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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 leak reveals camera and hardware specs, new AI tools

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 11:42

We are inching closer to the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, and as such, the rumor mill has been circulating some new information about the devices. Samsung's new foldable phones are expected to launch this summer, and they may also come with more AI tools and some hardware improvements over their predecessors, according to a new leak.

The information comes from a post on X from noted leaker PandaFlash. For hardware, Samsung is likely keeping things simple. PandaFlash says that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will sport a new 200 MP camera, along with a new visual engine and logarithmic video. There is no word on the cameras on the Flip 7, but PandaFlash notes that it should also receive “improved photo quality," which is no surprise.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Potential hardware updates for the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7

The Flip 7 is also slated to get a slightly larger cover screen. This coincides with a prior rumor from Ross Young, which said the Flip 7 cover screen could be around four inches, larger than the prior 3.6-inch display on the Flip 6. Adorning that screen should be some pretty slick wallpapers with transition animations when unlocking the screen.

Both devices are also slated to be thinner, lighter, and more durable. PandaFlash’s information lines up with a comically brief and vague blog post from earlier in June, when Samsung proclaimed that the next Galaxy Z devices would be their thinnest and lightest yet. How much thinner or lighter each device will be remains a mystery, but an IceUniverse leak from May suggests that the device could be as thin as 8.9mm when folded and 3.9mm when unfolded. 

IceUniverse’s leak also predicts a 4,400 mAh battery in the Z Fold 7, which is the same as the Z Fold 6, while the Flip 7 will get a boost in battery to 4,300 mAh. 

New AI features in the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7

Per the norm in 2025, Samsung also intends to pack as much AI into these devices as it can. PandaFlash says that a significant percentage of Samsung’s next Unpacked event will talk about Google Gemini and the inclusion of Gemini Live, which launched on Android devices back in April. In addition, Samsung is expected to talk about new Galaxy AI features, Samsung XR, and Samsung’s Now Brief feature.

In terms of AI, the leaker states that Samsung could also announce new updates to its ProGen Visual Engine, a suite of AI photo and video tools that powers nighttime mode, telezoom, blur reduction, and more. Per the leaker, Galaxy AI will also power new Generative Edit photo features.

This all seems to fit in well with what we know already. Samsung has stated that the upcoming foldables will be the first Samsung devices to run Android 16 and One UI 8, although you can sample the latter on the Galaxy S25 series right now. In terms of release date, early July seems to be the consensus. Samsung launched its foldables on July 10 last year, so it makes sense that we would see a repeat performance this year. 

PSA: You can get an iPhone 16 Pro Max from Verizon for free right now

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 11:37

SAVE $1,199.99: As of June 16, you can get a free iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,199.99 retail) when you open a new line on Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max $0 at Verizon
$1,199 Save $1,199 Get Deal

Usually, when the word “free” is thrown around, there’s a catch. But Verizon’s latest offer is actually legit, and it’s an incredible deal for anyone looking to switch carriers.

As of June 16, you can get a brand new iPhone 16 Pro Max for $0. It's an aggressive play by Verizon to win new customers, and a pretty good deal if you're eligible.

Even though the iPhone 16 Pro Max has been out for a while now, it’s still a solid choice for a smartphone. (It’s also a Mashable Choice Award Winner for its extra-long battery life.) You’ll also get a massive 6.9-inch all-screen OLED display and a powerful A18 Pro chip.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 Pro Max hands-on: It's basically a 'phablet' at this point

To get the phone for “free," you have to sign up for a new line on Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan (which starts at $65 per month). When you buy the phone on a payment plan, Verizon applies $1,199.99 in promotional credits to your account, spread out over 36 months. That monthly credit completely cancels out the phone's payment, bringing its cost down to zero.

Of course, the main catch is the 36-month commitment. The phone isn't truly free if you decide to switch carriers before the three years are up. If you cancel your line early, you'll have to pay off the remaining balance on the phone. But if you're ready to commit, this is one of the best ways to get a flagship phone without the flagship price tag.

YouTube might slow down videos if you use ad-blockers

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 11:28

It may not be your imagination — YouTube might be slowing down your videos if you use an ad-blocker.

PCWorld spotted new rumors floating online on Reddit and elsewhere that folks using ad-blockers are seeing throttled speeds.

Now, to be clear, this has not been confirmed. But it's far from the first time folks have felt this way. Early last year, for instance, users saw degraded quality and performance when using an ad-blocker, which YouTube ultimately said was not its doing.

SEE ALSO: YouTube's war on ad blockers continues, now making ads truly unskippable

This go-round, users have reported seeing a pop-up message reading, "Experiencing interruptions?" That message reportedly led to a page which indicated ad-blockers could affect video playback. Still, this is not full confirmation that YouTube is slowing down your videos if you use an ad-blocker.

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

Mashable has reached out to YouTube for comment and will update the story if we receive a response.

Ads are obviously a major way YouTube brings in revenue and using a blocker is against its terms of service. Just this month it ramped-up the number of ads for users who pay $7.99 per month for its Premium Lite service.

You can win a free Samsung tablet and more when you reserve a new smart monitor — heres how

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 11:20

WIN A FREE SAMSUNG GALAXY BUNDLE: Through June 24, when you reserve a 2025 Samsung 4K AI smart monitor at Samsung.com, you'll receive up to $100 off your preorder and be entered to win a free Galaxy AI ecosystem bundle with a Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Ring.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Save up to $100 on 2025 Samsung 4K AI smart monitor preorders Pre-order Here

Samsung's smart monitors are beyond impressive. Rather than just serving as a bigger screen to extend your workspace, they work double duty to serve as fully capable smart TVs. Earlier this month, the electronics brand announced the latest iteration of these brilliant monitors, the M70F, M80F, and M90SF — each equipped with premium 4K resolution, powerful AI features, and seamless connectivity. If you're in the market for one of these bad boys, you can get an exclusive discount when you reserve yours at the Samsung website. Better yet, you could win some free stuff.

Through June 24, when you sign up to reserve a smart monitor, you'll get up to $100 off when the preorder period goes live (June 24 - July 8), as well as the chance to win a Galaxy AI Ecosystem Bundle. The bundle includes a Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra — that's over $2,300 in Samsung swag for free if you're feeling lucky.

While Samsung hasn't released pricing information, we expect that the new M70F and M80F will retail between $300 and $400 like their predecessors. The M90SF — the most advanced monitor in the lineup — however, will likely be closer to $1,000. A discount of up to $100 on preorders could definitely be helpful.

All three of the new monitors boast AI-enhanced processors, as well as 4K resolution and industry-first built-in AI picture optimization. They're built to adapt to your needs through real-time visual optimization without needing a separate PC. There's a good chance it'll look even better than your TV.

If you want to be among the first to unlock Samsung's next-generation smart displays and work, play, and stream from a single screen, Samsung has opened up reservations. Sign up with your first and last name, email address, mobile phone number, and zip code to reserve your exclusive preorder discount. You'll also be able to participate in the sweepstakes to win the Galaxy AI Ecosystem Bundle. The winner will be drawn on July 2. Fingers crossed!

TikTok launches new AI tools for advertisers, including AI avatars for video ads

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 11:16

TikTok is bringing more generative AI features to its growing suite of tools for advertisers.

On Monday, the social media app introduced image-to-video and text-to-video support as well as a feature called Showcase Products, which lets digital avatars show or wear products.

TikTok's AI-generated ad tools are part of a larger trend seen across the industry that leverages generative AI's ability to quickly and easily pull together video ads at minimal cost. This is thanks to the widespread availability and advancement of AI models that can generate images, text, audio, and video from a simple prompt. Meta is also leaning heavily into genAI for advertising and reportedly plans to automate all ad creation with AI by 2026. And if you watched the NBA finals last week, you may have seen the unhinged AI video ad for Kalshi, which was made using Google's Veo 3.

TikTok's new features are part of TikTok Symphony, the existing collection of AI tools for advertisers. Previously, TikTok introduced AI-generated avatars, a virtual assistant for identifying trends and creating scripts, and AI voice dubbing. With image and text to video, advertisers can now upload an image or write a text prompt and Symphony will turn it into a video clip featuring these AI avatars.

Some of the digital avatars available for TikTok advertisers. Credit: TikTok

The Showcase Products feature builds on the existing avatar feature, so that they can now hold up a product, model an item of clothing, or hold up a phone showcasing an app. This feature, plus image and text-to-video support, will be available to advertisers globally in the coming weeks in the TikTok Symphony Creative Studio. So, prepare to see a lot more AI-generated ads on TikTok very soon.

Some of the digital avatars available for TikTok advertisers. Credit: TikTok

Apples M4 Mac Mini is back under $500 at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 11:13

GET $100 OFF: As of June 16th, the Apple 2024 Mac Mini (M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $499, down from its regular price of $599, for a savings of $100, or 17% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2024 Mac Mini (M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $499 at Amazon
$599 Save $100 Get Deal

Amazon keeps cutting the price of the 2024 Mac Mini. Apple's miniaturized desktop computer is chock full of power and boasts an extraordinarily small footprint. If you're looking to nab an M4 chip, this is one of the best and most affordable ways to do it.

Right now, the Apple 2024 Mac Mini (M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is back down to $499, saving you $100.

SEE ALSO: Save $50 on the Apple Magic Keyboard at Amazon — its lowest price in 9 months The best laptop and tablet deals

The inclusion of a new 2024 M4 chip means that this Mac Mini can leverage a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. With blitz-worthy processing speeds and the graphics capabilities needed to play games or 3D model, this desktop computer offers impressive power. The M4 chip is fortified with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

Should you need more storage, the Mac Mini comes with three rear Thunderbolt ports, two frontal USB-C ports, an HDMI, and an ethernet port. With Thunderbolt's 40Gb/s transfer speeds, you can add storage, monitors, and more with minimal latency.

Currently, the Apple 2024 Mac Mini (M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $499, for a savings of $!00. Get it now and save 17%.

The Mac Mini line has long been a favorite of creators: musicians use them on stages, scientists use them in labs, and regular folks use them as affordable home desktops. This deal is a great opportunity to get on board.

Trumps Promote American Bitcoin, a New Crypto Mining Venture

NYT Technology - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 11:07
The debut of American Bitcoin, a mining firm backed by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., has heightened the ethical concerns swirling around the Trump presidency.

Soundcore announced the first sleep earbuds with active noise cancellation

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 11:03

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best tech deals to shop this week

Trump’s Trade and Tax Policies Start to Stall U.S. Battery Boom

NYT Technology - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 10:58
Battery companies are slowing construction or reconsidering big investments in the United States because of tariffs on China and the proposed rollback of tax credits.

Trump Mobile announced with a $499 gold T1 phone

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 10:39

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

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

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

Credit: Trump Mobile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 24/7 roadside assistance via Drive America

  • Telehealth medical services

  • Free International calling (more than 100 countries included)

  • "No contracts, no credit check"

Get $270 off the Bluetti Solar Generator (AC70) at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 10:39

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best tech deals to shop this week

How to break up with your vape for good

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 10:13

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

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

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

When it comes to quitting, science matters

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

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

How EX Program works

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

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

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

EX Community is key to a quitting victory

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

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

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

Quit medication and other tools

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

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

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

Ready to outsmart nicotine?

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

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

The Naked Gun trailer: Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson embrace the ridiculousness of the Leslie Nielsen classic

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 09:55

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Naked Gun hits theaters Aug. 1.

Apple disables iPhones stolen in Los Angeles looting

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 09:53

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WhatsApp Introduces Ads in Its App

NYT Technology - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 09:00
They will appear in only one part of the Meta-owned messaging service, it said. The move is potentially lucrative, while raising questions about user privacy.

Heres why youre about to see more ads on WhatsApp

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 09:00

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

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

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

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

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

This Renpho smart scale is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 07:09

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does your Mac mini refuse to power on? Apple might fix it.

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 06:55

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get the best Garmin deal: Save $50 on the Garmin Lily 2

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 06:37

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatch for every wrist

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

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

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

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

Ancient moon volcanoes made tiny glass beads. Heres what they mean.

Mashable - Mon, 06/16/2025 - 06:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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