Feed aggregator

The debut of American Bitcoin, a mining firm backed by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., has heightened the ethical concerns swirling around the Trump presidency.

SAVE $70: Preorder the new Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds for $159 on Kickstarter, down from the normal price of $229. That's a 31% discount to score the new earbuds with upgraded features like active noise cancellation. The earbuds are set to begin shipping before August.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds (preorder) $179 at Kickstarter
$229 Save $50 estimated shipping before August Get Deal

Good sleep can be hard to come by, but Anker is aiming to ease the pain. That's especially true if you're not sleeping well because the dog is snoring, the birds are awake at dawn, or traffic is loud. Instead of using your daytime earbuds to mask the sound, the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds come packed with sleep-centric features, a comfortable design, and finally — active noise cancellation.

Mashable was smitten with the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds, earning them the top spot when it comes to the best sleep earbuds. But noticeably, they lacked active noise cancellation. Anker went ahead and blessed our good sleep by adding that this feature into the new A30 earbuds, which are set to begin shipping out before August.

As of June 16, you can preorder the new Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds via Kickstarter for $159, discounted from their standard price of $229. That'll save you $70. That's also cheaper than buying the Sleep A20 earbuds which are currently listed for their full price of $179.99 at Best Buy. You'll also lose out on heaps of new features we're looking forward to, including the active noise cancellation.

When comparing the new Sleep A30 earbuds to the older Sleep A20 earbuds, it appears that Anker went all-out with upgrades. Not only are we getting active noise cancellation, we're getting memory foam ear tips, and real-time adaptive snore masking audio. Yes, the earbuds use the included charging case (which is likely on your nightstand) to detect snoring and adjust sound accordingly.

In terms of battery life, the new Sleep A30 earbuds get nine hours per charge, which should be enough to get you through one night of restorative and restful slumber. With the included charging case, that bumps up to 45 hours. That means you can take off on a weekend away without needing to recharge. If you sleep for about eight hours each night, 45 hours means you'll only need to recharge every fifth day.

More upgrades compared to the older model come in the form of better sleep support. The Sleep A30s now come with a library of audio for sleep in addition to meditation and focus tracks. There's also more advanced sleep report metrics like sleep latency and a rating system.

Anker says they expect the new Sleep A30 earbuds to begin shipping out before August and delivery could take between one and two weeks, depending on logistics. If you're not willing to wait that long to get undisrupted sleep, you can snag the A20s from Best Buy for $179.99. They're still a great option, they just won't come with active noise cancellation.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds $179.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal

Preorders on Kickstarter for the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds are set to continue until July 6, but it's likely the $159 backing option will sell out. The next available tier is one pair for $179, which still saves you $50 compared to the list price of $229.

The best tech deals to shop this week

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.00 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.97 (List Price $1599.99)

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

Battery companies are slowing construction or reconsidering big investments in the United States because of tariffs on China and the proposed rollback of tax credits.

On Monday morning, the Trump Organization announced that it will be launching a Trump-branded smartphone and wireless service in September.

A press release for the new company promised that it would be "a transformational, new cellular service designed to deliver top-tier connectivity, unbeatable value and all-American service for our nation’s hardest-working people."

Trump Mobile also announced the launch of the T1 Phone, a gold-colored, made-in-America smartphone etched with an American flag that will retail for $499. The company's signature mobile plan, the 47 plan, will offer unlimited talk, text, and data for $47.45 per month.

Credit: Trump Mobile

Ever since the introduction of his "Liberation Day" tariffs, President Donald Trump has been pressuring Apple CEO Tim Cook to start building the iPhone in America. As Mashable has previously reported, a made-in-America iPhone could cost as much as $3,000, while Apple itself would potentially need to spend billions to create the domestic infrastructure needed to build its flagship smartphone in the United States.

Trump has targeted Cook with Truth Social posts, even threatening to place a 25 percent tariff on iPhones and other smartphones.

"Trump Mobile is going to change the game, we’re building on the movement to put America first, and we will deliver the highest levels of quality and service. Our company is based right here in the United States because we know it’s what our customers want and deserve," said Donald Trump Jr, EVP of The Trump Organization, in a press release.

The announcement was timed to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the launch of President Trump's first campaign for president.

Once upon a time, U.S. presidents were expected to eschew investment and financial opportunities while occupying The White House to avoid conflicts of interest. In fact, the U.S. Constitution includes an Emoluments Clause, which explicitly prohibits the president from profiting off the office.

Former president Jimmy Carter even put his beloved peanut farm into a blind trust while he was in office to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. The Emoluments Clause is essentially enforced by the honor system; the Trump Administration has also interpreted the constitutional doctrine in novel ways.

The Trump Organization says a U.S.-based customer service team will be at the ready 24/7 to help customers switch to Trump Mobile. The plan also comes with a number of benefits to woo potential customers, including:

• 24/7 roadside assistance via Drive America

• Telehealth medical services

• Free International calling (more than 100 countries included)

• "No contracts, no credit check"

SAVE 45%: As of June 16, you can get the Bluetti Solar Generator (AC70) for $329, down from $599, at Amazon. That's a 45% discount and a $270 savings.

BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC70, 768Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup w/ 2 1000W AC Outlets (Power Lifting 2000W), 100W Type-C, Solar Generator for Road Trip, Off-grid, Power Outage (Solar Panel Optional) $569 at Amazon
$599 Save $30 Get Deal

You don’t have to be an outdoorsy person or an apocalypse prepper to want a solar generator. Honestly, with the unpredictable weather patterns and the issues I’ve had with constant internet outages, having a backup power supply feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity these days.

As of June 16, you can get the Bluetti Solar Generator (AC70) for $329, down from $599, at Amazon. That's a 45% discount and a $270 savings.

SEE ALSO: Anker 535 PowerHouse review: Is this power station the workhorse its name suggests?

This solar-powered generator features a 768Wh capacity, a 1,000W inverter, and a 2,000W power lifting mode, which means it can handle both small appliances and more power-hungry devices. With the included AC charging cable, you can charge it to 80 percent in just 45 minutes or 100 percent in 1.5 hours. If you're in a real pinch, you can charge it via the included car charging cable.

With the Bluetti App, you can monitor and control the AC70 from anywhere, giving you real-time information on power usage, charging status, and customizable settings. It’s also quieter than most generators, operating at under 50dB, so you won’t feel like you’re in an industrial zone.

The best tech deals to shop this week

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.00 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.97 (List Price $1599.99)

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

If you’ve tried to quit vaping nicotine once, twice, or even 10 times and just can’t kick it — you aren’t alone. Millions of young people use nicotine and many are trapped in a frustrating cycle of quitting and relapsing, although they want to quit for good.

One reason why quitting is so hard is that nicotine is one of the most addictive substances out there. And trying to go cold turkey, no matter how strong your willpower, almost always fails. In fact, young adults make the most quit attempts each year, but they’re also the least likely to use evidence-based quitting treatments available to them. Why? Historically, quit programs were never designed to reach Gen Z. 

That’s where Outsmart Nicotine comes in, a national campaign from Truth Initiative, the non-profit organization behind EX Program. It’s on a mission to reach young people with a clear message: you don’t have to do this on your own. Through free and confidential access to expert quitting tips, interactive tech tools, and 24/7 text support, EX Program is empowering millions to break the cycle of nicotine addiction — on their terms, with support that meets them where they are.

When it comes to quitting, science matters

For many Gen Z, it began with casually hitting flavored vapes at parties or during study breaks. But the truth is, as vapes became cheaper and stronger, their potential for addiction increased. Now, many young adults are trying to quit but don’t know where to begin.

EX Program was built to help you start – and stick with – a successful quit journey to break the grip of vaping, smoking, nicotine pouches, or any tobacco product. The science-backed digital solution was developed with the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center and provides evidence-based methods to support anyone who wants to quit. Research shows that using EX Program can increase your odds of quitting by up to 40 percent.

How EX Program works

Breaking free from nicotine addiction means tackling both your physical addiction and behavioral patterns that can trigger cravings. Signing up for EX Program is free, and you'll receive daily text messages to support your unique quitting journey. Messages that, as one young participant put it, “always remind me why I'm quitting and how far I've come. It makes me proud to see.”

You'll also get access to a website filled with helpful information, tools to build new coping skills, insights into what your body and brain are experiencing, and support from the largest and longest-running quit community on the Internet, according to Truth Initiative. You’ll learn tried-and-true ways to manage cravings and replace old routines with healthier ones, which is so important.

Spoiler alert: Eating spicy peppers won’t stave off cravings on its own, but pairing it with expert advice from EX Program can help you manage them.

EX Community is key to a quitting victory

Trying to quit alone is tough, which is why the EX Community has your back every step of the way on your quitting journey. The EX Community includes thousands of current quitters and former smokers/vapers who are active on the platform to help answer your questions and cheer you on. Weekly blog posts from Mayo Clinic experts help you navigate what’s happening in your body and mind so you can make informed choices that support long-term success.

Think of the EX Community as the secret sauce to your success. Peer members can answer your questions about quitting, tell you ‘You Got This,’ and support you through tough moments and wins. One user shared that feeling part of a supportive community, especially when her friends weren’t going through the same thing, was “a HUGE help.”

Expert guidance can help give you different ways to think about quitting and ensure you have the most up-to-date science about addiction and quitting. However you use it, having a community reinforces the fact that you’re not alone. Even just reading in the EX Community can significantly increase your odds of quitting.

Quit medication and other tools

Another benefit of EX Program is that it offers trusted information about your Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) options. FDA-approved NRT products such as nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches are backed by science and, when combined with a program like EX Program, can double your chances of quitting. 

How they work is pretty simple: Your brain is used to receiving a certain amount of nicotine every time you vape, smoke, dip, or chew, and it gets angry when it doesn't get it. NRT products can help take the edge off, making it more likely you'll find a quit that sticks. 

EX Program doesn’t provide NRT medication, but it does offer advice on what might work for you and exclusive discounts to get FDA-approved nicotine gum and lozenges.

Ready to outsmart nicotine?

Whether it’s your first attempt at quitting or your 10th, EX Program by Truth Initiative is here for it. The tools are free. The support is real. And the science shows it works. Join the millions who are ditching their vape, cigarettes, or other products like pouches, and finally finding freedom from nicotine addiction. Text DITCHIT to 88709 to enroll. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Truth Initiative The go-to guide on your quitting journey Ready to outsmart nicotine? Increase your odds of quitting by up to 40% with help. Learn More

Taken star Liam Neeson is no stranger to kicking butts and taking names, but slapstick comedy The Naked Gun is sure to put a new spin on the actor's very particular set of skills.

SEE ALSO: Summer Movie Preview: What's coming to theaters and streaming?

The Naked Gun serves as a reboot of the Police Squad! TV and film franchise, which starred Leslie Nielsen as Detective Frank Drebin. In the 2025 film, Neeson plays Drebin's son, Frank Drebin, Jr. He's trying to live up to his father's legacy and stop Police Squad from getting converted into a Spirit Halloween.

Worried about whether this iteration of The Naked Gun can live up to the original's ridiculous sight gags and deadpan lead detective? Allow the film's creative team to lessen your fears. The Naked Gun is produced by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane and directed by Akiva Schaffer, one of the members of the Lonely Island and co-director of the mockumentary gem Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. Schaffer wrote the film alongside Dan Gregor and Doug Maud (Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers).

The Naked Gun's trailer provides further proof of the film's silliness, with Liam Neeson ripping a man's arms off and promptly smacking him around with them. His gravelly seriousness in even the dumbest situations — like a high-octane rush to the bathroom — proves promising, as does Pamela Anderson's turn as the film's femme fatale. Watch the full trailer above for more gags, including Neeson absolutely slaying (literally and figuratively) in a schoolgirl disguise.

The Naked Gun also stars Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, and Danny Huston.

The Naked Gun hits theaters Aug. 1.

Stealing iPhones from a physical Apple Store is a crime that literally doesn't pay, thanks to Apple's anti-theft technology.

Looters who reportedly lifted the smartphones from the Apple Tower Theatre store in downtown Los Angeles were greeted with a blaring alarm and a message warning them to return the devices to their rightful owners, according to independent reporter Brendan Gutenschwager, who posted a video of the devices on June 10.

"Please return to Apple Tower Theatre. This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted," the message on the iPhone display reads in Gutenschwager's video. In the clip, the devices are lying on the sidewalk before they're picked up by a police officer.

SEE ALSO: Samsung issues urgent warning to activate Galaxy anti-theft features

The iPhones were reportedly lifted from the Apple Tower Theatre store on June 10, a few days into citywide protests against federal immigration enforcement raids. In some places, looting and violence have erupted during protests, with people targeting stores including Apple, as well as Adidas and Shoe Palace, and Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass imposing a partial curfew on the city. During the protests last week, the Los Angeles Police Department made multiple arrests for looting.

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

The demo iPhones in Apple Store locations worldwide are equipped with special security software which locks the phone when carried out of the store, tracks its location, and notifies the authorities.

They will appear in only one part of the Meta-owned messaging service, it said. The move is potentially lucrative, while raising questions about user privacy.

If you noticed something new on WhatsApp today, you're not alone — the app just added some new features on its Updates tab, including channel subscriptions, promoted channels, and ads in status.

SEE ALSO: WhatsApp is getting usernames so you can finally stop sharing your phone number

"Today we’re introducing some new features for our Updates tab, which is home to both Channels and Status," Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, said in a blog post. "We’ve worked over the last two years to make this tab the place for you to discover something new on WhatsApp, and it’s now used by 1.5 billion people a day. We’re encouraged by the enthusiasm and also want to help admins, organizations, and businesses grow on WhatsApp."

Now, users can pay a monthly subscription fee to receive exclusive updates from specific channels. Channels can promote themselves to pop up on users' screens in an effort to help users "discover new channels" and, mostly, to help admins "increase their Channel's visibility." Finally, if a business is promoting its service in Status, users will be able to chat with them about their product or service.

Meta said this shouldn't disrupt the casual WhatsApp user who only uses the app to chat because the features will only appear on the Updates tab. The company also assured users that they have "built these features in the most private way possible." Everything is still end-to-end encrypted, and you can update your ad preferences in your Accounts Center.

SAVE $25.01: As of June 16, the Renpho smart scale is on sale for $34.98 at Amazon. That's 42% off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Renpho Renpho Smart Scale $34.98 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $25.01 Get Deal

There are many ways to stay on top of your health and fitness goals nowadays, whether you invest in a smartwatch or even a smart ring. If you've been looking for a scale to keep on track at home, the Renpho Smart Scale is a great option that can connect with various apps — such as Apple Health, Samsung Health, and MyFitnessPal — to help you stay on track. And what's even better is it's currently down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

The Renpho Smart Scale has been marked down to $34.98 at Amazon, a 42% discount from its list price of $59.99. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this marks a return to its best-ever price. You'll want to hurry to pick it up at this price as it's marked as a limited-time deal.

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers you can buy in 2025: From smartwatches to rings

The Renpho Smart Scale can sync up with the Renpho Health App to help you stay on top of your fitness progress. This makes integrating it into your fitness apps nice and easy. The scale itself will provide you with seven measurements, including body weight, BMI, body fat, muscle mass, water percentage, bone mass, and metabolic age, so you can have an in-depth look at where you're at.

This limited-time deal may not last for long. Act fast to get 42% off the Renpho Smart Scale at Amazon.

If you're looking for more fitness-related tech to pick up, you can also score a great deal at the moment on the Garmin vívoactive 5 and the Fitbit Charge 6 right now at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.00 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.97 (List Price $1599.99)

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

Apple has launched a Mac mini Service Program to fix some Mac mini units that refuse to power on.

"Apple has determined that a very small percentage of Mac mini (2023) devices with the M2 chip may no longer power on. Affected devices were manufactured between June 16, 2024 to November 23, 2024," the company wrote on a support page published Friday.

Owners of Mac minis which exhibit the issue are encouraged to enter the serial number of their device into a form on Apple's website to see whether their Mac mini is eligible for a fix. If so, Apple, or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, will remedy the issue free of charge.

SEE ALSO: Apple's truly smart Siri is coming next spring, report claims

Apple highlighted that no other Mac minis are a part of this program, meaning that if you have an older or newer mini with a similar issue, you probably won't get a free fix.

Also, Apple says that this program covers eligible Mac mini units for three years after the first retail sale of the unit.

The company did not elaborate on what's causing the problem with affected Mac minis.

New Mac minis with an M2 chip are no longer available for purchase at Apple. The company now sells Mac minis with either an M4 or an M4 Pro chip.

SAVE $50: As of June 16, the Garmin Lily 2 smartwatch is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's 20% off its list price of $249.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Lily 2 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50 Get Deal

If you've been on the lookout for a smartwatch that still has some nice style to show off, the Garmin Lily 2 is worth checking out. Even more so right now, as it's currently discounted at Amazon to a price that's very close to its lowest-ever according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

The Garmin Lily 2 is on sale for $199.99 right now at Amazon, 20% off its list price of $249.99. This is only a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $194.13, so now is as good a time as any to pick it up. It's worth mentioning that it's currently marked as a limited-time deal, so it may not stay at this price for much longer.

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatch for every wrist

While its stylish design is a big bonus, the Garmin Lily 2 has plenty of features that round it out to make it a great smartwatch, too. Some of these features include a sleep score, Body Battery energy monitoring, hydration tracking, all-day stress tracking, and heart rate tracking, but those just scratch the surface of what this watch has going on. It even boasts up to five days of battery life, so you don't need to worry as often about recharging.

As mentioned before, this is a limited-time deal. If the Garmin Lily 2 has caught your eye, now is the time to pick it up at this excellent discounted price.

There are a couple more smartwatch and fitness tracker deals that are worth checking out alongside this one, too. At Amazon, you can also still save on the Garmin vívoactive 5 and Fitbit Charge 6.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.00 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.97 (List Price $1599.99)

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

Tiny glass beads brought back by NASA's Apollo 17 astronauts are helping scientists uncover new clues about how the moon erupted billions of years ago. 

No one expected these glittering bits among the gray lunar dust back then. The beads, smaller than grains of sand, formed when ancient lunar volcanoes spewed molten rock. That rock quickly cooled and hardened into smooth glass in the cold vacuum of space.

Now, using modern tools that weren't available a half-century ago following the mission, researchers have zoomed in closer than ever before to look at what’s stuck on the outside of those glass beads. They found a kind of mineral powder — so fine you need microscopes to see it — formed as the beads flew through giant gas clouds during the fiery eruptions.

These surface coatings reveal how the environment around the moon’s volcanoes changed over time, according to a new study published in the journal Icarus. Instead of just confirming that lunar eruptions happened, the Brown University-led research provides insight into how they played out, layer by layer, crystal by crystal. The findings suggest the moon had a much more dynamic history of volcanoes, with evolving gas chemistry, temperature, and pressure changes, than previously known.

"It’s like reading the journal of an ancient lunar volcanologist," said Ryan Ogliore, a Washington University in St. Louis professor, in a statement.

SEE ALSO: What does a meteorite taste like? Someone found out and bottled it. This is a microscopic view of lunar glass beads, smaller than grains of sand. Credit: Katharine Robinson and G. Jeffrey Taylor / Nature Geoscience 2014

The shimmery beads blasted out of the moon's interior when the moon was still young, about 3.3 to 3.6 billion years ago. 

As lava shot into the airless sky, it quickly cooled into smooth droplets of glass. Some came out shiny orange; others formed in glossy black. Because of their origins, the beads have colors, shapes, and chemical compositions unlike anything found on Earth. But the very existence of the beads is evidence that the moon had explosive eruptions — akin to the fire fountains seen in Hawaii today, Ogliore said.

"The beads are tiny, pristine capsules of the lunar interior," he added.

Unlike some older lunar samples, these delicate beads were protected from reacting with Earth's air to avoid contamination. The researchers particularly focused on black glass beads collected from a part of the moon called the Taurus-Littrow Valley, a site on the southeastern edge of the Sea of Serenity, formed after a large object smashed into the moon eons ago. 

Lava spews out of a lunar volcano, forming glass beads that encounter different conditions based on their trajectories through the volcanic gas cloud. Credit: T.A. Williams et al. / Icarus 2025 diagram

The most common mineral found in the coatings was sphalerite, containing zinc, sulfur, and iron. The bottom of the micro-buildup was richer in iron, meaning it likely formed earlier when things were hotter and denser. The upper parts formed later, as things cooled down.

The scientists found that the black beads had a lot more of these zinc-and-sulfur minerals on them compared to orange beads analyzed in earlier samples taken from the same area. That difference hints that the gas clouds were thicker or hotter at the time when the black beads formed.

To probe the samples, the team used a high-energy ion beam to break apart tiny bits of the material, allowing scientists to measure their chemical makeup. They also used other advanced techniques, such as atom probe tomography and electron microscopy.

"We’ve had these samples for 50 years, but we now have the technology to fully understand them," Ogliore said. "Many of these instruments would have been unimaginable when the beads were first collected."

Arguably the most famous scene from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise is the boop. You know the boop. It's the moment when Viking teen Hiccup and adorable Night Fury Toothless make a genuine connection for the first time, with the dragon's nose pressing into Hiccup's hand.

More than 15 years after the release of Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders' adaptation of Cressida Cowell's novels, DeBlois has revisited How to Train Your Dragon as a live-action movie, recreating shot-for-shot the famous boop scene.

Mashable UK Editor Shannon Connellan sat down with DeBlois and How to Train Your Dragon stars Mason Thames and Nico Parker to get an idea of how the film remade the moment.

"We wanted to recreate as faithfully as we could that scene through live-action on a stage with our cove set, but almost shot-for-shot that exact moment — and also later the test-drive scene when they're flying over the clouds," DeBlois told Mashable.

"We wanted those to be really faithful as a tribute to the fans. The way that we achieved it really was relying very heavily upon our team of puppeteers, namely Tom Wilton, who was operating our Toothless. We had a foam head for Toothless, and we had a body and a tail. His puppeteering partner, Sarah, had worked out the footsteps in the sand and the path between all of the drawn lines, and how that was going to work, and it just became this dance."

SEE ALSO: 'How to Train Your Dragon' review: Does the live action version soar?

Thames, who has a background in ballet, trained hard for the scene, in which the director had composer John Powell's score playing on set.

"You know, it probably looks just like I'm stepping over some stuff, but going into it, we had about a week and a half of training and practicing that, getting every step on each note for the song — because we had the song playing," Thames said. "It was a dance, and I think ballet really helped with getting that down."

"When we started playing John Powell's music on top of it, the whole stage just got really quiet, and it transformed," DeBlois added. "It felt like a moment of real wonder in the midst of all of this chaos of filmmaking, where people felt like they were making something special."

How to Train Your Dragon hits cinemas in the UK June 9 and in the U.S. June 13.

SAVE $80: As of June 16, AirPods Pro 2 are on sale for $169 at Amazon. That's 32% off their list price of $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169 at Amazon
$249 Save $80 Get Deal

There were some great tech deals available in the lead-up to Father's Day, and thankfully, some have stuck around. My favorite earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro 2, are one such deal that's still live at Amazon.

The AirPods Pro 2 are currently marked down to $169. This is a 32% discount from their retail price of $249, allowing you to save $80. Personally, I think these earbuds are worth every cent, especially at this price. Furthermore, we even rank them as the best pick for Apple users in our overall roundup of the best earbuds, so you know you're dropping money on a worthwhile investment.

SEE ALSO: AirPods to get 3 exciting new features

If you're already an Apple user, the AirPods Pro 2 will fit perfectly into that ecosystem. They boast excellent sound quality and noise-canceling features that allow you to feel more immersed in what you're listening to. These include Active Noise Cancelation, which completely blocks out any outside noise, and Transparency mode, which keeps you more aware of your surroundings while you listen. There's even Adaptive Audio, which works as a blend of the other two noise-canceling features.

Who knows how much longer this AirPods Pro 2 deal will last, so act fast to score them at $169 while they're still on sale.

These AirPods aren't the only Apple deal that's still floating around, either. You can also still save on the 11-inch Apple iPad and the Apple Watch SE at Amazon right now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.00 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.97 (List Price $1599.99)

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

Either way, let’s not be in denial about it.

The technology’s ability to read and summarize text is already making it a useful tool for scholarship. How will it change the stories we tell about the past?

Content creation can be a solitary job. Even though it’s centered around community, much of that interaction happens online. In 2009, brothers John and Hank Green, the creators behind the popular Vlogbrothers YouTube channel, set out to change that.

"A couple of months ago, [my brother] John and I decided that we were really interested in the possibility of getting a real-life online video conference happening, in order to get all of the best online video creators together in one place," Hank Green said at the time, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "Online video is a really huge deal now — we have people on YouTube that have a bigger audience than Oprah or Anderson Cooper."

And with that, the first VidCon was born.

What Is VidCon?

Launched in 2010, VidCon became the first major convention for online video creators and their fans. It brought together influencers, industry professionals, and audiences for panels, performances, meet-and-greets, and behind-the-scenes conversations about the future of digital media.

Now, 15 years later, VidCon is still going strong — a reflection of how online content creation has evolved from a niche interest into a global industry.

When is VidCon 2025?

This year's VidCon will take place June 19-21 in Anaheim, California. And Mashable will be on the ground at the Anaheim Convention Center, talking to your favorite creators and covering all the latest trends.

What are the three tracks at VidCon?

This year, there are three tracks at VidCon: Community, Creator, and Industry.

The community track is for fans and mostly consists of meet-and-greets, Q&As, and creator panels. It's the least expensive track, with single-day tickets starting at $96 and multi-day tickets starting at $175.

The creator track is, well, for creators. You get access to the community track offerings, along with workshops, panels, lounges, mentorship panels, and more. It's the second most expensive track, with multi-day tickets starting at $268.

Finally, the most expensive track is the industry track. It's billed for "creator economy leaders" and includes so, so many networking opportunities. Multi-day tickets for this track start at $1,130.

Which creators will be at VidCon?

At VidCon, you'll see featured creators, Hall of Fame inductees, and creators who simply bought a ticket to attend. As it coincides with YouTube's 20th anniversary, expect to see some legendary names on the creator lineup.

This is the inaugural VidCon Hall of Fame, and the creators being honored include Rhett & Link, Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, Tyler Oakley, Grace Helbig, Joey Graceffa, Rosanna Pansino, and Hank Green.

Here is a very long list of the nearly 200 featured creators at this year's convention:

• Aaron Parnas

• Ana Saia

• Anthony Hamilton Jr

• Anthony Padilla

• Aphmau

• Arianna Hailey

• Asher Lara

• Ashley Alexander

• Ashley Ippolito

• Astro Alexandra

• Audity

• Austin Sprinz

• Azerrz

• B Mo the Prince

• Bailey Sarian

• Blair Imani

• Briel Adams-Wheatley

• BrodyAnimates

• Bryce Xavier

• Cam Wilder

• CaptainPuffy

• Carter Kench

• Cash

• cassiesbooktok

• Caylus

• CG5

• Chad Chad

• CheapPickle

• Chubbyemu

• CircleToonsHD

• Connor Tomlinson

• cuptoast

• DanCookedIt

• DangMattSmith

• Daniel Thrasher

• Dollar Tree Dinners

• Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper)

• Dream

• Dtay Known

• Eddie Zepeda

• Eleanor Neale

• Ella Caroline

• elliot

• Enola Bedard

• Ericka Bozeman

• Ethobot

• Evan and Katelyn

• Fannita

• Fernanda Cortes

• FunkyFrogBait

• Georgie (soupytime)

• Gianna Marie (Gwizzle)

• Grace Helbig

• HaileeandKendra

• Haminations

• Hank Green

• Hannahxxrose

• Hew Moran

• Horchata Soto

• Howieazy

• Hudson Matter

• Ian Hecox

• IBella

• illymation

• Imani Barbarin

• IMHO: The Podcast

• Infamous Swoosh

• Insane Shayne

• Jack Manifold

• jacknjellify

• Jason Bravura

• Jason Linton

• Jeenie Weenie

• Jeffrey Bui

• JellyBean

• Jenny Hoyos

• Jenny Solares

• Jesser

• Jessica Kaylee

• Jesus Nalgas

• Jezelle Catherine

• jmancurly

• Joey Graceffa

• Jonny Morales

• Jools Lebron

• Jordan Matter

• Josie Kay

• Justin Flom

• Kalen Allen

• Karen Mendoza

• Kat Buno

• Katie Ann

• Kelly Wakasa

• Kelsi Davies

• Kenzie Yolles

• Kevin Langue

• Kevin T. Norman

• KHARRII

• Khian KB

• Kiera Bridget

• KikizCosmeticz

• KreekCraft

• KREW

• Kristopher London

• Lamarr Wilson

• Lana Rae

• Landen Purifoy

• LaurDIY

• Leah Ashe

• Leo González

• Like Nastya

• Lisi Shops

• Lonnie IIV

• Lyanna Kea

• MacDoesIt

• Madison Marilla

• Mattie Westbrouck

• MeganPlays

• Megha Rethin

• Merrick Hanna

• Mia Dio

• Mikey Angelo

• Molly Burke

• Mythical Kitchen

• Naomi Hearts

• Nathan Kessel

• NichLmao

• Nick Pro

• Nick Wilkins

• Nico

• Nicole Laeno

• Nicole Rafiee

• Nihachu

• Peet Montzingo

• Purplecliffe

• QCP

• Ranboo

• Rebecca Parham (Let Me Explain Studios)

• rekrap2

• Rhett & Link

• Rosanna Pansino

• Rubasworld

• Sa Nguyen

• Salish Matter

• Samantha Eve

• Sambucha

• SauceyAustin

• Savanah Moss

• SeanDoesMagic

• Skip the Tutorial

• skyyjade

• Slimecicle

• SMOSH

• Sneegsnag

• Socksfor1

• Sofi Manassyan

• Sofie Dossi

• SoupTimmy

• Spizee

• Steven He

• Sweet Impact

• Sydney Morgan

• Tannerwiththe_tism

• TechJoyce

• Tubbo

• Tubby Nugget

• Tyler Oakley

• Tyler Vitelli

• V Spehar (@Underthedesknews)

• Valentine Brothers

• Valerie Lepelch

• Vivziepop

• VMT

• Wallibear

• Watcher

• Wheezy

• Zay Dante

• Zhong

• Zoetube

• zoeunlimited

What kind of panels are at VidCon?

There are a ton of panels to get excited about, but, depending on which track you're on, you can see everything from the "YouTube Keynote: Celebrating 20 Years on YouTube" to "Mapping the Modern Creator Economy: Trends, Tensions, and What Comes Next." Check out the full schedule for yourself on the VidCon website.

Can I watch any of the VidCon panels if I'm not there?

You can follow VidCon's social media accounts on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and X to keep up to date on everything happening during the convention.

TL;DR: Let the Sony LinkBuds Fit Noise-Cancelling Earbuds keep you moving all summer long, now just $89.99 (reg. $199.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony LinkBuds Fit Noise-Cancelling Earbuds (Refurbished) $89.99
$199.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

Summer is here, but you still have time to get into bathing suit shape. If you’re looking for a little motivation, let the Sony LinkBuds Fit Noise-Cancelling Earbuds help. These comfortable earbuds deliver exceptional audio with ambient sound that keeps you safe and aware of your surroundings during late-night runs or long gym sessions.

Right now, secure a pair of these stylish and feature-packed earbuds for just $89.99 (reg. $199.99).

Stay motivated this summer with Sony LinkBuds Fit

It’s time to hit the gym. If you’re skipping workouts because you don’t have the right headphones, now’s a great time to save big on the Sony LinkBuds Fit. These earbuds have been designed with Air Fitting Supporters that minimize ear pressure so you’ll forget you’re wearing them. Don’t worry about accidentally losing one — they stay securely in your ear thanks to the hooked attachment that prevents dislodging.

The Ambient Sound Mode allows you to enjoy distraction-free audio while remaining aware of your surroundings. Want to tune the world out totally? There’s also an Advanced Noise Canceling that offers dual noise sensor technology to filter out exterior noises using multiple microphones, so you’re literally immersed in the music.

These Sony LinkBuds Fit include Dynamic Driver X, which delivers a wide frequency response that allows for richer vocals and enhances fine details. Want to really hear your content in high-res? High-Resolution Audio gives you exceptional sound quality that rivals a dedicated wired connection.

A full charge provides an impressive 5.5 hours of battery life, getting you through both your workout and your walk home. And if you need more, the included charging case powers them up for another 15.5 hours.

Upgrade your earbuds with the Sony LinkBuds Fit Noise Canceling Earbuds, now only $89.99 (reg. $199.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.