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Live Nation, parent company of infamous live event ticket platform Ticketmaster, has violated federal and state antitrust laws in its dominance of the market, a federal jury ruled Wednesday.

A judge will choose what remedy fits the crime, which could include forcing a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, the New York Times reported. Live Nation will be ordered to pay monetary damages, as well.

SEE ALSO: Parents are turning their teens' texts into AI emo songs

The industry has been waiting for this decision for years, following the federal government's 2024 filing alleging the company uses "unlawful, anticompetitive conduct," including long-term exclusive contracts with venues and threats of financial retribution against venues and artists, to retain a "monopolistic control" over the live entertainment market.

"The result is that fans pay more in fees, artists have fewer opportunities to play concerts, smaller promoters get squeezed out, and venues have fewer real choices for ticketing services. It is time to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster," the initial filing read.

The move was partially inspired by extremely high ticket prices for popular, international tours and an outcry from the artists themselves, including Taylor Swift and her army of legally adept fans. Music industry giants, including Pearl Jam, have for decades attempted to break up Ticketmaster's control over live entertainment.

Live Nation has faced several legal battles related to its alleged market monopoly, including a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in September, which alleged that the company made billions off of deceptive ticket resale practices.

The Justice Department settled with Live Nation last month, a move that has been scrutinized by congressional leaders. But 34 states remained on the case, and their recent win may profoundly shift the industry.

Amazon's first true rival to Samsung's The Frame finally has a release date. The Amazon Ember Artline, a 4K QLED TV that can display artwork, will launch in the U.S. on Wednesday, April 22, according to a company press release. Preorders are now open.

The Ember Artline comes in a 55-inch size ($899.99) and a 65-inch size ($1,099.99). Shoppers can take their pick from 10 interchangeable frame colors.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch Ember Artline 4K QLED TV $899.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 65-inch Ember Artline 4K QLED TV $1,099.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

Amazon originally unveiled the Ember Artline at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, where it also announced that it would be rebranding all of its smart TVs with the "Ember" moniker. (The Fire TV name will still apply to Amazon's TV interface, streaming media players, and soundbars.) Amazon's TV listings had been updated to reflect the new branding by the time of writing on Wednesday, April 15.

SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this easy TV specs guide

Ember Artline owners get access to a library of over 2,000 art pieces for free, per the press release:

There’s no extra cost or subscription required to access the thousands of free art pieces available on the Amazon Ember Artline. Our collection spans artistic movements and includes Impressionist classics by Monet, Degas, and Renoir, alongside contemporary works of street art, murals, mixed media, and photography. Customers also have access to 60 exclusive motion video pieces commissioned by documentary filmmaker Sam Nuttmann, who traveled the world capturing landscape and wildlife scenes.

If you're not sure which pieces will look best on your wall, the Ember Artline can offer suggestions using its AI-powered "Match the Room" feature. Simply upload a couple of pictures of your room by scanning a QR code with your phone. The TV will pull artwork options based on the colors and decor style of your space, as well as any "recurring themes" in your existing wall art, Amazon said.

You can also have the Ember Artline display slideshows and collages of your personal snapshots by connecting it to your Amazon Photos account.

Amazon's AI-powered "Match the Room" feature can suggest art pieces that fit your home's vibe. Credit: Amazon

Notably, the Ember Artline is the only TV in Amazon's lineup with a matte finish, which makes it more convincing as artwork than a traditional screen.

Billed as "Amazon's first lifestyle TV," the Ember Artline is now the most affordable alternative to Samsung's The Frame, a popular premium 4K QLED TV that doubles as artwork. Competing options like the Hisense CanvasTV and the TCL NXTVISION TV cost $999.99 and $1,299.99, respectively, in 55-inch sizes. Samsung's latest 55-inch The Frame also goes for $1,299.99.

SEE ALSO: Best 65-inch+ TVs for watching in dark and bright rooms

In 2022, Amazon updated its cheaper Fire TV Omni QLED Series (now Ember QLED Series) with an "Ambient Experience" gallery feature that replicates The Frame's Art Mode, letting it display art or photos. However, that model lacks a matte finish and picture frame-like bezel — meaning the Ember Artline is Amazon's first proper The Frame dupe.

Price aside, the Ember Artline's extensive and completely free library also makes it a compelling buy. The Frame owners get access to a rotating selection of only 30 pieces per month; its full library of 5,000-plus pieces is locked behind a Samsung Art Store subscription ($4.99 per month or $49.99 per year). The Hisense CanvasTV is preloaded with around 1,000 pieces, while the TCL NXTVISION TV has access to only 350-plus artworks, but over 100,000 pieces of AI-generated art.

The Ember Artline includes access to more than 2,000 free art pieces. Credit: Amazon

Based on a cursory glance at its spec sheet, the Ember Artline's only major downsides appear to be its lack of Dolby Atmos support and its basic 60Hz refresh rate. With smoother refresh rates of 120Hz to 144Hz, its rivals are better for gamers and hardcore movie buffs.

The Ember Artline comes with a custom wall mount, but if you'd rather prop it up on a console, you can buy legs for it for $19.99. Extra frames start at $74.99 apiece.

You know the drill. Every once in a while you have to go through your devices and delete the photos, videos, and games eating up your storage so you can download new stuff and keep your device — and your productivity — flowing. 

The process can feel like a time suck, sure. But nothing kills momentum faster than trying to offload photos from your latest trip or client shoot and realizing you’ve got nowhere to put them. Or sitting down to build that awesome slide deck, packed with high-res images and videos, only to hit a "storage almost full" warning halfway through. 

If you think the only way to solve your storage conundrum is to upgrade your device, think again. Sandisk’s lineup of portable flash drives, internal solid-state drives (SSDs), microSD™ cards, and more lets you offload and safely store your files so you can keep shooting, editing, and creating your heart out. 

Check out this roundup of top Sandisk picks to help free yourself from storage anxiety.

Plug-and-stay USB-C storage Opens in a new window Credit: SANDISK Extreme® Fit USB-C™ Flash Drive $219.99 at SANDISK
$274.99 Save $55   Get Deal

The SANDISK Extreme® Fit USB-C™ Flash Drive packs an incredible amount of data storage into its thumb-sized package, allowing you to effortlessly offload large files from your laptop, desktop, tablet, and other USB-C devices. 

Whether you want up to 64GB [1] or a full 1TB [1] of additional storage, this drive transfers files at read speeds up to 400MB/s [2] and helps to safely tuck them away, giving your device the space it needs to perform at its peak. It also checks the portability box. Just plug it in and leave it, and it’ll give you access to your data without having to rely on the cloud or unreliable internet speeds. 

An instant phone-storage hack Opens in a new window Credit: SANDISK Phone Drive with USB-C $134.99 at SANDISK
$174.99 Save $40   Get Deal

Think you need to buy a new phone to score more storage for your photos and videos? Nope. The SANDISK Phone Drive with USB-C is a game-changer for busy students, parents, content creators, videographers, or anyone else who lives on their phones but is constantly hitting walls with their device’s limited storage.

Available with up to 1TB [1] of space, just plug it into your compatible iOS or Android phone, quickly transfer files to your USB-C laptop or tablet at speeds up to 150MB/s [2], and get right back to shooting high-res photos and high-def videos on your now-freed-up phone. The drive also comes in four colors that match the iPhone 16 lineup. 

A boost for your gaming handheld console Opens in a new window Credit: SANDISK microSD Card for ROG Xbox Ally X $99.99 at SANDISK
  Get Deal

Sandisk also delivers fast, reliable, and durable storage solutions designed to keep up with today’s powerful handheld gaming devices, making it easy for gamers to expand their libraries and play with confidence anywhere.

The SANDISK microSD™ Card for ROG Xbox Ally X is an ideal storage upgrade for your ROG Xbox Ally X or ROG Xbox Ally, engineered to match the power and portability of these handhelds. Available in up to 2TB capacities [1], this microSD card lets you carry up to 50 games [3] without juggling space.

Designed with full Xbox integration for seamless compatibility, it delivers up to 200MB/s transfer speeds [2] for quicker load times and smoother gameplay, plus high write speeds for speedy downloads and installs. Built tough with drop, shock, and X-ray protection [4], the new microSD card from Sandisk is certified, tested, and engineered specifically for Xbox and ASUS’ new handheld device, allowing gamers to take their library of games anywhere.

Opens in a new window Credit: SANDISK microSD Express Card $99.99 at SANDISK
$111.99 Save $12   Get Deal

For other new, popular gaming handheld consoles, there’s the SANDISK microSD Express Card. This card is designed with fast read and write speeds, helping to reduce load times, speed up downloads, and enable access to large game files. 

Sandisk’s trusted reliability means your game library stays protected, whether you’re installing massive AAA releases or managing frequent updates. Built for durability, it’s ready for life on the go, from backpacks to travel cases. If you want storage that matches the power of your favorite handheld, this microSD Express Card is a smart upgrade.

This portable 4TB SSD can take it Opens in a new window Credit: SANDISK Extreme Portable SSD $224.99 at SANDISK
$282.99 Save $58   Get Deal

You’re traversing the jungle — leafy or concrete — shooting tons of content and, suddenly, your phone runs out of storage and freezes up. Let the new-generation and very durable SANDISK Extreme Portable SSD save the day. Not only can you transfer 1,000 high-res photos from your phone to the drive in under a minute [5], but you can also safely store up to 4TB [1] of data on it, and the drive is drop, water, and dust-resistant [6].

You can access your files and projects from anywhere, no cloud access or WiFi necessary, while password protection and built-in 256-bit AES encryption [7] help keep your goods protected. Clip this pocket-sized storage life saver to your backpack or slide it into your cargo-pants pocket and get out there with confidence that you won’t run out of storage.  

Forget about having to upgrade your device in order to score more storage. Sandisk offers a range of easy to use and carry data-storage solutions for your compatible phone, laptop, tablet, or other device with the space it needs to perform.

Disclaimers from Sandisk

1. 1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes. 1TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Actual storage available to the user is less.

2. Speeds vary by product and capacity. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.

3. Number of games based on an average of 36 GB per game stored on a 2 TB SANDISK microSD card for ROG Xbox Ally (X). The number of games will vary depending on file size, format, and other software and other factors.

4. Card only. See product packaging and www.sandisk.com/proof for additional information and limitations.

5. Based on internal testing with an average PNG file size of 30.4 MB; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.

6. Based on internal testing. IEC 60529 IP65: Tested to withstand water flow (30 kPa) at 3 min.; limited dust contact does not interfere with operation. Must be clean and dry before use.

7. Password protection uses 256-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 10+ and macOS v13+. Software download required, see www.sandisk.com/memoryzone.

SANDISK, the SANDISK logo, and SANDISK Extreme Fit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sandisk Corporation or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. USB Type-C is a registered trademark of USB Implementers Forum.  All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Product specifications subject to change without notice. Pictures shown may vary from actual products.

The company, which owns the social media app Snapchat, said it was laying off about 1,000 employees as it increased its reliance on artificial intelligence.

WPP, Dentsu and Publicis settled claims they colluded on policies to combat misinformation, denying ad revenue to publishers on the right.

Updated on Wednesday, April 15 at 2:08 p.m. ET — A recent Claude status page update confirmed that "This incident has been resolved." An Anthropic spokesperson said that the company appreciates users' patience as it fixed the problem.

Previous updates reported issues with Claude.ai, Clade Code, and the Claude API, with an earlier status stating, "Claude.ai and Platform are down. Login for Claude Code does not work via Claude.ai."

According to an Anthropic status monitor, Claude AI experienced a "major outage" for 40 minutes and a "partial outage" for 73 minutes. Anthropic reported that the service had an overall uptime of 98.79 percent over the past 90 days. Despite previously confirming an issue with Claude Cowork, that service has no reported problems today on the Claude status page. Read more about the incident at the Anthropic website.

Updated on Wednesday, April 15 at 1:37 p.m. ET — In a statement to Mashable, an Anthropic spokesperson confirmed that Claude was experiencing an outage on Wednesday afternoon. The problems affected the Claude.ai desktop browser as well as the popular Anthropic services Cowork and Claude Code.

"Claude.ai and Cowork are currently down for most users and some users may also have trouble logging into Claude Code. Our team is working to restore service and we’re appreciative of everyone’s understanding while we work through this," the spokesperson said.

You can read our original story about this outage below. We'll continue to update this page as new information is available and service is restored.

Claude, the popular AI chatbot from Anthropic, appeared to experience a potential outage on Wednesday. Thousands of users reported trouble accessing Claude, with user error reports spiking at approximately 10:30 a.m. ET, according to DownDetector.

(DownDetector and Mashable are both owned by the same company, Ziff Davis.)

By 1:00 p.m. ET, user error reports were slowing down, though DownDetector is still reporting ongoing problems with Claude AI.

The majority of users (38 percent) reported problems with Claude Chat, while 29 percent reported problems with Claude Code and 25 percent with the Claude App.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

DownDetector showed a spike in Claude user error reports on Wednesday. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of DownDetector SEE ALSO: Is Anthropic's Claude Mythos a big stunt, or a real security threat? What the experts say.

One Mashable editor was unable to access the free version of Claude on desktop, with an error message saying, "You’ve hit your limit for Claude messages. Please wait before trying again. For higher limits, explore our Pro plan." This, despite not having sent any messages to Claude previously. An additional pop-up states, "Service is temporarily busy. You can try again shortly."

Rather than a true Claude outage, access may simply be temporarily restricted for free users. Claude has seen massive growth so far in 2026. In March, amid a feud with the Pentagon and Trump administration, an Anthropic spokesperson told Mashable the company was signing up more than 1 million new users a day.

This is a developing story...

SAVE $24: As of April 15, get a digital download of TurboTax Deluxe (Federal + State) for $55.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $79.99. That's a discount of 30%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon TurboTax Deluxe (Federal + State) $55.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $24.00   Get Deal

Today is Tax Day for those of us in the United States, and a day of great frustration for anyone who hasn't navigated the often complicated world of taxes just yet. If you've waited until the last minute, however, don't fret. You've still got time to make sure your taxes are set and ready to go without having to file an extension if you act fast. You can do just that with this Tax Day sale on TurboTax Deluxe, which should help get you through the finish line before midnight, as long as you hurry.

As of April 15, get a digital download of TurboTax Deluxe (Federal + State) for $55.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $79.99. That's $24 off and a discount of 30%.

SEE ALSO: Tax Day 2026 deals: Score free food from Burger King, Krispy Kreme, Popeyes, Wendy's, and more

Once purchased, you can download your TurboTax Deluxe install and get started working on your tax return right away. This version comes with support for both federal and state taxes, so it should have you covered unless you have a much more complicated tax situation.

You get 5 federal e-files and 1 state with your download, though you'll need to pay for a state e-file separately. The software will take you step by step through all of your tax information, potential deductions, and other tidbits to help you get the maximum refund possible (or help cut down what you owe). You also get free U.S.-based tech support if you need it as well as optional live tax advice while you work on your return (for an additional fee).

While seeing a tax expert or an accountant may be your best bet if you can squeeze an appointment in at the last minute, this download can help you ensure you've completed a return by midnight if you act fast. That alone will help you to avoid penalties and fees or, worse, not filing at all. Don't do that. Grab this download and rest easy when the date flips over to April 16.

Artificial intelligence was linked to an estimated 50,000 layoffs in 2025, and just this year, Amazon, Atlassian, Pinterest, Block, and Fiverr have announced layoffs linked to AI. Now, you can add Snap to the list.

In a memo to Snap employees posted on Wednesday, billionaire CEO Evan Spiegel said the company is laying off about 1,000 employees, or 16 percent of its workforce. As part of these cuts, 300 open roles have also been eliminated. Spiegel told North American employees to work from home on Wednesday, telling them they would find out if they were impacted imminently.

The memo to employees cited the importance of artificial intelligence, and Spiegel said the company would reduce its annual costs by $500 million by the end of the year.

Last fall, I described Snap as facing a crucible moment, requiring a new way of working that is faster and more efficient, while pivoting towards profitable growth....While these changes are necessary to realize Snap’s long-term potential, we believe that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence enable our teams to reduce repetitive work, increase velocity, and better support our community, partners, and advertisers. We have already witnessed small squads leveraging AI tools to drive meaningful progress across several important initiatives, including Snapchat+, enhanced ad platform performance, and efficiency improvements in our Snap Lite infrastructure.

The company has said that it uses AI to generate code and improve efficiency, but it's also worth noting that activist investor Irenic Capital Management (which holds 2.5 percent of the company) called on Snap to make cuts last week and better use AI, according to Reuters.

SEE ALSO: Meta, Snap, and YouTube insiders reveal common mistakes new creators make

It's also important to mention that Snap's much-publicized $400 million partnership with AI firm Perplexity has also fallen through, according to tech reporter Alex Heath's Sources newsletter. If the deal had gone through, Perplexity would have given Snap a combination of cash and equity to integrate Perplexity's AI search into the Snapchat app.

If nothing else, AI eliminating human jobs is no longer a purely hypothetical threat, but a grim reality for workers in the tech sector.

Euphoria's still got it. And by "it," I mean the ability to stir up controversy like no other show on TV.

SEE ALSO: 'Euphoria' Season 3 review: It should be great. Instead, it's gross.

After Euphoria's Season 3 premiere, HBO released a "Weeks Ahead" trailer to tease what's coming next for Rue (Zendaya) and the rest of the show's ensemble. One scene in particular drew fans' attention: an image of Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) taking pictures for her OnlyFans account while dressed as a baby, wearing a pacifier, diaper, and a see-through pink hoodie.

Backlash was swift, with fans on social media criticizing Sweeney and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, even calling the scene a "humiliation ritual."

Since then, ComingSoon reported that HBO deleted, then re-uploaded the Euphoria Season 3 "Weeks Ahead" trailer. The shot of Cassie dressed as a baby remains in the trailer. However, it has since been digitally altered to remove the visible nudity under Cassie's hoodie.

Euphoria's Season 3 premiere also earned criticism for its reintroduction of Cassie, who spends her first scene this season making suggestive online content while dressed as a dog.

Scenes like these highlight how Euphoria Season 3 is already actively seeking out more controversy than its prior two outings. Sweeney's Cassie still serves as Levinson's primary punching bag for humiliation, but the Season 3 premiere — which features a dog licking human excrement off Faye's (Chloe Cherry) legs — proves that there's plenty more outrage to go around.

New episodes of Euphoria Season 3 premiere Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Wouldn't it be nice if all of the shows and movies you loved were on the same streaming service? If you're a Prime member, it's possible to make that happen — and for less money than keeping them all separate. Amazon just added the Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus streaming bundle to the already extensive lineup of Prime Video add-ons.

The Apple TV and Peacock bundle debuted back in October 2025, but this is the first time you can bundle the services through your Prime Video account. The ad-free subscription bundle costs just $19.99 per month, which is over 30% or $10 cheaper than paying for Apple TV and Peacock individually. Peacock Premium Plus typically costs $16.99 per month on its own, while Apple TV now costs $12.99 per month after its latest price hike.

"This bundle makes it easier for customers to seamlessly access even more entertainment options all in one place. By expanding the streaming services and bundles available on Prime Video, we’re continuing to deliver on our commitment to provide customers with greater choice and seamless access to the shows, movies and sports they love," Ryan Pirozzi, head of Prime Video Channels, U.S. says in a press release.

The benefit of subscribing to the Apple TV and Peacock bundle through your Prime Video account is that you can access all three streaming libraries in a single app. Not to mention, you won't have to manage multiple subscriptions or payment methods. Amazon Prime is essentially recreating cable one add-on at a time.

Here's just a taste of all you can watch through the Apple TV and Peacock bundle on Prime Video:

• Apple Originals like Pluribus, Severance, and The Studio

• Beloved NBC series like Law & Order and One Chicago

• Bravo hits like The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Summer House

• Peacock Originals like The Traitors and Ponies

• Premier League soccer, NFL Sunday Night Football, NBA, Major League Baseball, and more live on Peacock

• Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV

• Blockbuster Universal movies and fan-favorite franchises on Peacock

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV / Peacock Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus bundle (Prime Video add-on) $19.99/month (save $9.99/month) Get Deal

PRE-ORDER NOW: As of April 15, pre-order the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD, Amazon's newest and slimmest ever streaming device, for $34.90 at Amazon now.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $34.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

Streaming your favorite shows and movies just got a little easier, and a little more affordable. Hot on the heels of its newly-released 4K Fire TV Stick Select last year, Amazon has debuted its newest HD streaming peripheral: the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD. It's available to preorder today, and begins shipping at the end of this month for $34.99.

This new model is about 30% slimmer, according to Amazon, than its previous model. It comes with a USB-C cable and USB-A connector that you can use to connect to your TV in lieu of a wall adapter. That's its "Direct Power" consumption, according to Amazon, so you can fit it flush behind your TV without a bulky wall brick. If you don't have a dedicated USB port, you can always use a USB-C cable and adapter, however, so there's no issues there if you're working with a different setup.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade your streaming for less with the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — save $20 at Amazon

In terms of performance, Amazon claims it's "more than 30% faster on average" in comparison to the older model, so it can spring open apps and bring you your favorite shows faster. It'll also feature Alexa+ supprt if you have a subscription or Prime membership.

Beyond that, you can look forward to a new Adaptive Display setting that will help make the onscreen menu and elements pop as well as improve accessibility for users, while scaling artwork and making text and menus larger.

If you're ready for a new Amazon Fire TV experience, this might be the next model you pick up. You can get your hands on a preorder slot right now and start watching by the beginning of May for all your summer indoor binge-watching.

For U.S. teens who use TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, one of the apps stands out as more of a distraction than the others, according to a new survey from Pew Research Center.

More than a quarter of teens shared that they spend too much time on TikTok, while more than a third said the app negatively affects their sleep. Twenty-nine percent of respondents said TikTok hurts their productivity. Smaller shares of teens reported similar feelings about Instagram and Snapchat.

Still, eight in 10 teens said they turned to TikTok specifically for entertainment. While respondents also considered Instagram and Snapchat reliably entertaining, teens were more likely to use those apps to keep up with friends and family, compared to TikTok.

SEE ALSO: Study: Teen girls are using AI to create sexual imagery

Despite acknowledging TikTok's negative impact on their sleep and productivity, 71 percent of teens said the app neither hurt or helped their mental health. Three-quarters of teens said the same of Instagram and Snapchat. Nineteen percent of respondents shared that TikTok actually improved their mental health.

In general, about seven in 10 teens said their experiences on TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are mostly positive. Only three percent reported largely negative experiences. The remaining teens characterize their engagement on the platforms as a mix of both good and bad.

The findings are based on Pew Research Center's survey of 1,458 U.S. teens and their parents last fall.

Critics have argued that social media companies are facing a "Big Tobacco moment" following a landmark court case against Meta and YouTube, which alleged that both platforms were negligently designed in ways that harmed a young user's mental health. TikTok and Snapchat settled with the plaintiff prior to the jury trial. A separate trial against Meta found the company liable for misleading consumers about child safety.

The Pew Research Center survey, which was conducted well before the trials ended, suggests that teens may feel less negative about TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat than expected.

Regardless, a quarter of parents surveyed by Pew Research Center said that social media hurt their teen's mental health while only eight percent of the teens said the same. Parents were also more likely to say their teen spent too much time on social media.

When it came to TikTok, only 28 percent of teens characterized their use in this way, but that figure increased to 44 percent when parents answered the same question.

The self-proclaimed "HBO of social media" is here.

Vylit, the web-based app from ex-OnlyFans CEO Amrapali (Ami) Gan, is publicly launching today following beta testing last year. While Vylit doesn't allow explicit content like OnlyFans, it does allow topless photos, like a version of Instagram that allows softcore. The app is built for both creators and fans, its founders told Mashable, with multiple ways for the former to monetize content (such as subscriptions or tiers like "premium" and "VIP"), and different ways the latter can access creators, like through chats.

SEE ALSO: What is OnlyFans?

"I spent years watching creators build audiences on one platform and monetize on another. That fragmentation doesn't work. Vylit brings both together," Gan said in a press release shared with Mashable. Gan was the CEO of OnlyFans between Dec. 2021 and July 2023.

Scrolling Vylit does feel a bit like scrolling Instagram, with a twist. In an interview with Mashable, Gan and her cofounder, Kailey Magder (also COO), said that they didn't want to change what users are used to, such as left-hand navigation, but they wanted to give the app a unique Vylit feel. There's a photo-based feed complete with "Glimpses," or its version of Stories, at the top, but Vylit also has distinct features neither Instagram nor OnlyFans has.

"We created Vylit because we were frustrated with how social media works today," said Magder in the press release.

One element that Magder and Gan were frustrated with on other platforms is search and discovery. Famously, OnlyFans has basically no search function, and creators need to market themselves on other platforms. But Gan and Madger want fans and creators to find each other easily on Vylit, so you can search by aesthetics you're into or shared interests with "Vybe Match."

"Platforms are cluttered with ads, political content, and algorithm-driven noise. We wanted to build something that focuses on people, content, and real communities — not engagement at all costs," Magder continued.

There are also AI elements (of course, it being 2026 and all). Creators can generate "AI twins" of themselves, and fans can chat with an AI version of creators. AI chats can be trained on someone's unique personality traits, and they can range from friendly to flirty to "frisky." AI images, meanwhile, can be made topless, but no further nudity.

Credit: Vylit Credit: Vylit

For the sake of transparency, a sparkle-like icon is placed on all AI-generated images. Chats between a real-life creator and their AI persona are explicitly distinguished, too.

As Vylit allows for topless photos, it's an adults-only platform. All users, creators or otherwise, need to be verified. When Mashable tried out Vylit ahead of launch, this was done through the third-party service Verifymy with an email address. The Vylit launch comes at a time of increasing age-verification laws, which require age checks beyond clicking "yes or no." When Mashable interviewed Gan in Nov. 2025, she said, "To us, the future of social media is very much 18 and over."

Vylit won't be on the App Store, as it takes 30 percent of earnings, the founders told Mashable. But you can sign up for Vylit on its website, and use the web-based app on either your phone or desktop.

SAVE $9.01: As of April 15, the Apple MacBook Neo base model is on sale for $589.99 at Amazon. While that may not be a huge discount from its $599 list price, it's the best price we've seen since its March launch.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $589.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $9.01   Get Deal

Apple's new budget laptop, which just launched last month, is already selling in droves. It's hard to pass up a MacBook that only costs $599, after all. If you haven't already secured one for yourself, you can now pick one up for even less.

It ain't much, but at just $589.99 at Amazon, the Apple MacBook Neo base model (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is officially down to its best price ever. We saw the budget-friendly MacBook drop to $595 during the Big Spring Sale, but this is the first time it's broken through the $590 threshold.

Mashable's tech editor tested the MacBook Neo and loved it. "If I were a Windows laptop that cost under $1,000, I'd be shaking in my boots," he writes. It's not meant to be a hefty work laptop for professionals. Instead, it's designed for everyday tasks like streaming and web browsing — and for those tasks, it performs seamlessly (just as fast as an M4 MacBook Air). It has the same premium aluminum build as any other MacBook, but runs on an iPhone chip: the A18 Pro (same as the iPhone 16 Pro).

Other specs include a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 6, 8GB of RAM, two USB-C ports, a MagSage charging port, and a headphone jack. And for those concerned about the 8GB of RAM, Mashable's reviewer notes that "it performed surprisingly well." For students or those looking for a second laptop for non-work, the Neo is hard to beat.

As artificial intelligence makes many tasks easier, the human work of cajoling, arm-twisting and reassuring appears to be rising in importance.

SAVE $165: The Shure MoveMic Two Kit is on sale at Amazon for $384, down from the normal price of $549. That's a 30% discount and a record-low price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shure Shure MoveMic Two Kit $384 at Amazon
$549 Save $165   Get Deal

By now you've heard (and seen) the buzz around the DJI Mic Mini, which took over every social media feed last summer. But content creators have many other options when it comes to wireless mics. If you're interested in a premium model that removes the need to use a receiver, there's a great deal at Amazon today.

As of April 15, the Shure MoveMic Two Kit is on sale at Amazon for $384, marked down from the normal price of $549. That's a 30% discount that shaves $165 off the price. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

The Shure MoveMic Two Kit is designed to be used with anything you'd possibly be recording with like an iPhone, Android device, or a DSLR. Each Shure kit includes a protective carrying case, two MoveMic wireless lavalier microphones, a charging case, and one MoveMic receiver. However, if you'd rather record directly to your phone, you can skip using the receiver with the Shure Motiv app pairing.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 is on sale at Amazon for over $500 off — one of the best portable power stations for creators

Shure designed the MoveMic Two Kit to be user-friendly with long battery life, an IXP4 rating that resists rain, and a 100-foot sight range for recording. Each mic weighs just 8.2 grams and gets eight hours of battery life. The included charging case holds an additional two charging cycles for a total of 24 hours of operation before you'll need to recharge.

Since this is the lowest price we've ever seen, upgrade your content creation sessions with the Shure MoveMic Two Kit. It's 30% off at Amazon which brings the price down to $384, but since this is listed as a limited-time deal, it might be smart to act quickly.

A.I. has always been compared to human intelligence, but that may not be the right way to think about it. What it does well can help predict what jobs it may replace.

Today, the President of the European Commission (the executive body of the European Union), Ursula von der Leyen, announced an EU age-verification app.

Users download the app, which works on any device including phones and computers, input their passport or ID card, and can prove their age when accessing online services, von der Leyen said in a live statement, the transcript of which is available on the EC's website. She said it's "completely anonymous" and users can't be tracked. Apparently, only one's age credential will be stored.

Von der Leyen compared the creation of this app to that of the COVID app once vaccines became available. Users could scan their vaccine cards if they needed proof of vaccination to travel. "Seventy-eight countries across four continents were using this app, so it was a huge success. And now we have taken this success and applied it to the age verification app," she said. "It follows the same principles, the same model."

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Various countries are already planning to integrate the age-verification app into their digital wallets, including France, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and Ireland, von der Leyen said. Online platforms can also use the app or look at its code, as it's open source.

Von der Leyen said she's listened to concerns from both parents and member states of the EU, which is why she hosted the first meeting of a special panel on children's online safety a month ago. The second meeting will be tomorrow.

In recent years, countries across the Western world have enacted age verification laws with an outward objective to keep minors off of pornographic sites or viewing material deemed "restricted to adults" or "harmful to minors." Around half of the United States has these laws, while various EU states like France and Italy have established them as well. The UK also has age-verification with the Online Safety Act.

Two preliminary studies, however, have shown that age verification doesn't work for this purpose, as people (including minors) can use VPNs to pretend to be in a jurisdiction without these laws, or they can go to non-compliant sites. It remains to be seen how this new app in the EU will handle these cases, however.

Last week, Mashable reported that age-verification laws are hurting sex educators and sex workers, either by impacting their work or resulting in lower income.

The Trump Mobile T1 smartphone is the gift that keeps on giving, at least in terms of consistently generating headlines without actually releasing a product.

As spotted by The Verge (which has been consistently on top of this), Trump Mobile overhauled its website this week, refreshing it with new photos that look completely different from the device teased last year. The website now reflects the phone redesign that Trump Mobile executives showed to publisher back in February, which still includes a signature Trump gold finish, like the company always promised it would.

SEE ALSO: 'The Daily Show' calls BS on Trump's AI Jesus post being a 'joke'

Of course, there is still no listed release date, despite the Trump Mobile T1 being promised for a 2025 release when it was first announced a year ago by the U.S. president's sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and then delayed multiple times. A recent FCC listing indicates the device does actually exist in some form, but we have no idea when customers will actually have one in their hands.

There it is, allegedly. Credit: Trump Mobile

The new website, where the phones are available for preorder, also includes some updated specs. The device is purported to have a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple lens rear camera array that includes both 50MP wide and telephoto lenses, and a vague promise of a non-specific Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 chip. Some of these specs are very different from previous iterations of the phone; at one point, it was listed with a 6.25-inch display, but that has ballooned for no apparent reason in the past year.

As for the Trump Mobile T1's price, there's a time-limited promotional window where it costs $499 with a $100 pre-order deposit, but we don't know how much it will cost after that window closes. This device was also originally marketed as being "made in America," but that seems to no longer be the case.

You can do whatever you want with your money, but it might be prudent to wait a bit before plopping down $100 on this thing.

Since its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, Obsession has been gathering buzz from critics and horror fans who fell hard for the movie's gnarly vision of bad romance. Now, ahead of this freaky thriller's theatrical release, you can get your hands on the menacing MacGuffin at its center: the One Wish Willow.

Written and directed by YouTuber Curry Barker, Obsession centers on Bear (Michael Johnson), a shy and shiftless young man who's crushing hard on the dynamic and beautiful Nikki (Inde Navarrette). But she only seems interested in him as a friend. That is until Bear uses a One Wish Willow, wishing for her to love him "more than anyone in the entire world." Like the saying goes, be careful what you wish for.

SEE ALSO: 'Obsession' trailer: Be careful what you wish for

You can get in on the twisted fun of the One Wish Willow, as Focus has debuted a commercial for the curious product, promising it will make your wish come true. But hey, listen closely to that disclaimer section. And if you need any help, the One Wish Willow website offers a FAQ and a helpline: 1-323-747-7118

However, having called the number, I'm not sure how helpful you'll really find it.

Obsession opens only in theater May 15.