Mashable

Subscribe to Mashable feed
Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 41 min 57 sec ago

The Daily Show is making a White House microdrama for your phone

3 hours 3 min ago

The Daily Show is swapping the news desk for romance, billionaires, and vertical video.

Comedy Central announced Tuesday, July 21, that the late-night franchise is producing its first microdrama — a serialized soap opera shot vertically and told through short, cliffhanger-heavy episodes designed for phones.

Its suitably dramatic title is The Daily Show Presents: Two Billionaires Fight to Dominate the Country… And My Heart!

The series follows Alonka, the "beautiful daughter" of an aging president who would prefer to spend more of his Oval Office time sleeping. Two wealthy technology moguls, Egon Husk and Jiff Davos, compete to build an artificial intelligence president capable of running the country in his place.

Naturally, both men are also competing for Alonka.

"But their lust for power, and Alonka, leads to dangerously hot complications," the official description promises.

SEE ALSO: Josh Johnson is looking for the 'good parts of the internet'

The names do not require much decoding. Alonka appears to be modeled on Ivanka Trump, while Egon Husk and Jiff Davos combine elements of Elon Musk and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Davos' surname may also nod toward the Swiss town that hosts the annual gathering of political and business leaders.

The premise gives The Daily Show plenty to parody, but its choice of format is also arriving as vertical dramas become serious business.

What exactly is a microdrama?

Microdramas, sometimes called verticals or microseries, are scripted shows created primarily for smartphones. Episodes generally last anywhere from under a minute to a few minutes and are frequently released in large batches on dedicated apps such as ReelShort, DramaBox, and FlareFlow, or across social platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

Many borrow heavily from soap operas and romance novels, using heightened dialogue, fast-moving plots, and cliffhangers to push viewers directly into the next episode. Billionaires, forbidden relationships, secret heirs, revenge plots, supernatural lovers, and remarkably complicated family arrangements are recurring fixtures.

Two Billionaires Fight to Dominate the Country… And My Heart! will parody those conventions alongside current U.S. politics. In this case, the all-powerful billionaire isn't secretly married to his assistant's twin sister — he's trying to automate the presidency while dating the president's daughter.

The premise also gives The Daily Show a fresh opportunity to extend its satire beyond the nightly program, which airs Monday through Thursday at 11 p.m. ET on Comedy Central and streams the next day on Paramount+. Jon Stewart hosts on Mondays, while members of the show’s news team rotate behind the desk for the rest of the week. The franchise already produces digital segments like "Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse" and the Emmy-winning "Desi Lydic Foxsplains," as well as the The Daily Show: Ears Edition podcast.

The move follows a strong period for the nearly 30-year-old franchise. According to Comedy Central, The Daily Show recorded its highest-rated second quarter among adults ages 18 to 49 in nine years and ranked as cable's most-viewed program across social platforms in 2026. The show also received 7 Emmy nominations this year.

Hollywood is getting serious about vertical shows

The Daily Show is entering the format at a moment when entertainment companies are investing real money in them.

The format first grew into a major business in China, where more than 718 million people now subscribe to micro-short dramas. The Chinese market is valued at more than 100 billion yuan, or approximately $14.7 billion annually — more than twice the country's yearly theatrical box-office revenue.

Microdramas are quickly becoming big business in the United States. The domestic industry generated an estimated $1.3 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach approximately $1.5 billion this year, accounting for half of all microdrama revenue outside China — and surpassing Netflix and Prime Video in mobile engagement.

SEE ALSO: The founder of E! says Hollywood is still making content for the wrong screen

The leading apps are already pulling in serious money: ReelShort and DramaBox each generated nearly $140 million in global in-app revenue during the first quarter of 2026. With viewers willing to pay to unlock the next cliffhanger, media companies, producers, creators, and consumer brands are now trying to make hits of their own.

Actor Taye Diggs is testing a model that gives creators a larger role in the business behind vertical series. During a July 18 panel at ViewerCon in New Jersey, Diggs said creator-led, long-form projects have found a path onto streaming platforms, but the same pipeline has not yet been established for microdramas. The format, he said, is something "no one has really cracked."

Diggs hopes his recently launched platform, Microhouse Films, can help build that path by involving creators "from the get." As Truth Headlam reported for Mashable, filmmakers on the platform set the token price viewers pay to unlock their episodes, receive 75 percent of the proceeds generated by their work, and can access data showing how audiences watch and spend on their series.

SEE ALSO: Taye Diggs challenges studio norms with creator-focused venture Microhouse Films

Some other news broke this week in the microdrama world. On July 22, BuzzFeed Studios and vertical entertainment company MuVpix announced a deal to produce over 100 microdrama titles over the next two years. The projects will launch across TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, connected-TV services, and MuVpix’s own platform.

The first series, Romeo & Juliet, Reimagined, moves the Montague-Capulet feud into modern-day Los Angeles' criminal underworld. It was filmed in both horizontal and vertical formats and is scheduled to debut in August.

Veteran producers Alon Shtruzman and Scott Einbinder also announced microdrama platform New Short Media on Wednesday, with plans to move beyond the melodramatic romances that dominate many current platforms. Its initial slate includes an action romance about competing car thieves, a comedy about influencers who accidentally cross a cartel, and a reality dating show following a celebrity couple searching for a third partner.

Rather than launch its own app, New Short plans to work with established Hollywood talent and online creators on phone-first projects that could eventually expand into television, movies, games, and consumer products.

All this buzz helps explain why The Daily Show is entering the category now. Vertical dramas have become recognizable enough to parody, while the business surrounding them has become large enough that traditional entertainment companies no longer want to watch from the sidelines.

The cast, release date, episode count, and distribution platforms have not yet been announced. For now, The Daily Show is leaving viewers with the most important part of any microdrama: a cliffhanger.

Elon Musk claims Grok will make historically accurate AI Odyssey adaptation this year

3 hours 24 min ago

In news that assures us that we are truly living in one of the worst timelines, Elon Musk has announced on X, the social media platform he owns, that Grok Imagine, the AI generator he owns, will make a "historically accurate" adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey.

SEE ALSO: Grok is producing millions of sexualized images of adults and children

You might well ask why if you have had the good fortune to be oblivious to Musk's repeated complaints about Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. Well, in February of 2026, Musk used X to declare "Chris Nolan has lost his integrity," because Musk didn't like the casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy.

Then, in May, Musk retweeted X posts that criticized the casting of Elliot Page, including posts that misgender the trans actor. Musk also tweeted that month, "Chris Nolan is pissing on Homer’s grave. Disgraceful."

Musk has used the platform he owns to promote the idea that Nolan was casting not for "historical accuracy" of the fictional epic poem, but to appease the Oscars' inclusion standards. Musk was also a vocal part of the "go woke, go broke" online contingent that insisted Nolan's Odyssey would sink at the box office.

To put it simply, they were wrong.

SEE ALSO: As SpaceX IPO blasts off, Elon Musk becomes a trillionaire

Critics and audiences alike have heralded The Odyssey as a "masterpiece," cheering both the ensemble cast and the political messaging within the film. The nearly three-hour movie had a $124.5 million opening weekend, which is all the more impressive for a rated-R film. By contrast, Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, a PG-13 movie with two prequels to build an audience, opened to $160 million in 2012.

On top of that, the demand to see The Odyssey in 70mm IMAX has become a status symbol to moviegoers, with tickets to screenings sold out into August — even for 3 a.m. showtimes. Audiences in person and online have also dove into discussing Nolan's unique adaptation, which plays as a spiritual sequel to Oppenheimer, and employs Matt Damon as its secret weapon.

However, Musk thinks he and Grok can do better. Today, he tweeted: "Before this year ends, Grok Imagine will make a full-length movie of The Odyssey that is historically accurate and true to the art of Homer."

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

The trailer he retweeted to illustrate what such a movie made by Grok Imagine might look like certainly is a trailer made by AI.

Earlier this month, Nolan shared his thoughts on generative AI with AFP in Paris. The Guardian quotes him as saying, "But I think the idea that it replaces human beings wholesale and human creativity, to me it’s a nonsense," adding, "I’ve never seen a technology that’s been so successfully adopted by Wall Street and by investors and by tech companies that the public has so thoroughly rejected."

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is now in theaters. Elon Musk's The Odyssey is promised by the end of the year.

Somehow, the new Samsung Z Fold8 is $100 cheaper than the Fold7, and the Flip8 is only $100 more than the Flip7

3 hours 33 min ago

Welcome to Samsung Unpacked 2026. We have a whole new lineup of Samsung tech including fresh phones, updated Samsung Galaxy Watches, and even Samsung smart glasses with design help from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.

But with every new tech launch, we have to ask ourselves, "Is it really necessary to buy the latest model?" Oftentimes, the upgrades are minimal, and, for some people, not especially noticeable.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free — how to claim

However, when comparing pricing on the latest Samsung phones, it might actually be worth going with the latest model instead of the previous generation (for now, at least). Let's break down the pricing of the new Flip and Fold8 verses the older Flip and Fold7 now that preorders are live.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 pricing compared to the Flip7

If you dig the looks and functions of a flip phone, the Samsung Z Flip has tons of appeal. In Mashable's review of the Galaxy Z Flip7, Freelance Reviewer Adam Doud wrote it was the best flip phone of 2025. At the time of launch, the 256GB unlocked version was selling for $1,099.99, and that's still the current price at Samsung. I found used models floating around the web, but none from especially trustworthy retailers I'd recommend.

Pricing for the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 starts at $1,199.99 for the unlocked 256GB model. That's just a $100 price increase compared to the previous model. If you don't mind having an older generation, going with the cheaper Flip 7 makes sense on paper, but with preorder offers on the Flip8, that might not be the case.

Preorders for the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 at Amazon come with a free $200 Amazon gift card. Depending on if you'll use a free Amazon gift card, going with this offer might be a better option compared to paying full price of the Galaxy Z Flip7.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 and Z Flip7 buying options Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 $1,999.99 Get Deal Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 $1,199.99 (get a free $200 Amazon gift card) Get Deal Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 $1,099.99 Get Deal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 pricing compared to the Fold7

Pricing comparisons of the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 gets a bit more complicated. In strange news for 2026, the starting price for the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 (unlocked, 256GB) is actually $100 cheaper than the starting price for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 (unlocked, 256GB). The base Galaxy Z Fold8 comes with a price of $1,899.99 compared to $1,999.99 for the older Z Fold7.

But things get even more complex with current sales and preorder offers. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is on sale at Amazon for $1,799.99 new or $1,424.99 for a renewed model from Amazon Resale.

However, if you want the latest model, you can preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 from Amazon for the list price of $1,899.99 and get a free $350 Amazon gift card.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold7 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 $1,899.99 Pre-Order Here Amazon Galaxy Z Fold8 $1,899.99 (get a free $350 Amazon gift card) Get Deal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 $1,999.99 Get Deal Amazon Galaxy Z Fold7 $1,799.99 (save $200) Get Deal Amazon refurbished Galaxy Z Fold7 $1,424.99 (save $575) Get Deal Will the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Fold7 drop in price?

Now that the new lineup of Galaxy Z Flip8 and Fold8 phones are available, we're curious to see if the previous generation will drop in price. Typically, we see older generations slowly drop in price until it's no longer possible to buy them in a new condition. But with tech price increases and the global memory shortage, things could take a different path this time.

Taye Diggs challenges studio norms with creator-focused venture Microhouse Films

4 hours 11 min ago

"Small space. Big stories." This is the motto for Microhouse Films, the vertical video platform that Taye Diggs launched with a mission of empowering creators two minutes at a time. 

The venture marks a turn away from the actor's traditional route in television and movies as he tests microdramas — vertical, short-form episodic content. 

On July 18, at ViewerCon in Newark, New Jersey, Diggs acknowledged that in the content creator to streaming platform pipeline, long-form, horizontal content has become popular. In his panel "The Future of Storytelling with Taye Diggs & Microhouse Films," he said that microdramas are a product that “no one has really cracked." He's hoping Microhouse Films can change that as “we're including the creators from the get."

The Best Man star launched the platform with co-founders and fellow panelists Shelby Stone, who produced Starz' The Chi, and actor and producer Troy Brookins. Film producers Autumn Federici and James R. Black are also co-founders.

Through their website and mobile app, Microhouse Films offers a model that favors tokens over the more traditional monthly subscription fees. Viewers purchase tokens sold in packs of 10, 30, 50, and 120 credits, priced at roughly $0.20 apiece. These tokens can then be used to watch Microhouse Films' episodes, which cost between one and three credits to unlock. Reflecting Diggs' goal of giving content creators more control, the token price per episode is set by the creator. 

“The creators get to stay along for the ride and benefit from how far the project goes,” Diggs explained in the panel. 

From there, Diggs shared a formative experience with Netflix, where he and his agents inquired about how audiences received a film, only to be told the platform was keeping metrics “under wraps.” 

These frustrations with gatekeepers drove him to promote transparency with creators as he steps into the emerging microdrama format. Diggs acknowledged he has been criticized for diving into vertical storytelling, with people in the industry telling him that “they’re beneath you.” But now, after producing two vertical microdrama series and launching Microhouse Films, he says vertical storytelling has “introduced me into a new way of looking at the industry.”

Microhouse Films takes a minority equity split for content.  "The Future of Storytelling with Taye Diggs & Microhouse Films" panel at ViewerCon 2026. Credit: Truth Headlam

In the panel, co-founder Stone said Microhouse Films strives for “transparency” in creators’ pay, by allowing creators to have access to audiences’ viewing metrics. Stone noted that content creators on their platform can see how many coins viewers are willing to purchase on the platform, the number of coins viewers spend to watch the content, and when viewers stop watching.

Beyond this feedback, the equity breakdown for creators on the Microhouse Films is atypical, allowing creators to walk away with the majority of their earnings rather than more traditional compensation such as flat-rate fees, ad-revenue sharing, and commissions.

“Every creator who ends up on the platform, you see your page,” she said. Of the proceeds raised from tokens, she continued, "The platform only takes 25% to manage the platform. The filmmaker takes 75% [for tokens used for their content].”

Diggs noted that providing that level of detail, transparency, and equity split “goes exactly against what the rest of the industry is doing." He added, “[When] the movie does amazingly well, they deliberately don't show anybody that information,” referencing his aforementioned experience with Netflix. “That way, they can have the power [and] if they want to do another movie with them, they can still give [the filmmakers and talent] pennies.”

In an interview with Diggs at ViewerCon, I learned more about his goals for Microhouse Films and his vision for the future of the creator economy. 

Mashable: What does the rise of microdramas mean for the entertainment industry and the creator economy?

Taye Diggs: We don't know yet. Hopefully, it'll be all good. I know that I want to prove myself because it's an exciting new time, [and] all of this is outside my wheelhouse. When it comes to acting and creating and producing and directing — this is a new kind of thrust, and I don't think anybody really knows what the future holds. 

For me, in a world where I'm used to having a script already written, a director that already has ideas, [and] producers that know how they want to produce a movie, all of this is fairly unknown, and it's very exciting.

How is Microhouse Films adding to the narrative of microdramas and creators having their own platform?

Well, it's new, so anything new to me is always welcome and exciting. And the fact that we’re not necessarily focused on ourselves and the monetary benefits, but we also want to include the creators, which unfortunately is something that is not done yet.

How many creators do you have in your network so far?

So many, and we will continue to invite them. We use submissions [to find creators]. It's great to be on the other side and to realize how many talented writers, actors, and directors there are that have not been heard of yet. 

How does your business model with Microhouse Films compare to the traditional studio business model?

The fact that we're including the artists and the fact that this is brand new. With models that already exist, they're using the blueprint that already exists. We're kind of making it up as we go along. 

Go rollin on the river with 15% off this LEGO Ideas River Steamboat set

4 hours 19 min ago

SAVE $48.96: As of July 22, get the LEGO Ideas River Steamboat building set for $281.03 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $329.99. That's a discount of 15%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon LEGO Ideas River Steamboat building set $281.03 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $48.96   Get Deal

Looking for something fun to build this summer? A new LEGO kit is always a good choice. They can get quite expensive, however, so it's understandable if you've shied away from a detailed build for a while. But if you're ready to take the plunge, you can save on a gorgeous kit right now that you'll love putting together thanks to this Amazon deal.

As of July 22, get the LEGO Ideas River Steamboat building set for $281.03 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $329.99. That's $48.96 off and a discount of 15%.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free — how to claim

This massive set comes with 4,090 pieces to build a gorgeous paddle wheel steamboat, with a steam engine and moving pistons as well as crew quarters, special furnishing, and passenger decks. You'll learn a bit about the boat as you work to build it, and there's plenty to discover even after you're finished.

While building, you can use the LEGO Builder App to get 3D viewing tools if you're unsure where something goes as well as track your progress. Plus, when you're done, you'll have a model that stands over 15.5 inches tall, 27 inches long, and 5.5 inches wide. It may even become one of the crown jewels of your collection.

Whether you're building alone or with family and friends, it's an undertaking that'll leave you with a gorgeous finished product, and it's well worth picking up now that it's available at a discount. You may want to bust it out during a rainy day, since they're happening so often as of late.

The Tonies Bluey collection is now available at Target and the Tonies website

4 hours 21 min ago

TL;DR: The brand-new Tonies Bluey collection is now available exclusively at Target or directly through us.tonies.com.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tonies Shop the Tonies Bluey collection at Target   Shop Now

Bluey is currently the #1 most-streamed show in the U.S., which means it's playing on a near-constant loop in millions of living rooms right now. But if you're trying to cut back on screen time without triggering a full-blown toddler meltdown, an audio player might be the way to go.

We're big fans of the Toniebox around here because it gives kids a screen-free way to play and use their imagination. In our review, we called it "an intuitively-designed storyteller" and a "screen-less winner for children" — it gives kids a little slice of independent fun without needing a screen. Now, the brand's bringing the Emmy-winning Heeler family into their audio-first world.

SEE ALSO: 'Bluey' movie gets a 2027 release date

If you missed out during the initial pre-order phase, the brand-new Tonies Bluey collection is officially available for purchase exclusively at Target or directly through us.tonies.com.

The new Bluey collection features the Toniebox 2 in Cloud Pink and Sky Blue, plus brand-new interactive Tonieplay games. Credit: Tonies

The new Bluey lineup ranges in price from $15.99 for carrying accessories up to $169.99 for a play set:

  • Tonies Bluey Toniebox 2 Play Set ($169.99): This includes a Sky Blue Toniebox 2, a Bluey Tonie, a Tonieplay controller, and a Tonieplay interactive game. This upgraded box features smart bedtime tools to help build routines and Bluetooth connectivity for headphones.

  • Tonies Bluey Toniebox 2 Starter Set ($149.99): This set gets you a Cloud Pink Toniebox 2 and a Bluey Tonie so kids can start listening right out of the box.

  • Tonies Bluey Tonie 3-Pack Bundle ($59.99): If you already own a speaker, you can get just the figures. This pack comes with Bluey, Bingo, and Muffin Tonies.

  • Tonieplay Bluey: All Day Play ($24.99): This interactive game lets kids use the controller to participate in over 100 interactive moments from the show, including playing Keepy Uppy or using the Magic Xylophone to freeze Mum and Dad.

  • Accessories: You can also get the padded Listen & Go Bag ($29.99) to safely store your Tonies during travel, or the Toniebox 2 Sleeve ($15.99) to customize the look of the speaker.

j-hope skipped Samsung Unpacked, but he spoiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 anyway

5 hours 12 min ago

BTS member j-hope may be the face of Samsung's newest Galaxy campaign, but fans hoping to see him at the company’s Unpacked event in London on Wednesday were left waiting.

j-hope did not appear in person during the presentation, where Samsung unveiled its latest generation of foldable devices. Instead, the rapper and dancer popped up on screen in a new advertisement introducing the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, Samsung's redesigned, wider foldable phone.

His absence from London was not entirely surprising. j-hope arrived in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday after BTS co-headlined the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show at New York-New Jersey MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The group performed their English-language hit "Dynamite" during the 11-minute production, which also featured Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, and several other performers.

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

But j-hope may have been promoting Samsung's new device before the company officially announced it.

Photos and videos of the BTS member arriving at Incheon International Airport circulated among fans online, with eagle-eyed ARMY members noticing the unusually wide — and lavender! — foldable phone he was holding. It was the same phone he was spotted holding last week during soundcheck footage at a BTS World Tour stop in Paris. The device appeared to be the then-unreleased Galaxy Z Fold 8, prompting speculation that j-hope had given fans an early look at Samsung's new design and color.

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

Samsung confirmed the phone during its July 22 Unpacked event in London. The company introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a shorter, wider design intended to make the foldable easier to hold and use. Samsung also unveiled the more traditionally shaped Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip 8.

Although some fans had hoped j-hope's starring role in Samsung's Unpacked promotional campaign meant he would attend the London launch, his involvement ultimately came through the advertisement that debuted during the event.

In hindsight, however, his airport appearance may have been the more fitting introduction. While Samsung waited until Unpacked to officially reveal the Galaxy Z Fold 8, j-hope had seemingly already unfolded it for the fans paying close attention.

Comparing Galaxy Glasses styles: Warby Parker vs. Gentle Monster

5 hours 12 min ago

Samsung showed two styles of its upcoming Galaxy Glasses during Wednesday's Galaxy Unpacked event. The company partnered with two eyewear titans, Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, and the styles look distinct.

Mashable got a first look at them in London, and while we couldn't try them on, we were able to handle them (and they're light).

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked is almost here: Everything we expect from today's event Warby Parker Galaxy Glasses Credit: Mashable/Shannon Connellan Credit: Mashable/Shannon Connellan

The two Warby Parker frames Mashable got a sneak peek of both have square frames, showcasing a classic style. One has tinted lenses.

All the frames are dark, with two pairs tinted and the others clear. According to Samsung's press release, the tinted Warby pair is brown.

Gentle Monster Galaxy Glasses Credit: Mashable/Shannon Connellan Credit: Mashable/Shannon Connellan

In comparison, one Gentle Monster pair is modern-looking, with narrower lenses; it looks like something you can buy at Urban Outfitters — though, with a much heftier price tag. The second Gentle Monster pair looks similar to the Warby Parker ones, with more square lenses.

According to CNET's reporting, four styles have been revealed so far. Samsung announced during Unpacked that the glasses will launch this fall.

Spend $100 on DoorDash gift cards and get a free $20 Target gift card

5 hours 15 min ago

FREE $20 TARGET GIFT CARD: On July 22, when you purchase $100 in DoorDash gift cards at Target, you'll get a free $20 Target gift card to spend however you please. The deal is only live through 11:59 p.m. PT on July 22, so act fast.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target / DoorDash $100 DoorDash gift card $100 at Target
+ free $20 Target gift card Get Deal

If you're a fan of free money, then Target has a deal for you on July 22. It's only around for one day, though, so you'll have to act quickly.

Through 11:59 p.m. PT on July 22, you'll get a free $20 Target gift card when you spend $100 on DoorDash gift cards at Target. That means you could buy one $100 DoorDash gift card, two $50 gift cards, four $25 gift cards, or any other variation. As long as it adds up to $100, you'll unlock the free $20 Target gift card to spend however you please.

Once you add at least $100 in DoorDash gift cards to your cart, the promotion will automatically apply at checkout. Target says your free $20 gift card will be transferred to your Target account after your items ship.

Credit: Target

DoorDash gift cards make excellent back to school gifts for college students, gifts for new moms, or practically anyone else. Everyone has to eat, right? And you can always hold onto them and use them later when you completely forget to buy a gift for an upcoming party. It's the gift that keeps on giving — especially since you'll get free money to spend at Target at a later date.

Indulge in your favorite music with $100 off a pair of Apple AirPods Max 2

5 hours 18 min ago

SAVE $100: As of July 22, get the Apple AirPods Max 2 for $449 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $549. That's a discount of 18%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirPods Max 2 $449 at Amazon
$549 Save $100   Get Deal

There's nothing quite like getting a new pair of headphones, especially if you're an audiophile. It's always fun to see how the new tech stacks up to your older options or favorites, and the Apple AirPods Max 2 are definitely a pair for those who enjoy great sound and high-level comfort. If you've yet to try them, now's the best day to do so given that they're up for grabs at $100 less than usual.

As of July 22, get the Apple AirPods Max 2 for $449 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $549. That's $100 off and a discount of 18%.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free — how to claim

This upgrade to the original AirPods Max comes six years after their debut, and though not much has changed, they're still worth picking up thanks to the internal Apple H2 chip. They offer fantastic active noise cancellation as well as new smart features like live translation, voice isolation, sound reduction, and comms with Siri.

They're identical to the original AirPods Max otherwise, and that means plush ear cups, a comfortably wide headband, and a build quality that's clear they're worth spending a premium on. If this is your first brush with Apple's earbuds, now's a good time to go ahead and pick up a pair given their significant discount. Plus, the fall is always a good time to look forward to a new phone from Apple, and you want to be ready with a new set of cans if you upgrade.

Starbucks is bringing back the Unicorn Frappuccino (but only for one weekend)

5 hours 27 min ago

Starbucks is trolling us this summer. First, the company announced there'd be a brand-new Bearista Cup to fight over (spoiler: I didn't get mine; most local locations said they only got 10 cups total). Then, they brought back the S'mores Frappuccino only to let us know today (via email) that it'll be disappearing soon.

Now, they're making another surprise announcement: The Unicorn Frappuccino is back for one weekend only.

SEE ALSO: Starbucks is paying baristas to make TikToks. Expect more brands to follow.

According to the press release, it'll be back on the menu for "one magical weekend to close out the summer" starting August 15. If you missed the original hysteria in 2017 — or its brief pop-up at Coachella — it's essentially a sweet-and-tart mango-flavored blend layered with a tangy blue drizzle, topped with whipped cream, and dusted with pink and blue toppings. (Sounds super natural and fine to eat, right?) Some fans compare it to Tropical Skittles.

View this post on Instagram

As soon as baristas got a whiff of the comeback, they rushed to Reddit to voice their concerns. Apparently, employees have been predicting the drink's return for months after spotting ingredients like "spirulina" and "sparkle topping" on their inventory lists.

If you scroll through the threads, veteran baristas still talk about the 2017 launch like it gave them war flashbacks, recalling days of being grossly understaffed, running out of ingredients on Day One, and leaving their shifts covered in sticky pink and blue powder.

"Every barista that worked during this time deserves financial compensation," writes one Redditor. "I’ve worked in a lot of stores for many MANY years, and when this came out, it was hands down, one of, if not the worst, days I have ever worked in my career," writes another.

So, if you plan on participating in the great Starbucks sugar rush of 2026, be prepared for insane lines and chaos. And again: Tip your barista.

Amazon is giving away a free $50 gift card when you preorder the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

5 hours 33 min ago

GET A FREE $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD: Preorder the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm, Bluetooth) from Amazon for $379.99 and get a free $50 Amazon gift card. The watch is set to release on Aug. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung / Amazon Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm, Bluetooth) + $50 Gift Card $379.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $50   Get Deal

Happy Samsung Unpacked 2026 for all the Samsung fans out there. We have new Samsung phones, watches, and even Samsung Galaxy Glasses. In the flurry of news, it can be a struggle to find which retailer is offering the best preorder pricing. To simplify your search, Amazon has a great deal if you're interested in the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free — how to claim

With a launch date set for Aug. 7, preorders for the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm, Bluetooth) are live at Amazon for $379.99. Amazon is also tossing in a free $50 Amazon gift card.

Serving double duty as a fitness tracker and smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is a powerhouse piece of wearable tech. It comes packed with health, fitness, and wellness metrics. It can even keep tabs on blood pressure from your wrist.

The Galaxy Watch 9 also comes with impressive battery life of up to 30 hours with the display always on (AOD) or up to 40 hours with AOD turned off.

For those in need of a smartwatch upgrade, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 could be a great match. Preorder today from Amazon and you'll score a free $50 Amazon gift card. That's a win-win.

Samsung finally reveals the Galaxy Z Fold 8 that will compete with the iPhone Ultra

5 hours 38 min ago

After months of buildup, Samsung finally unveiled its newest, most interesting foldable device — the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

At a Galaxy Unpacked event in London, the Korean tech company announced three new foldable phones: the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. However, it's the Z Fold 8 that might be the biggest draw, for two reasons. First, the Z Fold 8 is an entirely new device and form factor. Second, it looks well-placed to compete head-to-head with the still-unannounced iPhone Ultra Fold, which we think will be revealed in September. We expect Apple's first foldable to have a shorter, wider form factor, just like the Z Fold 8.

Mashable got the chance to try the new Galaxy foldables ahead of the launch event, but before we get into the details, we have one point of clarification. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is not really a successor to the Z Fold 7 from a year ago, as you might expect. If you want that, check out the new Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The all-new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is available for pre-order today and starts at $1,899.99. The base model has 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage. It's available in four colors — lavender, cream, graphite, and pistachio — and will be widely available starting Aug. 7.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 specs The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has a sizable inner display. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

The new Galaxy Z Fold 8 foldable smartphone has a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is an ideal size whether in landscape or portrait orientation. The inner display has enough extra real estate for multi-tasking and entertainment. And if you're worried about a crease in the middle of the display, don't be. We got up close with the device, and the crease fully disappears when the display is activated.

These are the key specs to know:

  • Inner display: 7.6-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Outer display: 5.5-inches AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset

  • Colors: Lavender, cream, graphite, and pistachio

  • Unfolded dimensions: 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5 mm

  • Folded dimensions: 1123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7 mm

  • Weight: 201 grams

  • RAM: 12GB to 16GB RAM

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage

  • Battery: 4,800mAh battery

  • Charging: 45W wired, 20W wireless

  • Cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie cameras

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 key features Samsung's latest foldables are ultra-thin. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

As stated above, the main distinguishing factor of the new Z Fold 8 is its wider 4:3 proportions compared to the Z Fold 8 Ultra. If the latter is a book-style foldable, the former can almost be called a tablet-style foldable, instead. We think the wide screen will serve even better for reading books or multi-tasking with several apps open at once.

Also, at 201g, Samsung is really emphasizing how light the device is. The company is calling it the "world's lightest fold ever."

And while the device may be light, its no lightweight. Samsung's newest foldable features Flex Titanium technology, which makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 more durable. Speaking of durability, it also boasts  Samsung's advantage hinge technology, Armor Flexhinge.

The Z Fold 8 feels like a solid middle point between the premium Z Fold 8 Ultra and the comparatively affordable Z Flip 8. All three phones use the same chip, but the Z Fold 8's 4,800mAh battery is smaller than that of the Z Fold 8 Ultra. However, the Z Fold 8 does have an option for 16GB RAM and 1TB of storage, similar to the Ultra.

Where the Ultra will feel distinctly more premium than the Z Fold 8 is in the camera array. The Ultra comes with a 200MP main shooter, while the Fold 8's is only 50MP. The former also has a telephoto lens, while the latter does not. Its relatively meager camera specs are closer to those of the Z Flip 8, meaning it's probably best for social media shots, not professional photography. However, Samsung says the Fold 8 can still shoot 8K video at 30 frames per second.

Speaking of social media, Samsung showed off a brand new feature called My Fancam. This feature can automatically track a person in a video with the help of AI and crop to the desired video dimensions of their choice to create tailor-made clips for social media.

All eyes are on Apple now. We can't wait to directly compare the Z Fold 8 to whatever Apple is cooking up. Hopefully, all will be revealed in September.

Where to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8

You can purchase the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 at Samsung, Amazon, and other mobile retailers. If you're looking for the best pre-order launch offers, check out the new offers from mobile carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile as well.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 $1,899.99 at Samsung
  Pre-order Here

Astronomers say there isnt a word for this weird new space object

5 hours 38 min ago

Astronomers are homing in on a distant realm where the lines between star, planet, and moon are blurred. 

Researchers have recently discovered that something appears to be orbiting a brown dwarf in the CD-35 2722 system, about 73 light-years away in space, that defies the usual labels. 

A brown dwarf is already something of a cosmic maverick — too large to be called a planet, too small to be a star. Experts sometimes refer to brown dwarfs as "failed stars" because they're not quite massive enough to sustain hydrogen fusion in their cores.

That leaves researchers at a loss for what exactly to call this thing circling it. Because the object orbits a brown dwarf that is orbiting a star, it's kind of an "exomoon," they said, a satellite of a planet found outside the solar system. 

"Being the third wheel in this system makes us want to call it a moon, even if it is nothing like the small, rocky moons we have in our system," said Kevin Hoy, lead author of the study published in Nature, in a statement

SEE ALSO: Webb telescope found the missing architect of another star system

If confirmed, the research team believes this could be the first documented exomoon.  

But it's nothing like typical moons. The new object, which the team is calling an "exosatellite" for now, is roughly the weight of Jupiter, with the brown dwarf, known as CD-35 2722 B, more than 30 times more massive. 

A brown dwarf is too large to be called a planet, but too small to be a star and make its own nuclear power. Credit: NASA illustration

At that scale, it's likely a gas giant, not rocky. Right now, there are nearly 1,000 known moons orbiting planets, dwarf planets, and asteroids — all within our own solar system. 

Some scientists might argue that such an object should be considered an exoplanet. But that term doesn't fit perfectly either. 

“The exosatellite is clearly massive enough to be a planet, but it does not orbit a star," Hoy said, "though it orbits an object that orbits a star."

This is not the first time astronomers have found something that appears to be orbiting a brown dwarf, but previous detections involved objects that were much more separated. Because of that, whether those companions were moons or planets is debatable. In this case, the satellite orbiting CD-35 2722 B is hugging the brown dwarf so closely, it completes a trip every 170 days. 

Researchers used the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile to make the discovery. Instead of taking a picture of the moon, the researchers used the observatory to see wobbles in the brown dwarf. Those tiny back-and-forth movements are caused by the gravity of something orbiting it. The method, known as the radial velocity technique, is frequently used to find new exoplanets. 

Over more than two years, the team collected 23 observations. They saw a signal repeat every 170 days, suggesting that something had been tugging on the brown dwarf at regular intervals. 

Astronomers have been trying to find an exomoon for many years. In 2024, for instance, a research team inferred a rocky moon around exoplanet WASP-49 b, about 635 light-years from Earth. Though they couldn't see it, the researchers proposed it as a candidate based on spectroscopic evidence of a cloud of sodium gas. The team believes volcanic eruptions from a hidden moon, similar to Jupiter's Io, is replenishing that cloud. 

Years earlier, in 2018, a team found evidence of a potential Neptune-size exomoon orbiting Kepler-1625 b using the transit method, which looks for tiny, temporary dips in a star's light, caused by orbiting objects passing in front of it. 

Though a handful of exomoon candidates has been reported in scientific journals over the years, none of them have been confirmed yet. The CD-35 2722 B candidate also will require more observations before it gets such a designation, but Alice Zurlo, an astrophysicist at Universidad Diego Portales in Chile and a coauthor, is convinced this is the first "plausible" detection of an exosatellite. 

"As exotic as it is," Zurlo said in a statement, "this system is truly unique and represents a breakthrough."

T-Mobile is offering the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 for under $100 — no trade-in required

5 hours 52 min ago

TL;DR: Get the brand-new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 for under $100 when you activate a line on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan with T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Save $1,100 when you activate a line or trade in an eligible device on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

Samsung Unpacked is officially here. Samsung wants you to drop a small fortune on its latest wave of foldables, but T-Mobile has other plans for you.

If you've been sitting on the fence about switching to a flip phone, the mobile carrier just removed your biggest excuse. Starting today, T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 for under $100, and you don't even need to trade anything in to qualify for this preorder promo.

Here's the breakdown of how to claim yours.

How to get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 for under $100

To qualify for T-Mobile's generous launch promotion, you need to tick a few boxes:

  • To qualify for the $1,100 discount without trading in a phone, you must activate a new line of service on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

  • You will need to pay sales tax on the full $1,199.99 retail price upfront at checkout, plus T-Mobile's standard $35 connection charge.

  • Your $1,100 in savings are distributed evenly as monthly bill credits over 24 billing cycles. Canceling the line early means any remaining unpaid balance on the $1,199.99 retail cost becomes due immediately.

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

By offering a straight-up $1,100 discount simply for adding an eligible line, T-Mobile is slashing the Z Flip 8's $1,199.99 retail price to under $100. That's easily one of the best "no trade-in" foldable launch promotions on the market today.

Everything announced at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, including Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and smart glasses

5 hours 53 min ago

Samsung held its highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event in London on Wednesday morning.

The showcase featured three new foldable phones and two new smartwatches, plus more. Spider-Man even made an appearance. Here's everything you need to know from the latest Galaxy Unpacked livestream, plus a first look at the devices.

SEE ALSO: Spider-Man swung through Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the cheapest and most fashionable new foldable Cute little guy. Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable

The most affordable foldable Samsung's new lineup is also undeniably the cutest. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a fairly straightforward successor to last year's Z Flip 8; it's still a clamshell-style foldable with a small 4.1-inch outer display that mostly exists for checking notifications, and a bigger 6.9-inch inner display where you'll do most of your serious business. It starts at $1,199. The color options are pink, cream, graphite, and mint.

Most of the changes from last year are fairly modest. The new Z Flip is about 12 percent smaller than the Z Flip 7 was, and 8g lighter. All three of these new foldables feature Flex Titanium technology, which is intended to make the folding hinges both more durable and less visible to the naked eye.

Samsung kept most of the core specs, like RAM, storage, battery size, and camera megapixel counts the same this year. Perhaps the biggest improvement is the presence of a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, the same as the other two new foldables. The Z Flip 7 ran on a comparatively weaker Exynos chip, so you can expect better performance and maybe even more efficient battery usage out of the Z Flip 8.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is not actually a follow-up to Z Fold 7 Widely anticipated. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Pre-event rumors had us a little confused about Samsung's device naming scheme this year, but all has been clarified as of Wednesday. Yes, there is a device called the Galaxy Z Fold 8. No, it is not a true successor to the Z Fold 7. Instead, it's a brand new device, and it starts at $1,899. It comes in lavender, cream, graphite, and pistachio colors.

This device sits at a midway point between the Z Flip 8 and the new Z Fold 8 Ultra (more on that in a bit) in terms of price and specs. It has a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, thought to be analogous to that of the upcoming iPhone Fold. At 201g, Samsung is calling it the "world's lightest Fold." With a 4,800mAh battery, it promises 26 hours of video playback on a single charge.

Camera-wise, it's closer to the Flip, with only two rear lenses rather than three. That means no telephoto lens, unfortunately. The 50MP main and 50MP ultra-wide lenses should allow for decent social media photos.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UItra is the most premium device of the bunch Still my favorite one. Credit: Samsung

Remember how I said the Z Fold 8 does not actually exist as a sequel to the Z Fold 7? That's because the Z Fold 8 Ultra does, instead. Yes, Samsung gave an old name to a new phone and a new name to an old phone this year. Don't worry about it. The new one starts at $2,099, and its color options are violet shadow, green shadow, cream, and graphite.

Despite the new moniker, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is arguably the most similar to its predecessor. It's still a very light, thin phone, but its dimensions are almost identical to those of the Z Fold 7. RAM and storage counts haven't changed, but one major thing has: the battery size. Samsung went all the way up from 4,400mAh to 5,000mAh, the biggest battery in any Samsung foldable to date. The company is promising 27 hours of battery life, which would be a big improvement over last year.

Lastly, it has a new 50MP ultra-wide lens, up from 12MP a year ago. That's on top of the 200MP main lens and 10MP telephoto lens it already had. This will easily be the best camera array on any of these phones.

Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch 2 Ultra have plenty of AI health tracking features That's an expensive watch. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Moving on from phones, Samsung also spent some time talking about the latest additions to its smartwatch portfolio. Meet the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

The former comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, and starts at $379. The latter, meanwhile, is 47mm and starts at a staggering $699. Both, of course, come with way too many band options and colors to write down in one place, but rest assured you can customize the look about as much as you want.

As usual, most of the upgrades this year deal with exercise and health tracking. The Ultra 2, in particular, has a lot of tracking features for outdoors activities. Trail Run will track elevation and terrain impact for hikes, Nutrition Alert will give you hydration advice in conjunction with the existing Sweat Loss feature, and an upcoming Diving app will offer detailed dive tracking because this phone is waterproof enough to actually go on dives with you.

Both phones will also benefit from a cornucopia of new AI health guidance features. A new Vitals feature will track deviations in your basic vitals, while the devices can also offer personalized insights regarding disruptions to sleep, daily cardio load, and loud noise alerts to protect your hearing.

As for hardware, the upgrades are more modest, but the Ultra 2 comes with an exceptionally bright 5,000 nits of peak brightness, making it great for outdoor use. Both Watch 9 models have larger batteries than before, and the Ultra 2 has a very big (by watch standards) 800mAh cell inside it. The Ultra 2 is definitely the one to get if you're all about endurance.

More info about upcoming Samsung smart glasses Those look like glasses, alright. Credit: Screenshot: Samsung

Last but not least, Samsung gave us a little bit of information about its upcoming Galaxy Glasses effort, with a short on-stage presentation that confirmed some rumors from ahead of the event. The upcoming smart glasses, which were previously announced, will be designed in collaboration with brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, with at least four designs to come. They'll run on the new Android XR platform and will launch this fall, but we don't know how much they'll cost yet.

The glasses don't contain displays, but have speakers, microphones, and cameras on them, similar to other competitors. You can use it to talk to Gemini hands-free while connected to an Android phone or Wear OS watch. Battery life is supposedly around nine hours, with an additional seven charges in the charging case. It seems like we'll have to wait a little bit to hear more, though.

Get a free $350 Amazon gift card when you preorder the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 phones — heres how to claim

5 hours 56 min ago

FREE AMAZON GIFT CARD: As of July 22, when you preorder one of Samsung's new 2026 foldable phones — the Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — you'll get a free $350 Amazon gift card. The offer ends Aug. 6, the day before the phones are officially released.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 $1,899.99 at Amazon
+ free $350 Amazon gift card Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra $2,099.99 at Amazon
+ free $350 Amazon gift card Get Deal

Samsung's new foldables have arrived after weeks of anticipation. Announced at Samsung's July Galaxy Unpacked event, the 2026 foldable phones include the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — both of which Mashable's tech editor says have "a cool factor the iPhone can't match." With an official launch date of Aug. 7, they're now up for preorder.

We recommend heading to Amazon instead of Samsung directly to preorder your new device, as you'll get a free gift card with your purchase. And when you see the prices of these phones, you'll want that free cash, trust me.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free — how to claim

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, the midrange option, features a 5.5-inch fold screen and 7.6-inch full-size screen. It's suspiciously similar to the rumored foldable iPhone. It can film in up to 8K at 30 fps, has a dual lens camera, and starts at 12GB of RAM. It comes in lavender, graphite, and cream at Amazon and starts at — brace yourselves — $1,899.99. By pre-ordering at Amazon, you'll get a free $350 gift card to spend later. Using girl math, that means you'll get the phone for $1,549.99.

The Z Fold 8 Ultra is the flagship Samsung foldable and successor of the Z Fold 7. It's the largest of the bunch, with a 6.5-inch fold screen and 8-inch full screen. It's also the only option with a three-lens camera (closer to the Galaxy S25 Ultra). It comes in cream, graphite, and violet shadow at Amazon and has a starting price of $2,099.99. Like the Fold 8, the Fold 8 Ultra comes with a free $350 gift card when you preorder at Amazon.

Amazon says you'll receive an email once your gift card is available and it won't be until after the product has shipped. Keep an eye out in your inbox so you don't miss out. Also note that your new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 or 8 Ultra device will be unlocked, so you can take it to any carrier you wish.

Samsung Galaxy Watches now detect when youre going to get sick — but its not the first health tracker to do so

5 hours 58 min ago

In London during Galaxy Unpacked 2026, Samsung debuted new foldable phones and a new generation of smartwatches. On those new watches, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, there's a whole host of new health insights, including sleep apnea detection. But the new Vitals feature on Samsung Galaxy Watches knows when you're getting sick before you do.

Using five different biometric markers — heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen saturation — Vitals creates a health baseline for users and detects when those baselines deviate. Users then get an alert that something's off, so you can note when you might be getting sick or need some extra recovery time.

Samsung's Vitals feature use five different health biometrics to detect for symptoms. Credit: Samsung

While this feature is new to Samsung Galaxy Watches, it's not new in the world of health trackers. Oura Ring, the leader in smart rings, has its own Vitals page, the hub for all your health biometrics. Within Vitals is Symptom Radar, a feature that tracks your biometrics, detects any signs of strain, and encourages you to make daily decisions based on how you feel.

Samsung's Vitals seems to be the brand's own version of Symptom Radar. The new batch of Galaxy Watches, including the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, comes with boosted battery life for round-the-clock wear. That means they'll always be monitoring your biometrics so that you can have deeper health insights and access to features like Vitals.

The new Samsung Galaxy Watches are now up for preorder and will be available on Aug. 7.

Samsung Galaxy Glasses shown at Unpacked. See the smart glasses now.

6 hours 1 min ago

At Samsung Galaxy Unpacked on Tuesday, Samsung provided a closer look at its upcoming smart glasses. Samsung is working with Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster and Warby Parker on the design, and the glasses will run on Google's new Android XR operating system.

SEE ALSO: Samsung reveals undeniably hip Galaxy Z Flip 8 foldable at Galaxy Unpacked in London

We first saw these glasses at Google I/O 2026 in May, and there will be at least four designs, according to CNET, with different frame styles. Google has been teasing its smart glasses collaboration with Samsung for months, and previously said the first pair of smart glasses would be released in 2026.

During the Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung gave another peek at the glasses:

Credit: Shannon Connellan / Mashable Credit: Samsung

According to CNET, these glasses are display-free but have a camera, microphone, and speakers. It supports Gemini AI and can connect with Android phones and Google Wear OS watches. The glasses will run both Google Gemini and Samsung Bixby AI.

Samsung's COO of mobile experiences, Won-Joon Choi, told CNET that the glasses can run for 9 hours on a single charge, while the case can charge them an additional 7 times.

The glasses will not have a built-in display, but will have built-in cameras for content capture and microphones to help power AI features. During Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, the glasses presentation demoed different uses, such as asking the device to summarize meeting notes or tell you the next step in a recipe. You can also use the glasses' POV in Google Meet meetings.

Actions with the glasses "flow" into using other Samsung devices — for instance, double-pinching to answer calls.

The full collection from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker is coming this fall, the company announced on Wednesday.

Mattel and Hasbro’s first-ever collab brings My Little Pony and Polly Pocket together — here’s the scoop

6 hours 8 min ago

TL;DR: Mattel and Hasbro revealed the $33 My Little Pony x Polly Pocket Compact at SDCC. The collectible combines Polly Pocket’s tiny playset style with classic Generation 1 My Little Pony details, including Firefly, Glory, and a mini Polly figure.

Mattel and Hasbro are joining forces for the first time, and the result is a tiny collectible packed with big nostalgia.

Announced at San Diego Comic-Con, the new My Little Pony x Polly Pocket Compact brings together Polly Pocket’s miniature world with the colorful charm of classic Generation 1 My Little Pony playsets. The collaboration is designed for longtime fans of both franchises while introducing the iconic toy brands to a new generation of collectors.

Priced at $33, the My Little Pony Polly Pocket Compact is more than just a display piece. The compact features Polly and Starshine on the outside and opens to reveal a pony-filled world inspired by the original My Little Pony playsets. Inside, collectors will find a fold-down waterfall and castle, a cozy stable for the ponies, and a rainbow ride where the characters can clip in for imaginative adventures.

Credit: Hasbro / Mattel Credit: Hasbro / Mattel

The set includes a micro Polly figure alongside My Little Pony favorites Firefly and Glory, both featuring brushable tails. Fans will also spot extra nostalgic details throughout the compact, including character artwork and a rainbow brush accessory.

The My Little Pony Polly x Pocket Compact is available now through Mattel for $33 and will also be showcased at both the Mattel and Hasbro booths during SDCC, giving attendees a closer look at the first-of-its-kind collaboration.

Pages