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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)

Check out the best Ninja deals this week and make mealtime a snap.

Our top picks: Best air fryer deal Ninja 4-QT Air Fryer (AF101) $89.99 at Amazon (save $40 ) Get Deal Best blender deal Ninja 72-oz Professional Blender (BL610) $79.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best coffee maker deal Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker (PB051SG) $79.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

If you’re on the hunt for new kitchen gear, Ninja’s the brand to watch this week. We’re seeing deals on everything from air fryers to blenders, and even some specialty appliances that can help streamline your meal prep and make your mornings easier.

SEE ALSO: All the best kitchen gadgets we’ve tested and loved

Here are some of our top picks for the best Ninja deals available right now:

Best air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Our pick: Ninja 4-QT Air Fryer (AF101) $89.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer (4 QT) is a compact air fryer that can roast, reheat, dehydrate, and air fry with little to no oil — making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying. It takes three minutes to preheat and has a temperature range of 105 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also dishwasher safe (the basket, crisper plate, and multi-layer rack), making cleanup easy.

More Ninja air fryer deals

• Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven (SP101) — $149.95 $219.99 (save $70.04)

• Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Electric Grill (AG301) — $149.99 $169.99 (save $20)

• Ninja Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer (DZ550) — $219.99 $249.99 (save $30)

Best blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Our pick: Ninja 72-oz Professional Blender (BL610) $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ninja 72-oz Professional Blender (BL610) can crush ice, blend frozen ingredients, and purée fresh produce in seconds. It has a 64-ounce max liquid capacity and a 1000-watt motor, so you can make just about anything, from smoothies and milkshakes to sauces and dips.

More Ninja blender deals

• Ninja Blast Portable Blender (BC151MT) — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Ninja Nutri-Blender Plus (BN301) — $69.99 $79.99 (save $10)

• Ninja Two-Pack Portable Blender (BC155PS Blast) — $79.99 $112.99 (save $33)

• Ninja CREAMi Deluxe (NC501) — $219.99 $249.99 (save $30)

Best coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Our pick: Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker (PB051SG) $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker (PB051SG) is basically Ninja’s version of the Keurig, except it’s a little bit fancier. It can brew both coffee pods and ground coffee, and it has a built-in, fold-away milk frother so you can add a creamy topping to your morning brew. The reservoir holds 56 ounces of water, so you won't have to refill it as often. And, it has several brew sizes to choose from: 6-, 8-, 10-, or 12-ounce pod brew or 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, or 24-ounce grounds brew.

More Ninja coffee maker deals

• Ninja Programmable XL 14-Cup Coffee Maker PRO (DCM201CP) — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker (CM401) — $139.99 $169.99 (save $30)

• Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System (CFP307) — $179.99 $239.99 (save $60)

Summer is all about packing up the car, rolling down the windows, and hitting the open road. Whether you’re beach-bound, mountain-bound, or just in it for the roadside diners, there’s something so liberating about claiming vacay days and driving out of town. 

Until you realize that the bike rack you bought doesn’t fit on your car. Or that your air mattress has a hole in it. 

Fret not, road-trippers. We’ve rounded up a quick checklist of Walmart essentials to ensure that your adventures go off without a hitch.

House of the Dragon Season 2 is over, and the long wait for Season 3 — which will reportedly be going into production early next year — begins.

But with so many cliffhangers at the end of that abrupt finale, where do we go from here? What can we expect to see next?

From some more dragon claiming to a big naval battle, here are our predictions for House of the Dragon Season 3.

SEE ALSO: How 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is different from George R.R. Martin's 'Fire and Blood' 1. Rhaena will claim her dragon. It's been a long road through the Vale. Credit: Theo Whiteman / HBO

After spending the entirety of the Season 2 finale hiking cross-country, Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) finally found the wild dragon that's been snacking on sheep in the the Vale. We didn't see what happened next, but it's pretty obvious where this one will go in Season 3, isn't it? Poor old Rhaena has put the work in to find this dragon, so we're guessing next season will open with yet another scaly recruit for Team Black.

2. We'll finally get the Battle of the Gullet. Be ready, Lord Corlys. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

This one isn't really a prediction, because showrunner Ryan Condal himself has confirmed it. Talking about the show in a post-finale press conference, Condal confirmed that the Battle of the Gullet will take place in Season 3. "That event will happen very shortly in terms of the storytelling of House of the Dragon," Condal said, implying it'll be one of the earlier episodes next season.

This battle revolves around the stretch of water that's been blockaded by Team Black throughout Season 2, leading to the shortage of food in King's Landing. The Gullet essentially covers the opening of Blackwater Bay, and it's where Lord Corlys (Steve Toussaint) and his son Alyn (Abubaker Salim) are rowing to in the final montage. They'll be coming up against Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) and his new Triarchy friends when they get there.

3. We'll get to meet Alicent's third son, Daeron. There's another! Credit: Theo Whiteman / HBO

As we learned back in episode 6, Alicent's (Olivia Cooke's) third son Daeron is everything his brothers aren't (not a complete psychopath, in other words). And now his dragon has taken to wing, too! The Hightowers of Oldtown haven't featured much in the show so far — excepting Alicent's brother Gwayne (Freddie Fox) — but it seems likely that Daeron will be a new character introduced in the show's third season. Who else is going to fight back those pesky Beesburys and rescue poor old Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) from his jail cell? Not Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), because he's allegedly heading off to Harrenhal. Which brings us to our next point...

4. There's be some sort of Riverlands battle — but maybe not the big one. Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

There's got to be some kind of battle in the Riverlands, hasn't there? At this point it seems inevitable. Aemond is planning to head there on his dragon Vhagar to join Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), Daemon (Matt Smith) has amassed an army at Harrenhal, and other various factions are marching off to join them both as we speak.

You could be forgiven for thinking that this will be the clash between Daemon and Aemond the show is building towards — the God's Eye moment prophesised by Helaena (Phia Saban) and possibly glimpsed in Daemon's weirwood tree vision — but we're not so sure about that. In the previously mentioned press conference, Condal described the Battle of the Gullet as "maybe the second-most-anticipated" action event in Fire and Blood. If we're going to assume God's Eye is the first, then surely we won't get both of these battles in Season 3? It seems more likely that some kind of smaller skirmish will take place in the Riverlands in Season 3, but the God's Eye battle won't happen until Season 4.

5. Rhaenyra and Alicent's plan will go wrong. Credit: Liam Daniel/HBO

At the end of Season 2, Alicent comes to Rhaenyra with a shocking proposal: Once Aemond leaves for Harrenhal, she'll let Rhaenyra enter King's Landing to claim the Iron Throne — and even let her kill her eldest son, Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Crney), as a means of ending the war. Obviously it's not going to be that simple though, is it? For one, Aegon is no longer in King's Landing — he's en route to Essos with Larys (Matthew Needham), who had the foresight to see things were about to go south quickly. Our bet? Either Alicent will cancel the arrangement when she realises Aegon is gone, or Rhaenyra will arrive and think she's been tricked. Maybe if she does enter King's Landing, though, Aemond will be forced to divert his attention away from Harrenhal and concentrate on winning back Westeros' capitol?

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

Stop me if this sounds familiar: You've set up the perfect video shoot, you've got the best audio track playing as background, you fire up the Camera app on your iPhone, you start the recording...and then the music dies. Once again, you've forgotten that the iPhone does not allow for audio playback while shooting video with the Camera app.

It does make some sense in some situations — presumably when you want the video to record environmental sounds — but in others, you just want to shoot the video with an audio track as background in the most simple manner possible.

Now, in the latest iOS 18 beta (as noticed by MacRumors), you can do so. To enable this, go to Settings - Camera - Record Sound and make sure that the "Allow Audio Playback" toggle is on.

SEE ALSO: iOS 18.1 developer beta has the new Call Recording feature. Here's how to use it. Finally! Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Due to the proximity of the iPhone's speaker to its microphones, the results won't be perfect; I've tried it out, and the audio in the resulting video can be a little harsh. To get the best result, you might want to turn down the audio volume a little before starting your recording.

The feature is currently only available in iOS 18 beta, but it should become available for everyone when the final version of iOS 18 becomes available in the fall.

Over the past few days, the billionaire has posted incendiary comments about violent protests on the social media platform he controls, drawing the ire of the prime minister.

Written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón and based on Renée Knight's novel, Apple TV+'s "Disclaimer" series stars Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline. Trailer.

TL;DR: Put all your AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini Pro, and Leonardo.AI in one place with a lifetime subscription to 1minAI, an all-in-one AI app, on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $234). 

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI: Lifetime Subscription $39.99 at The Mashable Shop
$234.00 Save $194.01 Get Deal

The free version of some AI models like ChatGPT can get the job done, but if you want the good stuff, you should consider opting for a paid subscription.  

1minAI consolidates many of the most popular AI models — like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI — into one platform where you can use them all seamlessly, whether you need to generate text, images, or even full videos. A lifetime subscription to 1minAI usually costs $234, but you can get one on sale now for $39.99. 

What can you do with 1minAI

1minAI gives you one platform where you can access AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta AI, Mistral AI, and more. You don't just get the baseline version, either — 1minAI users can chat with GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, Gemini Pro 1.5, and Llama 2 or Llama 3. 

Like a ton of other AI platforms, 1minAI has a limit to how much you can generate every month. Unlike other platforms, the limit is incredibly high. Here's what your lifetime subscription gets you every month. 

First, you get a baseline of 1,000,000 credits per month. Then, every day you log in, you get an additional 15,000 free credits. These will roll over if you don't use them all, too. 

In practice, those huge numbers mean you could generate up to 362,500 words, research nearly 2,000 SEO keywords, generate 386 images, upscale 241 images, remove 24 backgrounds, convert text to speech for over 120,000 characters, and generate up to 12 videos. 

Your AI Swiss Army Knife

Put all your go-to AI tools in one place. Get a lifetime subscription to 1minAI for $39.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.