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Reminder: Only true gamers get to pre-order Switch 2 from Nintendo

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 14:44

One of America's many long national nightmares (admittedly one of the smaller ones) came to an end last week, as Nintendo announced a new preorder date for the upcoming Switch 2 console.

After an anxiety-inducing delay on preorders in the U.S. caused by President Trump's tariff policies, the new retail preorder date is April 24, and the price of the console is still $449.99 on its own, or $499.99 when bundled with Mario Kart World. With all of that out of the way, now it's time to figure out exactly how to pre-order a Switch 2. You can go the usual route involving various major retail chains at midnight on the 24th, but as a backup option, you can try buying directly from Nintendo. Here's how that works.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide: Everything you need to know ahead of time How to pre-order Switch 2 directly from Nintendo

The good news is that Nintendo has a website set up specifically for this, with the rules clearly explained. The bad news is that the rules, as per usual with Nintendo, are a bit wacky and arcane. The even worse news is that, even if you secure a spot in this carousel, you won't be able to make your preorder until May 8.

First, you need to log into the site with your Nintendo Switch Online account. Yes, you need one of those to kick off this process, and what's more is that it needs to have had a paid membership to the service for at least 12 months in order to be eligible for a preorder. You also need a minimum of 50 gameplay hours tied to your account. This is admittedly a creative way to deal with scalpers, but it also means you need to be a somewhat serious Switch user to get through this process.

Anyway, once you're logged in, you pick which Switch 2 model you want (console or Mario Kart bundle) and click the "Register Interest" button. At that point, you've done all you can do. Starting on May 8, Nintendo will start sending out emails to eligible customers on a first-come, first-served basis. These emails are non-transferable and are limited to one console purchase per Nintendo account, and they expire after 72 hours.

One small sliver of light in all of this is that Nintendo isn't limiting this to just one wave of invite emails on May 8. Additional batches of invites will go out over time, so if you don't get an email on the 8th, you might still get one later. This could be a very solid backup option for anyone trying to get a Switch 2 on April 24. If you can't secure one then, at least you'll have this in your back pocket as a potential opportunity to get one a couple weeks later.

Your Netflix alternative is here, and it’s only A$23 for a lifetime subscription

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 13:48

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to BitMar’s content finder for A$23 through April 27 only with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$234).

Here’s a challenge: cut the cord with your streaming services. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, all of them. You’re likely paying hundreds each year in subscription fees and, chances are, you still can’t find the one movie you want to watch on any of them.

All of these reasons are probably why so many people are turning to BitMar, a streaming service alternative. You know how you can find some free movies or TV shows available online if you dig hard enough? This powerful search engine does that for you. And, for a limited time, you can get it for A$23 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$234).

Wait…how does it work?

BitMar is powered by the Bing search engine, but it only has eyes for free streaming content. You’ll use a far more user-friendly interface to plug in a channel, genre, actor, or a specific movie or TV show you have in mind, then this content aggregator scours the web to find it.

Is it legal? Yes. BitMar is fully compliant with copyright laws — and it’s simply locating content already available on the web.

If you’re wondering why you wouldn’t just spend the time searching for it yourself, that’s the reason right there — it saves you time. BitMar also filters out the garbage to leave you with high-quality, ad-free content.

Enjoy no subscription streaming with a BitMar lifetime subscription at A$23 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$234). This coupon code expires April 27.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription AU$23
AU$234 Save AU$211 Get Deal

Subscriptions are overrated — own Microsoft Office Pro for life for just A$78

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 13:45

TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office Pro 2021 at just A$78 (reg. A$344) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.

Grab Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows at just A$78 (reg. A$344) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.

What you get with your purchase
  • One-time purchase, lifetime access — no monthly fees, just essential Office apps

  • Includes must-have tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Teams, and Publisher

  • Designed for Windows users — perfect for work, school, and personal projects

  • Boost productivity with reliable tools for documents, data management, and communication

  • Quick and easy setup that allows you to download it instantly and activate with your product key

  • No hidden fees — pay once and use Microsoft Office Professional 2021 forever

Skip the subscription headache — don’t miss this deal and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for A$78. Sale ends April 27.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License AU$78
AU$344 Save AU$266 Get Deal

Pope Francis warned against new technology replacing human relationships in final weeks

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:52

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic church, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was known for his progressive ideals within a traditionally conservative institution and advocated for both social and economic justice.

In the weeks before Pope Francis passed, he also shared an important and forward-thinking message about new technology.

"How I would like for us to look less at screens and look each other in the eyes more!" Pope Francis said in an official video message translated from his native Spanish language. "Something's wrong if we spend more time on our cell phones than with people."

The Pope's prayer concerning technology was uploaded just 3 weeks before his passing.

Pope Francis's message was a part of the Pope's "Monthly Intentions" for 2025. Each month, the Pope set a “monthly prayer intention,” where he invited people around the world to join him in prayer on a specific topic. April’s intention, the final monthly intention before his death, was focused on new technology. The intention and related reflections posted to the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network specifically mentioned artificial intelligence, video calls, smartphones, and screen time in general.

"It's true, technology is the fruit of the intelligence God gave us but we need to use it well," Pope Francis said in his April video address. "It can't benefit only a few while excluding others."

In his message, Pope Francis called on using technology to "unite, not to divide." He shared that technology should be used to help the poor, the sick, and persons with different abilities. In keeping with his environmentally-conscious messaging throughout his papacy, Pope Francis also called for using technology to "care for our common home" and to connect with one another.

Ironically, many social media users underlined Pope Francis's point about technology immediately after his death, albeit unintentionally. Once the news broke, social networking platforms exploded with memes, many referencing the 2024 film Conclave about the secretive meeting of Cardinals following a pope's death. Others joked about how Vice President JD Vance was among the final people to see the Pope before his death, meeting Pope Francis on Easter Sunday.

"The screen makes us forget that there are real people behind it who breathe, laugh, and cry," Pope Francis said.

In the April prayer on new technology, the Pope shared his hope that "technology does not replace 'person-to-person' contact, that the virtual does not replace the real, and that social networks do not replace social settings."

He concluded, "Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person and will help us face the crises of our times."

This is your last chance to score 25% off certified refurbished tech at Sonos

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:50

SAVE 25%: As of April 21, you can save 25% on Sonos certified refurbished speakers, soundbars, and more. But you'd better hurry! This deal ends April 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Get 25% off select Sonos certified refurbished products Shop Now

If you’re trying to make a conscious effort to spend your money wisely, buying certified refurbished electronics might be the best way to go. And with Earth Day just a day away, we’re seeing some pretty good deals on refurbished tech.

SEE ALSO: Want to avoid tariff price hikes? Shop our giant list of 91 refurbished tech deals.

Right now, you can get up to 25% off certified refurbished speakers, soundbars, headphones, and more at Sonos. The sale features discounts on the Sonos Arc soundbar, Sonos Ace headphones, Sonos Beam, and additional products. You’d better hurry, though, because the sale ends tomorrow.

If you’re worried about the “refurbished” label, don’t be: Sonos says all of its certified refurbished products are “thoroughly inspected and tested to meet Sonos’ high standards” and come with the same warranty as new products. You’ll also be helping 1% for the Planet and reducing your environmental footprint by giving a product a second life.

Google rolls out Gemini Live screen sharing to all Android users

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:37

Google's Gemini Live launched for all Android users over the weekend. That means far more folks now have access to the AI assistant's tool that lets users live-share a video or screen.

The feature rolled out last month to Pixel 9, Galaxy S25, and Gemini Advanced subscribers before now going wide to all Android users, Android Central reported. The move was expected: Google noted earlier this month that the feature was rolling out to all Android users with the Gemini app.

The idea behind the tool is that the AI assistant sees what you see, either via your camera or on your screen. That ability, in theory, could help with any number of tasks. You could, for instance, see if Gemini could help you solve a tech problem like helping you troubleshoot a router that isn't working.

Users can simply point the camera — or scroll down — and talk to Gemini in search of answers. The tool should now be available to Android users in the Gemini app via the "Share screen with Live" button. While it's not quite built-in augmented reality, it does seem close — and certainly something interesting to test out.

Save $550 on the Anker Solix C1000 portable power bank and get ready for summer camping

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:17

SAVE $550: The Anker Solix C1000 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $449, down from the standard price of $999. That's a 55% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $449 at Amazon
$999 Save $550 Get Deal

We're only a month and a few days away from Memorial Day, which means it's time to start thinking about summer camping adventures. After you battle for those campground reservations, consider how you're gonna stay powered up while living off-grid. And then consider this great solution that happens to be on a deep discount today.

As of April 21, the Anker Solix C1000 portable power station is on sale for $449, marked down from the list price of $999. That's a 55% discount that takes $550 off the normal price.

When camping or outdoor adventures take you off the normal power grid, that doesn't mean you need to cook over the fire and head to bed come sunset. Of course, that way of living has some perks but if that's not ideal for you, stay fully powered with the help of a portable power station.

SEE ALSO: Shop sustainably and save money with these Earth Day deals

The Anker Solix C1000 comes with 1056Wh of capacity which can keep your devices and appliances charged up. Anker mentions the capacity can recharge an iPhone 92 times, keep a camping light on for 60 hours, a CPAP for almost 19 hours, and a car fridge for about 33.

You can also use the Anker portable power station to keep your electric grill powered while cooking a campsite dinner and operating the air pump to get your sleeping mats cozy.

The Anker Solix C1000 also comes with some bragging rights when it comes to recharging, taking only 58 minutes to go from 0 to 100% charged when connected to AC power. It also comes packed with 11 ports, so you'll be able to charge up your gadgets via AC plugs, USB-C, or USB.

Instead of roughing it off-grid, pack along the Anker Solix C1000 portable power station and keep essential devices charged up. Cooking over the campfire is something special so you might not need power to make dinner, but it's always reassuring to have your phone charged up. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, the powerful Anker Solix C1000 is 55% off which leaves extra funds for other camping toys like a foldable kayak.

Spring redesign? Ruggables End of Season Sale is offering savings up to 40% off

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:07

GET UP TO 40% OFF: As of Apr. 21st, Ruggable's End of Season Sale is offering up to 20% off sitewide as well as 40% off select clearance shag and plush styles such as the the Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug using code BYESPRING.

The best deals at the Ruggable End of Season Sale The best Ruggable clearance deals Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug Save 40% using code BYESPRING Get Deal The best Ruggable deals for 20% off Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug Get 20% off with code BYESPRING Get Deal

A new rug reinvents your space, adding color to a bare floor and spring beneath your feet. If you've been eyeing a spring redesign, this Ruggable sale is here for you.

Right now, April 21st, use the code BYESPRING to get 20% off all styles sitewide as well as 40% off select clearance rugs, including shag and plush styles like the Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug. Here are our favorites:

The best Ruggable clearance deals Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug Get 40% off with code BYESPRING Get Deal Why we like it

40% off is pretty generous. The Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug provides a simple, yet tasteful pattern to your space. White, with spare, zigzagging black stripes, this rug will look good in a bedroom or living room.

Plush and fluffy, the Moroccan Zigzag rug is as easy to clean as other Ruggables. Throw it in the wash to remove dirt and spills, then reattach it to its no-slip mat.

The Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug is available for 40% off with the code BYESPRING. But mind you, this rug is final sale, so you won't be able to return it.

More Ruggable clearance deals SEE ALSO: Space calendar 2025: Here are the moments you won't want to miss The best Ruggable deals for 20% off Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug Get 20% off with code BYESPRING Get Deal Why we like it

The Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug is deeply agreeable. In neutral tones, this subtle, patterned rug will look good in all sorts of spaces.

This rug is resistant to stains from food, wine, or about anything else. When a spill happens it only needs to go in the wash. Ruggable achieves this by fashioning it from 95% recycled polyester, making it soft under foot, but highly durable.

Right now, the Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug is on sale for 20% off. It comes in numerous sizes and configurations, from runners to rounds. Take advantage of the deal with code BYESPRING.

More Ruggable deals for 20% offMore Ruggable deals we like

Andor Season 2 review: The best Star Wars show goes out with a brilliant bang

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:00

Star Wars' Empire has always been a fascist regime, but no film or series has showcased its tyranny as effectively as Andor.

In its first season, the Tony Gilroy-helmed series showcased the cold bureaucracy that makes the Empire tick, all without showing the Sith Lord at the head of the table. Instead, the focus was on the Empire's lackeys, be they Imperial Security Bureau workers like Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) or the guards running the Imperial Prison Complex on Narkina 5. No Force shenanigans here, just human cogs in the machine of empire.

SEE ALSO: 'Andor' creator on Lucasfilm censoring f-bomb: 'They were right.'

That trend continues in Andor's much-anticipated second season, which highlights more of the insidious tools at the Empire's disposal. Yes, we know the Death Star is in play after Season 1's post-credit scene, but it's the creeping propaganda, the aggressive audits, and the systemic oppression of entire planets that evoke the most dread (and feel the most prescient) here.

Andor Season 2 counters this dread with the hope of the Rebellion, to which Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), a reluctant joiner in Season 1, is now wholly committed. Star Wars fans know how Cassian's story ends in Rogue One, as well as the fact that the Rebellion eventually succeeds in taking down the Empire. Still, knowing the destination doesn't make the journey any less staggering, and that's exactly what Andor Season 2 is: a staggering account not just of Cassian's relationship to the Rebellion, but of how everyone in his orbit commits to — or, in Syril and Dedra's cases, attempts to dismantle — the cause.

What is Andor Season 2 about? Théo Costa-Marini, Diego Luna, and Alaïs Lawson in "Andor." Credit: Des Willie / Lucasfilm

Andor Season 2 opens one year after the Season 1 finale, and four years before the Battle of Yavin, when Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star. Cassian now regularly undertakes missions for rebel leader Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård). The remainder of his crew from Ferrix — Bix (Adria Arjona), Brasso (Joplin Sibtain), and Wilmon (Muhannad Bhaier) — hide out as workers on the agricultural planet Mina-Rau, hoping to escape the Empire's gaze.

The Empire's gaze, however, is turned toward a new target: the planet Ghorman, only home to a resource the Empire desperately needs. Modeled after interwar Europe and boasting an underground rebel group that calls to mind the French Resistance of World War II, Ghorman continues Andor's trend of grounded, lived-in planets like Ferrix. Over the course of the season, it also becomes a microcosm for the war being fought across the galaxy, serving both as a testing ground for Dedra and Syril as they embrace new roles within the Empire and as a possible new alliance for Luthen and Cassian. Who will prevail here, Empire or Rebellion?

SEE ALSO: 'Andor': more, more! Burning questions for Season 2 of the best Star Wars.

It's fitting that Andor Season 2 spends much of its time on Ghorman, a planet famed for its twill-spinning spiders. Like said spiders (also known as Ghorlectipods), Andor's characters weave dizzying webs of connections across the galaxy. Yet as the season goes on, these webs threaten to come crashing down: Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) reckons with her choice to marry off her teenage daughter in the hopes of securing more funding for the Rebellion. Luthen and his assistant Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau) feel the walls closing in on Coruscant. Every thread is taut to the point of snapping, resulting in several deliciously suspenseful sequences straight out of a spy thriller.

Andor Season 2 is a rousing yet sobering tale of rebellion in the face of fascism. Diego Luna and Adria Arjona in "Andor." Credit: Lucasfilm

In Season 1, Andor found a spark in the manifesto of late rebel Karis Nemik (Alex Lawther), who wrote, "Remember this. The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort."

The flip side to this statement is that rebellion requires constant sacrifice. (In the words of Luthen: "I burn my life to make a sunrise that I know I'll never see.") Andor Season 2's characters are asked to make sacrifice after sacrifice to the Rebellion, to the point that the idea of making your death "worth it" becomes a refrain throughout the season. Victories, when they come, feel like the TV equivalent of a shot of adrenaline. But they almost always come with a cost, creating a bittersweet swirl of emotions that only intensifies when you recall Andor's endpoint, Rogue One, culminates in the ultimate sacrifice from Cassian and the Rogue One crew.

SEE ALSO: 'Rogue One' set up this 'The Last Jedi' storyline and you probably didn't realize it

For his part, Cassian spends much of Andor Season 2 wondering whether he should cut and run, having given so much to the Rebellion already. Due to Andor's nature as a prequel, we know he won't, and while Luna does a strong job portraying Cassian's emotional dilemma, it can sometimes feel frustrating to see characters' roles (mostly Bix) reduced to telling Cassian the Rebellion needs him.

Andor Season 2's structure is a blessing and a curse. Denise Gough and Kurt Egyiawan in "Andor." Credit: Lucasfilm

Obviously, the show is named Andor, so Cassian remains the focus. Yet it's the cast of characters around him who steal the show, from Mon Mothma's politicking to Luthen and Kleya's espionage work to Dedra and Syril's comical domestic dealings. (What can I say, the fascists are evil, but their home lives are very fun to watch.) Bix's trauma from her Imperial torture emerges as a heartbreaking storyline as well, only to be resolved almost too neatly and with little further discussion.

The latter is a result of Andor's unique structure. Every three episodes of Season 2 jump ahead a year, taking us right up to the start of Rogue One. (And I mean right up to.) Andor has no problem catching us up on what happened in the time jumps, clearly having faith that its audience will keep up and read between the lines. Yet the problem with the jumps is rarely one of plot, but of emotion. Often, I found myself wishing that I could live in the fallout from each of these arcs for longer, but that fallout becomes a casualty in Gilroy's "four Star Wars movies" in one season of TV approach.

What Andor Season 2 lacks in connective tissue between time jumps, it makes up for in focus, with each mini arc honing in on a pivotal moment in Cassian and co.'s stories. From intelligence gathering on Ghorman to a flight mission gone astray, Andor crafts immaculate set pieces that dive into the various forms rebellion can take in the galaxy. The result is immersive, deeply felt, and a reminder of why Andor is among Star Wars' best offerings. (Certainly the best on the TV front.) So really, my complaint about structure comes down to the simple fact that I want more of this story, for Gilroy to fill in the gaps further so I can spend extra time with these characters.

Instead, Andor goes out on its own terms, leaving a brilliant, blistering look at fascism and those who fight it in its wake.

The first three episodes of Andor Season 2 premiere April 22 on Disney+, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Shop sustainably and save money with these Earth Day deals

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:49
Best Earth Day deals Best cleaning supplies deal Blueland Get 20% off sitewide Shop Now Best mattress deal Avocado Green Mattress Get 10% off everything Shop Now Best kitchen deal GreenPan Get 60% off sitewide Shop Now Best tech deal Apple Get 10% off Apple accessories Shop Now Best self-care deal Biird Get 15% off non-vibrating toys with code EARTH Shop Now

You might not think of Earth Day as a big sales holiday, but we’ve found tons of Earth Day deals on everything from home and cleaning essentials to eco-friendly mattresses.

Here are the best Earth Day deals to shop this week.

Best cleaning supplies deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blueland 20% off at Blueland Shop Now Why we like it

Blueland is offering up to 20% off sitewide, plus 30% off subscriptions during its Earth Day Sale. You can find select items on sale at Amazon, too. But the real deals are happening on the company's website.

I use Blueland Dishwasher Detergent Tablets and the Multi-Surface Cleaner. I’ve been pretty impressed with the quality and how much plastic waste I’ve been able to cut down by switching to the brand. It’s also helped me declutter my cleaning cabinet! I keep the tablets in one glass jar under my sink.

More cleaning supplies deals Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avocado Green Mattress 10% off at Avocado Green Mattress Shop Now Why we like it

Avocado Green Mattress is having an Earth Month Sale, where you can get 10% off everything, including mattresses, mattress toppers, bedding protectors, and adjustable bed frames. The sale runs through May 5, 11:59 p.m. EST.

The Avocado brand is known for its certified organic mattresses and bedding, plus they're Climate Neutral Certified. But this also means that they’ll be raising prices due to rising costs and tariffs (as stated on their website). So, if you’ve been eyeing an Avocado mattress, now’s the time to buy.

More mattress deals Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: GreenPan 60% off at GreenPan Shop Now Why we like it

GreenPan is offering up to 60% off sitewide during its Earth Day Sale. This is huge considering how expensive GreenPan cookware can be. (I spent nearly $400 on my pots and pans set.) And, if you spend $275 or more, you’ll get a free GreenPan Cook’s Journal Cookbook.

GreenPan sells nonstick cookware that is free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, which justifies the price. They also sell bakeware, kitchen utensils, and small countertop appliances.

More kitchen deals
  • Get up to 20% off select Stasher products

  • Get up to 20% off select kitchen accessories during IKEA's Together for Earth Month Sale

  • Get up to 15% off select Caraway products

  • Get up to 30% off Energy Star appliances at Samsung

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 10% off at Apple Shop Now Why we like it

Even Apple is celebrating Earth Day this year by giving customers 10% off an Apple accessory when they recycle an eligible item in-store. Bonus deal: Apple Watch owners can earn an Earth Day limited-edition award by completing any 30-minute workout on April 22.

While 10% off isn’t huge, it’s a great way to get rid of an old device in your home.

More tech deals
  • Save on sustainable tech at Nimble

  • Shop Plug's Earth Day Sale and save on certified pre-owned tech

  • Get up to 20% off generators, electric coolers, and more during GoalZero's Earth Day Sale

Best self-care deal Opens in a new window Credit: Biird 15% off non-vibrating toys at Biird Use code EARTH at checkout Shop Now Why we like it

One of the best self-care deals I’ve spotted is from Biird — one of my absolute favorite sex toy brands. They almost never have a sale, so I was super excited to hear that they’ll be offering customers 15% off all non-vibrating toys with the code EARTH now through April 27.

This includes the brand’s newest silicone dildos and my personal fave, the Kalii (a glass G-spot dildo).

More self-care and beauty deals
  • Get up to 20% off select products at Foria

  • Get $25 off any sex toy at The Natural Love Company

  • Get up to 60% off select products at Lovers

  • New customers can get 15% off the Green Jade Calm Collection at Knesko when they sign up for email & SMS

  • Get up to 15% off select products at Saltair

  • Get 2 for $35 at Polite Society

  • Save on conscious beauty at Ulta

Apple iPhone 17 Pro leaks highlight major new design change

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:32

It looks like the iPhone 17 will give people some new room to express themselves.

Prominent leaker Majin Bu shared some images on X over the weekend of purported case designs for the iPhone 17 Pro, specifically. The cases themselves aren't all that remarkable, but one thing about them sticks out: a new camera bar that runs the horizontal length of the phone's backside. Not only does this look different on its own, but it opens up some new opportunities for customization, too.

SEE ALSO: Update now: Apple issues emergency iPhone fix for zero-day vulnerabilities This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

As you can see, the triple lens array is in the same spot as it was on the iPhone 16 Pro, but the LiDAR and flash modules are all the way on the right side of the phone now, with a big camera bump encasing all of that. While its look and shape are not all that similar, it's at least spiritually close to what Google has done with most recent Pixel models. There were also some recent leaked dummy models of the new iPhone lineup that matched this leak in that regard, though the base iPhone 17 model didn't have the extended camera bar there.

That's not all, though. Majin Bu would later go on to share some camera covers you'll be able to optionally put over the camera bar for added customization. Since there's plenty of empty space between the lenses on the left and the modules on the right, you'll theoretically be able to put punchy visual designs in that space now.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This would not only allow people to further express themselves with new camera covers, but it would be a boon to accessory makers, who would now have a fun new thing to sell people. Apple, of course, could also produce its own camera covers and sell them for "premium" prices. Everyone wins.

Instagram tests Storylines, a collaborative twist on Stories

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:32

Instagram seems to always be testing a new feature or two, and this week, Storylines is on the docket.

App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi posted a screenshot on Threads earlier this month that Instagram was working on Storylines, but posted confirmation of the test on Sunday, along with a screenshot that shows how the feature works.

"Link stories to make a storyline," Paluzzi's screenshot of the feature reads. "Friends can link their story to yours. Followers you follow back can link a new related story to your story."

View on Threads

From this description, it looks like Storylines are basically collaborative Stories built by you and your friends in the app, similar to a more collaborative version of "Add Yours."

"The storyline grows as friends add to it," the screenshot of the feature continues. "As people join, followers they follow back can also add. Change who can join or turn storylines off in settings."

If, for example, you're celebrating a friend's birthday, you can add some pictures to your story, and your friends can add their own birthday content, building an even bigger Story together on the app.

"Stories in a storyline show up together," the feature reads. "Followers can see your story. Anyone can see you're in the storyline."

Meta, Instagram's parent company, did not immediately respond to Mashable's request for information, so it's unclear if the feature will be widely available anytime soon.

Stretch your dollar further with this $25 Sams Club membership — thats 50% off

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:29

TL;DR: Find greater value on your groceries, home goods and more by saving 50% on a Sam’s Club 1-year membership, making it just $25, but only for a few more days.

TikTok tried to convince us that Erewhon Market is the most luxurious place to get groceries, but we’d argue that Sam’s Club takes the cake. It might not have ridiculously expensive berries, but you can get multiple errands done under one roof and skip the checkout line if you download their app.

The only downside is that, like a real club, you have to be a member to get inside the door. If you want in, save $25 here with our Sam’s Club membership deal and get one year for $25 (reg. $50) for a limited time.

VIP savings and shopping perks inside

Sam’s Club members usually have a hard time leaving without the entire store in their carts since they can shop for everything from fresh and frozen groceries (including the ever-elusive eggs) to electronics and furniture in one place. You won’t have to hop between multiple stores to get everything on your list anymore. That's so 2024.

Plus, with bulk-sized goods, you probably won’t have to make as many trips to Sam’s Club as you would with your regular store — that is, if you can handle staying away.

If your cart is full to the brim and the line looks long, there’s no need to stand and wait. With Scan and Go™ on the Sam’s Club app, you can scan your items, show your digital receipt on your way out (everyone has to do this), and be on your way.

Members of Sam’s Club also rave about savings on gas, so don’t forget to fill up your tank on the way home. The club also has a tire and battery center if your car needs more than fuel.

Speaking of members-only, you’ll get even more discounts on hotels, car rentals, live events, movies, and more. We think you’ll earn back that $25 membership fee in no time with how much you’re saving on, well, everything.

Don’t miss out on this Sam’s Club membership offer to start maximizing your shopping budget — get one year of access for just $25 (reg. $50) for a little while longer.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club Sam's Club 1-Year Membership with Auto-Renew! $25
$50 Save $25 Get Deal

Kickstart spring training by saving 25% on the Fitbit Versa 4

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:22

SAVE $50: The Fitbit Versa 4 fitness smartwatch is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $199.99. That's a 25% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal

Now that the weather doesn't involve frozen fingers and windchill that dips into the negatives, we're back outside taking little walks for mental health. If you could use a fitness tracker upgrade as we head into the summer months, check out this nice deal at Amazon.

As of April 21, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $149.99 in all colorways on Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $199.99. That's a $50 savings from a 25% discount that beats out the $159.99 sale price we saw during the Amazon Big Spring Sale last month.

The Fitbit Versa 4 comes with all the features we're looking for in a smartwatch that tracks fitness, but it doesn't come with the premium price. That's even more true today thanks to the $50 discount. Of course, it'll track your steps during those neighborhood walks but it also comes equipped with over 40 exercise modes. It's also water resistant up to 50 meters, so you'll be able to leave it on during summer vacation at the pool.

SEE ALSO: Therabody’s eye massager costs $200, but this alternative’s on sale for $50

Fitbit mentions you can expect to get about six days worth of battery life on a single charge, and it comes packed with health features. The Fitbit Versa 4 can track your sleep, heart rate, and skin temperature, to name a few highlights. You'll also get a daily readiness score which can be helpful when planning your day.

The Fitbit Versa 4 includes several other everyday features that come in handy like getting turn-by-turn directions on the watch with Google Maps or enabling Google Wallet on the watch. Plus, the features on the Fitbit Versa 4 are compatible with both Android and iOS.

If your spring and summer plans involve getting active, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a great companion to track your progress. Thanks to today's sale price at Amazon, the smartwatch fitness tracker is down to just $149.99.

U.S. Asks Judge to Break Up Google

NYT Technology - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:15
The Justice Department said that the best way to address the tech company’s monopoly in internet search was to force it to sell Chrome, among other measures.

Combat the dangerous effects of sitting with this innovative movement app, now 51% off

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:07

TL;DR: Sitting all day takes a toll, but this app works to undo the damage. Get lifetime access to the Moova Plus Plan for only $79.99 (reg. $164).

Spending eight hours at your desk isn't just bad for morale — it's bad for your body, too. Moova works to undo the damage by adding quick, expert-designed movement sessions into your day, which may help you feel more energized, improve your posture, and stay focused.

If you want to infuse movement into your work days, a lifetime subscription to Moova is now just $79.99 (reg. $164). 

Stay focused and pain-free with Moova’s daily movement breaks

Is sitting the new smoking? From WFH gigs to jobs that require a cubicle, we're all sitting more than ever, and it's wreaking havoc on our bodies. Moova aims to change that as the ultimate movement app — and it only asks for 3-5 minutes of your time.

Moova offers science-backed instructions that may help with the back pain, neck tension, and stiffness that come from sitting at a desk all day. It may also help enhance your focus and improve your stress levels.

Moova’s customizable move breaks let you adjust sessions to match your mood and availability. The app is packed with over 200 targeted exercises ready to help fight against your bad posture, stiffness, aches, and even low energy. 

Employees at Google, Apple, Netflix, and Meta are already taking advantage of this helpful app, so now it's your turn. With lifetime access, you can commit to infusing movement into your everyday life and see long-term results. And you'll have access to all future updates and new features. 

Secure your own lifetime subscription to Moova for just $79.99 (reg. $164) today.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Moova Moova Plus Plan: Lifetime Subscription $79.99
$164.97 Save $84.98 Get Deal

Canadians Confront News Void on Facebook and Instagram as Election Nears

NYT Technology - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:06
After Meta blocked news from its platforms in Canada, hyperpartisan and misleading content from popular right-wing Facebook pages such as Canada Proud has filled the gap.

SteelSeries is doing up to 40% off gaming gear right now as an Easter special

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 10:53

GET 40% OFF: Apr. 21st, SteelSeries deals offer up to 40% off on gaming mice, keyboards, headphones, and more.

The best SteelSeries deals The best SteelSeries mouse deal Aerox 5 $47.99 (Save $32) Get Deal The best SteelSeries keyboard deal Apex 7 $119.99 (Save $40) Get Deal The best SteelSeries headphone deal Arctis Nova 7P $139.99 (Save $40) Get Deal

Often, the only thing taking you out of the game is bad gear. A good interface brings you into the action, offering tactility, precision, and communication. SteelSeries specializes in exactly this — or "egg-actly" (in the spirit of their Easter egg themed sale).

Right now, SteelSeries is offering deals up to 40% on gaming gear, including The Aerox 5 gaming mouse, keyboards, microphones, and headphones. Here are the SteelSeries deals we're most excited about.

The best SteelSeries mouse deal Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries Aerox 5 $47.99 at SteelSeries
$79.99 Save $32.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This mouse is radiant, with an open frame build that shows off the mouse's interior hardware and customizable LEDs. At 66g, it's also lightweight.

The Aerox 5 has 9 programmable buttons with switches that are designed to last as long as you use it. It has a 18,000 CPI optical sensor with a 1000Hz / 1 ms polling rate.

Right now the Aerox 5 is on sale for $47.99, saving you 40%.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptops of 2025 for PC gamers The best SteelSeries keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries Apex 7 $119.99 at SteelSeries
$159.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Need a new keyboard? This one is advanced. The Apex 7 is backlit with switches in red, blue, or an orangish brown. Each switch type has different characteristics, with some more clicky and quieter than others. Set up its LEDs to illuminate it your way.

Customizable to its core, the Apex 7's keys are swappable with alternatives, so you can create a keyboard that feels, looks, and sounds exactly right (that's right, you can even install mufflers to reduce the click decibels).

Right now, the Apex 7 is on sale for $119.99 saving you 25%.

The best SteelSeries headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7p $139.99 at SteelSeries
$179.99 Save $40 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether co-op or competitive, social gaming is better with fluid communication. Arctis Nova 7p are headphones made for the match, with a microphone, AI noise cancellation, and spatial audio that helps you pinpoint in-game threats.

Compatible with PC, Xbox, Playstation, Switch, and more, these headphones are as cross-play as your 7 Days to Die server. They supply up to 38 hours of battery life.

Right now, the Arctis Nova 7p headphones are on sale for $139.99 for a savings of $40, or 22%.

More SteelSeries deals we like

The Coddle Pixel platform bed is $1,000 off and it comes equipped with outlets

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 10:18

SAVE $1,000: The Coddle Pixel platform bed is on sale for just $499 in both a queen and king size, down from the normal price of $1,499. That's a 67% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coddle Coddle Pixel platform bed $499 at Coddle
$1,499 Save $1,000 Get Deal

Your bedroom should be a relaxing space that you find calming after finishing off another day. Of course, the main bedroom element is the bed itself, and that includes the bed frame. If you're using a metal frame that was a hand-me-down from family 10 years ago, you're in line for an upgrade and there's a really great sale in store today to get you there.

As of April 21, the Coddle Pixel platform bed is on sale for $499 in either a queen or king size, marked down from the usual price of $1,499. That's a massive $1,000 savings that comes from the 67% discount.

We've come a long way from the days of a metal frame with a box spring serving as the base for our mattresses. These days, most beds don't need a box spring and we're not sad about that. But some have gone much further with innovation and the Coddle Pixel platform bed is a fantastic example.

For starters, the Coddle Pixel platform bed has a modern low-profile design with an upholstered headboard that extends around the perimeter of the bed. You can choose either the Dove or Indigo colorways, and Coddle uses only stain-resistant fabric, so the brand mentions most stains can easily come off.

SEE ALSO: I tested sleep earbuds for over a month: Here are the 3 best pairs

One of the best features of the Coddle Pixel is the integrated power outlets. With one on each side of the headboard, you and your partner can recharge devices via a standard AC power plug or with USB. This feature means you'll no longer have to string cords across the bedroom floor, which is not only great for function but is also nice for overall looks. You'll be able to recharge your phone while you rest or power up your smartwatch so it's ready for a new day come morning. The AC power plug is also super convenient if you happen to be working on your laptop while in bed.

Since Coddle uses solid timber and plywood in the frame, your shipment will come in two boxes to lighten the load. However, the brand still recommends having two people around to haul the boxes inside and work on assembly.

If your spring cleaning plans include upgrading your bedroom setup, consider going with a fresh and modern bed frame. Thanks to today's impressive sale, the Coddle Pixel platform bed is down to just $499 which works out to a savings of $1,000. That's a smart price for a smart platform bed that'll leave your body recharged from a good night's rest while also powering up your devices.

How to properly clean your AirPods

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 08:00

We've all been there: You pull out your AirPods case, flip the top, and realize your earbuds have become very small (very expensive) petri dishes. And though you may not know how they got so dirty, you're sure that things have to change. The Apple AirPods are particularly prone to building up of gunk, mostly because they have so many nooks and crannies for that stuff to hide in. Here are a few ways to battle the build-up.

Clean your AirPods using tools you have at home

Giving your AirPods a glow-up doesn't take much, and you can make it happen using tools you may have lying around your home.

  • Toothpick: Use toothpicks to ease gunk out of tight spaces. Just be sure to clean gently, as the mesh panels in your earbuds can pop out or dislodge.

  • Q-Tip: Use a Q-Tip to pick up particles along the curves of your AirPods and inside your charging case.

  • Soft makeup brush: Use a clean makeup brush to remove detritus from the black mesh on your AirPods.

  • Microfiber cloth: Grab any microfiber cloth — those small square pieces of fabric that are often included with sunglass, eyeglass, and phone purchases — and gently rub to remove dust and dirt from your buds.

Check out how to use these household items to clean your AirPods in the video below:

Invest in tools to clean your tech

Splurging for tools made specifically for cleaning electronics isn't necessary, but having them handy can make it easier to regularly touch up and care for your devices so they don't get so dirty to begin with.

OXO's double-sided cleaning brush is a huge help for small electronics. Use the rubber end to remove debris in and along the thinnest crevices of your device and brush dust away with the soft bristles on the other side.

Opens in a new window Credit: OXO / Amazon OXO Good Grips Electronics Cleaning Brush $8.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

To clean the exterior of your device, Apple recommends using a wipe with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol or 75 percent ethyl alcohol — just be careful around that pesky mesh, which is sensitive to liquid. These small disinfecting pads are the perfect size for disinfecting small handheld devices and can be popped in your purse for a quick, convenient clean.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Composite / Med Pride, Amazon MED PRIDE Alcohol Prep Pads $3.99 at Amazon
$4.47 Save $0.48 Shop Now

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