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Apple Watch may get a camera, but not for the reason you think

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 08:15

Apple Watch will get a camera in the future, new report claims, but if you're planning to take videos with it — James Bond-style — you may be disappointed.

In the latest edition of his newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (via 9to5Mac) wrote that Apple is working on turning its Watch into an "AI device with a camera."

SEE ALSO: Apple sued over Apple Intelligence feature delays

The camera would reportedly enable the Watch to "see the outside world," meaning it could use Apple's Visual Intelligence tech to gather information about the outside world to help the wearer in various tasks. Think passing by a train station and getting the day's schedule, for example.

Both the regular Apple Watch and the Apple Watch Ultra are poised to get the camera, albeit in a different location. On the Apple Watch, the camera could be located under the device's display, and on the Ultra, it would be located on the side, next to the Watch's crown and side button.

Featured Video For You Apple iPhone 16e is the new affordable Apple phone

More obvious uses for the camera, such as FaceTime conversation, aren't a part of Apple's plans, Gurman claims.

We've heard similar rumors about the AirPods, which could also get AI-enabling cameras in the future.

None of this will happen very soon, though. Gurman says the Apple Watch will not get a camera until at least 2027, and same goes for the camera-enhanced AirPods.

Score $80 off the 10th Gen iPad ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 08:09

SAVE $80: As of March 24, the 10th gen Apple iPad (A14 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) is on sale at Amazon for $269 ahead of the Big Spring Sale. That's 23% off its list price of $349.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th Gen) $269 at Amazon
$349 Save $80 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is set to kick off on March 25, but if you don't want to wait to check out the springtime sales, there are still some great deals right now at the retailer. In particular, if you've been looking to pick up some Apple products like iPads, there are quite a few that have been discounted before the sale event, including the 10th Gen iPad.

The 10th Gen iPad (A14 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) has been marked down to $269 at Amazon, 23% off its list price of $349. Both the silver and blue models are down to this price, so you can choose which color you prefer. If you've been looking for a budget-friendly tablet to tackle the basics, this is a deal that's well worth taking advantage of.

SEE ALSO: 200+ of the best Amazon deals live ahead of its Big Spring Sale, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

We consider the 10th Gen iPad to be the best option on a budget in our roundup of the best iPads saying, "Even though its tech is basic compared to the advanced iPad Air and Pro, it's perfect for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading." This models boasts a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display to make images on your screen look crisp and clear, the A14 Bionic chip, and 64GB of storage so you can stock up on plenty of apps.

If you've been looking to pick up an iPad, the 10th Gen iPad (A14 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) is worth every cent, especially at this price.

There are quite a few more Apple deals worth checking out ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale. If you're curious what other iPads are on sale right now, check out our roundup of iPad deals available ahead of the Big Spring Sale to see what else Amazon has on offer.

Amazon has slashed 25% off the Fitbit Charge 6 ahead of the Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 07:46

SAVE $40: As of March 24, the Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker has dropped down to $119.95 at Amazon ahead of the Big Spring Sale. This is 25% off its list price of $159.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $119.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $40.00 Get Deal

With Amazon's Big Spring Sale coming up soon — very soon, in fact, keep your calendars marked for March 25 — we're keeping an eye on any exciting deals as they appear. While the official sale event doesn't kick off just yet, there are still some discounts at the retailer that are worth taking advantage of right now. If you've been hoping to pick up a fitness tracker, this deal on the Fitbit Charge 6 is worth a look.

The Fitbit Charge 6 has dropped from its list price of $159.95 to $119.95, offering a 25% discount. This deal applies to the model with a black band and the white band, so you can pick out your favorite fitness tracker color between the two. Amazon also has it listed as a limited-time deal, so you'll want to act fast to pick it up at this price.

SEE ALSO: 200+ of the best Amazon deals live ahead of its Big Spring Sale, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

This fitness tracker is worth every cent, too. The Fitbit Charge 6 features numerous health and fitness features to keep you on top of your personal goals. This includes tracking calories, sleep patterns, heart rate, Active Zone Minutes, and more. We consider it the best option for everyday tracking in our roundup of the best fitness trackers, saying, "Fitbit is the name in activity trackers, and the Fitbit Charge 6 is the top device when it comes to everyday health and fitness needs. More of a band than a watch, it will suit regular gym goers and offers a competitive range of specs."

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal on the Fitbit Charge 6 at Amazon ahead of the Big Spring Sale.

It's not the only fitness tracker on sale right now at Amazon, either. Check out our breakdown of the best fitness tracker deals ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale to see even more discounted trackers.

23andMe files for bankruptcy, CEO steps down

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 07:02

Biotechnology company 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, with co-founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki stepping down, effective immediately.

On Sunday, 23andMe filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. According to a press release, it "intends to continue operating its business in the ordinary course throughout the sale process," with "no changes to the way the company stores, manages, or protects customer data."

The DNA testing company said it would use the money from the sale to "resolve all outstanding legal liabilities stemming from the previously disclosed October 2023 cyber incident." The company agreed to pay a $30 million settlement over a massive data breach that affected 6.9 million users in October 2023.

Once valued at $6 billion, 23andMe lost 98 percent of its value in October 2024, with all independent board members resigning in September.

SEE ALSO: 23andMe breach victims to benefit from multi-million dollar settlement

23andMe also announced that CEO Wojcicki had resigned, with the company saying the decision was "by mutual agreement between Ms. Wojcicki and the Special Committee" of the Board of Directors. Wojcicki posted on X that she was "disappointed" by the outcome — the CEO's bid to take 23andMe private was rejected in early March 2025.

"While I am disappointed that we have come to this conclusion and my bid was rejected, I am supportive of the company and I intend to be a bidder." she wrote. "I have resigned as CEO of the company so I can be in the best position to pursue the company as an independent bidder."

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Wojcicki has been replaced in the interim by chief financial and accounting officer Joe Selsavage.

So, what's next? 23andMe have filed for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to allow the company to sell off all its assets over a 45-day process in which it would solicit bidders, after which 23andMe would conduct an auction. "Any buyer will be required to comply with applicable law with respect to the treatment of customer data and any transaction will be subject to customary regulatory approvals," the company said in its announcement.

23andMe announced plans in November 2024 to lay off about 40 percent of its employees as part of a restructuring program, as well as discontinuing further development of its testing technology. For the remaining employees, 23andMe said it has "filed customary motions with the Court seeking a variety of 'first-day' relief, including the authority to pay employee wages and benefits and compensate certain vendors and suppliers on a go-forward basis."

"After a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives, we have determined that a court-supervised sale process is the best path forward to maximize the value of the business," said Mark Jensen, chair and Special Committee member, in a press statement. Jensen also said 23andMe was "committed to continuing to safeguard customer data...and data privacy will be an important consideration in any potential transaction."

Apple AirPods 4 have never been cheaper ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 06:14

SAVE OVER $20: As of March 24, the Apple AirPods 4 earbuds (without ANC) are on sale at Amazon for $99.99. That's 22% off their list price of $129.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $29.01 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale starts up on March 25, but there are already some very nice deals available to look through right now. This includes some nice discounts on high-quality tech from companies like Apple. If you've had the new AirPods 4 on your radar, the model without ANC has dropped to $99.99 ahead of the sale event.

This is 22% off their original list price of $129. It also marks a return to their lowest price yet, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, making now a great time to scoop them up if they've caught your eye. And even though these models don't have noise-canceling features, they still have plenty to offer in the realm of sound quality.

SEE ALSO: 200+ of the best Amazon deals live ahead of its Big Spring Sale, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

The AirPods 4 earbuds are powered by the H2 chip which provides crisp audio quality for a better listening experience. They also feature Personalized Spatial Audio so you can feel completely immersed in sound all around you. In our breakdown of Apple AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3, we also note that, "the AirPods 4 offers more bang for your buck, particularly the ANC model. You get Siri Interactions, a more findable and compact charging case, and improved bass, mids, and highs."

If you've been waiting for the AirPods 4 to drop back to their lowest-ever price, now's your chance to grab them for $99.99 at Amazon.

There are plenty more Apple deals to check out before Amazon's Big Spring Sale officially kicks off, including on other AirPods models. Have a look through our roundup of Apple AirPod deals available ahead of the Big Spring Sale to see even more discounts on Apple's earbuds.

Grab a discount on the Fire Max 11 tablet ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 06:10

SAVE $45: As of March 24, the Amazon Fire Max 11 is on sale at Amazon for $159.99. That's a 16% saving off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 $234.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $45 Get Deal

If a tablet upgrade is on your horizon, the Amazon Fire Max 11 is definitely something to have on your radar. One of the most advanced in the range, this model is perfect for both work and play. And it's currently on sale at Amazon, a day before the Big Spring Sale officially kicks of.

As of March 24, you can save yourself $45 and take home this model for $234.99. This deal is specific to the 128GB device without lockscreen ads.

SEE ALSO: Why wait for the Spring Sale? The Echo Show 5 is back down to its lowest price this year.

The screen boasts an impressive 2000x1200 resolution and a vivid display with over 2.4 million pixels. So every game, movie, or design pops with color. It's also certified for low blue light, so it's easy on the eyes, especially if you're looking at the screen for long periods of time.

You can add optional accessories to this tablet so you can adapt it to what you need. Accessories like a keyboard case and stylus pen can be purchased separately, and you can even download Microsoft 365 for all your work or study needs. And the battery life is worth boasting about, promising to last up to 14 hours so it's perfect for on-the-go streaming or browsing. And with storage expandable to 1TB, it’s got plenty of room for all your favorite apps, movies and documents.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

The Amazon eero Pro 6E is back down to its lowest price this year

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 06:06

SAVE $150: As of March 24, the Amazon eero Pro 6E is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon. That's a 27% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon eero Pro 6E $399.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale officially kicks off on March 25, and you can expect a whole week of great deals and discounts. But for the impatient among us, deals have already started to trickle in.

As of March 24, you can find the Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh wifi system reduced to $399.99, saving you 27% on list price. This discount is specific to the three-pack option, but you can find deals across all bundles.

SEE ALSO: Roku vs. Amazon Fire TV Stick: Finding the best streamer ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

A mesh WiFi system includes a main router and two nodes (satellites) placed around your home. They work together to eliminate dead zones, providing reliable WiFi coverage all over your home.

The eero Pro 6E is a great option for a mesh router system that offers gigabit wifi speeds at an affordable price. It is backward-compatible with older eero devices, making it flexible for all home setups. The TrueMesh technology reduces dead spots and dropped signals, keeping your smart home running smoothly even when you’re away.

Not to mention, you can enjoy strong coverage of up to 6,000 square feet and the ability to connect over 100 devices. The setup doesn't require any overly complicated instructions either. It can be done in minutes by using the eero app.

Move fast, as this is a limited-time deal at Amazon.

Why wait for the Spring Sale? The Echo Show 5 is back down to its lowest price this year.

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 06:03

SAVE $20: As of March 24, the Amazon Echo Show 5 is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 22% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 5 $69.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $20 Get Deal

If you're a fan of smart home devices and bargains, you need to check out Amazon's latest discount on the Echo Show 5. The retailer's Big Spring Sale doesn't officially kick off until March 25, but if you're feeling impatient there are already early deals to be had. As of March 24, the Echo Show 5 is reduced to $69.99 at Amazon ($20 off the list price). This price is specific to the charcoal model.

The Echo Show 5 is a smart assistant with a screen. It comes with built-in Alexa, the ability to watch shows, and video chat capabilities. It's also neat and nifty, with a screen size of 5.5 inches, perfect for looking at the weather, recipes, or the time at a glance, without taking up too much space in your home.

SEE ALSO: Save $100 on the Apple Watch Series 10 before the Amazon Spring Sale goes live

You can even stream music from the Echo Show, with compatibility with the most popular streaming apps including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Deezer. It even boasts deeper bass and clearer vocals for a better listening experience. Plus, the Echo Show 5 is eco-friendly, featuring fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn and an aluminum body crafted from 100% recycled materials.

This is a limited-time deal, so don't delay and head to Amazon to save.

Netflix’s Reed Hastings Gives $50 Million to Bowdoin for A.I. Program

NYT Technology - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 06:00
The Netflix co-founder said he wanted his alma mater to become a leader in studying the consequences, and guiding beneficial uses, of artificial intelligence.

Save $100 on the Apple Watch Series 10 before the Amazon Spring Sale goes live

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:56

SAVE $100: As of March 24, the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) is on sale for $329 at Amazon. That’s 23% off its regular price of $429.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) $329 at Amazon
$429 Save $100 Get Deal

The Apple Watch Series 10 is down to $329 at Amazon, and I can confidently say I didn’t hesitate for even a second. Normally $429, this 23% discount makes it way more accessible to those of us who like our wearables high-tech but not high-priced.

This thing is like a personal assistant, fitness coach, and health monitor all strapped to your wrist. The display is noticeably bigger and somehow thinner at the same time, which makes checking your vitals and doomscrolling your notifications way more enjoyable than it should be. It even charges faster. You’ll hit 80 percent battery in about 30 minutes, which feels oddly intimate for a gadget.

SEE ALSO: The best Pokémon deals ahead of the 2025 Amazon Spring Sale

The health features are almost too advanced. You can take an ECG on the spot, track your sleep, get a heads-up about irregular heart rhythms, and even get estimates for ovulation. It also flags signs of sleep apnea, which feels like something that should require a doctor’s visit and a bunch of wires, not a wrist tap.

If you move your body in any way, the Series 10 is ready. You get full workout tracking, real-time training load metrics, and even depth and water temperature sensors for your under-the-sea adventures. And yes, it’s water resistant up to 50 meters.

  • Price: $329 $429

  • Retailer: Amazon

  • Display: 46mm Always-On Retina

  • Battery Life: Fast charging to 80% in ~30 minutes

  • Health Features: ECG, heart rate alerts, sleep tracking

  • Fitness Tracking: Activity Rings, advanced workout metrics

  • Water Resistance: Up to 50m

  • Safety Features: Fall Detection, Crash Detection, SOS

  • Connectivity: GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

  • OS: watchOS

  • Storage: 64GB

It doesn’t stop there. The safety features are impressive. Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, and Check-in are all baked in. You won’t need them every day, but it’s comforting to know they’re there. It’s like your Apple Watch is saying, “I got you,” but in a very sleek, expensive way.

The best part? It’s carbon neutral when paired with the right band. I like knowing my smart little wrist computer is doing something smart for the planet too.

The White Lotus Season 3, episode 7 trailer: Is that...blood?

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:52

Things are really ramping up at The White Lotus and the intense trailer for Season 3, episode 7 has more blood than we've seen all season.

Tim Ratliff (Jason Isaacs) is covered in a red spray, Rick Hatchett (Walton Goggins) seems to be confronting the man he's been hunting, and Belinda Lindsey (Natasha Rothwell) knows that Greg Hunt (Jon Gries) knows that she knows.

After the shellshock of episode 6, the next instalment looks to up the ante even further in Thailand.

The White Lotus is streaming now on Max, with new episodes dropping weekly on HBO on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.

Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones are down to under $180 ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:51

SAVE $170: As of March 24, Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-canceling headphones are on sale for $179.99 at Amazon. That’s 48% off their usual $348 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-canceling headphones $179.99 at Amazon
$348 Save $168.01 Get Deal

Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are sitting pretty at $179.99 right now on Amazon, and I honestly don’t understand how they haven’t sold out already. This model still rivals newer releases and usually goes for $348, so yes, this 48% price cut got me clicking “Add to Cart” faster than I’d like to admit.

Even though the XM5s are technically the newer sibling, the XM4s are still absurdly good. The active noise cancellation uses Dual Noise Sensor tech, which is a fancy way of saying “You’ll forget the outside world exists.” It's completely plausible to wear them in a coffee shop full of screaming espresso machines and not flinch. They’re built to drown out chaos.

SEE ALSO: The best Pokémon deals ahead of the 2025 Amazon Spring Sale

Battery life? Still unbeatable. You get up to 30 hours on a full charge, and if you’re short on time, a 10-minute boost gives you 5 more hours. That’s not charging, that’s wizardry.

Touch sensor controls let you handle music, calls, and volume with just a tap. Speak-to-Chat kicks in automatically when you start talking and pauses your music, which I found both helpful and slightly judgmental. Like, thanks for assuming I wanted to chat with someone.

  • Price: $179.99 $348

  • Retailer: Amazon

  • Display: Over-ear, wireless

  • Noise Cancellation: Dual Noise Sensor technology

  • Battery Life: Up to 30 hours

  • Charging: 5-hour playback from a 10-minute charge

  • Audio: 5 microphones, advanced signal processing

  • Comfort: Lightweight design, automatic pause when removed

  • Controls: Touch sensor controls

  • Voice Assistant: Alexa built-in

  • Connection: Multipoint pairing

The call quality is no joke either. With five microphones and some serious audio magic, your voice comes through clearly without you needing to shout like you're reporting live from a storm.

And here's the kicker. They’ve got multipoint connection, which means I can be watching YouTube on my laptop and switch to taking a call on my phone without the usual Bluetooth Olympics.

I wouldn’t blame you for assuming these are a last-gen throwaway. They’re not. They’re comfortable, powerful, and still very much premium. At $179.99, they’re a steal.

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones have never been cheaper ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:44

SAVE $150: As of March 24, Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones are on sale for $249.99 at Amazon. That’s 38% off their regular $399.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones $249.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are down to $249.99 at Amazon, and frankly, I think that’s a price worth pausing your Spotify playlist for. These usually hang out at $399.99, so we’re looking at a generous 38% discount. Sony is basically handing you a $150 sound upgrade with a smirk.

I’ve tried plenty of headphones, but the XM5s still manage to impress. The noise canceling is so good it’s like your problems know not to bother you while you’re wearing them. They use two processors and eight microphones to banish the outside world, which I fully support. You could be sitting next to someone slurping ramen and you’d still only hear pure acoustic bliss.

SEE ALSO: The best Pokémon deals ahead of the 2025 Amazon Spring Sale

Battery life? Thirty hours. That’s over a full day of wear time for flights, meetings, doomscrolling, and pretending you’re in a music video while doing your laundry. If you somehow forget to charge them, a quick three-minute plug-in gives you another three hours.

The fit is light and super comfortable too thanks to the plush ear cups and headband. The soft leather cups don’t pinch or sweat, and they look sleek enough that people assume you’re either important or know things about audio.

  • Price: $249.99 $399.99

  • Retailer: Amazon

  • Display: Over-ear, wireless

  • Noise Cancellation: Dual processor, 8-microphone system

  • Battery Life: Up to 30 hours

  • Charging: 3-hour playback from a 3-minute quick charge

  • Audio: Beamforming mics, signal processing

  • Comfort: Lightweight, soft-fit leather

  • Controls: Touch controls

  • Voice Assistant: Alexa built-in

As for controls, everything’s touch-based. Need to skip a song? Just swipe. Need to pause for a second to pretend you're listening to someone? Tap. It’s all so smooth and intuitive that it makes button-mashing feel medieval.

If you’re an Alexa person, these come with built-in voice control. Ask it to play your favorite track, set a timer, or launch your villain arc. It’s all fair game.

The point is, I’ve seen a lot of headphone deals and this one actually feels like a steal, not a “meh, maybe.” If you’ve had your eye on these, this is your sign.

Skip the manual searches and find B2B leads faster with this app

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Find new B2B leads with help from Reachfast. Get a lifetime subscription for only $49.99 (reg. $720) at the Mashable Shop.

Opens in a new window Credit: Reachfast Reachfast - B2B Lead Generation: Lifetime Subscription $49.99 at the Mashable Shop
$720 Save $670.01 Get Deal

Finding the right contacts for your business can feel like a never-ending search. It’s frustrating when days go by without a single response from the people you’re trying to reach, but there's a new tool that could help you cut that time in half. Reachfast lets you find direct business emails for over 385 million professionals across 190+ countries, all from a simple LinkedIn URL. No more searching. And right now, you can get lifetime access to Reachfast for only $49.99 (reg. $720). 

Let's put it this way — if you can close one deal, the subscription pays for itself.

How does Reachfast find B2B leads?

What makes Reachfast so effective is how quickly and accurately it delivers results. Instead of spending days waiting for a reply on LinkedIn, you can get direct email addresses of CEOs, VPs, Directors, and other decision-makers across various industries in under five minutes.

Just upload a CSV file or paste LinkedIn URLs, and Reachfast’s triple-verification process makes sure you get valid contact details, ready for your outreach efforts. It even has a Chrome extension for real-time access, so you can grab verified email addresses directly from LinkedIn profiles on the spot.

Beyond just speed and convenience, Reachfast gives you tools to speed up your lead generation process. Whether you’re in sales, recruiting, or business development, it’s designed to enhance your CRM and accelerate your workflow by making it easier than ever to reach the right people.

Plus, with 1,000 email credits per month, you have more than enough resources to keep your pipeline filled with fresh contacts. And since Reachfast is GDPR-compliant, you can be confident that all data is collected and processed ethically.

It's only $49.99 to get a Reachfast B2B Lifetime Subscription, but it won't stay that way. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

How influencers and politicians built an unregulated supplement empire

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:00

If you search social media for workout tips or healthy meal ideas, you'll likely be bombarded with ads for supplements. "Bloom will boost your energy and make your skin glow,” “AG1 Athletic Greens will fill any gaps in your diet," "Magnesium will improve your mood and your sleep," "Lion's mane will enhance your memory," and somehow, all of them promise to increase cognitive function. Influencers are quick to assure us: "You can't trust anyone when they talk about supplements, but you can trust me."

We're trapped in an increasingly dangerous — and mind-bogglingly dull — supplement hell online, all thanks to politicians. And it's probably going to get worse (sorry!).

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The nutritional and dietary supplement industry has exploded in recent years, fueled partly by social media influencers and branded content. But with the Trump administration's enthusiastic push for deregulation, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy’s anti-vaccine and pro-supplement views, the rise of an alternative health movement, social media platforms moving away from fact-checkers, and a healthcare industry that continues to fail its most vulnerable, the fight against the supplement industry has reached a boiling point.

There are plenty of reasons the supplement industry has become a multibillion-dollar powerhouse. Americans facing a dysfunctional medical system and soaring healthcare costs often turn to supplements as a solution, creating a clear pathway to the industry's waiting arms. However, there are other legislative factors at play as well.

The 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) classified supplements as food rather than drugs, thus limiting the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) oversight and regulation. While the FDA technically has the power to impose stronger oversight, it has largely refrained from doing so.

Instead, the FDA has become increasingly friendly toward the supplement industry, Pieter Cohen, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, told Mashable. 

"That's really in contrast to what RFK Jr claims," he said. "[RFK Jr.] will say things like, ‘It's a war with supplements’ or something, and that's the opposite of what the facts on the ground are."

This regulatory gap has allowed supplement companies to operate with minimal red tape — and they've spent significant resources ensuring those regulations stay lax. Between 2004 and 2014, the industry primarily lobbied Republicans, but in 2016, lobbying efforts shifted toward Democrats. By 2024, however, the industry overwhelmingly favored Republicans, with $1.5 million more spent on GOP candidates than Democrats, according to Open Secrets — the widest gap to date.

SEE ALSO: Huberman husbands and the rise of self-optimization

The shift is easy to understand. Under President Obama, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) attempted to crack down on misleading supplement claims by enforcing stricter clinical trial standards. The Trump administration, however, embraced the industry. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Trump's first FDA commissioner, openly supported nutritional supplements. RFK Jr., a longtime advocate for supplements, has gone so far as to claim that some supplements could stop measles — though experts maintain the best way to prevent measles is through vaccination.

This kind of misinformation about supplements is hurting people. Of the nearly $37 billion Americans spend on dietary supplements annually, about two-thirds is for vitamins and minerals — many of which contain varying amounts of those nutrients from batch to batch, Cohen discovered in his research at Harvard. And recent studies show most vitamins don’t actually improve health. The other third of supplements Americans consume are pills, powders, and tinctures containing — and I can’t stress this enough — who knows what. Tainted supplements send thousands of people to the emergency room each year, as a report from Business Insider shows.

The companies most invested in lobbying also pour significant money into influencer campaigns, although the exact figures aren't public. For instance, Vital Proteins, the company that sells the blue bottle collagen peptides influencers shill, spent nearly $1.2 million during the 2024 election. Of that, only about $5,000 went to Democrats or liberal groups, and none of their political spending went to nonpartisan groups.

Social media, influencers, and the rise of wellness misinformation

In addition to political lobbying, the supplement industry relies heavily on influencer marketing to fuel its growth. "Social media influencers use anecdotes and testimonials to push supplements," Timothy Caulfield, the research director of the University of Alberta's Health Law Institute, told Mashable. "Supplements have become one of, if not the, biggest drivers of the wellness influencer industry."

Influencer marketing is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission, which requires users to label sponsored posts as such — but there aren't many other rules.

Both influencers and supplement companies see massive profit margins from social media promotion. It's mutually beneficial, even if it's harmful to everyone else. Caulfield argues that "with the rise of the influencers, we've seen the rise of the belief in supplements," much of which is driven by the "manosphere" — figures like Joe Rogan, the Liver King, aka Brian Johnson, and Andrew Huberman, all of whom are sponsored by supplement brands and the comparably sinister gambling ads. But the phenomenon isn’t limited to men.

Laura Girard started posting fitness content online to grow her personal training business. While she certainly got more attention from potential clients, she also received an onslaught of opportunities to promote supplements through brand deals — agreements between influencers and brands to promote their product, which typically makes up most of an influencer's income. She found it "disheartening" to see how the industry markets health and wellness products to the general public, particularly when there’s a business-first mentality of profiting from people's health.

Her brand promotes health through movement, not aesthetic transformation, and many of her most viral videos push back against fitness myths. Yet, her inbox is still inundated with requests to promote butt-plumping leggings, stomach-slimming devices, and, of course, dietary supplements.

"It's the oldest marketing tactic in the book," she told Mashable. "Invent the problem and then sell people the solution, which generally leads to selling to people's insecurities about their bodies, which I refuse to do."

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Influencers have become the new health authorities, with many people trusting them over medical professionals. A study from the National Library of Medicine found that about a third of respondents purchased health products like supplements based on influencer recommendations, while 40 percent followed influencers for health information. Over a third of respondents believed that influencer content benefited their health. It's not difficult to understand why an influencer might be drawn to this kind of brand partnership or sponsored content: it makes them seem authoritative to their audience and makes them a ton of money. Influencers getting these sorts of brand deals — even if they're harmful or of unknown quality — is seen as making it. Why would they question that?

The truth is that Americans increasingly trust influencers over doctors. The consequences? Real health risks and financial exploitation.

Why Americans are so vulnerable to supplement hype — and what comes next

Healthcare in the U.S. is expensive and difficult to access; the average American spent $14,570 per person on healthcare in 2023, which is $4.9 trillion in total. Our trust in traditional healthcare and pharmaceutical companies has been eroded by decades of missteps. There are economic and systemic barriers to accessing reliable healthcare, which are made worse by racial and gender inequities. And, on top of all of this, we've been conditioned to believe that our food supply has been stripped of essential nutrients and Western medicine relies too heavily on pharmaceuticals — both of which can be solved by taking "natural" supplements to replace what's "missing," despite the fact that many supplements are no more natural than pharmaceuticals and experts argue that eating whole foods is actually a lot better for you than taking a pill.

Caulfield told Mashable that supplement companies capitalize on these systemic failures.

"This reality doesn't give me more sympathy for these supplement salesmen," he said. "It makes me more angry at them."

At the same time, Americans are immersed in a culture that glorifies self-optimization and quick fixes.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: Don't fall for the productivity aesthetic. It's a scam.

"This idea of individualism — you can't turn to public health and the healthcare system, you need to take care of your own health, boost your own immune system — is a ludicrous idea to begin with, especially when it leads to unregulated supplement use," Caulfield said.

Still, we can't place all of the blame on influencers. The U.S. has created the perfect conditions for advertisers to profit: a largely unregulated industry, a broken healthcare system, and an audience primed to trust personal testimonials over clinical evidence.

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Even before the rise of RFK Jr., the quality of supplements was already questionable. Some supplements contain way too much of an ingredient, like melatonin; others don't actually even contain the ingredients listed on the label; some are adulterated with foreign substances or prescription drugs. Influencers often fail to address these risks, likely because they’re not even aware of them.

"What we're interested in is what the actual ingredients are in the supplements that are being sold, and how might those ingredients play into the harm that supplements cause in the United States," Cohen said. Cohen launched the Cambridge Health Alliance's Supplement Research Program after noticing that patients taking weight loss, sexual enhancement, or sports supplements were becoming seriously ill.

The problem, he argues, is that "the system is set up so that there's no checking of the contents before supplements are sold." Manufacturers can put whatever they want into the supplement and sell it. Without proper enforcement from the FDA, it's likely to only get worse.

"It's just going to be a more dangerous situation for consumers in these next few years because the industry is not going to feel any qualms about trying any order of compounds or pharmaceuticals because they're unlikely to face any consequences for that behavior," Cohen said.

Other experts share his concerns. Caulfield said he is "very pessimistic about regulation stepping up in this space, especially in the United States, over the next few years."

The unchecked expansion of the supplement industry, coupled with an unregulated influencer economy, is dangerous. However, activists and organizations are pushing for stronger consumer protections. The question is: Will policymakers act before more people get hurt?

Get AI-powered stock market guidance for life for just $69

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Sterling Stock Picker is an AI-powered Stock guidance tool to help you invest your money, and it's only $69 for life. 

Opens in a new window Credit: SSP Software Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription $68.99
$486 Save $417.01 Get Deal

When you're first starting out, investing can feel a bit like gambling. You throw your money down, and it's a crapshoot whether you'll get more back or lose it all. The thing is, that's not actually how the stock market works. If you do your research, you can learn how to reduce your risk and make better investments, whether that means they're safer or there's more room to grow. And you don't have to learn it all on your own. 

Sterling Stock Picker is an award-winning platform that helps you research your investments before you make them, and a lifetime subscription just went on sale for $68.99 (reg. $486). 

An investment expert in your pocket

Sterling Stock Picker (SSP) takes some of the guesswork out of investing by giving you a clear, data-driven approach. SSP's unique North Star technology helps you decide whether to buy, sell, hold, or avoid a stock with straightforward guidance you don't need to be an expert to understand. There are even personalized recommendations based on your risk tolerance and investment goals. 

So what makes this different from all the other stock tools? This one is powered by AI you already know and trust. Finley is your personal AI financial coach powered by OpenAI, just like ChatGPT. It gives you real-time data access and strategic investment advice, so it's a whole lot easier to understand the stock market, no matter your experience level. 

Sterling Stock Picker goes beyond just providing insights; it helps you build your portfolio from the ground up. Its Done-For-You Portfolio Builder takes your risk tolerance and investment goals into account, simplifying the process of creating a diversified portfolio. Plus, you get continuous analysis and suggestions to keep your investments on track.

It's only $68.99 to get a Sterling Stock Picker Lifetime Subscription.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Act fast to get a refurbished iPad (6th gen) for just $110

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Give your smartphone the night off with a refurbished 6th gen Apple iPad (32GB, WiFi), for $109.99, now 56% off the usual price, while these limited supplies last. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished 6th gen Apple iPad (32GB, WiFi) $109.99
$249.99 Save $140 Get Deal

The iPad is an underrated gadget in the Apple world. Like Goldilocks’ choice, it isn’t too bulky like a laptop or too small like a phone — it's just right.

If you're looking for one with an equally ideal price tag, act fast to snag a refurbished 6th gen Apple iPad (32GB, WiFi) for just $109.99 (reg. $249) while supplies last. 

This affordable iPad is still packed with perks

Tackle even your lengthiest to-do lists from bed with this iPad. It's powered by a 2.3GHz Apple A10 Fusion chipset and runs iPadOS 16+, making it speedy enough to help you get things done efficiently. 

This 6th Gen. iPad features a 9.7-inch Retina display that offers gorgeous visuals, making it a great way to catch up on your favorite Netflix shows or tap into your artistic side and create masterpieces with Procreate or Adobe Fresco.

A 32GB storage capacity lets you save your creations right on the device. And you can also save photos or videos you take with the 8MP iSight camera or selfies you snap with the 1.2MP FaceTime camera.

Speaking of FaceTime, you can use this iPad to video chat with loved ones on its large screen. It's also a great way to use Siri or Apple Pay, both are included on this model. 

Its lithium-ion battery gives you ten hours of use on a single charge, so you can conquer a full day's worth of work without having to plug it in. 

The low price is thanks to this iPad's grade A refurbished rating, which means this model will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition with virtually no signs of use. 

Act fast to discover the wonders of the iPad for just $109.99 (reg. $249), as the limited quantities will almost certainly sell out. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Kick cloud storage fees to the curb with a 1TB flash drive, now just $69.97

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: This 1TB high-speed flash drive offers dual USB-C and USB-A capabilities and offers an efficient data transfer solution for just $69.97 now through April 27. 

Opens in a new window Credit: UGR Tech Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive (1TB) $69.97
$109.97 Save $40 Get Deal

Are your devices filled to the brim? If you're sick of getting full hard drive notifications, it may be time to invest in a high-capacity flash drive.

Let this high-speed flash drive free up space on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet with its ample 1TB of space. It features versatile dual USB-C and USB-A options and speedy data transfer capabilities for just $69.97 (reg. $109.99) now through April 27. 

This flash drive is sleek, speedy, and can save you money

Unlike the bulky external hard drives of yesteryear, this high-speed flash drive can house up to 1TB of your data in a sleek four-inch casing that weighs 3.84 ounces. And its versatile dual USB interface means it works with a wide range of devices — from PCs and Macs to Android smartphones and gaming systems. 

You may not have thought about high-speed capabilities when it comes to flash drives, but once you see it in action, you'll be a believer. This flash drive offers lightning-fast 20-30MB/S read and write speed, so even larger files can be transferred quickly. 

Since you'll likely be bringing this tiny, convenient flash drive along everywhere, it needs to be durable. This one answers the call, offering a waterproof, dustproof, and anti-drop design. 

Though you may be used to keeping your data safe and tucked away in cloud storage, this flash drive improves upon that by offering you a physical place to keep your content constantly accessible. 

You'll still be able to access your data even when the internet goes out, providing some peace of mind when it comes to safeguarding precious memories. You can also kick recurring monthly fees to the curb if you ditch the cloud storage for good. 

Bring home a 1TB high-speed flash drive with dual USB-C and USB-A capabilities for $69.97 (reg. $109.99) now through April 27. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Which Amazon device should you buy during the Big Spring Sale?

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:00
SEE ALSO: Your Amazon Echo will start reporting to Amazon on March 28 Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Specs Credit: Chart: SaVanna Shoemaker / Mashable Design: We like color options

The Echo Dot and the Echo Pop are nearly the same size, but while the Echo Dot is round, the Echo Pop has a flat face. It basically looks like a cross-section of the Dot.

The Echo Dot (left) and Echo Pop (right) — as you can see, the Dot has been graced by toddler spaghetti fingers. Credit: SaVanna Shoemaker / Mashable

The Echo Dot also comes in three fairly muted colors (gray, white, and blue), but the Echo Pop is available in some, well, poppier colors (lavender and teal in addition to gray and white).

Overall, I like the appearance of the Echo Pop a little better. The brighter colors add a cute splash of color to a corner shelf. The Pop can serve as a more discreet Alexa assistant than the Echo Dot (which is fairly universally recognized as a smart home gadget).

Both have a modern, sleek appearance that can easily complement or blend into your home decor.

Winner: Echo Pop

Setup and ease of use

Amazon has made setting up these devices extremely easy. You’ll need the Alexa app on your phone, and it walks you through setup step-by-step. The app is also where you’ll connect other apps like Spotify or Audible to stream them on your Echo devices using Alexa voice commands.

SEE ALSO: Echo vs. Echo Dot: Which Amazon device should you buy?

The devices themselves are also very straightforward. The physical buttons on them allow you to mute and unmute the microphone and adjust the volume. Everything else is done through voice commands or through the Alexa app. I had no problems setting up either device and both were highly responsive to my “Hey, Alexa’s.”

Winner: Tie

Sound quality is almost identical

Amazon describes the Echo Pop’s sound as a “full sound” that’s a good fit for bedrooms and small spaces and the Echo Dot’s sound as a “bigger vibrant sound” for any room.

In my side-by-side comparisons of the Echo Dot and the Echo Pop, I couldn’t detect a difference in sound quality between the two devices. Both devices were excellent for playing background music in my office or listening to podcasts while doing housework, providing fuller, clearer sound and increased volume compared to my smartphone.

The Echo Pop does have an ever-so-slightly larger speaker. However, the Dot’s round shape can help it to fill a space with sound no matter where it’s placed.

Winner: Echo Dot

Alexa integration and smart home connectivity

Both the Echo Dot and the Echo Pop integrate with Alexa through the Amazon Alexa app. You can use Alexa to ask questions, check the weather, set timers and alarms, and open connected apps (like music or streaming apps including Spotify, Pandora, Audible, and Amazon Music). 

Personally, I have always found Alexa devices most handy in the office and in the kitchen. They provide a hands-free, screen-free way to set timers (for productivity or pizza) or to stream audio. A centrally-located Echo device is also a great way to free up space in your brain. I’ve used Alexa to remind me to water my plants, put birthday cards in the mail, and check the water level in the pool at regular intervals when filling it up for the season.

However, the Echo Dot edges out the Echo Pop here in two key ways: temperature sensing and motion detection. So your Echo Dot can execute Alexa Routines that involve temperature or motion, while the Echo Pop can’t. Some examples: 

  • The Echo Dot can adjust your smart thermostat settings when it reaches a certain temperature

  • The Echo Dot can turn on smart lightbulbs when it senses motion in a room

Winner: Echo Dot

Considering additional features

The Echo Dot and the Echo Pop can both serve as WiFi extenders if you have an existing Amazon Eero network, adding up to 1,000 square feet of additional WiFi coverage.

However, once again the Echo Dot edges out the Echo Pop in terms of extra features. As mentioned above, the Dot comes equipped with motion and temperature detection capabilities. 

Winner: Echo Dot

Roborock Saros 10 vs. S8 MaxV Ultra: All the new upgrades

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 04:22

While the Roborock Saros Z70's futuristic prehensile arm monopolised the spotlight at CES, it wasn't the only new robot vacuum the company showed off in January. Roborock also unveiled its new Saros 10, its new flagship robovac and successor to last year's S8 MaxV Ultra.

Here's everything you need to know about the Roborock Saros 10, including how it compares to the S8 MaxV Ultra.

SEE ALSO: The Roborock Saros 10R aces one thing that most other robot vacuums can't Where is the Roborock S9?

If you're a Roborock fan, you were probably waiting for them to announce the Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra in 2025, with the S8 MaxV Ultra having previously been preceded by the S7 MaxV Ultra. However, Roborock has decided to overhaul its naming conventions instead, replacing the S series' string of titles with the simpler Saros.

As such, there will be no Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra. Instead, the Roborock Saros 10 is its equivalent, and the company's 2025 flagship model.

What's the difference between the Roborock Saros 10 and Roborock Saros 10R? On the left is the Roborock Saros 10. On the right is the Roborock Saros 10R. Credit: Roborock

While the Roborock Saros 10 is the company's 2025 flagship, the company has also released the Saros 10R this year. The two new models are alike in many ways — including their price tags — however there are a few differences. 

The most notable feature differentiating the two is that while the Saros 10 has a D-shaped vibrating mop pad, the Saros 10R utilises dual spinning mops. The Saros 10 also has a small, independent edge mop which lowers when it detects edges, while the Saros 10R tackles edges by swinging one of its mop pads out on a hinged arm.

There are a few less immediately obvious differences as well, such as with the robot vacuums' navigation systems (Roborock says the Saros 10 uses LDS laser navigation while the Saros 10R utilises a 3D time-of-flight system). The Saros 10R is also suited to smaller 200sqm areas, has a shorter 180 min runtime, only comes in black rather than also having a white option, and its dock has a slightly curved top unsuitable for resting anything on.

Roborock Saros 10R $1,599.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Roborock Saros 10 vs. S8 MaxV Ultra: Similarities and differences On the left is the Roborock Saros 10. On the right is the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. Credit: Roborock

The Roborock Saros 10 has many of the same features from last year's S8 MaxV Ultra, including automatic mop washing and drying, automatic detergent dispensing, and of course automatic tank refilling and dust emptying at their charging bases. These features are fairly standard across higher-end robot vacuums now, so it would be more surprising if any of them were missing.

Where the Roborock Saros 10 and S8 MaxV Ultra differ most significantly is in the design of the robots themselves. While both have D-shaped mop pads and round form factors, a lot of other features have been added or changed.

  • The Saros 10 clears higher thresholds. Roborock states that the Saros 10 can clear 1.18-inch (3cm) thresholds due to its new AdaptiLift Chassis, or a maximum of 1.57-inch (4cm) thresholds if it reaches that height in multiple steps. In contrast, the S8 MaxV Ultra doesn't have any such lifting system, restricting it to tiny thresholds measuring around 0.8 inches (2cm).

    Of course, you won't want to push those limits if you can help it. Even if your house's thresholds are around the 0.8-inch mark, the Saros 10 will be much less likely to get stuck than the S8 MaxV Ultra. There's nothing sadder than watching a robot vacuum repeatedly ram itself against a tiny lip that's just millimeters too high for it to handle.

    Aside from clearing thresholds, the Saros 10 also uses its lifting system to tip itself and apply extra pressure to the mop when wet stains are detected, as well as elevate the robot on higher pile carpets so suction isn't blocked.

  • Different side brushes. One of the big changes is that instead of the S8 MaxV Ultra's FlexiArm Design Side Brush, the Saros 10 has a Flexiarm Riser Side Brush. While the S8 MaxV Ultra's side brush extends when it detects corners, the Saros 10's brush also automatically retracts and lifts into the robot's body when not needed, ensuring it isn't in danger of accidentally colliding with anything. 

    The Saros 10's brush also has an asymmetrical design intended to reduce tangling from hair, as opposed to the S8 MaxV Ultra's symmetrical three-pronged brush design. While the S8 MaxV Ultra didn't suffer from significant tangling issues, the Saros 10's design should theoretically reduce the need for manual intervention even further.

  • Different roller brush configuration. Another significant change Roborock made to the Saros 10 was to swap out the S8 MaxV Ultra's DuoRoller Brush for a DuoDivide Anti-Tangle Brush. Previously seen in Roborock's Qrevo series, the DuoDivide Brush is actually two shorter rollers placed side by side. While their short bristles sweep up debris, their rubber blades are designed to guide hairs toward the centre gap between the rollers so they can be sucked up. Meanwhile, S8 MaxV Ultra's DuoRoller Brush features two full-length rollers placed one in front of the other.

  • The Saros 10 automatically detaches its mop pad when not in use. Both the Saros 10 and S8 MaxV Ultra can lift their mop or main brush when either isn't in use. Even so, most people would probably prefer not to have a wet mop hovering millimetres above their carpet as it's vacuumed. The Saros 10 can automatically detach its mop pad when vacuuming, leaving it in its charging dock to be picked up when needed.

    While you can simply instruct the S8 MaxV Ultra to vacuum your carpets before moving on to mop the rest of your home, the Saros 10's detachable mops means you don't have to worry about such matters.

  • The Saros 10 has a retractable LiDAR for a thinner design. If you have a robot vacuum, you'll know that ensuring it can actually fit under low furniture can be a problem. The Saros 10 addresses this issue by automatically retracting its LiDAR sensor like a periscope when it detects such obstacles, giving the robot vacuum an exceedingly slim 3.14-inch (7.98cm) design. This is a significant reduction compared to the S8 MaxV Ultra's 4.96 inches (12.6cm), which includes its fixed protruding sensor.

    The result is that the Saros 10 is noticeably more thorough, slipping into difficult areas that the S8 MaxV Ultra can't reach for a more satisfying clean.

There are a few other changes as well. Roborock claims that the Saros 10 has over twice the suction power of the S8 MaxV Ultra, with 22,000Pa compared to 10,000Pa. The Saros 10 is also noticeably quieter than its predecessor, measuring 64dB in Balanced Mode instead of the S8 MaxV Ultra's 67dB. This may not seem like much, but it is a significant difference — especially if you like setting your vacuum to run while you sleep.

The Saros 10's larger 6400mAh battery capacity further enables it to run for 220 minutes in quiet mode, while the S8 MaxV Ultra has a 5200mAh capacity and 180 minutes of quiet mode runtime. 

However, not everything about the Saros 10 is an upgrade. Despite it offering an extra 40 minutes of runtime, Roborock states that the Saros 10 is suited to a smaller 240sqm area as opposed to the S8 MaxV Ultra's 300sqm. This may not be a concern unless you're one of the few people fortunate enough to have a home that large, but it's still worth noting. Presumably the difference is due to the Saros 10's smaller water tank capacity of 70ml compared to the S8 MaxV Ultra's 100ml, meaning it can't mop as large an area as its predecessor.

Roborock Saros 10 $1,599.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra $1,099.99 at Best Buy
$1,799.99 Save $700 Shop Now Roborock Saros 10 vs. S8 MaxV Ultra: Which one should you buy? On the left is the Roborock Saros 10. On the right is the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. Credit: Roborock

Choosing the best robot vacuum for typically comes down to your own personal needs and preferences. If you have hard floors, no low furniture, and no thresholds you'd like your robot vacuum to climb, the S8 MaxV Ultra might be all you need. On the other hand, if your home has even small thresholds, low furniture, or plush carpet — or if you're concerned about long hair getting tangled in your robot vacuum's brush — you're likely better off looking at Roborock's upgraded Saros line.

It's also worth remembering that older robot vacuums may not enjoy support for as long as newer ones, so consider that when deciding on which gadget to invest in. Though U.S. customers are unaffected, the S8 MaxV Ultra is already listed as an end-of-life product in Roborock's Australian store despite being released just last year.

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