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Shop the best deals on security cameras and video doorbells during Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 08:25
The best Prime Day deals on security cameras and video doorbells Best security camera system deal Blink Outdoor 4 (4th generation) five camera system $159.99 at Amazon (Save $240) Get Deal Best video doorbell deal Blink video doorbell and outdoor security cameras $119.99 at Amazon (Save $199.99) Get Deal Best security camera deal Eufy SoloCam S220 solar security camera $69.99 at Amazon (Save $60) Get Deal

The sheer number of deals on Prime Day is overwhelming. We've gathered over 150 deals across Amazon, many of which are on products at their lowest price ever. The sales are spread across all categories, including home security and video doorbells.

If you're looking to equip your home with some extra eyes and ears, now is the time. During Prime Day, you can find major deals up to 63% off for hundreds of dollars in savings. But not all security systems are created equal.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Prime Day 2024, according to our team of professional deal hunters

In this roundup of deals you won't find products from Ring or Wyze. Ring has a long history of exploiting user data, so much so that the FTC announced customers can now receive a settlement. Plus Wyze has faced numerous security breaches that have effected 13,00 customers. Both of these companies have products on sale this Prime Day, but we do not recommend purchasing.

Instead look to these deals on home security.

Best security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Outdoor 4 (4th generation) five camera system $159.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $240.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras give you extra peace of mind when you're away from home. With two-way audio, HD viewing, and enhanced motion detection, these cameras alert you to expected movements around your home. During Prime Day, look to this unbeatable deal on Blink's five camera system. Typically $399.99, you'll find 63% savings knocking the price all the way down to $159.99. This is the bundles lowest price ever, serving up $240 off.

More security camera and video doorbell deals

The best Prime Day soundbar deals we could find

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 08:00
Our top picks for the best Prime Day soundbar deals: Best Sony deal Sony S100F soundbar $98 at Amazon (save $31.99) Get Deal Best Bose deal Bose TV Speaker $179 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best JBL deal JBL Bar 500 $399.95 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal

It’s Prime Day 2, and the deals are still rolling in (until 11:59 p.m. PT or 2:59 a.m. ET tomorrow morning). From laptops to TVs, Amazon’s mega-sales event has enough deals to turn any mediocre home entertainment setup into a next-level audio experience that’ll make the neighbors green with envy.

SEE ALSO: 250+ Prime Day deals our shopping experts have deemed worth it: Save on Apple, Echo devices, TVs, headphones, and more

One category that stood out this year is Amazon’s wide selection of discounted soundbars, with some of the most popular models hitting all-time low prices. So, if you’re looking for a soundbar, now’s probably the best time to buy one.

Here are our top picks for the best Prime Day soundbar deals:

Best Sony deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Our pick: Sony S100F soundbar $98.00 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $31.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony S100F soundbar is a budget-friendly option that’s easy to set up and delivers impressive sound for its size. It's a 2.0-channel soundbar with a compact design that fits neatly under most TVs. With a built-in tweeter, Bass Reflex speaker, and Bluetooth connectivity to stream your faves from your smartphone, the S100F packs an affordable punch at just $98.

This soundbar also includes a 90-day free trial of Amazon Music Unlimited to get you started. (Renewal subscription fees apply after the trial ends.)

Best Bose deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Our pick: Bose TV Speaker $179.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Bose TV Speaker is pretty basic as far as soundbars go, but it gets the job done. (More than 11K reviews on Amazon can’t be wrong.) Two angled full-range drivers and an enhanced dialogue feature make it a great option for anyone who’s unimpressed by their TV's built-in speakers.

It also features Bluetooth connectivity and HDMI, optical, and AUX inputs, so you can connect up to three devices. At Just $179, which is the lowest price we’ve seen on this soundbar to date, it’s a solid option from a trusted brand.

Best JBL deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL Our pick: JBL Bar 500 $399.95 at Amazon
$599.95 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This soundbar roundup wouldn’t be complete without at least one JBL recommendation. The JBL Bar 500 is a 5.1-channel soundbar with Dolby Atmos MultiBeam surround sound, built-in WiFi with AirPlay, Chromecast, and voice control capabilities, and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer for deep, booming bass.

Usually, this feature-packed setup would set you back a couple hundred (or more), but you can snag it right now for $399.95 — $200 off the original price and a mere $20 above its all-time low.

More Prime Day soundbar deals

I went through all of the Prime Day tech deals and these 5 are the best

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 07:43

Amazon Prime Day is big. It's humongous. It's preposterously huge. You get the picture: There's a bajillion deals out there, and even if you follow our very, very in-depth coverage (check our live blog here, and our super-duper mega-list of deals here), you may end up feeling lost as there's just too many deals to cover.

While you're sitting there and pondering whether you really need that bonsai tree trimmer, let me offer a different approach: Here are five deals that are really worth it.

Wait, why would you listen to me? Good question. Well, I kinda look at tech each day, every day. I buy tons of gadgets, and companies often send me even more gadgets to look at. And yeah, I'm aware that everyone has different needs and wants when it comes to electronic devices, gizmos, and gadgets of all kinds. But sometimes, just sometimes, there just happens to be a moment in which you find a really good thingamajig at a really good price and go to yourself: Damn, this is probably worth buying.

So when the Shopping team at Mashable asked me to dig into their giant bag of deals and pick the best five, that's what I was looking for.

Without further ado, here's what I found.

Apple AirPods Max Apple AirPods Max Credit: Apple

Look, I don't even need the AirPods Max. I've got at least five pairs of headphones at home, and probably another pair or two that I've lost. And honestly, I don't like the look of that Smart Case the AirPods Max comes with. It looks weird. What's up with that, Apple?

However, the AirPods Max are stupidly comfy, they sound amazing, look good, and play nice with Apple gadgetry, which is a big deal as not all of my other wireless headphones are as easy to connect with (or switch between) my Apple devices.

This year, you can get the AirPods Max for $394.99, a full 28% off the regular, $550 price. I don't remember seeing them this cheap, ever. Even better, they're available at this price in all of the five different colors they come in: Green, Pink, Silver, Sky Blue, and Space Gray.

Most of all, I think this is a good deal because the AirPods Max are something that I wouldn't normally buy. The AirPods Pro deal ($168.99 right now, down from $249) is nice, but I already have a pair and honestly, if I lost them, I'd buy a new pair no matter what. But purchasing the AirPods Max, at a big discount, is something that would raise my dopamine to levels unseen since...my last impulse online purchase. That means in years. Yes, years. OK, months. Weeks? Please don't judge me.

Apple AirPods Max $394.99 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $154.01 Get Deal Amazon Kindle Scribe Amazon Kindle Scribe Credit: Amazon

When people ask me which Kindle they should get, I say: Just get the Kindle Paperwhite. And I do mean it: As an e-book reader, it's a no-nonsense buy with all the features you need and Amazon's massive library behind it.

This year, however, the deals on Kindles are...not great (the Paperwhite is $15 off, and can be had for $134.99). Except for one: the Kindle Scribe.

The Kindle Scribe, if you're not familiar with it, is the Kindle that lets you take notes with a digital pen (included), and convert handwritten notes to text. Does everyone need one? Absolutely not. But if you're eager to try it out to see if it fits, this is the moment, as Amazon has reduced its price from $339.99 down to $234.99, a 31% discount.

For your money, you get the device itself, in all its 10.2-inch glory (the display is a 300 ppi Paperwhite), with 16GB of storage, and a Basic Pen. More than enough to start you on your reading/note-taking journey.

Amazon Kindle Scribe $234.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $105.00 Get Deal Samsung 75-inch QN85C QLED 4K TV Samsung Neo QLED QN85C 4K TV Credit: Samsung

You know what they say about TVs: They're never too big. No, seriously. Never. Even if it doesn't fit on your living room wall. Get a bigger living room wall. But I digress. Say you want to go big this year, and finally get that 75-inch TV to wow your friends and neighbors, and possibly annoy your significant other who wants your living room wall to be something else than just a giant TV.

The one to get this Prime Day is Samsung's 75-inch QN85C QLED monster. It's a clean $1,000 off, and costs $1,497.99 right now. That's manageable territory at under 20 bucks per inch.

I'll admit this much: I have not tried this particular TV out for myself. But it's got good reviews, and the "QN85C" marking places it roughly in the middle of Samsung's QLED TV range, and the N in particular means it's a NEO QLED, which has a brighter, more vibrant image than regular QLEDs. Are there better TVs out there? Yeah, but it'll be hard to find one at this price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 75-inch QN85C QLED 4K TV $1,497.99
$2,497.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 Credit: Ultimate Ears

Aside from phones, people most often ask me which portable speaker to buy. There's something about the portable speaker that makes it the perfect gadget to own even if you're not into gadgets. Going camping? Grab a speaker. Travelling basically anywhere? You might need a speaker. Pool party? Waterproof speaker.

A long time ago I bought an Ultimate Ears Megaboom, and it was perfect. It's waterproof, sounds great wherever you put it, and the battery lasts long enough for any party.

Then I sold it and got a different portable speaker. Then another one, and another one. And you know what? I still wish I had that old Megaboom. These other speakers may sound better in certain scenarios, or perhaps they look flashier, or have more features. But the Megaboom is just perfectly sized and so darn simple to use, that it remains my recommended portable speaker to this day.

You can get the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 for $129.99 (a $70 discount) during Prime Day. Alternatively, get the Boom 3 — it's not as loud, but it's easier to lug around while still sounding pretty great. It can be had for $100.99 this Prime Day (a $49 discount).

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Night Black, Large) $199.99 at Amazon
Get Deal Apple Watch SE (40mm) Apple Watch SE Credit: Apple

What can I say, I'm a sucker for Apple gear. But this is an entirely different type of purchase than the aforementioned AirPods Max. Just like the AirPods Max, the Apple Watch SE (40mm) can be had at an all-time-low price of $169.99 this Prime Day (that's down from $249).

But this is not something you buy to satisfy your urge for owning shiny objects. This is a "is this for me?" type of purchase. Sitting at the bottom of Apple's Watch lineup, the SE is the entry-level smartwatch, an ideal buy for someone who's not really sure they need one, and also someone who doesn't want to spend a ton of money on it.

Frankly, the regular asking price is (in typical Apple fashion) just slightly over what I feel most people would give for a device like that. Now that it's discounted all the way down $169.99, though, perhaps it's time to go for it.

For the price, you get a surprisingly capable smartwatch with a fitness and sleep tracker, a heart rate monitor, voice control, and a few Apple specials like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS. You won't be able to get it in all colors at this price, and it seems to be selling out fast, so don't @ us if it's no longer available by the time you get to it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE ¤169.99 at Amazon
¤249.00 Save ¤79.01 Get Deal

These five products are cheaper on Prime Day than they were on Black Friday

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 07:27
5 products cheaper this Prime Day than Black Friday Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort headphones $229 at Amazon (Save $120) Get Deal Best speaker deal Bose SoundLink Flex speaker $99 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal Best tech deal HP Envy Inspire 7958e all-in-one color printer $99.99 at Amazon (Save $90) Get Deal Best wearable tech deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 smartwatch $159.99 at Amazon (Save $140) Get Deal Best home deal SodaStream Art sparkling water bundle $104.99 at Amazon (Save $95) Get Deal

Big shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday make big promises, offering products at their lowest prices ever. It's easy to be jaded, especially when these sales happen so often, but usually there are some true deals, with products at their lowest price. But are retailer-based sales like Prime Day better than widespread sales like Black Friday? Sometimes!

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Prime Day 2024, from a team of professional deal hunters

We've sorted through a lot (and we mean a lot) of products, checking their prices to see which have dropped the lowest and which are....meh. Luckily, we've spotted five deals that have dropped to their lowest price since Black Friday that are actually worth shopping.

Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones $229.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Bose makes some of the best headphones we've tested — the QuietComfort Ultra headphones are the most comfortable over-the-ear option and the earbuds provide exceptional sound quality. The base QuietComfort headphones give all exceptional performance we've come to expect in Bose, and this Prime Day, they're down to $229 saving you $120. Around Black Friday, we last saw them drop to $249, so you're getting an extra $20 in savings this go around.

More Prime Day deals that beat Black Friday prices

Instagram now lets you add multiple tracks to a Reel

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 07:08

Instagram will now let you pummel your followers with multiple songs in a Reel.

In a post on Wednesday, the social media company announced a feature that lets you add up to 20 tracks in one Reel. Instagram also added the ability to make text, stickers, and clips align with your audio when you're editing a Reel, a feature long available on competitor TikTok.

SEE ALSO: Is posting a photo dump on Instagram cringe now?

Notably, when you add multiple tracks to a Reel, Instagram will generate "your own unique audio mix that will be attributed to you.” Instagram adds that “your fans can save and reuse your audio mixes."

View this post on Instagram

It's one of a number of changes you may have seen on Instagram of late, including AI labels, a new 'prompts' feature and 'reveal' sticker, chatbot versions of creators, and deeply unpopular unskippable ads. The feature could also be another way to satiate and support creators; Instagram pissed off creators last year when it shut down its Reels Play Bonus, but this year the platform has announced several initiatives to get back in creator good books.

macOS Sequoia public beta: 5 new features that may convince Windows users to switch

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 06:00

The macOS Sequoia public beta has finally arrived, offering a new-and-improved productivity experience on MacBook. When I announced my official departure from the Windows world, I proclaimed that I didn't regret the switch to Mac. However, there is one thing I miss the most from PCs: Snap Layouts.

Now, macOS Sequoia has its own version of Snap Layouts, so users no longer need to rely on third-party apps like Magnet to do the job. Here are the top five utilities we've spotted on macOS Sequoia public beta that may make you fall in love with your Mac all over again. (And possibly make convince some PC users to make the switch.)

SEE ALSO: I switched to MacBook, but here are 5 things I miss about Windows macOS Sequoia public beta: 5 top features you need to try

Before I dive into the best new features of Mac's next big update, you'll need to install the macOS public beta. But don't say we didn't warn you — this is a beta, so you'll want to make sure that your Mac device is backed up.

Now that we've got that out of the way, let's narrow down macOS Sequoia's vast feature set into a top five list.

1. Windows Tiling

Windows Tiling lets you "snap" windows into place. For example, you can affix Mashable on the left side of the screen while placing Spotify on the right side, allowing you to scroll through our site while jamming to the latest music jams.

Windows Tiling with Spotify and Mashable Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

You can use Windows Tiling by hovering your mouse over the green dot on the top-left of the window. (Make sure the window is not in full-screen mode.) Next, you can snap the window to the left, right, top, or bottom. You can do the same with other windows for a seamless multitasking experience.

2. Voice-activated commands

In the Accessibility menu, there's a new option called Vocal Shortcuts. What does it do? It allows you to teach your Mac a custom phrase that prompts it to perform a specified action.

You can turn it on by navigating to System Settings (via Apple logo) > Accessibility > Vocal Shortcuts. Next, click on "Set Up" before clicking on "Continue."

Choose an action from the list (e.g., Zoom), type in the command phrase you'd like to vocalize (e.g., "Zoom in, please"), and hit "Continue." You'll then be asked to say the phrase three times. Hit "Continue."

3. Math Notes with 'Calculator'

When Apple first introduced Math Notes at WWDC 2024, it was on the iPad. The Cupertino-based tech giant showed off how one can use the Apple Pencil to scribble a math problem, and almost instantly, the Calculator app generates an answer for you once you write an equal sign.

However, this cool feature isn't just for iPad. Open up the Calculator app, tap on the Calculator icon, and hit "Math Notes."

via GIPHY

Start typing in your equation, and once you use the equal sign, the answer will appear in golden yellow.

4. Highlight your notes

Apple also made some tweaks to the notes app. If you're someone who loves to take notes with the native Notes app, you may be thrilled to hear that there are more ways to customize your notes and make them pop.

You can highlight your text in hot pink Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

For example, you can now add a pop of color to your text by highlighting them. You can do this by selecting the text, hitting the "Aa" icon, and clicking on the purple dot. You can also choose between Pink, Orange, Mint, and Blue.

5. Voice Memo can transcribe your words

Sometimes, you may not feel like typing notes. You just want to speak out into the world and have someone transcribe your words into text. Well, Voice Memo can double as your own personal transcriptionist on macOS Sequoia.

macOS Sequoia can transform your speech into text Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Fire up Voice Memos via Launchpad and hit the red record button. When you're done, hit the talk bubble icon on the top-right corner, and you'll get a transcription of your speech.

Tinder announces AI tool to help select your profile pic

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 06:00

After teasing an AI-powered tool to help pick profile photos last year, Tinder formally announced "Photo Selector" today. The feature uses artificial intelligence to assist with choosing profile photos from what you have on your device.

Here's how Photo Selector works: Take a selfie for facial recognition (if you're verified on Tinder, you're already familiar with this), allow Tinder access to your camera roll, and Photo Selector will curate images for you to review. You then decide which ones you want to add to your Tinder profile.

SEE ALSO: Is sexting right away on a dating app a red flag?

A majority of singles, 52 percent, said it's hard to select a profile image, while 68 percent said an AI feature for this task would be helpful, according to a recent Opinium survey Tinder commissioned of 7,000 18-25 year old singles who are on dating apps. The same survey reported that young adult singles spend an average of 33 minutes selecting the right profile picture — so Photo Selector would, in theory, cut that down.

Dating apps have jumped at the opportunity to add AI to its features even before the launch of ChatGPT. Tinder has features "Does This Bother You?" and "Are You Sure?", both of which use AI to sniff out potentially offensive messages. Tinder launched these in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

This year, Tinder competitor Bumble launched an AI-powered tool to weed out scam profiles. Bumble recently announced a different approach to using AI about profile photos: users can now report suspected AI-generated photos and videos.

First look at Tinder's Photo Selector AI tool. Credit: Tinder

CEO of Tinder Faye Iosotaluno commented in the Photo Selector press release that the app aims to develop AI to assist users in making decisions, "not to make them for you."

"Our commitment to our users is clear and equally applies to our view of AI: at Tinder, we develop innovative technologies to create a safer space for people to make authentic connections," Iosotaluno concluded.

Mashable predicted that daters will move away from apps in the latter half of 2024, so we'll see how the addition of AI features plays into that. Photo Selector will be available in the U.S. this month, and other countries later this summer.

Jon Stewart unpacks the RNC and internet conspiracies after Trump rally shooting

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 05:44
Jon Stewart was back on "The Daily Show" desk to unpack the assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the Republican National Convention.

How Trump’s Running Mate J.D. Vance is Connected to Silicon Valley

NYT Technology - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 05:02
Mr. Vance spent less than five years in Silicon Valley’s tech industry, but the connections he made with Peter Thiel and others became crucial to his political ascent.

'The Acolyte's Sith Lord finale reveal raises one huge (and rather silly) question

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 05:00

The Acolyte finale gave viewers everything they could have possibly wanted: lightsaber action, sisterly reconciliation, Jedi cover-ups, more of Bazil the tracker — and a hint at one of the most influential Star Wars Sith Lords yet to appear on screen.

The reveal comes as Osha (Amandla Stenberg) and the Stranger (Manny Jacinto) depart the Stranger's remote island hideaway in search of Mae (Stenberg) and Sol (Lee Jung-jae). As their ship takes off, a skeletal hand emerges from the shadows of an island cave, followed by a cloaked figure with glowing eyes. Based on vibes alone, there's no doubt that this is a Sith Lord. But which one could it be?

SEE ALSO: 'The Acolyte' sticks the landing with a banger of a finale — and I need more, stat

The likely answer is that this is Darth Plagueis, the Sith Lord who will one day train Darth Sidious (otherwise known as Emperor Palpatine). Palpatine mentions him to Anakin Sywalker in Revenge of the Sith, hitting him with that classic conversation-starter: "Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?"

While there's a lot of juicy Darth Plagueis lore The Acolyte could dive into in a potential (but desperately needed) Season 2 — like his relationship with Palpatine and his supposed ability to create life and reverse death — I really only have one burning Plagueis question I'd like The Acolyte to answer. Just what the heck has he been doing on the Stranger's island?

What is Darth Plagueis up to on the Stranger's island? Manny Jacinto in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Seriously, does the Stranger even know Darth Plagueis is shacking up in his home? Is the island some kind of Sith timeshare? Do they have a roommate agreement drawn up? "You, Darth Plagueis, promise to hide yourself away while I, the Stranger formerly known as Qimir, attempt to recruit prospective acolytes to the Dark Side. In return, I'll make you soup."

Or maybe Darth Plagueis simply comes with the island, a feature like the cortosis mines, those adorable duck-like skura, and the hot springs that are perfect for Dark Side seduction. Really, that's all you need in a home.

You may wonder, "Why do you care so much about Darth Plagueis' island whereabouts?" To which I say, did you see episode 6? The Stranger and Osha spend the entire episode in a charged dance. He's skinny dipping in front of her, she's holding a lightsaber to his throat while he gently cups her wrist — it's enemies-to-lovers excellence, and the horniest Star Wars has been in a good long while. And you're telling me Plagueis might have had a front seat to all this?

So in much the same way that The Acolyte's third and seventh episodes revisited the catastrophe on Brendok from different perspectives, Rashomon-style, my fever dream wish for The Acolyte is that we get Plagueis's perspective on "Teach/Corrupt." That story could go so many ways — most of them ridiculous.

Think about it: If Plagueis and the Stranger knew each other, maybe he was a supportive wingman. Imagine him hyping the Stranger up before Osha woke on the island, or giving him the cue on when to time his walk to the hot springs just right. Or maybe (and most likely) Plagueis was just a fly on the wall, watching the sparks fly between Osha and the Stranger. Was he into it, like the many Oshamir shippers out there? Or was he holding his spooky head in his spooky hands, baffled by the Stranger's methods? (They get results, though!)

As excited as I am to watch Osha train with the Stranger in Season 2 (please, please, please), I'm concerned on their behalf. Do they know some guy's just creeping on them? Would they be able to fend him off if he revealed himself and proved hostile? The Sith Lord call is coming from inside the island, guys! Be safe out there!

All episodes of The Acolyte Season 1 are now streaming on Disney+.

'The Acolyte' sticks the landing with a banger of a finale — and I need more, stat

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 05:00

If I could sum up The Acolyte's Season 1 finale in one word, it would be "payoff."

Episode 8, titled "The Acolyte," answered most of our biggest questions about the season. How did Mae (Amandla Stenberg) survive her fall on Brendok? Getting sucked into a core tunnel. Would any more Sith Lords join the party? Darth Plagueis would like a word. And who was the Stranger's (Manny Jacinto) old Master? Vernestra Rwoh (Rebecca Henderson) — called it!

SEE ALSO: 'The Acolyte' review: Just what Star Wars needs

But more than providing answers, The Acolyte gifted us with satisfying resolutions to the arcs it had been building all season long. Most prominent among them was the push and pull between twins Mae and Osha (Stenberg), who we learn are essentially one person split in two thanks to the power of a Force vergence.

The Acolyte finale embraces the power of two — and of switcheroos Amandla Stenberg in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Ever since The Acolyte's initial twin reveal, we've known a switcheroo was in the cards. Not only in terms of one twin taking on the other's identity (which both Mae and Osha do over the course of the season), but in terms of ideology. Could the former Jedi fall to the Dark Side, and the Dark Side user rise to the Light?

As "The Acolyte" proves, the answer to that question is a resounding "yes." When Osha and Mae meet each other once again, the visuals leave no doubt that something has shifted. Mae is still in Osha's lighter civilian clothing, while Osha's now dressed in black. Her new hooded ensemble calls to mind an element of Mae's very first costume, especially the purple hood she wore when she killed Jedi Masters Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Torbin (Dean-Charles Chapman). When Mae abandoned her mission to kill the four Brendok Jedi, she left that entire outfit behind. It's fitting, then, that Osha finishes the mission Mae set out on dressed just like her.

SEE ALSO: 'The Acolyte's Sith Lord finale reveal raises one huge (and rather silly) question

In the end, Osha is the Aniseya sister to kill Jedi Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) without a weapon, not Mae. She Force-chokes him in response to learning he killed Mother Aniseya (Jodie Turner-Smith) and lied to her about it. Meanwhile, Mae would prefer that Sol face the Jedi Council and receive his punishment from them. It's a complete one-eighty from their positions at the beginning of the season: Mae wanted to murder Jedi, while Osha hoped to bring Mae to justice through the Jedi. Later, once the Stranger has wiped Mae's memories of him and Osha so that Mae won't give her sister away, Mae finds herself at the heart of the Jedi Order, while Osha prepares to train with the Stranger. The two haven't just switched sides, they've switched the systems of power they serve.

Beyond plot and character interactions, The Acolyte has visually hinted at this shift across the board, from the eclipsed moons of Brendok to the doubled "O" in its logo, which also mirrors the eclipse. Even promotional art for the show highlights a dark moon or planet as it passes across the sun. All this comes to a head in Sol's death and the moments that follow, when we see the kyber crystal in Sol's old lightsaber bleed as Osha wields it. Red eclipses blue, Dark overcomes Light, and Osha's transformation is complete. It's a phenomenal culmination of visual storytelling, and deeply satisfying to boot.

The Acolyte proves it's ready to keep trying new things Lee Jung-jae in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

There's also a refreshing quality to Osha's journey to the Dark Side, as The Acolyte commits wholeheartedly to her "corruption" arc. That concept is nothing new for Star Wars: Anakin Skywalker is the defining example, while the sequel trilogy ever-so-lightly trod that territory with Rey. But in both cases, going to the Dark Side is treated as a tragedy, a black-and-white moral choice. Osha's turn, on the other hand, feels more like a liberation. It's a chance to feel all the emotions the Jedi told her not to feel, a chance to mourn (and avenge) the great loss of her childhood. When Mae asks Osha what she wants, this is what she embraces. When she and the Stranger hold hands and gaze off into the sunset, you sense she's more at peace there than she ever was with the Jedi.

This is not to say that The Acolyte presents the Jedi as universally bad or the Sith as universally good. It places itself in the grey area of individual human choices. Here, we see supposedly well-intentioned people like Sol twist their personal interests to fit their rigid ethos, leading to preventable tragedies like the one on Brendok. The coverup of that incident has haunted every Jedi involved, and given Vernestra's twisting of Sol's actions to cover up the Stranger's presence, it seems like some Jedi have yet to learn from these mistakes.

SEE ALSO: 'The Acolyte' keeps referencing 'The Last Jedi' — here's why

The introduction of Senator Rayencourt (David Harewwood) establishes that The Acolyte hopes to continue to put pressure on the impossible standards the Jedi hold themselves to. As he tells her, "it's only a matter of time before one of you snaps." You have no idea, Senator. We know Anakin is coming — but how many other Jedi like him erred on a smaller scale and covered their tracks? We're aware of Sol and Vernestra, and if we get more of The Acolyte, perhaps we'll learn of even more.

The Acolyte finale really has something for everyone — and hopefully it's a sign of more to come Amandla Stenberg and Manny Jacinto in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Aside from its strong storytelling and devastating story beats — I'll be thinking of Sol's last words to Osha and her parting with Mae for a while — The Acolyte has cemented itself as a Star Wars show that has a little something for everyone. Nowhere is that clearer than in the finale, which ricochets between action-adventure, political intrigue, and deeply felt family drama with ease. Classic Star Wars stuff, right there.

But there are also elements of The Acolyte and its finale that apply to smaller subsets of fans. If you love the flash and flair of lightsaber fights, the Stranger and Sol's final showdown is one for the ages. If you're an enemies-to-lovers fan (hello, Reylo shippers!), this finale doubles down on Oshamir and hints at big things ahead for them. Lore heads will cherish that brief Darth Plagueis cameo, while fans of the original and prequel trilogies will likely froth at the mouth over that quick flash we saw of the back of Yoda's head. (Could I have done without the gratuitous Yoda appearance? Yes, but it's a small grievance over an otherwise outstanding episode.)

This finale is a perfect storm of proof that The Acolyte knows what it's doing, both in terms of Star Wars as a franchise and in terms of plain old good storytelling. A Season 2 order (hopefully one with more than eight episodes) should be a no-brainer, allowing The Acolyte to keep building a space for itself in that famed galaxy far, far away. Sure, the power of one season is strong as is — but imagine the power of two. Or better yet, the power of many.

All episodes of The Acolyte Season 1 are now streaming on Disney+.

How to install macOS Sequoia public beta

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 05:00

Apple has finally unleashed the macOS Sequoia public beta, the first beta version available to the general public (not just registered Apple developers).

The next big Mac update, dubbed macOS Sequoia at WWDC 2024, comes with a host of new features, including Window Tiling, iPhone mirroring, and the Passwords app.

SEE ALSO: 2 macOS Sequoia features that you won’t get if you have an Intel MacBook How to install macOS Sequoia public beta

Before even thinking about installing macOS Sequoia public beta, we highly suggest you back up your Mac. Apple has a really good explainer on how to do this with Time Machine.

Next, you must be enrolled in Apple's Beta Software Program.

Now that you're an official Apple beta tester, and you've (hopefully) backed up your Mac, let's get started on installing the macOS Sequoia public beta.

  1. Go to System Settings.

  2. Click on "General" followed by "Software Update."

  3. Click on the "i" icon next to "Beta Updates."

  4. In the new window, click "Off," which will lead to a new menu.

  5. Click on "macOS Sequoia public beta" and hit "Done."

  6. Back in the "Software Update" window, click on "Upgrade Now."

  7. In the new window, tap on "Agree."

This should kick off a progress bar indicating that macOS Sequoia is currently being installed. The download process should take less than 10 minutes.

The official, ready-for-primetime version of macOS Sequoia is expected to roll out later this year (likely alongside iPhone 16). However, many of the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features will launch next year.

Enjoy peace of mind at your next Airbnb with a hidden camera detector for $40

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Relax at your rental this summer with this hidden camera and bug detector on sale for $39.99 (reg. $59.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart Hidden Camera-, Bug-, GPS- & RF-Detector $39.99 at The Mashable Shop
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

While you're gallivanting to a luxurious oceanfront Airbnb, mountain lodge rental, or cute small town bed-and-breakfast, you want to rid yourself of all your worries and truly unwind. To maximize your peaceful experience, you may want to bring a handy little gadget with you to ensure your privacy.

A hidden camera detector can give you peace of mind by helping you ensure there are no cameras, bugs, or GPS systems present in your oasis. For a limited time, you can get it marked down from $59 to just $39.99.

With a wide frequency range of 1MHz to 8000MHz, you can detect even the most sophisticated devices. The compact design makes it easy to carry, and the intuitive interface allows for quick and efficient scans.

Equipped with an advanced microprocessor, this detector offers high sensitivity and precision in identifying any suspicious signals. The adjustable threshold and sensitivity settings allow you to tailor the detection process to your specific needs, while the audible alerts and LED indicators make sure you never miss anything.

You can use it in hotel rooms, offices, public spaces, or even your car. It works for up to five hours without needing a charge via the rechargeable battery.

Prioritize your privacy by using this camera-, bug-, GPS-, and RF-protector on sale for $39.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Boost your productivity with a sleek Asus laptop for just $185

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: This open-box, ultra-thin, 14-inch ASUS laptop (Intel Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD) packs impressive power and storage in a sleek, portable design, on sale for $184.99 (reg. $199).

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS laptop, 14-inch (Intel Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $184.99 at The Mashable Shop
$199.99 Save $15.00 New, open box Get Deal

Looking for a laptop that blends style, performance, and affordability? It can get expensive real quick. But fear not, this sleek device boasts a modern design and a low price that make it an ideal choice for both students and professionals alike.

For a limited time, you can get this a new, open-box 14-inch ASUS laptop (Intel Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD) on sale for $184.99 (reg. $199).The "open-box" label simply means that it was either returned and repackaged, or was excess inventory. But it is a brand-new item for a great price.

With its lightweight design and impressive capabilities, you'll be ready to tackle any task, whether you're working from a coffee shop or catching up on assignments at home.

What sets this laptop apart is its powerful N5030 1.1 GHz processor, which ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance. Paired with 4GB of RAM, you can run multiple applications simultaneously without any hiccups. The 128GB of storage provides a good amount of space for your important files, documents, and multimedia. Plus, it comes with a Windows 11 Home operating system, which is equipped with a user-friendly interface, security features, and much more.

The 14-inch HD display delivers crisp and vibrant visuals, making your work, streaming, and browsing experience enjoyable and immersive. The ultra-thin design makes it incredibly easy to carry around and travel with.

Get this open-box ASUS 14-inch L410 ultra-thin laptop with Windows 11 Home on sale for $184.99 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Surf safely with a 5-year VPN for only $35

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Protect your digital life on up to 10 devices with a five-year subscription to AdGuard VPN, on sale for $34.97 (reg. $359.40) through July 21.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard VPN: 5-Year Subscription $34.97 at The Mashable Shop
$359.40 Save $324.43 Get Deal

When it comes to inputting information online, it can be scary sending your credit card or social security number into the unknown. It's a good idea to make sure your digital data remains safe and sound, and one way to do this is by investing in a VPN, or virtual private network.

Through July 21, you can take advantage of this deal on a five-year AdGuard VPN plan, which is on sale for $34.97 (reg. $359.40). 

AdGuard VPN offers powerful security features to keep your online activities private. As a data privacy tool with advanced encryption standards and a zero-logging policy, it not only keeps your data secure from hackers and trackers, it also doesn't track your IP address or the websites you visit — so literally no one else has access to your info. AdGuard VPN provides high-speed connections, allowing you to stream, shop, and browse without lag. The app is available on multiple platforms, so you can protect all your devices (up to 10) with a single subscription.

With servers in over 50 locations worldwide, you can easily switch to the best-performing server for your needs. Whether you're at home or on the go, AdGuard VPN is designed to deliver.

This VPN is user-friendly, and its intuitive interface makes it easy to set up and use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. Regular updates and 24/7 customer support ensure you always have the best protection and assistance whenever you need it.

Stay protected online with a five-year subscription to AdGuard VPN, on sale for $34.97 until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Take your old car into the modern era with a touchscreen dash display for 50% off

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Modernize your old car with a touchscreen dashboard display on sale for $79.97 (reg. $159.99) through July 21.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay 6.8-inch Foldable Touchscreen Car Display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Support $79.97 at The Mashable Shop
$159.99 Save $80.02 Get Deal

If you've ever felt the green-eyed monster while getting into your friend's car and seeing all the cool things on their built-in dashboard, you may think the solution is buying a whole new car. Thankfully, that super-expensive option is not the only answer.

Easily modernize your old car with a touchscreen dashboard display on sale for $79.97 (reg. $159.99) through July 21.

Now you'll have access to all your apps through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control, Bluetooth, navigation, and so much more. It also supports a TF card for music, or movie playback for your passengers (while you keep your eyes on the road ahead, of course). It connects to Siri or Google Assistant so you can operate the display hands-free and use your voice to control it. You can use the built-in FM transmitter, Bluetooth, or AUX jack to connect to a variety of devices.

It also doubles as a back-up camera. If you've been missing out on this safety feature, you're in luck — this display can help you back up and park by automatically displaying the rearview while you're in reverse. It connects via 7-32V DC power, which is compatible with lots of different vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, RVs, tractors, and more.

No need to burn through your bank account buying a new car when you have another way to take advantage of smart features. Until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get this 6.8-inch foldable touchscreen car display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support on sale for $79.97 (reg. $159).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

What is Apple One?

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 05:00

With so many subscription services nowadays, things could get a bit pricey. Not to mention that one needs to keep track of all these subscriptions. Want to cancel subscription services you no longer use? You need to do that one by one.

However, Apple has a plan that makes this a bit easier for you – at least when it comes to the six subscription services that Apple offers.

Apple One is a bundled subscription service that wraps up multiple Apple subscription services into one subscription plan, making things easier and cheaper to manage.

Here's everything you need to know about Apple One.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Music Unlimited vs. Spotify Premium: A comparison Which services are included with Apple One?

Apple has 6 different subscription service offerings: iCloud+, Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple News+.

  • iCloud+ provides iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple product users with additional storage to backup their devices and store files, photos, and videos.

  • Apple TV+ is Apple's movie and TV streaming services that provides access to new films, shows, as well as Apple Originals. 

  • Apple Music is the company's Spotify competitor, providing on-demand music streaming, playlists, and Apple Music Radio.

  • Apple Arcade is a gaming subscription service that offers unlimited gameplay of hundreds of gaming titles with no ads or in-app purchases

  • Apple Fitness+ is Apple's workout class and video library, offering new sessions each week.

  • Apple News+ is a magazine and newspaper service that provides subscribers with access to paywalled coverage from leading local and national outlets.

How much are the Apple One subscription plans?

There are three different Apple One subscription plans. Each one provides varying access to different subscription services.

The Individual plan is the least costly option at $19.95 per month. The Apple One Individual subscription includes the 50GB iCloud+ plan as well as Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade. According to Apple, buying these services through this Apple One bundle plan instead of subscribing to these four services individually saves users $9 per month.

The next Apple One subscription tier is the Family plan, which costs $25.95 per month. Like the Individual plan, this also includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade. However, users also get the 200GB iCloud+ service with the Family plan – or 150GB more than the Individual plan. Subscribing to his Apple One bundle gives users $11 per month in savings from subscribing to each service separately. In addition, all four of the included services can be shared with up to 5 users.

The highest tier – and also the most pricey – is the Apple One Premier plan. This bundle costs $37.95 per month. It's also the only Apple One bundled plan that includes all six Apple subscription services. The Premier plan comes with Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade just like the Individual and Family plans do. However, the Premier also includes Apple Fitness+ and Apple News+, too. The iCloud+ storage plan included with this bundle also gets a big upgrade to a whopping 2TB. This plan can also be shared with up to five people. This bundle passes on $29 per month in savings to subscribers.

How do I use Apple One bundled services?

Regardless of what plan one chooses, Apple One subscribers can simply access each subscription service included with that plan as they would if they subscribed individually.

For example, Apple TV+ can be accessed through the Apple TV+ app on their Apple TV set top box or smart TV. They can also access Apple TV+ through their Mac computer app or through the website. The same goes for all the other services. They are accessed anytime however you normally use them.

What if I need more iCloud+ storage?

Once upon a time, Apple's highest iCloud+ storage tier maxed out at only 2TB. There was a secret trick, though, to getting more storage: Subscribe to an Apple One bundle and the included iCloud+ bundled storage stacked on top of the separate iCloud+ plan.

However, in September of last year, Apple finally rolled out larger iCloud+ plans with new 6TB and 12TB offerings.

But, luckily, iCloud+ stacking with Apple One remains. If a user finds themselves needing more storage in the iCloud+ plan bundled with Apple One, they can also subscribe to an individual iCloud+ plan and the two storage allotments will stack into a single account.

For example, let's say a user is subscribed to an Apple One Premier plan at $37.95 per month, granting them 2TB of iCloud+ storage in their bundle. If they want more iCloud+ storage, they can double their storage allotment by subscribing to an individual 2TB iCloud+ plan at $9.99 per month. This would appear as two separate subscriptions – the Apple One Premier plan which includes a 2TB iCloud+ plan and the individual iCloud+ plan providing an extra 2TB – when paying and managing their subscription plans. However, a total of 4TB would appear in the user's single iCloud+ plan. This would cost $47.94 per month all together.

Currently, using the iCloud+ stacking system, a user could have a maximum of 14TB of iCloud+ storage by subscribing to the Apple One Premier plan and the individual 12TB iCloud+ plan. This would cost a user a total of $97.94 per month.

What if I'm already subscribed to an individual Apple service?

Already subscribed to, say, Apple Music, but now want to upgrade to an Apple One bundled plan? It's easy to upgrade. 

Users don't have to go out of their way to cancel any of the individual Apple subscription services that they subscribed to. Simply sign up for the Apple One plan of your choice and Apple will automatically move the individual subscription into the Apple One bundle at the Apple One savings rate.

There is one caveat. Apple One does provide one month of service for free for any of the tiers as a trial. If a user is already paying for a subscription to any of the individual Apple services, they will continue to be charged for that service during the Apple One trial. Only Apple services that a user isn't already paying to subscribe to will be free for the trial month of Apple One.

How do I subscribe to Apple One?

Users can subscribe to Apple One here.

In addition, Apple One subscriptions are managed through Apple's App Store.

When does Prime Day end? How long you have to get these deals

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 03:57

Prime Day has already been a major deals extravaganza, offering the deep discounts we've come to expect over the years.

But it won't last forever! And people seem to be aware of this fact as we've seen a spike in trending search terms asking when Amazon's Prime Day deals will end this year.

The answer is Prime Day will end at 11:59 p.m. PT, which means around 3 a.m. on July 18 for people living on the east coast.

SEE ALSO: The best Prime Day gaming deals, from consoles to accessories and more

The good news is that you still have plenty of time to find a bargain. Here is a selection of the hundreds of the best Amazon Prime Day deals Mashable has curated for our readers:

Apple Watches

AirPods

Apple accessories

Echo smart speakers

4K QLED TVs

Earbuds

Robot vacuums

Elon Musk to move X and SpaceX's headquarters to Texas

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 03:54

Elon Musk has announced that both X aka Twitter and SpaceX will be moving their headquarters from California to Texas. Strangely, the decision was prompted by the billionaire's apparent belief that teachers should be made to forcibly out LGBTQ kids.

Musk revealed the news on Tuesday across several posts on X, reacting to a new Californian law passed earlier this week. The new law bans Californian school districts from mandating that teachers tell parents if their child's sexual orientation or gender identity has changed, becoming the first U.S. state to do so. 

To be clear, Assembly Bill No. 1955 doesn't actually prohibit teachers from relaying such information to caregivers. It merely means that school districts can't implement a blanket requirement that they must. Yet Musk took objection to this, calling California's new law "the final straw."

"Because of this law and the many others that preceded it, attacking both families and companies, SpaceX will now move its HQ from Hawthorne, California, to Starbase, Texas," Musk wrote. "And X HQ will move to Austin."

Tweet may have been deleted California's new law aims to protect LGBTQ children

There are numerous reasons why a child might not want their caregivers to know their sexuality or gender identity. While some parents will love and support their child regardless of how they identify, many others have demonstrated otherwise. A 2019 study found that less than half of parents had positive responses to learning that their child was transgender. A 2009 study found that LGBTQ children who are rejected by their families are nearly six times more likely to report high levels of depression, as well as over eight times more likely to attempt suicide

Informing parents that their child is LGBTQ risks significant harm to said child, carrying the danger of abuse, rejection, and the removal of their support system.

"Studies confirm that LGBTQ+ youth thrive when they have parental support and feel safe sharing their full identities with them, but it can be harmful to force young people to share their full identities before they are ready," Assembly Bill No. 1955 reads. "Policies that forcibly 'out' pupils without their consent remove opportunities for LGBTQ+ young people and their families to build trust and have these conversations when they are ready."

Even so, it seems as though Musk considers outing children against their will preferable to allowing them to go to their parents in their own time. The billionaire characterised the law as a "massive destruction of parental rights," accusing it of "putting children at risk for permanent damage."`

SEE ALSO: X / Twitter's user base has stopped growing under Elon Musk

At least one Texas school district requires teachers to inform parents if their child is transgender after it established a new policy in August last year. Twenty-three students in the Katy Independent School District were subsequently outed to their parents by early December, while at least one transgender student to drop out of school. The Katy Independent School District is now under investigation by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, as its policy is accused of discriminating against students on the basis of sex.

Musk's objection to laws regarding LGBTQ children isn't the only reason he's keen to exit California, though. He also claimed that the state allows crime to "run rampant," and that he's "had enough of dodging gangs of violent drug addicts just to get in and out of the building."

The billionaire has further expressed a preference for situating companies in Texas. Musk previously ran a poll asking whether he should transfer Tesla's state of incorporation from Delaware to Texas, prompted by a Delaware court's January decision to throw out his $55.8 billion Tesla compensation package. Tesla subsequently filed to make the change in February, with Musk having already moved its physical headquarters from California to Texas in 2021.

Musk's sizable Tesla compensation package was eventually restored in June following a shareholder vote on reapproval.

Roll the dice on the best board game deals during Prime Day 2024

Mashable - Wed, 07/17/2024 - 03:00

The first day of Amazon Prime Day 2024 has brought with it several goodies: tons of sales, daring discounts, and superior sales. While that includes savings on big-ticket items like tech, it also spans smaller items like home goods and – surprise! – board games.

If you're looking for a good way to gather the whole family or wrangle your friend group, consider a board game or two. One great option is Catan, a bestseller that's going to end up selling more now that it's been discounted. Pick up a copy for your own, but don't forget to check out what else is in store.

Below, find some of our favorite picks for Prime Day board game deals.

Best Prime Day board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Catan Base Pack $37.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $22.50 Get Deal Why we like it

Catan is a massively popular strategy game that you won't want to skip out on now that it's discounted so heavily. Previously known as Settlers of Catan, this board game finds you gathering resources like lumber, wool, and grain to help expand settlements. Collect points for each city and other achievement along the way and claim victory for all your successes. It's a challenging yet satisfying adventure that's a blockbuster for a reason. Don't miss out on adding the base pack to your board game collection.

More Prime Day board game deals under $50:

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