Feed aggregator

The owner of Gravity Payments became a prominent progressive figure on social media after raising the minimum pay at his company to $70,000.

A landmark antitrust trial accusing the social media giant of cementing its dominance through acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp has concluded.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve covered the rise of phishing scams sweeping across the US. Now, a new variant is making the rounds: scammy SMS messages targeting drivers under the guise of official DMV notices. These DMV text and ticket scams seem to be all over the country.

In recent weeks, Departments of Motor Vehicles in states like California, Florida, and New York have issued public warnings about fraudulent texts claiming to represent their offices. The messages allege that drivers owe unpaid tolls or have outstanding violations, and if they don’t pay up, they’re threatened with credit damage or even prosecution. Google Trends shows that interest is spiking in other states, too, like Utah and Illinois, suggesting the scam is rapidly gaining traction.

A more troubling detail is the misuse of state-specific legal codes to increase credibility. Most of the examples seen online show the same code: "15C-16.003," which is a real statute in Florida relating to car insurance, but is misused in messages sent to New Yorkers, where no such code exists.

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

State agencies do not use text messages to deliver legal notices or collect fines. The recent DMV scams seem quite similar to the E-ZPass scam texts that have proliferated in the last few months. Scammers rely on exploiting confusion and targeting individuals who are less familiar with digital threats, often the elderly or those who aren’t tech-savvy. That's why the messages are sometimes filled with shoddy grammar and easily verifiable mistakes — scammers don't want to waste time on people who know better. The recent DMV ticket scams also use phrases like "DMV Final Notice," which increases urgency and makes people act before they had time to think clearly.

The most effective defense is simple: ignore the messages and do not click the links. You can also delete the message and report it as junk. If there’s any concern about outstanding DMV fees or violations, official state DMV websites allow users to securely check your status and verify if you have a ticket or any outstanding charges.

Have a story to share about a scam or security breach that impacted you? Tell us about it. Email submissions@mashable.com with the subject line "Safety Net" or use this form. Someone from Mashable will get in touch.

Elon Musk has said that he's now going all-in with his companies after shifting focus from his role as a special government employee for the Trump administration. And there's no shortage of problems for Musk to attend to, including Tesla's recent abysmal quarterly report and crashing Tesla sales numbers in Europe. Now, another big Tesla project may be in jeopardy.

Tesla is set to launch its long-awaited robotaxi program in Austin, Texas next week. However, according to a new report from Fortune, the city of Austin is not ready for Tesla's robotaxis just yet.

A small fleet of Tesla robotaxis is already up and running in Austin and San Francisco, serving an "early set of employees" in the two cities as part of an initial testing phase. Next week's broader rollout would bring about 10-20 Tesla Model Y self-driving cars to Austin's streets, serving the public for the first time in a robotaxi capacity. If successful, Tesla plans to scale the number of robotaxis into the thousands.

Fortune reports that Tesla held initial meetings with both state and city agencies in Austin a few weeks ago. However, according to that report, officials with Austin’s transportation department, the city's emergency first responders, and federal regulators say that Tesla has failed to deliver crucial information regarding the service, which is supposed to go live in just a few days.

Per Fortune, the company has so far failed to share first responder plans or guides with Austin's transportation department and fire department. That information could be critical if a robotaxi crashes and first responders need to rescue passengers, put out a vehicle fire, or use "jaws of life" rescue tools. In fact, Austin officials told Fortune Tesla hasn't even told the city what level of autonomy the Tesla robotaxis will have at launch, meaning Austin isn't sure if Tesla's service will require human supervision or not.

While other self-driving car companies, like Waymo, are currently operating in Austin, Tesla uses its own technology. Waymo's vehicles have large sensors sitting atop the cars in order to navigate the roads, while Tesla's vehicles utilize video cameras and AI.

Tesla has been in touch with state and city agencies and has assured them that more information is on the way, according to officials the Fortune reporter spoke with. The company has been present in Austin for at least a few weeks now in order to run some initial testing. However, Fortune described the preparations so far as rushed.

Musk has been hyping up Tesla's robotaxi capabilities for years, even as competitors beat him to launching their own self-driving ride services. Meanwhile, Musk is overseeing preparations for the latest Starship launch. So far, the Starship rockets have had an unfortunate tendency to explode.

Will Tesla's robotaxi service have similar problems after launch? We'll know more soon.

Congressional leaders are begging the federal government to fulfill its promises to modernize the national wireless emergency alert system, as severe weather events plague communities.

In a letter sent this week to Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, California Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán called out the FCC for delaying a years-long effort to provide multilingual Wireless Emergency Alerts for wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and 911 outages. The importance of such communications was made more clear during the January wildfire disaster in Los Angeles.

The plan was approved in 2023 and set to go into effect in January, providing 18 alert templates in 13 of the most commonly spoken languages in the U.S. for use by nationwide authorities and all major wireless providers. The system would bypass the need for translators, speed up wireless alerts across devices, and require mobile service providers pre-install multilingual alerts.

But the Trump administration's new leadership has balked at deploying the system.

SEE ALSO: Explicit deepfakes are now a federal crime. Enforcing that may be a major problem.

“You’ve got about 68 million Americans that use a language other than English and everybody should have the ability to to understand these emergency alerts. We shouldn’t be looking at any politicization of alerts — certainly not because someone’s an immigrant or they don’t know English," Barragán told the Los Angeles Times. Carr was previously an advocate for the alert modernization effort, but has delayed publishing the new rules in the Federal Register.

Instead, the FCC has spent the last four months investigating companies, organizations, and federal contractors for diversity-related spending and content decisions, including NPR and PBS broadcasts, Disney, and CBS. In March, Verizon capitulated to the administration's anti-DEI goals and ended its "DEI-related practices" in order to finalize a $20 billion purchase of broadband provider Frontier Communications.

Meanwhile, advocacy coalitions, including the AAPI Equity Alliance, called the stalled effort a "real dereliction of duty" and a direct attack on immigrants, the LA Times reported.

Emergency alerts have become a crucial lifesaving tool as natural disasters increase in size and frequency, a foreseen consequence of the global climate crisis. But the country's alert system has struggled to scale up in accuracy and access, and a lack of federal funding for organizations like the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are doing little to help.

Lawyers representing Anthropic recently got busted for using a false attribution generated by Claude in an expert testimony.

But that's one of more than 20 court cases containing AI hallucinations in the past month alone, according to a new database created by French lawyer and data scientist Damien Charlotin. And those were just the ones that were caught in the act. In 2024, which was the first full year of tracking cases, Charlotin found 36 instances. That jumped up to 48 in 2025, and the year is only half way over. The database, which was created in early May, has 120 entries so far, going back to June 2023.

SEE ALSO: More concise chatbot responses tied to increase in hallucinations, study finds

A database of AI hallucinations in court cases shows the increasing prevalence of lawyers using AI to automate the grunt work of building a case. The second oldest entry in the database is the Mata v. Avianca case which made headlines in May, 2023 when law firm Levidow, Levidow & Oberman got caught citing fake cases generated by ChatGPT.

The database tracks instances where an AI chatbot hallucinated text, "typically fake citations, but also other types of arguments," according to the site. That means fake references to previous cases, usually as a way of establishing legal precedent. It doesn't account for the use generative AI in other aspects of legal documents. "The universe of cases with hallucinated content is therefore necessarily wider (and I think much wider)," said Charlotin in an email to Mashable, emphasis original.

"In general, I think it's simply that the legal field is a perfect breeding ground for AI-generated hallucinations: this is a field based on load of text and arguments, where generative AI stands to take a strong position; citations follow patterns, and LLMs love that," said Charlotin.

The widespread availability of generative AI has made it drastically easier to produce text, automating research and writing that could take hours or even days. But in a way, Charlotin said, erroneous or misinterpreted citations for the basis of a legal argument are nothing new. "Copying and pasting citations from past cases, up until the time a citation bears little relation to the original case, has long been a staple of the profession," he said.

The difference, Charlotin noted, is that those copied and pasted citations at least referred to real court decisions. The hallucinations introduced by generative AI refer to court cases that never existed.

Judges and opposing lawyers are always supposed to check citations for their own respective responsibilities in the case. But this now includes looking for AI hallucinations. The increase of hallucinations discovered in cases could be the increasing availability of LLMs, but also "increased awareness of the issue on the part of everyone involved," said Charlotin.

Ultimately, leaning on ChatGPT, Claude, or other chatbots to cite past legal precedents is proving consequential. The penalties for those caught filing documents with AI hallucinations include financial sanctions, formal warnings, and even dismissal of cases.

That said, Charlotin said the penalties have been "mild" so far and the courts have put "the onus on the parties to behave," since the responsibility of checking citations remains the same. "I feel like there is a bit of embarrassment from anyone involved."

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

As you can probably tell by all the grad party invitations plastering your fridge, it's officially high school graduation season. Shopping for a high school grad can be daunting, though: Do you go for something fun? Something practical? What do these kids even like these days?! Don’t worry — we are here to help you impress your favorite high school graduate with a great gift. If they're planning on moving into a college dorm or to their own apartment, you know they'll need plenty of basic, essential items. The good news is that they're likely starting with a clean slate, so you have a ton of room to work with. If we're being honest, the gift most grads really want is cold hard cash. You also can’t go wrong with a gift card — but if you're looking to get more personal, we have lots of solid suggestions below that your high school grad will love.

TL;DR: Online safety for the whole family is easy with this lifetime AdGuard Family Plan, now just A$24 (reg. A$265) with code FAMPLAN through 1 June.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription AU$24
AU$265 Save AU$241 Get Deal

The internet isn’t just cluttered with ads; there are also trackers and other hidden threats. AdGuard keeps you safe online by blocking intrusive ads, stopping trackers, and safeguarding your privacy across all your devices.

Right now, you can grab lifetime protection for the whole crew with the AdGuard Family Plan. Cover up to nine devices for only A$24 (reg. A$265) with code FAMPLAN now through 1 June.

Enjoy a safer and smoother browsing experience

The internet should be fun, not frustrating. AdGuard tackles the most annoying parts of online life, like pop-ups, autoplay videos, and banner ads, so that you can enjoy your time browsing, streaming, and scrolling again.

Aside from blocking ads, AdGuard also protects your privacy. Your information will stay safe from trackers and activity analyzers, and you'll be shielded from malware and phishing websites that you or your family members could fall victim to. 

Parents will love AdGuard's parental control feature, which keeps your kids safe from inappropriate content online.

This Family Plan lets you protect up to nine devices with AdGuard, so you can make sure everyone's devices stay safe. And it works with Android and iOS operating systems alike, so it can be used on tablets, smartphones, and laptops.

Secure your own AdGuard Family Plan for life for just A$24 with code FAMPLAN now through 1 June. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

GET $110 OFF: As of May 27, the GoPro Hero11 Black Mini is on sale for $139.99, down from its standard price of $249.99, for a savings of $110, or 44% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero11 Black Mini $139.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $110 Get Deal

It's rare for a camera model to define a whole style of photos and video. Just as the Polaroid was once the camera of in-the-moment friends and family shots, the GoPro now embodies no holds barred adventure footage. Built to splash into the waves or survive hard bumps on mountain biking trails, these cameras are made for extreme footage.

Right now, you can get the GoPro Hero11 Black Mini for $110 off, just in time for summer.

SEE ALSO: Go electric with $800 off the Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 200 V2 The best tech deals

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

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

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

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

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

The Hero11 is built to record steadily, even when the going is bumpy. Horizon Lock does the work that a gimbal or stabilization software would. The camera records in up to 5K with a 24.7 megapixel sensor and a 16:9 aspect ratio. It has a maximum speed of 240 Fps. The Mini records to MicroSD and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth.

The Hero11 Mini is even more portable and mountable than the Hero11. It is 0.29 pounds and just over two inches square. It has two sets of mounting fingers, for versatile mounting options from bottom and rear.

Right now, May 27th, get the GoPro Hero11 Black Mini for $139.99 at Best Buy and save $110, or 44%.

Its small size doesn't mean that this camera is weak. The Mini still has the same waterproofing as other GoPros (down to 33 feet). Consider it a license to get wet.

Existing and being perceived in the human form is difficult enough. We have to consider our bodies, hair, skin, and what others will think of them. There is the pressure of our online persona, what we look like IRL, and how to reconcile those images. Now, for reasons I can hardly fathom, folks are using ChatGPT to judge if they're hot and how to make themselves better-looking.

The Washington Post reported an in-depth article on how people are using ChatGPT for beauty purposes. It detailed several examples of people asking the chatbot for a harsh assessment of their looks.

Wrote the Post:

But in a novel use case, people are uploading their own photos, asking it for unsparing assessments of their looks and sharing the results on social media. Many also ask the bot to formulate a plan for them to "glow up," or improve their appearance. Users say the bot, in turn, has recommended specific products from hair dye to Botox.

Search around TikTok, and you'll find examples of users asking ChatGPT to rate their hotness or advise them on so-called glow-ups. It's worth noting that AI models, in general, are just scraping the internet for information. We've seen, of course, that the internet and social media can prove damaging to our self-image.

SEE ALSO: We tried the ChatGPT 'reverse location search' trend, and it's scary

AI "just echoes what it’s seen online, and much of that has been designed to make people feel bad about themselves and buy more products," Forrester commerce analyst Emily Pfeiffer told the Post.

People love using ChatGPT for trends these days. There are things like replicating selfies 100 times over or using ChatGPT as a reverse location search tool. And now, apparently, we're using it to rank our hotness. All this technology, and we're basically reverting back to the old-school "HOT or NOT" version of social media.

If you were one of the lucky few to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 preorder when they went live, it might be a good idea to manage your excitement, because you may not be so lucky anymore.

First spotted by Vice, some Nintendo Switch 2 hopefuls are reporting on Reddit that their preorders are randomly being canceled just one week out from release. The highly anticipated handheld gaming console is set to launch on June 5, but preordering the console has been extremely difficult for many gamers.

Retailers like Walmart, GameStop, and Target seem to be the main culprits so far, with some gamers speculating that the stores oversold their Switch 2 stock and are now having to backtrack. Other rumors point to issues with certain payment methods like Affirm, but without confirmation from retailers, we aren't completely sure why this is happening.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo raises Switch 2 sales forecast to 20 million units

Those same Reddit posters are also claiming that they didn't receive any official notification of these cancellations. Instead, they had to manually check their preorders' status to find out if they had been affected. So, if you happened to lock down a preorder a few weeks ago, you may want to quickly check on it and confirm your payment information is up to date.

While this development is shocking in a way, it's not entirely unexpected — the entire lead-up to the Switch 2 release has been shaky at best, and many have voiced concerns about whether the new consoles will be able to roll out as planned. A similar situation occurred during the PlayStation 5's launch back in 2020. Nintendo has also been dealing with similar Switch 2 supply issues in Japan, and the company expects to sell 20 million Switch 2 consoles in the next year.

While the seemingly never-ending preorder chaos continues, physical Nintendo Switch 2 units are reportedly being spotted at select U.S. retailers. VGC reported that a Reddit user claiming to be a Target employee posted a now-deleted photo of their store's initial Switch 2 stock to the site. The photo has since been reposted by X users, and shows a modest amount of Switch 2s — around 40 consoles — locked up ahead of the launch date.

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

This story is still developing, and we'll be updating this article if and when we learn any new information ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2's June 5 launch date.

SAVE 35%: The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are on sale at Amazon for $64.99, down from the usual price of $99.99. That's a savings of $35.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $64.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $35 Get Deal

You deserve earbuds that are comfortable enough to last for at least one entire playlist, but ideally all day long. Especially now that we're entering summer travel season, your earbuds need to be good to go when it comes to a 10-hour travel day. Enter the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, which are on major sale today.

As of May 27, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are on sale at Amazon for $64.99, marked down from the standard price of $99.99. That's a 35% discount that takes $35 off the price.

On the heels of Amazon's Memorial Day sale, the retailer has dropped the price on the Galaxy Buds Fe to just $65. Given how much Mashable's RJ Andersen loved the buds in their review, we think they're worth considering.

For starters, Andersen said, "The sound quality blew my AirPods Pro out of the water, so much so that I haven’t reached for my AirPods at all since that first day. " If that's not a reason to snag these while they're 35% off, we're not sure what would be.

SEE ALSO: Limited-Edition Bose QuietComfort earbuds are $30 off at Amazon if you hurry

Not only did Samsung focus on sound quality with the Galaxy FE Buds, the brand upped the comfort with a new wingtip design. Another major benefit is the live translation function, which you can access from the Samsung Phone app. You'll be able to hear real-time translations through the Buds, which is an incredible feature to take on your summer vacation to a non-English speaking country.

The best headphones and speaker deals to shop this week

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

• Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones — $38.00 (List Price $59.99)

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

• Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker — $149.00

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

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

Andersen also wrote, "Samsung has delivered an excellent product with the Galaxy Buds FE, so much so that this lifelong Apple user is starting to have serious doubts about whether only owning Apple products — and paying their high price tags — is actually worth it anymore."

That's even more true today since the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are down to just $64.99 at Amazon. Your ears and wallet will be thankful you snagged this deal price.

As a journalist, I live and die by my interviews. And for years, recording phone calls has been the most annoying part of my workflow.

I’ve tried it all. Voice Memos while putting the call on speaker phone. External recorders. At one point, I shelled out $79.99 a year for the TapeACall app, a workaround that felt more like a hack than a solution. (It worked perfectly fine, but only after dialing into a third-party number and merging the calls, which meant explaining that clunky process to every source, every time.) Before that, I used an Olympus Telephone Pick-up Microphone that connected my iPhone to my recorder. And before that, a literal landline adapter — the VEC TRX-20 Telephone Call Recording Adapter — that plugged into the base of my desk phone like it was 2004. I will forever be haunted by the time I plugged it into the wrong receiver jack on my Sony recorder, only to realize after the interview that I’d captured nothing. I had to call the source back and redo the whole thing.

So when Apple announced a native call-recording and transcription feature in iOS 18, I was intrigued. Now, with the iOS 18.5 update, I’ve finally had a chance to test it on real interviews, and it’s genuinely game-changing for me.

SEE ALSO: 5 new iOS 18.5 features I recommend trying ASAP (plus 3 bonus features you may have missed)

Here’s how it works: When you’re on a phone call, a little waveform icon appears in the upper-left corner of the screen. Tap it, and a notification pops up, letting you know the call is being recorded. The person on the other end hears an audio cue from Siri, too, which, from a legal and ethical standpoint, is crucial. Then the magic happens: your iPhone not only records the call, but transcribes it automatically. And it stores the audio and transcript in your Notes.

I first tested the feature while reporting a story about Labubu, a wide-eyed, slightly unhinged-looking collectible figure with a rabid online fanbase. I had multiple phone interviews lined up, and instead of juggling TapeACall or scheduling a Zoom interview only to record the audio, I just tapped the waveform icon when the call began. It was easy. The person on the other end got a notification, and I could actually focus on the conversation without worrying if the tech would betray me.

SEE ALSO: The cult and community of Labubu

And the transcription? Surprisingly accurate. Not perfect, but good enough that I can search for quotes, scan back through key moments, and even pull blocks of text with minimal cleanup. I’ve found its accuracy similar to Otter.ai, a service I also use to help transcribe audio files. Both made the same charming mistake recently: transcribing "Labubu" as "little boo-boo." Honestly, I get it. It’s a mistake your dad would make, too.

But the biggest difference is time. The hours I used to spend relistening to entire interviews (and cringing over my own voice) just to find one quote are now saved by a scroll and a keyword search. I’m also more present on calls now, not distracted by frantic typing or worrying whether my app-of-the-week is actually working.

It’s not just a convenience feature. For anyone whose job relies on accuracy, consent, and efficiency — journalists, researchers, even caregivers — it’s a quietly revolutionary update. And for those of us who remember fiddling with plastic adapters and praying the red light stayed on, it feels like we’ve finally caught up to the future.

SAVE $700: As of May 27, shop Samsung's 65-inch The Frame LS03D QLED TV for $1,299.99, saving you $700 for 35% off. Shop this deal at Best Buy or Samsung.

Samsung The Frame Deals Best Buy Samsung 65-inch The Frame LS03D QLED TV $1,299.99 (Save $700) Get Deal Samsung Samsung 65-inch The Frame LS03D QLED TV $1,299.99 (Save $700) Get Deal Samsung Samsung 65-inch The Frame Pro LS03FW QLED TV $1,999.99 (Save $200) Get Deal

If you've been longing for an art TV, now is a great time to buy. Samsung is the leader in the market with its innovative TVs that can blend in your home's gallery wall before unveiling itself as a smart TV. While other TV makers like Hisense and TCL have debuted their own art TVs, there's still reason to go with the original Frame. Samsung has a special partnership with MoMA that allows you to display great works of art in your very own home. And right now, you can shop Samsung's The Frame for $700 off.

As of May 27, shop the Samsung 65-inch The Frame LS03D QLED TV for $1,299.99. That's $700 off of its usual $1,999.99 for 35% savings. This deal is live at both Best Buy and Samsung right now. Plus, if you want to upgrade, The Frame Pro is on sale for $200 off at Samsung, too.

The Samsung Frame leads with its ability to look like a piece of art when not in use, but it's also a really great TV. It's a QLED 4K model that comes with an anti-reflection matte display. It has motion and brightness sensors that will brighten up the display when you walk by. For those interested in The Frame Pro, it comes with AI-enhanced sound and picture for a better and more personalized viewing experience.

Shop The Frame models on sale now at Best Buy and Samsung and save $700.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch The Frame LS03D QLED TV $1,299.99 at Best Buy
$1,999.99 Save $700 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch The Frame Pro LS03FW QLED TV $1,999.99 at Samsung
$2,199.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

If you know a guy who is gearing up to walk across that stage in a cap and gown to receive his diploma, but you're not sure what to get him to celebrate his special day, we’ve got a ton of great gift ideas that any grad will love this graduation season. College graduation is the perfect time to shower hard-working young adults with awesome gifts. They’re about to enter into a completely new life stage — often on their own and without rigid structure for the first time ever. It’s exciting and a little scary too — but it also means there are so many different categories of gifts that graduates would be more than happy to receive. You can go the practical route and gift smart home devices or kitchen appliances, or you can opt for a more fun gift like gadgets or games. Let’s dive into more than 50 of the best college graduation gifts for men.

SAVE $55: It's your last chance to sign up for a year of Peacock Premium for only $24.99, as the streaming deal ends on May 30. That's 69% off the usual cost of an annual subscription of $79.99. Be sure to hit the "claim offer" button or use the code SPRINGSAVINGS at checkout.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium 1-year subscription $24.99
$80 Save $55.01 Hit the "claim offer" button or use the code SPRINGSAVINGS Get Deal

Peacock is my favorite streaming service, and one of only two streamers I subscribe to personally (the other being Hulu). There are two main reasons: Peacock prioritizes quality content over quantity, and it's still relatively affordable. Another perk? It stays dishing out impressive deals that incentivize not only new customers to sign up, but prior subscribers to come back.

ICYMI, the streamer is running a deal that gets you an entire year of Peacock Premium for only $24.99 with the code SPRINGSAVINGS. That's 69% off the usual cost of $79.99 per year and breaks down to just a little over $2 per month. Hurry up, though. The deal ends on Friday, May 30 and there likely won't be another like it until Black Friday. You can cash in on this deal if you're new to the service, or you've subscribed previously and cancelled. I've re-signed up for Peacock multiple times now through deals just like this.

SEE ALSO: Whether you're a creative or a traveler, these are the best iPads for everyone

What kind of content will you find on Peacock? As the streaming home of NBC and Universal Pictures films, you'll find classic shows like The Office and New Girl along with new episodes of Law & Order: SVU and The Voice, plus movies like Wicked and Nosferatu straight from the theater. There are also plenty of Peacock Originals we can't stop talking about, like Poker Face and We Are Lady Parts, as well as live sports and events like the Tour de France and the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Don't sleep on one of the best streaming deals of the year. Use the code SPRINGSAVINGS and get 12 months of Peacock Premium for just $2 per month.

The Best TV Deals to Shop Now

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

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

• 55-inch Sony Bravia 3 4K LED Smart Google TV (2024 Model) — $578.00 (List Price $699.99)

• Hisense 85-Inch Class U8 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV — $1,640.45 (List Price $1999.96)

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

SAVE $900: As of May 27, the 65-inch Samsung S85D OLED 4K TV is on sale for $1,199.99. That's more than 40% off its retail price of $2,099.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S85D OLED 4K TV $1,199.99 at Samsung
$2,099.99 Save $900.00 Get Deal

April product releases bring May price drops. That's the mantra to remember if you're ever looking for a TV on sale after Black Friday and football-related sales have passed.

Take the current situation at Samsung, for example: As the 2025 version of the brand's budget-friendly OLED, the S85F, gets comfy after its April release, the 2024 S85D has received a giant price cut — $900 off the 65-inch model. Once $2,099.99, the 65-inch Samsung OLED is now up for grabs for just $1,199.99. That's $700 cheaper than the sale price of the 2025 65-inch S85F TV.

If you've never experienced the magic of self-lighting OLED pixels IRL, this is your chance to see why so many people generally prefer OLED over QLED.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (May 23, 2025)

Opting for the 2024 version of Samsung's entry level OLED would mean settling for slightly less vibrant color performance. (Samsung had to make upgrades somewhere.) But the S85D still holds its own in bright rooms, where it's able to retain its deep black levels just as well — if not better than — the more expensive S85F. Daytime viewing is typically the one scenario where QLED wins, so any OLED that performs decently in ambient lighting gets extra points.

The Samsung S85D is also a solid contender for a budget gaming TV with a 120Hz refresh rate and four HDMI 2.1 ports.

GET $800 OFF: As of May 27, the Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 200 V2 is on sale for $899.00, down from its regular price of $1,699.00, for a savings of 47%, or $800 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 200 V2 $899 at Amazon
$1,699 Save $800 Get Deal

Whether you're looking to go high-tech cowboy and set up a solar campsite on the Llano, or you want some solar insurance for the next power outage, the Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 200 V2 will help you do it. Charge it from the grid or hook it up to a solar panel — either way, this impressive battery bank puts contemporary battery tech in your hands.

Act now, May 27, and you can get the Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 200 V2 for $800 off. Currently, the battery bank is on sale for $899.

SEE ALSO: Heads up: The Mac Mini M4 is back down to $500 with an Amazon coupon The best tech deals

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

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

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

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

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

The Elite 200 V2 has a 2,073.6Wh capacity built for 6000+ charging cycles. It can deliver 2600 Watts of output via its AC connections and hit 5200 Watts of peak output. Bluetti claims that the battery should be good for 17 years; it's fortified with extra insulation to persist in harsh climates.

The bank has a number of outputs, including two USB-A, two USB-C, four AC, and a 12Volt plug. It comes with a solar charging cable with which you can attach it to compatible solar panels.

Right now, May 27th, the Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 200 V2 is on sale for $899. Get it now to save $800.

With 15Ms switch times, the Bluetti can also be rigged to function as an uninterruptible power supply, or UPS system, protecting delicate home products like computers.

SAVE $450: The Hydrow Pro rowing machine is on sale at Amazon for $1,745, down from the standard price of $2,195. That's a 21% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hydrow Hydrow Pro rowing machine $1,745 at Amazon
$2,195 Save $450 Get Deal

Getting a full-body workout can feel like it takes forever, plus it can be a lot of work to plan out workouts to target specific body areas every time you go to the gym. Instead of doing legs, arms, and core separately, combine them into one workout that's challenging and fun — and in your own home. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, you can snag a premium rowing machine at a big discount.

As of May 27, the Hydrow Pro rowing machine is on sale at Amazon for $1,745, marked down from the usual price of $2,195. That works out to a 21% discount that shaves off $450. It also comes within $50 of the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Before we get into the details of the Hydrow Pro, let's play with the numbers. It's on sale for $1,745, which works out to about $145 each month for a year. That's not much more (if at all) than a local gym membership, but it comes with the convenience of being in your own home, so you won't have to take the time or spend gas money to get there. Plus, you gain the freedom to wear that shirt with all the holes.

In terms of fitness, the Hydrow Pro is a serious beast. Rowing is one of the few workouts that targets almost every muscle group, including legs, arms, chest, core, and back. The Hydrow Pro uses electromagnetic resistance, so you can decide how hard you feel like pulling today. The nearly silent seat slide is also great, especially if you have housemates. Plus, the ergonomic handle makes for a more comfortable row.

There's also the 22-inch HD touchscreen you can tilt to show you waterfront scenes while you row from the safety of land. With a Hydrow membership ($44 per month), you'll get access to over 5,000 immersive workouts led by coaches and Olympians. No rain will cancel a water workout with the Hydrow Pro.

SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Which health and sleep tracker is right for you?

The Bluetooth connection can sync up to your Apple Watch, favorite workout earbuds, or your heart-rate monitor. Or you can use the screen's front-facing speakers and keep your earbuds and headphones free from sweat.

The Hydrow's slim design also gives it an advantage in terms of storage. It's just one inch over two feet wide, and it's about seven feet long. With the upright storage kit, you can store the rowing machine vertically, but you'll need to pick that up separately from this deal.

Instead of convincing yourself to go to the gym this summer, snag the Hydrow Pro for $1,745 at Amazon and get the convenience of a full-body workout at home.

The Best Home and Kitchen Deals to Shop Now

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

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

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

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

• Eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop With Self-Emptying Base — $399.99 (List Price $699.99)

SAVE $121.99: As of May 27, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are on sale for only $228 at Amazon. That's 35% in savings and the lowest price in months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones $228 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $121.99 Get Deal

After three years of waiting, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones have finally arrived — and they are expensive. They're great headphones, but at $449.99, we expected some bigger upgrades. They're not that much better than the previous generation, the WH-1000XM5s. Better yet, the XM5s were a pretty minor upgrade from the XM4s. If you're looking to save some money on high-end headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones are still a solid purchase in 2025 — especially when they're on sale.

As of May 27, you can pick up the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones for only $228 at Amazon. That's a 35% savings and the cheapest price they've been in months. And for what it's worth, it's also about $2 cheaper than the cost at Sony or Best Buy.

The XM4s still check all the right boxes. Top-notch noise cancellation? Check. Impressive sound quality? Of course. Comfortable fit? Yup. They also offer up to 30 hours of battery life with quick-charging via USB-C. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) gave them the Best of the Year badge of honor in 2020, as well as an Editor's Choice award.

If price is your top priorty, followed shortly by audio performance, grabbing the Sony WH-1000XM4s on sale is a steal. If you've got a little extra dough in your pocket, the newer Sony WH-1000XM5s are also on sale for $298, a 25% discount from their $400 list price. That extra $70 will get you fuller and louder sound and a sleeker design. "The noise cancellation in the new headphones is also slightly better, though not extraordinarily different," Mashable's Miller Kern sums up in her review.

The best headphones and speaker deals to shop this week

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

• Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones — $38.00 (List Price $59.99)

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

• Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker — $149.00

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

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