Mashable

SAVE 13%: As of May 4, you can get the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M4) for $519.99, down from $599 at Amazon. That's a 13% discount and $79.01 savings.

11-inch Apple iPad Air (M4, 128 GB) $519.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $79.01   Get Deal at Amazon

It's not often that we get a good Apple deal on a non-big-sale day (e.g., Prime Day), but yesterday Amazon dropped the Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) to an all-time low of $519.99. That's a 13% discount, or an extra $79.01 in your pocket.

If you're still on the fence, Mashable's Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth recently awarded this tablet a Mashable Choice award and rated it a 4.5/5 on our very strict (we're pretty tough) scale. And while it looks basically the same as the previous-gen, Werth says it "delivers faster performance thanks to an improved neural engine and Apple's N1 and C1X connectivity chips," adding that "artists and note-takers will definitely appreciate this one."

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to claim

If you order it right now, Amazon guarantees free delivery by this Wednesday, May 6 (exactly four days before Mother's Day, just in case you're trying to get some extra brownie points with Mom).

Thanks to Liquid Glass and iPadOS26, the newest iPad Air can do double-duty as a laptop, though you'll need Apple's Magic Keyboard. Fortunately, both the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil Pro are also on sale at Amazon; both iPad accessories are currently $30 off, at least, for Prime members.

Opens in a new window Credit: apple pencil pro Apple Pencil Pro $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air $239 at Amazon
$269 Save $30   Get Deal

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

A 19-year-old University of Tennessee freshman is suing the makers of a social matchmaking app after the company allegedly lifted a video from her TikTok page and used it — without her knowledge or consent — in an advertisement suggesting she was looking for casual sexual encounters. The company then supposedly targeted that ad at men living in her own dormitory.

Kaelyn Lunglhofer filed the lawsuit on April 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee against Quantum Communications Development Limited, a British Virgin Islands-based company, and its Chinese affiliates. The defendants own and operate a social media and messaging app called Meete. Per the lawsuit, Meete claims to have 17 million users worldwide.

SEE ALSO: A controversial dating app uses credit scores to create matches

According to the complaint, Lunglhofer posted a video to her public TikTok account on May 31, 2025 — the day of her high school graduation — showing off an orange outfit from her bedroom while music played in the background. Defendants allegedly pulled a 10-second clip from that video and used it as the backdrop for a Meete advertisement that ran on social media platforms like Snapchat.

The ad, per the complaint, featured female narration stating, "Are you looking for a friend with benefits? This app shows you women around you who are looking for some fun. You can video chat with them." Lunglhofer's face was on screen, and the Meete logo was prominently displayed.

According to the suit, Meete allegedly used geolocation technology to serve the ad specifically to male users within the Knoxville, Tennessee area. This includes men living on other floors of her on-campus dormitory building. Lunglhofer found out about the ad because one of the male residents in her dorm alerted her to it, she said in an interview with local ABC affiliate, WKRN.

The suit brings claims under the federal Lanham Act (which addresses businesses' use of misleading claims), Tennessee's right of publicity statute — known as the ELVIS Act — and Tennessee common law defamation. Lunglhofer is seeking compensatory damages of $750,000, disgorgement of Meete's profits tied to the ad campaign, and punitive damages. She is also seeking to have the ad removed entirely.

Mashable reached out to Meete but did not receive a response in time for publication. The firm representing Lunglhofer also did not yet respond to a request for comment.

Apple’s assistant is finally getting a Google-sized brain, but is it actually what iPhone users have been asking for? CNET's Apple expert (and daily iPhone user) Bridget Carey talks all about it with Iyaz Akhtar.

The $25,000 Tron 1 from LimX Dynamics looks like a mini AT-ST from Star Wars: here's what it actually can do.

Motorola’s Razr Fold positions itself as a strong competitor in the book-style foldable space. It brings a polished design and powerful performance to challenge rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Here’s what sets it apart.

It's an unofficial holiday for the Star Wars fandom. May the 4th is a time to celebrate the joy we've experienced from everything Star Wars. From Lego sets to phone cases, brands celebrate the day by offering great deals on Star Wars merch. Amazon isn't sitting out on the fun this May the 4th.

The Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker now comes with several Star Wars-themed cases, like The Mandalorian Helmet stand and the irresistible Echo Dot Grogu stand. But the Alexa-enabled fun doesn't stop at Star Wars stands.

It turns out, Alexa loves to chat with inquiring minds about Star Wars. Of course, you can ask Alexa questions about any film in the collection, but you can also use secret commands to get fun Star Wars-themed replies from Alexa.

SEE ALSO: The best Star Wars Day deals, drops, and freebies for May the 4th

Here are 12 Star Wars commands to try with Alexa to celebrate May the 4th.

"Alexa, begin my Jedi lessons."

Alexa must have a special connection to the fictional galaxy because she has nine mini Jedi lessons to share. Like a regular fitness routine, becoming a Jedi takes practice, and Alexa is happy to assist.

"Alexa, teach me a Jedi mind trick."

We all know Alexa has brains, but ask her to teach you a Jedi mind trick, and you'll be in line for using these highly intelligent tricks in everyday life here on Earth.

"Alexa, use the Force."

Can Alexa access the power of the force? Ask her to find out! Ask her again, and you might get a second fun reply.

"Alexa, do, or do not."

Ask this command to hear her finish off the Master Yoda quote we all love from The Empire Strikes Back. Alexa can also finish your other favorite quotes from the franchise when prompted.

"Alexa, talk like Yoda."

This one is self-explanatory and one of the most entertaining of them all. Somehow, hearing Alexa speak in Yoda's non-traditional syntax is enlightening. You can also ask Alexa to talk like other characters, including Darth Vader, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and more.

"Alexa, I am your father."

Is it possible that you could be Alexa's father? Ask her to find out.

"Alexa, tell me a Star Wars joke."

Alexa is full of jokes on plenty of topics, and her Star Wars joke knowledge is something impressive. Take mental note of your favorites to impress friends.

"Alexa, who shot first?"

This is one of Alexa's best Star Wars Easter eggs, taking us all the way back to the 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope. Alexa can set the record straight for us.

"Alexa, show me Star Wars movies."

If you have a Fire Stick or a Fire-enabled TV, asking Alexa to show you a movie from the franchise will direct you to the entire selection of streaming options.

"Alexa, tell me a Baby Yoda joke."

As if things could get cuter than Baby Yoda, Alexa has a small selection of Baby Yoda-themed jokes on hand for chuckles.

"Alexa, play me the Star Wars soundtrack."

Not feeling in the mood for a Star Wars movie marathon? Or maybe you're at work and can't watch right now. No worries because Alexa can take you directly to a Star Wars soundtrack to delight your ears.

"Alexa, may the Force be with you."

It's the perfect day to wish Alexa the power of the force. She'll reward you with the same.

GameStop, a chain of physical video game and merchandise stores, is also well known for achieving legendary status among meme stocks. Now, the games retailer is looking to buy eBay in a surprise acquisition.

The company announced its intention to purchase the e-commerce giant at $125 per stock, a 46 percent premium to eBay's closing stock price on Feb. 4, 2026. The deal values eBay at approximately $55.5 billion, which will make everyone ask the same question: Where will GameStop, whose own market cap is roughly $11.8 billion, get that kind of money?

To understand this, we need to take a step back. Once a giant with more than 6,000 stores globally, GameStop started declining in the 2010s as folks started getting their games predominantly from the internet. This made it one of the most shorted stocks ever, with investors betting its value would plummet further as its business continues to decline.

In 2021, however, GameStop was revived by a Reddit community of traders who started buying the stock en masse, driving short sellers out and pumping GameStop's stock to new all-time highs. The stock price has since declined, and the business still faces serious headwinds, but the company pivoted to collectibles and digital assets, as well as a Bitcoin treasury strategy.

SEE ALSO: Legendary trader Roaring Kitty finally shows his hand, and it's full of GME

Now, GameStop has about $9.4 billion of cash and liquid investments on its balance sheet, as well as third-party financing that goes up to $20 billion. That should be good enough, GameStop claims, for half the offer; the other half will come from GameStop common stock. Finally, GameStop has quietly been buying eBay shares, and it already owns a 5 percent stake in the company.

GameStop plans to improve eBay's business, which has been doing better on its own lately, with a combination of cost-cutting measures. GameStop will also leverage its remaining retail locations to "give eBay a national network for authentication, intake, fulfillment, and live commerce."

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $75: The Dreame FP10 air purifier is on sale at Amazon for $424.99, down from the list price of $499.99. That's a 15% discount and the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame FP10 air purifier $424.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $75   Get Deal

If you have pets at home, you understand the struggle of dealing with pet dander and fur. Many of us rely on air purifiers to keep indoor air as clean as possible, cutting down on odors and potential allergens. There's a new air purifier on the market that comes with excellent features for pet owners. Maybe best of all, it's already on sale.

As of May 4, the Dreame FP10 air purifier is on sale at Amazon for $424.99, marked down from the normal price of $499.99. That's a 15% discount that shaves $75 off the price. It's also the lowest we've seen at Amazon on this new Dreame model.

The design of the Dreame FP10 air purifier is unique in a few ways. For one, the built-in LED strip makes for excellent room lighting. But it also excels in performance when dealing with pets. Unlike most air purifiers that require us to manually clean outer filters from time to time, the Dreame has an automatic roller that prevents hair from building up on the rotating HEPA filter.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's newest Fire Stick just got its first price cut ever — and it's nearly 50% off

Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodard reviewed the Dreame FP10 air purifier in her home with cats and found its performance and overall look to be impressive, with the Furcatch roller being a major advantage over other models. Dreame also designed this model to be cat-friendly. The flat canvas top can support up to 33 pounds, and the bottom-heavy design means it won't topple over easily.

While it's sitting at a record low, upgrade your home with the Dreame FP10 air purifier. It's a new Mashable Choice Award winner for air purifiers, and it's perfect for homes with pets.

ShinyHunters have struck once again. This time, the hacker group says it has breached systems belonging to one of the biggest educational tech companies.

Edtech giant Instructure, the company behind the popular Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas, announced that it was experiencing a service disruption on April 30. 

The next day, on May 1, the company confirmed that it experienced a "cybersecurity incident perpetrated by a criminal threat actor." 

Instructure largely addressed the issues by May 2 and shared that it would continue to monitor its platforms and investigate how the cyberattack occurred. The company said it patched its security system, revoked certain credentials and access tokens, and rotated API keys "out of an abundance of caution."

ShinyHunters, the now-infamous hacking collective known for social engineering and ransomware, claimed responsibility and uploaded 3.65 terabytes of related stolen data to its website on May 3, as reported by SecurityWeek.

What data was stolen?

Instructure says that passwords and other private credentials were not stolen in the breach. 

However, the affected data reportedly includes users' names, email addresses, student IDs, and private messages exchanged on the platform.

According to ShinyHunters, the stolen data is associated with 275 million users at nearly 9,000 schools around the world. These users include students, teachers, and staff.

ShinyHunters also claimed that billions of private messages between users, including students and teachers, were stolen as well, according to Bleeping Computer. The group says Instructure's Salesforce instance was also breached, and related data was stolen.

ShinyHunters have been involved with several high-profile data breaches recently. Companies ranging from the bakery chain Panera Bread to the security firm ADT have all experienced data breaches tied to the group. Anime streaming service Crunchyroll and the dating app Bumble have been breached by ShinyHunters as well.

Last month, ShinyHunters were also behind the breach into Rockstar Games, the video game developer behind the GTA series, including the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI.

All of these ShinyHunters data breaches have occurred since the beginning of the year.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

A federal judge has preliminarily approved a $7.85 million settlement resolving claims that Sony Interactive Entertainment illegally squeezed out competition in the digital PlayStation games market — and millions of affected players should soon be able to collect without doing anything.

The lawsuit, filed in 2021, alleged that Sony cut off third-party retailers from selling game-specific download vouchers starting April 1, 2019, effectively funneling consumers to the PlayStation Store and driving up prices in violation of federal antitrust law. Sony has denied any wrongdoing.

SEE ALSO: The PlayStation 6 could ditch the built-in disc drive

U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín granted preliminary approval to the deal on April 8, after previously rejecting two earlier versions of the settlement — first over concerns about service awards for plaintiffs who were no longer part of the class, and again over questions about whether PlayStation Store credits amounted to coupons under the law.

The settlement covers U.S. consumers who bought eligible PlayStation games through the PlayStation Store for which a retail voucher existed before April 1, 2019, and for which prices increased by at least 50 cents over a set period. More than 4.4 million people are covered under the deal.

How to collect

For most class members, getting paid requires no action at all. Those with active PlayStation Network accounts will automatically receive credits redeemable in the PlayStation Store. Players with deactivated accounts, however, must contact the settlement administrator to request a paper check — and that deadline is Aug. 27, 2026.

Anyone who wants to opt out of the settlement and preserve their right to sue separately must submit an exclusion request by July 2, 2026.

The court is scheduled to hold a final approval hearing on Oct. 15, 2026. Compensation won't be distributed until after that approval is granted and any appeals are resolved. Plaintiffs' attorneys are seeking up to one-third of the settlement fund in fees.

More information on eligible games and claim details can be found at PSNDigitalGamesSettlement.com.

SAVE $300: The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $999, down from the standard price of $1,299. That's a 33% discount and the lowest price we've spotted at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra portable power station $999 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $300   Get Deal

Summer fun is on the horizon. If you're ready to spend the weekend at the campground or power up the projector for a backyard movie night, you might want to consider the convenience of a portable power station. You'll be able to keep everything powered up while living the good life off-grid. If that's appealing, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of May 4, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra portable power station is $999 at Amazon, marked down from Jackery's list price of $1,299. That works out to a savings of $300 from a 33% discount. It's also the lowest price we've spotted at Amazon on this new Jackery model.

Batteries are not typically friends with water and dust. However, that's a contradiction to taking a portable power station on a camping adventure. Sure, we can check the weather, but summer storms tend to roll in quickly. Instead of worrying about a portable power station taking damage from an unexpected sprinkle or morning dew, head out with the new Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra.

SEE ALSO: The Anker Solix C2000 power station is half off at Amazon right now — save over $700

Unlike almost all portable power stations, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra carries an IP65 rating, which means it's both water-resistant and dustproof. Plus, it has protective flaps to cover the outlets. Both of these elements combined give you reassurance that the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra is truly up for adventure.

Not only will it be great for camping, but it's also ideal for using in the yard or the workshop, which could be both damp and dusty. Jackery designed this portable power station with a cooling chamber in the bottom, rather than using side vents for the fan. That eliminates one of the most common routes water and dust take to enter a portable power station.

Since this is a record-low price at Amazon, hop on today's $999 sale price of the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra. It's a rare model that's durable enough for every task.

Save 48%: As of May 4, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $17.99 when you use the code SAVEHD. This marks a $17 price reduction off its $34.99 list price, but be aware — this code might not work for everyone.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $17.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $17.00 save with code 'SAVEHD' Get Deal

Sometimes, inexplicably, new tech releases go on sale just weeks after their release. It may only be a small discount, but a deal is a deal.

Amazon, however, did something even more rare. Call it the power of Star Wars Day, pure luck, or Amazon simply having the funds to spare, but as of May 4, the retailer is offering a coupon code on its new Fire TV Stick HD that brings it down to just $17.99 from its list price of $34.99. That's a 48% savings — just don't forget to put in the code SAVEHD.

We do want to note that this coupon code might not work for everyone. While it worked for the majority of Mashable's deals team this morning, there was at least one editor who couldn't get the promised savings.

If it does work for you, you'll save on the streaming stick that Amazon just put up for preorder mid-April. Compared to the previous generation of the Fire TV Stick HD, this one has a 30 percent slimmer profile and no need for a wall adapter, thanks to the USB-C to USB-A cable that can be plugged in straight to your TV. Amazon also claims the device is 30 percent faster than the previous model, meaning navigating apps and shows should be an even smoother process.

SAVE $30: As of May 4, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale at Amazon for only $29.99 with the on-page code MAX4KFTV. That's $30 off its list price and its best price ever — a savings of 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $29.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $30.00 with on-page code MAX4KFTV Get Deal

While pretty much all TVs are smart TVs these days, that doesn't always mean they're user-friendly or seamless for streaming. The built-in smart platforms on a lot of high-end brands can often be a bit clunky. That's where Amazon's Fire TV Sticks swoop in to save the day.

Not only are Fire Sticks easy to use, but they're also ultra-portable for travel and go on sale pretty regularly. In fact, as of May 4, the most advanced Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup is down to its best price ever if you use the on-page coupon code. Typically $59.99, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is just $29.99 with the code MAX4KFTV.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite audio brands for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

We've seen the 4K Max drop to $34.99 quite a few times (most recently during the Amazon Big Spring Sale) and even $32.99 once (for Black Friday in 2024), but $29.99 is the lowest to date. There's just one catch: not everyone will see the on-page coupon code. We're unsure what Amazon's rhyme or reason is for this, but only some members of Mashable's shopping team are able to redeem the code. If you're eligible, the code will appear underneath the Prime logo and pricing details on the product page. Be sure to hit "redeem" to cash in on the savings.

Here's what the listing page looks like with the coupon code. Credit: Amazon

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max packs the most storage of any Fire TV Stick at 16GB, which helps it to not get bogged down by lots of apps. It also features a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor to help with faster app starts, WiFi 6E, support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, Dolby Atmos audio, Ambient Experience, and an enhanced Alexa voice remote. You can even turn your TV into a work of art a la The Frame, or play video games by streaming through Amazon Luna or Xbox Game Pass.

Save 15%: As of May 4, a limited quantity of $50 DoorDash gift cards is available at Amazon for $42.50, saving you $7.50 total.

Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash DoorDash gift card $42.50 at Amazon
$50 Save $7.50   Get Deal

No DoorDash discount codes in your app today? No problem.

Amazon has got you covered with a DoorDash gift card deal that brings the price of a $50 gift card down to $42.50. That saves you $7.50 total, or 15%. You'll want to act quickly, though — at the time of writing, the product page has a "deal selling fast" badge, and nine percent of the available deals have already been claimed.

This deal applies to just the e-gift card, which means you'll get almost instantaneous delivery, whether you're sending it to yourself or a friend. (Consider dinner today sorted). After purchase, a code will be sent to your phone or email, which you can then use for your DoorDash account. The balance is yours to use, whether you're ordering from a restaurant, grocery, or convenience store.

While it's not the biggest chunk of change out there, it's $7.50 that you would otherwise be spending on your orders. Maybe that helps you justify a long-distance delivery fee for a craving, or maybe it covers those sneaky service fees. In either case, if you're already going to order in, you might as well save some cash.

SAVE $54.45: Sign up to get Grubhub+ for six months at 99 cents per month instead of the normal $9.99 per month. That works out to a 90% discount on the service.

Opens in a new window Credit: Grubhub Grubhub+ $0.99 at Grubhub
$9.99 Save $9   Get Deal

Summer is nearly here, and that means we're all busy. From taking advantage of the nice weather to wrapping up the school year and planning camping trips, there's not much time to make dinner. Instead of stressing, order in, thanks to this delivery deal.

As of May 4, Grubhub+ membership is on sale for 99 cents per month for six months, marked down from the normal price of $9.99 per month. Over those six months, the sale works out to be a savings of $54.45.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite audio brands for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

It's no secret that ordering dinner for delivery or groceries to your doorstep is convenient. However, these services typically come with steep fees associated with the convince, such as delivery fees and service fees. Signing up for Grubhub+ means you'll be in for no delivery fees on eligible restaurant orders, free delivery on eligible grocery delivery orders over $35, and lower service fees.

If you feel like picking up a restaurant order on your way home, Grubhub+ members get a 5% Grubhub credit back after pickup. Keep in mind, Amazon Prime members are already eligible to get Grubhub+ for free with a Prime membership.

Grubhub contains a massive catalog of restaurants, grocery stores, and drug stores in its network. It's easy to browse the selection with Grubhub's tabs, or you can search by proximity and delivery times. Keep in mind the 99 cents per month deal is only valid for the first six months, and it'll auto-renew at the $9.99 per month price unless you cancel beforehand.

If you tend to order grocery and dinner delivery often, this a great deal to jump on. Doing so will give you access to free delivery on eligible restaurant and grocery delivery orders. Getting something for free right now feels like a major win.

Samsung foldables just can't stop leaking before they're announced.

This time, it's the rumored follow-up to last year's Galaxy Z Flip 7. A report by Korean leaker Lanzuk included a few hints about what to expect from the device, which has so far been out of the spotlight a bit compared to the rumored Z Fold 8 and a new "Wide Fold" device.

According to this new leak, you can expect a Z Flip 8 that's a little bit wider than before, as well as one that has shed some weight, coming in at approximately 180 grams, compared to 188 grams a year ago.

SEE ALSO: Samsung warns memory shortage will be worse next year

On top of that, the report hints at a new hinge mechanism, though it doesn't go into any detail about what it might be. Perhaps most excitingly is the indication that the Z Flip 8 will have a true crease-free display. Highly visible creases were a big problem for foldables as they became a relevant market category, but over the years, that's become less and less of an issue. If the Z Flip 8 can make further improvements on that, then that's great.

Samsung is widely expected to announce the Z Flip 8, the Z Fold 8, and the Wide Fold at an event this summer, most likely in July.

We think the Z Fold 8 will look pretty similar to last year's model overall, while the Wide Fold will be another book-style foldable that's, well, wider than the Fold 8. It's expected to have a similar size and shape to the also-unannounced iPhone Fold, expected to launch later this year.

SAVE $39.01: As of May 4, the Apple AirPods Max 2 are down to $509.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 7% or $39.01 and their lowest price since launch.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 $509.99 at Amazon
$549 Save $39.01   Get Deal

Grabbing a new pair of over-ear headphones in this economy isn't for the faint of heart. Even on sale, the Apple AirPods Max 2 are pretty dang expensive. But this is their biggest discount to date, so it's worth calling out for you Apple fanatics out there.

As of May 4, the Apple AirPods Max 2 are down to $509.99 instead of $549 at Amazon. That's a savings of $39.01 or about 7% and their cheapest price since launching in March.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite audio brands for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

The AirPods Max 2 are the first proper upgrade to the fruit company's first (and only) set of over-the-ear headphones. It only took six years. The latest release is eerily similar to the original — they look the same, come with the same case, have the same color options, and have the same battery life and price. What's different, you ask? The internal hardware. The AirPods Max 2 now have Apple's H2 chip inside (the same as the AirPods Pro 3), which unlocks better active noise cancellation as well as several smart features. You'll now be able to toggle on/off adaptive audio, conversation awareness, live translation, voice isolation, personalized volume, loud sound reduction, and Siri interactions as you see fit.

If you already have the OG AirPods Max, you definitely should not spend $500+ on the new ones, as they're virtually identical aside from a few new smart features. But if you're an Apple fan shopping for over-the-ear headphones for the first time and you've been saving up, we highly recommend grabbing the new AirPod Max 2 while they're down to their best price ever. Minor upgrade or not, we still think they're pretty great.

Andy Serkis isn't done with Middle-earth just yet.

The upcoming prequel film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum sees Serkis pulling double duty — more so than he already does in the dual part of Gollum/Sméagol. On top of reprising that iconic role, he's also stepping into the director's chair, making him the only person aside from Peter Jackson to helm a live-action Lord of the Rings movie.

SEE ALSO: Andy Serkis on 'Animal Farm,' George Orwell, and AI in Hollywood

Before The Hunt for Gollum's production gets underway in New Zealand, Serkis spoke with Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards about what viewers could expect from the film.

"The joy of [The Hunt for Gollum] is that it's entirely its own story, but it fits perfectly into the lore, the tone, the feel of the Middle-earth films that were created by Peter Jackson 25 years ago," Serkis said.

According to Serkis, the film "sits between The Hobbit trilogy and the Lord of the Rings." It will follow Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Aragorn's (Jamie Dornan, replacing Viggo Mortensen) search for Gollum in the lead-up to the War of the Ring. J.R.R. Tolkien wrote about this hunt in The Fellowship of the Ring and the trilogy's Appendices, and Jackson's films briefly mention it.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum'

The Hunt for Gollum is the latest step in Warner Bros. Pictures' expansion of their Middle-earth titles. 2025 saw the release of anime film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Then, on March 25, Warner Bros. announced The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past (working title), a Lord of the Rings sequel written by Philippa Boyens, Tolkien superfan Stephen Colbert, and his son Peter McGee.

The deluge of Lord of the Rings titles might raise alarm bells about the dilution of a beloved franchise. For Serkis' part, this isn't the case with The Hunt for Gollum.

"The story, and therefore how we see the story, is different and unique to this particular tale," Serkis said. "It's not just a nostalgia film. We're seeing plenty of those, and laying heavily into the nostalgia and the things that we loved about those movies of 25 and 30 years ago. [The Hunt for Gollum] adheres to that world, but it certainly has a freshness and a newness in terms of the actual story."

The newness also extends to the cast. The Hunt for Gollum features the return of several familiar faces: Serkis, McKellen, Elijah Wood, and Lee Pace reprise their roles from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. However, the film also invites several newcomers into Middle-earth. Kate Winslet and Leo Woodall play Marigol and Halvard, two characters who aren't named in Tolkien's original novels or films, while Jamie Dornan takes over the role of Aragorn from Viggo Mortensen.

"We're calling him Strider in our movie. He is at a different point in his journey, so he is slightly different to the Aragorn that we see later on," Serkis explained. "It's a version of himself that's been out in the wilderness as a Dúnedain Ranger. I'll leave it at that for the moment, but Jamie is perfect for this part of the journey of the character."

For more from Serkis, including his favorite Lord of the Rings meme and his reflections on Andor, check out the full Say More interview above.

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum hits theaters in 2027.

Best Lego Star Wars Day deals at a glance: C-3PO $111.99 (save $28) Get Deal Brick-Built Star Wars Logo $47.99 (save $12) Get Deal The Mandalorian Helmet $55.99 (save $13.91) Get Deal

Lego Star Wars Day (aka May 4th) is finally here, and Lego is dropping incredible new releases (including the Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter), exclusive rewards for members, free gifts, and much more to celebrate.

If you want the quick rundown before you start scrolling through pages of bricks, here's a summary of the best offers running between now and May 6:

• Free gifts with purchase: It's pretty un-Lego-like to drop discounts across its entire catalog. Usually, the best way to get a deal is to buy whatever product comes with the best free gift. The good news for this year is that the company is stacking those free gifts on top of one another. If you buy the new Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter, you automatically get a free The Mandalorian and Grogu Display set. If your cart hits $160 in Star Wars merchandise, it will throw in a free The Darksaber build. You can also grab a free The Razor Crest Mini-Build if you spend $40 on select smaller sets.

• Direct discounts: That said, some items are on sale, including the C-3PO, Brick-Built Star Wars Logo, and The Mandalorian Helmet.

• New product drops: As of May 1, Lego Insiders get early access to the brand-new Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter. If you aren't an Insider, you'll have to wait for general access on May 4.

• Quadruple the points: You can rack up 4x Insiders points on big-ticket items like the AT-ST Walker, Jabba's Sail Barge, and the TIE Interceptor. The brand is also offering 2x points on dozens of other sets.

• Rewards: If you already have points saved up, you can redeem 1,800 of them for an exclusive The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter poster by Joe Hogan. You can also enter sweepstakes to win special items, like a signed N-1 Starfighter set or a Lego Star Wars Bundle and Lego e-Gift Card.

TL;DR: FastestVPN is $29.99 for lifetime access (reg. $360), covering up to 10 devices with strong encryption, fast speeds, and no ongoing fees.

Opens in a new window Credit: FastestVPN FastestVPN: Lifetime Subscription (10 Devices) $29.99
$360 Save $330.01   Get Deal

Between public Wi-Fi, streaming restrictions, and constant tracking, the internet isn’t exactly low-key anymore. A FastestVPN lifetime subscription is currently $29.99 (reg. $360), and it covers up to 10 devices at once.

That’s your laptop, phone, tablet — maybe even your TV or router — protected under one account.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The basics are what you’d expect: 256-bit encryption, a built-in NAT firewall, and protection against ads and malware. There are also 600+ servers globally, so you can connect from different regions for streaming or just to keep your browsing private.

Speed is a big factor here, too. With optimized servers and modern protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, it’s built to handle streaming and downloads without turning everything into a buffering mess.

Now, the main concern: privacy. Many VPNs claim “no logs,” and it’s fair to be skeptical. In this case, FastestVPN has had its no-logs policy independently audited and is fairly transparent about how data is handled, which helps build some trust.

For a one-time $29.99 (reg. $360), this FastestVPN offer is a practical option if you want long-term coverage without ongoing costs.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.