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Funding for A.I. firms made up nearly half the $56 billion in U.S. start-up financing from April to June, according to PitchBook.

TL;DR: Through July 21, you can get Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows for just £15.77 (reg. £197.38).

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows £15.79 at the Mashable Shop
£197.40 Save £181.61 Get Deal

If you're someone who works with large or complex data sets, you don't have to go it alone. Microsoft Visio is a diagramming tool to help you visualise big data, and it's on sale right now.

Through July 21, you can get Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows for just £15.77 (reg. £197.38). This deal is only available to new users.

Visio helps users create a wide variety of diagrams, such as flowcharts, organisational charts, floor plans, network diagrams, and more. It is designed to simplify complex information using visual representations, making it easier to understand, communicate, and analyse data.

It offers a wide array of ready-made, customisable templates that make it easier to get started. You can also choose from 250,000 shapes and generate org charts from data sources such as Excel, Exchange, and Microsoft Entra ID.

One of Visio Pro 2021's more popular features is its ability to link diagrams to real-time data. This allows you to visualise data dynamically, making information easier to understand and act upon. By connecting diagrams to live data sources, you can gain valuable insights and make better-informed decisions quickly.

This program also gives you template options to help brainstorm ideas via visualising problems and mapping possible solutions.

Get Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows for £15.77 (reg. £197.38) through July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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 1'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: No wrong answers

• Green: Easy Pieces

• Blue: Not fake

• Purple: "Stage," "enact," and "toss" are all synonyms for...

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: DEVELOP, AS IDEAS

• Green: KINDS OF CAKE

• Blue: TANGIBLE

• Purple: THINGS YOU CAN THROW IN METAPHORS 

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 Connections #388 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• DEVELOP, AS IDEAS - BRAINSTORM, IDEATE, SPITBALL, WORKSHOP

• KINDS OF CAKE - BIRTHDAY, CRUMB, MARBLE, POUND

• TANGIBLE - CONCRETE, MATERIAL, REAL, SOLID

• THINGS YOU CAN THROW IN METAPHORS - CURVEBALL, PARTY, TANTRUM, WRENCH 

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.

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 June 29'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:

Inner leg.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

H appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

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 Wordle #1110 is...

THIGH.

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.

Beverly Hills Cop 4 is a terrible idea on paper. Sure, the 1984 action-comedy and its sequel Beverly Hills Cop II were massive hits, proving Saturday Night Live's Eddie Murphy had made the leap to leading man. But 1994's Beverly Hills Cop III was a flop with critics and audiences, effectively knocking the franchise out of commission for 30 years. On top of that, the funny franchise's conceit is now potentially problematic: A cocky cop solves crime while cracking rude jokes and breaking all the rules. With countless news headlines about police brutality and insensitivity, how do you bring back Axel Foley for a modern audience? Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is how. 

I myself was deeply dubious about the possibility of a Beverly Hills Cop 4 being anything but groan-inducing. So, it is with great pleasure that I tell you I was wrong, and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is outstanding. 

Eddie Murphy is as good as ever as Axel Foley.  Credit: Melinda Sue Gordon / Netflix

Axel still knows how to outfox crooks and land a punchline. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F proves this efficiently with a rousing opening sequence at a hockey arena. Sitting with a white colleague, Axel talks hockey with the irreverent jokes that play to his signature speedy patter. The difference here is that this Axel only punches up, mocking white fragility instead of employing tired stereotypes. Rather than feeling like a compromise in fear of so-called cancel culture, these jokes support the undercurrent of his journey. Axel has always pushed back on power structures, be it wealthy white men who felt they were above the law or police commissioners who felt public relations was more important than public safety. So it makes sense that as he grows older, his humor grows toward bolstering this previously established ideology. 

Screenwriters Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten set up the pins with this sharp self-awareness, and Murphy knocks them down with the brute force of that trademark smile and expert comedic timing. Five minutes into Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, I was already grinning ear to ear, and there hadn't even been any action yet. Incredibly, the screenwriters have a sophisticated strategy for this too. 

In many action movies featuring aging stars, awkward cuts are employed to avoid showing how their bodies or their mobility may have changed, but Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is too smart to be slowed down. The 63-year-old Murphy isn't going to be running around like he did three decades ago, so the screenwriters came up with a clever and comedic accommodation: commandeering increasingly ridiculous vehicles. Axel leaps from snow plows to meter maid trolleys to helicopters, and each setup isn't a dodge but an opportunity for visual gags — like being maced by a meter maid. Plus, each of these choices reaffirms how Axel still thinks on his feet. Lucky for us, Murphy's not the only one radiant in their return. 

Axel F reunites us with Paul Reiser, John Ashton, Judge Reinhold, and Bronson Pinchot.  Credit: Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix

The premise of this fourth installment follows a familiar framework: An unsolved crime puts one of Axel's loved ones in trouble, pulling him to Beverly Hills to investigate on his own. This cozy setup allows for Reiser, Ashton, and Reinhold to reprise their role as Axel's embattled cop buddies. The former two have risen through the ranks and are now the desk-bound blowhards Axel rails against. Meanwhile, Billy (Reinhold) is a private detective who is chasing a lead that leads to him going missing. 

The nostalgic thrill of seeing this band back together is undeniable. Ashton is once more gruff but lovable, Reinhold sweet with a twang of chaos, and Reiser practically radiates with a tooth-gritting affection, even as Axel gives him hell. But the return that had me literally squealing with excitement is Bronson Pinchot as Serge. The unexpected breakout character has grown to be more than a cheap gag about a certain brand of flamboyant LA man. 

Director Mark Molloy has laced in terrific montages that deftly establish the luxurious lunacy of Los Angeles, including a pearl-wearing dog being hand-fed sushi at an outdoor eatery. But Serge is a celebration of all this absurdity rolled into one loud, beloved package with plenty of panache. Pinchot's inexplicable accent and crackling comedic chemistry with Murphy makes for one of the movie's funniest sequences, aided by Nasim Pedrad as an over-sharing real estate agent. Here, the energy in a garish mansion has a spontaneity that turns the silly scene into a tennis match, with jokes coming so hard and fast you might be left breathless from laughing. But Pedrad is not the only new addition making her mark on Axel F. 

Taylour Paige and Joseph Gordon-Levitt ground Axel F's crucial dramatic arc.  Credit: Melinda Sue Gordon / Netflix

Amazingly, what sets this fourth movie apart is a plotline that sounds achingly cliche: Axel comes to the aid of his grown child, who is facing deadly criminal forces in pursuit of justice. But far from some sloppy attempt to hand the franchise off to a younger generation, the screenwriters introduce Jane (Taylour Paige), Axel's defense attorney daughter who is working pro-bono for an alleged "cop-killer." The tension between this cop dad and his public defender daughter often runs at a high pitch — a weakness that's played like a fiddle by Axel's antagonist, a slick and snarling LA cop (Kevin Bacon). But what's most moving about this is not their ideological differences but the father-daughter frustrations that are almost achingly common. 

Where Axel might be the best when it comes to finding clues, he's clueless with how to reconnect to his estranged daughter. Instead of playing her role as a pale imitation of Murphy's iconic character, Paige lays out a headstrong heroine of her own — one whose soft spot is her dad. Arguments over who's to blame for the distance between them are charged in authenticity, recognizing not only the careless ways family members can wound each other but also the difference in how millennials and their boomer parents communicate about feelings. Where Axel is quick with a joke, Jane is unblinkingly direct, as is her ex-boyfriend, a young detective (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who calls Axel out with a firm yet empathetic tone. 

Where the villain of this movie will snark about how the "current landscape" is a place where you can't say anything anymore, these characters all prove it's not what you say but how you say it that matters. And it's frankly exhilarating to see a comedy nail this distinction while still being incredibly funny. Better yet, these new kids on the block aren't treated as finger-wagging nags in regards to the movie's action or comedy. While they often play the straight man to Axel, Paige and Gordon-Levitt shine alongside him, whether glowering at an enemy or giving a sheepish reaction that is laugh-out-loud funny. 

All this comes together piece by piece, forming a cleverly constructed sequel that manages to plumb the best bits of the original trilogy while working in new elements that give it renewed life and relevance. Even the soundtrack does this, mixing in classic rock tracks like "The Heat Is On" and "Shakedown" with newer jams like Coi Leray's "Players" and Lil Nas X's movie theme "Here We Go!" The combination of all this makes for a movie that is classically fun but freshly exciting. 

In the end, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F isn't just a great sequel, or an awesome action-comedy, it might just be the most entertaining movie of the year. If you can see it in a theater, do it. If you — like most of us — watch it at home, turn up the volume, so that theme song swallows you up and welcomes you back to the world of Axel Foley and friends. 

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F premieres on Netflix July 3 and in limited theaters.

When Chet Hanks first used the phrase “white boy summer,” it seemed to be done ironically. Now it has been appropriated around the world by white supremacists and other hate groups.

Did you purchase a MacBook with the defective butterfly keyboard between the years 2015 and 2019?

If so, you may finally be getting a payout from Apple.

As first noticed by MacRumors, the website for the MacBook Keyboard Litigation Settlement has finally been updated with news that the court issued a payment order last week.

"Payments will be issued for approved claims by August 2024," the updated statement said.

Apple's butterfly keyboard settlement

In 2022, Apple agreed to a $50 million settlement as part of a class action lawsuit over its faulty butterfly keyboard design that it built into MacBooks from 2015 to 2019. 

MacBook owners with butterfly keyboards experienced issues that required keycap replacements, keyboard deck repairs, and sometimes even full keyboard replacement. Apple responded by launching a repair program in 2018, but this didn't fix the issue entirely. Some MacBook owners found themselves repeatedly returning to Apple for repairs.

As part of the settlement, eligible MacBook owners will be receiving up to $50 if they had a keycap replacement, up to $125 if they had a keyboard deck repair, and up to a maximum of $395 if they had at least two keyboard deck replacements from Apple.

To be eligible, consumers must have filed a claim by March of last year. Unfortunately, if you were the owner of a MacBook with a butterfly keyboard, and did not file a claim in 2023, the deadline has passed.

The court approved the settlement in May 2023. It's unclear why it has taken until August 2024 to send out payments. Still, those who experienced the dreaded butterfly keyboard can breathe a sigh of relief knowing a payment is on the way to compensate them for their troubles.

A European Commission (EU) investigation is spelling bad news for Facebook and Instagram.

The EU has notified Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, that its "pay or consent" personalized advertising model violates the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

"Our investigation aims to ensure contestability in markets where gatekeepers like Meta have been accumulating personal data of millions of EU citizens over many years," said the European Commission's Margrethe Vestager in a statement on Monday. "Our preliminary view is that Meta’s advertising model fails to comply with the Digital Markets Act. And we want to empower citizens to be able to take control over their own data and choose a less personalized ads experience."

The EU now puts the ball in Meta's court. The social media giant now has the right to mount a defense to the findings and send a reply to the EU as the investigation continues. As per the law, the EU must conclude the DMA investigation within 12 months of the date, which started on March 25, 2024.

If the investigation finds that Meta was in non-compliance with the DMA, the Commission can fine Facebook and Instagram's parent company a whopping 10 percent of its total worldwide turnover.

Meta's "pay or consent" model

In March, Mashable reported about a number of EU investigations into Big Tech companies to determine their compliance with the newly enacted DMA. The DMA basically forces "gatekeeper" companies to open up their platforms to third-parties in order to spur competition.

One of those investigations was into Meta for its "pay or consent" model implemented on Facebook and Instagram.

Gatekeeper companies must receive consent from its users in the EU when sharing user data between their core platforms. This means that if Meta wants to share a Facebook or Instagram user's account data so that it can serve personalized ads, it must get explicit permission to do so. Just entering their account details on a social media platform does not give the company consent for the secondary use of that user's data via another one of its platforms.

However, Meta has run its business under the belief that the "pay or consent" model adheres to the DMA rules. Basically, Meta argues that the company offers a paid subscription to users on Facebook and Instagram, which provides an ad-free experience. If a user does not subscribe to its paid offering, according to Meta, then they have chosen to consent to their data being used for advertising purposes.

The European Commission's preliminary findings have determined that Meta's "pay or consent" model does not comply with the DMA.

"Under Article 5(2) of the DMA, gatekeepers must seek users' consent for combining their personal data between designated core platform services and other services, and if a user refuses such consent, they should have access to a less personalized but equivalent alternative," the EU's statement said. "Gatekeepers cannot make use of the service or certain functionalities conditional on users' consent."

To be clear, the EU is saying that Facebook and Instagram cannot serve personalized ads to a user, even if they aren't a paying subscriber to the platforms, unless they have received consent from that user.

It will be interesting to see Meta's response to the EU's findings. If the final investigation rules against the company, it must comply with the DMA or face even further fines, which can climb to as much as 20 percent of total global turnover for repeated infringement. According to the Commission, "systemic non-compliance" can lead to further actions, including banning the gatekeeper company from acquisitions or requiring it to sell all or part of its business.

Netflix subscribers clinging on to the streaming service's cheapest ad-free plan will need to upgrade or lose access to their favorite movies and TV shows.

Social media users subscribed to Netflix's since-discontinued "Basic" plan are being told that their subscriptions will end — unless they move to a new plan. 

Reddit

"Your last day to watch Netflix is July 13th," reads a on-screen message displayed to Netflix's Basic subscribers. "Choose a new plan to keep watching.”

The message goes on to tell users that the Basic plan has been discontinued and that new plans start at $5.99. The Verge first noticed the uptick in users on Reddit sharing posts regarding Netflix's prompts about their subscription.

The end of Netflix's Basic subscription

Mashable previously reported last year about Netflix sunsetting its cheapest ad-free tier.

In June 2024, Netflix tested out removing the Basic subscription option in the UK and Canada. Netflix then removed the Basic tier from the U.S. offerings last July.

At the time, Netflix allowed users who were already subscribed to the $9.99 per month Basic plan to keep their subscription as long as they did not cancel nor let it lapse. The Basic option provided users with the least costly ad-free experience, provided they only use the service on one device at a time.

In October, Netflix hiked prices across the board, including for users who were still subscribed to the grandfathered Basic plan. At $11.99, the Basic plan still provided the cheapest ad-free Netflix experience.

Earlier this year, Netflix did warn that it was planning on ending the Basic plan for even grandfathered subscribers, starting with those in the UK and Canada. It seems that Netflix is now finally ready to pull the plug on the Basic subscription entirely.

Those looking to save money will have to settle for the ad-supported version of Netflix, which costs $6.99 per month. The lowest-priced ad-free tier is the $15.49 per month Standard plan.

Biden administration officials hope the money will help propel technological innovation in areas that have historically received less government funding.

Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner, and in usual Prime Day fashion, the savings are already starting to trickle in. Lots of deals are ready to shop as we speak, especially when it comes to Apple's beloved MacBooks (including the new M3 models).

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner — here's how to find the best deals

Below, we've put together a list of all the early Prime Day MacBook deals that you can scoop up right now. We expect these prices to get even lower, but if you need one as soon as possible, you can still save up to $220.

Best early Prime Day MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3) $1,299.00 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch M3 Apple MacBook Air.

Apple's latest iteration of the MacBook Air is undeniably the best version of the portable powerhouse we've seen to date. Equipped with the new M3 chip, the Air has never been faster, and can tackle demanding tasks with ease (great news for those of us who constantly have one million tabs open). The M3 Air also adds in support for up to two external monitors, as well as WiFi 6E. Pick one up ahead of Prime Day and save $100.

More early Prime Day MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (Apple M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849 $999 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $999 $1,099 (save $100)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,449 $1,599 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (Apple M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,779 $1,999 (save $220)

A favorite of early personal computer users, his company was eventually overtaken by Microsoft Word. He later came out as gay and became an L.G.B.T.Q. activist.

Self-care looks different for everyone, so it can be a little difficult to find just the right gift for someone with this goal in mind. There is no one-size-fits-all here.

As with any type of present, keep your recipient's specific priorities and interests in mind as you search. If they're into art, you might get them an art kit or coloring book. Or maybe they're a dedicated homebody and would prefer an air purifier, essential oil diffuser, or plant.

We've found more than 40 gifts ideal for anyone into self-care, whether that's your boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, dad, or anyone else on your list. (Hey, it could even be yourself. That's the beauty of self-care, baby.)

Best AirTag deals Best AirTag 1-pack deal Apple AirTag $24.99 at Amazon (Save $4.01) Get Deal Best AirTag 4-pack deal Apple AirTag, 4-pack $79.99 at Walmart (Save $19.01) Get Deal

Apple AirTags have benefitted from quite the flattering news cycle recently. And while you might not be looking to crack a case of theft, AirTags still help you find your belongings. Attach them to your keys, wallet, or anything else you might frequently misplace, and you can see their location on the Find My app.

Ahead of Prime Day 2024, which runs July 16 and 17, we're keeping our eyes peeled for the best tech deals, and that includes AirTags. Amazon is selling singular AirTags at a 14% discount ahead of Prime Day, but the best deal comes from a different retailer. Get a jumpstart on AirTag deals now.

Best AirTag 1-pack deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Best AirTag 1-pack deal $24.99 at Amazon
$29.00 Save $4.01 Get Deal Why we like it

AirTags sell as singles or in packs of four. Not sure if you're ready to commit to a pack? Dip your toes in with a singular AirTag, currently marked down at Amazon. Normally priced at $29, they're on sale for $24.99, saving you $4.01. This is the lowest recorded price for AirTags on Amazon, however, we're eager to see if they drop further come Prime Day.

Best AirTag 4-pack deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag, 4-pack $79.99 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $19.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The most affordable way to shop AirTags is to purchase them in a pack of four, which has an MSRP of $99, making each one $24.75 — cheaper than when you purchase them individually. However, right now you can find them for $79.99 at Walmart. Historically, we've seen the best price on AirTag packs at Amazon; back in April they dropped down to its lowest price of $74.99. However, ahead of Prime Day, we're not mad about this deal at Walmart, which saves you $19.01.

Haliey Welch, a.k.a. Hawk Tuah Girl, did her first big interview on the Plan Bri podcast. It seemed to go well, and she was pretty funny.

UPDATE: Jul. 2, 2024, 1:00 p.m. EDT This list has been updated with the few Roomba deals live at Amazon in the first week of July. It will be updated accordingly as Amazon inevitably releases more Roomba deals leading up to Prime Day.

The tea that is the failed acquisition of iRobot by Amazon must not have been too scalding, because Amazon still has a soft spot for Roomba deals.

On and off throughout the year, Amazon drops prices on top Roombas (among other competitive robot vacuums) by up to 50%, whether that's during a shopping holiday like Black Friday or during a random week.

SEE ALSO: How to choose a robot vacuum in 2024: Consider these 5 features before buying

Prime Day certainly isn't random, though Amazon is quiet on the Roomba front so far this Prime season after dropping a ton of Roomba prices in June. But if they're willing to do that just for the sake of it, we're likely in for a flood of Prime Day Roomba deals ahead of actual Prime Day (July 16 and 17). The iRobot fleet will likely severely outshine the measly deal or two on Shark robot vacuums.

Specifically, our eyes will be peeled for potential 50% off discounts to match the 50% slash we've been seeing on the Roomba j7, and hopefully a drop below $900 for the Roomba Combo j9+. As soon as any of those drop, we'll refresh this list. While a handful of mediocre Roomba deals are live now, we'll only be highlighting the ones worth your time.

Best Roomba deals at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba j7 $379.00 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $220.99 Get Deal Why we like it

It's not the 50% price cut we've seen on and off for the past few months, so hold tight. But on the off chance that you absolutely need this Roomba in your life immediately, the current 37% discount on the Roomba j7 is still pretty good, considering its smarts.

Even without mopping or self-emptying capabilities, the Roomba j7 is still one of the most solid Roombas — and robot vacuums in general — that you could bring home, and that's all due to small obstacle avoidance. On top of room-to-room smart mapping, any j series Roomba steers clear of things like phone chargers, pet waste, and socks.

More Roombas on sale at Amazon

• iRobot Roomba i4 — $249 $399.99 (save $150.99)

We'll drop more Roomba deals at Amazon here when we find any that are actually noteworthy.

We've been begging for a pink iPhone for years around here, but Google may have just lapped Apple in that regard.

Of course, that's only if you believe in video leaks. This latest one comes courtesy of @habibioud on X, who posted a 13-second clip purporting to show the upcoming Google Pixel 9. Seeing a not-yet-announced device is always exciting, but this time, it's especially so because of the alleged Pixel 9's vibrant hot pink colorway.

SEE ALSO: Is iOS 18 available for iPhone 11? Tweet may have been deleted

There's no knowing if the clip is real until Google's Aug. 13 event where the Pixel 9 is widely expected to be revealed. However, the video is convincing, especially since the phone shown in the clip bears some similarities to modern Pixels, but with a glossier back and a slightly different horizontal camera bar on the rear. In other words, it looks like an incremental evolution of the Pixel 8, so it may well be real.

Let's all hope this is real so Apple finally has the guts to do the right thing.

Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner, and in usual Prime Day fashion, the savings are already starting to trickle in. Lots of deals are ready to shop as we speak, especially when it comes to Apple's beloved MacBooks (including the new M3 models).

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner — here's how to find the best deals

Below, we've put together a list of all the early Prime Day MacBook deals that you can scoop up right now. We expect these prices to get even lower, but if you need one as soon as possible, you can still save up to $220.

Best early Prime Day MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3) $1,299.00 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch M3 Apple MacBook Air.

Apple's latest iteration of the MacBook Air is undeniably the best version of the portable powerhouse we've seen to date. Equipped with the new M3 chip, the Air has never been faster, and can tackle demanding tasks with ease (great news for those of us who constantly have one million tabs open). The M3 Air also adds in support for up to two external monitors, as well as WiFi 6E. Pick one up ahead of Prime Day and save $100.

More early Prime Day MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (Apple M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849 $999 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $999 $1,099 (save $100)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,449 $1,599 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (Apple M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,779 $1,999 (save $220)

The UK General Election is set to take place this week, and there's an exciting digital partnership playing to election content: Roblox and the BBC.

The BBC is bringing Larry the Downing Street Cat — iconic Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office and pet-in-residence at the official home of the UK Prime Minister — to Roblox for this election.

Larry, along with digital avatars of BBC presenters like Laura Kuenssberg, Clive Myrie, and Jeremy Vine, will appear in a game that requires players to track down ballot boxes outside 10 Downing Street. If you find enough boxes, Larry will become your pet (whether or not you share Larry with the PM is unclear). While playing, Roblox users will also be shown facts about UK elections.

SEE ALSO: The world of Roblox accessories is betting big on young, Black creators

The game will be a part of the BBC’s Wonder Chase experience, which has been around on Roblox since April of this year. Wonder Chase, a free experience on Roblox, features a range of areas dedicated to BBC shows like Doctor Who, EastEnders, and The Next Step.

"I’ve never imagined being a gaming character before," says Kuenssberg, long-time political presenter at the BBC, "but like never before, in 2024 the BBC’s coverage of the election really IS getting everywhere." Fiona Campbell, controller of youth audience for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer says that the game is "an engaging and fun way to learn more about the country’s election whilst interacting with our top political experts."

The UK's General Election will take place on July 4, with millions of people in the country headed to the polls to vote despite "mass apathy" towards the presiding political parties.

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Amazon 75-inch Omni Fire TV $699.99 at Amazon (save $350) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet with wireless charging dock $84.99 at Amazon (save $84.99) Get Deal BEST VACUUM DEAL Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus Cordless Handheld Vacuum $69.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal BEST SECURITY DEAL Blink Outdoor 4 (4th gen) 4-camera system $132.99 at Amazon (save $207) Get Deal BEST LAPTOP DEAL Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 7 Ultra Processor , 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal

Amazon has already hit send on some of the biggest price drops of the year. Between its 4th of July sale and early Prime Day savings, the deals are overflowing this week. On July 2, we're seeing record-low prices on Fire devices, Blink cameras, and more. There's really no need to wait for Prime Day if you're in the mood to do some deal shopping.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Be sure to check back at our deals from July 1 — many of those are still live. Then come back tomorrow for all-new picks.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 75-inch Omni Fire TV $699.99 at Amazon
$1,049.99 Save $350.00 with Prime Get Deal

If you're in the market for a new TV and you're a Prime member, you can snag a 75-inch Omni Fire TV for only $699.99 ahead of Prime Day. That's 33% in savings and its lowest price on record. As the second-best TV in Amazon's lineup, the Omni offers 4K everyday entertainment, hands-free Alexa control, Dolby Vision, Dolby Digital Plus, and a slimmer bezel for the ultimate home theater experience. It even comes with a six-month subscription to MGM+.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet with wireless charging dock $84.99 at Amazon
$169.98 Save $84.99 Get Deal

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is a solid option if you're looking for a basic tablet that won't break the bank. As PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) wrote in its review of the tablet, "It won't wow you, but it doesn't need to." It'll last up to 13 hours on a single charge, offers USB-C charging support, and features a strengthened aluminosilicate glass display and hexa-core processor (which is 30% faster than the previous model). The Plus model also adds an extra gigabyte of RAM, improves its rear camera from 2 to 5MP, and supports wireless charging. With this bundle, you'll get both the tablet and wireless charging dock, which allows you to set it up as a countertop smart display in Show Mode. As of July 2, the bundle is down to just $84.99 — that's a savings of 50% and a new record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus Cordless Handheld Vacuum $69.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

In your battle against pet hair, you're going to need quite a few weapons in your arsenal. The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus makes a good addition, as its cordless, lightweight design makes it a breeze to slide into hard-to-reach places. It features two ultra-powerful cyclonic air streams for intense suction, plus a detachable self-cleaning Pet Power Brush that eliminates hair wrap from the floor, upholstery, and the brushroll itself. It's usually $89.99, but you can save 22% and pick it up for $69.99 as of July 2. That's just $2 away from its all-time low.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Outdoor 4 (4th gen) 4-camera system $132.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $207.00 with Prime Get Deal

One of our top picks for a security camera, the Blink Outdoor 4 is an affordable home addition for pet owners, frequent travelers, or just about any homeowner or renter looking to keep an eye on things that go bump in the night. Its battery life is hard to beat — just pop in some AAs and you won't have to worry about changing them for two whole years. The fourth-generation Blink Outdoor also works seamlessly with other Alexa-enabled devices, comes with customizable motion zones without the need for a subscription (although, a Blink subscription will unlock even more features), and features 1080p HD live view, infrared night vision, and crisp two-way audio. A four-pack is usually $339.99, but you can save 61% ahead of Prime Day and snag it for only $132.99 with Prime — practically a steal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 7 Ultra Processor , 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,449.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Released in February this year, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is back down to its record-low price of $1,149.99. That's $300 off the 14-inch model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. It's a traditional clamshell-style laptop with all the bells and whistles — an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU with Intel Arc Graphics, a 3K AMOLED touchscreen, AKG Quad speakers, a new Knox security chip, and 18 hours of battery life per charge. Plus, it only weighs 2.71 pounds.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.