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Procreate's anti-AI stance is music to artists' ears

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 13:35

A popular illustration and animation app for iPads has proudly declared that it's AI-free.

On Sunday, Procreate posted a video on X of CEO James Cuda, saying, the app won't be introducing any generative AI into its products.

"I really fucking hate generative AI. I don't like what's happening in the industry and I don't like what it's doing to artists," said Cuda. "We don't exactly know where this story is going or how it ends, but we believe that we're on the right path supporting human creativity," he continued.

Tweet may have been deleted

On Procreate's website, a page explaining the app's decision says it won't use generative AI, that it doesn't have access to user work, and that user activity is not tracked by Procreate. The inference here is that Procreate won't use artists' works to train and implement generative AI tools, unlike other creative tools that are doing just that. Unlike, Cuda who didn't mince words, Procreate believes there's a place for generative AI, just not in the creative space: "We think machine learning is a compelling technology with a lot of merit, but the path generative AI is on is wrong for us."

SEE ALSO: Google’s new ‘Pixel Screenshots’ can search your screenshot library — and it’s the most useful AI feature of 2024

Procreate's anti-AI stance reflects a growing sentiment in artist communities that generative AI devalues human-created art. Companies like Adobe and Canva have jumped on the AI bandwagon by offering generative AI tools for generating and editing multimedia. Such tools not only threaten to replace jobs in creative industries, they're trained on human-created art, sometimes without credit or consent. The implementation of generative AI features for creativity tools has stoked fear and mistrust amongst creatives who feel that their livelihoods are being snuffed out by the very tools they rely on.

Recently, a very tone-deaf Apple ad that literally crushed artist tools into a sleek iPad Pro — that comes packed with AI-powered creative tools — all but confirmed users' suspicions about tech. "I heard the underlying message loud and clear," wrote Mashable's Mike Pearl. "Companies don't have to pretend they respect their customers; they just have to get them to part with their money."

A lot has changed in a year, since many generative AI tools were let loose on the masses. Wall Street's demand for AI investment has waned, and consumer response to using generative AI for creative tasks, like writing a fan letter to an Olympian, has not been received as positively as expected.

Last year, Procreate's declaration would have been considered business suicide. But today, it might be the key to customer loyalty. Cuda's post, which has 60,000 likes and counting, is filled with comments of support and appreciation, aside from the occasional comments that said it was short-sighted. "I am an occasional user of this software, but now I will enjoy using it all the way more," said one X user.

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"Makes me incredibly happy to continue using the app. Please never sell out to suits that don’t care even if the money is big," said another. "In a world full of companies putting AI in everything they make, this sounds so nice," echoed another X user.

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Donald Trump is courting Taylor Swift and Swifties' endorsements on Truth Social

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 13:35

Donald Trump seems to think he's going to get the Swifties on his side. Or at least he's trying.

You'd be forgiven if you missed it, but Trump posted about Taylor Swift and her legion of fans on his website Truth Social, where you can often find the former president ranting. Trump posted a bunch of images of people supposedly in "Swifties for Trump" shirts, writing, "I accept!" Now, to be clear, the vast majority of these "people" were AI-created. See for yourself.

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In two photos, there appeared to be one real woman wearing a Swifties for Trump shirt and then a few AI-generated women that people claimed were "supporting" Trump. The claim that these women are now supporting Trump after Swift's Vienna concerts were canceled due to terror threats is fake. The images and the story itself are not authentic. The image Trump shared is even clearly labeled "satire."

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So it seems like Trump is trying to court Swifties and Taylor Swift, which is undoubtedly a choice. Swift herself has proven time and again that she's not a fan of Trump. She publicly endorsed President Joe Biden and VP-turned-nominee Kamala Harris back in 2020. While she hasn't endorsed a candidate in 2024, imagining a world where she backed Trump is nearly impossible.

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Now, are there Swifties who support Trump? Of course. Swift is perhaps the most famous musician in the world. She has so many fans that there is bound to be some overlap. That doesn't mean a significant portion of the fandom backs Trump. It doesn't even mean that most of the fandom backs Harris, either. But, if anything, Swifties have mobilized in the VP's direction. A coalition of fans started Swifties4Kamala, which has racked up more than 200k followers across social media platforms. They plan to mobilize voters; thousands have already signed up for a Zoom call.

So yes, Trump appears to be courting Swifties, and no, it doesn't seem to be working at all.

Dropout cooks up the world's silliest culinary competition in 'Gastronauts' trailer

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 13:30
"Gastronauts" sees talented chefs completing ridiculous challenges set for them by Dropout comedians.

Our favorite noise-cancelling headphones from Sony are on sale at their Prime Day price

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 13:12

Save $101.99: As of Aug. 19, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are back down to their Prime Day price of $298 at Amazon. That saves you 25% on their $399.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $298.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

Throughout the year, I write and update most of Mashable's headphones content, which means I get to try the latest products from brands like Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, JBL, and Anker Soundcore, just to name a few. Yet, as I write this very post, I am wearing a pair of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, purchased with my own hard-earned money.

I purchased mine on Prime Day, and as of Aug. 19, they're back down at Amazon to the very same $298 I grabbed them for, making this a great deal that'll save you 25% on their $399.99 full price. If you're not a huge Amazon fan, you can also grab them at Best Buy for $299.99.

Even though these headphones are now a couple years old, I picked them up because I was looking for something with high-end noise cancelling, that sounded fantastic, had solid multipoint connection, and cost $300 or less. The XM5s checked those boxes. Considering my job allows me to test the latest in noise-cancellation, I can say confidently that though these Sonys hold up. Deputy Reviews and Shopping Editor Miller Kern had a similar take when she reviewed the headphones, saying with music on, "They completely blocked out all the normal office sounds like the AC and other people talking, but they also rendered silent the construction happening on the building next door."

SEE ALSO: The 6 best headphones for 2024, from wireless earbuds to the best noise-cancelling picks

I also appreciate the "Find Your Equalizer" setting, which helps your narrow down the equalizer settings you might like best while a song of your choice plays. As for how these headphones connect, I have no issues getting them to pair right on startup, or switching between devices (which I do a decent amount throughout the day) — I can't say the same for my old Bose QC 35 II's, or the newer QC Ultras.

A few of downsides — these headphones are comfortable, but not the most — the QuietComfort line still has them beat for all day wear. After about a few hours, I can start to feel the Sonys weighing down on the top of my head, which I never experienced with the Bose headphones. However, I can still wear them relatively uninterrupted for my workday, and the absolute best comfort isn't my top priority, so it's fine for me. What actually disappoints me most about the design is that the earcups don't fold in for travel, so they're a little more bulky when you're taking them on the go.

These headphones do also cost a pretty penny, even on sale. Yes, they're still cheaper than options from Bose or Apple, but if you're not ready to spend $300, the Sony ULT headphones are a much more affordable alternative.

Check out 15+ of the best Windows laptop deals this week

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 12:48
Best Windows laptop deals this week Best Windows laptop deal under $600 Dell Inspiron 15 3520 $279.99 at Dell.com (Save $100) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal under $900 HP OmniBook X $899.99 at Best Buy (Save $300) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal under $1,200 Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge $999.99 at Samsung (Save $350) Get Deal

We're well into back to school season, making it one of the best times of year to buy a new laptop.

Whether or not you're a student, you can enjoy the lowered prices of this time of year on laptops from brands like HP, Dell, Acer, Lenovo, and more. Windows laptops also tend to be more affordable overall than Apple laptops, making this purchase even kinder on your wallet.

SEE ALSO: I've reviewed over 59 laptops and this is the best Windows laptop of 2024

Below, you'll find the 20 best laptop deals of Aug. 19. You can go for super-budget friendly picks starting at just $280, or check out our favorite deals under $1,200 (that are going to have more comparable features to MacBooks).

Best Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook X $899.99 at Best Buy
$1,199.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we picked this

Check out Mashable's full review of the HP OmniBook X.

If you're looking for a processor to rival the M3 MacBook without the M3 price tag, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite fits the bill. Unlike basically all MacBooks under $1,200, this HP laptop also comes with 16GB of RAM and one TB of storage. Sure, it's design may not be as sleek as more premium options on the market, but this Mashable Choice Award winner blends fun AI-features and a touchscreen with the practicality of 16 hours of battery life, and the power to get you through most work-related tasks. Altogether, that's what makes it our favorite mid-range Windows laptop (even when it's not on sale).

Best Windows laptop deals under $600Best Windows laptop deals under $900Best Windows laptop deals under $1,200

Snag the Sonos Ace headphones for the first-time discounted price of $399

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 12:28

SAVE $50: The Sonos Ace headphones are on sale for $399 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $449. That's an 11% discount and the first time this model has gone on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ace headphones $399.00 at Amazon
$449.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

A solid pair of headphones can really be a life-changer. While the outside world can toss chaos our way, blocking it all out with some awesome headphones can feel like one of the easiest life hacks. Sonos has become a heavy-hitter when it comes to awesome sound quality, and thanks to today's deal, you can snag the brand's newest headphones at a discounted price.

As of Aug. 19, the Sonos Ace headphones are on sale for $399 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $449. That's an 11% discount or a $50 savings. The sale price is also the first time this model has ever been discounted at Amazon since they hit the market just a few months ago.

Mashable deputy editor Miller Kern tested out the Sonos Ace headphones when they launched and noticed they truly excel when it comes to sound quality. "Other headphones I’ve tested pale in comparison to Sonos Ace when it comes to sound quality," she wrote in the review. In particular, Kern said songs with spatial audio sound pretty special with the Sonos Ace. "It’s immersive in a way I haven’t experienced from other headphones," she says.

SEE ALSO: Sonos launches its first-ever headphones, the Sonos Ace

However, she mentioned the noise-cancellation isn't the best with the Sonos Ace, but they did perform well in terms of comfort and Kern said they're the most comfortable pair she's ever tested. Sonos uses a plush memory foam in the ear cups on the Ace headphones and the extendable headband is designed to provide the best fit possible.

One of the coolest features of the Sonos Ace headphones is the ability to seamlessly connect them to compatible Sonos soundbars (Sonos Arc, Beam, or Ray) which makes for a pretty epic home theatre experience designed for one. This feature can also be great if you prefer to watch movies at night while the rest of your house is asleep.

If you're in the market for a top-of-the-line pair of headphones, consider this sale to be your sign that it's time to treat yourself to the Sonos Ace headphones. You'll be scoring them for at their first-ever discounted price.

Can you guess TikTok's song of the summer?

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 12:12

FYPs are slowly morphing from Euro trips and Brat summer to back-to-school hauls and tips for being mindful and demure, marking the inevitable end of summer.

As the season winds down, TikTok has declared its songs of the summer, a list of the platform's most popular tracks that soundtracked the longest days of the year.

SEE ALSO: 'Very demure' demonstrates TikTok's ability to shape modern language

The most popular track on TikTok in the U.S. this summer was "MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS)" by Tommy Richman. It's soundtracked a whopping 7.5 million videos. The song's impact goes beyond its viral snippet — "I ain't never rep a set, baby..." — as it also appeared on Spotify's global midsummer list. Richman's song is followed by the endlessly meme-ed "Nasty" by Tinashe and Blood Orange's 2011 track "Champagne Coast." "Magic Johnson" by ian and "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" by Billie Eilish round out the Top 5.

It may come as a surprise that the ranking Sabrina Carpenter track isn't "Espresso," but instead her follow-up single "Please, Please, Please." GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion's "Wanna Be" and Kendrick Lamar's Drake diss track "Not Like Us" also earned their spots in the Top 10.

Globally, "Gata Only" by FloyyMenor and Cris MJ took the cake. Despite her undeniable cultural impact this summer, no Charli XCX songs ranked on either list. Between the lack of "Espresso" and brat, you have to question what creators thought when selecting a song to soundtrack their summer highlights.

The 9th Generation iPad just hit its new record low price

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 12:04

SAVE 40%: As of today, Aug 19, the 9th Generation Apple iPad has hit an all-new record low price of $199 at Amazon. This saves shoppers $130 off the iPad's regular list price of $329.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 9th Generation Apple iPad (64GB) $199.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $130.00 Amazon Get Deal

Just in time for back-to-school, the 9th Generation Apple iPad has hit an all-new record-low price. If you've had a new iPad on your shopping list, the usual splurge just got a whole lot more budget-friendly.

As of today, Aug 19, the 9th Generation Apple iPad is on sale for $199. Typically $329, today's price saves shoppers $130 (or 40%). Not only is it the iPad's new lowest price, but it also marks the first time it has been listed for under $200.

The 9th Generation iPad makes for a reliable, high-performing everyday tablet. With 64GB of storage, a 10.2-inch screen, an all-day battery life, and an A13 bionic chip, it has the power and bandwidth to fuel your favorite activities like gaming, streaming, video calling, and reading. It's also compatible with the Apple Pencil, so the 9th Generation iPad can transform into your hub of creativity and productivity.

Take advantage of the 9th Generation Apple iPad's biggest price cut yet when you shop today's deal at Amazon.

A Personalized Brain Pacemaker for Parkinson’s

NYT Technology - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 11:55
In a new frontier for deep brain stimulation, researchers used A.I. to develop individualized algorithms, which helped a skateboarder and other patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Roborock, iRobot, and Eufy: Get up to 63% off robot vacuums

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 11:54

Save $490.01: Shop the best robot vacuum deals of the week, including the Roborock Q7 Max+ that's down to $379.98. Save $490.01 for 56% off.

Best robot vacuum deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Q7 Max+ robot vacuum and mop $379.98 at Amazon (Save $490.01) Get Deal Best Eufy deal Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop $699.99 at Best Buy (Save $100) Get Deal Best iRobot deal iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ robot vacuum and mop $999 at Amazon (Save $400) Get Deal Best Narwal Deal Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum and mop combo $999.99 at Amazon (Save $400) Get Deal

Robot vacuums may be our favorite home appliance. Not only do they keep your floors free of crumbs and messes, they also don't require you to do any work. It's luxurious to sit back and watch your Roomba get to work, while you get to start a new show.

With back-to-school season in full swing, we know that means your free time is dwindling, making it the perfect time to upgrade your home with a robot vacuum. Luckily, this week brings a new stash of deals on our favorite robot vacuum brands. Here are the best deals to shop now.

The best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q7 Max+ robot vacuum and mop $379.98 at Amazon
$869.99 Save $490.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Robot vacuums are an investment, with some of the best costing nearly $1,500. If you don't want to spend that or even anything north of $500, look to the Roborock Q7 Max+ robot vacuum and mop. We named Roborock's S8 MaxV Ultra the best robot vacuum for homes with pets, but currently that will cost your $1,799.99. Luckily you can find the brand's Q7 Max+ for just $379.98.

It comes with an auto-emptying dock that can hold up to seven weeks of cleaning detritus. Plus, it doesn't just vacuum. Roborock's Q7 Max+ includes a mopping feature with customizable water flow levels, to get your perfect clean.

Now you can get the Roborock Q7 Max+ for 56% off, saving you $490.01.

More robot vacuum deals

Amazon deal of the day: The 9th generation Apple iPad is less than $200 for the first time ever

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 11:46
Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Apple iPad 9th generation (64GB, WiFi) $199 at Amazon (save $130) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $298 at Amazon (save $101.99) Get Deal BEST SMART HOME DEAL Amazon Echo Hub $144.99 at Amazon (save $35) Get Deal BEST SECURITY DEAL Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $79.99 at Amazon (save $49.99) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) $29.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

Last week was a slow one for deals, but the week of Aug. 19 is already starting off strong. We're seeing plenty of deals pop up on Amazon's own devices, Apple gadgets, and more — with some even dropping to record-low prices.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these catch your eye, be sure to check back tomorrow for a list of all new deals.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 9th generation (64GB, WiFi) $199.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal

Just last week, the ninth generation iPad dropped to a record-low $224 at Amazon. As of Aug. 19, however, that price just dropped even further to only $199. That's a savings of 40% and the first time it has ever hit below $200. While it's not the newest iPad on the market (it's a 2021 model), it's still our favorite tablet for most people. It features the A13 Bionic chip, a 10.2-inch Retina display, and up to 10 hours of battery life that's more than enough to power through basic tasks. I personally own this exact 64GB, WiFi model and my only complaint is that I bought it before it hit this new record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $298.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

Some of our favorite headphones on the market, the Sony WH-1000XM5s earned a Mashable Choice award and nearly perfect rating by Mashable's Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern. Besides impeccable sound quality, great noise cancellation, and customizable sound, these headphones also feature a "quick attention" mode that helps you hear boarding announcements or order a beverage on board a flight without shutting off your music completely. You'll also get up to 30 hours of battery life, crisp call clarity, voice assistant support, and comfortable ear cushions. The one drawback is they're a bit bulky and don't fold up into a convenient carrying case, but that's small potatoes. As of Aug. 19, you can snag these babies for only $298 — that's a savings of 25% and matches the lowest price on record.

Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Hub $144.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

New to the Echo family, the Amazon Echo Hub is basically the device that's been missing all along. A full-featured control panel and smart hub, the Echo Hub offers instant access to your lights, cameras, switches, doorbell, thermostat, and any other smart device in your home. It's no longer locked inside one person's phone. Anyone can play music, stream videos, ask Alexa questions, dim the lights, adjust the temperature, or view who's at the door at the press of a button. Regularly $179.99, it's on sale for the first time since its release for just $144.99. That's just shy of 20% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $79.99 at Amazon
$129.98 Save $49.99 Get Deal

Shine a light on what's going on outside of your home at night with the Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight camera. It packs 700 lumens of motion-triggered illumination and crisp HD footage, no matter the time of day. Thanks to two-way audio, you can speak to people (or pets) and get a heads up if the noise you heard outside was an actual intruder or just a noisy squirrel. A Blink subscription plan unlocks even more features, like enhanced motion detection and cloud sharing. It's regularly about $130, but you can save nearly 40% on Aug. 19 and pick one up for just $79.99 — that's just $2 shy of its all-time low.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen, 2022 release) $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Small enough to sit on your nightstand, bookshelf, countertop, or desk, the fifth generation Echo Dot is made to seamlessly add smart benefits into your daily routine. It can be used to receive reminders, save recipes, set timers, schedule tasks, communicate with friends and family, light up your room, listen to music, or play some soothing white noise to help you fall asleep. It's essentially like a smaller form version of the baseline Echo, minus the Dolby audio. With the small speaker also comes a smaller price tag. Get the 2022 Echo Dot for only $29.99 as of Aug. 19. That's 40% in savings and just $7 away from its record-low price.

Read our full review of the Echo Dot (5th Gen).

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

Get back-to-school ready with these laptops that are on sale for under $500

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 11:35
Our top picks: Best overall deal Asus Vivobook 16 (Intel Core i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, 512 GB) $449.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best Chromebook deal HP Ultra XGA Chromebook (Intel 12th Generation Core i3, 8GB RAM, 256 GB) $499 at Best Buy (save $200) Get Deal Best deal under $400 Lenovo Flex 5i (Intel Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, 512GB) $399.99 at Best Buy (save $280) Get Deal

Some tasks are only worthy of a computer. Sure, we can do plenty on our smartphones and tablets these days, but if you've ever tried to create a detailed Excel spreadsheet on a tablet, you understand that some projects really call for a laptop.

The not-so-great news is that laptops tend to come with some shocking price tags these days. But if you're in need of a new laptop for the beginning of the new school year or an upgrade to a machine that's far too slow, we're seeing some pretty good deals for the week of August 19. Here are some of our top picks:

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Our pick: Asus Vivobook 16 (Intel Core i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, 512 GB) $449.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for a laptop with a large-ish display, the Asus Vivobook measures 16 inches, which could be fantastic for those financial spreadsheets, checking out tiny details of that Airbnb listing, or streaming your favorite movie. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, the Asus Vivobook 16 (Intel Core i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, 512 GB) is on sale for $449.99, down from the normal price of $549.99, which means you'll be getting a $100 discount.

You'll get a desirable 16GB of memory with this Asus for quicker multi-tasking and decent storage space of 512GB. The 16-inch laptop is also a touchscreen, which can be nice for navigating web pages or scrolling through a presentation.

The 14-inch model of this Asus Vivobook is also on sale at Amazon, but it's listed at $444.95 which means the 16-inch version costs just $5 more, so the larger version is an easy pick in our book.

Best Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: HP Ultra XGA Chromebook (Intel 12th Generation Core i3, 8GB RAM, 256 GB) $499.00 at Best Buy
$699.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're after a lightweight and thin Chromebook that's ready for any work trip, the HP Ultra XGA Chromebook (Intel 12th Generation Core i3, 8GB RAM, 256 GB) could be a great option. Thanks to today's deal at Best Buy, this model is just $499, marked down from the list price of $699 which means you'll be saving $200.

The full-HD screen resolution means you'll be getting a crisp screen experience which can be great for those Zoom meetings or for streaming your favorite Netflix show. This model also comes with HP's fast charge which gets up to 50% charge in 45 minutes, a feature that could be great for students heading to class where you won't always be able to stay plugged in.

Best deal under $400 Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Our pick: Lenovo Flex 5i (Intel Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, 512GB) $399.99 at Best Buy
$679.99 Save $280.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're searching for a versatile laptop with decent stats at a budget-friendly price, the Lenovo Flex 5i could fit the bill. With a sale price of just $399.99 at Best Buy, you'll be saving an impressive $280 compared to the normal list price of $679.99. You'll be getting a mid-range Intel 12th Generation Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM for better multitasking capabilities.

The 14-inch screen size makes for a nice middle-ground between portability and functionality. Plus, it weights less than 3.5 pounds, so it'll be easy to take to class or on a work trip. And the HDMI port means you'll be able to use a great external monitor for larger projects that do better with two screens.

More laptop deals under $500

These are this week's best tablet deals

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 11:00

This week at Amazon, there are plenty of tablets on sale for budget-friendly prices: just in time to help you out with your back-to-school shopping. Whether you're partial to Apple, Samsung, or Amazon Fire tablets, there's a deal to fit every preference.

This week's best tablet deals as of Aug 19: Best budget tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $89.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad (9th Generation) $199 at Amazon (save $130) Get Deal Best large-screen tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet $204 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal

In this week's price cuts, we're seeing high-quality tablets listed for around $200 - or even less. That makes upgrading to a new tablet more affordable, so you can stretch your back-to-school budget even further. Some tablets — like the Apple iPad (9th Generation) — are at their best price yet.

Best budget tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $89.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

At $89.99, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is the most budget-friendly tablet on this week's roundup. While this isn't the tablet's lowest price ever, it's a close second, clocking in at only $10 more. With 32GB of storage and a 10.1-inch screen, this is a solid standard pick for tablet users who want a fast-processing tablet to help with productivity and enjoy some entertainment. It's also a good pick for slightly older kids: while it doesn't have the kid-proofing that Amazon's made-for-kids tablets have, you can still access Amazon Kids content on this tablet.

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple iPad (9th Generation) $199.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

As of today, Aug 19, the Apple iPad (9th Generation) is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon, selling for just $199, down from its usual price of $329. With 64GB, an A13 bionic chip, and a 10.2-inch screen, this tablet prioritizes performance just as much as affordability. Thanks to the A13 chip, it supports immersive graphics - making it a good pick for gaming. Plus, it has an all-day battery life. With an ultra-wide front-facing camera, it's also supportive of video calls.

Best large-screen tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet $204.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're shopping for something that has a larger screen, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet is worth considering. While today's sale only takes the price down by 7%, we're a fan of the tablet's big, 11-inch screen. Whether you use your tablet for gaming, streaming movies, or productivity, the extra surface area gives you a more immersive experience. You can also operate multiple apps at once, making this tablet a helpful selection for multitaskers.

More tablet deals:

Exclusive 'Inside Out 2' clip reveals new emotion Self-loathing — and why she was cut

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 11:00
Director Kelsey Mann breaks down a 'pivotal' pool party scene from 'Inside Out 2,' out on digital August 20.

Celebrate International VPN Day with over 2 years of savings

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:56

Save $464.40: Celebrate International VPN day with major savings on the best VPN services, tested by the Mashable team. Get 27 months of NordVPN for $161.73, saving you $464.40 for 74% off.

Best International VPN day deals Best VPN deal NordVPN $161.73 for 27 months of NordVPN (Save $464.40) Get Deal Best streaming deal ExpressVPN $99.95 for 15 months of ExpressVPN (Save $94.30) Get Deal Best budget deal CyberGhost VPN $56.94 for 26 months of CyberGhost VPN (Save $280.80) Get Deal

August 19 marks International VPN Day, a day to celebrate and highlight the importance of cybersecurity in our daily lives. VPNs keep computers, phones, and tablets safe while streaming with built-in security tools, however, they also open up our world.

Don't let your streaming services limit what you watch. With a VPN, you gain access to international offerings that you otherwise wouldn't have access to. When you think about it, a VPN is just helping you make the most of your subscriptions.

However, VPNs aren't always free, so it ends up becoming just another subscription you pay for. Luckily, in light of International VPN Day, you can find savings up to 83% on VPN services tested by the Mashable team. Here are the best deals to shop August 19.

Opens in a new window Credit: NordVPN Best VPN deal $161.73 at NordVPN
$626.13 Save $464.40 Get Deal Why we like it

NordVPN is our top-rated VPN service as it offers extensive security protections. Those new to VPN services will find that it has far more than they need. NordVPN is best for professionals who are seeking a geographically diverse system of networks as well as speciality servers.

The savings during International VPN day are really spectacular. This 27 month deal covers NordVPN's Ultimate tier, which in addition to VPN services gets you identity theft recovery, a password manager, and 1TB of encrypted cloud storage. You'll get all of this for $161.73 for 74% off. That means you save a whopping $464.40.

More International VPN day deals

Google Chrome will automatically block out credit card info when screen sharing

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:41

Screen sharing, especially to a big audience, can be risky. Google has a new tool that could save people from themselves in this regard.

As spotted by Bleeping Computer, a new experimental flag has been added to Google Chrome that, if turned on, purports to automatically block "sensitive form fields" that include things like credit cards and passwords if the user is sharing or recording their screen from Android. Now, this feature is so experimental that it's not actually available to use yet, so it's impossible to say if it works or not. But, per Bleeping Computer, users of the Chrome Canary developer build should have access to it within the next month or so.

SEE ALSO: Google tried to give new Pixel phones to influencers. Then it backfired.

Ideally, you should really close any tabs with sensitive info in them before you start rolling on a screen-share or screen recording session. But, if you don't, this new Chrome feature could save you from a lot of hassle. It should be noted that Chrome already blocks users from screen sharing or recording in an Incognito window, so in a sense, one protection from Incognito mode is coming over to the regular Chrome view.

It's always nice when technology actually solves a problem instead of just adding more problems.

School like a pro with Meems Gillette’s back-to-school picks

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:15

It's back-to-school season! While it can be chaotic with endless emails, paperwork, and supply lists, it's also a chance to refresh and renew with some back-to-school clothes shopping. Mother of two and lifestyle influencer Meems Gillette, with the help of her 6-year-old and 9-year-old kids, found 12 closet must-haves from Walmart to help start the school year with confidence and style. 

Here’s what’s in their fashion lineup — snag these for your cart too.

New iPhone 16 Pro color will reportedly be Desert Titanium

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 09:06

Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 Pro will come in a new color, a new report claims, and it will be sort-of familiar.

Leaker of iPhone-related things Majin Bu said the new color will be called Desert Titanium. "(It) is kind of dark gold, similar to the old purple color, relatively discreet and deep," they shared on X.

SEE ALSO: Leaked iPhone 16 Pro image shows new bronze color

The full color lineup for the iPhone 16 Pro will be "white, black, gold, and gray," wrote Bu, and shared a photo which purportedly shows the camera rings of all the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models.

Tweet may have been deleted

It's not entirely clear what is this "old purple color" Bu is referring to. For example, the iPhone 14 Pro was offered in (a fairly light shade of) Gold, as well as Deep Purple. We've seen various shades of Rose Gold in iPhone's history as well, starting with the iPhone 6S.

Remember Gold? This new color will be similar, but deeper. Reportedly. Credit: Apple

Recent rumors said that the next iPhone Pro would be available in Rose Gold Titanium, which frankly doesn't sound like a very good name; if I had to bet, Desert Titanium would be my bet for the official name. We've also heard that the new color would be something close to bronze, which also sort of aligns with the name "Desert Titanium."

The current iPhone 15 Pro lineup offers four colors: Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium, and Blue Titanium. According to reports, it's Blue that's getting replaced with Desert Titanium. None of this is official, of course; we'll know more when Apple launches the new iPhones, likely in early September.

'Hell Hole' review: Body horror at its absolute silliest

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 07:37

If the trailer — or, indeed, the title — had left you in any doubt about the type of movie Hell Hole might be, then the film's opening sequence quickly dispels any uncertainty.

With a caption placing the action in 1814 Serbia, we see two of Napoleon's troops stalking through a misty forest. They're given a horse by a strange woman which they take back to camp to eat, but — surprise! — an octopus-like creature bursts out at the last second and starts running rampant through their camp while heavy guitar kicks in.

It's all very silly, gory, and tongue-in-cheek from horror household and filmmakers the Adams family (Hellbender, The Deeper You Dig) — and it sets us up perfectly for what's to come.

SEE ALSO: Shudder's best horror comedies to scare you AND make you laugh What's Hell Hole About?

The bulk of the story takes place at a present-day Serbian fracking site, where a small team of workers — plus a couple of scientists — are trapped due to some nearby flooding. They start digging, discover a still-alive man preserved underground in some kind of subterranean slimy substance. Then the hell hinted at in the movie's title quickly breaks loose.

Yep, this is a subgenre of horror you're familiar with. Like Alien and The Thing, Hell Hole gets its tension from trapping a core group of characters and watching them get picked off — or pick each other off — one by one. Unlike Ridley Scott and John Carpenter's chilling classics, though, there's a wriggling tentacle of comedy twining through Hell Hole's horror. The gore, and the monster, have a silly B movie feel. The question is, does it work?

"Hell Hole" is not short on explosive body horror. Credit: Shudder Hell Hole is not to be taken too seriously.

Hell Hole is the kind of horror movie that'd be easy to enjoy on a Saturday night with friends. As they perfected in 2021's Hellbender, horror stalwarts the Adams family have instilled the film with a decent amount of tension — not enough to make it genuinely terrifying, but enough for plenty of pantomime it's-behind-you suspense. The comedy isn't exactly laugh-out-loud, either, but the film is silly enough to prompt plenty of grins, groans, and grimaces.

The characters, too, are comfortingly familiar. There's the inevitable tension between the oil drillers and the scientists, the star-crossed lovers romance between driller's son Teddy (Maximum Portman) and environmental intern Sofija (Olivera Perunicic), and the inevitable rebellion from the workers when their colleagues start getting picked off.

The dialogue is solid, as are the performances. The directing delights in, and makes the most of, explosive body horror affects.

Hell Hole isn't aiming for IMDB top 100 status. But if you're looking for something light-hearted and fun that the Adamses clearly had fun making, then you could do worse.

How to watch: Hell Hole is streaming on Shudder from Aug. 23.

John Oliver brutally declares Republican candidates the 'weird' ones

Mashable - Mon, 08/19/2024 - 07:11
John Oliver has spoken about some of the down ballot Republican candidates who aren't helping the "weird" label.

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