Google plans to collaborate with Samsung.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Unpacked 2024, including Samsung Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and more Samsung and Google to tackle 'XR' later this year

Osterloh announced that Google and Samsung are "working closely to develop" a new XR platform. Qualcomm, by the way, is part of the collaboration. The chipset maker already works with Samsung to pack its Galaxy devices with chipsets, but Qualcomm is no stranger to XR devices either. (The Meta Quest 3, for example, runs on a Qualcomm processor called the Snapdragon XR2.)

Samsung President TM Roh emphasized Osterloh's statement, telling the audience that this mixed-reality device will roll out "later this year." That's a lot sooner than we thought.

This isn't the first time we've heard about this XR collaboration. At last year's Samsung Unpacked in February 2023, Google and Qualcomm executives stopped by to reveal their XR plans. "We're working to create a new era of highly immersive digital experiences that blur the lines between our physical and digital worlds," Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon said.

For the uninitiated, XR refers to any technology — like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) — that modifies reality by integrating digital elements into the physical world in some way. For example, the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 would fall into the XR category. Both have augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) capabilities. AR lets you interact with virtual elements while still seeing your real-life surroundings. VR, on the other hand, brings you total immersion, as if you've been transported into a new simulated plane.

Samsung and Google have been hush-hush about their XR project, but the streets are talkin'. Rumor has it that both are working on an Apple Vision Pro-like headset called Samsung Flex Magic, according to a leaker called @TheGalox_alt on X.

Tweet may have been deleted

Other than that, there isn't much scuttlebutt about the upcoming XR product. We'll just have to wait to see whether Samsung and Google can produce a worthy Apple Vision Pro opponent.

As regulatory scrutiny picks up, the tech giant says it is pleased with the progress OpenAI has made with governance and considers its oversight role unnecessary.

PRE-ORDER, GET A GIFT CARD WORTH UP TO $300: Get an Amazon gift card worth up to $300 when you pre-order Samsung's newest smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. The phones are priced at $1,899.99 and $1,099.99, respectively.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 $1,899.99 at Amazon
$2,319.99 Save $420.00 Get a $300 Amazon gift card with preorder Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $200.00 Get a $200 Amazon gift card with preorder Get Deal

Samsung just unveiled two new smartphones during its Galaxy Unpacked press conference on Wednesday. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are official, and they're already available for preorder, shipping out to waiting buyers on July 24. That's very soon — and you should definitely pre-order if you want to lock one in. But you might want to skip Samsung and head to Amazon to secure the bag — the retailer is sweetening the deal pretty significantly.

As of July 10, you can pre-order either the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Flip 6 from Amazon and get an Amazon gift card worth up to $300 with your purchase. The Z Fold 6 (512GB) is $1,899.99 and comes with a $300 Amazon gift card, and the Z Flip 6 (256GB) is $1,099.99 and comes with a $200 Amazon gift card. That's essentially saving you up to $300 on either model to spend on anything else you need in the future from Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Samsung and Apple are leading the list of early Prime Day fitness tracker deals

Both phones have a slew of new and advanced features as well as iterative improvements over the prior models. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 will come with a more durable and brighter screen, as well as a powerful processor that'll be great for gaming. The smaller, vertically-folding Flip 6 boasts a big 50MP wide-sensor lens camera upgrade as well as a 4,000mAh battery in comparison to the previous model's 3,700mAh capacity. Both devices will also use Samsung's Galaxy AI features, as well as Google Gemini for the Z Fold 6.

There's a lot to be excited about when it comes to these new smartphones, but saving money has to be the biggest perk. Use that gift card to snag some accessories for your new phone. You'll almost certainly want a case at the very least.

Get 25% OFF: As of July 10, you can save 25% off your base airfare at JetBlue when booking fall flights with promo code FALL2024.

Opens in a new window Credit: JetBlue JetBlue's Get the Fall Rolling Sale 25% off base airefare with code FALL2024 Get Deal

Looking to get some travel in this fall? You can save some cash when booking travel in the near future if you fly with JetBlue. The airline is offering significant savings as part of its Get the Fall Rolling sale, during which you can book your spooky season travel early and shave some cash off of your total expenses.

As of July 10, JetBlue is offering 25% off your base airfare when you book flights by midnight and use promo code FALL2024. Your travel dates must fall between September 7 and November 20, excluding Friday and Sunday flights. Your discount applies only to the base fare and is only valid on nonstop flights. You won't get money off any previous bookings before today, and it won't apply to transatlantic flights or Mint bookings. Also, you get one discount per person per flight.

SEE ALSO: This Deeper Connect VPN travel router is just $159

To book your trip, just head on over to the JetBlue sale page and search for your destination. Be sure to apply the promo code when booking, and your discount will be deducted from your total. The discount appears to be valid on all destinations, as long as your booking abides by the fine print.

It's time to get out there later this year – but act quickly, because you only have until the end of the day to snag 25% off your fall flight.

Usually one to rest on its abundance of winged beasts, House of the Dragon has upped the quota of another loyal creature this season: Westerosi dogs.

The canine count in Season 2 isn't sky-high (like those dragons), but there's been enough appearances of four-legged friends to get my attention. (If there's a dog in it, I'll watch it, but they had better not die). Early in the season, audiences tossed aside their reactions to casual child murder to instead berate a doomed ratcatcher for randomly kicking his dog.

SEE ALSO: Daemon's Harrenhal visions in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 4, explained

And in episode 4, "The Red Dragon and the Gold," there's a glorious but fleeting moment involving three dogs in the Harrenhal council room. But these dogs aren't from any of the surreal visions in episode 3 and episode 4 plaguing Daemon (Matt Smith). According to keen-eyed viewers on X (formerly Twitter), they seem to be an Easter egg pointing to the future of the biggest, most cursed castle in the Seven Kingdoms, and the many different houses who will hold Harrenhal during the Game of Thrones years. Here's what it all means.

What do the dogs mean in House of the Dragon, Season 2, episode 4?

At the beginning of the episode, after a disastrous meeting between Daemon and Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes), we get a shot of three giant dogs that resemble wolfhounds or deerhounds, sitting illuminated by the castle's very little light. We've seen the hounds in the background of Harrenhal scenes before, but here, they're overtly symbolic.

Matt Smith in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

X user @TheJoeMagician posted about the moment, identifying the dogs as one of two connected Easter eggs in the episode, representing characters crucial to the future of Harrenhal.

"The three dogs, House Clegane for Gregor Clegane and the Black Goat for Vargo Hoat. Both characters who in the future hold Harrenhal. Daemon seeing the future?" they wrote.

Tweet may have been deleted

The three dogs represent the sigil for House Clegane, an image made for the unnamed founder of the Lannister-loyal house, who was the kennelmaster at Casterly Rock. The story goes, he and Lord Tytos Lannister were on a hunt when they encountered a lion, and three dogs died defending them (heroes!). For his pooch-assisted rescue, he was given a title and land to start his own house. Game of Thrones fans will recognise this house as that of Ser Gregor Clegane ("The Mountain") and his brother Sandor Clegane ("The Hound"). The violent, brutal Gregor in particular will become Castellan of Harrenhal down the track, so this question about Daemon seeing the future seems pretty spot-on. Especially because of the goat.

What does the black goat mean?

Earlier in the same scene in episode 4, Daemon is marching through the halls with Ser Simon Strong (Sir Simon Russell Beale), the current Castellan of Harrenhal, when he sees a black goat. It could represent Vargo Hoat, who, like Lionel Messi and Serena Williams but with none of their talent or decency, is referred to as The Goat.

A sword for hire, he betrays the Lannisters in exchange for Harrenhal in Game of Thrones. In the show, Vargo was replaced by the character Locke (Noah Taylor). He's the guy who cuts off Jaime Lannister's hand. Notably, in A Feast for Crows, Gregor Clegane chops off Vargo's limbs and serves them back to him as... roast goat. When we see the goat in House of the Dragon, as X user @erinwallaceyay points out, it's standing among several pieces of chopped wood. The dismemberment imagery isn't subtle.

Featured Video For You House of the Dragon Season 1: Everything you need to remember about Season 1 in 60 seconds

Both House Clegane and Vargo Hoat meet sticky ends associated with the Harrenhal curse, which Mashable's Belen Edwards has explained for you here. Daemon seeing images — whether real or imagined — of houses associated with grave misfortune can't be a good sign, as Daemon himself was told he'd meet his demise in the castle by the mysterious Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) on arrival.

There's even more animal sigil symbolism in the Harrenhal scenes, as @TheJoeMagician also points out; when Daemon first arrives at Harrenhal in episode 3, he's greeted by a cauldron of bats flying into the night. These nocturnal mammals could represent two Riverlands houses who later have control of Harrenhal one after the other. House Lothston's crest is one bat on gold and white, while House Whent is nine bats on gold.

So, Daemon is getting a bit of a subliminal future history lesson at Harrenhal, much like we're seeing in the House of the Dragon opening credits. But that's not all his vision means; luckily, we've got an entire explainer for that.

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

SAVE $30 + GET A FREE $15 TARGET GIFT CARD: Target Circle members can get the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ for just $99.99, down from the usual price of $129.99. That's a 20% discount, and the deal also comes with a free $15 Target gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ $99.99 at Target
$129.99 Save $30.00 Free $15 Target gift card with purchase Get Deal

You're not alone if you've been thinking about espresso all summer. That's partly thanks to Sabrina's Carpenter's hit song "Espresso," but it might also be that espresso goes hand in hand with summer mornings and afternoons spent lounging outside. If you're looking to add in some "me-espresso" to your morning routine, Target has a sweet deal today.

As of July 10, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is on sale at Target for $99.99 for Target Circle members, marked down from the usual price of $129.99. That's $30 off, or a 20% discount. On top of the sale price, the deal also tacks on a free $15 Target gift card. To grab this sale price and the free gift card, you'll want to sign up as a Target Circle member, which is free to join.

SEE ALSO: These are the best Target Circle Week deals for Apple AirPods

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ machine is all about versatility and convenience. Instead of fumbling around with measuring coffee grounds in the hazy early morning hours, let the Nespresso pod and machine do the work. The Vertuo Pop+ accepts Nespresso Vertuo coffee pods and can then produce five cup sizes, depending on your brewing preferences.

Pretend you're on a European holiday and sip a 1.4- or 2.7-ounce espresso pour, or go larger and opt for the 5-ounce size. If you're more of a cup-of-coffee person, choose from an 8- or 12-ounce cup. And if you're new to the world of Nespresso, the deal also throws in a capsule tasting pack, so you can try out a few options to choose your favorite.

The removable water tank sits on the side of the machine, making it more accessible to remove and refill than models where the tank is located on the back. The tank holds 25 ounces of water, so you won't have to constantly refill with each cup.

If you're not into drab kitchen colors, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ comes in some fun colorways like Mint, Pacific Blue, and Red — which can add a "pop" of color to your morning.

When it comes to sustainability, Nespresso Vertuo capsules are made of aluminum, and it's free to use Nespresso's recycling program.

Hurry to snag the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ from Target for just $99.99 and cash on the free $15 Target gift card that comes with your purchase.

SAVE 50%: Through July 18, sign up for a Walmart+ annual membership for just $49. That's $49 off the typical annual membership cost of $98.

Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart+ Walmart+ annual membership $49.00
$98.00 Save $49.00 Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Day is approaching, and Walmart's competing sale, Walmart Deals, is going on now. There are solid laptop, gaming, vacuum, and more deals to check out, and there are added benefits for Walmart+ members, which is the store's membership subscription. If you want to make the most of Walmart Deals instead of shopping at Amazon, a Walmart+ membership could be your ticket — and you can get one at a huge discount right now.

Through July 18, sign up for a Walmart+ annual membership for just $49. That's $49 off the typical annual membership cost of $98. This 50% discount means you can make the membership fee back in no time, saving money on exclusive member deals. The offer isn't available to members enrolled via Walmart+ Assist, or with InHome or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.

SEE ALSO: Six invite-only deals are live ahead of Prime Day 2024

The annual Walmart+ membership has a ton of perks, including free delivery on orders above $35, special prices on fuel at select stations, and access to mobile scan & go, which lets you scan items as you shop, saving you some time. You also get return pickups from home, benefits at Walmart Auto Care, and early access to discounts and major sales (like Black Friday and Cyber Monday), among other perks. It's a worthy alternative (or addition to) Amazon Prime, especially given this discounted pricing, which makes it $90 cheaper than Prime.

This year's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked continues the trend of big tech's current obsession: artificial intelligence. Samsung's 2024 iteration of Unpacked saw the South Korea-based tech giant introducing a slew of neat, albeit superficial, AI additions to the Galaxy ecosystem and its lineup of phones, rings, and things.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Unpacked 2024, including Samsung Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and more

So to save you some time, here are five of the most interesting Galaxy AI features that were announced at Unpacked 2024:

Portrait Studio

Sydney Sweeney made a surprise appearance to help Samsung show off Portrait Studio — a feature that makes AI-powered avatars from your selfies. This one might need some more time in the oven, but the idea is to add a fun way to spice up your selfies.

Credit: Samsung

It's not new in the world of generative AI, but the ability to do so on Samsung devices is meant to add convenience to users who are feeling a little creative. Simply upload a photo from your gallery and explore a variety of styles by clicking the pencil icon. Choose from options like comic, 3D character, watercolor, and sketch to personalize your selfies effortlessly.

Photo Ambient

The new Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a variety of customization options, including the AI-powered Photo Ambient feature. This feature allows your wallpaper to change in real time based on the time and weather. It ensures that your device's appearance is always dynamic and relevant to your environment.

Credit: Samsung

In addition to real-time wallpaper changes, Photo Ambient helps create a cohesive look for your device. It analyzes your wallpaper and suggests screen layout options, such as moving the clock and adjusting frame colors. This ensures that the background image remains prominent while your device maintains a unified aesthetic.

Interpreter Credit: Samsung

First introduced on the Galaxy S24, Galaxy AI's Interpreter feature is now optimized for foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip 6. In FlexMode, you can have real-time conversations with translations displayed on both the Cover Screen and Main Screen. In Conversation Mode, each person's language is shown on the screen visible to them, making face-to-face communication smoother.

Additionally, there's also a listening mode for when you're attending foreign language lectures or traveling abroad. This is meant to be paired with Galaxy Buds 3 for simultaneous audio translation, which can translate what you hear into text in real-time.

Energy Score Credit: Samsung

Energy Score, found on the likes of Samsung Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch Ultra, provides a clear picture of how your health impacts your daily life. Generated by Galaxy AI, this score evaluates your sleep, activity, sleeping heart rate, and heart rate variability. With these insights, you can focus on specific areas to improve your overall well-being.

Wellness Tips Credit: Samsung

Joining Energy Score is a new feature called Wellness Tips, which is driven by comprehensive data and individual interests. These tips cover various aspects of health, including sleep, exercise, and stress management, helping you make informed decisions to support your wellness journey.

GET $110 OFF: As of July 10, you can get the Shark (IX141) pet cordless stick vacuum for just $149.99, down from $259.99 at Amazon. That's 42% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark (IX141) pet cordless stick vacuum $149.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

If you’re a pet owner, you know how hard it is to keep a clean house. (I have two beagles and vacuum twice daily, and there’s still fur everywhere.) If you need something more powerful to tackle the relentless onslaught of pet hair, Amazon has some early Prime Day deals worth checking out.

Ahead of the big event, Amazon’s offering hefty discounts on select Shark brand vacuums and cleaning appliances, including the popular Shark (IX141) pet cordless stick vacuum (with XL dust cup). This model, which normally retails for $259.99, is currently on sale for $149.99 — a savings of $110, or 42%. The Shark website and Best Buy are matching the price, but Amazon offers free shipping for Prime members (so there’s that).

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Dyson: Which cordless vacuum should you get?

The Shark (IX141) pet cordless stick vacuum is lightweight, has a 40-minute runtime, and transforms into a handheld vacuum so you can clean the couch, stairs, and other tight spaces (it also comes with a crevice tool). Plus, the XL dust cup with CleanTouch Dirt Ejector makes it easy to empty without getting your hands dirty.

Grab this deal and make cleaning up after your pets that much easier.