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Google Family Link is getting a design upgrade.

The control panel, which is available as an app, offers parents a way to supervise their children's activity on Android devices.

But keeping track of screen time, settings, and permissions could be confusing, especially for parents whose children have multiple devices, like a phone, tablet, and laptop.

SEE ALSO: Google Messages could get upgraded 911 emergency texting soon

Google announced Tuesday in a blog post that Family Link will now provide streamlined access to settings in a single "screen time" tab.

The tab brings together Family Link's screen-time management options and tools, including time limits. Parents can now also use the tab to control the "downtime" and "school time" settings, which curtail usage during certain time periods.

The existing Control tab has been updated so that parents can access, in one place, account data management, approval of app downloads, and blocking of websites.

Google is also launching the "school time" setting on Android phones and tablets next week, after introducing it on the Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids and Fitbit ACE LTE last year.

This year, according to the blog post, parents will be able to use Family Link to approve contacts for the Galaxy Watch for Kids.

A damning investigation from nonprofit news organization The Markup and Pulitzer Center's AI Accountability Network reports that Match Group (which owns major dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid) keeps records of users who are reported for sexual assault but doesn't take measures to properly ban them from the app network nor alert law enforcement or the public.

The case of Stephen Matthews is used as an example throughout the report. Matthews, a cardiologist, was reported for rape multiple times on Hinge, according to The Markup. Yet, his account remained up — and he was even made a "Standout" (a profile spotlighted for getting a lot of attention). Last October, Matthews was sentenced to 158 years to life in prison; a jury convicted him on 35 counts related to drugging and/or sexual assaulting 11 women between 2019 and 2023. Additional women accused Matthews of drugging and/or raping them that were not included in the court complaint, according to the report published today.

SEE ALSO: Meta-funded program teaches tweens about online exploitation

Despite women reporting Matthews on the app, his profile remained up. Why?

The Dating Apps Reporting Project, which published the investigation, said, "Match Group has known for years which users have been reported for drugging, assaulting, or raping their dates since at least 2016, according to internal company documents." While Match Group said in 2020 it was "committing to releasing our industry first Transparency Report for the United States for 2022," the company has still not yet published it.

In addition to this lack of transparency, the Project also found that Match Group doesn't have a robust enough system to ban bad actors, nor does it prevent users from re-signing up for the same app if it already banned them or signing up for another Match Group app. The researchers said they used various methods found online to see how easy it is for banned accounts to get back on the platforms.

"During multiple tests, we successfully created new accounts without needing to change the user's name, birthday, or profile photos," statistical journalist Natasha Uzcátegui-Liggett said in the report. "The Markup did not test any methods that required significant technical knowledge and only utilized information that would be easily accessible to someone who did a cursory search of how to get around a ban."

Meanwhile, over the last few years, as Match Group's stock price declined, the conglomerate reportedly faced pressure to cut costs — and the Project said trust-and-safety operations were impacted as a result. The report said that the company resisted efforts to increase investigative measures and safety protocols as this could stall corporate growth, according to internal documents viewed by the researchers. Just one example is Tinder partnering with nonprofit Garbo on background checks in 2022, only for the partnership to end the following year.

"We recognize our role in fostering safer communities and promoting authentic and respectful connections worldwide," a Match Group statement to the Project read. "We will always work to invest in and improve our systems, and search for ways to help our users stay safe, both online and when they connect in real life."

It continued, "We take every report of misconduct seriously, and vigilantly remove and block accounts that have violated our rules regarding this behavior."

Mashable has reached out to Match Group. Read the rest of the investigation into Match Group.

SAVE $11.60: As of Feb. 13, get the 8BitDo Pro 2 Controller for just $38.39 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $49.99. That's a discount of 23% and its lowest price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 8BitDo Pro 2 Controller $38.39 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $11.60 Get Deal

If you play a lot of Switch games, using Joy-Con controllers works well, and is even required for some titles. And most agree that the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the Cadillac of peripherals, no matter what you're playing. But if you don't want to part with $70, there are still great options out there that feel just as good in the hands – and you can use them on other platforms.

As of Feb. 13, the 8BitDo Pro 2 Controller for Nintendo Switch is just $38.39 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $49.99. That's $11.60 off and a discount of 23%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

This controller is a versatile alternative to the Pro Controller from Nintendo, and it can be used with your PC, Android, Apple, and portable gaming devices. It has two back buttons, improved joysticks, and features custom profile switching so you can change up the button layout and then swap between users. With an enhanced grip, 4-way mode-swiching buttons, and rumble effects, it's everything you get with Nintendo's own version, but at a great discount.

The controller charges via USB-C and gives you up to 20 hours of playtime, so you don't have to keep swapping it out to charge while you're trying to cue up a game of Smash Bros. And it's appropriate to give your Player 2, because it's actually a good controller and not the one you save for company so you have an advantage. That means if you need a late Valentine's Day gift, this just might do the trick. Plus, having a second controller is always a good idea.

SAVE UP TO $120 ON DYSON HAIR CARE: My Best Buy members (free to join) can save $100 on Dyson hair care tools like the Dyson Supersonic and Dyson Airwrap. My Best Buy Plus and Total members (paid) can save $120 on the Dyson Airwrap.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap $499.99 at Best Buy
$599.99 Save $100.00 My Best Buy member pricing Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic $399.99 at Best Buy
$499.99 Save $100.00 My Best Buy member pricing Get Deal

Your hair deserves to be treated with respect, and kept safe from overheating. That's where Dyson hair care tools come into play. They focus on keeping hair healthy without inflicting heat damage. And if you're signed up as a My Best Buy member, you can save big on Dyson hair care tools today.

As of Feb. 13, My Best Buy members can take $100 of the Dyson Supersonic and the Dyson Airwrap. It's free to become a My Best Buy member. That brings the price of the Dyson Supersonic down to $399.99 from the normal price of $499.99, and the Dyson Airwrap down to $499.99 from the standard price of $599.99. My Best Buy Plus and Total members (paid tiers) can save $120 on the Dyson Airwrap. My Best Buy Plus comes in at $49.99 per year, while My Best But Total costs $179.99 per year.

SEE ALSO: Dyson's Valentine's Day gift to you: The Airwrap i.d. multi-styler in a gorgeous, limited-edition red velvet

If you're seeking out top-of-the-line hair care tools, Dyson is an obvious choice. The brand masters the art of airflow manipulation, giving us some of the best fans, vacuums, air purifiers, and hair care tools on the market. Of course, these tend to come with premium pricing, but thanks to these deals at Best Buy, you'll be saving at least $100.

The Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer uses advanced sensors to automatically adjust airflow and temperature, aiming to produce a natural shine while keeping the scalp healthy. Today's model at Best Buy comes with a complimentary storage case, which is super convenient for traveling. The bundle also includes five attachments for getting your desired look.

The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long is designed for both straight and wavy hair, and it uses a powerful V9 digital motor to get styling just right. You'll get six styling attachments with the Dyson Airwrap to use in tandem with the Dyson Coanda styling effect, which uses air to attract and wrap hair onto the barrel or the brush surface.

If you're looking to treat yourself and your locks, snag the Dyson Airwrap or the Dyson Supersonic at Best Buy to save $100. If you happen to be a My Best Buy Plus or Total member, you're in line to take $120 off the Airwrap. All in all, the discounts save your wallet and your hair's health.

Apple CEO Tim Cook just confirmed rumors of an upcoming Apple launch next week.

In a post on X, Cook wrote, "Get ready to meet the newest member of the family. Wednesday, February 19," using a motion graphic of a silver shimmering Apple logo.

Tweet may have been deleted

Cook didn't specify anything beyond the launch happening on Wednesday, but Apple insiders believe it's a new version of the iPhone SE, which hasn't seen an upgrade since 2022, and possibly a MacBook Air with an M4 chip. The rumored iPhone SE 4 could come with Apple Intelligence thanks to an A18 chip, which also powers the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. It will also reportedly have a significantly larger display than the previous iPhone SE 3, going from 4.7 inches to 6.1 inches. Purportedly leaked images also show a matte black colorway and a single rear camera.

The M4 MacBook Air is likely on the way since Apple inadvertently confirmed this in files related to the macOS 15.2 Sequoia release, according to MacRumors. That could be announced next Wednesday or sometime later, but it's basically a matter of when.

Cook also didn't say what time to expect the announcement, which reinforces the prediction that the new devices will likely be in a press released instead of a livestream. Stay tuned for the drop on Feb. 19.

In a court filing, Mr. Musk said he and other investors would pull their $97.4 billion bid if OpenAI withdrew its plan to change its structure.

If you're tired of online dating, why not try being stationed alone in a watchtower by a mysterious chasm? The latter method turns out to be surprisingly successful in The Gorge, as director Scott Derrickson's (The Black Phone) new sci-fi thriller doubles as the world's most unlikely meet-cute.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Feb. 14, 2025)

The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) and Miles Teller (Spiderhead) as two highly skilled operatives who connect across the titular gorge. But their love story isn't the only thing on their minds. Unknown horrors lurk in the depths below them, and it's up to the two of them to guard the gorge's secrets — even if they don't know them themselves.

These sci-fi and mystery elements create a fascinating puzzle for The Gorge to solve. It's a shame, then, that so much of the film's runtime is spent on a romance that ranges from inoffensively cute to horrifyingly cheesy, threatening to undermine The Gorge's intrigue at every turn.

What is The Gorge about? Anya Taylor-Joy in "The Gorge." Credit: Apple TV+

Most of The Gorge's first act focuses on U.S. veteran and elite sniper Levi (Teller), whose lack of meaningful connections to friends or family makes him the perfect candidate for a top-secret mission. For one year, he must man a watchtower on the Western edge of a mist-filled gorge in some undisclosed location. (He's recruited by a very mysterious and very underused Sigourney Weaver.)

As Levi learns from his predecessor, this gorge has been under surveillance since the end of World War II, with Eastern and Western forces collaborating to keep it in check. Given the unlikely allyship, it's clear that the creatures that live within — nicknamed "the Hollow Men" by a 1940s-era watchman — are enough of a threat to the world to warrant collaboration between the U.S. and Russia. Not enough to allow contact between the Eastern and Western watchtowers, though, as Levi is forbidden to communicate with his counterpart across the gorge.

SEE ALSO: 'Captain America: Brave New World' review: Can Harrison Ford and Anthony Mackie save the MCU from itself?

But that's not going to stop his Eastern counterpart! Drasa (Taylor-Joy), a deadly Lithuanian sniper with ties to the Russian government, reaches out to Levi in a moment of loneliness on her birthday. Soon, the two have regular conversations thanks to the power of binoculars and written signs. It's not far from the "To me, you are perfect" scene from Love Actually. Or a good chunk of Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" music video. These communications are bubbly and sweet — but do they work in a movie like The Gorge?

The Gorge's romance feels out of place. Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy in "The Gorge." Credit: Apple TV+

I am not averse to The Gorge having a romantic element, since there is something quite touching about how Drasa and Levi break through their loneliness to find one another. Yet The Gorge doesn't let us sit in that loneliness long enough for their desperation for company to really resonate. This is especially true of Drasa, who gets almost no interiority during her and Levi's first months in their respective towers. The film's first few minutes do give us a sense of her family life and what she risks losing if she goes to the tower for a year, but the payoff there is negligible. Drasa's role, at least for the first half of the movie, is more to coax Levi out of his shell than to stand on her own two feet.

The courtship, too, rings false given Drasa and Levi's backgrounds. You're telling me these trained operatives would blast loud music or jam out on cutesy makeshift drum kits while on a covert mission that involves creatures who often gravitate towards sound?

SEE ALSO: 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' review: What if it's great, but I hate it?

Thankfully, at least some of their courtship feels earned, like a discussion of their sniping distance records. Elsewhere, a long-distance chess game (a nod to Taylor-Joy's role in The Queen's Gambit) is the right balance between funny, cutesy, and still feeling in touch with Levi and Drasa as characters.

The best portions of this love story come when the pair fight in tandem. After one of their first conversations, Drasa snaps from sweet to focused when she realizes Hollow Men are crawling up the Western side of the gorge. She jumps into action to protect Levi from afar, and he returns the favor moments later. Seeing how quickly these two gorge-crossed lovers have each other's backs does more for their love story than the entire Love Actually/"You Belong With Me" montage.

The gorge is the real star of The Gorge. Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller in "The Gorge." Credit: Apple TV+

Luckily, we get far more of Drasa and Levi in action once the contents of the gorge come to light. And what fun they are!

The Hollow Men make their first appearance fairly early on in The Gorge, looking like zombies crossed with the Green Knight from David Lowery's The Green Knight. But that first appearance isn't a case of The Gorge overplaying its hand too early. Instead, we're just getting started.

A dip into the gorge itself reveals a frightening world of body horror and genetic mutations, not too far off from Annihilation's trippy Area X. A sequence involving what I can only describe as a flesh tree is a standout, but The Gorge has its fair share of spooky, gloopy fun up its sleeve.

That fun especially comes into play in the film's latter half, which features some predictable plot twists but (maybe more importantly) also unleashes a whole load of "hell yeah" moments. (You'll never guess how they get back out of the gorge!) Taylor-Joy and Teller also prove way more dynamic to watch in action hero mode than in romance mode, especially since their action deepens their love story far more than their clichéd first interactions. (I'm sorry, I just can't get over the drum kits!)

With a first half hampered by a lackluster romance, it could be easy to write The Gorge off. But it's that second half, with all its carnage, that makes the trips into the depths a little bit worth it.

The Gorge premieres Feb. 14 on Apple TV+.

Elon Musk said he'll withdraw his $97.4 billion bid to buy OpenAI if the ChatGPT maker stops trying to become a for-profit company.

The latest installment in the Musk versus OpenAI saga comes from a court filing submitted on Wednesday, caught by CNBC. "If OpenAI, Inc.'s Board is prepared to preserve the charity’s mission and stipulate to take the 'for sale' sign off its assets by halting its conversion, Musk will withdraw the bid," read the filing submitted in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California. "Otherwise, the charity must be compensated by what an arms-length buyer will pay for its assets."

SEE ALSO: What Elon Musk could do with the digital keys to the kingdom

On Monday, Musk and a group of investors made an unsolicited bid to buy OpenAI, which currently exists as a capped-profit subsidiary governed by a nonprofit structure but is trying to convert to a conventional for-profit company. Musk was involved with the nonprofit, which launched in 2015, and says he donated $50 million in its early days. Then, OpenAI converted to its current capped profit structure in 2019 and has been trying to convert to a fully for-profit company since September 2024.

Upon this news, Musk sued OpenAI, alleging breach of contract for violating its mission promise to be a nonprofit open-source research firm for altruistically developing AGI (artificial general intelligence).

Fast-forward to this week: In an X post on Monday, Altman rejected Musk's bid to buy OpenAI, writing, "No thank you, but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want."

To complicate matters further, Musk has his own competing AI company, xAI, which makes the X chatbot Grok. "I think [the lawsuit is] to slow down a competitor and catch up with his thing, but I don’t really know," Altman told a CNBC reporter at the AI Action Summit in Paris on Tuesday.

Altman also said he is "not particularly" taking the bid seriously. Yet Musk and his team insist the offer is serious if OpenAI is allowed to convert to for-profit and "should... the charity’s assets proceed to sale."

Google Maps is adding functionality that'll help folks deal with weather-related road issues while driving.

This week, Android Police spotted that Google Maps added new report-types — flooded road, low visibility, and unplowed road — aimed at helping drivers navigate or avoid dangerous weather problems. In other words, you'll be able to report these sorts of incidents to Google Maps similar to how drivers report police presence, a stalled vehicle, or other such issues that pop up while they're using Google's navigation tool.

SEE ALSO: Waze's killer feature finally coming to Google Maps

The tech website reported that the new feature, for the time-being, is being rolled out only to Google Maps for Android Auto and the Google Maps app for iPhone users. It's likely it'll be available to Android users soon.

Google Maps has rolled out a number of new features and tools recently. It added the community reports from Waze — which Google owns — starting late last year, for instance. Around that same time it also added the ability to search saved locations. Earlier this month it added a bunch of different ways to customize your vehicle's icon.

Adding the weather-related reports could prove quite helpful for drivers looking to steer clear of dangerous conditions. So safe driving out there, and be on the look-out for reports.

PRE-ORDER NOW: As of Feb. 13, you can pre-order all three editions of Elden Ring Nightreign from the Bandai Namco Store, including the Collector's Edition.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bandai Namco 'Elden Ring Nightreign' $39.99 at Bandai Namco Store
Pre-Order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Bandai Namco 'Elden Ring Nightreign Deluxe Edition' $54.99 at Bandai Namco Store
Pre-Order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Bandai Namco 'Elden Ring Nightreign Collector's Edition' $199.99 at Bandai Namco Store
Pre-Order Here

Ready for more Elden Ring? If the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC just wasn't enough to quell your appetite for all things Tarnished, the series is back with something a little different. Elden Ring Nightreign, revealed during The Game Awards 2024, is a new co-op spinoff that changes things up significantly. It's set for a May 2025 release, but it's up for grabs for you to lock in your copy right now.

As of Feb. 13, you can pre-order Elden Ring Nightreign on the platform of your choice through the Bandai Namco Store. There are three editions available at the US Bandai Namco store right now: the Elden Ring Nightreign digital download, the Nightreign Deluxe Edition digital download, and the Nightreign Collector's Edition, which must be purchased from the physical Bandai Namco store.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptops in 2025, no matter your budget

You can choose your preferred platform for both the digital preorder bundles at the official Bandai Namco store link and will be redirected to purchase from there. The Nightreign digital download comes with a bonus gesture that your character can use in-game as a preorder bonus for $39.99. The Deluxe Edition digital download comes with the base game, digital artbook and mini soundtrack, and additional DLC with more playable characters and bosses.

The Collector's Edition is $199.99 and can be purchased via the Bandai Namco store. It's currently the only physical edition, but still comes with a code voucher for the actual game content. However, this version also has physical goodies like a statue of the character Wylder, a Steelbook case, Nightfarer Cards, a hardcover artbook, and a collector's box. You also get the same digital goods you get with the Deluxe Edition.

This is the first spinoff of Elden Ring, and it's a much different beast than the previous game and DLC. This time, you'll explore a procedurally-generated version of the Limgrave area as one of several premade characters. There's a single-player mode to explore, but the game is built for teams of three players to work together and clear sections as they prepare to fight a final boss.

The game will include a shrinking battle arena, much like games like Fortnite and PUBG offer, and there will be multiple roles for players to fill as they make their way through each area and conquer a series of new enemies.

If you're looking to get your Elden Ring fix in, you'll want to pre-order so you can play as soon as the game unlocks on the platform of your choice. And act quickly on the Collector's Edition, which tends to sell out fast.

SAVE UP TO 36%: Ahead of President's Day, shop the best deals on Amazon Echo devices. Get bestsellers like the Echo Pop for just $29.99 or the Echo Auto, which is 36% off.

Best Amazon Echo deal Best Echo deal Echo Pop $29.99 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal Best Echo Dot deal Echo Dot Kids $44.99 at Amazon (Save $15) Get Deal Best Echo Show deal Echo Show 5 $69.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal Best auto deal Echo Auto $34.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal

Amazon has kicked off its President's Day sale. Right now you can find hundreds of dollars of savings on headphones, vacuums, TVs and more. And among all of the deals are some sweet savings on Amazon's flagship devices. Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite is 16% off, but the Echo device deals offer even more savings.

Right now, you can find savings up to 36% on Amazon's smart home devices. We usually only see this bulk of deals during big events like Black Friday or Prime Day, but with President's Day weekend in view, we're getting some early savings in 2025.

And to be clear, these deals are not quite as sweet as those big blockbuster events. However for an off-season sale, they're not bad if you're looking to make your home smarter.

Here are the best Echo deals to shop during President's Day.

Best Amazon Echo Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Pop $29.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Pop is a quintessential smart home device. It's a compact device, ideal for small spaces so it won't take up precious counter space. In our full review of Amazon's Echo Pop, we didn't find it to be a necessary addition to the home if you already have the Echo Dot. However, if you're just getting started with smart home, the Pop is a great starting point as a solid smart speaker that comes loaded with Amazon's Alexa home assistant.

The Echo Pop is already the most budget-friendly Echo speaker at $39.99, but ahead of President's Day, it's down to $29.99. That's still $12 off from it's lowest price ever, but if you're looking for the cheapest Echo speaker right now, go for the Pop. You'll still save 25% for $10 off.

More Echo deals

• Echo Glow — $24.99 $29.99 (save $5)

• Echo Auto — $34.99 $54.99 (save $20)

• Echo Dot — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Echo Dot Kids — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)

• Echo Show 5 — $69.99 $89.99 (save $20)

• Echo Spot — $69.99 $79.99 (save $10)

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Feb. 13: OUR TOP PICK Apple Pencil Pro $99 (save $30) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Google Pixel Buds A Series $75 (save $24) Get Deal BEST KIDS DEAL Amazon Echo Dot Kids $44.99 (save $15) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones $248 (save $100) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Amazon Fire HD 8 $64.99 (save $36) Get Deal

While it's no Prime Day or Black Friday, Presidents' Day is known for its major sales. Sure, most of the biggest discounts are on mattresses and furniture, but there are still plenty of tech deals worth grabbing as well. Amazon's Presidents' Day sale page is overloaded with deals, so we've been rounding up some of the ones we think are actually worth grabbing each day this week. On Feb. 13, there are standouts from top brands like Apple, Google, and Amazon itself.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Be sure to take a peek at our picks from Feb. 11 and Feb. 12 as well — many of those are still live, including a 23% price drop on the uniquely excellent Bose Ultra Open earbuds and over $200 off the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE.

Our top pick: Apple Pencil Pro Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil Pro $99.00 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal

Although Samsung's S Pen comes packaged with its Galaxy tablets, Apple's requires a separate purchase — and an expensive one at that. Regularly $129, the Apple Pencil Pro is definitely worth grabbing while it's on sale for $99. That's 23% off and just $9 away from its best price ever. The Pencil Pro upgrades the simple stylus with vibration effects that match actions performed on iPads, several new interactive features, pressure sensitivity, FindMy support, and the ability to create customized interactions and shortcuts. If you're the proud owned of the new M2 iPad Air or M4 iPad Pro, it'll take your tablet to brand-new heights.

Read our full review of the Apple Pencil Pro.

Google Pixel Buds A Series Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Buds A Series $75.00 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $24.00 Get Deal

The Pixel Buds A-Series feature the same solid audio, comfortable fit, average battery life, and Google Assistant as the original Pixel Buds. However, they improve on the previous generation's hardware-related connectivity and come at a cheaper price. Mashable's Alex Perry wrote in his review, "If price and sound quality are all that matter to you, you'll have a tough time finding a better value than the new Pixel Buds." They may not be the latest and greatest earbuds on the market anymore, but they'll still get the job done. Snag a pair on sale for only $75 at Amazon as of Feb. 13. That's 24% in savings.

Read our full review of the Google Pixel Buds A-Series.

Amazon Echo Dot Kids Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot Kids $44.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Our favorite Echo device for kids, the fifth-generation Echo Dot Kids is exactly the same as the latest-model Echo Dot inside, but packs parental controls to keep things PG. For example, it'll only give kid-friendly responses to questions, filter out explicit content, and only allow calls to specific contacts. It also comes with a free year of Amazon kids+, a digital subscription that lets kids access kid-friendly audiobooks, educational Alexa skills, interactive games, and more. It's usually $59.99, but as of Feb. 13, it's on sale for only $44.99. That's a savings of 25%.

Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones $248.00 at Amazon
$348.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones replaced the WH-1000XM4s as our favorites, but honestly, they're only a minor upgrade. The WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones are still a solid purchase in 2025. They offer top-notch noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, customizable EQ, and a comfortable fit. Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) gave them the Best of the Year badge of honor in 2020, as well as an Editor's Choice award. As of Feb. 13, they're on sale for only $248 at Amazon. That's 29% in savings and about $80 cheaper than the XM5s.

Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet $64.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

Amazon dropped the latest Fire HD 8 tablet last fall with a few welcomed upgrades over the previous generation, including 50 percent more RAM (3GB vs. 2GB), a better camera (5MP vs. 2MP), and new generative AI-powered features. Otherwise, it's still the same tablet you know and love, with a solid battery life and vivid eight-inch HD display. It's usually $99.99, but you can scoop it up at Amazon for only $64.99 as of Feb. 13. That's 35% in savings.

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

SAVE $124.74: The Marshall Middleton portable Bluetooth speaker (black and brass) is on sale at Amazon for just $175.25, down from the normal price of $299.99. That's a 42% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Marshall Middleton portable Bluetooth speaker (black and brass) $175.25 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $124.74 Get Deal

While a large portion of the U.S. is still living in freezer-reminiscent temperatures, the calendar gives us hope that soon we'll all be outside enjoying the spring sunshine. If you're all-eyes on warmer weather and enjoying some time outside, check out this celebratory deal at Amazon.

As of Feb. 13, the Marshall Middleton portable Bluetooth speaker (black and brass) is on sale for only $175.25 at Amazon, reduced from its typical price of $299.99. That's a whopping $124.74 savings from a 42% discount.

Whether you're in the backyard for a neighborhood barbecue or heading to the cabin for a weekend away, portable tunes are a must-have. The Marshall Middleton portable Bluetooth speaker is certainly one of the most visually appealing with its classic black and brass colorway design.

Of course, since it's Marshall, it also brings epic sound quality. PCMag, sister publication of Mashable that's also owned by Ziff Davis, gave the Marshall Middleton an "Excellent" rating, noting the powerful audio that combines deep base with bright highs. "The Marshall Middleton’s rock-inspired ethos isn’t just surface-deep; its drivers can fill most indoor and outdoor spaces with robust stereo sound. We’re also fans of its slick onboard controls and durable build," writes Tim Gideon, a contributing editor for PCMag.

SEE ALSO: Apple just announced the Powerbeats Pro 2, but the originals are 48% off at Best Buy

Marshall estimates users will get up to 20 hours of battery life with a single charge which means you might make it though the entire weekend without needing to plug in. But if you do, not to worry because re-charging takes just 4.5 hours.

In true travel-worthy form, the Marshall Middleton speaker is both dust and water resistant. It's also compatable with the Marshall Bluetooth app which gives you better control of the sound.

Get ready for outdoor season with today's deal on the black and brass Marshall Middleton portable Bluetooth speaker. Since it's 42% off at Amazon, now is the perfect time to upgrade your spring party setup.

Peacock's driving back into mega vehicular battles with a wild lineup of drivers in the second season of Twisted Metal, Michael Jonathan Smith's adaptation of the SingleTrac games — and one of the TV shows we're looking forward to this year.

Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz return as John Doe and Quiet, ready to take on the dangerous demolition derby tournament against 16 other drivers. And from the looks of the trailer, things are going to get...dramatic.

How to watch: Twisted Metal Season 2 premieres on Peacock Feb. 14.

Inspired by nature’s most adaptable creatures, SpiRobs is a new kind of soft robot developed by researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China. Unlike traditional robotic arms that rely on rigid grippers, SpiRobs can bend, wrap, and adjust its shape to interact with objects more naturally—much like an octopus or an elephant trunk. With a success rate of over 95%, it can handle everything from delicate eggs to objects 260 times its own weight. Its simple, motor-free design makes it cost-effective, durable, and versatile, with potential applications in healthcare, industrial automation, and even search-and-rescue.

YouTube TV is very lucky that football season just ended.

Due to evidently unsatisfactory contract negotiations, Google's cable alternative streaming service (of which I am a subscriber) will drop all Paramount channels after Feb. 13. That's today, in case you hadn't checked the calendar yet. The measure was announced on YouTube's blog and in an email to subscribers, claiming Google's "good faith negotiations" haven't yet found a resolution.

SEE ALSO: Cybersecurity researchers discovered a scary security flaw with YouTube and Google

Anyone who has ever subscribed to a cable or satellite service has probably dealt with this before. When it's time to negotiate a new contract, one side wants more than the other is willing to offer, and the resulting standstill creates a situation where subscribers suddenly get a lot less than what they paid for. In YouTube TV's case, customers are now paying $82.99/mo for a service that doesn't include any of the following:

• CBS

• CBS Sports

• MTV

• BET

• Nickelodeon

• Comedy Central

• VH1

• Paramount Network

CBS is one of America's primary live sports broadcasters, so if this had happened even a month earlier during football season, there may have been riots in the streets. If this continues into March, YouTube TV customers will miss NCAA basketball tournament games. For now, we'll just have to wait until both sides figure this out.

SAVE UP TO 20%: Save up to 20% on digital gift cards to popular retailers like Ulta, Instacart, Victoria's Secret, Lyft, Google Play, and more at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dave & Buster's / Instacart / Victoria's Secret / Red Robin / Mashable composite Save up to 20% on gift cards Get Deal

In less than 24 hours, we celebrate love. Whether you have a special partner, are in a fresh relationship, or plan to celebrate a wonderful friendship, Valentine's Day is an excuse to celebrate the people who make our lives more enjoyable. If you're running behind on choosing a gift this year, check out this fun sale at Amazon that's perfect for Valentine's Day gifting.

As of Feb. 13, Amazon has discounted gift card by up to 20% at a variety of retailers. Snag a $50 Dave & Buster's gift card for just $40 or a $100 Lyft gift card for only $85. You can also opt for an Instacart gift card for $100 that'll only set you back $90 or buy a $50 Victoria's Secret gift card for only $45. Browse the entire selection to choose the best option for your loved one. For the majority of these gift cards, the discount will automatically be applied upon checkout. We've noted a few exceptions in the list below.

SEE ALSO: 30 Valentine's Day gifts for all the sweethearts in your life

A gift card is a great gifting option for Valentine's Day. These digital cards will show up in your loved one's email for a fun surprise on the day of love. Maybe your best friend doesn't live in the same state, or you'd like to send your mom some love to let her know you're thinking of her.

In any case, the Amazon gift card sale has plenty of options for gifting to romantic lovers, a best friend, or a family member. The sale also extends to some great options if you have a date night planned for this weekend. Check out the sale prices on gift cards to Red Robin, Dave & Buster's, and Cinemark to save a bit while you're out celebrating.

Here are some of the gift card discounts you can snag today:

• $50 Bath & Body Works gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)

• $50 Cinemark gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)

• $50 Dave & Buster's gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)

• $50 Google Play gift card — $45 $50 (save $5 with code GOOGLE)

• $50 Red Robin gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)

• $50 Ulta gift card — $45 $50 (save $5)

• $50 Victoria's Secret gift card — $45 $50 (save $5)

• $100 Instacart gift card — $90 $100 (save $10)

• $100 Lyft gift card — $85 $100 (save $15)

• $100 Under Armour gift card — $85 $100 (save $15 with code UAFEB)

SAVE $150: As of Feb. 13, get the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE for $499.99, down from its usual price of $649.99. That' a discount of 23%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy S24 FE $499.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

If you're ready to pick up a new smartphone, you might be surprised to learn that you can get one without having to spend what amounts to an entire paycheck. You can get a phone with a wide variety of features, in fact, for a price that you don't have to feel bad about. And to top it all off, it's from a big name like Samsung.

As of Feb. 13, get the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE at Amazon for just $499.99, down from its usual price of $649.99. That's $150 off and a discount of 23%.

This phone may not be the best and the brightest that Samsung has to offer, but it's equipped with everything you need for your day-to-day dealings. It boasts a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display for one, as well as a 50MP camera, and a suite of AI features that can help you edit photos, search more efficiently, and enjoy games and apps with a slew of added options.

But one of its biggest boons is the fact that it has a 4,700mAh battery that lasts you all day long so you don't have to feel as though you need to stay near a charger all day. It may not have the newest or fastest processor or the "prestige" that comes from buying the newest model that Samsung offers, but it's a capable smartphone that's well worth picking up, especially if you're hanging by a thread with your old device.

Just make sure you grab yours early since this discount likely won't stick around for long.

SAVE $100: Get Bose QuietComfort headphones for just $249. That knocks $100 off the price for 29% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones $249.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

The best headphones on the market also tend to be the most expensive. That's where a good pair of mid-range headphones comes in to fill the gap between excellent performance and affordability. Bose QuietComfort headphones are a step down from the newer Ultras, which cost $429, but the QuietComforts are still pricey at a $349 list price. However, when on sale, these quality headphones are worth the buy.

As of Feb. 13, you can grab the Bose QuietComfort headphones for just $249 at Amazon. That's $100 off for a discount of 29%. While this isn't their lowest price ever, it's still a great deal ahead of Presidents' Day.

SEE ALSO: For gym rats and picky audiophiles alike, these are the 7 best headphones of 2025

Having tested these myself, the Bose QuietComfort live up to the comfort in their name. Like the Ultras, they provide long-lasting comfort and can be worn all day without ear strain. Plus, the audio quality lives up to Bose's reputation for powerful audio performance. While it doesn't have quite the same flair as the Ultras, which have extras like spatial audio, you still get active noise cancellation and transparency modes to customize how you listen.

Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal reunite as estranged brothers in the sequel to 2016's The Accountant, with a first trailer for the film out today.

With Gavin O'Connor back in the director's chair, the film hinges around Christian Wolff (Affleck), a forensic accountant with autism who used to clean up the books for criminal organisations. His life of crime lies behind him, that is, until his old acquaintance Ray King (J.K. Simmons) turns up dead with the words "find the accountant" written on his arm. Yeah, subtle. U.S. Treasury deputy director Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) recruits Wolff to solve the murder and decipher a related web of conspiracy — but Christian might need his fight-ready brother's help on this one.

Though praised for its fight scenes brimming with martial art pencak silat, The Accountant polarised audiences for its portrayal of autism. We'll see what the new film brings.

The Accountant 2 is in cinemas April 25.