IT General

The Amazon Echo Spot smart speaker is currently at its best price of the year, dropping to $59.99 on Amazon. This is a 25% discount from its usual $79.99 price and beats any other price this year. It is a great deal for anyone looking for a useful smart alarm clock.

Helldivers 2 has most of its fun toys locked behind warbonds. If you just joined the game or came back from a hiatus to defend Super Earth, you've probably got a heap of locked warbonds to choose from. As a veteran player, this is the order I recommend unlocking them in, from best to worst.

Microsoft has announced its Bing Video Creator, a new tool powered by AI that lets users make videos directly within Bing. This free service uses OpenAI’s Sora technology to turn written descriptions into short videos, without needing to pay for ChatGPT.

TVs are fairly affordable these days, but if you want the best of the best, you'll want an OLED TV. And if you've been eying a fancy new OLED but don't want to pay the steep entry price, we have you covered. That's because right now you can get the Panasonic 65-inch (Z85 series) OLED TV at a 45% discount and the lowest price to date.

Are you looking for some new Docker containers to manage your home network? I've used quite a few over the past several years, and these seven are the ones I can't live without.

With only days remaining until the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, major retailers have announced a wave of pre-order cancellations. However, that doesn't mean you're entirely out of luck—some buyers got credit applied to their accounts.

If, like me, you were turned off by hard modes as a kid and didn’t go back for years, you are likely missing out without ever realizing it. Hard modes don't just pump up the difficulty, they can change a game entirely. Try doing what I did and give the harder modes a shot—you won’t regret it.

USB in general has historically always been hit or miss. Sometimes you can get really good USB support on a computer, or sometimes you get the bare minimum (which might not be amazing). Now, as of new Windows 11 PCs released this year, the "minimum" is actually decent now.

Pickup trucks are getting more expensive every year, making it tough for budget-conscious buyers to find one that offers both utility and affordability. Thankfully, there’s one model that breaks the mold by delivering strong value without the steep price tag.

TL;DR: For a limited time, Koofr’s lifetime cloud storage deal is at an all-time low price with code KOOFR at checkout: A$186 (reg. A$248).

You know that quiet dread when the monthly cloud storage fee hits your card — again? It’s not huge, but it adds up. And for what? A few PDFs, some photos you forgot to organize, and maybe that video project you swear you’ll finish someday. 

If you're tired of renting space in the digital void, here’s your chance to escape. Rather than paying each month, Koofr will give you 1TB of cloud storage for a one-time fee. You also caught this deal at just the right time, because you can use code KOOFR at checkout to take the price from A$248 to A$186 for a limited time.

Here’s why we love this deal

Koofr takes your privacy seriously with top-notch encryption for your files, both when they're being transferred and while they're stored. They also don’t track your activity, so you can rest easy knowing your data is secure and private.

What really stands out about Koofr’s cloud storage is how flexible and user-friendly it is. Whether you're on your smartphone, desktop, or using WebDAV, you can easily access and manage your files from anywhere. The interface is straightforward, so even if you're new to cloud storage, you’ll find it easy to use.

Plus, if you’re already using other cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, or OneDrive, Koofr integrates smoothly, letting you handle everything from one place.

And for keeping your digital space in order, Koofr has some neat features. The duplicate file finder helps you eliminate unnecessary repeats, while advanced renaming options let you customize file links. This way, you can keep your files organized and your digital space clutter-free.

Keep your files safe and sound with a Koofr 1TB Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for A$186 with promo code KOOFR until July 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) AU$186
AU$248 Save AU$62 Get Deal

If you are looking for a tough, high-speed USB-C charging solution that won’t cost too much, Anker has a great deal for you. Right now, you can get a two-pack of their new 6-foot nylon USB-C to USB-C cables for just $7.80 on the Anker website.

Windows has a lot of software for video editing, both free and paid. But when it comes to Linux, the options are more limited. After spending a considerable amount of time testing various video editors on Linux, Kdenlive quickly became my go-to choice—and for good reason.

If you've seen some spectacular kaleidoscopic images of the Northern Lights in your social media today, you might be feeling some FOMO. 

Due to a solar storm in space over the weekend, some areas of the globe have been treated to auroras — colorful light displays — in the sky. But if you missed catching a glimpse, you might have another chance this evening, depending on where in the world you live. Space weather forecasters say there's a possibility conditions will strengthen tonight.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is tracking the space weather for North America, reports that there is a moderate geomagnetic storm, classified at a level indicative of a significant disturbance in Earth's magnetic field. A geomagnetic storm happens when the sun releases solar flares or coronal mass ejections — plasma spewed from the sun's outer atmosphere — sending charged particles toward Earth. 

That means that though this particular storm isn't extreme, it could make the aurora borealis visible farther south than normal, especially if the storm ramps up. Here's what to know: 

SEE ALSO: NASA rover captures an aurora from Mars surface for the first time This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. What causes an aurora?

An aurora's display of colors is the result of electrons shot out of the sun during solar storms. Though the sun is about 93 million miles away, its blasts can affect Earth and other parts of the solar system. 

As the charged particles reach Earth, they travel along the planet's invisible magnetic field lines into the atmosphere, interacting with the air. When those particles strike gases, they heat up and glow, according to NASA. The colors differ depending on the type of gas those particles hit and the altitude. Oxygen glows red or blue, while nitrogen can create green, blue, or pink. 

Why are solar storms happening more often now?

Similar to storm seasons on Earth, the sun experiences a weather pattern that repeats every 11 years. At the beginning and end of the cycle, that activity is at its calmest. But solar activity increases, climaxing in the middle of the cycle and causing the sun to roil with giant eruptions.

Right now that cycle seems to be peaking, reaching its maximum point. That's why reports of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, are more abundant in the news.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Are geomagnetic storms dangerous?

Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere protect the planet from solar radiation that could potentially cause harmful health impacts, but that doesn't mean space weather can't affect our world in other ways. These events can have catastrophic consequences on technology, disrupting power grids, telecommunications, and GPS systems.

Though these incidents don’t happen often, a solar flare in March 1989, for example, caused all of Quebec, Canada, to experience a 12-hour power outage. It also jammed radio signals for Radio Free Europe.

The storm occurring now is not extreme, but it could cause power irregularities near the poles or disruptions to satellites orbiting Earth. But those concerns are more relevant to satellite operators and aerospace engineers than the average person. 

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Where will the aurora be visible on June 2?

The aurora can't be seen during daylight hours, but space weather models are predicting it could be visible in some areas farther south after sunset. The Northern Lights could stretch within view of residents in New York, Wisconsin, and Washington state, according to a NOAA update just before 10 a.m. ET on June 2. 

The aurora doesn't have to be directly overhead for it to be visible, so that means some observers might catch it from as much as 600 miles away if the conditions are right. 

To increase your chances of witnessing it, seek out dark skies, far from city lights, and be patient: Auroras can be unpredictable. Be sure to check the latest viewline forecasts, such as NOAA's Aurora Dashboard, a platform that includes real-time predictions. 

Samsung users might have Perplexity-powered features on future devices.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Samsung is "nearing a wide-ranging deal" to bring Perplexity search capabilities to the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. That could include the Perplexity app pre-loaded on Samsung devices, Perplexity search features within Samsung's web browser, and possibly integrating Perplexity with Samsung's Bixby virtual assistant.

Samsung is also reportedly a major investor in Perplexity's latest funding round, which seeks to raise $500 million at a $14 billion valuation, said the outlet.

Samsung was early to bring AI features to its devices, claiming the Galaxy S24 series was the "first AI phone." The company's Galaxy AI has largely relied on Google Gemini for AI-powered features that can do things like connect with Samsung's and third party apps and perform tasks on the user's behalf, and tap into Google Search through Gemini Live. A deal with Perplexity would diversify Samsung's offerings and curtail its dependence on Google.

Similarly, Apple, is looking at Perplexity for AI search in Safari. That's according to Eddy Cue, Apple's senior VP of services, in his recent testimony during the Google antitrust trial. Apple previously struck a $20 billion deal with Google to make their search engine the default for Safari. Apple also has a deal with OpenAI for its Apple Intelligence AI, features and has expressed interest in partnering with other AI companies to give users their choice of AI models on devices.

Google has had a decades-long grip on the search engine market. But the rise of AI-powered search engines from startups like Perplexity and users' increasing shift to chatbots like ChatGPT for search is chipping away at Google's dominance. Then there's the fact that Google might be forced to divest its Chrome browser as part of the remedial phase of the antitrust case, which ruled Google a monopoly.

It's unclear if Samsung's rumored partnership with Perplexity is a protective measure against this still-undetermined outcome. But Samsung's reported investment in Perplexity is certainly an indication that there are other serious contenders out there poised to compete with Google. And that's all thanks to generative AI.

SAVE 25%: The Shark Clean & Empty cordless stick vacuum with auto-empty system is on sale for $299 at Amazon, down from the list price of $399.99. That's a savings of $100.99 and you'll receive a free $14.01 credit for a future Amazon purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum with Auto-Empty System (BU3521) $299 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $100.99 Get Deal

We all have plenty on our list of daily tasks. If you cringe when you see the need to vacuum, it might be time to upgrade to a cordless stick vacuum that offers the convenience of a quick and painless vacuuming experience. If you don't already have that at home, check out this deal at Amazon on a feature-rich model.

As of June 2, the Shark Clean & Empty cordless stick vacuum with auto-empty system is on sale at Amazon for just $299, marked down from the list price of $399.99. That's a 25% discount that takes $100.99 off the normal price of $399.99. This deal also comes with a free Amazon promotional credit of $14.01. You'll see this automatically appear in your Amazon account 30 days after the vacuum has shipped. Be sure to use this promo credit before it expires on Oct. 1, 2025.

SEE ALSO: Get the MOVA P10 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop for its lowest price ever

You're in for a world of convenience with the Shark Clean & Empty cordless stick vacuum. For one, it's a lightweight model which means you'll have no issue zipping over carpet, hardwood, tile, or under the bed. The brushrool is designed to alter its cleaning power depending on the floor type and level of debris, so it'll never leave a mess behind. It can also change into a handheld model which is great for cleaning the car or getting those high bookshelves dusted. Plus, it can get up to 40 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge.

A major benefit of the Shark Clean & Empty is the included auto-empty system. Place the vacuum back on its conveniently slim charging base, and it'll empty the debris into the base. This mean you won't need to manually empty the bust bin after each use.

In addition to the super functional Shark vacuum, Amazon is tossing in a free promo credit of $14.01. You can use this anytime before Oct. 1 to snag an extra discount on your next Amazon order.

Instead of dreading vacuuming, grab the Shark Clean & Empty cordless stick vacuum with auto-empty system while it's on sale for $299 at Amazon. Floor cleaning will become a breeze and you'll have an Amazon credit to use in the future as a little treat.

The best home and kitchen deals to shop this week

• Skylight Frame 10-inch Digital Picture Frame — $139.99 (List Price $159.00)

• Ninja Crispi Air Fryer — $159.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Birdfy AI Smart Solar Powered Bird Feeder with Camera — $179.99 (List Price $249.99)

• KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer — $449.95

• Eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop With Self-Emptying Base — $499.99 (List Price $699.99)

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is nearly here, and that means you can expect big updates from the tech giant. In 2023, the company pulled back the curtain on the Vision Pro. A year later, Apple Intelligence made its debut. Now, all eyes are on what’s next.

So far, WWDC 2025 rumors point to one clear headline: major iOS updates.

Specifically, iOS is reportedly getting its most significant redesign in years — a bold new look that feels like a calculated answer to Google’s Android 16 revamp. (The tagline for the event is "Sleek peek," if that tells you anything about the focus.) Just don’t expect fireworks on the hardware front. If you're hoping for new devices, this WWDC might not be your year.

SEE ALSO: Fresh iPhone 17 leak gives first close-up look at next-gen Apple smartphones

Here’s a breakdown of all the news and updates to expect from Apple WWDC 2025.

WWDC 2025: Who, what, where, when, and why?

This year's WWDC is scheduled for June 9 to 13, with the keynote scheduled for June 9 at 10 a.m. PT. The company promises to reveal "the latest Apple software and technologies." We expect Apple CEO Tim Cook to be leading the keynote presentation, and you can watch the event live. Mashable will also be reporting on the keynote as it happens, so stay tuned.

Introducing iOS 19, or is it iOS 26?

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, unification is Apple’s north star this year. That doesn’t just mean a redesigned iOS — it means a new naming convention, too. Instead of iOS 19, the next iteration is expected to arrive as iOS 26, aligning version numbers with the year they'll be updated. Think iOS 27 in 2026, iOS 28 in 2027, and so on.

Gurman speculates that Apple may be shifting toward more frequent software updates rather than anchoring everything around a single fall release. Naming the OS after the upcoming year, he adds, is "much more forward-looking" than sticking with 19.

It's a radical shift for Cook and company, but telling, since there's not much else in Apple's kitchen to reveal.

What about MacOS?

The rebrand won’t stop with the iPhone. On June 9, Apple is expected to unveil matching updates across its ecosystem: watchOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26.

Apple released its new M4 MacBook Air models earlier this year, and so we're hoping for some interesting updates to macOS. Details are hard to come by at this point, but we're crossing our fingers for some exciting macOS 26 updates next week.

Apple Intelligence updates

It’s been nearly a year since Apple Intelligence was revealed. It was the company’s somewhat reactive response to the generative AI surge led by OpenAI and Google. Some features, like Priority Notifications, have proven modestly useful. But overall, Apple is definitely playing catch-up in the AI race, not setting the pace. Rumor has it that Apple's AI technology (and a long-awaited Siri makeover) still isn't ready for primetime.

Don’t expect WWDC to change that. According to Gurman, AI won’t be the headliner this year. "Apple needs a comeback," he writes, but cautions against expecting it at this event. Instead, the focus will be on design tweaks and core system updates, a back-to-basics approach that makes this year’s conference feel smaller in scale than previous editions.

The one AI-related development worth watching is Apple’s reportedly opening up of its Foundation Models to third-party developers. This will allow developers to create custom app features. In addition, Gurman says that several other apps on iOS, like Safari and Photos, will quietly get rebranded as "AI-powered."

In short, while we expect Apple to announce new Apple Intelligence and AI features, we don't expect massive updates like we've seen from OpenAI or Google lately.

All quiet on the hardware front

Right now, Apple looks like a company in a recalibration phase. Major bets — like a foldable iPhone or a cheaper Vision Pro —remain deep in development. The "next big thing" still feels a ways off. So, while there could be a big hardware unveiling at WWDC, a fall unveiling seems far more likely.

As of this writing, WWDC is just one week away. Keep checking Mashable, as we'll be bringing you all the latest WWDC 2025 rumors, news, and official updates as we get them.

The end-of-life date for Windows 10 is rapidly approaching, and the new ‘End of 10’ campaign is promoting desktop Linux as an alternative to buying a new Windows 11 computer. It’s organized by some members of the Linux community, including developers and designers from GNOME and KDE.

SAVE $13.06: As of June 2, the Anker Zolo 10,000mAh power bank is on sale for just $12.93 at Amazon. That's 50% off and matches its best price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Zolo 10,000mAh power bank $12.93 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $12.06 Get Deal

I've raved about the Anker Zolo power bank on numerous occasions and don't plan on stopping anytime soon — especially since it's back on sale for half price.

As of June 2, the 10,000mAh Anker Zolo power bank is down to just $12.93 at Amazon. That's 50% off the list price of $24.99 and on par with its best-ever price, which it first reached during Amazon's Big Spring Sale a few months back. It comes in four different color options (black, white, pink, and blue) and all four are on sale.

The Zolo power bank has a USB-C cable built-in, which makes life a whole lot easier. No need to dig around for a charging cable when you're in a snug airplane seat or while you're waiting for the train. It also has USB-C and USB-A ports if you want to charge multiple devices at once (or if you're sporting an older phone that doesn't support USB-C). Equipped with 30W two-way fast-charging, it also doesn't take a million years to bring your phone back to life, unlike other power banks.

The digital display will show you the battery life of the charger at any given time — just press the button on the side. I'm always surprised at how long it lasts; I can generally get a few full phone charges out of it before needing to recharge the power bank itself.

While there is a little bit of weight to it — it's a battery, after all — it won't add a ton of bulk to your luggage or purse. Whether you need a lifeline when traveling, commuting, or out and about in everyday life, I can't recommend the Anker Zolo power bank enough.

The best tech deals to shop this week

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $899.99 (List Price $1599.99)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• DualSense Edge Wireless Controller — $169.00 (List Price $199.99)

The Mac mini is Apple’s most affordable and smallest computer. It’s versatile and suits a range of uses from being a modest desktop workhorse to a media server, smart home hub, or even a media center front-end.

Save $100: Grab the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, 128GB) while it's back down at its record low price of $499 at Amazon as of June 2. The Apple tablet typically goes for $599, making this sale price a 17% discount.

Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $499 at Amazon
$599 Save $100 Get Deal

The new iPad Airs came out just three months ago, but already the tablet is $100 off — and back down to its lowest price ever — for the second time since its release.

That means that as of June 2, you can grab the 11-inch iPad Air with 128GB of storage for just $499, instead of its regular $599, at Amazon. At the time of writing, this price is live on all of the four available iPad colorways. All of the other 11-inch Airs with WiFi are also marked down $100, but opting for the lowest available storage gets you the lowest price possible (and still a decent amount of storage).

The biggest difference between this iPad and previous generations is that it comes with an M3 chip designed for making Apple Intelligence (Apple's AI) do its best and fastest work. It is worth mentioning that 2024's iPad Air will also support Apple Intelligence as well.

Still, we recommend the M3 Air as the best iPad for most people, especially if you don't already own a relatively new model. It's not so overpowered (and overpriced) that it'd be ridiculous to use as a device mainly for streaming and reading, but it's also powerful enough to be used by artists and other creatives.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad Air M3 review: The smallest of upgrades

The Air can also run for 14 hours on a single charge, has a landscape camera for taking FaceTime calls, and a 12MP front and rear camera. A refresh rate 60Hz and RAM above 8GB would have been nice, but for just $499, this is still a solid value for any tablet, Apple or otherwise.