Feed aggregator

Best Earth Day 2026 deals so far: Blueland cleaning products, Pela phone cases, electric composters

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 13:03
A quick look at the best Earth Day 2026 deals Best kitchen deal Reencle Prime Electric Composter $429.00 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best cleaning deal Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets (60 count) $23.99 at Amazon (save $6) Get Deal Best tech deal Pela biodegradable compostable phone cases buy one, get one free Get Deal Best entertainment deal "Planet Earth II" (4K UHD) $34.65 at Amazon (save $25.34) Get Deal

Google's landing page for an Earth Day-related search brings up some relatable frequently asked questions: What should we do on Earth Day? If you'd like to do more than go outside and post a pretty tree on your Instagram story for Earth Day this year, consider making some eco-friendly swaps at home.

Like Prime Day, Earth Day sales are a great opportunity to stock up on home products that you already use every day — these versions just create way less waste. Swap plastic cleaning spray bottles for dissolvable cleaning tablets, swap tree-destroying toilet paper for bamboo toilet paper, or splurge on a countertop composter to shrink your household's food waste. We'll be keeping track of the best Earth Day deals through the end of Earth Week:

SEE ALSO: How to actually recycle electronics, beauty empties, toys, and more tricky items in 2026 Best home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Reel Reel Bamboo Toilet Paper save 30% with code EARTHLOVE30 Get Deal Why we like it

I've tried a lot of sustainable swaps for my home in the past five years, and Reel's bamboo toilet paper is easily one that's been repurchased the most. Not only is it 3-ply and super soft — to the point where multiple guests in my apartment have inquired about the brand — but no trees were harmed in the making of this TP. Bamboo is considered the fastest-growing plant on earth, and making toilet paper out of it requires significantly less water and energy than your typical tree toilet paper. When it feels like there's news about new cuts to national parks and forests on a daily basis, I'll take my bamboo toilet paper usage as a W.

More Earth Day kitchen and bathroom deals

Countertop food waste condensers

Eco-friendly storage, water filters, and more

SEE ALSO: The Mill food recycling bin is the easiest indoor composter alternative, and my all-time favorite appliance Cleaning product dealsOutdoor deals

Forget about floor cleaning by grabbing the Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop while its $270 off at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 13:00

SAVE $270: The Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $529.99, down from the standard price of $799.99. That works out to a 34% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop $529.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $270   Get Deal

We all deserve a break these days. Even if your schedule is not packed with meetings and errands and other daily chores, having some relaxing time is essential. Instead of spending energy on cleaning the floors, offload the task to a robot. Sure, robots might not be ready to cook us dinner, but they've proven their worth as vacuums and mops. Check out this deal at Amazon today on a budget-friendly model.

As of April 21, the Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $529.99, marked down from the usual price of $799.99. That works out to a 34% discount that shaves $270 off the price.

Mashable's resident expert on robot vacuum and mops, Leah Stodard, ranked the Eufy C28 as the best affordable robot vacuum and mop combo with a self-wash station. In her full review of the Eufy C28, she wrote, "The Eufy C28 is the most affordable mainstream roller mop robot vacuum we've seen so far," and that's even more true now that it's $270 off.

SEE ALSO: Score the Ecovacs Deebot X11 robot vacuum and mop for its lowest price yet

It's a compact model that does a great job at vacuuming and mopping floors given its price point. Stodart mention it doesn't earn a spot on the list of the best robot vacuums for pet hair on carpets, but it does a reliable job with keeping up on the daily.

While it's $270 off, snag the affordable Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop. You'll be able to offload both vacuuming and mopping so you can take off on summer's best adventures or simply relax on the couch.

Dive into the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven expansion with this discounted booster box

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 12:47

SAVE $20.71: As of April 21, preorder the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) for $143.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $164.70. That's a discount of 13%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) $143.99 at Amazon
$164.70 Save $20.71   Pre-order Here

It's that time again: a new Magic: The Gathering expansion is on its way. Secrets of Strixhaven is officially landing on April 24. It'll bring hundreds of new cards to the game, and if you plan on competing or collecting, you'll want to get your hands on some of the latest and greatest cards. You can do that easily with this discounted set that's up for preorder right now.

As of April 21, preorder the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) for $143.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $164.70. That's $20.71 off and a discount of 13%.

SEE ALSO: Grab the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box for market price at Amazon and TCGplayer

There are nearly 368 new cards that comprise Secrets of Strixhaven, with several magical colleges to explore in the world of Arcavios. This box comes with 30 Play Boosters, each containing 14 cards. That means 1-5 cards of Rare or higher rarity, 3-6 Uncommon, 5-8 Common, and 1 Land card. You'll also find surprises like Traditional Foils, Foil Borderless Mythics, and more in these packs.

This booster box is the best way to build your stores of cards that can be used to create new decks. You'll get a good spread of options for filling in holes or starting a brand new deck to see what the expansion has to offer.

If you're ready to dive into this new addition to the world of Magic, you'll want to lock in your booster box preorder while it's discounted. These things always sell out rather quickly.

The DJI Power 1000 Mini portable power station just launched. But not for U.S. shoppers.

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 12:27

DJI is on a roll with portable power. We're all smitten with the ability to go off grid without actually losing power and DJI is helping us achieve this. A portable power station is ideal for camping, powering up the projector in the backyard this summer, or to use during power outages. They're also useful for content creators who tend to stray off-grid for projects.

DJI has long been a creator-favorite brand, and they're keeping up with the world of portable power. The brand just launched the DJI Power 1000 Mini which is small only in terms of its footprint. It packs in a respectable 1,0008Wh but its physical size is nearly halved compared to the original DJI Power 1000 as well as being smaller than the DJI Power 1000 V2. It clocks in at weighing about 25 pounds, so it certainly ticks of box of being ultra portable. Max output is rated at 1000W.

Credit: DJI Noteworthy features on the DJI Power 1000 Mini

DJI made some nice additions to this new model compared to previous versions. For starters, there's a lightbar at the bottom, which is a feature I love. It makes a big difference to have a built-in light when walking up stairs with a power station or moving it around a dark campground.

DJI also added a retractable USB-C cable with 100W output which feels like a real luxury. DJI also makes all of their portable power stations especially friendly for content creators, and the new Power 1000 Mini is no different. DJI drone owners get access to an SDC port for quick-charging of drone batteries.

Another content-creator friendly element is the noise level on the DJI Power 1000 Mini. The brand notes when recharging in standard mode, it'll reach about 30 decibels which should be quiet enough to sleep through or record content near without interrupting.

How to buy the DJI Power 1000 Mini in the U.S.

As of last December, DJI faced an FCC ban on DJI drones. Since then, the company has struggled to get new products into the country. That appears to be the fate of the DJI Power 1000 Mini. For now, at least.

Earlier this month when DJI released the new Osmo Pocket 4, a DJI spokesperson told Mashable the company was still waiting for authorization with the FCC to sell the device in the United States. Sadly, there's no current route to get your hands on the DJI Power 1000 Mini in the U.S. However, toggling to the brand's Canadian site indicates the station's price in USD and lists it at $467.

We'll keep this page updated as soon as we hear info about a U.S. launch.

DJI power stations to shop today DJI Power 1000 $349 at Amazon (save $350) Get Deal DJI Power 1000 V2 $429 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal DJI Power 2000 $749 at Amazon (save $550) Get Deal

Tim Cook Was Very, Very Good at Making Money

NYT Technology - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 11:43
If the Steve Jobs era was defined by technological innovation, the Tim Cook period was one of exceptional financial growth.

Why Instagram was turning some users photos black and white

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 11:38

Have your Instagram posts been turning black and white without your consent? You're not alone.

According to Engadget, some users on Facebook and presumably elsewhere (though I wasn't able to find a lot of complaints on X) have complained that photos uploaded to the Instagram app in color were being automatically and unintentionally turned black and white at some point in the uploading process.

It was enough of a problem that Instagram confirmed its existence to Engadget, explained what the problem was, and claimed it had already been fixed.

SEE ALSO: The top 10 most-followed Instagram accounts

"Earlier today, a technical issue caused some HDR photos to appear incorrectly as black-and-white for a subset of accounts,” Instagram told Engadget, before saying the problem was already being fixed.

According to the Instagram spokesperson, anyone still experiencing the problem should simply wait a few hours for the photos to automatically go back to their original, intended state.

In the meantime, if you want to avoid anything like this happening in the future, there's a way to turn off HDR photos on an iPhone. By default, your iPhone will turn on HDR automatically when it's called for, but if you go to Settings, then Camera, then turn off Auto HDR, you can avoid any HDR-related mishaps going forward.

Amazon is launching new Star Wars Echo Dots — The Mandalorian and Grogu preorders are 20% off

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 11:32

SAVE 20%: As of April 21, preorder The Mandalorian or Grogu Amazon Echo Dot bundle for $79.96 and $71.98 respectively ahead of their May 1 release date.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon The Mandalorian Echo Dot $79.96 at Amazon
$99.96 Save $20   Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Grogu Echo Dot $71.98 at Amazon
$89.98 Save $18   Pre-order Here

Can't wait to head to the theater for The Mandalorian & Grogu? The May 4th Star Wars deals are already heating up, so you can get your fill of both characters long before the movie arrives. Amazon is sweetening the deal, for instance, on two of its newest Echo Dot bundles so you can bring the pair home to act as your new smart speakers.

As of April 21, preorder The Mandalorian or Grogu Amazon Echo Dot bundle for $79.96 and $71.98 respectively ahead of their May 1 release date. Each bundle comes with an Echo Dot in the color of your choice (charcoal, deep sea blue, or glacier water) as well as a stand, and either a Mandalorian helmet or Grogu, depending on your preference. Or you can get a bundle with both.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away free N-1 Starfighter models on Star Wars Day — how to claim yours

Other than the adorable Grogu stand and the menacing Mandalorian helmet, these are your run of the mill Echo Dots with a new facelift for Star Wars fans. You can play music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more via the Dot as well as make calls, ask Alexa questions or use apps, and much more.

These tiny smart home hubs are all about connecting your devices and controlling other items throughout your abode. They can link up to and synergize with other Echo products you have as well. You can even control your Fire TV theater system with them if you'd like.

If you want to bring both Echo stands home, you'll have to wait a bit, though. You'll be able to get yours set up just in time for the movie about a month later when you get them on May 1, though The Mandalorian & Grogu launches on May 22.

This robotic lawn mower cuts your grass for you, and its never been this cheap

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 11:16

SAVE $300: As of April 21, the Ecovacs Goat O1000 robotic lawn mower is on sale at Amazon for $1,199. That's $300 or 20% off its list price and its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Goat O1000 robotic lawn mower $1,199.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Summer's right around the corner, which means so is yard work. If you have a lawn that requires constant care, you may want to consider a robotic lawn mower this season. Like robot vacuums, they can take over a chore you'd rather not do and give you hours of your time back every week. They're not the cheapest investments, but Amazon just dropped the price of Ecovacs Goat O1000 robotic lawn mower to save you a big chunk of change.

As of April 21, the Ecovacs Goat O1000 robotic lawn mower is on sale for just $1,199 at Amazon instead of its usual $1,499. That's 20% or $300 in savings, knocking it down to its cheapest price ever.

The Goat O1000 robot lawn mower is powered by AI Vision and 3D ToF LiDAR, which means it can accurately navigate your lawn for proper upkeep while avoiding obstacles like kids' toys, furniture, pets, and more. It's designed for smaller lawns, with the ability to mow up to a quarter acre or for 1.5 hours before it needs a charge. TrueEdge Trimmer technology helps it conquer clean edges, so you don't need to go back in manually. Plus, you can adjust the cutting height to your preference, from 1.2 to 3.1 inches.

To make the most of the Goat O1000's features, you'll need to download the Ecovacs app. Like a robot vacuum, you'll be able to set no-go areas, create multiple mowing zones, define travel paths, adjust the cutting height and speed, and create your mowing schedules. It's like having a personal lawn care professional in your pocket.

Sure, it's still not the cheapest investment at $1,199, but it's the best price you'll find on the Ecovacs Goat O1000 and it'll save you more money in the long run on lawn care.

Spring for an upgrade to the 98-inch Samsung Class Crystal UHD 4K TV while its $900 off at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 10:50

SAVE $900: The 98-inch Samsung Class Crystal UHD 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $1,599.99, down from the standard price of $2,499.99. That's a 36% discount and the lowest price we've seen on this model in 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 98-inch Samsung Class Crystal UHD 4K TV (UN98DU9000, 2024 model) $1,599.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $900.00   Get Deal

We've spotted a really big deal. If you've been yearning for a jumbo TV but haven't felt like the price was reasonable enough to make the leap, this Amazon deal might be your sign.

As of April 21, the 98-inch Samsung Class Crystal UHD 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $1,599.99, marked down from the list price of $2,499.99. That's a 36% discount that takes a massive $900 off the price. It's the lowest price we've seen on this model so far this year.

If you're feeling in the mood to treat yourself, your favorite shows, and your friends, upgrading to the 98-inch Samsung Class Crystal is a great choice. Sure, you could spend the money elsewhere, but what else could give you hours of enjoyment everyday for years to come?

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (April 17, 2026)

The Samsung Class Crystal UHD 4K TV is designed with Samsung's Supersize Picture Enhancer with a wide picture ratio. This means the display remains sharp even at its large size. There's also the Motion Xcelerator that clocks speeds of up to 120Hz, and that means you can use this model as a gaming TV. Image sitting in your climate-controlled living room playing games this summer.

Since 98-inch Samsung Class Crystal UHD 4K TV is sitting at the lowest price we've seen this year, take it as a sign to make the upgrade. You'll be able to stream shows, watch movies, game, and catch this summer's best sporting events while saving $900.

What Happens When A.I. Runs a Store in San Francisco?

NYT Technology - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 10:26
Andon Market in San Francisco is billed as the first retail boutique run by an artificial intelligence agent. So far, the inventory seems random, and there are too many candles.

Score the Ecovacs Deebot X11 robot vacuum and mop for its lowest price yet

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 10:25

SAVE $600.99: As of April 21, get the Ecovacs Deebot X11 robot vacuum and mop for $899 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,499.99. That's a discount of 40% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ecovacs Deebot X11 robot vacuum and mop $899 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $600.99   Get Deal

If you're still struggling to keep your home clean when you've got a busy schedule or a full house, you don't have to deal with it alone. You can recruit a robot vacuum to help whip your home into shape, and it won't cost you an entire paycheck. Case in point: we found this robot vacuum for its lowest price ever, and it's got every feature you could want to help tidy up your home in record time.

As of April 21, get the Ecovacs Deebot X11 robot vacuum and mop for $899 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,499.99. That's a discount of 40% and the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: I found the best robot vacuums for every floor, budget, and level of laziness

This robot vacuum and mop eliminates a few steps from your routine. It boasts a strong 19,500Pa of suction to help cut through the dirt, debris, and hair ground into the carpet. All of this is stored in its bagless auto-emptying station. It can handle all the mess, so you just have to occasionally empty the station when it gets full.

It can find its way around your home and create maps of each room to eliminate bumping into things and navigational slowdowns. It can also swap between robot vacuum and mop with ease so you don't have to worry about which mode to use. With its high-density roller, it can scrub hard-to-reach stains as well as edges and corners. When it's finished with its cleaning session, it'll even refill its own tank.

if you're ready to offload these tasks to a robot, now's the time to jump in while this model is the lowest price it's been.

The Soundcore Space 2 headphones prove why Soundcore is the budget brand to beat

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 10:22

Don't you love it when the universe seems to be listening?

For instance, my colleague Samantha Mangino just wrote about how great the budget-friendly Soundcore Space One headphones are, and voilá, Soundcore's new Space 2 headphones are officially available at Amazon and Soundcore's website as of April 20.

Naturally, I couldn't be one to close my ears off to what the universe was offering me, so I got my hands on a pair of the Soundcore Space 2 headphones ahead of their launch, and tested them out over the course of the past two weeks. (As a headphones reviewer, I guess this is also technically my professional obligation, but still.)

Knowing that the Space Ones are great, I've had my eye on the second-gen headphones since their announcement at Mobile World Congress in March — I'm happy to report that these headphones do not disappoint. At a price point far more accessible than premium flagship releases these days, I could see these headphones being the best option for most people, especially if you don't need the absolute top-of-the-line features.

Of course, budget products always come with a few trade-offs, and the Space 2s are no exception. So let's get into it.

Soundcore Space 2: Price and specs The Soundcore Space 2 headphones look (and sound) great. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

In an era where one of the big constants of headphones releases is increasing price points, it's nice to see a brand launching well-rounded headphones that don't cost several hundred dollars. It's especially pleasant to see headphones that are just $129.99, as the Soundcore Space 2 are. While this is $30 more than the Space One's $99.99, it's still an incredibly competitive price point. Here's what you'll get with the headphones:

  • Battery life: 50 hours with ANC on, 70 hours with ANC off

  • Quick charge: Five minutes of charge for four hours of playback

  • Listening modes: Noise cancellation, normal, transparency

  • Drivers: Double-layer 40mm diaphragm drivers

  • Multipoint connection: Yes, up to two devices

  • Equalizer: Eight-band custom equalizer, with 22 equalizer presets

  • Spatial audio: Yes

  • Audio codecs supported: SBC, AAC, and LDAC

  • Passive playback: Yes

  • On-ear controls: Noise cancellation button, multifunction button, power/Bluetooth button, and volume controls

  • Colors: Seafoam green, white, black

The Soundcore Space 2 headphones sound great

Out of the box, the Space 2 headphones sound balanced, clear, and generally pretty damn great. But you don't have to stop there.

With the companion app, the Space 2 headphones allow for plenty of customization. There's the eight-band custom equalizer, the HearID test that helps you find your sonic preferences, and the 3D Sound (Soundcore's name for spatial audio). And, as on other Soundcore audio devices, you have your pick from 22 preset equalizer options, too. (I remain partial to the Treble Booster).

I put these headphones to the test with plenty of variety, including "No One Knows" by Queens of the Stone Age, "Aerodynamic" by Daft Punk, "Hooligan" by BTS, and "Here is Someone" by Japanese Breakfast. Whether it was the rock-heavy punches from Queens of the Stone Age, the bass-forward mix of BTS's song, or the lilting vocals and soft strings of "Here is Someone," the Space 2 headphones handled the soundscape deftly. I even listened back to a podcast episode I edited (and therefore, was very familiar with) — Soundcore's headphones sounded great.

SEE ALSO: The 12 best headphones of 2026 — we tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

As a self-proclaimed spatial audio skeptic, I was also pleasantly surprised by the 3D sound feature. Generally, I find spatial audio to sound hollow and tinny in a way that very much does not immerse me. And while Soundcore's version didn't work unanimously across genres, for some songs (again, like "No One Knows") it added the immersive sense, without losing a sense of the song's fullness.

Finally, their noise cancellation. I don't have too much to say here — it's nothing astounding, but it certainly gets the job done, especially on lower-pitched hums. That means if the main reason you're getting noise-cancelling headphones is to block out a lot of talking, you might find these aren't best suited to your needs. Soundcore recommends these for plane rides in particular. While I didn't get a chance to travel during my testing period, I can attest to them being great headphones and great for busy households. Living with eight of my family members in Southern California, I'm very attuned to the sounds of other people playing music, TV shows, cooking, or sounds of the neighborhood, like gardeners with leaf blowers or cars driving by — these headphones handled all of the above with ease.

A better-than-budget look and wear

In my experience, budget headphones tend to show their price point in their design. Maybe they're clunky, have odd colorways, or are more prone to squeezing the head.

This was not the case with the Space 2 headphones. The memory foam ear cushions and padded band made hours of wear entirely possible and comfortable — even when I wore hats or my glasses. The on-ear buttons were intuitively placed, with two on each side (and some customization available through the app), which made pausing music and switching to the next song entirely possible without ever reaching for my devices.

Soundcore's headphones look better than your average pair of budget headphones. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

In a similar vein, the wear detection worked well most of the time. Mainly, it faltered if the sensor was blocked (one time when I put my headphones on my lap, and another when I only removed one ear cup from my ear). Still, for $130, I'm not complaining.

Finally, Soundcore gives the option of three colorways on these headphones, all of which are cute and fit in with more expensive headphones, like the Bose QuietComforts.

Black and white are the other two available colorways on the Space 2 headphones. Credit: Soundcore Credit: Soundcore Some of the best battery life available

This isn't going to be a very long section because it's quite straightforward, but the battery life on these headphones deserves a call-out. With noise cancellation, you can get 50 hours of playback. Noise cancellation and wear detection drops that to 45 hours, while no noise cancellation bumps it up to 70 hours. Long story short, it'll take you a minute to run down the battery life.

In my two weeks of testing, they finally ran out on the very last day I was using them — and even then, a five-minute quick charge got me 20 percent of the battery life back. For comparison, significantly more expensive headphones like the Bose QC Ultra 2 and Sony XM6 headphones can each run for 30 hours with ANC. Only a handful of options fall in the higher battery life range, like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Marshall Monitor III headphones, which offer 60 and 70 hours with ANC, respectively.

Unexpected extras

If a pair of headphones $130 or under nails the sound and design and has decent battery life, I'm typically not expecting much more from them. And yet, this is Soundcore.

What that means is that these headphones come with a couple of interesting extras. One piqued my interest more than the other, but I appreciate the inclusion of both. Let's start with the nap mode feature, which allows you to set white noise and a timer for taking a nap. It's not the most surprising feature, considering Soundcore makes the best sleep earbuds on the market, but I'm not sure over-ear headphones are the most sleep conducive. Still, I guess it's nice that the option is there.

More intriguing was the live translation feature. I'd encountered it before on Soundcore's open earbuds and found it to be pretty reliable. I tested it again by making my friend speak to me in Korean and my mom speak to me in Spanish — with both languages, the translation was about 80 to 90 percent accurate, and relatively fast working. The only place it didn't work was with the automatic language detection — the app kept crashing. However, inputting the language that was to be translated first worked with great results.

What the Soundcore app shows you while using the Live Translation feature. My friend deemed this "impressively accurate." Credit: Screenshot / Soundcore The budget pitfalls

I genuinely had a hard time coming up with features of these headphones that I found to be less than ideal. While I don't think any of these features are experience-destroying, they're worth being aware of before purchase.

  • Slight creaking: While this wasn't the most noticeable, I could occasionally hear slight creaking from the headphones when I moved my head — especially when I wasn't streaming audio. It wasn't nearly as bad as I'd experienced on the JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones, but it was more noticeable than on a more expensive pair of headphones, like the Bose QuietComforts.

  • App isn't the best for accessing all the features: These headphones are decently feature-rich, but the app can be a little confusing to navigate, with too many menus hiding all the options for customization.

  • Noise cancellation lets in higher tones: The noise cancellation for low-tones is great — for higher tones like talking, these headphones tend to show their price more. That's not to say it doesn't work well — it does — but you shouldn't expect Sony performance here.

Are the Soundcore Space 2 headphones worth it?

In a word, yes. In two words, absolutely yes.

Soundcore made a name for itself in creating excellent budget products, and it holds that name up with the Space 2 headphones. I can't think of another pair that offers the same balance of performance, design, and functionality, making these a great buy for everyone, from students to folks on a budget looking for a pair of everyday headphones.

Soundcore Space 2 $129.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Soundcore

Even Without Internet Access, Prisoners Are Trying to Benefit From A.I.

NYT Technology - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 10:19
Most prisons forbid online access. But inmates are finding ways to ask chatbots questions anyway.

Amazon Pet Days returns in May: Everything you need to know about Prime Day for pets

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 09:00

Amazon isn't hosting its next big sitewide sale until Prime Day in July (or maybe June). But in the meantime, pet owners will be able to stock up on discounted food, treats, toys, apparel, grooming supplies, and other pet essentials during its fifth annual Amazon Pet Days sale next month.

The retail giant confirmed Tuesday that the event will run from May 11 to 15 this year, which makes it the longest Amazon Pet Days sale ever. Here's what you should know about it ahead of time.

What is Amazon Pet Days?

Amazon Pet Days is Amazon's yearly sale on pet supplies — pretty straightforward. It always happens in May, which is National Pet Month, but it's never been a five-day event before. It started as a 24-hour event in 2022 and ran for 48 hours from 2023 to 2025. (This is becoming a pattern for Amazon: Last year, it extended its flagship Prime Day sale from 48 hours to four days.)

What kind of deals to expect during Amazon Pet Days

Amazon Pet Days will bring deals on pet essentials for dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, and small mammals, including kibble from big-name brands like Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science Diet, Iams, and Purina. It tends to be a good opportunity to save on the sort of unglamorous petkeeping stuff you probably need to buy anyway, like a new bag of dental chews or a fresh tub of kitty litter.

Amazon typically drops a selection of early Amazon Pet Days deals in late April as a way of previewing some of the sale's top offers.

Do you have to be a Prime member to shop Amazon Pet Days?

Amazon Pet Days is often called "Prime Day for pets," but unlike actual Prime Day, it's not exclusive to members of Amazon's Prime program — anyone can shop the deals. However, Prime members get the extra benefit of free same-day, one-day, or two-day delivery on millions of items (with no order minimums), which can come in clutch if you find yourself suddenly low on, say, food or poop bags.

If you haven't had a Prime membership recently, you may be eligible for a free 30-day trial.

Half Man review: Is Richard Gadds new series as good as Baby Reindeer?

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 09:00

It's all very well making ground-breakingly good TV, but what happens when you have to follow it up?

This is the challenge faced by Half Man, Richard Gadd’s new limited series following his massive success with 2024's Baby Reindeer.

So how does the series, directed by Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck, compare? Well, the two shows have their similarities and differences. Half Man isn't as funny as Baby Reindeer. Both are very dark. Both have characters at war with themselves. The question is, which is better? And how can Half Man hope to compete with a predecessor that earned so many viewers, armchair detectives, and awards?

SEE ALSO: The 20 best TV shows streaming on Max What's Half Man about?

Set in Glasgow, Scotland, the six-episode BBC/HBO show jumps between two timelines. Each episode is framed by snapshots of a wedding in the present day. Niall (All of Us Strangers' Jamie Bell) is getting married. But the occasion is marred by the arrival of his step-brother Ruben (Gadd), who clearly has unfinished business with Niall that goes beyond wishing him all the best for the future.

Flashbacks slowly reveal why. The first three episodes take us back to the main characters' teenage years, when a bullied Niall (Mitchell Robertson) sees his life upended by Ruben (Stuart Campbell) being released from a young offender's institute and coming to live with him and his mother Lori (Neve McIntosh). Niall, a vulnerable teen struggling with his sexuality, is both obsessed with and afraid of Ruben — a tall boy with tattoos and a swagger, who seems to cause chaos wherever he goes.

Half Man follows the highs and lows of their lives, from school and university into adulthood, watching as the two rely on, love, and at times despise one another, all while the series tries to unpack what it is that makes a person the way they are.

Stuart Campbell and Mitchell Robertson play a young Ruben and Niall. Credit: Anne Binckebanck / HBO Half Man is a painful exploration of masculinity and sexuality

One of the main themes that runs throughout the show is Niall's struggle with his sexuality. He's clearly aware of his attraction to men from a young age, but it's just as clear that he can't accept it. Self-hatred and internalised homophobia means he hides that part of him away. However, he later visits dogging spots (public or semi-public places for sexual encounters) and chem sex parties, which puts him at risk from blackmailers and police.

As with Baby Reindeer, Gadd's writing in Half Man does an excellent job of subtly exploring the issues its main characters face. Niall and Ruben are both closed off in their own ways, but the show allows their actions to speak volumes even when they shut down, leaving room for the talented cast to complement the script with subtle actions and facial expressions. And in the rare moments when the characters do open up, the dialogue is filled with the gut-punches we've come to expect from Gadd.

"Why can't you just be happy with that side of yourself?" Niall's girlfriend Ava (Anjli Mohindra) asks him in one key moment. "It's the 21st century, nobody cares anymore."

"That doesn't make me feel any better," responds Niall. "The fact that the world is progressing only adds to the problem because not only am I ashamed, I'm bloody irrational too."

When Ava tells Niall that "everyone who matters knows" about his sexuality, his response, delivered in a strangled yell by Bell, is painful to hear: "Because I don't know."

Niall struggles to come to terms with himself throughout "Half Man". Credit: Anne Binckebanck / HBO Does Half Man have any weaknesses?

Despite only being around six hours long, Half Man crams a lot in. Possibly too much.

Moving from adolescence to adulthood, the show's time jump is a key narrative driver, making us want to keep watching to find out what exactly has led Niall and Ruben to a point of violence on Niall's wedding day — but it does also lead to a small problem in the story. This occurs in episode 4 when the timeline ticks forwards to Niall and Ruben's adult selves and the core cast changes from Robertson and Campbell to Bell and Gadd. It comes with a reversal in the main characters' fortunes that, when coupled with the skipped decade, feels jarring at first. As if maybe we've missed too much and are playing catch up.

Luckily, the feeling doesn't last. The time jump needs to happen for the sake of the story, and it's not long before Gadd and Bell's performances overcome what could have been a slight narrative misstep to pull us into Half Man's powerful second act.

So is Half Man as good as Baby Reindeer?

Half Man is Gadd's first foray into TV drama that's not directly based on real life. It's a test he passes. Half Man is gripping, emotional, complex, and upsetting, telling a story of masculinity and brotherhood that feels rooted in reality even though the story is fictional. It stumbles at times but never falls, and the strengths massively outweigh any negatives.

Is it as good as Baby Reindeer? No. But that would have been close to impossible. Baby Reindeer, with its unique subject matter, incredible blend of awkward comedy and extremely dark themes, and true story tagline, felt like a groundbreaking show. The kind of series that doesn't come along every year. Half Man walks a more well-trodden path. But it does what it does well, cementing Gadd as a storyteller with a lot more to offer.

Half Man airs on HBO on Thursday, Apr. 23 at 9 p.m. ET and is available to stream on HBO Max, with new episodes airing weekly. In the UK, the series is streaming on BBC iPlayer from Friday, Apr. 24, with new episodes airing weekly.

Mint review: Romeo & Juliet but make it Scottish crime

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 08:23

From creator, writer, director Charlotte Regan (Scrapper), BBC series Mint is undeniably a modern take on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Glasgow, where we lay our scene.

Leaning on the Bard's star-cross'd lovers framework across six short episodes, Regan carves out her own style of crime drama. Boasting an arsenal of cinematography, understated performances, a hint of magical realism, and a hypnotic score, Mint is a surprising, fresh take on a centuries-old story — one that will undoubtedly make its way to U.S. screens.

SEE ALSO: The 15 best British TV shows of 2025 and where to stream them What is Mint about?  Ben Coyle-Larner and Emma Laird in "Mint." Credit: House/Fearless Minds/BBC

The ancient grudge? Two organised crime gangs led by stern patriarch Dylan Evans (an excellent Sam Riley) and reactive young'un Liangelo Denson (Connor Newall), where abdication looms and new mutiny simmers. Our forbidden lovers? Shannon Evans (Emma Laird) and Arran Denson (Ben Coyle-Larner) a pair whose ill-advised love at first sight moment comes in a shower of sparks.

When Shannon's father decides to step away from the family business, with her brother Luke (Lewis Gribben) steering clear of such inheritance, whispers of unrest reach enemy ears — and Shannon and Arran's burgeoning romance becomes dangerous territory.

Featured Video For You 'Dreaming Whilst Black' creator Adjani Salmon on calling out the entertainment industry

Instead of going granular on the patriarchal business of Dylan's criminal activity, Mint focuses on the complexity of the women around him: his wife Cat (Laura Fraser), mother Ollie (Lindsay Duncan), and daughter Shannon, all of whom evaluate their own power in the family. 

The Brutalist's Emma Laird is both naive and brazen as Shannon, a young woman born into the shadier side of society, surrounded by family who adores her. The crime boss's daughter, she has a fearlessness, glamour, and ennui that thrives in Laird's hands (and Elle Wilson's lush costumes). Duncan's Ollie is a covert firestarter, carefully keeping her hands clean. Fraser's Cat struggles with facing the reality of her role in the Evans empire and the true dynamic of their family.

Ben Coyle-Larner in "Mint." Credit: House/Fearless Minds/BBC/Sanne Gault

But we're here for doomed romance and fatalistic passion, right? Ben Coyle-Larner, aka musician Loyle Carner, makes his screen debut as Arran, the one "But Daddy I Love Him" man Shannon's not allowed to fall in love with. Coyle-Larner and Laird are well-matched, giving understated performances. Instead of dramatically professed love scenes on balconies, it's deadpan flirtation in garage workshops and literal floating on air across a Glasgow park. It's real life romanticised through magical realism and dynamic cinematography — and it's all thanks to a dream team of production talent.

Mint forges its own experimental style  Emma Laird and Ben Coyle-Larner in "Mint." Credit: House/Fearless Minds/BBC

For a TV series, Mint feels at times like an experimental film, music video, or piece of contemporary theatre. Director Regan, cinematographer Christopher Sabogal, and production designer Amy Maguire (both of The Buccaneers) produce a six-chapter set of stylised chiaroscuro, extreme angles, home movie footage, and copious amounts of extraordinary slow-motion footage. It's no surprise all three have worked on music videos, with much of Mint feeling as such — Patrick Jonsson's mesmerising score and a glut of Charli XCX and Joy Crookes helps.

Stitching together the chaos and the calm, editor Mdhamiri Á Nkemi (who worked on Regan's triumphant debut, Scrapper), crafts a wild ride. Documentary-style, voyeuristic shots sit beside conventional close-ups, beside sweeping overhead shots and loaded slow zooms. The effect is theatrical and dramatic, rendering violence over-the-top and giving Mint its own visual identity among crime dramas. Social realism this is not.

Regan's Mint is a short, sharp gem that leans on visual disruption to freshen up a tale as old as time. Here's hoping it reaches beyond British screens soon.

Mint is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK.

The Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 is down to its best-ever price at Amazon — save $90

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 08:13

TL;DR: Amazon has the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 (G53F) QHD gaming monitor on sale for $159.99, down from $249.99. That saves you $90 on a 1440p IPS display with a 200Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, HDR10 support, and AMD FreeSync Premium.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G5 (G53F) QHD Gaming Monitor $159.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $90 Get Deal

Being able to get a decent gaming monitor for under $200 usually means you’re at least technologically compromising on some level, but Amazon’s new price cut on this Samsung model means you’re getting impeccable performance at a bargain. 

As of April 21, the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 (G53F) QHD gaming monitor is down to $159.99 at Amazon, marked down from its $249.99 list price. That makes it 36% off and brings the monitor to its lowest-ever Amazon price — as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

For a cent shy of $160, the spec sheet is a lot better than what the Odyssey G53F’s price would have you believe. The Odyssey G5 gives you QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution, which is a proper step up from Full HD and should make everything from open-world games like Crimson Desert to everyday desktop work look noticeably sharper.

The 27-inch IPS panel also has a wide 178-degree viewing angle, so colors should hold up better if you’re not sitting perfectly dead center.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

What’s more, you’re getting up to a 200Hz refresh rate and a 1ms MPRT response time, which should help keep fast-paced multiplayer titles like League of Legends, Rocket League, and Fortnite visually smooth and responsive. AMD FreeSync Premium is also included to help reduce screen tearing and choppiness when the action picks up, even during longer sessions.

Samsung has also rounded out the Odyssey G53F with HDR10 for brighter highlights and deeper shadows, plus Black Equalizer for spotting enemies in darker corners. That’s along with Virtual Aim Point and Auto Source Switch+ for a couple of extra gaming-specific flourishes to make this a must-buy for smaller budgets.

For those open to spending a bit more, the 27-inch 280Hz Alienware gaming monitor is also on sale for just under $300. Additionally, the 45-inch curved LG UltraGear OLED gaming monitor is now over $500 off.

Apple may have already given us a big hint about AI Siri

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 08:05

In March, Apple announced the date of its annual WWDC event, along with a logo for WWDC 2026.

Now, famed Apple oracle Mark Gurman of Bloomberg says that the WWDC 2026 imagery on the Apple website actually contains our first hints about the new AI-powered Siri that Apple has been working on for years. That means a possible hint about the new and improved Siri has been right under our noses for almost a month.

SEE ALSO: End of an Apple era: Tim Cook to step back, John Ternus named CEO

So far, Apple has released two official images to promote WWDC 2026, which will take place June 8 through 12 at the company's Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California. The images include neon text that casts a harsh light on the rest of the image, and Gurman says that's not a simple stylistic choice.

Credit: Apple Credit: Apple

Instead, Gurman's latest Apple update suggests that this design mimics the yet-to-be-revealed Siri redesign. If he's correct, Apple is testing a new Siri design that will include a glowing visual cue in the Dynamic Island similar to that neon glow from the promo images.

It's not much to go on, but after years of waiting, it's something.

We could finally get AI Siri at WWDC 2026

Apple's annual developer conference will kick off with a June 8 "special event," where the company could finally debut a new AI-powered version of Siri.

As the AI chatbot revolution has changed the way we use technology, Apple's signature AI assistant Siri remains firmly stuck in the past. After years of delays, Apple finally announced a partnership with Google Gemini to power a more conversational version of Siri with more advanced AI features (and possibly its own standalone app).

Apple is expected to announce the launch of iOS 27 at WWDC 2026, and a Siri announcement would be very appropriate.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Jimmy Kimmel roasts Trump for apparently wanting to award himself Medal of Honor

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 07:45

It's common knowledge that Donald Trump enjoys receiving awards, but according to a new Wall Street Journal report he actually floated the idea of awarding himself the Congressional Medal of Honor — a medal typically given by the president that is the "highest award for military valor in action."

Jimmy Kimmel was both shocked and not shocked at all.

"Can you imagine if Trump gave himself the— of course you can imagine it, yes," Kimmel says in the clip above. "He accepted the Nobel Prize as a gift. But what if he does, what if he puts that medal around his own neck? Would that be enough for these zombies who still worship him to wake up? Just fundamentally, can a person give himself an award?"

Kimmel goes on to explain Trump's apparent reasoning.

"According to those who were there, Trump believes he deserves the Medal of Honor because his plane flew into Iraq on an unlit runway during a first term trip to visit troops. Well if that's all it takes, anyone who ever flew into Newark deserves the Medal of Honor."

Grab the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box for market price at Amazon and TCGplayer

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 07:44

TL;DR: Amazon has dropped the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box to $183.95. That gets you 30 Play Boosters packed with cards inspired by all 16 mainline Final Fantasy games.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box $183.95 at Amazon
$209.70 Save $25.75 Get Deal

The Final Fantasy MTG crossover set has been one of the tougher modern releases to find for market value, but a couple of key sellers have given us the chance to buy for less.

As of April 21, Amazon’s lowest available seller listing for the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box is $183.95 with free delivery. That no longer beats TCGplayer’s $175.92 market price, but it’s still a stronger buy than Walmart’s current $192.99 price for the same 30-pack box.

TCGplayer is technically the best play if you’re fast. The lowest unopened listing starts at $160.00 plus shipping. That puts it 93 cents under market, but there are only a few units available at that price before the next shipped listings jump closer to $179.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

As this is a 30-pack Play Booster Display Box, you’re getting a full box for Limited games, deck-building, or simply cracking packs with a little Final Fantasy nostalgia in the background. Each Play Booster contains 14 Magic trading cards, with 1 to 4 rares or better, 3 to 6 uncommons, 6 to 9 commons, and one land card. One card in every pack is Traditional Foil, while Traditional Foil lands appear in 20% of boosters.

For anyone who’s only just gotten into MTG, this set pulls from all 16 mainline Final Fantasy games, so expect familiar heroes, summons, spells, and locations reworked into Magic cards. Play Boosters are also a flexible pick if you want something built for actual tabletop play rather than purely collector-chasing for high, though there are still plenty of valuable cards listed on TCGplayer that you can pull.

If you’re catching up on other sets, you can also grab Magic: The Gathering’s 30-pack Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Booster Display Box for just over $102. Plus, the 30-pack MTG Avatar: The Last Airbender Play Booster Box is only around $120 across Amazon, Walmart, and TCGplayer.

Pages

Subscribe to Page Integrity, Inc. aggregator