Mashable

If you're attending one of the 104 games at the 2026 World Cup, or even watching it at a fan event or bar, cybersecurity isn't likely to be on your mind. But maybe it should be, according to a new survey from ExpressVPN.

As part of its inaugural World Cup Wi-Fi Risk Index, ExpressVPN surveyed 6,000 soccer fans from the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Australia — and found that 70 percent of those surveyed would trust public Wi-Fi networks by their name alone.

"Fans stream matches from airport lounges, check scores in hotel lobbies, post from bars, buy food and merchandise from their seats, and move between public networks all day without much thought about who runs them," the company said in its report. "That habit is what makes the match day experience feel modern, and what makes the 2026 World Cup such a rich target for cybercriminals."

According to ExpressVPN, cybercriminals would simply have to set up a fake public Wi-Fi network and name it after the venue in order to trick the vast majority of World Cup attendees to login and share potentially sensitive information. Of the 6,000 surveyed, 70 percent of those surveyed said they would trust public Wi-Fi named "MetLife_Stadium_WiFi" while at the venue of the same name, for example.

Fewer than four in 10 fans said they would be able to tell the difference between a real official public Wi-Fi network and a fake one. 

How an 'evil twin' attack scores off fans

The fake public Wi-Fi scam, known as an "evil twin" attack, is one of the oldest in the book. A cybercriminal simply creates a fake hotspot posing as a legit public Wi-Fi network with an official sounding name. Venue attendees connect to the fraudulent network — after which, if they log in into any accounts, sensitive information gets intercepted.

ExpressVPN's survey found 30 percent of U.S. fans between the ages of 18 and 29 have logged into their bank account using stadium Wi-Fi. Around half of all those surveyed have logged into their social media accounts when on a stadium's public Wi-Fi. Others have checked email, or work-related accounts, on Wi-Fi while at sporting events.

Before the World Cup started, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center issued a public service announcement concerning the flood of fake FIFA and World Cup-related websites looking to scam soccer fans who were searching for tickets, hospitality, and merchandise. 

Malicious actors are clearly looking to target the 6.5 million people expected to attend the World Cup games, as well as hundreds of millions of viewers around the world.

“Cybercriminals don't need sophisticated tools to target football fans," says ExpressVPN Chief Information Security Officer Aaron Engel. "They can name a network after a stadium, hotel, or fan event and wait for people to connect. Our research shows that familiar names carry more trust than they should.

"That becomes especially risky at a tournament like the World Cup, where millions of fans will be moving between stadiums, airports, hotels, and public venues.”

Fans traveling to the games face additional risks. The vast majority of those surveyed said hotel Wi-Fi felt the safest and were most likely to login to their accounts with sensitive information using those networks.

What can you do? Simple: no matter how much you're focused on the football, check with the venue before logging into anything that looks like a public Wi-Fi network. Most sports stadiums publish the name of their official Wi-Fi, so you have an assist in scoring a successful outing.

TL;DR: This BitCoin Ticket Miner is on sale for $39.99 (reg. $99.99) and offers a low-power way to explore solo, pool, and lottery-style Bitcoin mining.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rochas Divine Mart BitCoin Ticket Miner $39.99
$99.99 Save $60.00   Get Deal

Bitcoin mining is often associated with warehouses full of specialized computers, high electricity bills, and enough heat output to warm a small room. The BitCoin Ticket Miner takes a very different approach as it’s designed as a compact desktop device. This one lets users participate in Bitcoin mining without dedicating an entire room — or a big portion of their utility budget — to the hobby.

This BitCoin Ticket Miner is on sale for $39.99 (reg. $99.99), making it a relatively inexpensive way to learn how mining works or experiment with different mining strategies.

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The device supports several mining modes, including pool mining, solo mining, and lottery-style mining. Instead of contributing to a larger mining operation, lottery mining gives participants a chance to win a Bitcoin block reward on their own. Please note that these rewards are never guaranteed. Mining remains a probability-based activity, and the odds change as Bitcoin’s network difficulty evolves.

Powered by an energy-efficient ESP32 platform, the miner consumes about 18-watts of power, which is less than many household light bulbs. A built-in 2.8-inch display provides real-time information such as hash rate, mining status, temperature, and power usage, while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make setup a cinch.

The Bitcoin Ticket Miner operates independently, so no dedicated PC is required, and users can connect it to their network and begin monitoring activity through the onboard display. Its compact footprint even makes it easy to fit into a home office, gaming setup, or workspace.

For cryptocurrency enthusiasts, hobbyists, or anyone curious about how Bitcoin mining works behind the scenes, the BitCoin Ticket Miner offers a hands-on way to participate without making a major investment.

Get the BitCoin Ticket Miner while it’s discounted at $39.99 (reg. $99.99) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Best Prime Day camping deals at a glance: Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $399.99 at Amazon (save $399.01) Get Deal Best campsite lighting deal BioLite Luci Solar Inflatable Camping Lantern $21.26 at Amazon (save $8.69) Get Deal Best campsite shelter deal Shibumi Park Vista Sun Shade Canopy $192 at Amazon (save $48) Get Deal Best LifeStraw deal LifeStraw Personal Water Filter $10.95 at Amazon (save $4.54) Get Deal Best cooler deal Coleman Snap N Go Collapsible Hard Cooler (45 quarts) $153.99 at Amazon (save $66) Get Deal Best tent deal Marmot Crane Creek 2P/3P Tent $160.30 at Amazon (save $68.70) Get Deal Best portable solar panel deal Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel $99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal

Without a doubt, camping is one of the best highlights of summer. Now that we're almost to July, you've probably checked on the condition of camping gear and noticed if anything needs upgrades to finish out the summer. While most of us shop for tech deals during Prime Day, Amazon is showing up for us outdoorsy folks this year. I've found great deals on items that make camping just that much more enjoyable.

SEE ALSO: These Prime Day outdoor deals will get you prepped for summer

From packing along your own shade to a portable power station that'll keep phones charged up, Prime Day has some excellent deals for your next camping trip. I've studied the sale, and these are the top products I'd recommend if you're in the market for camping upgrades during Prime Day.

We will be regularly updating this guide with the best camping deals, so keep checking back. You can also visit our Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest updates and price drops or our live blog for the most up-to-date deals, news, and stock alerts.

Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $399.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $399.01   Get Deal

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2.

Why we like it

If you've never packed a portable power station along on a camping trip, prepare for a massive upgrade. Amazon Prime Day has the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 on sale for $399.99, down from the list price of $799 for a sweet 50% discount.

The Solix C1000 Gen 2 has 1,024Wh of battery capacity for keeping phones charged up as well as earbuds, tablets, the campsite lights, and even the electric griddle. Plus, it can get a full recharge in under 50 minutes, so you're not in huge trouble if you don't remember to charge it up until you're packing the car.

Best solar panel deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Keep small electronics charged up while camping with zero effort when you pack along the Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel. It has USB-A and USB-C ports and an IP68 waterproof rating that makes it worthy of any camping or backpacking trip. Plus, it's compact, folding into the size of a book, and it weighs just over four pounds.

Best campsite shelter deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shibumi Shibumi Park Vista Sun Shade Canopy $192 at Amazon
$240 Save $48   Get Deal Why we like it

You woke up at dawn to book the campsite reservation back in February, and when you arrive, it's nothing but full sun. Instead of dealing with a weekend of sunburns, the Shibumi Park Vista Sun Shade Canopy provides portable shade. It's intuitive to set up, weighs under five pounds, and it comfortably seats four people in the shade. The UPF 50+ sun protection is perfect for long summer days at the campground.

More Prime Day camping deals

• AeroPress Original Coffee Press — $27.96 $39.95 (save $11.99)

• Helinox Chair One — $76.97 $109.95 (save $32.98)

• Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove — $83.99 $129.99 (save $46)

• Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Two Pot Cook Set — $137.36 $228.95 (save $91.59)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 — $399.99 $799 (save $399.01)

• Anker Solix EverFrost 2 Cooler (40 liters) — $599 $799.99 (save $200.99)

SAVE $153: The Away Amazon Exclusive Trunk Suitcase is on sale for $282.10 at Amazon, down from $435. That's a 30% discount or $153 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Away Amazon Exclusive Trunk Checked Luggage $282 at Amazon
$435 Save $153   Get Deal

When you're traveling, you definitely want enough space to fit all your stuff, like laptops and headphones. The Away brand is one of the most prominent in the luggage space, and Amazon has an exclusive version of the 31-inch hardside suitcase. It's also got some fancy features that separate it from the competition, so it's not just your run-of-the-mill suitcase. But make sure to act quickly, as this deal won't last for much longer.

Right now, during Amazon Prime Day, this suitcase is 35% off, bringing the price down from $435 to $282. That's $153 in savings. This is a Lightning Deal, so don't wait!

This suitcase is made of 100 percent polycarbonate hardshell, making it both durable and lightweight. No matter how many hours you spend flying, whether you're a frequent flyer or like to stay put in one place, this suitcase will last you for a long time. It features a trunk design, meaning that it's built with deeper capacity. The main compartment is deep enough to store plenty of items, and the top lid is slimmer to give it a more sleek look. There are three mesh pockets to help organize and a water-resistant drawstring laundry bag to place your dirty clothes. The TSA-approved combination lock keeps your belongings secure.

It's also vital that the suitcase rolls smoothly, as you don't want to take your stuff on a bumpy ride. The four wheels spin in a 360-degree fashion for ultimate maneuverability. The suitcase has a quick-release handle that can be adjusted, as well as grab handles for additional carrying. Away offers lifetime care coverage, including repair support, just in case something happens to your suitcase.

Our best editor-vetted Prime Day deals right now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.99 (List Price $249.00)

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation — $148.99 (List Price $179.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $279.00 (List Price $399.00)

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones — $378.00 (List Price $459.99)

Echo Dot 5th Gen Smart Speaker (2022 Release, Charcoal) — $34.99 (List Price $49.99)

55" Amazon Ember 4-Series 4K HDR10+ Smart Fire TV (2025 Model) — $279.95 (List Price $459.99)

Amazon Fire TV 2.0ch Bluetooth Soundbar With Dolby Audio — $79.99 (List Price $119.99)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

Testing e-readers is by far the best and easiest part of my job. As a bookworm, my reading list is miles long, and my library holds are usually maxed out. I use an e-reader every day, and when I'm not testing a new device, there's one Kindle that I keep coming back to: my Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.

And for Prime Day 2026, you can grab my favorite e-reader at its lowest-ever price.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2026: Live updates on Apple, Samsung, DJI, Kindle, and more Amazon deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $144.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $55   Get Deal

Initially, I was put off by the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition's $199.99 price tag; however, I've come to love its overall value. With the standard Paperwhite constantly serving me a rotation of books I'm never going to read, the Signature Edition became a lot more appealing. While I don't think the Signature Edition's built-in wallpapers are all that more aesthetically pleasing, it's nice to be free of consumerism when I'm trying to read my book.

But the Signature Edition is a better value than ever before. When Prime Day kicked off, I was delighted to see that the Paperwhite Signature Edition dropped to an all-time low price of $144.99. That saves you $55 off its $199.99 list price, which I think is a real steal. Especially when you consider that the regular Paperwhite without ads is the same price. But why not just go for the ad-free Paperwhite? Well, the Signature Edition gives you so much more than an ad-free display.

Our best editor-vetted Prime Day deals

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.99 (List Price $249.00)

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation — $148.99 (List Price $179.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $279.00 (List Price $399.00)

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones — $378.00 (List Price $459.99)

Echo Dot 5th Gen Smart Speaker (2022 Release, Charcoal) — $34.99 (List Price $49.99)

55" Amazon Ember 4-Series 4K HDR10+ Smart Fire TV (2025 Model) — $279.95 (List Price $459.99)

Amazon Fire TV 2.0ch Bluetooth Soundbar With Dolby Audio — $79.99 (List Price $119.99)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

The SE has twice the amount of storage as most Kindles. With 32GB of storage, I'm not sure I'll ever fill up the device. With 175 books currently downloaded to my Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, I'm only using 647MB of storage. Doing a little bit of math, that means I could fill up the Kindle with over 6,000 books. I'm not sure I'll do that in this lifetime, but I'd certainly like to try.

Other bonus features on the Signature Edition include an auto-adjust front light, which I will say, I've turned off since I find it to be rather inconsistent. But wireless charging is a nice bonus, especially if you already use a MagSafe charger.

So if you're looking for a Kindle this Prime Day, treat yourself to the Signature Edition, which has never been cheaper.

SAVE $14: Through June 26, the Apple TV add-on subscription for Prime Video is only $5.99 per month for two months. That's $7 cheaper than the usual monthly cost.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV Apple TV (Prime Video add-on) $5.99/month for 2 months (save $14) Get Deal

Prime Day isn't just for tech deals anymore, y'all. Streaming deals made their debut last Prime Day and this year we're seeing some pretty epic discounts once again. One of our favorites? The Apple TV add-on subscription for Prime Video, which is over 50% off for the next two months.

Through June 26 (the final day of the Prime Day sale), you can get Apple TV for only $5.99 per month for two months. Usually $12.99 per month, that's a total of $14 in savings. The only catch? You have to subscribe through Prime Video, which requires a Prime membership (or a separate Prime Video membership). It works the same way as a classic streaming subscription, except that you'll be billed through your Prime account and you can access Apple TV directly from the Prime Video app. It's incredibly convenient, TBH.

Apple TV is one of many streamers that saw a monstrous price hike in 2025 (up to $12.99 from $9.99 per month). It's somewhat understandable, considering how many of our favorite TV shows from the past few years are Apple TV originals (Shrinking, Pluribus, Widow's Bay, Severance, etc.), but we certainly aren't going to turn down a deal. Especially when it's more than 50% off.

If you've been curious about Apple TV for some time, but held off because of the cost, now's a great chance to explore the catalog for cheap if you're a Prime member. Just remember to set a calendar alert to cancel before your two-month promotional period ends if you want to avoid paying full price.

SpaceX stock continues to tank on Tuesday. And, for the first time, the stock price for Elon Musk's space exploration company fell below its debut price.

However, it's not just SpaceX stock. Tech stocks across the board are falling today.

On Tuesday, SpaceX fell below $150, the price at which the stock debuted, following its IPO at $135 per share. That means any SpaceX investor who bought in after was in the red on Tuesday morning.

This marks the fourth consecutive trading day in which SpaceX stock has taken a tumble. Musk's company announced a $60 billion acquisition of the AI coding agent Cursor just days after SpaceX went public. The stock has been down every day since.

However, SpaceX is far from the only tech stock struggling today.

Alphabet, Amazon, Tesla, and Apple all fell on Tuesday as well. Even Nvidia, the company that has most benefited from the AI boom, is down more than 3 percent.

Chipmakers like Intel and Advanced Micro Devices fell 6.8 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively. Stock in memory chipmakers also fell, with Micron, SanDisk, Seagate, and Western Digital all down as much as 11 percent.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2026: Live updates on Apple, Samsung, DJI, Kindle, and more Amazon deals

Signs seem to be pointing to investors having some reservations about AI, per reports. The current state of the global economy, in addition to concerns surrounding interest rate hikes, has also contributed to the selloff, CBS reports.

When it comes to anxiety about AI, though, many AI companies have yet to prove to investors that the hype around the technology will yield a return on investment. Companies like OpenAI are still struggling to generate significant revenue. Recent leaked documents show that OpenAI lost roughly $38.5 billion in 2025.

In the case of SpaceX, the hype surrounding its IPO, the largest in history, may simply mean that everyone interested in buying in has already done so, which may explain its sudden and sustained drop.

SpaceX acquired Musk's AI company, xAI. Giants like Google and Microsoft continue to go all in on AI. However, if the tech industry doesn't start showing investors some real results, tech stocks will likely continue into this downward spiral.

SAVE $59.80: The RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR Glasses are on sale for $239.20 at Amazon, down from $299. That's a 20% discount or $59.80 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR Glasses $239.20 at Amazon
$299 Save $59.80   Get Deal

If you own portable gaming devices like a Steam Deck, laptop, or even a smart phone, you know that it's hard to see on a smaller screen sometimes. It's nothing compared to having a huge TV in your living room. But what if you could bring that big TV experience with you on the go? That's where the RayNeo Air Pro 4 AR/XR glasses come into play. You'll be able to see a giant virtual screen with these glasses on, anywhere you go, as if you were actually sitting in your TV room.

Right now during Amazon Prime Day, these glasses are on sale for 20% off, bringing the price down from $299 to $239.20. That's almost $60 in savings. That's also the lowest price its ever been so far, so now is the best time to get them.

With these glasses, you'll be able to see a ginormous 201-inch virtual screen with vivid colors and deep contrasting blacks and whites. Whether you're watching Netflix or playing video games, you can immerse yourself anywhere you go. You're not limited to traveling with it, though. You can still use them right from the comfort of your home. It's compatible with consoles and handhelds, including PS5 and Switch 2. With a 120Hz refresh rate, you'll experience smooth gameplay and viewing experiences without any annoying distractions.

They contain four precision speakers to deliver an all-encompassing soundstage, and a low blue light display, the latter of which helps reduce eye strain so you can keep the glasses on for longer. Plus, they only weigh 76g, making them comfortable and lightweight. It's compact and easy to store in your bag when you're traveling too.

Earlier this year, we went hands-on with the RayNeo Air Pro 4, saying, "For early adopters eager to try AR glasses for entertainment, I think this is the best option on the market in 2026, at least, for now."

A lot of savvy shoppers save big-ticket purchases for major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, and that's exactly what the Mashable shopping team recommends. These are the two best times of year to find deals on TVs, and this year's best Prime Day deals don't disappoint. Speaking of Prime Day 2026, two of the best OLED TVs in the world are down to their lowest-ever prices.

The Samsung S90F 65-inch OLED TV is marked down to $1,197.99, while the 65-inch LG C5 OLED has a Prime Day price of $1,199. With a price difference of just $2, which should you choose?

As Mashable's tech editor, I'm here to help you decide. I also have very good news: There are no wrong decisions here.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG C5 Series 65-inch OLED 4K Smart TV $1,199.99 at Amazon
$1,396.99 Save $197   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung S90F 65-inch OLED 4K Smart TV $1,197.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $500   Get Deal SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2026: Live updates on Apple, Samsung, DJI, Kindle, and more Amazon deals Why buy the Samsung S90F OLED TV during Prime Day

If money was no object, we'd certainly spring for Samsung's flagship OLED, the S95F, which features Art Mode and the same anti-glare technology that made The Frame Art TV from Samsung so famous. But for most people, money is most definitely an object. Hence, the S90F. While you lose out on these two critical features, these two TVs are otherwise extremely similar.

Technically, the S90F is a mid-range set, but is still has a high native refresh rate of 144Hz, a gorgeous 4K OLED display, and an AI processor for upscaling content. It also has a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, which is bright enough for virtually any indoor setting.

Plus, Samsung TVs have a reputation for lasting a long time, and the Samsung smart TV UX is pretty painless.

Why buy the LG C5 OLED TV during Prime Day?

While Samsung has caught up quite a bit in recent years, LG had the OLED TV market on lock for quite awhile. LG's famous C Series TVs have won tons of TV of the year awards, and you can always count on the new C Series release to be one of, if not the best, TV of the year. However, until we see the new LG C6 go on sale, a lot of TV reviewers are still recommending the 2025 C5 model, which already has a killer display and feature set.

Like the S90F, the LG C5 supports HDR10 and HLG, but unlike the Samsung, it does support Dolby Vision. Most reviewers agree that the Samsung is slightly brighter, though not noticeably so.

Overall, these TVs have remarkably similar specs, which probably explains the near-identical price tags.

My choice: Samsung by a hair

Overall, I can't say that one of these TV's is definitively better than the other. The choice ultimately comes down to which product ecosystem you prefer, and for my money, that's Samsung. For what it's worth, my colleagues at CNET recently named the Samsung S90F the best TV to buy in 2026, with LG as a close runner-up. (Disclosure: CNET and Mashable are both owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)

Other sizes of these TVs are on sale for Prime Day 2026, but I think 65-inch, flat-screen TVs are the Platonic ideal for this product category. Like I said, there are no bad choices here:

• Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K TV — $1,197.99 $1,697.99 (save $500)  ✅

• LG C5 Series 65-inch OLED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,396.99 (save $197)

We will be regularly updating our guide to the best Prime Day TV deals. You can also visit our Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest updates and price drops

For anyone who has ever filled an online shopping cart just to close the tab, South Korea's latest internet fixation may feel less bizarre than uncomfortably familiar.

A new wave of so-called "dopamine sites" is recreating the experience of online shopping and food delivery without the part where users actually spend money. You can browse fake products or food menus, read reviews, add items to a cart, enter an address, place an order, and, in some cases, even watch a virtual courier make their way toward you.

The catch is the whole point: nothing ever arrives.

One of the most talked-about examples is FoodNeverComes, a fake food delivery app that looks and feels like the real thing. Users can scroll through restaurants, customize an order, and track a delivery that will never reach their door.

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The app was created by South Korean developer Malhee. The idea, according to his X account, came from repeatedly opening and closing delivery apps late at night, even though he didn't actually need food. 

It started as a joke, but the concept has clearly hit a nerve. Dopamine sites have been spreading among young people in South Korea, where they are being framed as part boredom cure, part spending hack, and part emotional pressure valve. 

Some versions mimic food delivery apps. Others recreate online shopping. There are even sites designed to simulate a smoke break, giving users a short digital pause without the cigarette.

The appeal is not hard to understand.

Psychologist Dr. Gabrielle Schreyer-Hoffman, Ph.D., said users are "attempting to use the dopamine hits that we get from shopping or buying food" to satisfy the urge without actually completing the purchase. "But you're still engaging in the behavior," she added.

Dopamine sites are also not the first digital behavior to emerge from South Korea, where intense academic and workplace pressures have helped shape distinctive online habits and forms of digital escapism. With one of the world's most connected populations, the country has repeatedly been an early incubator for internet trends, from delivery super-apps and esports to virtual influencers, AI companions, and other forms of digitally mediated life.

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This sort of trend makes sense in a culture where digital tools are constantly being used to simulate, optimize, or soften parts of daily life. In that context, a fake delivery app is not just a gimmick. It is a very modern coping mechanism.

"We do see people use social media, shopping, and buying food to fill voids and avoid being present," says Dr. Schreyer-Hoffman. "Maybe you don't spend the money, but you're not really dealing with the core issue, which is: Why are we going to these websites to do this?"

In some corners of the internet, reactions about this trend have been split. In the Reddit thread r/shoppingaddiction, some users see dopamine sites as a surprisingly useful tool for impulse shoppers. Others see them as a bleak little snapshot of modern consumer culture — people so trained to buy that they now need fake stores to satisfy the craving…the only thing missing is the box at the door.

And for some people, apparently, that might be enough.

A whole wave of new designs is hitting now for the summer, and they’re lower priced while leaving off Ray-Ban and Oakley branding. We got a hands-on look in NYC to see what these new wearables bring to Meta’s growing AR and AI ecosystem.

Apple's first foldable iPhone appears to be staying on schedule, with fresh supply chain signals pointing to an autumn reveal despite persistent skepticism about the device's readiness.

A report from China Securities Journal, cited by DigiTimes, indicated that component deliveries for the device have begun in small batches, with suppliers receiving guidance that an unveiling is planned for September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. A second supply chain source confirmed it had received no word of any delay.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day is here: We found 55+ deals on Apple, Sony, Ninja, and Lego favorites

The news pushes back on earlier concerns from analysts and leakers. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman raised doubts in March about a September launch, while Barclays analyst Tim Long went further, predicting shipments wouldn't begin until December. Leaker Instant Digital had also flagged lingering durability issues with the hinge mechanism as recently as May.

Apple has navigated staggered launches before. The iPhone X was announced alongside the iPhone 8 lineup in 2017, but didn't ship until November. A similar approach here remains plausible even if the September reveal holds.

As Mashable has previously reported, the foldable is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner OLED display, a 5.5-inch outer display, the A20 chip, Touch ID rather than Face ID, and dual rear cameras. Pricing estimates from multiple analysts have clustered around the $2,399 mark.

Those influencers raking in thousands on Polymarket bets and then bragging about it in TikTok sponcon? They were faking it.

A recent investigation by the Wall Street Journal found that Polymarket, the prediction market advised by Donald Trump Jr., paid online creators to post deceptive ads that implied they won big on the platform but actually featured dummy sites and losing bets.

The publication reviewed more than a thousand TikTok videos from 10 creators promoting the company. The Journal also interviewed influencers who had been paid to include company promotional materials in their videos. According to their findings, half of the videos included footage of non-lucrative bets while discussing winning payouts, and more than half showed platforms that weren't Polymarket at all.

SEE ALSO: VidCon 2026 is this week. Here are 7 things to watch.

In total, creators sold their followers on about $900,000 in fake winnings, but the publication determined those same bets would have lost the creators more than $166,000. The company allegedly paid a hiring firm and a network of social media accounts to promote the advertisements, in an attempt to get them to go viral.

Shortly after the investigation was published, Polymarket announced it was launching an internal probe to audit its advertising arm.

"As the world's leading prediction market, we are committed to maintaining accurate, fair and transparent markets," the company told CBS News." We are part of a rapidly growing industry and are constantly evaluating ways to improve how we're engaging and earning the trust of our audience. As part of that commitment, we are conducting a comprehensive audit of active promotional content to ensure it complies with our standards, as well as applicable regulatory and legal disclosure requirements."

Prediction markets, including Polymarket and competitor Kalshi, are aggressively pushing their platforms to the general public, with celebrity ambassadors like Timothée Chalamet and World Cup stars like Lionel Messi fronting mega advertising campaigns.

RAMageddon has made it almost impossible to find affordable internal or external storage for computers, game consoles, or other devices. Amazon Prime Day is here to offer a tiny bit of respite from that.

Unlike in previous years, you're not likely to find a bunch of dirt-cheap deals on SD cards or external/internal SSDs for Prime Day this year. The AI data center industry has done a lot to make sure that's the case, and you can blame them if you feel like doing so. That said, there are a few intriguing deals here and there that seem to defy that trend, especially from Samsung, one of the bigger memory manufacturers around. Let's get into it.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2026: Live updates on Apple, Samsung, DJI, Kindle, and more Amazon deals Best deal for Nintendo Switch 2 storage: Samsung P9 Express Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung/Amazon Samsung P9 Express microSD Express Card, 256GB $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal

The first and perhaps most intriguing deal on this list is for something that's been incredibly hard to find since the Nintendo Switch 2 launched last year: an affordable microSD Express card. Nintendo adopted the newer, faster storage format for its new console, perhaps not expecting that the AI industry would monopolize all memory production soon after. Since the Switch 2 only has 256GB of internal storage, being able to double that for $39.99 is one of the better deals I've seen for this sort of thing since the console launch.

Best deal for an internal SSD: Samsung 990 Pro Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung/Amazon Samsung 990 PRO SSD 2TB $369.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $280   Get Deal

It's not a good time to build a computer for heavy-duty work or gaming purposes. Or any purpose, really. But if you are doing that, Samsung is selling a 2TB internal SSD for $280 off for Prime Day. That's still not cheap, but it's about as cheap as you're going to find right now. Any port in a storm, folks.

Best deal for an external SSD: Samsung T9 Portable Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung/Amazon Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB $349.99 at Amazon
$574.99 Save $225   Get Deal

Last but not least, external SSDs are very useful these days, whether you need to plug it into a Windows machine, a MacBook, or even a smartphone. This Samsung 2TB external SSD is $225 off on Prime Day, making it one of the better storage deals we've seen so far. Again, it's still a fairly hefty purchase, but it could be a lot more hefty.

SAVE $249.01: As of June 23, the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) is down to $1,249.99 on Amazon. That’s a 17% discount on one of Apple’s more powerful tablets.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) $1,249.99 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $249.01   Get Deal

Prime Day is officially underway, and Apple’s 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) is down to $1,249.99 on Amazon — a 17% cut and the lowest price we’ve ever seen for this model.

This is Apple’s top-tier iPad, built for people who want something that can replace a laptop for a lot of everyday work. The M4 chip keeps everything fast and smooth, whether you’re switching between apps, editing photos, or streaming.

The 13-inch Ultra Retina display is the real standout — it’s bright, sharp, and super color-accurate, which makes everything from movies to documents look noticeably better. You also get 512GB of storage, so there’s plenty of room for apps, files, and downloads.

iPadOS uses Apple Pencil Pro or the Magic Keyboard if you want a more laptop-like setup. The cameras are solid for video calls and quick photos, while Face ID makes unlocking it quick and seamless. And with WiFi 6E, everything from downloads to cloud work stays smooth and stable.

Grab the 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) on Amazon and start calling it your “main computer” unironically.

Apple has launched the second developer beta for the upcoming iOS 27, and it's not just bug fixes and polish (there's plenty of that, too).

The new iOS 27 beta actually brings several new features to the table, including some fairly big Siri upgrades. Let's dive in.

SEE ALSO: The latest iPhone 18 news, leaks, and rumors Siri and AI Not quite operational yet, but Apple is working on it. Credit: Apple

One of the biggest upgrades in iOS 27 is the new, smarter Siri, but not every feature we expected made the grade in the first developer beta. Now, in iOS 27 beta 2, Apple has added a few extra features and paved the way for more to come in future releases.

The most significant update is the new "Write with Siri" button which appears at the top of the keyboard in several Apple apps, including Messages, Notes, and Mail. The tool was previously available but only when you selected text in these apps; now you can start writing with Siri's help right away.

Apple also fine-tuned some existing features. For example, in the standalone Siri app, you can now select and delete multiple conversations, instead of having to do it one by one.

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In the Siri section of Settings, there's a new option for Visual Intelligence. Here, you can turn a feature called "Highlight to Image Search" off or on (it's off by default). Per Apple's description: "When highlighting subjects to find similar images, it automatically sends the image to third parties to provide results."

Finally, there's a Siri voice customization feature in Settings that previously didn't work. Well, it still doesn't fully function, as the Pace and Expressivity options aren't available, but at least now they're labeled as "Coming Soon."

Note that folks in the European Union won't be able to use these features. Apple hasn't yet found an agreement with Europe's regulators on the topic of AI, and most of the new AI features, including Siri upgrades, will not be available in the EU for a while.

Wallet and payments Apple Wallet's got a new "Insights" feature, but it's not fully functional yet. Credit: Apple

Apple added a few new options related to its Wallet app and payments; again, not everything is fully fleshed out yet, but the features are obviously coming.

Wallet is getting Insights; you can find the feature by launching Wallet, tapping on the three dot menu in the upper right corner and selecting "Insights." The feature lets you connect accounts to Wallet to see "spending insights, recurring transactions, account balances and more." Most credit and debit card apps have something similar these days, but Apple lets you access it all in one place. The feature doesn't appear to be working yet, though.

Also, when you go to the Create a Pass option in Wallet, you now get new Texture option instead of just colors, allowing you to make your passes a little less dull.

Camera and photos A few tiny adjustments. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The Camera app has gotten some tweaks, albeit relatively minor; the rumored customization options and widgets are still nowhere to be seen.

As MacRumors noticed, they yellow highlights which appear around camera tools buttons are now there to indicate that a hidden feature has been enabled.

Also, in Photos, you can now use the AI tools on RAW images, too.

The rest

Among the myriad minor features we've seen in iOS 27 beta 2, there are a couple which are worth mentioning. The Weather app has been updated to look a little nicer; with some features like wind speed being easier to see. Also, if you're texting an Android user from Messages, you can now reply to a specific message. Finally, in the Home app you can now remotely update your Apple TV device.

There's also ton of bug fixes included in this release. For Apple's full release notes on iOS 27 Beta 2, check out Apple's developer website.

The final version of iOS 27 is coming this fall, together with new iPhones. The current versions are developer betas, and should not be installed by most people. Still, they give us a pretty good idea of what Apple is cooking for the widely available iOS 27, and we'll continue to dig through new versions to see whether anything has changed.

An iPhone camera can more than do the trick for content-worthy pictures, but the built-in microphone can be another story.

Especially in larger, crowded spaces — say like the Anaheim Convention Center, home of VidCon 2026 — a phone's built-in mic isn't likely to give you the clear, focused audio that doesn't peak when the volume gets a little too loud. If you're looking to update the audio quality of your content at VidCon, we recommend picking up a pocket mic.

SEE ALSO: The VidCon 2026 creator starter pack: 5 essentials to bring to content creation's biggest meetup

Before going straight to Amazon, it's worth understanding what you're paying for. There are plenty of cheap lavalier mics available for as low as $20, but you do make some concessions at that price point. The audio isn't likely to be as crisp, wireless options become harder to come by, and the idea of any noise reduction or companion apps with equalizers is all but a fantasy.

That's why the Mashable team has been testing more mid-range pocket mics — think in the $100 range — to see which microphones are still relatively affordable but not so cheap as to require another upgrade in the next year. Here are three of the best pocket mics you could pick up for VidCon 2026.

Best for smartphone-only users: Rode Wireless Micro Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Seamless is a great way to describe the Rode Wireless Micro. Even for content newbies, this wireless microphone takes minutes to set up. The case is about the same size as an AirPods case — literally pocket-sized — so they’re extremely portable, but they’re also reliable and easy to use. The USB-C receiver plugs directly into your phone, which bridges the gap between your phone and the microphones. The mics are appropriately sensitive, delivering clearer, louder sound than you get with your phone microphone. Rode also includes two windshield cases for the mics. — Lead Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino

Opens in a new window Credit: Rode Rode Wireless Micro $99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Best for simpler setups: Rode VideoMic Me-C+ Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

With wireless mics, you are juggling multiple pieces of equipment at a time, even if they are small. That’s why Rode’s VideoMic Me-C+ is a simpler option. It plugs directly into your phone to capture audio and includes a windshield too. Audio captured with the VideoMic Me-C+ is dimmer than other mics, specifically Rode’s Wireless Micro. This is likely because the distance between the speaker and the mic is farther than when using a lav mic, so it's best to keep it close. However, it did produce steadier audio. When I was recording and really moving my phone around, the mic didn't capture all that movement in the audio. — SM

Opens in a new window Credit: Rode Rode VideoMic Me-C+ $89 at Rode
  Shop Now Best value: DJI Mic Mini Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

I took the DJI Mic Mini with me to VidCon 2025 and was impressed by how it sounded in an echoey, concrete-floored convention center hall. Then, I used it while filming outside near busy streets and around live music, and was even more impressed by how clear the audio came through, and how adept this mic was at focusing on my voice and drowning out background sounds. Shoutout to the built-in noise cancellation.

While not quite as pocket-sized as the miniature Rode mic, it is more versatile, offering 48 hours of battery life and the ability to be plugged in directly to a camera. It also comes with four different windshields, two transmitters, one receiver, and two magnetic clips. If you like to film more than just with your phone, the DJI Mic Mini is the best value option, going for $99.99 at full price, or the frequent sale price of $79.99. — Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini $99.99 at Best Buy
  Shop Now

SAVE $460: As of June 23, you can get the ASUS TUF F16 gaming laptop for $839.99 at Amazon. That's a generous 35% discount and overall saving of $460.

Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus TUF F16 Gaming Laptop $839.99
$1,299.99 Save $460   Get Deal

Gamers wait all year for sale events such as Prime Day to come around. And there's very good reason — gaming hardware is expensive. Yeah, gaming's fun, but it's also pretty serious when you start buying top-quality gear.

Thankfully, with Amazon kicking off the discounted festivities, there's already a bunch of gaming deals that are worth checking out. And among the discounted hardware is the the ASUS TUF F16 gaming laptop.

As of June 23, the ASUS TUF F16 gaming laptop is marked down to $839.99, which gives you a massive saving of $460 — that's 35% off the list price of $1,299.99. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, it's the lowest-ever price for this laptop.

ASUS is a trusted brand in gaming so you know you can rely on the quality of this 16-inch laptop. It's Full HD, with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage — not to mention its Intel Core™ i5 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 5050 graphics card. It's not quite an expert-level machine but for intermediate gaming the ASUS TUF F16 gaming laptop is an absolute bargain this Prime Day.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.99 (List Price $249.00)

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation — $148.99 (List Price $179.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $279.00 (List Price $399.00)

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones — $378.00 (List Price $459.99)

Echo Dot 5th Gen Smart Speaker (2022 Release, Charcoal) — $34.99 (List Price $49.99)

55" Amazon Ember 4-Series 4K HDR10+ Smart Fire TV (2025 Model) — $279.95 (List Price $459.99)

Amazon Fire TV 2.0ch Bluetooth Soundbar With Dolby Audio — $79.99 (List Price $119.99)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

SAVE $35: As of June 23, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model) is down to $124.99 at Amazon. That's a 22% discount or $35 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $124.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

Prime Day has kicked off, and the deals have already made their way to one of Amazon’s easiest impulse buys: the newest Kindle Paperwhite. Right now, it’s down to $124.99 from $159.99, which saves you $35 on Amazon’s latest e-reader.

The newest Kindle Paperwhite keeps things simple. The screen is larger, pages turn faster, and the glare-free display stays easy to read whether you're outside in bright sunlight or reading in bed at night. Battery life is one of the biggest draws here too, with a single charge lasting up to 12 weeks.

The Kindle Paperwhite also scored 4.5/5 in Mashable’s review, with Senior Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino saying it’s the Kindle she’d actually recommend over the pricier models. She also said “The Paperwhite is the only one you need,” even compared to the more expensive Signature Edition.

It’s not perfect, though. Samantha pointed out that the power button on the bottom can be a bit annoying, and the screen doesn’t automatically rotate when you turn the device. Still, if you just want a simple, distraction-free e-reader, those quirks are pretty easy to overlook.

Grab the Kindle Paperwhite on Amazon and remember “just one more chapter” is a lie you’ll keep telling yourself.

SAVE $210: The Dreame L60 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop is on sale for $1,189.99 at Amazon, down from $1,399.99. That's a 15% discount or $210 savings.

Dreame L60 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop $1,189.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $210   Get Deal at Amazon

I'm going to be up front: I've always hated any vacuuming device that also claims to mop. I have two beagles, and every single time I've bought something that promised to mop my floors, it left me with a stinky tank and required way more maintenance work than it saved. That was until I brought the Dreame L60 Pro Ultra into my home. This robot vacuum-mop combo changed my life, and I don't care if that sounds dramatic.

What's even more impressive is that Amazon has this baby on sale already for Prime Day. It literally just came out in April. Right now, you can get the Dreame L60 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop for $1,189.99, down from $1,399.99. That's a 15% discount or $210 savings. And it's obvs the lowest price we've tracked to date, since this is one of its first discounts (maybe even its first ever that I've seen!).

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day is here: We found 50+ deals on Apple, Sony, and Lego favorites

Now I'm not going to pretend that the L60 Pro Ultra isn't pricey (even with the discount), but I'm telling you it's worth every penny. When it finishes a run, the dock automatically empties the dustbin, washes the dirty mop pads with 212-degree hot water (which is exactly why there's no more stinky tank smell), and dries them with hot air. It handles the entire process and notifies me (via the app) when it's time to empty the dirty water.

On the vacuuming side, it delivers 35,000Pa of suction power, features VersaLift LiDAR for cleaning under furniture, and includes "ProLeap Obstacle Crossing," where a little leg extends to help it cross double-layer thresholds. (I love that it lifts itself over those borders, so I don't have to constantly go get it when it moves between rooms.)

Thanks to its retractable legs and ProLeap feature, the vacuum lifts itself entirely over room transitions so you don't have to go rescue it. Credit: Tabitha Britt

It also comes with some fun and helpful pet features. The smart obstacle-avoidance camera can recognize your animals and even take cute photos of them while it's out cleaning. (You have to manually toggle the privacy settings in the companion app to enable the photos; it's not automatic.) I will warn fellow pet owners that the active front navigation light definitely scares my pups, though.

Honestly, I could talk about this robo-vac all day, but I'm saving the rest of my thoughts for a more in-depth review later. If you don't want to drop this much cash right now, we did find a few other Dreame models on sale below for less — just keep in mind they won't have as many advanced features.