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Scientists previously captured rare footage of a giant squid. Now, they've filmed another huge squid species — the colossal squid.

The first specimens of the colossal squid were formally described by biologists a century ago, in 1925. These deep sea dwellers, which live exclusively in Antarctic waters, are rarely seen, so they're largely mysterious. But the Schmidt Ocean Institute, a well-traveled ocean exploration group, has used a high-tech robot to film the first-ever confirmed footage of colossal squid in its natural and remote marine environs.

"It’s exciting to see the first in situ footage of a juvenile colossal and humbling to think that they have no idea that humans exist," Kat Bolstad, a cephalopod expert at the Auckland University of Technology who helped verify the footage, said in a statement. "For 100 years, we have mainly encountered them as prey remains in whale and seabird stomachs and as predators of harvested toothfish."

"This is honestly one of the most exciting observations we've had in my time researching deep sea cephalopods," Bolstad said during a press conference on April 15.

SEE ALSO: A dominant shark lurks in the deep, dark ocean. Meet the sixgill.

The observed colossal squid seen below is quite young and not nearly fully grown, at nearly a foot long. But mature individuals grow to around 30 feet long (though some individuals could be larger), weigh in at over 1,100 pounds (which makes them both the heaviest squid and invertebrate), and have the largest eyes of any animal (at some 10.5 inches across, making them soccer-ball size).

The Schmidt Ocean Institute's ROV SuBastian — a robot fitted with a slew of scientific instruments and capable of descending down to 14,763 feet, or 4,500 meters — filmed the squid on March 9 off the South Sandwich Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The squid was swimming at some 1,968 feet, or 600 meters, beneath the surface.

The Schmidt Ocean Institute's remotely operated vehicle SuBastian. Credit: Alex Ingle / Schmidt Ocean Institute

This long-sought footage was ROV SuBastian's third time capturing first-ever confirmed footage of a squid species in their natural ocean habitat. (The others include Spirula spirula, or Ram’s Horn Squid, in 2020, and the Promachoteuthis.)

Dropping such robots into the depths regularly reveals rare or unprecedented footage. "We always discover stuff when we go out into the deep sea. You're always finding things that you haven't seen before," Derek Sowers, an expedition lead for NOAA Ocean Exploration, previously told Mashable.

Scientists want to shine a light — literally and figuratively — on what's down there. The implications of knowing are incalculable, particularly as deep sea mineral prospectors prepare to run tank-like industrial equipment across parts of the seafloor. Biologists emphasize that rare biodiversity and marine habitats be protected. What's more, research expeditions have found that ocean life carries great potential for novel medicines. "Systematic searches for new drugs have shown that marine invertebrates produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organisms," notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"There's life down there that has the potential to provide and has provided us with medicines," Jyotika Virmani, an oceanographer and executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, told Mashable last year.

OpenAI is reportedly working on a social media prototype for sharing images generated by ChatGPT.

According to The Verge, who spoke with anonymous sources "familiar with the matter," OpenAI is working on a social media feed akin to X that would host ChatGPT-generated images created by users. This would reportedly serve two goals: boosting visibility of ChatGPT's now-viral image generator and serving as a source for real-time user data. (Google, Meta, and X all have vast amounts of user data, some of which can be leveraged for AI training.) The Verge also reports that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been privately asking for feedback on such a tool.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Studio Ghibli-inspired AI art provokes backlash across the internet

It's unclear whether the social feed would be a standalone social networking app or integrated with ChatGPT, similar to the feed of user-generated images on Midjourney. It also calls to mind the video feed that already exists on OpenAI's standalone Sora app, which serves as a space for users to explore how others are using the AI video generator.

Of course, there's a lot of distance between a social networking feed of user-generated content and a genuine social media app, like X or Instagram. If the company did venture into the social media space one day, it would likely make the feud between Musk and OpenAI even more contentious. Sources told The Verge that Grok's relationship with X, which is now also owned by Elon Musk's xAI company, has "made everyone jealous" since "people create viral tweets by getting it to say something stupid."

Musk is currently suing OpenAI for breach of contract by attempting to convert its capped for-profit into a full-fledged for-profit corporation. Recently Musk offered to buy OpenAI for $97 billion, an offer than Altman firmly rejected.

OpenAI would also be taking on Meta, another AI rival. Meta AI benefits from gathering user data to train its Llama models, and the company is also reportedly planning a standalone Llama app to compete with ChatGPT.

Altman has jokingly referred to building a social media app in the past. In response to a February CNBC report, Altman wrote on X, "ok fine maybe we'll do a social app."

Ever since Nintendo indefinitely delayed pre-orders on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. and Canada, Switch gamers have been in limbo.

Now, the wait may finally be over. A new leak from Deal Labs' Billbil-kun on Bluesky (via Kotaku) suggests that U.S. retailers are eyeing either April 21 or April 30 as the official pre-order date. The leaker, who has proven reliable in the past, reports that Canadian retailers are preparing for an April 23 date.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo exec explains $80 price of 'Mario Kart World,' what it means for Switch 2 games

In other words, we could be less than a week away from the end of the tariff-caused delay in pre-orders. Of course, there are reasons to doubt this rumor. For starters, the tariff situation itself is very, let's say, fluid. And that's putting it lightly.

For now, a 10 percent tariff on Vietnam (where many Switch 2 consoles are reportedly being manufactured) remains in effect, though that could change at any time. After a meeting earlier this week between Vietnam and China, President Donald Trump accused the countries of trying to "screw" the United States.

Beyond that, all internet leaks should be taken with a grain of salt, even from a source that is generally reliable. It's very possible that Nintendo itself still isn't certain when it will open pre-orders in the United States and Canada, and if that's the case, retailers wouldn't know, either.

Despite all the uncertainty, Nintendo remains adamant that the Switch 2 will be launching on June 5 as planned.

The Meta chief executive, testifying in a landmark antitrust trial, denied he was trying to snuff out competitors.

For the first time since the late 1990s Microsoft case, federal trials are weighing antitrust breakups, a tactic that harks back to Standard Oil.

SAVE UP TO $40: Through May 7, new and returning customers can sign up for Max yearly streaming subscriptions for up to 20% off. Ad-supported subscriptions are down to just $79.99 per year from $99.99, while ad-free tiers are down to just $139.99 and $169.99 per year from $169.99 and $209.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max annual subscriptions save up to 20% on any plan Get Deal

Max has randomly decided to drop the cost of its annual streaming plans for a limited time, resulting in one of the best streaming deals we've seen since Black Friday.

Through May 7, new and returning subscribers can score a yearly subscription to Max for up to 20% off the usual cost. The ad-supported tier is down to just $79.99 per year from $99.99, which breaks down to just $6.67 monthly. Meanwhile, the ad-free tiers are just $139.99 per year (just $11.67/month) instead of $169.99 or $169.99 per year ($14.17/month) instead of $209.99. That's up to $40 in savings.

Whether you want to see what all The White Lotus hype is about or tune into some of the latest box office hits like Babygirl, Y2K, Heretic, and the Oscar-winning Flow, Max is a treasure trove of excellent content. The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streamer is home to not only Warner Bros. films, but also new A24 theatrical releases and an insane array of original series. Translation: you'll never be bored.

Sadly, like Netflix, the service is expected to start its password sharing crackdown very soon. Hence, there's never been a better time to sign up for your own Max account. Just note that the Max streaming deal is only valid for your first year. Afterwards, the price per year will revert back to full cost. Be sure to cancel before the year is up if you want to avoid that price jump.

TL;DR: Leave recurring costs behind and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for just A$80 (reg. A$352) through 27 April.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License AU$80
AU$352 Save AU$272 Get Deal

With this limited-time offer from the Mashable Shop, you can get an unlimited device license for Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2021 for Windows with a one-time purchase of A$80. Once it's set up on your device, the license will never expire.

Here's what's included with purchase:

• Lifetime access to essential Office apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (free version only), OneNote, Publisher, and Access for all your work and personal projects

• Access these productivity tools without recurring subscription fees

• Fully compatible with Windows 10 and 11, ensuring smooth functionality on modern PCs

• Perfect for business, school, or home use, offering all the apps needed to create, edit, and share documents, presentations, and spreadsheets

• Delivered digitally for quick and easy setup with instant access to your license key

Take advantage of this limited-time price drop on a lifetime license to the complete Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2021 suite on sale for A$80 until 27 April at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Google is under the microscope again — this time in Japan. The country’s Fair Trade Commission has issued a cease-and-desist order against the tech giant, claiming it may have broken Japan’s antitrust laws.

SEE ALSO: Google invented new ways to alter movies with AI for The Sphere. It's sure to be controversial.

The order, signed Tuesday, alleges that Google pressured Japanese smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its apps on Android devices, specifically Google Chrome and the Play Store. A senior investigator speaking to The Japan Times said the practice made it "difficult for other competing search engines to be used on Android phones."

This is a notable first for Japan — it’s the country’s first antitrust move against one of the major U.S. tech players. And while the timing of the antitrust action coincides with tariff-related trade talks between Japan and the United States, a press release from the Japanese Fair Trade Commission states that the investigation into Google's business practices began in October 2023.

The investigation found that Google required manufacturers to preinstall Google apps and offered extra ad revenue to companies that complied with these conditions. According to The Japan Times, the company had such agreements with six manufacturers, accounting for roughly 80% of smartphones produced in Japan.

The cease and desist order instructs Google to end these practices or risk facing financial penalties.

The company has also faced antitrust action in the United States and the European Union.

TL;DR: Keep the lights on with help from the Explorer Bear 4000 Watts Portable Ultra-Quiet Dual Fuel Generator with CO Sentry by Pulsar, now $499.99 (reg. $599).

Opens in a new window Credit: Explorer Bear Explorer Bear 4000 Watts Portable Ultra-Quiet Dual Fuel Generator with CO Sentry by Pulsar $499.99
$599 Save $99.01 Get Deal

Planning some off-grid adventures? Whether you've got some remote plans for the summer or you just want to have backup power on hand in a pinch, the Explorer Bear 4000W is ready to handle both.

This heavy-duty yet portable generator runs on gas or propane and comes equipped with safety features to give you peace of mind — whether you're camping, prepping, or powering through an outage. And right now, it's available for $499.99 (regularly $599).

Enjoy portable power with dual fuel options

We don't know when the next power outage may hit. The Explorer Bear not only gives you peace of mind in an emergency, but also offers versatility with dual fuel options and a telescopic handle that adjusts to different lengths.

The Explorer Bear operates on both gas and propane, with an impressive 4000 peak watts on the former and 3600 peak watts on the latter. And you can even switch between the sources while it's running with the convenient control panel dial. 

Unlike many generators, this one operates quietly, measuring at just 62dB. And it comes with many built-in safeguards — like overload protection, a low oil shutdown, and short circuit protection that shields it from electrical surges and shorts. A CO safety alert system also alerts you to dangerous carbon monoxide levels.

This handy generator is powered by a 5.5HP 149cc 4-stroke high-speed engine, which makes it great for emergencies or other times when you need immediate remote power. 

Stay powered up anytime with the Explorer Bear, now just $499.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Amazon just dropped the dates of its next sale, and this time, it's for the book lovers.

The Amazon Book Sale runs from April 23 to 28, 2025. The savings will be major, offering up to 80% off of e-books, audiobooks under $8, and up to 65% off of print books. But the best news of all is that early savings are already trickling in. Right now, you can find the Amazon Kindle Scribe for $85 off and three months of Audible for $0.99.

Here's everything to know about the Amazon Book Sale.

Who can shop the Amazon Book Sale?

Unlike Prime Day, any Amazon customer can shop the sale; it's not exclusive to Prime members. The deals will be available to customers in the United States, Canada, the UK, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and South Africa.

When is the Amazon Book Sale?

Officially, the Amazon Book Sale runs from April 23 to 28.

However, the deals have already kicked off on both books and e-readers. Amazon is rolling out more deals as the sale approaches. Each day will bring new drops. For example, on April 20, you can find Wedding People by Alison Espach for 49% off.

What deals will the Amazon Book Sale offer? Credit: Amazon

In addition to all the savings on books — both print, Kindle, and audio — the Book Sale will bring discounts on subscriptions, too. Here's what to expect:

• Get three months of Kindle Unlimited for $0.99 and borrow from the Kindle Unlimited catalogue of books.

• Get three months of Audible for $0.99 to enjoy audiobooks on the go.

• Get three months of Comixology Unlimited for $0.99 and enjoy over 45,000 comic books, graphic novels, and manga.

• Throughout the sale, enjoy double and triple points day with Kindle Rewards.

Early Amazon Book Sale deals to shop now

Amazon loves to pre-game its own sales with...more deals. You can find solid savings on books and devices right now. Here are all the deals you can start shopping:

• Savings on Amazon Devices: Get the Amazon Kindle Scribe for $85 off, or the Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet for $35 off.

• Audiobooks under $8: Start shopping audible audiobooks for under $8. Or sign-up for three months of Audible for $0.99.

• Shop e-books up to 93% off: Shop bestsellers and editor's pick e-books up to 93% off. Get page-to-screen adaptations like Normal People: The Scripts for just $1.99.

• Shop print books up to 65% off: Explore editor-selected deals on print books, including award-winning fiction like The Leavers by Lisa Ko and acclaimed series like The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion blew many minds back in 2006, and it seems like it's getting ready to potentially do the same in 2025.

Bethesda's very popular open-world RPG, which singlehandedly sold some Xbox 360s back in the day, seems to be getting a modern remake. This has been rumored for a while, but extremely legitimate-looking screenshots leaked via the backend of developer Virtuos Studios' website on Tuesday morning. You can see some of them via Reddit and on social media, but much of the Virtuos website was seemingly closed off not long after the leak surfaced, as many of the links now go to 404 screens at the time of publishing.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 tariff impacts: What we know so far This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

For context, Virtuos is a Singapore-based studio that does a lot of support work for both original games and ports of older games to newer hardware. In other words, an Oblivion remake is the exact kind of thing Virtuos would normally work on. The most wild part is that the remake could be coming out in the very near future. Giant Bomb's Jeff Grubb, who has a history of being right with these sorts of things, said on his GameBreaking News podcast on Monday that the game is shadow-dropping during the week of April 21.

So not only is this remake potentially real, but it could be in your hands as soon as next week.

SAVE $65: A refurbished Kindle Paperwhite (16GB, 11th gen) is down to $84.99 at Woot with discount code FIREFIVE. A brand-new Kindle Paperwhite with the same specs sells for $149.99 at Amazon. That's $65 off the new price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Refurbished Kindle Paperwhite (16GB, 11th gen) $84.99 at Woot
$149.99 Save $65.00 with code FIREFIVE Get Deal

We're rounding the corner into summer, and if you have plans to read poolside on vacation or on the couch with air conditioning, you'll want to pay attention to this deal.

As of April 15, a refurbished Kindle Paperwhite (16GB, 11th gen) is just $84.99 with code FIREFIVE at Woot. A new Kindle Paperwhite (16GB, 11th gen) sells for $149.99, which means the refurbished model saves you $65, or 43%.

SEE ALSO: Groceries are expensive — take up to 20% off during the Amazon Spring Grocery Sale

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is here to change your mind about e-readers. While some people feel there's nothing compared to a physical book, the Paperwhite comes pretty darn close, and if you're considering packing several books on vacation, a Kindle Paperwhite is infinitely easier to pack.

This refurbished deal at Woot gives you an 11th generation Kindle Paperwhite with 16GB of storage. This model launched in 2021 and was replaced with the 12th gen that launched in 2024. Overall, Amazon says the newer model has a longer battery life and faster performance. However, the refurnished sale price on a slightly older model is a great option.

The 11th gen Kindle Paperwhite boasts up to 10 weeks of battery life on the 6.8-inch display. You'll be able to download and store thousands of e-books with 16GB of storage space, and the device is waterproof. All of this, including the great sale price, means you'll be set for summer vacation reading.

Grabbing a refurbished model that takes 43% off the normal price is also a great option if you're new to the world of e-readers and want to try one out at a discounted price. It's also a great deal for teens or college students.

For under $85, you can snag a refurbished Kindle Paperwhite. And since we're all a little concerned about tariffs, buying used is a great way to avoid any price hikes.

BOGO 50% OFF: As of April 15, buy one, get 50% off select Starbucks coffee at Target in-store and online.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Buy one, get 50% off select Starbucks coffee In-store and online Get Deal

What's better than a morning cup of coffee? Or a mid-afternoon cup of coffee? Or, well, an anytime cup of coffee? Few things are when you're a big caffeine fan, but trips to Starbucks can start to get expensive. When you factor in time, gas, and money for each drink, you start seeing how much money goes to satisfying your need for a vanilla frappe at 10:30 AM every day. But here's the good news: you can curb your spending a bit right now, thanks to a deal at Target.

As of April 15, buy one, get 50% off select Starbucks coffee at Target in-store and online. This deal is live through April 19, and it applies to both in-store and online purchases. Your discount will automatically be applied at checkout, and you must be a Target Circle member to qualify.

There's a ton of different options you can choose from, all pulled from Starbucks' collection of roasts and flavored coffees. Choose from Keurig cups, fresh ground coffee, cold brew concentrate, and instant packets, all available in a variety of flavors. It's a good time to stock up, especially since you're getting half off your second item.

Think of how many servings you can get for the price of making all the coffee at home yourself. And with the way the economy is, it's probably a good idea to save more money now than hopping in the car and going on a Starbies run. You can add milk and sugar and all that jazz yourself at home, too.

This week car rental company Hertz notified its users of a wide-ranging data breach that exposed some customers' personal information.

On Monday, April 14, TechCrunch reported the appearance of a Notice of Data Incident on the Hertz website. According to the notice, personal information including names, contact information, date of birth, credit card information, driver's license information, and "information related to workers' compensation claims" were potentially exposed in the data breach.

Additionally, Social Security numbers, government IDs, passport information, Medicare or Medicaid IDs, and medical information from car accident claims may also have been stolen from "a very small number of individuals," said the notice.

Hertz discovered the breach on February 10, and customer data was stolen in October 2024 and December 2024.

SEE ALSO: Grubhub confirms data breach, both drivers and customers are affected

Hertz did not say how many customers had their personal information exposed. However, according to a copy of the notice issued to Maine residents (published by the Office of the Maine Attorney General), the breach affected 3,409 customers in Maine alone. That means the true number of impacted individuals is likely far larger, especially considering that notices were also issued to customers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and beyond.

The breach came from a Hertz vendor called Cleo, which manages file-sharing platforms for the company. "On February 10, 2025, we confirmed that Hertz data was acquired by an unauthorized third party that we understand exploited zero-day vulnerabilities within Cleo’s platform in October 2024 and December 2024," read the notice. Hertz didn't provide any further specifics about the hack or hackers, but during those same months, cybersecurity firm Huntress reported "evidence of threat actors exploiting this [Cleo software]." Around that same time, ransomware group Clop claimed responsibility for data theft attacks targeting Cleo's servers.

In the notice, Hertz said it was "not aware of any misuse of personal information for fraudulent purposes in connection with the event." But it encouraged customers to "remain vigilant" of any instances of data breaches and shared resources on how to monitor account statements and credit reports, including how to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on their accounts. Some Hertz customers will also be offered "two years of identity monitoring services" free of charge.

Hertz did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this developing story, but we will update this article if we receive a response.

2025 has offered a lot of tantalizing horror already, with such freaky films as the rom-com slasher Heart Eyes, the ultra-violent Stephen King adaptation The Monkey, and Ryan Coogler's awe-inspiring vampire thriller Sinners. But the biggest surprise for horror fans this year might be that The Life of Chuck, the upcoming collaboration between horror auteur Mike Flanagan and prolific author Stephen King, which is not really a horror movie at all.

While Flanagan's previous two King adaptations, Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep, were deeply creepy, The Life of Chuck is an uplifting story of love, joy, and letting go. Based on a King novella, this movie blends genres in three chapters to explore the life of an average guy (Tom Hiddleston) and his profound impact on the world.

Joining Hiddleston in peopling this world is a crackling ensemble cast that includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Annalise Basso, Benjamin Pajak, Karen Gillan, Mia Sara, Matthew Lillard, Carl Lumbly, Samantha Sloyan, Harvey Guillén, Jacob Tremblay, Kate Siegel, and Mark Hamill.

Early reviews out of the film's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall were ecstatic. In my review for Mashable, I cheered, "The Life of Chuck is a perfect marriage of Mike Flanagan and Stephen King's talents, but not in the way you might expect....There are some movies that really deserve to be seen in a big theater, surrounded by people — a community – tied to each other in the heady experience of cinematic art, and The Life of Chuck is one of them. It is glorious."

SEE ALSO: Every single Stephen King movie adaptation, ranked

But hey, this is still Stephen King we're talking about. So while The Life of Chuck is more Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me than It or Carrie, it still features some spooky elements. Horror fans might not see this as a horror movie, but they will likely relish in its suspense all the same.

The Life of Chuck opens in theaters June 6.

GET $60 OFF: As of April 15, Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are on sale for $189.99, down from $249.99, at the Best Buy Spring Sale. That's a savings of $60, or 24%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $60 Get Deal

Apple AirPods Pro 2 bring aspirational tech into your ears, with a wireless charging case, excellent sound, and active noise cancellation. You can't want much more from headphones — other than more affordability.

Best Buy's Spring Sale is on, and the Apple AirPods Pro 2 got their price slashed as part of the festivities. Get them on sale as of April 15 for $189.99, down from $249.99, and save $60, or 24%.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) are down by $70 in Best Buy's Spring Sale

AirPods Pro 2 are for more than just music. Take calls right on your Bluetooth earbuds, eliminate noise, and mix the real world in. Transparency Mode allows the outside world into your audio mix, ensuring that you're not surprised by your boss calling your name or a passing ambulance.

Battery life is always a concern with Bluetooth headphones, but these get you six hours of play time with ANC enabled, plus 60 hours of charge from their included wireless case.

Headphones need to be able to withstand the elements. These are IP54-certified to resist dust, sweat, and rain. They can also be customized with included silicone tips to fit your ear size. Hearing protection and a hearing test are built right in, and these buds can actually double as hearing aids.

Grab the AirPods Pro 2 for less and start enjoying your headphones more.

SAVE UP TO $200: As of April 15, Walmart has two great refurbished Dyson deals under $400: Save $70 and get the Dyson V8 Origin+ for $179.99 or save $200 and get the Dyson V15 Detect Total Clean for $399.99

A new Dyson vacuum? In this economy?

Dysons are already on the expensive end for vacuums, and tariffs could cause Dyson price tags to spike any time now. Dyson has key manufacturing hubs in countries like Singapore, China, and Mexico — all of which are being hit tariff rates to varying (quite steep) degrees. While there's no official word yet from the brand itself, Dyson is likely one of the tech brands that'll need to raise prices.

A refurbished Dyson vacuum in this economy, however, could be doable — especially when they have an extra discount tacked onto the original refurb price. I'm actually seeing two stellar refurbished Dyson vacuum deals at Walmart, each appealing to slightly different budgets: Get a Dyson V8 Origin+ for $179.99 (regularly $249.99 refurbished or $329.99 brand new) or the Dyson V15 Detect Total Clean for $399.99 (regularly $599.99 refurbished or $749.99 brand new).

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

Whichever of these two Dysons is best for you simply depends on how intense your cleaning needs are at home — or, rather, how intense you are about cleaning.

The V8 is on the lower end of Dyson's suction spectrum, dishing out slightly more oomph than the V7 for up to 40 minutes on one charge. It'll totally suffice for single-person homes or other smaller spaces with light foot traffic.

The V15 Detect brings home Dyson's iconic green laser that highlights dust, hair, and tiny crumbs that don't always show up to the naked eye (but definitely show up on the bottom of your feet). I fell in love with the laser when I first got the Dyson V12 Detect Slim a few years ago, and it has literally changed my life as a cat mother of two. The laser is so good at pointing out dusty spots on hard floors that I actually use it to test the suction performance of all of the robot vacuums I test at home. And, compared to the V12 that I use, the V15 on sale at Walmart actually has stronger suction and a larger dust bin. Depending on the mode you select on the LCD screen, the V15 Detect can clean for up to an hour on one charge.

Even if gadget prices surge, we have plenty of cheaper options, like buying last year’s phone model instead of the latest and greatest.

SAVE $69.01: As of April 15, shop the Apple AirPods Max for $479.99, down from $549, at Amazon. You'll save $69.01 for 13% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $479.99 at Amazon
$549 Save $69.01 Get Deal

Apple's flagship over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, have a fun, futuristic design and come in bright hues of blue, orange, and purple. Beyond looks, they're pretty good headphones, too (and very popular). With active noise cancellation and seamless iOS connectivity, they sound good and are user-friendly. Our main issue with the AirPods Max comes down to price.

For $549, they're one of the more expensive pairs of noise-cancelling headphones on the market, topping both Bose and Sony in price, which is why we're always looking for deals. Luckily, as of April 15, you can find the Apple AirPods Max on sale for just $479.99 at Best Buy. That's a savings of $69.01, for 13% off.

SEE ALSO: Bose QuietComfort headphones just hit their lowest price of the year

A few weeks ago we spotted the Apple AirPods Max on sale at Best Buy for $479.99. Amazon finally matched the price today. This deal comes at a good time: a recent upgrade just provided the AirPods Max with lossless audio, preventing delay in audio when wearing the headphones.

Shop this deal on Apple AirPods Max at Amazon and save $69.01.

SAVE $50: The Amazon Echo Hub is on sale for $129.99 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $179.99. That's a 28% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Hub $129.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $50 Get Deal

Smart home devices are some of the most convenient upgrades we've seen in tech in the last decade. From video doorbells to smart lighting, our homes have never been better connected. If you've outfitted your house with smart devices, there's a single panel to control them all and it happens to be on sale today at Amazon.

As of April 15, the Amazon Echo Hub is on sale for $129.99, marked down from the standard price of $179.99. That's a savings of $50 from a 28% discount. This sale price also comes within $5 of the lowest we've ever seen Amazon offer.

If you've jumped on the smart home bandwagon, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by how many control panels you need to access. There's one for the thermostat, the video doorbell, the security system, the lights in the bedroom, the ceiling fan in the dining room, and the smart plug in the living room. Instead of dealing with all of those separately, the Amazon Echo Hub conveniently combines them all into one eight-inch display.

Amazon considers the Echo Hub to be a central control panel for your smart home devices, and it's compatible with thousands of gadgets. It easily mounts to a wall in your home and gives you access to controls you'll use everyday like turning the air conditioning on and viewing who's at the door. You can play music directly from the Echo Hub or connect it to another smart speaker.

The Amazon Echo Hub also allows you to see calendars, reminders, and make lists. Plus, it comes packed with Alexa's help who can order groceries for you, keep track of a timer, or remind you to schedule that doctor's appointment.

If you could use some simplifying when it comes to smart devices, today's sale price on the Echo Hub means this is a great time to upgrade. One central control hub will streamline your favorite devices.