Technology

The coolest kitchen gear and gadgets well always recommend

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 20:23

Out of all the kitchen products we've put to the test, these 12 are the ones we'll always recommend — over and over again. Here's why we love them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Turn your iPhone into a scanner with an app that lasts for life

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 20:00

TL;DR: Scan anything, anywhere, with this lifetime subscription to iScanner, now A$38 (reg. A$307) with code SCAN through 7 September.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription AU$38
AU$307 Save AU$269 Get Deal

Raise your hand if you've ever had to rush to the library to print something. If most of us don't have the space for clunky printers, chances are we also don't keep a scanner at home. That's what iScanner is for.

This iOS app transforms your iPhone or iPad into a handy little scanner that works for basically any document type. It's also only A$38 (reg. A$307) for a lifetime subscription.

No more wasted desk space

Even if you're one of the few with a physical scanner still in your presence, you can now clear some counter space thanks to iScanner. And while you're at it, you can throw away that dusty old filing cabinet, too. 

iScanner is the number one US-based scanning and document management tool, letting you knock items off your to-do list from anywhere. Need to save a receipt for taxes? Do you have a contract you need to digitize? You can scan any document using just the phone on your iOS device. 

Students, entrepreneurs, educators, and stay-at-home moms alike will all find endless uses for a scanner in your pocket. The AI-powered tools ensure your documents' borders are detected and automatically adjusted while also straightening scan pages and ditching curves and skews. 

Thanks to AI, you can also use iScanner to help you solve complicated math problems.  Or put its OCR technology to the test and let it help you decipher text in up to 20 languages.

Once things are scanned, the app becomes a full PDF editor and file manager. Edit your scans, including signing them, adding text, or autofilling them with custom templates. Then, use the file manager's folder via drag and drop to keep them safe and organized. 

Scanning something confidential? You can also protect files and folders by locking them with a PIN. 

Use code SCAN by 7 September at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an iScanner lifetime subscription on sale for A$38. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Man in My Basement trailer: Corey Hawkins and Willem Dafoe star in this TIFF-bound psychological thriller

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 18:15

Horror movies have conditioned us to know that we should never, ever head into a spooky basement. The upcoming psychological thriller The Man in My Basement introduces a new basement-focused rule for us to abide by: Never rent your basement to a shady man.

Directed by Nadia Latif and based on the novel of the same name by Walter Mosley, The Man in My Basement introduces down-on-his-luck Charles Blakey (Corey Hawkins). He's recently lost his mother and his job, and now his ancestral home in the African American neighborhood of Sag Harbor, New York, is about to be foreclosed on.

Enter mysterious businessman Anniston Bennet (Willem Dafoe), who brings Charles an offer he can't refuse. Anniston wants to rent Charles' basement for the summer, and in return, he'll pay Charles enough money to clear his debts for good. Sounds sweet, right? But why is Anniston so hell-bent on renting Charles' basement in particular? What nefarious deeds is he actually plotting? Based on the trailer, it looks like a cage is involved, and that can never be good.

The Man in My Basement was co-written by Latif and Mosley, and is set to make its premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. It's distributed by Andscape, formerly known as The Undefeated, a Black content studio that is part of the ESPN portfolio and also creates content for the Walt Disney Company.

In addition to Hawkins and Dafoe, The Man in My Basement also stars Anna Diop, Jonathan Ajayi, Gershwyn Eustache Jr., Pamela Nomvete, and Tamara Lawrance.

Following its premiere at TIFF, The Man in My Basement comes to select theaters Sept. 12. It hits Hulu and Disney+ this fall.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Meta’s AI rules permitted suggestive behavior with kids

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 18:01

Meta's AI rules have reportedly allowed children to have potentially troubling interactions, including so-called "sensual" chats.

The news comes from a detailed feature from Reuters, which cited an internal Meta document it obtained. Reuters reported, per the internal document, that Meta's chatbot policies had allowed it to "engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual."

SEE ALSO: Lawsuit says Meta pirated and distributed porn to train its AI

The Reuters report details the document's contents. Its purpose was to detail what was and was not allowed to be said by chatbots — not necessarily what was preferable. According to Reuters, the rules stated that a bot could tell a shirtless eight-year-old, "Every inch of you is a masterpiece."

A Meta spokesperson told Reuters that such examples were wrong and were being removed from their policies.

Still, the document allowed for other troubling examples, such as bots creating false medical info or helping users argue that Black people are "dumber than white people."

How folks interact with AI can prove troubling — especially considering how AI may respond. We here at Mashable have covered just how troubling it is for adults to flirt with or "date" AI characters. The fact that we've seen reports of children having suggestive conversations with AI — and that at least one major tech company permitted such conversations — is especially troubling.

Categories: IT General, Technology

X and Grok went down, users report. Heres what we know.

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 18:01

Elon Musk's site X and AI tool Grok both appeared to go down Thursday afternoon, according to user reports. While X appears to have recovered, there may still be issues with Grok.

Down Detector showed a spike in user-reported issues for both services starting around 11 a.m. ET. (Disclosure: Down Detector is owned by Ziff Davis, the same company that owns Mashable.)

X appeared to be back up-and-running by about 1 p.m. ET — it worked fine for this writer — but user reports for issues with Grok appeared to continue. It's worth noting that X may have been mostly stable the entire time, but users reported issues with X because Grok is so heavily integrated into the site.

People posted about the issues they were having online.

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

Users on X posted that they got error messages saying Grok was under a heavy load. This comes just after Grok 4 was made free for a limited time.

This story is developing and will be updated as necessary...

Categories: IT General, Technology

How does Warby Parker work? Heres a step-by-step guide to ordering new prescription glasses.

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 17:45

UPDATE: Aug. 14, 2025, 12:45 p.m. EDT Warby Parker is discontinuing its Home Try-On program at the end of 2025. The service was still available at the time of writing, but only a third of its styles were eligible. Our original story follows.

Warby Parker isn't the only place you can purchase stylish, affordable glasses online anymore, but it does still offer one of the most flexible buying experiences.

Inspired by its founders' frustration with a then-monopolized eyewear industry, Warby Parker launched in 2010 as an alternative to optical boutiques and their expensive markups. By cutting out the middleman and designing its own glasses, then selling them online, the company was able to pass on huge savings to its customers. (This direct-to-consumer approach is pretty mainstream nowadays, but it was mega-disruptive at the time.)

A key part of Warby Parker's early success was its introduction of a guesswork-eliminating Home Try-On program, which lets customers choose up to five frames they can test out at home before they making a purchase. The entire process is free, including shipping and returns.

Opens in a new window Credit: Warby Parker Warby Parker glasses Shop Now

Warby Parker has since gone hybrid with its business model and opened brick-and-mortar retail locations across the U.S., giving customers the opportunity to try on frames in person. (It had over 200 locations across the U.S. and Canada as of early 2023, with big plans to add hundreds more in the coming years.) The company has also expanded upon its Home Try-On program with an AR-powered Virtual Try-On feature in its iOS app.

As of mid-2023, Warby Parker carries hundreds of different frame styles in a rainbow of colors and up to five different widths (starting at $95 with prescription lenses), including readers, blue light glasses, light-responsive glasses, and sunglasses. Each pair comes with a six-month, no-scratch guarantee and can be brought into a Warby Parker store for free adjustments for as long as you own them.

If you're in the market for a new pair of glasses, here's a step-by-step guide to trying on and ordering them from Warby Parker.

Total Time
  • Five to 10 minutes to pick out frames, five business days to receive your Home Try-On kit, and seven to 10 business days to receive your glasses (once your prescription is approved)
What You Need
  • A computer or smartphone
  • your eye prescription
  • vision insurance (if you have it)

Step 1: Visit WarbyParker.com and browse its selection.

Warby Parker's eyeglasses and sunglasses catalogs are categorized by men's and women's styles on its website, but all of them are technically gender neutral. You can filter them by different frame widths, shapes, colors, materials, prices, nose bridge fits, and prescription types. (If you get totally overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available, you can take a quiz for some guidance based on your face shape and style preferences.) Skip to step four if you see a pair of glasses you're confident will fit and look great — otherwise, head to step two to find out how to try on some contenders.

Credit: Screenshots via WarbyParker.com

Step 2: Pick some frames for Home Try-On.

Add up to five frames to your cart and head to checkout. (If you like more than five options, you'll have to order another Home Try-On kit after you send the first one back.) At this point, you'll be prompted to sign into a Warby Parker account if you haven't already. You'll then be taken to a page that prompts you to enter your shipping and payment info; you won't be charged unless you don't return the frames. Finally, click the "Place your free order" button at the bottom of the page to do just that.

Credit: Screenshot via WarbyParker.com

Step 3: Try on your frames (and then send them back).

A Home Try-On kit containing your frames, a free return label, and a newspaper-style "handbook" with fit advice and ordering info will arrive on your doorstep within five business days. You'll then have five more days to take them for test drives before sending them back. (Again, Warby Parker will charge you the full cost of each frame without prescription lenses if you don't — to the tune of $85.50 to $130.50 apiece.)

Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Step 4: Choose and customize your favorite frames.

Once you're sure which style you want, pull up its product page and click the button that says "Select lenses and purchase." You'll then pick a frame width, a prescription type, a lens type, and a lens material before being prompted to add the glasses to your cart.

Credit: Screenshot via WarbyParker.com

Step 5: Add your prescription (or defer it for later).

If you don't have a current eye prescription, you can renew it from home with a 10-minute Virtual Vision Test for $15 (via the Warby Parker mobile app). You won't be charged if your prescription is out of date.

Credit: Screenshot via WarbyParker.com

Step 6: Review and place your order.

You can review your delivery and payment details and add your eye insurance info (if you have it) at checkout; shipping is free. Once your order's been placed and your prescription's been verified, your new glasses should arrive with a hard-sided frame case and a lens cloth within seven to 10 business days. You'll have 30 days to return or exchange them.

Credit: Screenshot via WarbyParker.com
Categories: IT General, Technology

Save up to 49% on Command strips and hooks before heading back to college

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 17:38

SAVE UP TO $13.58: Just in time for back-to-school season, several varieties of Command strips and hooks are on sale at Amazon for as low as $7.32. You'll save up to 49% on damage-free hanging essentials.

Opens in a new window Credit: Command Command strips and hooks Save up to 49% on select packs Get Deal

Heading back to college? Don't forget the Command strips and hooks for damage-free hanging in your dorm.

Sure, some schools are more lenient than others when it comes to what counts as normal wear and tear. But some universities will nickel and dime you upon move-out for any repairs — and that includes your walls. If you want to ensure all of the picture frames, posters, and other decor you choose to hang won't result in blatant property destruction, you need Command products. And luckily, the brand is coming in hot with some heavy discounts for back-to-school season.

While you may be tempted to rip into the package and throw the Command strips or hooks up on your walls, patience is key with these magic hanging tools. Make sure you follow the directions and wait the appropriate amount of time for the adhesive to build, or else you won't get the clean removal you're hoping for. Seriously — ask me how I know.

Whether you're hoping to hang a few frames, a cork board, some fairy lights, or a cute mirror, there's a pack of Command strips or hooks for you. And as of Aug. 14, there's a good chance it's on sale. We've rounded up some of the best back-to-school deals on Command products below.

Command strips dealsCommand hooks deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Level up your gaming area with the Samsung Odyssey G9 deal

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 17:25

SAVE $262: As of Aug. 14, get the Samsung Odyssey G9 gaming monitor for $737.99, down from its usual price of $999.99. That's a discount of 26% and its lowest price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Odyssey G9 $737.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $262 Get Deal

Looking for a new gaming monitor? Samsung just debuted the first-ever OLED model with a 500hz refresh rate, but if that one is a bit too rich for your blood, there's another option: the Samsung Odyssey G9. And you can get it right now, courtesy of Amazon, for its lowest price yet.

As of Aug. 14, get the Samsung Odyssey G9 gaming monitor for $737.99, down from its usual price of $999.99. That's $262 off and a discount of 26%. It's also the lowest price yet.

SEE ALSO: Samsung releases the first-ever OLED gaming monitor with 500Hz refresh rate

This massive monitor is everything you need to turn whatever game you're playing into a full-on experience. Its super-ultrawide 49-inch curved screen can wrap around your vision to make you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. Plus, its Dual QHD resolution (5120 x 1440) means you get crisp, gorgeous action with a 144Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time.

It supports G-Sync compatibility as well as AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to help cut down on stuttering, screen tearing, and lag. Plus, it has burn-in protection, Picture-in-Picture options, and a variety of other bells and whistles that make it an absolutely fantastic choice for using when it's time to get your game on.

If the newest Samsung gaming monitor is going to be a bit too much for your budget, this alternative is something you should absolutely consider instead, especially since it's dipped to its lowest price ever.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Mashables favorite Shark stick vacuum is on sale for $150 off at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 17:22

SAVE 27%: The Shark PowerDetect with Clean & Empty System stick vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $399.99, down from the list price of $549.99. That's a savings of $150.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark PowerDetect with Clean & Empty System $399.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Robot vacuums might be the "it" home cleaning solution for tons of homes, but they're not perfect for everyone. If you prefer the convenience of a cordless stick vacuum, one of Mashable's favorite options is on sale at Amazon.

As of Aug. 14, the Shark PowerDetect with Clean & Empty System stick vacuum is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $549.99. That's a savings of $150 thanks to a 27% discount.

In Mashable's review of the best cordless stick vacuum, Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart chose the Shark PowerDetect with Clean & Empty System as the best option for those with pets. "If you're dealing with pet hair from multiple pets on multiple carpet piles, the Shark PowerDetect — Shark's most powerful cordless vacuum — is the beast that'll change the game for you," she wrote.

SEE ALSO: Dreame's summer vacuum launch is the biggest vacuum drop of 2025 so far

With its self-emptying base, you can ignore cleaning out the debris and dust bin for over a month. Dyson has yet to come out with a stick model that comes with auto-emptying, so Shark takes the win with this model. Plus, the powerful suction is truly something to behold. "I've never quite sensed suction power rumble through my hand like I can with the PowerDetect. I can literally feel the double brush rolls snatching up the cat hair and other gunk embedded in my rugs as it pulls my hand across the room," Stodart wrote.

Another major benefit of the Shark PowerDetect is its ability to bend which makes cleaning under the bed, the table, and the couch so much easier.

While it's down to under $400, gift yourself (and your floors) the super powerful Shark PowerDetect with Clean & Empty System stick vacuum. If you've never used a stick vacuum or think you absolutely hate vacuuming, this model just might change your mind.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is almost $100 off at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 17:02

SAVE 43%: The Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is on sale for $129.99 at Amazon, down from the standard price of $229.95. That's a savings of $99.96.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker $129.99 at Amazon
$229.95 Save $99.96 Get Deal

Summer isn't over yet, and if the weather continues on its "new normal" pattern, we could be feeling the heat for several more months. Instead of fretting about sweating through back to school season, snag something that'll make it a bit more enjoyable.

As of Aug. 14, the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is on sale at Amazon for $129.99, marked down from the usual price of $229.95. That's a major 43% discount that takes $99.96 off the price. Today's sale price comes within four cents of the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon and it comes with a $6.50 credit that'll land in your Amazon account a month after your soft serve maker arrives.

If ice cream is you're go-to sweet treat, you've probably considered making your own at home. Not only does that give you unlimited flavor possibilities, it means you don't have to worry about it melting on the trip home from the store. Cuisinart has a countertop machine that produces not only ice cream but soft serve, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and gelato. Yes, that's truly a chilled dessert lover's dream.

The Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is a ticket to homemade soft serve in under 30 minutes. It's no secret that Mashable loves the Ninja Swirl, which also makes at-home soft serve. However, the machine comes with a steep price tag. You can snag affordable at-home ice cream makers, but not many (if any?) can make soft serve. Except for the Cuisinart Mix It In machine.

Cuisinart really thought about the soft-serve lover with this model, incorporating a mix-in holder to add your three favorite toppings, a cone holder, and a warming cup area to melt sauces like chocolate and caramel. If you prefer, you can use the machine to make frozen drinks, gelato, or sorbet.

Whatever your favorite frozen dessert may be, the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is here to make your at-home dreams come true. Snag it while down to just $129.99 at Amazon and make this the summer of delicious backyard treats.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Sonos Ace headphones are back down to their Prime Day price

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 16:50

SAVE $100: As of Aug. 14, the Sonos Ace headphones are on sale for $299 at Amazon. That's a savings of 25% and just $4 away from their best price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ace $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100 Get Deal

It's rare for a brand to really a nail a product on its first try, but Sonos aced it (sorry) with the Ace headphones. Our biggest complaint? The steep $449 price tag. It's a good thing Sonos knocked the list price down to $399 — and even better that it shaved an extra $100 off during back-to-school season.

As of Aug. 14, you can grab the Sonos Ace headphones for only $299 at Amazon. That's a savings of 25%, or $100 off the current list price. That also matches the headphones' Prime Day price and is only $4 away from their best price ever.

SEE ALSO: I found the exact headphones Taylor Swift wore to announce her new album — and they're on sale

The Sonos Ace headphones were three years in the making and, while other brands may have slightly better noise cancellation, Mashable's tester Miller Kern said, "Sonos wins when it comes to sound quality." Beyond incredible sound, they also score a 10 out of 10 in the looks department, offer great spatial audio, will last you up to 30 hours per charge with ANC turned on, and are supremely comfortable. As Kern put it, "No exaggeration, these are the most comfortable over-ear headphones I’ve personally tried."

Sonos recently announced that, thanks to President Donald Trump's tariff policies, Sonos products are about to get pricier. In other words, if you've been eyeing the Sonos Ace headphones, now's a good time to grab them. The $100 discount is just the icing on the cake.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Take $149 off the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and power up your wrist

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 16:12

SAVE $149.01: As of Aug. 14, get the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $649.99, down from its usual price of $799, at Amazon. That's a discount of 19%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple Watch Ultra 2 $649.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $149.01 Get Deal

There are plenty of Apple Watch models to choose from to fit multiple budgets. But one stands tall above the rest: the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It's Apple's most premium model, and as such it's the most expensive. But if you've been looking for a reason to grab one, now's the time, thanks to today's deal at Amazon. Plus, Apple announced that the popular Blood Oxygen sensor feature will be returning to the Apple Watch after a tumultuous patent dispute, so it's a good idea to invest in one.

As of Aug. 14, get the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Amazon for $649.99, down from its usual price of $799. That's $149.01 off for a discount of 19%.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces Blood Oxygen feature is returning to Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is made to move. It's the perfect companion for whether you're headed out on a hike, vacationing, or just working on your fitness. With a titanium case, rugged wristband, and water resistance up to 100 meters, it's the most action-ready watch you can buy from Apple right now.

It also boasts a massive battery, with around 36 hours of battery life per charge. Use low-power mode, and you can get up to 72 hours out of it, which is perfect for when you're off-grid and need to rely on its many features, including offline maps, a compass, and all of its fitness tracking capabilities: it has metrics for sleep, heart rate, exercise, and much more.

This discount may go fast and is only available for certain colors and models, so if you're going to grab it, best to do so soon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Reddit user claims to leak new color display Kindle

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 16:00

Is Amazon working on a cheaper version of its color display Kindle?

According to allegedly leaked photos posted on Reddit, the answer is yes. On Wednesday, a redditor shared images of what they claim is a prototype of a smaller Kindle with a color display, via The Verge. The user, writing in Portuguese, said it's a smaller version of the Kindle 11, Amazon's latest e-reader. The prototype has a color display like the Kindle Colorsoft which launched in 2024.

Reddit

The biggest complaint about Amazon's first colorized e-reader is the cost. The Colorsoft debuted with a flagship version called the Signature Edition for $279.99. This past July, it launched two other iterations for a slightly cheaper price: the Kindle Colorsoft for $249.99 and the Kindle Colorsoft Kids for $269.99. For reference, the black and white standard Kindle costs $109.99 and the Kindle Paperwhite, $159.99. So the Kindle Colorsoft is a steep markup just for reading in color.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Kindles to help you find the perfect e-reader

In the images of the alleged prototype, the device is called the Kindle Petit Color. But the user says the name isn't finalized yet, so that could change. The user also shared that the device has "progressive" color so that the text and status bar changes color as you progress and the color quality is much better than the current Kindle Colorsoft.

The anonymous user's claims haven't been verified, so take this leak with a big grain of salt. But if this turns out to be a real prototype for an upcoming budget-friendly version of the Kindle Colorsoft, that would make many Kindle readers very happy.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple fans: Get ready for a new HomePod mini and a new Apple TV 4K in 2025

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 15:51

Apple fans could be in for some pretty exciting launches in 2025. Like normal, we're expecting the brand to launch new iPhones this fall, but those who love their Apple home entertainment items are quietly getting excited. Apple rumors are afloat about new items that will be the go-to for streaming all the movies and TV shows that get us through dreary winter months. And we're hopeful they'll launch before the end of 2025.

A rumor is still a rumor until it's proven as fact, so there's still a chance this speculation might not come to fruition, but there's no harm in dreaming, right?

An upgraded Apple HomePod mini

Apple first launched the HomePod mini about five years ago, which means we're well due for the Apple HomePod mini 2 which is rumored to be dropping sometime before the end of 2025. The expectation is that it'll include a better chip, cutting down on response time.

The current HomePod mini comes with the S5 chip that's also found in the Apple Watch Series 5. It's possible Apple will upgrade this to a newer chip and MacRumors is guessing this could be the S11 chip that is likely to launch in the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, assuming those also arrive in 2025.

We'd also be down with new colorway options for the Apple HomePod mini 2. Currently colorway options are pretty bold, aside from the white and black. Getting a Starlight or Sky Blue option similar to that of the MacBook would be welcomed. If you're not down with waiting for the HomePod mini 2, you can snag the original HomePod mini for $99 at Apple.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple HomePod mini $99 at Apple
Shop Now A snappier Apple TV 4K

The current model of the Apple TV 4K came out in 2022 and has a A15 Bionic chip. According to Apple's own code, it seems as if that's getting an upgrade to the A17 Pro chip, which could spell big performance improvements. The A17 Pro chip is also capable of supporting Apple Intelligence, which requires 8GB of memory. That would mean the Apple TV 4K could be in line for doubling the current storage space from 4GB up to 8GB.

Again, if you're not willing to wait around for the new model to drop, you can still snag the current model for $149.99 at Best Buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple TV 4K $149.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple announces Blood Oxygen feature is returning to Apple Watch

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 15:21

After a years-long patent dispute with the medical device maker Masimo, Apple announced today that the popular Blood Oxygen reporting feature will be returning to the Apple Watch. In a blog post, Apple said the feature will be available later today for U.S. customers with the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 after users update their iPhones to iOS 18.6.1 and their smartwatch to watchOS 11.6.1.

The blog post reads, "Following this update, sensor data from the Blood Oxygen app on Apple Watch will be measured and calculated on the paired iPhone, and results can be viewed in the Respiratory section of the Health app. This update was enabled by a recent U.S. Customs ruling."

Back in 2023, just before the holiday shopping season, the newly released Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 were pulled from shelves in the U.S. due to the dispute with Masimo. The company was also prohibited from importing new Apple Watches with the feature, as Mashable reported at the time. The medical device maker claimed Apple had violated its patent in designing the blood oxygen feature, and the International Trade Commission ruled in Masimo's favor.

The disputed pulse oximetry feature could be used to measure the level of oxygen in the blood, which can be helpful data for athletes and people with respiratory health problems.

Now, the feature will be returning to Apple Watches.

As Apple said in its blog post, the update is possible thanks to a new ruling in Apple's favor. Apple had filed a tit-for-tat suit against Masimo, claiming the company had actually violated Apple's patents. According to Bloomberg Law, Apple won a grand total of $250 in the appeals court ruling, with an Apple attorney saying "We're not here for the money" in the company's closing arguments.

In addition, Apple says the latest news will not impact "Apple Watch units previously purchased that include the original Blood Oxygen feature, nor to Apple Watch units purchased outside of the U.S."

The Apple Watch Series 10 is already a popular fitness tracker, and the return of Blood Oxygen reporting will be welcome news for many customers.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 10 review: Buy it for the faster charging Products featured in this story Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Black, S/M 130-180mm, Sports Band) $399.00 at Best Buy Shop Now Apple Watch Ultra $781.99 at Amazon Get Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm) $389.99 at Amazon Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best iPad for reading and traveling is $100 off

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 15:19

SAVE $100: As of Aug. 14, the Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for just $399, down from $499. That's a savings of 20%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 Get Deal

With all of the new, updated iPads in Apple's lineup, choosing the right one for you has become a bit of a guessing game. Fortunately, we've tested them all and can help you make the best choice. For those seeking the most compact and portable Apple tablet for reading, streaming, or scrolling on the go, look no further than the seventh-generation iPad mini.

As of Aug. 14, the Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) is on sale for just $399 at both Amazon and Best Buy. That's $100 (or 20%) off its list price, and just $20 shy of its best-ever price from Prime Day.

SEE ALSO: The 13-inch Apple iPad Air M3 is $150 off at Amazon — it’s a laptop replacement in disguise

The latest iPad mini packs some pretty predictable upgrades, but they're welcome nonetheless. The seventh-generation model packs an A17 Pro chip, a boost in RAM, Apple Intelligence compatibility, and a starting storage of 128GB. If you're used to a standard size iPad, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how light and maneuverable it is. It weighs just over half a pound and is only 8.3 inches long, making it just about an inch and a half bigger than a Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. Plus, it has an anti-reflective coating to help you read in any lighting, which is why it's our top choice if you're purposefully seeking an iPad that can double as an e-reader.

Mashable's reviewer Stan Schroeder writes, "If you're new to the iPad, and you want the most compact one around (or any compact tablet), the new iPad mini 7 is the best choice." And if you want to save some money, we suggest grabbing it while it's down to just $399.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save 20% on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 when you buy select Samsung items at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 15:16

SAVE 20% WITH QUALIFYING PURCHASE: As of Aug. 14, get the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 for $319.99, down from its usual price of $399.99 at Amazon when you make a qualifying Samsung purchase. That's $80 off as part of a limited time offer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 $319.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $80 Save 20% when you make a qualifying Samsung purchase. Get Deal

Ready to upgrade your smartwatch? If you're firmly Team Android, the Galaxy Watch lineup is one that you should explore. The most recent iteration, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, is up for grabs at a significant discount thanks to a deal that's live at Amazon right now. Coincidentally, it makes right now a great time to pick out a new Samsung smartphone as well.

As of Aug. 14, get the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 for $319.99, down from its usual price of $399.99 at Amazon, when you make a qualifying Samsung purchase. That's $80 off and a discount of 20% as part of a limited time offer. To get this discount, you must choose one of the devices available for a qualifying purchase. They range from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7. Choose an item, add it to your cart, and check out with both items in there. The discount will be automatically applied.

SEE ALSO: Galaxy Watch 8 review: Hey, I like the Squircle design

This watch includes a wide variety of health and fitness tracking features in addition to options for comms, including sleep coaching, a running coach, heart rate sensor, and much more. It's also much sleeker, with a newly-designed silhouette and an improved look overall. Though many of its changes are iterative, it's a large step up from the previous model.

Mashable's Adam Doud praised the watch for its "bright display, smart software updates, attractive build, and smart health features" in his review.

"I love the classy look, the software is really tight, and the Google Gemini integration is a big perk," Doud wrote, awarding the watch a 4.6 out of 5 score and the Mashable Choice Award.

It's got multiple changes to explore if you're already a fan of the line, but even if you're coming into it fresh, it's a powerful smartwatch in its own right, and worth picking up with this bundled discount.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wednesday Season 2, Part 2 trailer features a very Lady Gaga-like voice

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 14:04

We were left with so many burning questions at the end of Wednesday Season 2, Part 1, that it feels like the titular stormy protagonist of the series (Jenna Ortega) has been gleefully torturing us with suspense. What's going to happen after the sh*tshow at Willow Hill? Who is Ophelia? And where in the abracadabra is Lady Gaga?

Now, we've got a first look at the second part of the Netflix series, and it looks like all hell (and hyde) is going to break loose. The biggest surprise is the return of Gwendoline Christie as the dearly departed Principal Weems, and what sounds like Lady Gaga's voice at the end of the trailer.

Showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar brought the Edgar Allan Poe vibes already this season, fixing the love triangle problem of Season 1, and paying sneaky homage to The Addams Family movies. So we're as excited as Uncle Fester (Fred Armisen) in a psychiatric ward cell with a zombie to get into the second half of Season 2.

Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Part 2 premieres Sept. 3.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Antigravity unveils world first 360-degree video camera drone

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 14:00

Insta360 announced new drone brand Antigravity last month, teasing that its debut product would be the "world's first" consumer aerial drone with inbuilt 360-degree video capture. Now Antigravity has unveiled said drone: the Antigravity A1.

SEE ALSO: Insta360's new drone brand Antigravity teases world first 360-degree camera drone

As revealed in July, the Antigravity A1 will record 360-degree video in 8K resolution, weigh 249g, and be capable of detecting payloads to prevent it from being used for purposes other than filming. Today Antigravity shared further details, as well as the first images of the A1.

Credit: Mashable edit: Antigravity Credit: Mashable edit: Antigravity

As hinted by its light weight, Antigravity states that the A1 will be a compact drone, with released imagery demonstrating that its rotor arms will neatly fold up for storage or travel. Antigravity also confirmed that the A1's dual-lens camera system mirrors the one found in Insta360's X series of 360 cameras. The A1's two lenses will be mounted on the top and bottom of the drone's fuselage, with the footage then stitched together so that the drone does not appear in the resultant 360 footage.

Interestingly, Antigravity further revealed that the A1 is completely eschewing stick controls, taking a fresh approach to its piloting system. Drones are commonly piloted using stick controls, with users flying them with two thumb joysticks on a remote control. 

Instead, the Antigravity A1's controls appear similar to those used by virtual reality headsets. The A1 will be piloted using Antigravity's handheld Grip controller, its stick-like form factor with back trigger bearing a strong similarity to VR controllers such as the Meta Quest Touch Pro. This will be paired with Antigravity's Vision goggles, which users will wear while flying the A1. 

Credit: Mashable edit: Antigravity

Antigravity states that head tracking technology will enable users to look around in any direction, while flight will be controlled by hand gestures. They'll therefore be able to look in one direction while flying in another, rather than having to pivot to see what's around them. The company has emphasised that it is designing its drones to be intuitive to operate, so that they can be used by everyone from beginners to experts. 

Credit: Mashable edit: Antigravity Credit: Mashable edit: Antigravity

The Antigravity A1 is scheduled for release in January 2026, so it'll still be a few months before most people can get their hands on it. However, Antigravity will be sending out several pre-production models for select users to test, with their feedback to be incorporated into the final version of the drone. Contributors will also be in with a chance for a share of Antigravity's $20,000 reward pool, in case getting to try out the A1 early wasn't incentive enough. Applications are open on the company's website now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why Conrad from The Summer I Turned Pretty is the internet’s ultimate summer crush

Mashable - Thu, 08/14/2025 - 13:53

Team Conrad girls, it really is our time. The third season of The Summer I Turned Pretty Jenny Han’s swoony, sun-soaked YA romance brought to life on Prime Video — is well underway, and the rumors are true: Conrad Fisher has never been hotter. 

For the uninitiated, the show revolves around the arguably problematic love triangle at its center: Isabella "Belly" Conklin flip-flopping between the two sons of her mom's BFF, Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher. After harboring a crush on Conrad for most of her childhood, Belly and Jeremiah struck up a flirtation the summer she turned pretty hit puberty. She eventually dated Conrad, but after a series of miscommunications (most tied to the grief of losing his mother), she, feeling rejected, swore that she would never be with him again. By the start of season 3, Belly has been in a four-year (yes, four-year) relationship with Jeremiah, while Conrad has been secretly loving her from afar. 

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2025 (so far)

What is it about Conrad that is so irresistible? Well, it's kind of hard to explain — it's sort of an "the girls that get, get it" situation. If you don't get it, let me try to explain. He's got a wardrobe filled with button-downs and crisp white tees. He's in therapy. He's always in the kitchen cooking or cleaning. He's yearning. He's got an analog watch, for crying out loud. And it sits oh so perfectly on that manly forearm with its light dusting of forearm hair. It's almost like he's one of the hotties from those calendars for women that exclusively feature hot men in kitchens come to life. And people are going absolutely feral for it.

"I would’ve jumped across that table idgaf," one fan wrote on X next to a GIF of Conrad. "This episode was trash but doctor conrad fisher was hot as hell," reads another post. A third post reads, "this is the summer everyone turned team conrad like i have never seen this much support for him before."

I've always been Team Conrad, don't get me wrong. But something about Conrad this season just hits different. And clearly, I'm not alone. 

How do I love thee, Conrad Fisher? Let me count the ways.

Conrad is dressing for the female gaze

Conrad Fisher is a man these days. And his clothes prove it. There are the linen button-downs, which he wears tucked in and sleeves rolled up—to flash a little forearm and watch, of course. Then there are the crisp James-Dean-daydream-white-T-shirts—which he will happily get absolutely covered in peach juice. 

"the way conrad’s s3 wardrobe is slutty husband. his hands and watch and rolled up sleeves just his whole vibe now," one viewer wrote in a post that has almost 30,000 approving likes.

Conrad (Christopher Briney) is modelling "slutty husband core" Credit: Erika Doss/Prime

Slutty husband core is female gaze-approved. Why? It's chic and timeless, yes, but it also feels safe. Just as Jonathan Bailey's slutty little glasses got the girls and gays going, I would argue that Conrad Fisher's slutty little watch is a sartorial symbol of the character's appeal as a new kind of male hero. Instead of impressing us with his macho manliness, he wins us over with his emotional maturity, his intellect, and his calm, steady nature. 

Conrad has never been so emotionally mature

In the first episode of season 3, we learn that Conrad has started going to therapy. This is, of course, very appealing if we are talking about the female gaze. A man who is able to self-reflect? Hot. 

Sure, Conrad fails to tell his therapist about Belly, aka the source of much of his trauma, but it's an A for effort.

And I would argue it's working. In episode 5, Conrad does something he's never really done before: he opens up to Belly. He gets vulnerable. He lets go of his pride. He tells her that he lost his job. And for him, that's huge. 

Conrad is a yearner

By this point, we all know that the girls love a little yearning. We went feral for the slow burn of Bridgerton season 2, right? 

Well, TSITP gives Conrad a whole lot of room to yearn. There is a lot of silent gazing. At this point, we've all seen the peach scene. Enough said.

Conrad is 'husband-coded'

One TikTok video captioned "so husband coded here" explains that Conrad "immediately hand-washing and drying all of the dishes he used is unreasonably hot."

To quote yet another viral video about Conrad, the man "wants a marriage not a wedding." While Jeremiah obsesses over his mirror-glaze dark chocolate wedding cake made with real cacao, Conrad quietly makes Belly food, takes her on her errands, picks up her bike (as if it were a feather, by the way), and just generally is total husband material.

Conrad vs. Jeremiah

Perhaps what is most appealing about Conrad this season is that he couldn't be further from Jeremiah — frat boy, professional whiner, manchild, and potential cheater Jeremiah. Jeremiah isn't ready for marriage. Hell, he can't even read his college requirements or remember to put on his own sunscreen. Dare I say it, what he wants is not a wife but a mother. On the other hand, Conrad is a fully functioning, self-sufficient grown-up who washes his own dishes and makes meals with vegetables in them and wears a watch. 

Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) is holding Belly back. Credit: Erika Doss/Prime

Of course, it's worth giving Jeremiah a teeny, tiny bit of credit here. The boy isn't evil. Like the rest of them, he's got his fair share of baggage that influences his behavior. His dynamic with Belly doesn't come from nowhere — it comes from a lifetime of playing second fiddle to his older brother. He longs to have all of the things Conrad seems to have without even having to try — good grades, his father's approval, and yes, Belly Conklin. Nevertheless, all of this psychoanalysis doesn't change the fact that this season, he's been holding Belly back.

On the other hand, Conrad is a fully functioning, self-sufficient grown-up who washes his own dishes and makes meals with vegetables in them and wears a watch. 

Jeremiah constantly puts himself first, forcing Belly to bend to his emotional whims. Conrad quietly, selflessly, puts her needs first. 

Example: When Jeremiah discovers he isn't graduating as expected (his own fault, by the way), he throws a tantrum and goes quiet. Belly comforts him the way one might comfort a toddler, placing his head in her lap and cooing at him. Belly is so wrapped up in Jeremiah's emotional breakdown, she decides to hide her own problems from him.

On the other hand, Conrad pays attention to Belly's problems. In fact, he senses them without her ever having to say a word. During a family dinner, Belly's mother offers to foot the bill. Belly carefully orders a cheap item from the menu. Jeremiah thoughtlessly orders the most expensive. Conrad, ever attuned to Belly, orders something cheap. What a mature king. 

And that, my friends, is hot.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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