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A popular VPN service reported a 1,000% increase in registrations just 30 minutes after Pornhub blocked access in France this week. The adult site reportedly exited its second-biggest market on June 4 because of a new French age-verification law, per Mashable's Anna Iovine.

"5PM - PornHub blocks France from accessing its website," Proton VPN tweeted Wednesday. "5.30PM - @ProtonVPN registrations increase by 1,000%[.] For context, this is more than when TikTok blocked Americans."

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Mashable has reached out to Proton VPN for comment.

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that routes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server before sending it out onto the web. The main purpose of a VPN is to reclaim some online privacy from one's ISP and other prying eyes. But they're also commonly used to spoof one's location: A VPN can make it appear as though its user is visiting websites from a country they're not physically in.

SEE ALSO: Pornhub stops operating in France

The Swiss-based Proton VPN was launched in 2017 and currently maintains a massive network of more than 13,000 servers in 117 countries worldwide. To date, it's the only VPN service we've tested that's won a Mashable Choice Award. Read our full review.

A startup promised that their AI assistant would build you an app. But the work was actually done by human engineers.

Builder.ai, a startup backed by Microsoft, pitched itself as an AI-powered way to simplify app development. Clients chatted with the platform's signature AI assistant, Natasha, and received a functional, AI-generated app based on the information they provided. But instead of using AI technology to run the chatbot and create the app, the company hired 700 engineers in India to pose as Natasha in conversations with clients, and then to do the actual coding of the app.

The company's human-run chatbot operation is part of a larger problem in the tech industry today: An issue called "AI-washing," when tech companies purport that their tools use AI a far greater amount than they actually do. It happens remarkably often, like when Coca‑Cola claimed their 2023 product Y3000 Zero Sugar was co-created with AI, but provided no details on how AI was actually involved in the creation of the product, leaving many to speculate that the claim was designed to get more attention and interest from consumers.

As companies scramble to incorporate AI into their offerings — or at least, give the impression that they have done so — consumers may not share the tech sector's unfettered enthusiasm for AI everything.

The Pew Research Center reports that 43 percent of respondents think AI will harm them, in comparison to just 24 percent who think the tech will benefit them. Moreover, "Public optimism is low regarding AI’s impact on work," the Pew report reads. "While 73 [percent]of AI experts surveyed say AI will have a very or somewhat positive impact on how people do their jobs over the next 20 years, that share drops to 23 [percent] among U.S. adults." According to another study, about half of all respondents said they’d rather speak to a real person over AI, in comparison with just 12 percent of respondents who said they preferred to speak with an AI chatbot. A quarter of respondents said it depended on the situation.

But AI washing wasn’t the problem that got Builder.ai in trouble. According to the Latin Times, a lender seized $37 million from the company after discovering it generated just $50 million in revenue — 300 percent lower than its $220 million claim. Linas Beliūnas of Zero Hash accused Builder.ai of fraud in a LinkedIn post, writing: "It turns out the company had no AI and instead was just a group of Indian developers pretending to write code as AI." A former employee sued the company, Business Standard reported. An audit seized millions from the company. Now, it owes Amazon $85 million and Microsoft $30 million for cloud services it never paid for.

The company filed for bankruptcy in the UK, India, and the U.S. In statement on LinkedIn, Builder.ai wrote that it would be "entering into insolvency proceedings and will appoint an administrator to manage the company’s affairs."

"Despite the tireless efforts of our current team and exploring every possible option, the business has been unable to recover from historic challenges and past decisions that placed significant strain on its financial position," the LinkedIn post read.

Third-party developers currently pay Elon Musk's X as much as millions of dollars per year to in order to access the platform's API.

However, it appears that Musk and company now want a cut of those developers' revenue instead.

X is now planning to change their API pricing scheme to a revenue share model, according to a number of companies and third-party developers that pay for X API access who reached out to Mashable.

X recently began sending out emails to paid subscribers of its Enterprise API plans, which start at $42,000 per month, informing them of the upcoming change. The new API pricing scheme is scheduled to go into effect on July 1. X has not yet shared final details about the change, such as exactly what percentage the revenue share model will be, with its customers.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk says X is getting new XChat with 'Bitcoin style' encryption

"We are excited to announce that X is now part of xAI holdings, placing us at the forefront of the information revolution unfolding before us," reads the email obtained by Mashable. "In line with our renewed mission and vision, we will be conducting a comprehensive re-review of your use case from a fresh perspective. Additionally, effective July 1, 2025, we will discontinue our existing Enterprise API tiers and introduce a new streamlined v2 API tier accompanied by a new revenue-sharing pricing model."

In the email, X attributes the changing API subscription model to the "rise of Large Language Models (LLMs)" which have "fundamentally reshaped how we approach data, derive insights, and generate code."

"This shift from usage-based to value-based pricing reflects our commitment to leveling the playing field and fostering a fair, consistent ecosystem that drives growth and innovation for all," X said in the email.

Mashable reached out to X for comment on these upcoming API changes and will update this piece if we hear back.

X loses more app developers

However, some of X's API customers strongly disagree with the change. 

The popular no-code automation platform Make, which boasts more than 3 million users, officially removed X integration from its platform at the end of last month. Make tells Mashable that its decision to drop support for X is a result of these API changes.

"Our decision to remove X from our app's offering stems directly from X's revised API policies and pricing," Make VP of Market Strategy Darin Patterson said. "These new terms prevent us from continuing to offer an X integration that is both sustainable for us and provides the reliable value our customers expect.

"We’re disappointed to see that X’s commercial approach is driving a regression in what users can do with the platform," Patterson continued. "X has long been an important part of many users’ workflows, and it’s frustrating to see it become less open and accessible. If conditions change in the future, we’d be glad to explore bringing the integration back. Our commitment to offering a strong suite of other integrations remains through other platforms. We will continue focusing our resources on these to deliver the best possible value."

In addition to Make, Mashable heard from a popular social media management platform that they intend to drop X support, while another platform told us that they are waiting to see exactly what the revenue share details would be before making a final decision.

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As a result, some users of these third-party platforms have already shared their intent to stop posting on X.

"Our automation provider, http://Make.com, has deprecated support for X due to API changes," read a post on X from tech news outlet Six Colors. "This is probably our last post. Follow us on Mastodon or Bluesky or just via RSS. Bye!"

Little remains of Twitter's third-party ecosystem on X

Before Musk's acquisition of the company then-known as Twitter, the platform was beloved by third-party developers who created Twitter clients and other types of apps utilizing the company's generous free API tier. This encouraged app developers to integrate Twitter into their own platforms and, in turn, resulted in even more use of Twitter by its users.

However, just months after Musk's Twitter takeover, the company outright killed many popular third-party Twitter clients by suspending their access to the API. Shortly after that, Musk and company unveiled the end of its free API tier. Musk instituted new API plans with highly restrictive limits that forced most publicly-available third-party apps onto the company's new Enterprise API subscription, which ranged from $42,000 to $210,000 per month.

The new expensive API tiers led to a collapse in Twitter's third-party ecosystem. Many Twitter-based apps, including Twitterific and Tweetbot, announced their shuttering, unable to pay the new expensive API rates. Even major corporations like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo removed the Twitter integrations from their respective video game consoles as a result of the API changes as well. Musk's X would later introduce a "cheaper" $5,000-per-month Pro plan, below the Enterprise API tiers, but by then many apps had already shut down or removed X from their platforms.

Musk's X further squeezed its API subscribers, already paying tens of thousands of dollars per month, with new fees late last year. In October, X announced that in addition to the monthly API subscription, X would charge developers an additional $1 per month for each X account connected to their app. For example, if a social media scheduling service had 10,000 X users connecting their X account to their platform, the company would have to pay X an additional $10,000 per month.

SAVE $500: As of June 5, the Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini-LED 4K TV is on sale for $1,999.99 instead of $2,499.99. That's 20% in savings. Plus, you'll get a $200 Amazon credit added to your account after purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV $1,999.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal

It may not traditionally be the best time to buy a TV, but it is arguably the best time to buy the Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV.

As of June 5, not only is the Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV on sale at Amazon for $1,999.99 — down 20% from its usual $2,499.99 — but buyers will also receive a $200 Amazon credit after their purchase. It's basically like being rewarded for upgrading your TV. The promotional credit will be automatically added to your account 30 days after shipment, and you'll receive an email from Amazon so you don't miss it.

The 2025 U8 Mini-LED TV is a step up from last year's model, with a 165Hz native refresh rate (vs. 144Hz), up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness (vs. 3,000), and up to 5,000 local dimming zones (vs. 2,000). Besides the variable refresh rate, it also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Low Latency MEMC, making it an excellent choice for console gaming. Even casual gamers will notice how seamless and fluid gameplay feels.

SEE ALSO: Roku's 65-inch QLED TV is half off at Amazon

It's not just for gamers, though. Movie lovers and sports fans will also appreciate the incredibly bright, punchy colors with strong contrast, as well as the 4.1.2 multi-channel surround sound with built-in subwoofer. The Hi-View AI Engine Pro automatically optimizes the picture and sound based on the content you are watching. It detects, analyzes, and adjusts the details, depth, and appearance, helping you hear every whisper, see every shadow, and catch every call from commentators.

Of course, if the sound doesn't live up to your standards, you can always use the $200 Amazon credit you'll receive from your purchase to snag a soundbar. Upgrade your TV, save 20%, and a get some free money while you can.

The best TV deals to shop this week

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

• Amazon Fire TV 4-Series (43 inches, 2024) — $329.99

• 55-inch Sony Bravia 3 4K LED Smart Google TV (2024 Model) — $648.00 (List Price $699.99)

• Hisense 85-Inch Class U8 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV — $1,699.99

• LG 65-inch Class UR9000 Series 4K Smart TV   — $496.99 (List Price $629.99)

This week, OpenAI announced that free users will now have access to the ChatGPT Memory feature, which remembers your past conversations to better answer your future prompts. But now, after a new judge's ruling, OpenAI has been ordered to remember all chats for all users — even the deleted ones.

The court order is the result of lawsuits against OpenAI brought by news organizations such as the New York Times. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)

In a May 13 ruling, United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang, a federal judge in New York, ordered OpenAI to "preserve and segregate all output log data that would otherwise be deleted on a going forward basis until further order of the Court." (Emphasis in original ruling, as reported by ArsTechnica.)

While the ruling came weeks ago, the news has only recently come to light now that OpenAI is challenging the order. And according to ArsTechnica, OpenAI is now "demanding" oral arguments to block the judge's order.

The plaintiffs (the New York Times and other news organizations) argued that OpenAI could delete incriminating ChatGPT chat logs that could show, for example, ChatGPT users bypassing paywalls by asking the chatbot to summarize articles. For its part, OpenAI argues this is speculative.

In a court filing this week reported by Bloomberg, OpenAI lawyers argued the order would create a "substantial burden" and "require OpenAI to make significant changes to its data infrastructure." By forcing the company to preserve all deleted chats, the ruling could even require OpenAI to violate its own privacy policies. Per Bloomberg, OpenAI is ready to fight the "sweeping, unprecedented order."

If the new ruling stands, then ChatGPT users will have to assume that all of their conversations with the chatbot are now being preserved, raising serious privacy concerns for millions of people.

TL;DR: Scan anything, anywhere, with a lifetime subscription to iScanner, now A$38 (reg. A$310) with code SCAN through 10 July.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription AU$38
AU$310 Save AU$272 with code SCAN 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$310) for a lifetime subscription with code SCAN.

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 20 July at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an iScanner lifetime subscription on sale for A$38.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Eminem documentary Stans leaves you in no doubt, that if you're not a fan around here, you can GTFO.

While the Shady Films-produced movie does include cultural commentators, famous friends, and music journalists, the doc quite literally centers devoted fans as the primary lens through which to examine Marshall Mathers' life and cultural impact — those who've treasured every album, demo, and mixtape, travelled the world to cheer at concerts, and even had Eminem's face tattooed 22 times on their body.

In the documentary, these fans are deemed proud stans (though they differentiate themselves by being "too much like Stan"). Stan is a cultural term around fan culture that's evolved from being somewhat derogatory to gently celebratory, but one that was ultimately born from Eminem's 2000 hit "Stan," in which the artist takes on the perspective of an obsessive fan who murders his girlfriend. "You're just like me," the famous refrain goes.

SEE ALSO: Social media feeds toxic fandoms. Is there a solution?

It's an interesting, unapologetically reverent tactic taken by director Steven Leckart and producers Paul Rosenberg and Tony DiSanto: almost completely tracking an artist's life and career through the deep knowledge and analysis of fans. It's an ode to the connection between artistic empathy and mental health, a compelling exploration of fandom itself and parasocial relationships, and — specifically thanks to Eminem's final line — a middle finger to anyone who has anything negative to say about it.

Stans, ultimately, safeguards itself from criticism. Because if it's not for you, it's not for you.

Stans puts fans to the front, keeping the line in mind.

The true heart of Stans, beyond its famous subject, is the collection of Eminem fans interviewed throughout the film. Each proudly takes a seat in front of the camera, introducing themself (of course) with "My name is..." and sharing their stories of discovering and following Eminem's work. One example is Zolt Shady, a dedicated fan since 2001, whose presence is one of the highlights of the entire documentary, showing us around various Detroit sites from Eminem's life like a tour guide. These fans share his wins, mourn with him, and simply want him to succeed. Each fan is treated with genuine respect, volunteering their time in the hope that their idol will potentially see their explanation for why they're fans at all. Importantly, the idea of actually meeting Eminem is not the point here; they just want him to know.

SEE ALSO: Meet the stans who DM their faves about their day

Stans quite literally provides a definition of parasocial relationships here, with each fan speaking about Eminem as friend. The artist himself admits a certain discomfort with the fact that fans visit sites like that of his now-demolished childhood home, saying, "It's cool that people care, but it's weird because it's me." However, Eminem does self-reflect on his own idols like LL Cool J, who also appears in the documentary, and defines parasocial relationships himself: "You're like their best friend, and you don't even know it."

Despite the titular song being entirely about the topic, Stans pulls back on the very real impact of specifically toxic fandoms, when parasocial relationships go scarily wrong — something Tegan and Sara documentary Fanatical managed with finesse. Any analysis of harmful celebrity worship and harassment is kept relatively contained to a look at the song "Stan" itself, a few comments from Eminem and his famous friends, some thoughts from a fan about what the character Stan would be like in the age of social media, and a montage of some pretty alarming fan letters demanding access and communication.

Instead, the film remains focused on what non-toxic fandom can look like, how people connect with an artist's work and even survive by it, finding solace in shared experience and their unapologetic "standom."

Stans is a wild ride through Eminem's career with zero criticism.

While taking a different approach, Stans is still a chronological music documentary, moving through Eminem's turbulent childhood in Detroit, Michigan, to his early mixtapes and being "discovered" by Dr Dre and Interscope Records' Jimmy Iovine, through his supercharged path to fame, including the Oscar–winning, box office-topping film 8 Mile (based loosely on Eminem's own life). As well as assessing Eminem's impact on hip-hop and the music industry, the film highlights some of the more rapscallion antics of Eminem's career in Stans, featuring many a bare butt cheek. It feels like you're moving through an energetic YouTube session — remember when Eminem did/said that? Fans do.

The film mainly tracks Eminem's discography through fan commentary, with each connecting their own experience to releases including his seminal, controversial second album The Marshall Mathers LP, towering seller The Eminem Show, to his post-hiatus releases Relapse and Recovery. Eminem and his collaborators speak to some of the writing and production of his work, and the toll that being so forthcoming with your own experiences can take. As Eminem says, "I was an open book, and sometimes you want to be able to close that book."

However, the film for the most part has fans reflecting on how each album has impacted them personally. It's an intriguing strategy, handing the critical analysis to those who have pored over each lyric with an emotional magnifying glass, and it leads the film to some really touching reflections about loneliness and the power of creative connection.

Through Eminem's own words and the analysis of the fans, Stans unpacks the onstage persona Slim Shady and how "uncancellable" the artist is behind such a character. However, what Stans refuses to do is adequately examine Eminem's more controversial statements and homophobic and misogynistic lyrics, whether delivered as Slim Shady or himself. "Anybody with half a brain is going to be able to tell when I'm joking and when I'm not," Eminem says. The documentary also doesn't engage any music journalists or cultural commentators with anything critical to say; it's the Eminem documentary, produced by Eminem, and foregrounding Eminem and his fans. The only music journalist in the entire documentary is Anthony Bozza, Rolling Stone journalist and author of the book, Whatever You Say I Am: The Life and Times of Eminem, and the film pointedly takes pains to patronise past Eminem coverage from the New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd.

Instead, the main talking heads beyond the fans are Eminem's close collaborators and admirers — Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, Ed Sheeran, Carson Daly, Adam Sandler — all of whom provide insight into Eminem's impact. But it's the artist himself who gives the most raw opinions of himself in his darkest days.

Stans makes room to explore fame, mental health, and addiction.

Unfortunately, one of the most consistent turns in music documentaries often sees the artist struggling with fame and the pressure of celebrity, which can often lead to problems with mental health and substance abuse. It's a sadly common tale that seems to come with the territory.

Stans treats its subject, Eminem, with respect throughout this section of the documentary — namely because the artist himself leads the conversation. Through interviews down the camera, bolstered by commentary from his concerned fans, Eminem speaks to his own experience with addiction, which saw the artist almost lose his life after the shocking loss of his best friend and D12 member, MC Proof, who was shot and killed in a club on Detroit's Eight Mile in 2006.

One of the most raw moments of the documentary sees Eminem speaking frankly about his experience with addiction, revisiting painful memories with regret and determination. The film pairs this with commentary from Dr. Dre about the impact Eminem's own lyrics about mental health have had on rappers after him, pushing a trend of being open and vulnerable in hip-hop to promote authenticity.

It's this reverence for Eminem's authentic expression and persistence through struggle that remains at the core of both his collaborators' comments and the reflections from fans. Though an overtly reverent documentary, Stans is a compelling, respectful exploration of one of the world's most successful and famous artists mainly through the experiences and opinions of his fans.

And if you don't like it, according to Eminem, you can "s*** a fat d***." For real.

Stans was reviewed out of its global premiere at SXSW London. It will premiere on Paramount+ globally later this year.

FREE SMART KEYBOARD + FOLIO CASE WITH PURCHASE: As of June 5, pre-order the OnePlus Pad 3 for $699.99 at OnePlus and get a Smart Keyboard ($199.99 value) and Folio Case ($49.99 value) for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: OnePlus OnePlus Pad 3 $699.99 at OnePlus
Get Smart Keyboard and Folio Case free with purchase Get Deal

Looking to add a new tablet to your collection? If you're looking to give something beyond what Apple and Samsung have to offer, you might consider testing out tech from OnePlus. The OnePlus Pad 3 is available to pre-order now, and it's got an enticing offer that comes along with it when you buy your new device straight from OnePlus: some goodies that can make using your new tech even better.

As of June 5, pre-order the OnePlus Pad 3 for $699.99 at OnePlus and get a Smart Keyboard ($199.99 value), Folio Case ($49.99 value) for free. To get your freebies, just add them to the cart from the item page (where it says "Free Gift. Pick 2 items from below"), and the discount will automatically be applied. Your items have an estimated delivery of July 15.

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel Tablet is back down to its lowest price ever at Amazon

This lightweight tablet boasts a 13.2-inch LCD screen with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 12GB of RAM, a 12,140 mAh battery, and a 13MP rear camera with 8MP front-facing option. It's just 1.49 pounds, and runs on Android 15 with OxygenOS 15. It's an attractive package with a slimline form factor, and a smaller, more nondescript camera bump than some of its rivals.

It uses facial recognition to get you logged in, features an eight-speaker setup that gives you better, more crisp audio than the usual four-speaker arrangement from its competitors, and a feature called Holo Audio that offers positional sound. This tablet does a lot of things better than the other tablets on the market, with a laundry list of additional features you'll want to make use of.

But what really makes it a great buy are the freebies you can get with it, so grab yours while they're still available.

Best tech deals

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

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

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

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

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

SAVE $70: The Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven is on sale at Amazon for $229.99, down from the normal price of $299.99. That's a 17% discount that matches the lowest price we've ever seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven $229.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $70 Get Deal

I'm not a great chef. My arsenal of dinner recipes includes maybe 10 meals that I make on repeat to keep things simple. I'm more of a person who eats to stay alive rather than enjoying getting creative when it comes to dinner. However, the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven has changed my meal rotation significantly, and it's on sale now at Amazon.

As of June 5, the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven is on sale for $229.99, marked down from the list price of $299.99. That's a 17% discount that takes $70 off the cost. It also matches its record-low price at Amazon.

The Ninja Artisan Pizza Outdoor Pizza oven is a miracle machine when it comes to whipping out restaurant-quality pizzas. I was blown away by what I was able to create with the oven, even on my first attempt. The Ninja Pizza Oven can reach a whopping 700 degrees, and it comes with an included pizza stone, which are immediate cheats when it comes to making great pizza. Because of that high temp, you only want to use this oven outside, but that's what summer is for.

If I can make this, you can too. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The pizza oven has several options to make your perfect pie including Neapolitan, Thin Crust, Pan, and New York. There's no flame involved with this model and instead, the electric heat can alter from 90 (perfect for proofing pizza dough) to 700, which is awesome for getting crisp crust in just three minutes.

SEE ALSO: Take $100 off the Shark Clean & Empty stick vacuum and get a free $14 Amazon credit

But the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven isn't just for pizza. You also get a 12x12-inch baking tray that you can use on the oven's bake, broil, and warm settings. I've baked up chicken, roasted a tray of vegetables, and baked a loaf of bread.

I know what you're thinking — this looks awesome, but it's still over $200. That's true, but if we compare this to the price of a frozen pizza at the grocery store, you don't have to make many pies to break even. That becomes even more true if you're stopping by the local pizza parlor for take-out once a week. I use a super simple pizza dough recipe from King Arthur Baking that takes just oven an hour to combine, knead, and proof. All in all, it's a minimal effort event that comes with delicious payout.

Impress yourself, your family, friends, and neighbors by making incredible backyard pizza thanks to the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven. It's a great day to score this versatile oven, since it's back at the lowest price we've ever spotted at Amazon. Plus, it's made with weatherproof materials so you won't have to stop using it when the weather turns cold in the fall.

The best home and kitchen deals to shop this week

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

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

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

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

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

ASML, the Dutch company that makes multimillion-dollar tools to manufacture advanced semiconductors, is grappling with the repercussions of a tech trade war.

Bankrupt genetic testing company 23andMe is looking to sell its assets — most notably its customers' DNA data — for more than $300 million.

The company told a bankruptcy judge this week that it wanted to re-open bidding for its assets after co-founder and ex-CEO Anne Wojcicki put forth a $305 million bid, Reuters reported. The company last month agreed to sell most of its data to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for $256 million. Now, 23andMe is looking to back away from that deal. Regeneron's lawyer called the "do-over" unfair but indicated the company was willing make another offer, according to Reuters. Regeneron did request a $10 million breakup fee if the new Wojcicki-led bid is ultimately accepted.

"The auction was over, the rules were clear," Regeneron's lawyer Emil Kleinhaus told the judge, via Reuters.

SEE ALSO: 23andMe data breach settlement could give up to $10K to victims

It is, of course, a bit unsettling for 23andMe customers to see their DNA info up for sale. Regeneron promised in a press release at the time of the initial agreement that it would "process all customer personal data in accordance with the consents, privacy policies and statements, terms of service, and notices currently in effect."

Still, it's been a rough time for 23andMe and its users over the past few years. The company had a major data breach, saw its valuation plummet, and is now ultimately bankrupted and up for sale.

SAVE $15: As of June 5, the Amazon Echo Buds are on sale at Amazon for $34.99 down from $49.99. That's 30% in savings and just $10 shy of their best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15 Get Deal

Amazon didn't reinvent the wheel when they dropped the budget-friendly Echo Buds in 2023, but they did completely overhaul the design of the previous version. They're super simple earbuds, but they still hold their own — especially for less than $50.

As of June 5, you can grab a pair for even less — just $34.99 at Amazon. That's 30% off their list price of $49.99, and just $10 shy of their best price ever.

SEE ALSO: My favorite Beats earbuds are $30 off for a limited time

As Mashable reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker noted, "For the price, the Echo Buds are a solid pair of wireless earbuds." They may not offer noise cancellation or have the most comfortable fit on the market, but they sound great, last up to 20 hours, are simple to set up, and seamlessly pair with your other Alexa gadgets. The controls are easy to use — just tap to pause or play, double tap to skip to the next track, triple tap to go back, or long press to talk to Alexa — but being able to ask Alexa to do things for you is especially helpful.

The Echo Buds look and feel pretty similar to basic AirPods, but they're only a fraction of the price. They probably won't wow you if you're an audiophile, but for casual listeners, they'll definitely get the job done.

The best headphones and speaker deals to shop this week

• Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds — $19.98 (List Price $39.99)

• Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones — $59.99

• JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $129.95)

• Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker — $149.00

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $228.00 (List Price $348.00)

• JBL Bar 300 5.0ch Compact Soundbar — $249.95 (List Price $399.95)

SAVE $200.01: As of June 5, get the Dreame L10S robot vacuum at Amazon for $399.98, down from $599.99. That's $200.01 in savings for 33% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame L10S Ultra robot vacuum $399.98 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $200.01 Get Deal

Sick of hauling out the vacuum every week to keep your floors clean? Even if you go for a cordless option, you still have to make sure it's charged and then empty out the dust bin after every use. If you need to take one thing off your to-do list each week, it's time to turn to a robot vacuum. The best robot vacuum deal we've spotted this week is on the Dreame L10S Ultra.

As of June 5, shop the Dreame L10S Ultra robot vacuum at Amazon for $399.98. That saves $200.01 off the list price of $599.99 for a 33% discount. It's also the lowest price we've spotted on the Dreame L10S Ultra this year.

SEE ALSO: Take $180 off the Roborock Q10 X5+ robot vacuum and mop at Amazon and outsource your chores

The Dreame L10S Ultra robot vacuum comes at an affordable price tag but possesses features you'd find in much more expensive robot vacuums. It's a combo model that, in addition to vacuuming, also mops floors. Its docking station keeps things exceptionally hands-free. In addition to auto-emptying, it will also wash and dry mop pads and add water and cleaning solution.

Grab the Dreame L10S Ultra robot vacuum for $399.98 at Amazon and save $200.01.

Best home and kitchen deals

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

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

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

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

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

SAVE $54.98: As of June 5, get the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle for $524.99 at Costco. That's a 14% discount. This deal is only available to Costco members.

Opens in a new window Credit: Costco Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $524.99 at Costco
$579.97 Save $54.98 Get Deal

The Nintendo Switch 2 is officially here. Miss out on preordering your own? You've still got a chance at snagging one, and you don't have to venture out into the world to fight for the few precious leftover units at a GameStop or other local destination. If you're a Costco member, you can stroll right on over and lock in an excellent bundle deal on a Switch 2 right now. But you're going to want to hurry, because it won't be around for long.

As of June 5, get the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle for $524.99 at Costco. That's $54.98 off and a 14% discount. This deal is only available to Costco members.

This bundle includes the base Nintendo Switch 2 console, Mario Kart World, and a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. It's everything you need to start playing today. The standard Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle is $499.99, but it's much less easier to find out in the wild right now. This is a safe bet to get the console and some extra goodies for a discount. Plus, it's, you know...available.

To say the Switch is highly in demand right now is a huge understatement. If you're a Costco member, you'd better grab this deal while you still can. And if you happen to miss out, you might still have some luck elsewhere, even as folks are receiving their systems via delivery today. There's still a chance!

A new day has dawned for Nintendo fans, as the gaming company's highly anticipated Switch 2 officially releases for eager U.S. gamers.

The journey wasn't easy, with the console hit by the Trump admin's high-flying tariffs and disappointing delays for those looking to pre-order the console. With hundreds lining up outside GameStops and Targets around the nation over a month later, the saga wasn't yet over.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide: Track latest restocks, see our first-hand impressions

As the clock struck midnight, social media posts began trickling in from fans who, after spending hours waiting in line at the Staten Island Game Stop location, opened the brand new boxes to find their screens punctured by small holes. Fans claimed the damage was from store employees stapling preorder receipts directly onto the box, tearing through the cardboard, a thin plastic envelope surrounding the unit, and straight into the Switch 2's LCD screen.

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In a now-deleted post on the GameStop subreddit, users said the mishap affected everyone who had pre-ordered units at their local store, potentially hundreds of Switch 2 consoles.

While some were quick to direct their anger at GameStop employees, others took the issue up with Nintendo itself, arguing that the company had skimped on the packaging and shipping protection, including boxing up the $450 console with its 7.9 inch screen facing directly up. Neither GameStop nor Nintendo have publicly comment on the snafu.

SAVE $100: The 65-inch Hisense QD7 QLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $499.99, down from the normal price of $599.99. That's a 17% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch QD7 QLED TV $499.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100 Get Deal

Summer break is just around the corner. Even if you have plenty of trips booked, you'll find yourself home on the couch occasionally. When that happens, you're probably tuning into your favorite streaming platform to catch up on this summer's latest releases. If you're displeased with your current TV, there's a great deal at Amazon today.

As of June 5, the 65-inch Hisense QD7 QLED 4K TV is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $599.99. That's a 17% discount that shaves $100 off the list price.

A small TV doesn't really cut it anymore and these days, most people will want to outfit their living rooms with a TV that's at least 65 inches. Hisense makes some of the best budget-friendly models without skimping out on picture quality. That's all true when it comes to today's deal on the Hisense QD7 QLED.

SEE ALSO: Roku's 65-inch QLED TV is half off at Amazon

The mini-LED display focuses on great contrast and it features full array local dimming. QLED TVs tend to be a great option if you'll be watching in a bright room or you tend to watch TV during daylight hours.

The Hisense comes with a built-in Fire TV so your streaming platforms will all be organized into a simple home screen.

Get ready for summer streaming by scoring the 65-inch Hisense QD7 QLED 4K TV while it's on sale for under $500. Since this sale price comes within $10 of the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon there's probably no need to wait until Prime Day to upgrade.

The best TV deals to shop this week

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

• Amazon Fire TV 4-Series (43 inches, 2024) — $329.99

• 55-inch Sony Bravia 3 4K LED Smart Google TV (2024 Model) — $648.00 (List Price $699.99)

• Hisense 85-Inch Class U8 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV — $1,699.99

• LG 65-inch Class UR9000 Series 4K Smart TV   — $496.99 (List Price $629.99)

SAVE $180: As of June 5, get the Roborock Q10 X5+ robot vacuum and mop for $319.99, down from its usual price of $499.99, at Amazon. That's a discount of 36%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Roborock Q10 X5+ robot vacuum and mop $319.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $180 Get Deal

If you're tired of pushing around a vacuum like it's your full-time job, there's an easy alternative. Robot vacuums are literally made to keep you from having to deal with this chore, and they're getting more affordable all the time. And now they can mop, too. If that's something you're interested in, it's time to head to Amazon.

As of June 5, get the Roborock Q10 X5+ robot vacuum and mop for $319.99, down from its usual price of $499.99, at Amazon. That's $180 off and a discount of 36%.

SEE ALSO: The 3 best Shark robot vacuums beat Roomba competitors

The Roborock Q10 X5+ can hold up to 7 weeks of dirt and debris, so you can let it go about its merry way without having to empty its dustbin. That's already a little peace of mind that you can add to your routine, not having to worry about cleaning a vacuum filter or changing anything out. It has 10,000 Pa suction power as well, so it'll fill its bin up with dirt, crumbs, hair, and more out of those floors.

To keep hair from slowing it down, it has a special system that helps keep things from tangling and clogging up. Plus, when you need to switch from vacuuming to mopping, you don't have to do any kind of special procedure to get everything changed over. It can vacuum and mop simultaneously, with adjustable water flow to handle different types of messes.

With LiDAR to help map out your home and detect obstacles, deep carpet cleaning with wet and dry modes, and a self-emptying bin, this is a robot vacuum and mop combo that you'll be glad to have. You may never have to actually lift a finger to vacuum again.

Best home and kitchen deals

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

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

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

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

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

Google's Search by Image feature is low-key one of my favorite shopping tools. It takes a split second to identify products and logos in photos that might otherwise take me hours to track down.

Case in point: When I wanted to know which iPhone case pop superstar Chappell Roan was rocking in some mirror selfies she shared to Instagram this week, a reverse image search immediately pulled up the source. It's the Sparkle Girl case from Wildflower, which just so happens to be on sale right now for up to 40% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wildflower Wildflower Sparkle Girl iPhone 16 Case $28 at Wildflower
$35 Save $7 Get Deal

The Sparkle Girl is available for most iPhone models dating back to 2019's iPhone 11, and the majority of its sizes are discounted to well under $30. The iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 14 Pro sizes are the cheapest at $21 apiece, down 40% from their usual $35. Our "Pink Pony Club" CEO appears to have the iPhone 16 Pro, judging by the size and layout of her handset's camera, which is marked down to $28 — a 20% savings.

The Sparkle Girl is a limited-edition design (as are all Wildflower styles) that features a twinkling blue bow embellished with a pink rosette — very cutesy, very coquette. Per the description on its product page, it has a solid outer shell made from "sandblasted polyurethane" and a raised bumper around its edges to protect the phone's screen.

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A few Sparkle Girl sizes were sold out at the time of writing, but interested shoppers can sign up to get in-stock notifications via email. If you aren't patient, you can also find some of them on Amazon — but only one size was on sale there the last time I checked. Good luck, babe!

The best Amazon kids device deals at a glance: BEST KINDLE DEAL Kindle Paperwhite Kids $139.99 (save $40) Get Deal BEST ECHO DEAL Echo Pop Kids $25.99 (save $24) Get Deal BEST FIRE TABLET DEAL Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids $129.99 (save $60) Get Deal

There actually is a cure for the summertime blues, and it's a new device. Keep your kids entertained all summer long with fun, interactive, and age-appropriate digital experiences through Amazon's Fire Kids tablets, Echo Kids, and Kindle Kids devices. They're built to grow with your little ones for years with trusted content for kids and easy-to-use parental controls — and as of June 5, they're almost all on sale for up to 48% off.

Save on our favorite Kindle for kids, our top pick for a kids tablet, and more.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite Kids (16GB) $139.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $40 Get Deal Why we like it

While the Kindle Kids is more affordable ($105 vs. $140 on sale), it isn't waterproof. That's the main reason we prefer the Kindle Paperwhite Kids instead. The newest model was released last fall and comes in its thinnest, fastest form yet. Yet it's still heftier than the adult Kindle Paperwhite, so it's able to withstand kid shenanigans. It packs a seven-inch display with a higher contrast ratio, 25 percent faster page turns than its predecessor, and a free six-month subscription to Amazon Kids+, which is loaded with age-appropriate books. At 22% off, it's down to its best price on record.

Best Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop Kids $25.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $24.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Echo Pop Kids is a fun and affordable way to introduce your kids to Alexa. Our pals at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) named it "Amazon's top smart speaker for children" and gave it the PCMag Editor's Choice honor. It's packed with age-appropriate content, stories, audiobooks, and music for your little ones and encourages independence, while still keeping parents in charge via parental controls. The only downside is it only comes in Disney-licensed designs. But if you've got a kid who's a Disney princess or Marvel fan, you're in luck. It's usually $49.99, but you can snag it on sale for only $25.99. That's nearly half off, and just $3 shy of its best price ever.

Best Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet $129.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $60 Get Deal Why we like it

The Fire HD 10 Kids is our favorite tablet for kids. It features a large 10.1-inch 1080p full HD display, 3GB of RAM, up to 13 hours of battery life, and is 25 percent faster than its predecessor. Its durable case with a built-in kickstand ensures it can handle kid-friendly adventures, while the included year of Amazon Kids+ ensures your kid will never be bored. Sure, the HD 8 Kids is newer, but the HD 10 Kids still wins for its bigger and better screen, as well as its ability to run more robust apps and games.

More Amazon kids device deals

• Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) — $35.99 $59.99 (save $24)

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet — $54.99 $99.99 (save $45)

• Echo Show 5 Kids — $65.99 $99.99 (save $34)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet — $94.99 $149.99 (save $55)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet — $94.99 $149.99 (save $55)

• Kindle Kids — $104.99 $129.99 (save $25)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro — $134.99 $189.99 (save $55)

The best tech deals to shop this week

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

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

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

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

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

Pornhub has blocked access in France as of yesterday, the BBC and other news outlets reported. The tube site reportedly exited the country, which is its second biggest market according to CNN, because of a French age-verification law.

The law states that, by June 7, porn sites must install a technical system to verify users' ages beyond a "yes or no" checkbox, according to Radio France Internationale. This must be done by a third party and comply with "double anonymity," meaning the porn site doesn't know the user's exact age and the verification system doesn't know what sites the user visits. The system requires a user's credit card or a government ID.

SEE ALSO: How to unblock Pornhub for free in France Why is Pornhub blocked in France?

Pornhub, along with YouPorn and Redtube (all owned by parent company Aylo, formerly MindGeek), restricted access in France on June 4.

"We've made the difficult decision to suspend access to our sites (user-uploaded content platforms, including Pornhub, YouPorn, Redtube) in France and instead use our platforms to speak directly to the French people," Pornhub's VP of brand and community, Alex Kekesi, said in a statement.

"For years, we have attempted to collaborate with the government, by consultation, data sharing and offering pilot project participation," Kekesi continued. "The results of all of this have been clear — site-based age verification does not work. It does not protect children, and it exposes the data of millions of French people to privacy breaches and hacks."

The statement goes on to advocate for device-based filtering, and argues that people won't stop looking for porn, and will instead go to non-complying websites.

"The Aylo group has chosen to shirk the imperative of protecting minors by suspending access to its content in France, including for adults, even though there are numerous technical solutions on the market that allow users' age to be verified while ensuring the protection of their personal data," Arcom, France's communication regulator, stated in its own press release.

"Au revoir," France's minister for gender equality, Aurore Bergé, wrote on X, stating that Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube refuse to comply with the law.

Age-verification laws in the U.S. and abroad

Age-verification laws have swept the U.S. in recent years, with nearly a third of states enacting them. Typically, these laws require a proof of age like a facial scan or a government ID. As with France, Pornhub has blocked itself from most of those states, citing the burden to comply.

But free speech advocates that Mashable has spoken to claim that age-verification laws won't function as intended as they can be worked around with software like VPNs, and can cause privacy and security risks. A recent study out of NYU suggested age-verification laws don't work for these reasons.

In January, the Supreme Court heard about the constitutionality of Texas's age-verification law. The decision is expected this month.

Mashable has reached out to Pornhub for comment.