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This Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max face-off will help you understand how Google's new addition to the Pixel series compares to Apple's most premium flagship phone.

The Pixel series is now more similar to the iPhone series than ever. Instead of having a dual-phone family, Google added a third model this generation. (One could even argue that the Pixel series has a four-phone family if the launch of the new Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold counts.)

Whether you're stuck in iPhone vs. Android analysis paralysis, or you're just curious about the differences between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max, you've come to the right place.

SEE ALSO: I tested Apple Intelligence on my iPhone 15 Pro Max: 3 ways it spoiled me rotten Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max price and specs

The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099 and comes with the following specs:

• Google Tensor G4 processor and Titan M2 security coprocessor

• 16GB of RAM

• 128GB of storage

• 6.8-inch, 2992 x 1344-pixel OLED display

• Android 14 (Android 15 coming soon)

You can also upgrade the Pixel 9 Pro XL to 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage variants. In my experience as a phone reviewer, 128GB becomes full in just under two years, so I'd opt for 256GB for worry-free usage (if you have the money to blow, of course).

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, has a starting price tag that is $100 pricier than the Pixel 9 Pro at $1,119 via Apple (or $33 per month for 36 months via Verizon or AT&T via Best Buy) and it comes with the following specs:

• A17 Pro chip

• 8GB of RAM

• 256GB of storage

• 6.7-inch, 2796 x 1290-pixel display

• iOS 17 (iOS 18 coming soon)

Right off the bat, the biggest difference is the RAM. As a rule, more memory implies that app juggling will be smoother and more seamless. However, in my experience, despite having less memory, the iPhone 15 Pro Max doesn't have any issues with balancing multiple apps. This is likely do to its optimized operating system (iOS manages resources quite effectively without needing too much RAM).

So far, when it comes to pricing, the Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max are tied. The former may be cheaper, but offers less storage.

TLDR: The Pixel Pro XL may have more RAM (internals that benefit app juggling), but the iPhone 15 Pro Max runs on iOS, which known to be quite efficient at app management, even when multiple apps are running in the background. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's starting price may be $100 cheaper, but it offers less storage.

Winner: Draw

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max $1,119.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max design

Both the iPhone and Pixel series have a signature look, but Google slightly tweaked the design of its new-generation line. For example, the Pixel series' design language once featured a camera bar that extends to the chassis' edges.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, Google has made the camera bar on the back of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the other new Pixels, more island-like.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL, made out of recycled aluminum. comes in the following colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a height of 6.4 inches and is 0.3 inches thick. If you're wondering about how heavy it is, it weighs 7.8 ounces.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, packed inside a titanium frame, continues to have its triple-camera array on the top-right corner. It comes in four colorways: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium.

Credit: Apple

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a little shorter than the Pixel 9 Pro XL at 6.3 inches. It's also slightly thicker (0.33 inches).

Both have an IP68 water resistance rating, which means they can handle water submergence of up to about five feet.

TLDR: The Pixel 9 Pro XL has an island-style camera bar on the back while the iPhone 15 Pro Max continues its upper-left camera array signature design language. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is taller and thinner than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max display

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch, 2992 x 1344-pixel display. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, has a 6.7-inch, 2796 x 1290-pixel panel. Based on these specs, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly larger display and higher resolution.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a Ceramic Shield panel, which Apple claims is tougher than other phone displays. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which can be found across the entire non-foldable Pixel 9 line.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has less of a distracting display with a hole-punch selfie camera in the top center. In the same spot, the iPhone 15 Pro Max sports the pill-shaped Dynamic Island, which delivers animated information like Apple Pay transactions, low battery warnings, AirDrop transfers, and more.

iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Apple

In my experience, both have a zippy panel. After all, they both support a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Now, let's take a look at brightness:

Pixel 9 Pro XL: Up to 2,000 hits (HDR)

iPhone 15 Pro Max: Up to 1,600 nits (HDR)

When it comes to high dynamic range (HDR) content, the Pixel 9 Pro XL can reportedly climb to 2,000 nits compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 1,600 nits.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As far as peak brightness is concerned, the Pixel 9 Pro XL can jump to 3,000 nits. Compare this to the 2,000-nit peak brightness of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

TLDR: The Pixel 9 Pro XL, compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, has a brighter display as well as a higher resolution panel.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max cameras

Let's take a look at the selfie camera first:

Pixel 9 Pro XL - 42MP, f/2.2 aperture

iPhone 15 Pro Max - 12MP, f/1.9 aperture

On paper, it appears that the Pixel 9 Pro XL has an edge of the iPhone 15 Pro Max with its selfie camera delivering a higher megapixel count, which should offer better detail and higher-resolution pictures.

Pixel 9 Pro XL with a slight glimpse of the Pixel 9 Pro on the left Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max's selfie camera should perform better in dim environments and offer superior bokeh (that cool blurry background effect) due to its wider aperture.

Next, let's check out the wide camera:

Pixel 9 Pro XL - 50MP, f/1.68 aperture

iPhone 15 Pro Max - 48MP, f/1.8 aperture

Here, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, just based on specs alone, appears to have a tiny edge over the iPhone 15 Pro Max when it comes to the main camera with a slightly higher megapixel count and a possible advantage in low-light conditions.

Thirdly, let's look at the ultrawide camera, which is helpful for capturing as much background as possible. (You'll want to choose this lens for any sweeping landscape shots.)

Pixel 9 Pro XL - 48MP, f/1.7 aperture, 123-degree field of view

iPhone 15 Pro Max - 12MP, f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree field-of-view

Based on the information we have, the Pixel 9 Pro XL should offer a wider field of view compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It may also offer more visually pleasing photos in low-light conditions.

iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Apple

Based on the megapixel count, the Pixel 9 Pro XL may deliver better details.

Finally, let's check out the telephoto lens, which is ideal for portraits and zoomed-in shots.

Pixel 9 Pro XL - 48MP, f/2.8, aperture, 5x optical zoom

iPhone 15 Pro Max - 12MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom

The similarities here are that the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the iPhone 15 Pro Max both rely on the telephoto lens to deliver 5x optical zoom. Once you zoom in beyond 5x, the software kicks in.

On the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it can climb up to 30x digital zoom. I've experimented with it myself, and it's pretty darn incredible. From two miles away inside a building in Manhattan's Pier 57, I could zoom in on sightseers visiting The Edge, the tallest observation deck in New York City.

Zooming in on The Edge with the Pixel 9 Pro XL's Super Res Zoom at 30x Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The iPhone 15 Pro Max's digital zoom can climb up to 25X. Both have excellent telephoto in my experience, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL's Super Res Zoom can hone in on objects just a little bit more.

On paper, it may seem like the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the win. However, there are plenty of other factors at play when it comes to cameras, including image processing, software algorithms, and more.

TLDR: The Pixel 9 Pro XL can zoom in closer on objects compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Pixel 9 Pro XL's cameras appear to outperform the iPhone 15 Pro Max's lenses, but there are other factors to consider. We'll have to test them both first to know for sure.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max AI features

Apple plays it a little safe when it comes to AI. For consumers who are very privacy focused and concerned about the responsible use of AI, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the one for you. Earlier this year, the Cupertino-based tech giant debuted Apple Intelligence, Apple's new suite of AI features.

Using Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Apple Intelligence, which currently has some features available to try on the beta version of iOS 18, offers perks like Call Recording and Writing Tools, as well as AI-powered Siri, Mail, Messages, and Safari.

Apple is taking a very delicate approach with AI. Some of the more complex features, like Genmoji (AI-generated emojis) and Image Playground (AI-generated images via prompts) aren't even available yet for testing. This is likely because Apple wants to take its time with a tricky space like AI.

Google, on the other hand, is going all out. Check out some of the following AI features you can use on the Pixel 9 Pro XL:

• AI-powered weather app - AI-generated summaries of the weather with recommendations on how to dress

• Screenshot search - Find screenshots in your screenshot album with natural language search

• Pixel Studio - Create AI-generated images

• Reimagine - Select an object in any photo and transform it into something else

Below, watch Reimagine transform a road into raging rapids. And those don't even scratch the surface of what Google has to offer in terms of AI.

Left: Before using Reimagine Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Right: After using Reimagine Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

These features are available now on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Apple Intelligence will be available some time later this year when iOS 18 officially drops, but some features may be delayed.

TLDR: Apple Intelligence is best for privacy-focused consumers who don't mind that Apple plays it safe when it comes to AI. For those who want to dive head first into AI, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is your best bet.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max battery

Apple claims that, according to its video playback battery test, the iPhone 15 Pro Max can last up to 29 hours. Google, on the other hand, reports that the Pixel 9 Pro XL can last over 24 hours based on a mixed usage profile of talk, data, standby and other features.

Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Because Google's test is slightly more intensive than Apple's investigation, it's difficult to compare both runtimes. As such, you'll have to wait until we test both phones in-house to determine which truly has the better power efficiency.

Based on past experience, the A-series chip inside the iPhones tend to be more energy efficient compared to the Google Tensor processors inside the Pixels. As such, if I was a betting woman, I'd put my money on the iPhone 15 Pro Max for best battery life. We'll have to test them both to know for sure.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

TLDR: We don't have any tests done yet, but based on past experience, the iPhone 15 Pro Max may beat the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which is best?

Without having the opportunity to do any in-depth testing, on paper, it looks like the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the edge — for now.

We'll update this page once we've got our hands on the Pixel 9 Pro XL and we review it thoroughly.

TL;DR: Live stream France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Paris 2024 football final is finally here and it's been an incredible few matches. The semi-finals saw both Egypt and Morocco lose out on a place in the final, as France and Spain both compete for the chance of a gold medal.

Spain will be looking to continue their winning streak after taking home the European Championship title earlier this summer. But they'll face tough competition from host nation France, after they beat competitors Egypt in the semi-finals in an incredible 3-1 defeat. It's really not going to be a game you want to miss.

If you want to watch the final of the football and France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, keep reading because we have all the information you need.

When is France vs. Spain at Paris 2024?

France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 takes place at 12 p.m. ET on Aug. 9.

How to watch France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free

You can live stream France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is a streaming platform that is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. VPNs are tools that hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream France vs. Spain (plus the bronze medal match) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Through Sept. 3, this Microsoft Visual Studio software and online course bundle gives you the tools and the knowledge to create apps, websites, and games for £44.09.

The problem with most online coding courses? They only give you half the tools you need to succeed. Sure, knowledge is great, but you still need a coding environment where you can build, execute, and debug your programs. And that's what makes this bundle such an exciting deal for novice coders.

Explore 15 online courses on popular programming languages like Python, C++ and JavaScript and get a lifetime pass to Microsoft Visual Studio for Windows — all on sale for £44.09 (reg. £1,574) through Sept. 3.

Microsoft Visual Studio can help you code faster and more efficiently with highlighted functions, suggested next-best sections, and auto-completed lines and blocks of code.

After downloading the software to your PC (the download includes a lifetime license for one device), you can dive into courses in Python, Java, and Ruby on Rails.

Looking to create websites, a game, an app, or an e-commerce store? These courses also cover languages like C++, Unity, Flutter, Dart, and OpenCV. With this offer, you'll have lifetime access to course materials to study on your own time.

As you write code — especially as a beginner — you’ll make mistakes and that’s totally natural. That’s why Visual Studio is designed with hot reload capabilities to allow you to debug your software without having to refresh the page. It’s like adding time onto the microwave while it’s still running.

Give your wildest coding dreams a shot with this bundle of courses and Microsoft Visual Studio for Windows on sale for £44.09 (reg. £1,574) through Sept. 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterstock Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 + The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle $44.09 at the Mashable Shop
$1,574.00 Save $1,529.91 Get Deal

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for August 8's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 8 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 8 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A flavorful liquid.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

SAUCY.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for August 8's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 7 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Pool dives

• Green: Speak again

• Blue: The Ace

• Purple: Types of radios

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Splashy Ways to Enter a Pool

• Green: Reiterate

• Blue: Mainstay

• Purple: ___Radio

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #424 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Splashy Ways to Enter a Pool: BACKFLIP, BELLYFLOP, CANNONBALL, JACKKNIFE

• Reiterate: ECHO, PAROT, QUOTE, REPEAT

• Mainstay: ANCHOR, BACKBONE, CORNERSTONE, PILLAR

• ___Radio: HAM, PIRATE, SATELLITE, TALK

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

You might be affected by one of the biggest data breaches ever and not even know it.

A recent class action lawsuit filed against Jerico Pictures Inc., a background check company that does business under the name National Public Data, claims that the company was breached by hackers earlier this year.

As a result, the lawsuit says, confidential data for 2.9 billion was exposed and stolen by a hacker group known as USDoD. 

SEE ALSO: Microsoft says CrowdStrike outage affected many more devices than reported

Making matters even worse, those affected by this cyberattack may not even know they could be involved. National Public Data reportedly gathers its data by scraping information about individuals from non-public sources without their knowledge or consent.

The exposed information contains varying details for nearly 3 billion people which include full names, former and current addresses, and Social Security numbers as well as personal data tied to family members and relatives who are both living and deceased.

This breach was previously unknown to the public. It's unclear when exactly the breach occurred. Named plaintiff Christopher Hofmann says he only became aware of the issue when an identity theft protection service notified him in July that his personal information had been compromised and leaked on the dark web.

The group posted a "National Public Data" database containing the leaked information on a dark web hacking forum in April, and sought $3.5 million from a potential buyer.

Just last month, Mashable reported on RockYou2024, another large data leak which saw nearly 10 billion users' password credentials being exposed. However, that data was an updated compilation of previous leaks and breaches from years earlier.

With billions exposed, the National Public Data breach appears to be one of the biggest single data breaches ever, seemingly rivaled only by Yahoo's 2013 data breach which affected 3 billion accounts.

Mashable has reached out to National Public Data for comment and will update if we hear back.

The days of grinding to complete those Fortnite Battle Pass quests to unlock exclusive items may soon be coming to an end.

On Wednesday, Epic Games announced a major change to Fortnite and its Battle Pass, the paid tier of the hit free-to-play online video game.

"Items in future Fortnite Battle Passes might be offered for purchase in the Fortnite Shop after 18 or more months from the Battle Pass’ expiration," reads a statement posted on Fortnite's official website.

This means that Emotes, Pickaxes, Back Blings, Wraps, Loading Screens, Outfits, and – most importantly – outfits a.k.a., skins that were once Battle Pass exclusives may be available for purchase in Fortnite's in-game Shop, even if the player missed out on the Battle Pass that these items were a part of.

The company says all other Battle Pass benefits will remain the same, including the price of the pass which costs 950 V-Bucks, Fortnite's in-game currency, or $8.49.

SEE ALSO: 'Fortnite' players vow to destroy all Cybertrucks they see in the game A huge change to Fortnite

While Fortnite is free to play in its online multiplayer mode, the game is monetized via skins and other items that are sold in-game. 

These items don't give players any advantage in the game. However, as Fortnite has continued to partner with popular media properties such as Marvel and Star Wars, players have spent billions of dollars each year in Fortnite in order to play as their favorite characters.

However, some items can only be locked via Fortnite's Battle Pass. 

Every few months, Fortnite starts a new season with new characters, new maps, and new additional features. Players can purchase a Battle Pass for that season, and they can then complete quests to earn XP, level up, and unlock more than 100 exclusive rewards during that season.

But, previously if a player missed out on gaining enough XP by the time the Battle Pass ended, they would permanently lose out on being able to access items that were locked beyond their level in the Battle Pass. 

If someone was completely new to Fortnite, that means they permanently missed out on ever being able to play as character skins that were part of previous Battle Pass seasons such as Optimus Prime or Darth Vader. 

According to the Fortnite Team, this was one of the major factors in their decision to change the exclusivity of items in future Battle Pass offerings.

Why allow Fortnite players another chance?

"One reason for this change is that we want players down the road to enjoy Battle Pass content such as Outfits based on popular licensed characters," reads the statement. "While there is no guarantee that a Battle Pass item will come to the Shop after this change, IP content from future Battle Passes might come to the Shop at least 18 months after the Battle Pass expires."

It's unclear if this means that previous Battle Pass outfits and items are still forever unobtainable by those who missed out. Mashable has reached out to Epic Games for more information on this.

However, it is clear that going forward some Battle Pass items will no longer be exclusive. The purpose of the Battle Pass rewards will now be the guarantee of getting those items and the lower 950 V-Bucks price point to try and unlock them all.

Fortnite is still a massively popular game with hundreds of millions of active players. But, the number of players that Fortnite has at any given time seems to ebb and flow with that particular season's offerings. Perhaps, this change will interest some new players who were previously turned off because they missed out on the Battle Pass that would've let them unlock their favorite characters.

A seemingly-innocuous photo of strawberries in a garden posted by Sam Altman has AI enthusiasts freaking out.

On Wednesday, the OpenAI CEO shared the photo accompanied by a cryptic comment that said, "i love summer in the garden." But Altman wasn't just musing about his appreciation for the late summer crop. He was teasing a secretive OpenAI technology dubbed "Project Strawberry."

Tweet may have been deleted

According to a Reuters report last month about the project, the ChatGPT-maker is working on a model capable of advanced reasoning that's one step closer to autonomous AI agents. Internal documents leaked to the outlet describe Strawberry (formerly called Q*) as a model that enables "the company’s AI to not just generate answers to queries but to plan ahead enough to navigate the internet autonomously and reliably to perform what OpenAI terms 'deep research.'"

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk is suing OpenAI and Sam Altman again after dropping his previous lawsuit

More advanced reasoning capabilities means the technology can execute more complex tasks beyond step-by-step user prompts. Reasoning has been one of the trickiest problems to solve in the pursuit of human-level intelligence, so Strawberry would be a breakthrough in achieving AGI (artificial general intelligence).

Temper those expectations for a Strawberry harvest

That said, plans and a timeline for the reported technology are unknown. Plus, Altman's post could just be an attempt to cultivate buzz during a tumultuous time for OpenAI. As of this week, co-founder John Schulman quit and co-founder Greg Brockman announced his sabbatical, which added to the growing number of executives that have left (or taken leave in Brockman's case). Compound that with growing concerns about the bursting AI bubble and cooling interest in AI on Wall Street, and OpenAI's future suddenly looks a little more precarious.

Progress has slowed since OpenAI rocked the industry with ChatGPT. Altman touted GPT-5 as a "significant leap forward," but there's still no word on the timing of its release. Researchers suggest that models are running out of data to train on, and OpenAI is reportedly hemorrhaging billions of dollars. None of these are positive signs for the shipping of new products in the near future.

So, Altman’s tweet could suggest that official news about Strawberry is imminent, but it could also just be empty words from the ultimate hype-man who has a track record of "outright lying." Maybe let's take these strawberries with a grain of salt.

PRE-ORDER NOW: The new Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is now available for preorder at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store for $279.99. It will start shipping on Aug. 20.

Quick links: Amazon Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) $279.99 Pre-order Now Best Buy Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) $279.99 Pre-order Now Google Store Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) $279.99 Pre-order Now

Google is refreshing its smartest thermostat for the first time since the Obama administration.

The tech giant announced the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat Tuesday (a week ahead of its big Made by Google event), a long-awaited successor to its 2015 model that's been redesigned and upgraded with new features. It now comes with a new second-gen Nest Temperature Sensor for keeping tabs on separate rooms, too, helping justify its $30 price bump.

The new Nest Learning Thermostat will retail for $279.99, and preorders have opened at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store ahead of its official release on Tuesday, Aug. 20. (Take your pick from three metal finishes: polished obsidian, polished gold, or polished silver.) Extra sensors can be purchased separately for $39.99 apiece or $99.99 for a three-pack.

SEE ALSO: What to expect at Made by Google 2024

The device's makeover includes a 60 percent bigger footprint and a new curved, bezel-free crystal LCD display that's inspired by "[the] shape and movement of water," according a company blog post — picture a droplet sitting on the surface of a coin. It's slimmer than the older model, and its dial requires a lighter touch to twist. There's also a new Dynamic Farsight feature that lets users customize its home screen to show the time, temperature, weather, humidity, or outdoor air quality. Google calls it "our smartest and most beautiful thermostat yet."

Users can customize the new Nest Learning Thermostat's home screen with Dynamic Farsight. Credit: Google

As for those smarts: The purpose of the Nest Learning Thermostat is still to save energy while keeping you comfy — it's just better at it now. For starters, a new AI-powered "Smart Schedule" feature makes it capable of learning your everyday routines and temperature preferences faster. You can enable changes to this schedule automatically or opt to approve them manually. It can also now tweak your home's temperature based on the weather outside.

Relatedly, if you have a ventilation system, a new "Smart Ventilation" feature will pump in fresh air when outdoor air quality is good and pause it if conditions worsen (like during heat waves and wildfire season).

Google says the new Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with most HVAC systems, and also capable of monitoring their performance. If your heater isn't kicking on after you turn the temperature up, for example, you'll get an alert. You'll handle all controls through the Google Home app.

SAVE UP TO $80: Save on noise-cancelling headphones that can help you concentrate with this week's best deals from Bose, Sony, and other top brands.

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphone Deals Best overall Noise-Cancelling Headphones deal Bose Headphones 700 $349 at Amazon (Save $30) Get Deal Best Comfortable Noise-Cancelling Headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra $349 at Amazon (Save $80) Get Deal Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones deal for Flying Sony WH-1000XM5 $328 at Amazon (Save $71.99) Get Deal

Whether you're listening to your favorite songs or trying to get some studying done with a podcast in the background, sometimes you need to tune out what's going on around you. You can do that easily with a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They're the perfect option for helping you focus when you need to, and when you're ready to have some fun, they're great to zone out with awesome music or to help you enjoy shows and movies in private.

But contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones. In fact, some of our favorite picks are actually on sale right now, so you can save big while still bringing home a pair of quality cans.

We've rounded up some of the best deals on noise-cancelling headphones around this week, so if you're looking for a great pair to bring home, now's the time to do it. Save big on brands like Bose and Sony, and find the right pair for you without breaking the bank. Check out our picks below.

Best overall noise-cancelling headphones deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Bose Headphones 700 $349.00 at Amazon
$379.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Bose Headphones 700 are fantastic in terms of active noise cancellation. They boast 10 levels that you can customize to your liking in addition to a transparency mode, so ambient noise and distractions get blocked, but you can still hear everything that you need to. While they're no longer the best and brightest in Bose's lineup, they're still more than formidable options and offer some of the best noise cancellation we've heard from the brand. If you want noise cancelling that you can fine-tune to your liking without having to adhere to what the manufacturer thinks you want, this is the pair you'll want to bring home.

Best comfortable noise-cancelling headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Ultra $349.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are insanely comfortable for long stretches of wear. If you're the type of person who gets aggravated after wearing headphones for a long time and needs something that might cradle your sensitive ears, these are for you. They don't bear down on your head with a tight headband, and they're extremely plush. You don't feel compelled to take them off, and they still do a great job of blocking out the noises you don't want to hear. They also offer long-lasting battery life, so the music doesn't have to stop until you're ready. Plus, they're easy to pair and provide support for spatial audio.

Best noise-cancelling headphones deal for flying Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM5 $328.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $71.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are excellent for audiophiles, but they also truly shine while flying. They offer fantastic noise cancellation, but they're also just great headphones in general. They offer balanced sound with crisp treble and booming bass, which means you can still enjoy your favorite songs even above the hum of an airplane cabin. They also work great for when the plane lands and you want to call up your loved ones to tell them you made it. With long-lasting battery life, you can use them for an entire flight if you need to. At this price, they're yours for the taking.

If House of the Dragon's Season 2 finale left you wondering, "Wait, what comes next?" you're in the right place.

The finale, titled "The Queen Who Ever Was," set a lot of pivotal storylines in motion without much payoff, leading to a fairly frustrating outcome (that definitely could have benefitted from two more episodes). Luckily, House of the Dragon's source material, George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, gives us a pretty good roadmap for what we can expect next.

SEE ALSO: The 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 finale, explained

Read on to learn more about what Season 3 might have in store, but be forewarned: Spoilers are in full effect here, so get ready to learn about some pretty big deaths. It's also worth noting that House of the Dragon has made some considerable deviations from Fire & Blood, which is in itself a fictional historical account full of ambiguities, so what plays out on the page might play out differently on-screen. With that in mind, let's get into what we might see in Season 3.

Yes, we'll get the Battle of the Gullet soon. Steve Toussaint in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

For all of Season 2, Corlys Velaryon's (Steve Toussaint) naval blockade of the Gullet — a stretch of sea near Dragonstone and Driftmark — has held strong, creating massive problems for King's Landing. But by the end of the season, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) has a plan to break it. He sends Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) as an emissary to the Triarchy, where he secures the help of their navy and admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn). In Season 2's finale minutes, we see them riding towards the Gullet — just as Corlys and Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) ride out to join the blockade.

SEE ALSO: Why in the seven hells didn't 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 have 10 episodes?

We'll have to wait until next season to witness the clash between the two forces, but when they do meet, you can bet it will be a spectacle to behold. In Fire & Blood, many dragonriders join the fight, including Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett) on Vermax, Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty) on Seasmoke, Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew) on Vermithor, and Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) on Silverwing. The dragonseed Nettles and her dragon Sheepstealer are also present, but House of the Dragon appears to have cut her entirely and merged her story with Rhaena's (Phoebe Campbell) journey in the Vale.

In what is bound to be Season 3's tragic first loss, Jace dies in battle. Meanwhile, his younger brothers Aegon and Viserys, sailing from the Vale to Pentos on the ship the Gay Abandon, are captured by the Triarchy. Aegon manages to escape on his fledgling dragon Stormcloud, but Viserys finds himself in Lohar's grasp. Basically, if you're one of Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) sons, you should stay away from the Gullet.

Many other battles will soon follow. Matt Smith and Emma D'Arcy in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

"The Queen Who Ever Was" doesn't just end with a promise of naval action, but with a promise of land action too. By now, Aemond and Criston Cole's (Fabien Frankel) forces, along with those of House Lannister and House Hightower, are moving towards the Riverlands, where Daemon has consolidated the Riverlords' armies. Meanwhile, the Winter Wolves, introduced a tad earlier here than in the book, are on their way south to support Rhaenyra.

SEE ALSO: How 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is different from George R.R. Martin's 'Fire and Blood'

When these armies inevitably meet up, there will be significant bloodshed. At the Battle of the Honeywine, Prince Daeron and his dragon Tessarion will prove their mettle in the war, while the Battle at the Red Fork and the Fishfeed result in costly losses for the Lannisters and Team Green as a whole.

House of the Dragon Season 2 did a great job of choosing which battles we got to see play out on-screen, prioritizing Rook's Rest and effectively cutting around the Battle of the Burning Mill and the Taking of Stone Hedge. (The only exception to this is teasing the Gullet, then not following through.) So while we probably won't be seeing all these battles play out in their entirety, expect to hear about them and how important they are.

King's Landing and Harrenhal switch hands.

Aemond finally takes Harrenhal during the chaos of the many battles following the Gullet — but he does so without facing Daemon.

That's because as soon as Aemond leaves King's Landing, Daemon rejoins Rhaenyra and her dragonriders for an assault on the city. Without Vhagar's protection, and in the face of an onslaught of dragons and the Velaryon fleet, King's Landing falls in less than a day. It's not long before Alicent surrenders it, after which she's imprisoned.

SEE ALSO: How 'House of the Dragon' staged Daemon's Harrenhal invasion

Based on Alicent's proposal in the Season 2 finale, we already know that she plans to give King's Landing over to Rhaenyra. But part of that proposal was giving up Aegon Targaryen's (Tom Glynn-Carney) life as well. And there's one small problem with that: Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) has smuggled Aegon out of King's Landing. Aegon's absence surely won't sit well with Rhaenyra. She might even think Alicent was responsible! And if that's the case, it's straight to jail for Alicent.

Aemond doesn't take too kindly to losing King's Landing, so he goes on a one-man barbecuing tour around the Riverlands. He also shakes things up at Harrenhal, killing beloved, fashion-forward castellan Ser Simon Strong (Sir Simon Russell Beale) and kicking off a relationship with witch (and possible barn owl) Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin). Will her signature ghost vision therapy work on him, too?

The dragonseeds betray Rhaenyra at Tumbleton. Tom Bennett in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

"The Queen Who Ever Was" teased some tension between Rhaenyra and new dragonrider Ulf, whose lack of decorum — like putting his feet up on the Painted Table! — knows no bounds. He's also made some big demands of her, including basically ordering her to make him a knight in front of everyone. But given what happens in Fire & Blood, that's just the beginning.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 7: Who are Vermithor and Silverwing's new riders?

The book sees Ulf grow too big for his britches. His desire for more power leads to him betraying Rhaenyra at the Battle of Tumbleton, turning Silverwing against his Queen's own forces. Joining him in this endeavor is Hugh, whose show counterpart seems far more deferential to Rhaenyra at this moment. Of course, a lot could change between now and Tumbleton, but one thing is certain: The betrayal at Tumbleton will push Rhaenyra even further down the warpath.

In Fire & Blood, Rhaenyra questions the loyalty of remaining dragonseeds Nettles (still presumably cut from the show and replaced with Rhaena) and Addam. Addam narrowly escapes questioning and imprisonment and sets out to prove his loyalty.

Aemond and Daemon face off. Ewan Mitchell in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Remember when Alys told Daemon he would die near Harrenhal? And when Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban) prophesied that Aemond would die and be "swallowed up in the Gods Eye"? We'll likely see exactly what both of those eerie statements mean in House of the Dragon Season 3.

SEE ALSO: ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 finale: What does Helaena’s prophecy about Aemond mean?

Aemond will finally get the Daemon fight he always wanted when his uncle returns to Harrenhal. The two take to the skies on Vhagar and Caraxes and have a spectacular dragon dogfight above the Gods Eye lake. In the end, though, there are no victors: Both Daemon and Aemond perish in the battle, along with their respective dragons. And as if the loss of Caraxes and Vhagar wasn't enough, more dragon death is on the menu for the rest of House of the Dragon...

The King's Landing smallfolk storm the Dragonpit.

The smallfolk of King's Landing have grown restless during Rhaenyra's tumultuous reign. Their discontent reaches a fever pitch when Helaena dies by suicide. Rumors spread that she was actually murdered, sparking a massive riot throughout the city. During this time, a one-handed prophet named the Shepherd — who we may have already met in the show — leads a mob to the Dragonpit, where the rioters decide, "You know what? We can take on a bunch of dragons and live!"

Obviously, hundreds of smallfolk get toasted in this endeavor. But since there are so many of them, it's not long before four of the chained-up dragons in the Dragonpit — including Helaena's Dreamfyre and Joffrey Velaryon's (Oscar Eskinazi) Tyraxes — are dead as well.

Over in the Red Keep, Joffrey decides to steal his mother's dragon so he can get up to the Dragonpit and put an end to this madness. Syrax does not take kindly to having a new, unbonded rider and bucks him off mid-flight, down to his death. She then heads over to the Dragonpit to help her scaly brethren, only to fall victim to the smallfolk as well. Without her dragon, and grieving the last of her sons with Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr), Rhaenyra flees King's Landing.

And where's Aegon been this whole time? Tom Glynn-Carney and Matthew Needham in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Liam Daniel / HBO

Meanwhile, Aegon's been hiding out in the most unexpected of places. House of the Dragon's version of Larys proposed that the two hide out in Braavos for the time being. However, Fire & Blood sees Aegon heading to Team Black stronghold Dragonstone, where he stages a coup and takes over. By the time an overthrown Rhaenyra returns from King's Landing, she's in for a rude surprise — and a violent family reunion. But isn't that par for the course for the Targaryens?

House of the Dragon Season 2 is now streaming on Max.

GET FREE SIX MONTHS OF PRIME, THEN SAVE 50%: All students and young adults between 18 and 24 are eligible to sign up for a free 6-month membership to Amazon Prime. After that, it'll auto-renew at just $7.49 per month, or $69 per year. That's a 50% discount off the usual price of a Prime membership.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free 6-month Amazon Prime membership Eligible to students and young adults (ages 18-24) Get Deal

No one will argue that being a student or a young adult (or both simultaneously) comes with some challenges. Whether you're navigating life as a young adult or you're deep into studying for a degree, you deserve a break. Thanks to Amazon, you're in for an exclusive savings on a Prime membership and a small savings on a future purchase.

As of Aug. 7, students and young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 can sign up for a free 6-month membership to Amazon Prime. Once the free membership is over, your account will auto-renew at $7.49 per month, or $69 annually. Both are a 50% discount compared to the usual Prime membership price of $14.99 per month or $139 annually.

But there's one more element to know about this deal: Until August 31, Amazon is offering $10 off of a future purchase for all who sign up for Prime for Young Adults. But if you're already a member, you can get $5 off a purchase of $50 or more on eligible items. Everyone wins!

Amazon Prime for students and young adults comes packed with benefits. For starters, you'll get free two-day shipping on thousands of items Amazon sells. That means if you need extra notebooks or a mattress topper to make your dorm bed actually comfortable, it'll arrive ASAP. In some locations, you'll find items eligible for free same-day shipping.

Not only can you get supplies and essentials delivered to your doorstep, but Amazon Prime comes with a free membership to Grubhub+ food delivery, so you'll be set if you're too busy to make dinner.

SEE ALSO: Grubhub+ is officially a full-time Amazon Prime perk — celebrate with $5 off $25

Prime also comes with access to Prime Video, Prime Gaming, and Amazon Prime Music for when you have some down-time to relax and chill. The Prime membership for young adults also comes with discounts on textbooks, as well as free audiobooks and e-books.

Throughout the year, Amazon offers special discounts to Prime members, especially during the (usually) twice a year Prime Day event, which we expect to happen again in October.

If you're between the ages of 18 and 24, or you're a student, sign up today for a free 6-month Amazon Prime membership. After that, you'll get 50% off the usual price of the membership and pay just $7.49 per month. Until the end of the month, new members to Prime for Young Adults will also get $10 off a future purchase.

Some subreddits might be paywalled as part of Reddit's revenue-boosting strategy since going public earlier this year.

In its second earnings call as a public company on Tuesday, CEO Steve Huffman teased this and other changes for Reddit.

SEE ALSO: Reddit's traffic is way up – but why? It's Google. Inside Reddit's new money-making strategy

The platform has stayed notably consistent over the years and hasn't been monetized into oblivion like other social media sites. However, all that may change now that the company has shareholders to satisfy.

"I think the existing, altruistic, free version of Reddit will continue to exist and grow and thrive just the way it has," Huffman said per Engadget. "But now we will unlock the door for new use cases, new types of subreddits that can be built that may have exclusive content or private areas, things of that nature."

In the months leading up to Reddit's IPO, and continuing since then, the site has aggressively pursued new revenue sources. The most controversial change was Huffman's decision to hike up its API fees, which many third-party apps couldn't afford. More recently, Reddit signed a deal with Google, which allows the search engine giant to train its models on Reddit posts. Reddit also blocked other search engines from crawling the site unless they pay for access and recently signed a licensing deal with OpenAI, meaning user posts and comments are used to train ChatGPT.

In addition to monetizing user data and paywalling certain subreddits, Reddit plans to explore AI-generated search capabilities.

"Later this year, we will begin testing new search result pages powered by AI to summarize and recommend content, helping users dive deeper into products, shows, games and discover new communities on Reddit," said Huffman who said AI-generated search could eventually generate ad revenue.

Reddit's Q2 earnings reported a 54 percent increase in sales from the previous year and narrowed its net losses from 41 million to 10 million. So things are looking better for shareholders — just not for Redditors.

SAVE $100: As of August 7, you can get an Apple iPad (9th gen) at Amazon for just $229, down from $329. That's a $100 discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th generation (64 GB, WiFi) $229.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you weren’t able to get your hands on an iPad during the chaos of Prime Day, Amazon’s gifting us another chance to snag one at a super low price.

As of August 7, you can score an Apple iPad (9th gen) at Amazon for just 229, down from 329. That’s not only a 100 discount, but it’s the lowest price we’ve seen this model go for yet.

SEE ALSO: New iPad Pro has a massive, hidden improvement, and it has to do with the battery

This iPad has everything you need to get in your nighttime scrolling session, read some news, fire off emails, and even get a little work done. It has a 10.2-inch Retina display, an A13 Bionic chip, and an ultra-wide front cam for video calls or taking selfies. It also has an all-day battery life for on-the-go use.

Since it’s compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st gen) and Smart Keyboard, you can use it as a mini laptop if you’re in a pinch. Plus, with 64GB of storage, you’ll have enough space for your basic apps and documents.

While it's not the latest model, this iPad is still a solid choice for anyone who wants a reliable tablet without spending too much.

The best gaming deals of the week at a glance: Best PlayStation deal 'Baldur's Gate 3' $55.99 at the PlayStation Store (save $14) Get Deal Best Xbox deal Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3 months) $33.49 at Woot! with code VIDEOGAMES (save $11.50) Get Deal Best Nintendo Switch deal Nintendo Switch Lite (Timmy & Tommy’s Aloha Edition) 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Bundle $159 at Walmart (save $40.99) Get Deal

Go ahead and park yourself in front of that air conditioner: The dog days of summer have ushered in a slew of discounts on popular video games and systems. The PlayStation Store's huge Summer Sale is live until Aug. 14, Xbox is discounting game upgrades and Ubisoft titles until next week, and the My Nintendo Store is offering steep markdowns on multiplayer games through Aug. 11. Meanwhile, retailers like Walmart and Target are giving last-gen gamers the chance to save on select consoles ahead of the upcoming holiday shopping season.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo's Play Together sale is slashing up to 84% off popular multiplayer Switch games

Don't worry about combing through every single offer yourself. Below, we've rounded up the absolute best gaming deals from across the web for the week of August 7.

Best PlayStation deal Opens in a new window Credit: Larian Studios Our pick: 'Baldur's Gate 3' $55.99 at PlayStation Store
$69.99 Save $14.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This is the biggest discount we've ever seen on the standard edition of BG3 — it rarely goes on sale. But truth be told, we think it's worth it even at full price: Larian Studios' fabulously written RPG was Mashable's second-favorite game of 2023. "No two playthroughs will ever be the same, with the game itself capturing a zeitgeist of experienced, casual, and non-gamers alike that no other game on this list can do," wrote assistant editor Chance Townsend. Note that the digital deluxe edition that tacks on extras like a Divinity Bard Song Pack, an exclusive dice theme, an Adventurer's Pouch, and other bonus content is also marked down in the PlayStation Store.

More PlayStation deals

Games

• Assassin's Creed Mirage Deluxe Edition — $14.99 $59.99 (save $45)

• Cyberpunk 2077 — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)

• God of War Ragnarök — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)

• Hades — $12.49 $24.99 (save $12.50)

• The Last of Us Part II Remastered — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth — $45.49 $69.99 (save $24.50)

• Madden NFL 25 (preorder) — $69.99 + free $10 Best Buy gift card

• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 — $49.69 $69.99 (save $20.30)

• Octopath Traveler II — $24.99 $59.99 (save $25)

• Red Dead Redemption 2 Ultimate Edition — $29.99 $99.99 (save $70)

• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Deluxe Edition — $44.99 $89.99 (save $45)

Consoles and accessories

• HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Sony INZONE H3 — $78 $99.99 (save $21.99)

• HyperX Cloud III — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Sony INZONE H5 — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)

• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P — $159.99 $179.99 (save $20)

• Seagate Game Drive PS5 NVMe SSD (2TB) — $199.99 $259.99 (save $60)

• Sony INZONE H9 — $229.99 $299.99 (save $70)

• PlayStation 5 (Slim) — $459.99 $499.99 (save $40) with College Football 25 purchase and Target Circle

Best Xbox deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Our pick: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3 months) $33.49 at Woot! with code VIDEOGAMES
$59.97 Save $26.48 Get Deal Why we like it

Ignore the original list price on this Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offer from Woot!, an Amazon-owned deals site: Microsoft recently upped the price of its subscription service to $19.99 per month, so this quarterly plan is actually worth close to $60. You'll save a total of 44% if you enter the promo code VIDEOGAMES at checkout. (That takes an extra $3 off the advertised sale price.) If you want to lock in those savings for the long run, keep in mind that you can stack a prepaid Game Pass Ultimate subscription for up to 36 months.

More Xbox deals

Games

• Assassin's Creed Mirage — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

• Assassin's Creed Odyssey Gold Edition — $19.99 $99.99 (save $80)

• Assassin's Creed Valhalla — $14.99 $59.99 (save $45)

• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora — $34.99 $69.99 (save $35)

• Far Cry 6 Deluxe Edition — $19.99 $79.99 (save $60)

• Madden NFL 25 (preorder) — $69.99 + free $10 Best Buy gift card

• Skull & Bones — $27.99 $69.99 (save $42)

Consoles and accessories

• Xbox Series X Console Wrap (Mineral Camo or Arctic Camo) — $22.50 $44.99 (save $22.49)

• Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black or Robot White) — $43.91 $59.99 (save $16.08)

• Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition (preorder) — $69.99

• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 — $144.99 $179.99 (save $35)

• Xbox Series S — $268 $299.99 (save $31.99)

• Xbox Series X — $448 $499.99 (save $51.99)

• Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel & Pedal System — $499.99 $649.99 (save $150)

Best Nintendo Switch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Our pick: Nintendo Switch Lite (Timmy & Tommy’s Aloha Edition) 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Bundle $159.00 at Walmart
$199.99 Save $40.99 Get Deal Why we like it

This Walmart-exclusive bundle includes a turquoise, leaf-patterned Nintendo Switch Lite and a digital copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It's a great deal at its usual sticker price of $199.99; the Switch Lite itself is worth that exact amount on its own. But in a lingering deal from Walmart's anti-Prime Day sale in early July, it's now on sale for just $159 (or 20% off). For those who somehow don't own a Switch console yet in the Year of Our Lord 2024, this is a fantastic starter pack.

More Nintendo Switch deals

Games

• Chicory: A Colorful Tale — $9.99 $19.99 (save $10)

• Cuphead — $13.99 $19.99 (save $6)

• Dead by Daylight — $11.99 $29.99 (save $18)

• Fae Farm — $41.99 $59.99 (save $18)

• Grounded — $23.99 $39.99 (save $16)

• Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edtion — $41.99 $59.99 (save $18)

• The Jackbox Party Pack 10 — $20.99 $34.99 (save $14)

• Just Dance 2024 Edition Ultimate Edition — $42.49 $84.99 (save $42.50)

• Kirby’s Dream Buffet — $10.49 $14.99 (save $4.50)

• Kirby Fighters 2 — $13.99 $19.99 (save $6)

• Kirby Star Allies — $41.99 $59.99 (save $18)

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Lego Star Wars:The Skywalker Saga Deluxe Edition — $17.49 $69.99 (save $52.50)

• Mario Golf: Super Rush — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — $49.95 $59.99 (save $10.04)

• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle — $13.99 $39.99 (save $26)

• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 — $23.99 $59.99 (save $36)

• Mario Strikers: Battle League — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Mario Tennis Aces — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak Deluxe — $24.49 $69.99 (save $45.50)

• Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 — $14.99 $49.99 (save $35)

• Nintendo Switch Sports — $27.99 $39.99 (save $12)

• Princess Peach: Showtime! — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)

• Super Mario Party Jamboree (preorder) — $59.99 + free 3-month Nintendo Switch Online membership

• Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble — $37.49 $49.99 (save $12.50)

• Trombone Champ — $8.24 $14.99 (save $6.75)

• Unravel Two — $5.99 $19.99 (save $14)

Accessories

• PowerA Wireless Controller — $34.99 $44.99 (save $10)

• PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller — $38.99 $59.99 (save $21)

• Hori Split Pad Pro — $42.99 $49.99 (save 7)

• Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe — $94.99 $109.99 (save $15); extra $6 off with paid My Best Buy membership

PREORDER: The Google TV Streamer is now available for preorder for $99.99 at Amazon and the Google Store before its September 24 release date.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google TV Streamer $99.99 at Google
Available for preorder Pre-Order Here

Google just dropped a brand-new streaming device called the Google TV Streamer, and you can pre-order it now for just $99.99. This new tech is meant to replace Chromecast as Google's go-to streaming option and acts as a central hub for your Google Home and other Matter devices.

It uses Google's AI assistant, Gemini, to give you personalized entertainment recommendations based on your preferences and what you're already subscribed to. (So you don’t have to spend 15 minutes scrolling to figure out what to watch.) You can also check out detailed summaries and reviews before committing to a new show.

SEE ALSO: Chat GPT-4, Gemini Pro, MistralAI, and more join forces in this AI tool

With just a click or voice command, you can turn your TV into a digital photo frame, check your security cameras, or even control other smart devices in your home, like the thermostat and the lights. (Of course, you’ll need to have those devices set up and linked to your Google account ahead of time.)

The Google TV Streamer comes in two colors, Porcelain and Hazel, and it has a voice search feature to help you find it if it gets lodged between the couch cushions.

With Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision HDR support, the Google TV Streamer is designed to give you an even better, more personalized viewing experience than other streamers. It also has 32GB of storage, so you won’t have to worry about deleting apps and downloads to make room for more.

Check out the best Amazon deals on August 7:

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Apple iPad, 9th generation (WiFi, 64GB) $229 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth speaker $69.11 at Amazon (save $30.88) Get Deal BEST FITNESS DEAL TheraGun Prime $209 at Amazon (save $90) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Soundcore P30i noise-cancelling earbuds $29.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

If you don't feel like waiting until October for the next Prime event, we've rounded up a few of the best deals you can shop at the mega retailer right now. Honestly, the deals are pretty good for a random Wednesday in August, with devices from Apple, Therabody, and Anker running the show.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Aug. 7. And be sure to check back at our picks from Aug. 5 and Aug. 6 as well, since many of those are still live.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th generation (WiFi, 64GB) $229.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

The ninth generation iPad is not only the most affordable tablet from Apple (even at full price), but it's also our favorite tablet for most people. Hailing from 2021, it's obviously not the newest tech, but it's still an excellent value. It has all the specs most people are looking for in an iPad, including the A13 Bionic chip, a 10.2-inch Retina display, and up to 10 hours of battery life that'll help you power through basic tasks. When it's not on sale, it retails for $329 ($20 cheaper than the 10th generation iPad), but the current discount drops it down to just $229. That matches it record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth speaker $69.11 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.88 Get Deal

At 31% off, this hi-res, waterproof Bluetooth speaker with over 12 hours of battery life is practically a steal. The Motion+ packs customizable EQ controls, enhanced sound dispersion, Qualcomm aptX for lossless audio, BassUpTM technology, and an ultra-wide frequency range all in a compact package. It's regularly $100, but you can grab it for just $69.11 as of Aug. 7. That's its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Therabody TheraGun Prime $209.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal

With four attachments and five speeds, the TheraGun Prime has the power to massage any area like a pro. And thanks to its patented triangular design, you can reach more of your body than other massage guns. It's regularly $299, but this back-to-school discount drops it down to just $209 for a limited time. That's 30% in savings and its lowest price this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore P30i noise-cancelling earbuds $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

If you're searching for noise-cancelling earbuds that won't break the bank, the Soundcore P30is offer a whole lot of bang for your buck. They feature auto-adjusting or manual noise cancellation as well as transparency mode, up to 45 hours of battery life with the charging case (or 30 with ANC turned on), and deep, punchy bass. The charging case also doubles as a phone stand for when you're on the go. Usually $50, you can pick up a pair on sale for just $29.99 as of Aug. 7. That's 40% in savings and the lowest price on record.

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

Lenovo may have a new version of the Legion Go in the works.

As spotted by Reddit user methylmorphia, and further reported on by VideoCardz, Lenovo may have let slip that a smaller version (or two) of the Legion Go handheld gaming PC is coming soon. An FAQ section of the Legion Go page on Lenovo's website was updated at some point to reference a version of the device with a 7-inch display, two fans, and an HDMI port.

SEE ALSO: Asus ROG Ally X review: 3 ways it beats the Steam Deck

The reason this is noteworthy is that the original Legion Go featured an 8.8-inch display, only one fan, and no HDMI port. Based on the limited information in the FAQ, it’s unclear what other differences the theoretical “Lite” version of the Legion Go might have. However, notably, the original model featured Nintendo Switch-like detachable controllers, raising a key question about the smaller model: does it include these detachable controllers? Battery life, which was one of the more unimpressive aspects of the original Legion Go, is also a big question mark.

Still, more options in the burgeoning handheld gaming PC market can only be a good thing for consumers. Between the Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally X, Steam Deck OLED, and the upcoming MSI Claw, a market category that didn't really exist until 2022 is now suddenly full of choices.

Earlier this summer, Tinder announced Photo Selector, an AI tool to help pick out the best pictures for your dating app profile. But privacy experts warn that there may be risks associated with the tool.

Photo Selector works by taking a photo of yourself for facial recognition and allowing Tinder to see your photo roll. If you consent to this feature, Tinder gets access to your biometric data (unique physical characteristics in the selfie), and access to your on-device photos. What happens next?

SEE ALSO: Beware of AI tools being advertised on Facebook. They could be malware in disguise. Tinder's use of biometric (and other) data

The good news is, there are some privacy positives about this feature. One, as Tinder explains in its Photo Selector FAQ, is that the feature works on-device. This means that it doesn't take your photos to an external or cloud drive.

As for your biometric data, Tinder states in the FAQ that, "Tinder doesn't collect, store, access or otherwise receive any biometrics generated from your selfie video, profile photo, or photos on your camera roll. Instead, everything takes place entirely on your device, and all biometric data used as part of this feature is deleted from your device once you exit the feature."

Tinder also doesn't collect (store) all the photos on your roll. Rather, it only collects photos that you choose to put on your profile.

Rory Mir, associate director of community organizing at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), told Mashable that the deletion of biometric data after use does mitigate risks associated with sharing this data. Still, dating app users — and people online in general — should always be cautious when sharing sensitive data like this, Mir said.

"You only have one face," they continued. "You don't want your face print to wind up in a server permanently and [be] used against you in another context." 

Sharing biometrics is currently an opt-in, consent-driven feature at Tinder. The EFF fights for strong privacy protections like this in the private business sector: The ability for consumers to choose to opt-in, that the collection of this data is limited for its intended purpose, and that users can withdraw at any time. (EFF also fights for government use to be fully banned.)

Mir questioned whether Tinder collected metadata or telemetry data, as it wasn't clear in its Privacy Policy. Metadata is "data about the data" — like how many photos are on someone's camera roll — while telemetry data is that of the processes of the app and how it runs. 

A Tinder spokesperson told Mashable that it doesn't collect telemetry data on users using the Photo Selector tool. In terms of metadata, the app collects "limited analytics data." An example the spokesperson gave was that Tinder collects data about how long the tool took to suggest photos, and how many photos were recommended. 

Another general risk Mir identified was the normalization of sharing biometrics. They advised people to avoid sharing biometrics, which would mean avoiding using this feature (and Tinder photo verification using a video selfie). 

What about the Photo Selector AI?

Field chief privacy officer at privacy tech platform Transcend — and former head of privacy at Tinder — Ron De Jesus said it was notable that Tinder didn't mention whether it trained its Photo Selector AI on user photos in its FAQ.

"There's no mention of how user personal data might be used to enhance or train that AI that's supporting the Photo Selector tool," De Jesus told Mashable. 

In the age of AI, there are concerns that big tech companies like Meta may utilize customer data to train AI models, thus producing generative content based on what humans have put online.

Tinder's spokesperson told Mashable that user photos are not used to train Photo Selector or the algorithms that power it, and that photos are recommended based on Tinder's proprietary algorithms.

This is also good news, especially in the dating app space. Singles share a wealth of their personal data when they use these apps, and sometimes their data is at risk — like when Bumble, Hinge, and other apps had to patch a location vulnerability. Ultimately, dating apps have a great responsibility because of the amount and type of sensitive data they hold, De Jesus said. It seems that, at present, Tinder is mitigating these risks.

SAVE UP TO 40%: As of August 7, Amazon devices are discounted by as much as 40% so you can save big on items like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K or a Kindle Paperwhite for kids. Check out our top picks below.

Best Amazon device deals during the week of August 7 Best overall deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best back-to-school deal Kindle Paperwhite Kids essentials bundle $167.97 at Amazon (save $35) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series $159.99 at Amazon for Prime members with code PRIME40 (save $90) Get Deal

Not only does Amazon serve as our one-click online retailer for buying pretty much anything, they also make some solid electronic devices. The Fire TV Stick has been a staple for many of us, and it's hard to beat the incredible Kindle Paperwhite when it comes to e-readers.

If one of your tasks this week is to upgrade some tired tech in your home before back to school hits, Amazon has some serious discounts on several devices this week. Here are some of our favorite deals to grab this week.

But before we start, it's worth mentioning that some sale prices are exclusive for Amazon Prime members. To score those deals, you'll need to be signed up and logged into your Prime account, which costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually. Prime membership comes with some pretty great perks like access to Prime Video streaming service, free two-day shipping on countless items, and access to exclusive sales.

Best overall smart tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't yet have a streaming stick that can support 4K, you might be dealing with sluggish loading times. Thankfully, today's deal on the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K solves that problem with snappy loading times and support for WiFi 6. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K also comes with an Alexa-enabled remote, which means you can ask Alexa to start playing your favorite show or tune into a specific channel. The remote also has four pre-programmed app buttons so you can quickly tune into your favorite streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video.

Best back-to-school deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Kindle Paperwhite Kids essentials bundle $167.97 at Amazon
$202.97 Save $35.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Now that we're well into August, all eyes are on the back-to-school season. Send students off with a great e-reader by snagging the Kindle Paperwhite Kids Essentials bundle. Today's sale price of $167.97 gives you the Kindle Paperwhite Kids device with 16GB of storage space, a kid's cover, power adapter, and a screen protector. The bundle sale price knocks $35 off the price of buying these items separately.

The Kindle Paperwhite has long been the front-runner of e-books, with a screen that's designed to look like you're reading pages of a physical book. The device has a 6.8-inch screen with a glare-free design, so kids can take the reader with them to the park on a sunny day.

Amazon also added in some parental reassurance by making the Kindle Paperwhite Kids waterproof. Plus, it comes with a two-year worry-free warranty that covers accidental damage. And to make this deal even better, you also get a free year-long subscription to Amazon Kids+ which is packed with ad-free books and games for kids.

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series $159.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $90.00 Exclusive Prime member price Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon Prime members are in for a special TV deal this week. Your membership grants you eligibility to score the 40-inch Amazon Fire TV 2-Series TV for just $159.99 which means you'll get a 36% discount off the list price of $249.99. This is just $10 away from the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

If you're not a Prime member, don't worry. You can still score a discounted price of $189.99 for a 24% discount.

The 40-inch 2-Series offers 1080p HD resolution for crisp picture quality. It also comes with a Fire TV Alexa voice remote, so you can ask Alexa to replay your favorite episode or change the channel. The deal also includes TV legs should you want to set it on an entertainment center instead of mounting it to the wall.

To make this deal even better, Amazon tossed in six months of free access to MGM+ so you'll be able to stream your favorites from Hollywood.

One thing to note is that this TV doesn't support 4K resolution. If you're prioritizing getting a 4K TV, check out the Amazon Fire TV 50-inch 4-Series, which is also discounted for Prime members.

More Amazon devices on sale this week:

• Amazon Fire TV Stick — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)

• Govee Smart LED Light Bars — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)

• Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Sengled Smart Color Bulb — $49.99 $69.98 (save $19.99)

• Echo Spot with Sengled LED Smart Light Bulb — $79.99 $99.98 (save $19.99)

• Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) with Sengled Smart Color Bulb — $89.99 $109.98 (save $19.99)

• Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20)

• Echo (4th Gen) with Sengled Matter Smart Bulb — $99.99 $119.98 (save $19.99)

• Amazon Fire TV Cube — $109.99 $139.99 (save $30)

• Amazon Fire TV 50-inch 4-Series — $269.99 $449.99 (Prime members save $180 with code PRIME50)

• Amazon Fire TV 55-inch 4-Series — $309.99 $519.99 (Prime members save $210 with code PRIME55)

• Amazon Fire TV 75-inch Omni QLED Series — $929.99 $1,099.99 (Prime members save $170 with code PRIME75)