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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 25 min 18 sec ago

Stay ready in any situation with 43% off the Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 11:39

SAVE $86.02: As of August 5, get the Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station for $112.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199. That's a discount of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station $112.98 at Amazon
$199 Save $86.02   Get Deal

We're still in the middle of a stormy summer season, so it's always a good idea to stay ready for a potential power outage. And if you're going out and about camping or staying otherwise off the grid, you want to make sure you have an electrical source as well. A portable power station is the way to go here, and we've found one that's up for grabs at a great price right now.

As of August 5, get the Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station for $112.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199. That's $86.02 off and a discount of 43%.

SEE ALSO: Portable power stations explained

This power station may seem small, but it's mighty enough to keep the electricity flowing where you need it the most. It has 128Wh of battery life, and that can give you about six charges for your phone or two for your laptop. It can keep you online long enough to communicate with family and friends or see what's going on should you need to stay in the know.

Beyond that, it's extremely light and portable at just four pounds, so it's easily moved if you need to tote it around with you or just keep it somewhere for safekeeping that's easy to access. For that reason, it could become an invaluable part of any emergency preparedness kit should you see fit to put one together.

You never want to be caught in the dark, literally or figuratively, so pick this portable power station up while it's up for grabs at this excellent price.

Google Assistant to shut down on Android, Wear OS next month

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 11:18

Google's longtime voice assistant will officially go to the great tech graveyard in the sky in the very near future.

As has been expected for quite a while, Google is ending support for Google Assistant on Android and WearOS in September, according to emails sent to users, as reported by 9to5google. Specifically, users can expect Google Assistant to start going away on their mobile devices on Sept. 4, though Google noted it might take a few weeks for the change to affect everyone.

Our big Guessing Game is back! Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch.

SEE ALSO: For creators like Hank Green, AI is now a reputational risk

"Once availability is removed, you will no longer be able to use or switch back to Google Assistant on your phone, tablet, or paired devices," the email said.

Google first launched Google Assistant as a competitor to Siri and Alexa back in 2016. Amazon infused Alexa with AI technology earlier this year, while Apple is doing the same to Siri in the near future, but Google has opted to go with its AI chatbot Gemini rather than upgrading Google Assistant. Google has been clear about its intent to get rid of Assistant ever since going all-in on Gemini, but the specific timing had not been known until now.

So, like Skype, AOL dial-up, and TiVo before it, Google Assistant will soon be no more.

Like tears in rain.

SEE ALSO: In Memoriam: All the tech that died in 2025

Need a back-to-school laptop fast? This 15.6-inch Dell model is $130 off

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:41

SAVE 17%: As of Aug. 5, you can get the 15.6-inch Dell laptop (Intel Core Ultra 5 225U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $649.99, down from $780, at Amazon. That's a 17% discount or $130.01 in savings.

15.6-inch Dell laptop (Intel Core Ultra 5 225U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $649.99 at Amazon
$780 Save $130.01   Get Deal at Amazon

Whether you're headed back to campus (boy, do I miss those days) or your current laptop has gone kaput, Amazon's got a ton of deals on affordable laptops right now, including models from Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

SEE ALSO: Back-to-school sales have arrived: Where to find deals on pencils, backpacks, lunchboxes, laptops, and more

As of Aug. 5, you can get the 15.6-inch Dell laptop (Intel Core Ultra 5 225U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $649.99, down from $780, at Amazon. That's a 17% discount or $130.01 in savings. While this isn't an all-time record low (the lowest tracked price was $599.99 in June), it's still a pretty good deal if you're in a pinch and need something, like, yesterday.

Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 225U processor, 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this budget-friendly computer offers plenty of power for multitasking, browsing, and light content creation without slowing down. There's also a dedicated Copilot key that gives you instant access to an AI assistant who can help you with organizing, searching, and general productivity.

The Soundcore Nebula P1i portable projector is on sale for under $300 — summer movie nights just got an upgrade

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:38

SAVE $74: The Soundcore Nebula P1i portable projector is on sale for $295 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $369. That's a 20% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Nebula P1i portable projector $295 at Amazon
$369 Save $74   Get Deal

We're down to the final few weekends of summer. If you're looking to squeeze out the last drops of fun, you might be considering having outdoor movie nights. Like the drive-in theatre, but with your own favorite movies, hosting a movie night in the backyard is always a memorable time. If you've been toying with the idea of a portable projector, check out this deal.

As of Aug. 5, the Soundcore Nebula P1i portable projector is on sale for $295 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $369. That works out to a $74 savings from a 20% discount.

Weighing just a bit over seven pounds, the Soundcore Nebula P1i projector would like to be the star of your next movie night. Sure, the built-in carrying handle helps with portability, but the major highlight is this all-in-one system.

Many projectors have sound issues that often lead to us using an external Bluetooth speaker. Soundcore aims to remedy needing that extra speaker with the addition of foldable and flippable speakers built into the projector. The rotation of the speakers means you can position them forward or backward to get the best sound quality, depending on where you're seated compared to the projector.

SEE ALSO: This 65-inch Hisense E7 Mini LED 4K TV just hit a new best price ever at over $450 off

Just like the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser mini projector, the Nebula P1i has obstacle avoidance, auto focus, auto keystone correction, and a screen fit function. Soundcore mentions the P1i can display between 40 and 150 inches.

The 380 ANSI lumens means the Nebula P1i is best used in darks rooms or after dusk. But now that the sun is setting earlier as we get into later summer, enjoying a movie night outside and getting to bed on time is still possible.

Consider the fun of outdoor movie nights this summer and cozy movies in bed thanks to the Soundcore Nebula P1i portable projector. Instead of dropping huge money at the movie theater, allot the funds to snagging the projector while it's on sale for under $300 at Amazon.

This under $400 DJI portable power station deal is a steal for content creators

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:35

SAVE $299: As of Aug. 5, the DJI Power 1000 V2 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for just $399.98. That's $299.02 less than the full $699 price tag at DJI, a savings of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 V2 $399.98 at Amazon
$699 Save $299.02   Get Deal

Portable power stations aren't exactly the cheapest investments, but they can be real lifesavers. Whether you're at home during a power outage or off the grid on a camping trip, we can't emphasize their importance enough in the modern world. We also highly encourage you to take advantage of deals when they arise.

As of Aug. 5, for instance, the DJI Power 1000 V2 portable power station is down to just $399.98 at Amazon. It retails for $699 at DJI, so that's a savings of 43% or about $299.

The DJI Power 1000 V2 is the brand's mid-range power station, falling between the beefy Power 2000 (one of our top picks) and the mini Power 500. It delivers 1,024Wh of power in a relatively compact 31-pound package. Mashable contributor Lauren Allain tested it out earlier this year and noted that she probably wouldn't want to haul it around all day, but felt comfortable carrying it around the house and loading it into her car without issue.

Perks of the Power 1000 V2, as per Allain's review, are its whisper-quiet operation, quick-charging capability, doubled on-board AC ports (compared to the first version), and its expansion abilities. The DJI Power 1000 V2 can connect to up to five DJI Expansion Battery 2000s, each adding 2,048Wh, for a massive whole-home backup.

While the Power 1000 V2 is fairly priced on a normal day, it's a massive bargain right now at 43% off. Allain calls it an "ideal portable power station for creators."

Tinder is testing Missed Connections and text-based Search feature

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:29

During its Q2 2026 earnings call yesterday, Tinder owner Match Group announced that the dating app is testing even more new features — after just expanding Events last month and launching a suite of new features in March.

In Match Group's prepared remarks for the call, Match and Tinder CEO Spencer Rascoff announced that Tinder is testing a Missed Connections feature, with Canada and Australia the first to try it. Details are scarce at this point, but Rascoff said, "Missed Connections brings the in-app and real-world experiences together by surfacing a weekly curated set of profiles in a dedicated tab based on who users crossed paths with in the prior week."

SEE ALSO: Tinder pauses AI Photo Enhance tool after complaints

Missed Connections is part of Tinder's strategy to bring singles together in-person, hence the expansion of the Events tab into nine additional cities in the U.S. and Europe after an initial test in Los Angeles. Internal data showed that Gen Z singles want a way to "share in-person experiences" with people who can "become closer connections," but it's difficult to transition from online to IRL. Tinder is trying to ease that transition.

Rascoff also said that AI was used in the creation of Missed Connections, from idea to final product in weeks instead of months. When the CEO joined the brand last year, his product principles included speed and urgency, using AI to build tools faster, and "failing fast."

We asked you to predict what Apple will do next. See the results and find out how to get a shot at winning an Apple Watch!

Tinder is also testing a text-based Search feature in Canada "to help users find people they are interested in more efficiently." Around 10 percent of testing users have submitted a search, and tens of thousands of searches have been generated in the first few weeks.

The app has also updated its recommendation algorithm for straight women, which apparently drove gains in Sparks (the number of users engaging in six-way conversations on Tinder in a given week) and Sparks Coverage (the percentage of active users who experience a Spark in a given time). Rascoff said recently that he wants more women on the platform, so that might be why the team started there. Tinder rolled out these updates in mid-July and is now expanding the updates to the algorithms for straight men and LGBTQ users.

The updates come as Tinder's direct revenue and paid users continue to decline year-over-year (one percent and five percent, respectfully), but the gap is narrowing. In the press release for the earnings, Match Group stated that year-over-year daily active user decline is four percent, which is the best result in 10 quarters, and year-over-year monthly active user declines improved too.

While Hinge continues to soar in direct revenue (22 percent YOY) and paying users (17 percent YOY), Barron's reported that Match Group focuses on Tinder because it brings in over half of Match Group's overall revenue, despite the portfolio including 45 apps.

Featured Video For You My awkward first date with an AI companion

I tested all of Amazons e-readers, and this is the best Kindle to buy

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:23

Choosing a Kindle is just the start. Once you have your Kindle, there's so much you can do to make the most of it. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.

So, after extensive testing, reading so many books, and attending BookCon, I created this guide to the best Kindles to buy in 2026.

2026 Kindle updates

As of May 20, 2026, Amazon no longer lend software updates or provide web services to devices released in 2012 or earlier, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.

The affected Kindles include:

  • Kindle (1st generation)

  • Kindle (2nd generation)

  • Kindle DX

  • Kindle DX Graphite

  • Kindle Keyboard

  • Kindle 4

  • Kindle Touch

  • Kindle 5

  • Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)

Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

  • Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

  • Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

  • Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

  • Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

Cue up your favorite music with nearly half off the Sony ULT Wear headphones

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:22

SAVE $101.99: As of August 5, get the Sony ULT Wear headphones for $148 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $249.99. That's a discount of 41%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony ULT Wear headphones $148 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $101.99   Get Deal

If you're looking for a new pair of headphones, there are tons of options out there. But if saving money is equally important as how your new pair sounds, we've got a fantastic suggestion that you won't want to pass up right now.

As of August 5, get the Sony ULT Wear headphones for $148 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $249.99. That's $101.99 off and a discount of 41%.

SEE ALSO: The 12 best headphones of 2026: We tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

These headphones are all about big sound, particularly in the bass department. If you're looking for audio that really nails the thumping and bumping in your favorite songs, this pair can do that and more for you. Mashable's Miller Kern praised their "booming sound" in her review as well as the option to "punch the bass up two levels", which will give any of your favorite songs some extra oomph. You can do this by pressing the ULT button, which is dedicated to adding the bass whenever you feel like you need it.

Additionally, they offer excellent noise cancellation thanks to their V1 processor. They're plush and comfortable as well with smooth cushioning that's meant to mold to your ears. And if you want to wear them for long listening sessions you can do that too thanks to their lengthy battery life and quick charging.

These versatile headphones are a great option no matter your use case, and made even better now that they're on sale, so grab a pair while they're still available.

The DJI Neo is down to its best-ever price — grab this beginner-friendly bundle for under $370

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:21

SAVE $160: As of Aug. 5, the DJI Neo Motion Fly More Combo is down to $369 at Amazon. That matches its best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo Motion Fly More Combo $369 at Amazon
$529 Save $160   Get Deal

The DJI Neo Motion Fly More Combo is down to its best-ever price on Amazon, dropping from $529 to $369. That’s a 30% discount on the bundle, which includes the lightweight 4K self-flying drone, RC Motion 3 controller, DJI Goggles N3, three batteries, and a two-way charging hub for longer, more immersive flights.

The DJI Neo is for people who want cool aerial shots without turning drone flying into a whole hobby. At 135 grams, it’s small enough to toss in a backpack, and DJI says it doesn’t require FAA registration or Remote ID. The Neo can take off and land from your palm with the push of a button, making it easy to bring along for hikes, family gatherings, or weekend adventures.

The real appeal is the built-in tracking features. The Neo can automatically follow you, making it easier to capture hands-free videos during outdoor activities. It also comes with eight QuickShots modes that create ready-to-share cinematic clips without requiring manual control of every movement.

For videos, the Neo shoots 4K UHD footage and uses DJI’s stabilization tech to help keep clips smooth, even when you’re moving around or flying it in breezier conditions.

Don’t let this drone deal fly away. Grab the DJI Neo Motion Fly More Combo at Amazon for $369.

How to stop videos autoplaying on X

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 09:58

X (formerly Twitter) seems to be dominated by videos when you open the app or access the site — and if the news of the day happens to be something violent or disturbing, it can be easy to stumble across content that you don't want to see automatically playing.

The safest way to avoid disturbing social media content is to avoid the apps altogether, but if you do want to access X on a day when unpleasant news is trending, there's a setting you can tweak that will at least stop videos from autoplaying in your feed.

SEE ALSO: Twitter lets you put content warnings on your tweets. Here's how to do it. How to stop videos autoplaying on X Total Time
  • 1 minute
What You Need
  • X on desktop or smartphone

Step 1: Navigate to "Settings and privacy"

This is under "More" if you're using desktop.

Credit: X

Step 2: Navigate to "Accessibility, display and languages"

Step 3: Click/tap on "Data Usage"

Credit: X

Step 4: Click/tap "Autoplay", then select "Never"

This will stop all videos from autoplaying when you're using X.

Credit: X

It's worth noting that while you can stop videos playing automatically, this won't remove videos from X altogether — and there's still a chance you may see disturbing images (including screenshots) while browsing on the app.

If you've seen violent or disturbing content online, and need to talk to somebody, here are some resources:

Crisis Text Line / 988lifeline.org / Samaritans / Find a Helpline

To report harmful content go to the Safer Internet Centre.

TikTok’s favorite water bottle is on sale: What to buy from Amazons rare Owala sale

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 08:57
The best Owala deals on Amazon: Owala Tumbler Kids Stainless Steel Water Bottle $15.99 (Save $4) Get Deal Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle $23.99 (Save $6) Get Deal Owala SmoothSip Slider Coffee Cup $23.99 (Save $6) Get Deal Owala Marvel FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle $27.99 (Save $7) Get Deal

Amazon's huge Owala is officially live, and it's a solid opportunity to stock up, whether you're building out your collection or finally replacing that one bottle with the busted lid. The lineup covers a good range, too — classic FreeSip bottles, tumblers, coffee-friendly SmoothSip Sliders, and even a few fun designs like the Marvel Spider-Man bottle.

The best Owala deal on Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle $23.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $6   Get Deal Why we like it

If your water bottle collection has quietly taken over a cabinet in search of "the one," Owala's FreeSip might finally be the bottle that ends the search. It's designed to solve the age-old dilemma of choosing between a straw and a spout by giving you both, wrapped in double-wall stainless steel that's built to keep your drink cold for hours.

Mashable's Samantha Mangino has been using her Owala FreeSip for years and calls it "the best $40 I've ever spent," specifically praising the sip-or-chug spout and its protective cover, something she says other straw bottles she's tried don't include. Her one caveat is that the larger sizes don't fit in cup holders, which makes this 24-ounce version the one she'd point you toward if portability matters to you.

More Owala deals on Amazon

Grab your Owala bottle at Amazon before it sells out.

This $250 watch is shockingly capable: Garmin Forerunner 70

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 08:45

The Forerunner 70 is Garmin's new, entry-level smart fitness watch. At $250, it's Garmin's cheapest device, but does it behave like one? CNET Senior Video Producer Owen Poole swaps his premium Garmin for the Forerunner 70 to see how it stacks up.

Your giant cat finally has a litter box that fits — HomerunPet has dropped a smart litter box for chonks

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 07:53

TL;DR: The HomerunPet CS106 self-cleaning litter box is available for $699, giving large cats up to 25 pounds a roomy 106-liter interior, a built-in 4.5-liter litter refill system, a 12-liter waste bin, and app controls.

Opens in a new window Credit: HomerunPet HomerunPet CS106 $699 at Amazon
$799 Save $100   Shop Now

Self-cleaning litter boxes have come a long way, but there's one problem many of them still haven't solved: they're simply too small for bigger cats. If you've got a larger cat, multiple cats, or both, finding one that's roomy enough for everyone can be surprisingly tricky.

That's what HomerunPet is hoping to change with the CS106. The brand says it's the world's largest self-cleaning litter box, with a roomy 106-liter interior built for cats weighing up to 25 pounds. The CS106 can also refill its own litter. It has a built-in 4.5-liter tank that monitors litter levels and tops things off when they're running low, so you're not constantly reaching for the litter bag.

Cleaning is pretty hands-off, too. The waste bin holds up to 12 liters, which HomerunPet says is enough for up to two weeks of waste from two cats. That means fewer cleanouts and fewer "I forgot to empty the litter box" moments.

The litter bed is designed to spread litter evenly after every cleaning cycle, helping keep things clean for homes with multiple cats. And if your cat wanders back in while the box is cleaning itself, the cycle pauses automatically.

Credit: HomerunPet

There's a physical bumper that prevents the opening from fully closing, plus a Kitten Protection Mode that turns off automatic cleaning for smaller cats that might not yet trigger the sensors. It also works with most common litter types, so you shouldn't have to switch brands just to use it. And thanks to its enclosed waste compartment and built-in odor control, it should help keep those not-so-pleasant litter box smells in check.

Your Maine Coon may not say thank you, but they'll probably appreciate the extra legroom. Grab the HomerunPet CS106 at Amazon for $699.

Amazon deal alert: Get the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 for under $900

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 07:40

SAVE OVER $400: As of Aug. 5, the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 robot vacuum and mop is down to $879.99 at Amazon. Compared to its full price of $1,299.99, that's $420 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop $879.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $420   Get Deal

If you're searching for a reliable robot vacuum to have at home — particularly after news of the FCC deciding to ban all new robot vacuums made outside the U.S.Amazon is a great place to look.

As of Aug. 5, the retailer has dropped a stellar discount on the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 robot vacuum and mop that we think is worth a look while it's still available. Normally priced at $1,299.99, Amazon has knocked this combo cleaner down to $879.99, saving you $420 overall. It's also pretty close to its lowest recorded price of $849.99, which is a great bonus.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from Amazon and get a free $100 gift card

From cleaning up crumbs to mopping up spills, the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 is packed with plenty of power to help keep your house tidy. The 25,000 Pa suction, with a dual anti-tangle system, lifts any dirt, debris, or loose hair that's caught in your carpets and rugs. Plus, its 3.14-inch height means it can easily maneuver under lower furniture to get tucked-away spots, and Reactive AI obstacle recognition helps it avoid any objects while it cleans.

It also features an upgraded mopping system that, according to the store page, provides 8N of downward pressure to scrub dry stains from your hard floors. And for reaching corners, it has a FlexiArm Arc Side Brush to help out.

If you're hoping to have extra cleaning help ahead of fall, don't miss out on this great deal on the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Save $100+ on the ASUS ROG OLED gaming monitor that makes LCD panels look ancient

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 07:36

SAVE OVER $100: As of Aug. 5, the ASUS ROG 27-inch OLED gaming monitor is on sale for $679 at Amazon. That's $120 off its full price of $799.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG 27-Inch OLED Gaming Monitor $679 at Amazon
$799 Save $120   Get Deal

Buying a new gaming monitor doesn't have to clean out your wallet. Amidst tech price increases, Amazon has been dropping some excellent discounts for PC gamers looking for something new or an upgrade. As of Aug. 5, the ASUS ROG 27-inch OLED gaming monitor is one we've spotted at the retailer, now priced at $679.

Overall, that's a $120 price cut from its original list price of $799. It's not far from its lowest price point at the retailer, either. Price tracker camelcamelcamel shows that as $657.40, so its current deal price is still mighty close. If you've had your eye on it, this is a great time to make your move.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from Amazon and get a free $100 gift card

With its 1440P resolution OLED display, this ASUS ROG gaming monitor boasts a crisp, vibrant picture quality that's sure to make games, videos, and more really pop on screen. It also features a 480Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, ensuring everything runs smoothly and looks sharp without motion blur.

This monitor even comes with ROG OLED Anti-Flicker Technology, which reduces the flicker during refresh rate fluctuations. This helps you feel more comfortable when you're gaming for longer periods.

This offer may not be live for long since it's a "limited time deal." So act fast to save on the ASUS ROG 27-inch OLED gaming monitor at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

This 65-inch Mini-LED 4K TV is down to a record-low price at Amazon — save $502

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 07:31

SAVE OVER $500: As of Aug. 5, the Hisense 65-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K TV has hit its lowest-ever price of $598.99 at Amazon. That's $501 off its list price of $1,099.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-Inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K UHD HDR Gaming AI TV $598.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $501   Get Deal

A new TV is a big investment, but thankfully, great deals pop up quite frequently to help make your purchase feel a bit less daunting. Today is one of those days, because we've spotted an excellent offer worth checking out at Amazon. As of Aug. 5, the retailer has knocked the Hisense 65-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K TV down to its lowest-ever price of $598.99.

Compared to this model's full price of $1,099.99, that's a $501 discount. That's nearly half off (46%, to be exact). Since it's never been this cheap before, this is the perfect time to swoop in and add it to your shopping cart.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from Amazon and get a free $100 gift card

Whether you're streaming or gaming, the Hisense U6 Pro boasts 4K resolution, Hi-QLED technology, and Mini-LED backlighting to enhance color, contrast, and detail in everything that pops up on its 65-inch display. It also has a native 144Hz refresh rate, which helps keep the picture smooth and sharp. This is especially helpful while playing games or watching live sports.

Plus, it even has a built-in subwoofer that gives bass in sounds you hear a nice boost, and it's a Fire TV. With the latter, jumping into your favorite streaming apps is quick and easy.

Considering the Hisense 65-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K TV has hit its lowest price point at Amazon, this is an excellent time to grab it while the deal is still available.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

How to watch One Piece online for free

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 07:26

TL;DR: Watch One Piece for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Anime fans are often forced into one of two camps: Those who pay a lot of cash to subscribe to a number of streaming platforms and those who rely on dodgy streams from dark corners of the online world. It doesn't need to be this way. There are legitimate streaming platforms out there with enormous banks of anime content, just waiting for you to binge.

BBC iPlayer might not be the first name you think of when it comes to anime, but this popular service hosts literally thousands of episodes from the One Piece anime series. It's also a great place to access free Pokémon content. Who knew?

If you're interested in watching One Piece for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch One Piece for free

Over 1,000 episodes from the One Piece anime series are available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but you can access this free service from abroad with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to watch One Piece from anywhere in the world.

Stream One Piece for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Stream One Piece for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch One Piece without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to binge everything on offer before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free streams on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch One Piece for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

A SpaceX rocket likely crashed on the moon

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 07:14

A rogue piece of a SpaceX rocket is reported to have crash landed on the moon.

Announced Tuesday by NASA, the space agency and Elon Musk-owned space company have been tracking a stray upper stage from a Falcon 9 rocket launched last year to deploy Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost 1 lunar lander. Reported by the BBC to likely have crashed on the lunar surface at 07:35 a.m. BST, the rocket section is estimated by the news outlet to weigh about 4,000 kilograms (8,000 pounds).

According to NASA, "solar activity and gravitational forces" caused the upper stage of the rocket, which takes over from the boosters in space, to divert course to the moon. The agency predicted SpaceX's object would crash near the Einstein and Bell craters on the moon's surface, the resulting crater to be 60 feet wide and 12 feet deep. That's one large divot.

However, NASA stipulated "the impact poses no danger to Earth."

SEE ALSO: Astronomers think some asteroids have been comets all along. Here's why.

The object was identified by astronomers using public data, NASA says, with confirmation of an impending moon impact later made by NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), located at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. CNEOS tracks orbiting asteroid and comet and evaluates their odds of impacting Earth.

You can't watch the impact from Earth, but NASA says its Meteoroid Environments Office will be using telescopes at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, to take images of the event (so stay tuned for moon crash pics).

If you're worried, NASA described the event of an upper stage crashing on the moon as "a technically accepted and safe method and, in some cases, can be the only practical option for missions in low lunar orbit." The agency says its scientists will collect data from the event and described it as providing "valuable insight" into object tracking in space and the moon's geology, especially ejecta plumes — the trajectory of dust, rocks, and material dislodged by a force.

As the agency pointed out, though human made objects are rare, the moon is regularly hit by meteoroids. Why? It's like a shitty party: no atmosphere.

Featured Video For You Humans could soon live underwater, in these deep sea habitats

How ENHYPENs vampire universe grew far beyond K-pop

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 07:00

Every fandom has its lore. ENHYPEN has an entire universe.

What began as the vampire imagery woven through the K-pop group's 2020 debut has evolved into DARK MOON, a supernatural franchise spanning Webtoon, anime, music, and its own devoted online fandom. But ENHYPEN's commitment to storytelling doesn't stop there. As the group prepares to release THE SIN: BLISS on Aug. 21 — the latest chapter in its SIN universe, which unfolds through cinematic narration, interconnected teasers, and an overarching narrative — the line between music and world-building continues to blur.

At this year's San Diego Comic-Con, where superheroes, vampires, and sprawling fictional universes have long found a home, ENHYPEN's storytelling found a natural stage. Towering above the convention floor, a glowing crimson moon beckoned visitors to the DARK MOON booth, where fans and attendees learned about the story, posed for photos alongside life-size character illustrations, and gathered for a chance to see ENHYPEN in the flesh during an autograph signing.

It was part promotional stop, part portal into a fictional world that has grown alongside the group for nearly five years.

Launched as a Webtoon in 2022, DARK MOON follows seven vampire boys inspired by ENHYPEN: Heli, Jaan, Jino, Solon, Jakah, Shion, and Noa. (Heli was originally based on former member EVAN.) At the mysterious Decelis Academy, they protect a transfer student named Sooha while navigating love, brotherhood, and questions of identity, themes that have anchored ENHYPEN's own music.

The story didn't stay on the page for long. It has since extended into sequel webtoons, an anime adaptation, soundtrack albums, and immersive fan experiences, cementing DARK MOON as one of K-pop's most ambitious multimedia storytelling projects.

Meet ENHYPEN's animated alter egos. Credit: Courtesy of BELIFT LAB

Backstage at San Diego's House of Blues on Friday night, just hours after appearing at Comic-Con, ENHYPEN is preparing for DARK MOON BLOOD NIGHT, a special performance celebrating the franchise. Outside, hundreds of fans wait for the doors to open, many having spent the day exploring the DARK MOON booth on the convention floor before changing into vampire-inspired outfits and cosplay for the evening's concert. Inside, members Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki are relaxed, laughing with one another as they prepare to take the stage.

It wasn't always this easy to embrace the fangs. "When we first debuted, the only vampire reference we really had was Twilight," Jay tells Mashable. "At first, it was quite weird. We were like, 'How could we do this?' There were a lot of challenges and a lot of big ideas. But now it has become really iconic for us."

Jay isn't wrong. Pop culture has a habit of falling back in love with vampires every generation.

Long before ENHYPEN built its own mythology, there were Anne Rice's brooding immortals, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, True Blood, and The Vampire Diaries. Then came Twilight, whose sun-sparkling Cullens transformed vampires into one of the defining internet fandoms of the late 2000s, inspiring fan fiction, Tumblr debates, and the Team Edward-versus-Team Jacob discourse that somehow still resurfaces online whenever Robert Pattinson decides to troll the internet.

JAKE, JAY, SUNGHOON, NI-KI, JUNGWON, SUNOO, Ashley Greene, Peter Facinelli, Catherine Hardwicke Credit: Courtesy of BELIFT LAB

That lineage made ENHYPEN's Comic-Con appearance feel particularly fitting. The group's panel, "Bite Me: Calling All Vampires," brought the members together with Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke and stars Peter Facinelli and Ashley Greene for a conversation about one of pop culture's most enduring monsters and why every generation seems to find a new way to fall in love with vampires.

"I believe we're the first K-pop group to ever come to Comic-Con," Jake says. "It feels very unique because it's like two different worlds of entertainment coming together. We're very happy about that."

World-building has become part of K-pop's creative DNA. Agencies don't just build groups; they build eras, concepts, and fictional universes for fans to unravel across music videos, comeback trailers, social media, and performances. Fans, in turn, freeze-frame every teaser, decode cryptic clues, and spend weeks stitching together elaborate theories from seemingly insignificant details. Few of those story worlds, however, have expanded as far beyond the music as DARK MOON, which now spans the Webtoon DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR, its sequel DARK MOON: TWO MOONS, the anime adaptation now streaming on Crunchyroll in North America, and companion releases like the MEMORABILIA soundtrack album.

For the members, one of the most surreal moments came when they first saw animated versions of themselves.

"I remember during one of our earliest meetings with the DARK MOON team, they explained how each character represented us," Jake recalls. "When we finally watched it, we were saying, 'Oh, that one really looks like someone. That one acts like someone.' We could really see the resemblance."

That likeness is hard to ignore backstage. Framed illustrations of the DARK MOON characters line the interview space like family portraits, each member sitting just a few feet from his fictional counterpart. At one point, Sunoo wanders over to Shion's portrait, studying it for a moment.

"He's very cute," he says.

Ni-ki laughs that his own character still resembles his "debut-era" self. Jay, meanwhile, can't resist teasing Sunoo, insisting that Shion is "more Sunoo than Sunoo" — or, as he puts it, maybe even "cuter" than the real thing.

"No, no, no," Sunoo fires back, laughing.

The expansion into animation also introduced ENHYPEN to an entirely new audience when the anime, titled Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Animation with Enhypen, premiered earlier this year. "We weren't that familiar with animation," Jake admits. "Then we realized there was this huge fanbase. Later, we heard that a lot of people actually became ENHYPEN fans through DARK MOON. That was really surprising for us, and exactly what we were hoping for."

That kind of crossover is intentional. "At HYBE NEB, we believe that a strong shared thematic vision is what connects all of our content and allows fans to experience a cohesive universe, regardless of where they first encounter our IP," Taeho Park, president of HYBE Next Entertainment Business, tells Mashable. "Our priority is ensuring that fans can connect with the same core themes and emotions, no matter how they enter the universe."

The storytelling doesn't end with DARK MOON. ENHYPEN's latest musical era has embraced increasingly immersive world-building, and THE SIN: BLISS doubles down with narrated tracks, in-universe websites, and a series of in-universe advertisements imagining what everyday life might look like in a society built for vampires. Think coffin-inspired mattresses, centuries-old banking, and real estate with guaranteed sunlight protection.

The group is also continuing a device introduced on THE SIN: VANISH, enlisting familiar voices to narrate the story. For THE SIN: BLISS, the Korean narration is delivered in part by MBC News Desk anchor Kim Soo-ji, whose recognizable voice lends the fictional broadcasts the authority of a real news report.

"We thought it was a great idea because it makes the album almost like it's from a third-person point of view," Jake says of introducing outside narrators. "If we did the narration ourselves, it would feel like us telling our own story. Now it's somebody else looking at us and what's happening to us."

Ni-ki promotes DORMANT, a fictional coffin-inspired mattress brand designed for the vampire world of THE SIN: BLISS. Credit: Courtesy of BELIFT LAB

Jay says bringing in professionals to narrate the album was "one of the best decisions" the group has made creatively, making the story feel more immersive.

Even when recording songs directly connected to DARK MOON — including fan favorites "One In A Billion," "CRIMINAL LOVE," and "Fatal Trouble" — Sunghoon says the group never treats them as separate from ENHYPEN's broader artistic identity.

"I actually like those tracks a lot because they fit the message DARK MOON represents," he says. "When we record music, I don't think I take different approaches, whether it is for DARK MOON or for ENHYPEN. We always try to give our best."

As the stories have grown more ambitious, so has the role fans play in interpreting them. K-pop fans have long dissected music videos for hidden clues, but Ni-ki sees DARK MOON as an opportunity to join that conversation rather than replace it.

"Before this, K-pop fans were already interpreting music videos," he says. "We thought, 'Why should the fans do all the work?' We would provide our own version of interpretation."

ENHYPEN turned the House of Blues into a home for vampires during DARK MOON BLOOD NIGHT. Credit: Courtesy of BELIFT LAB

Rather than closing off those conversations, ENHYPEN sees the official narrative as another layer for fans to remix.

"Based on the version we offered, the fans reinterpret it in their own way," Ni-ki continues. "It's a nice cycle."

Before this, K-pop fans were already interpreting music videos... We thought, 'Why should the fans do all the work?' We would provide our own version of interpretation. - ENHYPEN member Ni-ki

Jungwon says social media has only accelerated that process. "There are so many different surfaces where fans find not just DARK MOON but ENHYPEN as a team," he says. "It enables fans to become more immersed in what we do."

That collaborative approach is something HYBE increasingly sees as central to DARK MOON itself.

"We believe that fans are also an important part of completing DARK MOON's storytelling experience," Park says. "We want fans to do more than simply consume our story content... Looking ahead, we want to put even greater emphasis on active fan participation and the role of the community in enriching the overall storytelling experience."

The members witness creativity every day through theories, edits, artwork, and discussions that fans post online. And, yes, they're quick to admit they also save fan art when they come across it online.

"In many cases, the conclusion is open-ended," Sunghoon says. "It's open to interpretation. It depends on the person. It's more fun like that."

As for where DARK MOON could go next, the members have no shortage of ideas. Sunoo dreams of a live-action adaptation — though he'd happily leave the acting to someone else. Jake imagines a sprawling video game for the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation, the kind of fantasy RPG where players can spend dozens of hours exploring its world. Ni-ki wants to see the story stretched across an epic series of high-fantasy novels. Sunghoon pictures a DARK MOON takeover of Seoul's Lotte World theme park, complete with attractions inspired by the vampire universe. Jay, meanwhile, is already thinking on an even grander scale.

"A musical," he says without hesitation. After a beat, another idea arrives. "Or something at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Technology is really amazing these days."

The members laugh as they imagine those possibilities. But they're not exactly far-fetched. Five years ago, DARK MOON was just an idea taking shape alongside ENHYPEN's debut. Today, it's a living story that keeps finding new ways to exist across countless corners of the internet. If its journey has proven anything, it's that the next chapter could be almost anywhere.

Android users, beware: Your location data might be being inadvertently shared

Wed, 08/05/2026 - 06:42

Got an Android phone? Your location may be being broadcast on more apps than you realize.

App developers could be inadvertently sharing user location data with advertisers, according to findings from an Electronic Frontier Foundation investigation.

SEE ALSO: Parental controls arrive on all Android devices

The issue arises from certain Software Development Kits (SDKs) that advertisers provide to developers to enable them to monetize their apps. The problem? A number of these SDKs collect location data by default, so if you've given an app permission to access your location, it may well be sharing this data with advertisers without you realizing.

"Even if users were to grant these apps permission to obtain their location data, they would likely not expect their location data to be shared with third parties," reads the EFFs report. "Many users don’t know that granting location permissions to an app grants the same permissions to third-party SDKs embedded in the app, or that an app they're using contains code from outside companies."

How to stop sharing your location on Android

The good news is you can stop sharing your location with any app at any time, via the Settings page.

Just tap Location, then App location permissions. You can then go through your apps one by one and select Don't Allow or Not Allowed.

Alternatively, if you want to stop sharing location data across all apps, you can head to the main menu and toggle Use Location to off (the only issue there is that it will include apps where you might need to give location permissions, such as maps and weather).

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