The Galaxy Fold 7 could weigh “less than a large bar of chocolate.” | Image: Roland Quandt via Bluesky
Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event is just one day away, but a new leak may have just revealed even more details and images of the company’s upcoming devices. In a series of posts on Bluesky, reliable leaker Roland Quandt shared a whole bunch of marketing materials that suggest Samsung is dropping support for the S-Pen on its slimmed-down Z Fold 7.
This adds to the leak Quandt shared on Monday, which appeared to show the specs for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE. The marketing materials highlight the Z Fold 7’s slim profile, which measures 4.2mm when unfolded and weighs 215 grams, or “less than a large bar of chocolate.” They also say the Z Flip 7 will measure 6.5mm when unfolded, which the materials claim is “about the width of a pencil.”
As pointed out by Quandt, none of the marketing materials highlight an S Pen on the Z Fold 7. With previous generations, you could purchase the S Pen Fold Edition separately and store it in a special case (not inside the phone itself, like you can with the Galaxy S25 Ultra). Based on the leak, the Z Fold 7 may not support an S Pen at all.
Additionally, Quandt posted the purported images and specs for the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra. The new Watch Ultra appears to come with an upgraded 64GB of storage, up from 32GB on its predecessor. It also has many of the same features as the previous Watch Ultra, including a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, up to 100 hours of battery life in power-saving mode, a safety siren, and dual-frequency GPS.
The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic appear to adopt the same round display shape and squircle body design as the Watch Ultra. The materials also show that the Watch 8 may offer an upgraded 3,000 nits of brightness and have an 11 percent thinner profile than its predecessor.
Meanwhile, the Watch 8 Classic could come with a much higher 64GB of storage and a larger 445mAh battery when compared to the 16GB of storage and up to 425mAh battery on the Watch 6 Classic. It also looks like the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will come in just one size, 1.3 inches, along with a silver rotating bezel and a watch face that’s available in black or white.
Anker’s 8-in-1 charging station features a wireless pad on the front and seven ports on the back.
Between our rotation of everyday devices, keeping them all charged can feel like a constant juggling act. Thanks to Prime Day, though, finding deals on the right charging accessories can help tame the chaos. A great GaN wall charger, for example, can power multiple devices simultaneously while reducing desk clutter. And a versatile power bank ensures you can quickly recharge your phone or laptop anywhere.
Below, you’ll find a selection of power banks, wall warts, and charging stations at up to 55 percent off. Just about every brand we trust has something to offer, including Anker, Belkin, Ugreen, and more. Whether you’re jetting off to a faraway destination, enjoying the outdoors with friends or family, or outfitting your office, there’s something for everyone.
Prime Day is a full four days this year, running through July 11th, so you’ll have plenty of time to save. We’ll be updating this post as the event rolls on, but for now, some of our best finds are below.
Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station 8-in-1
This 8-in-1 charging station features a Qi2 certified charging pad for a phone, along with three AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports.
Belkin’s 3-in-1 charging station is Qi2-certified and can supply up to 15W of power to compatible phones, along with a 5W charging puck and a pad for wireless earbuds.
Belkin’s minimal 2-in-1 charging station is perfect for a desk or nightstand, providing up to 15W of power to an iPhone. Plus, it sports an additional charging pad for wireless earbuds.
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank with Qi2
This 10,000mAh power bank’s built-in kickstand can prop up a smartphone while it charges, making it easy to watch movies or FaceTime without the battery draining.
Anker’s slim power strip is about the size of a large iPhone, yet it offers six ports (two AC outlets, two USB-C, and two USB-A) and a maximum power output of 100W.
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Wireless Car Charger with Qi2
Belkin’s Qi2 vent mount is perfect for long road trips. It provides fast charging of up to 15W, while the pad makes it easy to place a phone in portrait or landscape orientation.
Ugreen’s portable power bank has a 20,000mAh battery and a maximum power output of 100W, making it possible to charge more robust devices like laptops.
With a sturdy handle, 1,500W of AC output, and six output ports, Jackery’s Explorer 1000 v2 is ideal for keeping your devices powered in the great outdoors.
This kit comes with an EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station and a 220W solar panel — everything needed to power personal electronics and small appliances while off the grid.
One of the best Prime Day deals brings the price of an 11-Inch M3 iPad Air (128GB Wi-Fi) with two years of AppleCare Plus down to an all-time low price of $538.99 ($139 off) at Amazon. Here’s why this deal is so good: AppleCare Plus normally costs $50 per year, but you’re getting two years of it for just $58. Without AppleCare added on, this tablet is $479.99, but we really think you ought to opt for the extended warranty option.
For folks who need more storage, Amazon is offering a $100 discount on a 512GB and 1TB M3 iPad Airs with two years of AppleCare Plus to non-Prime members.
11-inch iPad Air with AppleCare Plus
The 11-inch M3 iPad Air, Apple’s latest midrange tablet, is an excellent choice for most people, and this Prime Day deal includes two years of AppleCare Plus.
The 11-inch M3 iPad Air is so good that our own David Pierce called it “the best long-term iPad” in our buying guide to the best iPads. It’s powerful enough to handle tasks like video, photo, audio editing, and supports Apple Intelligence features — all without breaking a sweat. It’s still a good choice for more core iPad duties, like reading, sketching (the Apple Pencil Pro is currently $30 off at Amazon), or watching videos. Its Touch ID fingerprint reader allows you to unlock the tablet without entering a password every time, and its 12-megapixel front and rear cameras are solid for video calls or snapping a quick picture. The M3 iPad Air will become an even better laptop replacement when new windowing and multitasking features are released as part of iPadOS 26 this fall.
If you don’t need that level of performance, or want a tablet that’s more portable, a seventh-gen iPad Mini (128GB Wi-Fi)is also at an all-time low price of $379 ($120 off) at Amazon. The iPad Mini has an 8.3-inch display, and runs on Apple’s iPhone-class A17 Pro processor, but is still capable of running Apple Intelligence features and iPadOS 26’s productivity features.
We've all had it happen. You slip on a trusty pair of headphones, hop on a call, and your friends, family, and coworkers say, "What?!" Cue your own personal reenactment of the classic "Can you hear me now?" commercials from Verizon.
On this episode of The Vergecast, we kick off Hot Girl Vergecast Summer with a classic Vergecast segment: the mic test. Guest host Victoria Song is joined by Vergecast producers Andru Marino and Erick Gomez to see how the Nothing Headphone 1, Sony WH-1000XM6, Apple AirPods Max, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra hold up against what's possibly the noisiest street in Brooklyn.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best Prime Day discounts on robot vacuums from popular brands like Roborock, Dreame, Eufy, and more, so you can easily find the perfect one to fit your needs. To make sure everybody gets a chance at saving, we’ve included retailers outside of Amazon that are matching these discounts, meaning you don’t need to pay for a Prime membership to take advantage of many of these deals.
The Roborock S8 Max Ultra is $799.99 ($800 off) at Amazon, which beats its previous best price to date. It’s very similar to the MaxV Ultra and offers dual rubber roller brushes, excellent AI-powered obstacle avoidance, and sonic mopping. However, it offers a lower 8,000Pa suction and lacks support for voice assistants. There’s no camera either, which is nice for privacy but not so nice when it comes to obstacle avoidance.
The Roborock S8 Plus, one of our favorite budget-friendly robovac / mop hybrids, is on sale for $349.99 ($650 off) at Amazon, which is it lowest price yet. It comes with an auto-empty dock and features a powerful vibrating mop that scrubs floors and can lift itself to avoid getting low-pile rugs wet. The robovac’s dual rubber roller brushes and 6,000Pa suction also do a solid job of cleaning up both carpets and hard floors, while AI-assisted obstacle detection helps it navigate around everyday clutter.
Tapo RV30 Max Plus
Our favorite budget-friendly robot vacuum offers high-end features, including room-specific cleaning, a capable mop, carpet boost, and smart navigation. It also features an auto-empty dock.
TheiRobot Roomba Plus 405 is on sale for $399.99 ($400 off) at Amazon, which is the robovac / mop hybrid’s best price to date. Its dual spinning mop pads lift automatically when crossing carpets, while the multifunctional docking station handles washing and drying the pads, refilling the tank, and emptying the dustbin. While it doesn’t include AI-powered obstacle detection, it uses lidar navigation for efficient mapping and obstacle avoidance.
Dreame X40 Ultra
With a neat ability to remove and reattach its mop pads, the Dreame X40 solves the problem of vacuuming carpets (with 12,000Pa suction power) while also mopping hard floors. Its mops can also swing out and under low furniture, getting where most bots can’t reach.
The Dreame L20 Ultra robovac / mop hybrid is selling for $539.98 ($460 off) at Amazon, which is nearly its lowest price to date. The auto-emptying vacuum isn’t as powerful as the X40 above and lacks self-extending arms for vacuuming, but it does have a self-extending mop that can reach into corners and refill its own water tank. The robovac is also capable of automatically detaching its mop pads when transitioning to carpet and, with 7,000Pa suction and AI-powered obstacle avoidance, it’s a great vacuum for sucking up dirt and debris, too.
The Dreame L10s Ultra is down to $399.99 ($500 off) at Amazon, matching its all-time low price. The robovac / mop hybrid delivers somewhat strong suction of 5,300Pa and features dual oscillating mops that it can wash and dry with its base. It can empty its dustbin and refill its water tanks on its own, providing up to two months of nearly hands-free cleaning. Equipped with AI navigation that uses both a camera and lidar, the L10s Ultra also lets you access a live camera feed through its app — so it can also serve as a pet monitor.
Narwal’s Freo Z Ultra is on sale for $849.99, down from $1,499.99, at Amazon. The robovac / mop hybrid’s equipped with dual cameras and two AI chips that work together in real time to recognize objects and adapt on the fly, whether that means steering clear of pet waste, deciding how close to get to furniture, or switching to mop-only mode when it detects a wet spill.
The Eufy RoboVac 11S Max is a good bump-and-roll bot that is on sale at Amazon for just $139.99 ($110 off), which is one of its better prices to date. This basic robot vacuum may lack some of the advanced features of pricier models, but it nails the essentials with decent 2,000Pa suction power and a large 600ml dustbin. It operates quietly and doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi, so there’s no need to deal with a smartphone app. Instead, you can control it directly using the onboard button or the included remote, which also lets you set cleaning schedules for added convenience (and remotely steer it, in case it’s not getting the spots you want it to get).
Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop
The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop mops very well — doing a swinging, scrubbing movement with its rear end when in “Matrix mode.” However, you have to manually fill and attach the mop reservoir and empty the bin when it mops, as it only self-empties in vacuum mode and can only avoid larger objects.
The Shark Ion is on sale for $149.99 ($100 off) at Amazon, which is $30 shy of its best price to date. The excellent bump-and-roll bot is surprisingly effective, thanks to a hybrid bristle-and-plastic roller brush that resists tangles better than standard bristle brushes. It’s also simple to operate and easy to repair, with large wheels that help it navigate floor transitions with ease.
Beyerdynamic is launching its new Aventho 100 wireless headphones in Canada first. | Image: Beyerdynamic
Beyerdynamic has announced the second generation of its Aventho wireless headphones, which originally debuted in 2017. The new Aventho 100 feature the same 45mm drivers as the original but benefit from upgraded Bluetooth support and a massive improvement in battery life, which adds an extra 40 hours of playback time.
The Aventho 100 are initially launching in Canada through Amazon.ca for $299.99 CAD (around $220 USD) and through the company’s online store in Europe for €199 in black, brown, and cream color options. That’s a significant price drop given the original debuted at €449 (around $525 USD). Beyerdynamic says global availability, including the US, is expected to come later, but it hasn’t announced specific timing yet.
The original Aventho featured a lightweight and compact design inspired by Beyerdynamic’s now-discontinued T51i wired on-ear headphones, but they were slightly bulkier to accommodate a battery and other electronics in each ear cup. That trend continues with the new Aventho 100, which are slightly larger. However, Beyerdynamic claims that their more capacious 630mAh battery will keep them powered for up to 60 hours or up to 40 hours with active noise cancellation turned on. The originals mustered just 20 hours of battery life and didn’t offer any noise cancellation.
When the headphones do eventually die, Beyerdynamic says a quick 15-minute charge will give you an extra 15 hours of listening time. But a 3.5mm audio cable is also included so they can be plugged into a headphone jack.
In addition to a bump to Bluetooth 5.4 and newly added support for the aptX Lossless and Adaptive codecs, Beyerdynamic has upgraded the Aventho 100 with a USB-C charging port, Qualcomm’s clear voice capture technology for improved sound when making calls, and ear pads that can be replaced when the fabric wears out. Beyerdynamic has also improved the headphones’ aesthetic by covering the exposed wire that connects to each ear pad with a braided wrap, which should also increase durability.
Every month, we like to ask our staff about their favorite stuff — whether it’s tech, kitchen tools, or camping gear. What they answer gives us some interesting insights into what the folks here like to use when they’re at the job or enjoying some time off.
Now that Amazon’s Prime Day sales have come again, we’ve looked through some of our recent “favorites” articles and found deals on a lot of the devices we like. So, we thought we’d list a few in case you have read about them in the past and thought, well, that sort of sounds good, but it’s a bit pricey. (Or — that’s pretty cheap, but maybe I’ll wait until the price goes down even more…)
Here some of our staff’s most-liked gear that is now on sale during Prime Day.
I try to bring a Bluetooth speaker everywhere with me when the weather’s good. A pool party, a park day, a golf outing, a hang on the back patio — it’s all better with music! There are obviously lots of good speakers out there, but for me the UE Wonderboom 4 is the perfect one. It’s only $100, it’s small but loud enough to work just about anywhere, its battery lasts all day and then some, it’s waterproof, and it floats. (All the colors look nice, by the way, but… get the blue one.) There are fancier speakers with more features, and the $200 Megaboom does sound a lot better, but I keep a Wonderboom in my trunk, and it has made me the party hero more times than I can count. — David Pierce, editor-at-large
My biggest deterrent to spending some time outside are bugs, mosquitos specifically. I wish they’d bug off. They have me looking like I’m doing interpretive dancing to avoid being poked. Thankfully, a gadget that I got last year has made it so that I don’t need to be (as) protective of my exposed skin.
Thermacell makes rechargeable and refillable mosquito repellers. I got the E-Series model, which creates a safe zone where you likely won’t be bitten. It lasts a little over five hours per charge, meaning I get more than one use out of it before needing to charge it again. Just be sure not to use it in an environment where there isn’t proper ventilation; Thermacell notes that its ingredients shouldn’t be a concern for people or pets, but I don’t want too much insecticide around my loved ones — or my food. — Cameron Faulkner, commerce editor
I have a tendency to hold on to my phones as long as they work reasonably well, and although I must admit I’ve been tempted by the Pixel 9A, I will probably still be using my Pixel 6 for a bit longer. The only issue that I’m starting to hit is battery life — after over three years of use, it’s not unexpected that I will sometimes hit the 20 percent mark toward the end of the day. So I recently realized that I’m going to have to start carrying around a portable charger. At first, I was going to go with the 20,000mAh Anker Zolo Power Bank, which had gotten a good number of recommendations. But it weighs over 11 ounces and when I dropped it into my bag, it felt like I had added a small brick. That’s why I traded it in for the less powerful but much lighter Anker Nano Power Bank, which plugs into my phone’s USB-C slot like a small add-on peripheral. The Nano weighs only 3.5 ounces and supplies 5,000mAh of battery power — enough to keep me going to the end of the day. And it comes in several pale colors (I chose Ice Lake Blue), which means I can see it more easily in the dark reaches of my bag. — Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor
My body composition has become about 70 percent egg in the blissful month since I bought this cooker. I never want to buy new countertop kitchen appliances, because almost every time I do, they end up dusty in the back of the cabinet, but I’m amazed by how useful this simple Hamilton Beach Egg Cooker is. I can prepare hard- or soft-boiled eggs to perfect consistency in minutes (with no cleanup!), and having it on hand has dramatically cut back on my bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich habit. So it’s good for my cholesterol and my bank account. — Kristen Radtke, creative director
This is a sturdy stainless steel water bottle that keeps water cold as I sip it throughout my workday. What more could you ask for? I take it on trips, too, and while it’s got a few dents from some drops onto concrete, I don’t really care. If anything, the dents add some character and make it mine.— Jay Peters, news editor
For the past few years, the Instant Pot has been a staple in my kitchen. From making rice to slow-cooking stews and even frying up chicken, it can do just about anything. The best part is that the Instant Pot can cook most recipes in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven or on the stove. Rice, for example, takes just six minutes to cook (not counting the amount of time it takes to build pressure), and there’s no fussing with covering the pot or adjusting the heat. Sometimes, it’s just easier — and much less stressful — to let the Instant Pot take the wheel. — Emma Roth, news writer
How often do you blend things? Is it never? Maybe the reason is that taking out, assembling, and cleaning up after a normal blender is just way too much work. Do you know how many sauces I’ve thickened since getting an immersion blender? This thing is small, quick to set up, and you can mostly clean it with just a blast under the faucet. You’re going to blend so many things. — Jacob Kastrenakes, executive editor
It’s kind of weird how much I like our Gripstics. Bag of chips open? Quick, grab a Gripstic. Kids vibing between two different cereals this week? A well-placed Gripstic will ensure they don’t get all squishy. Tiny package of chocolate chips you used for a recipe that is now kind of open in your cupboard for who knows how long? Just fold the top over, slide a Gripstic on it — the small blue one, thank you — and stop worrying so much.
I don’t know about you or your family’s shopping and eating habits, but try as we might to shop on the outside walls of the grocery store, we inevitably come home with many products packaged in single-use plastic bags. That in and of itself is a frustration, only compounded by those same products going bad if they’re not stored properly. The Gripstics are a simple solution to this universal problem, and one that I’m certain has paid for itself many times over. — Christopher Grant, group publisher
As a pasty redhead from a large ginger family, I relish every opportunity to nag about the importance of wearing sunscreen — especially when the summer heat is pounding and everyone starts getting their fleshy bits out. If you’re someone who avoids applying the stuff because it makes your hands feel gross, then allow me to remove that excuse for you: sunscreen applicators are a convenient and mess-free solution that can help you protect your skin without itching to wipe your greasy hands on clothes or sandy towels.
They’re great for applying sunscreen to your kids, too. The Solar Buddies version I use has a big handle, spongy applicator, and a roller dispenser that ensures even small hands have a good grip and don’t look like they’ve dunked themselves in frosting. You just have to fill them with your sunscreen of choice, giving some added flexibility around the brand and SPF (but please, please consider sticking with a factor of 50 plus).
Because the applicator screws tightly closed, it can also help prevent any explosions from occurring in your bag compared to the usual squeeze bottles. Nobody likes a sunscreen sandwich. — Jess Weatherbed, news writer
I spent the better part of a decade trying to find the perfect slim minimalist wallet for carrying a handful of credit cards, debit cards, and IDs, along with a small stash of cash. The winner, which I’ve been carrying every day for close to eight years now, is Magpul’s DAKA Essential Wallet. It’s made from a reinforced polymer fabric with welded seams that make it impressively durable. It’s also got an anti-slip texture that I find adds extra grip so I can easily extract it from even a tight pocket. I ended up buying three so I had backups when it eventually wore out, but am still using the original with minimal wear and tear. — Andrew Liszewski, senior reporter
My ToAuto soldering station spent a few years gathering dust, but I finally pulled it out of the closet when I started experimenting with game console repairs. It may not be a Hakko or a Weller, but for $55, it gets the job done. The station is perfect for a beginner like me, as it heats up to 842 degrees Fahrenheit, comes with numerous interchangeable soldering tips, has steel wool for cleaning, and features a handy rack to hold a spool of solder. So far, it’s helped me do things like solder an HDMI port onto a PS4 and install new batteries on old Game Boy games. I expect it’s going to come in handy for many future repairs, too. — Emma Roth, news writer
I used to buy AA batteries in bulk to keep on hand for when my Xbox controller would die in the middle of a game. (And because I have two kids.) I’d resisted my friends’ suggestions to buy rechargeable batteries, thinking back to the old ones my parents used to have, with a big, bulky charging box that took forever. But then one night I came across these $30 paleblue USB-C rechargeable batteries. They’re great. Just plug them into a USB-C source using the included wire whenever you need to juice them up. They last long enough so that I’m not constantly swapping them out. And I can charge all four at once. I have the four-pack but there’s also an eight-pack and a 12-pack, which might be even more handy. — Todd Haselton, deputy editor
My partner and I were coming back from dinner with a friend the other night, and as the bus roared away, he suddenly realized his wallet was no longer in his back pocket. We called the MTA the next day, and through some miracle, the wallet had been found, and we were able to drive over to the local bus depot and pick it up. But it occurred to me that if he had a tracker in his wallet, we might not have been as worried as to where it was. The next day, I ordered a Tile Slim for that wallet.I’ve actually been using Tile trackers for my own keys and wallet for a couple of years now (although they’ve thankfully only been needed to locate items misplaced in our home). So as nice as the folks at the MTA were — and they were really nice — hopefully, my partner’s new Tile Slim will ensure it’s our last visit there. — Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor
I can’t help but laugh every time I hear “Royal Kludge,” but this is truly the best folding Bluetooth keyboard I’ve used yet — because it’s the only multi-device keyboard I’ve tried that doesn’t fall off my lap! It’s also a mechanical keyboard with swappable keycaps, but that’s just the cherry on top. For me, the important bits are that it’s easy to type on, I can swap between multiple Bluetooth devices instead of re-pairing, I can plug it in with USB-C whenever Bluetooth won’t work, and it spans both my legs while folding vertically rather than horizontally, so it doesn’t just fall into the gap between my legs like so of many rivals do. There really aren’t a lot of multi-device wired/wireless hybrid keyboards out there with USB-C ports. This one’s chunkier than the competition, but at $55 it’s a great deal. — Sean Hollister, senior editor
Prime Day, Amazon’s four-day thunderdome of exclusive deals, is here. Outside of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we anticipate this to be the best moment of the year to score discounts on headphones, laptops, TVs, gaming gear, and really anything else that might be on your wishlist — or someone else’s. We sorted through thousands of deals, ultimately narrowing it down to including products we’ve tried (many of which we’ve reviewed) and can vouch for.
To repeat, there will be four — count ’em — four days of deals aimed at Prime subscribers, which means you have double the amount of time to save this year. We don’t expect each new day to wipe the slate clean of previous deals and introduce brand-new ones; however, there will likely be some time-sensitive lighting discounts added at intervals throughout, sprinkled on like a garnish. Also, some big retailers outside of Amazon, including Walmart and Best Buy, are also slashing prices, so we’ve added more purchasing options whenever possible.
For something cheaper — and in some ways better — than Nintendo’s official Pro controller, there’s 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2, which works with the original Switch and Switch 2. It features TMR joysticks with trigger switches for adjusting the feel.
Vizio’s Elevate SE is a budget-friendly alternative to its high-end Elevate soundbar. It still features many of the same highlights, though, including booming sound quality and rotating speakers that provide the verticality required for Dolby Atmos content.
The second-gen AirPods Pro improve upon Apple’s original pair with much better noise cancellation, sound quality, and onboard volume controls. The latest refresh also ships with a USB-C charging case, as opposed to Lightning.
Bargain hunters seeking a large, yet reasonably priced, 65-inch OLED TV should consider Samsung’s S85D. It’s Samsung’s entry-level model, though you still get HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K resolution at 120Hz with consoles, and a variable refresh rate.
Google’s Pixel 9 has a slightly larger 6.3-inch OLED display than its predecessor, along with a Tensor G4 processor, a bigger battery, 12GB of RAM, and a dual rear camera setup with a new 48-megapixel sensor for its ultrawide. Read our review.
The Pixel 9 Pro with 128GB of storage is down to $749 ($250 off) at Amazon, matching its lowest price to date. The 6.3-inch Android phone boasts a telephoto lens with up to 5x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. The 256GB version is also on sale at Amazon for $100 more at $849. Read our review.
The larger Pixel 9 Pro XL with a 6.8-inch screen and 128GB of storage is available for $749 (originally $1,099) at Amazon for Prime Day. Aside from its larger screen and bigger battery, its specs are identical to the smaller option. Read our review.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold (256GB)
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 6.3-inch outer screen and an eight-inch inner screen once it’s unfolded — both of which are larger than the original Pixel Fold. The new foldable also lies flat when opened, sports IPX8 weather resistance, and offers a thinner design than the last-gen model. Read our review.
The OnePlus 13R is a pared-down version of the company’s flagship phone, and it offers excellent battery life and a great screen for the price. Read our review.
The Galaxy S25 Edge offers a big screen without all the heft of a typical big phone. Battery life is just okay, and the phone lacks a telephoto camera, but otherwise, it’s a remarkable device.Read our review.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is still one of the best phones you can buy, even if its “Ultra”-ness is a little diminished. Two telephotos, a built-in stylus, and a big screen are the main attractions. Read our review.
If you want a great all-around phone that doesn’t cost too much, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 with 128GB of storage is down to just $599 (originally $799) at Amazon. There are also discounts available on the 256GB version, which is currently selling for $659.99. This beats the previous low by about $25. Read our review.
If you prefer bigger phones that won’t break the bank, the Galaxy S25 Plus is a good option that’s discounted during Prime Day. The 256GB model is going for $699.99 (originally $999) at Amazon, while the 512GB version is down to $819.99 ($300 off). Both discounts are $50 lower than the ones we’ve previously seen. Read our review.
Samsung’s soon-to-be-last-genGalaxy Z Fold 6 is available at Amazon with 256GB of built-in storage for $1,149.99 ($750 off), while the 512GB model is down to $1,269.99 (also $750 off). Prices over $1,000 may still seem high, though both discounts are $200 less than we’ve seen for this model. Read our review.
Samsung makes great cheap phones, in case you didn’t know. The Galaxy A36 5G — which features a 6.7-inch OLED screen, water resistance, and six years of software updates — is available with 128GB of storage at Amazon for $299.99 ($100 off), which is a nice lil’ discount that beats its previous low of $334.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The Galaxy A35 5G comes with a good 6.6-inch OLED panel, a robust IP67 dust and water resistance rating, and a strong software update policy for its class.
Another budget-friendly phone worth considering if you’re trying to spend as little as possible on an unlocked device is the 2024 Moto G Power 5G, which currently comes with 128GB of storage for $169.99 ($30 less than the previous low) at Amazon.
2024 Moto Razr
The standard Moto Razr features a 6.9-inch inner screen, accompanied by a larger 3.6-inch cover screen. Wired charging tops out at 30W, compared to the Razr Plus’ 45W, although it features 15W wireless charging, up from 5W on the previous model. Read our review.
The MacBook Air is Apple’s budget-friendly laptop from 2020. It comes outfitted with the company’s M1 chip, which offers terrific performance, even if it’s not as fast as Apple’s newer models. It also sports all-day battery life, Touch ID, and MagSafe charging. Read our review.
If it’s a gorgeous 2-in-1 Windows laptop that you’re after, Samsung’s 16-inch Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 might tick a lot of boxes for you. It has a 2,880 x 1,800 OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate (with an S-Pen included). It also features an Intel Core 7 Ultra 256V processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Right now, it’s down to $1,399.99 at Amazon, which is $200 less than usual.
LG’s compact 14-inch Gram with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD is going for $1,299.99 at Amazon — $200 less than its previous low. LG’s Gram laptops are known for being lightweight, yet they also feature long battery life and a fantastic keyboard / trackpad combo.
For gamers, Asus has discounted select models from its 2025 ROG Strix G16 lineup for the first time — including an RTX 5060-equipped laptop, which currently runs $1,274.99 ($225 off) at Amazon. If you want something even more powerful, Amazon is also selling one with an RTX 5070 Ti for $1,999.99 (was $2,400).
The latest version of Apple’s all-in-one desktop computer features an M4 chip and support for Apple Intelligence. Unlike its predecessor, the base model now offers 16GB RAM by default, along with a new 12-megapixel webcam. Read our review.
The seventh-gen iPad Mini comes with Apple’s A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Intelligence. It’s also compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and offers faster Wi-Fi and USB-C speeds. Read our review.
The new 11-inch iPad Air comes with Apple’s M3 chip and GPU upgrades. It’s available in dark gray, blue, purple, and a “starlight” cream shade. Read our review.
If you’d prefer the larger 13-inch iPad Air with the M3 chip, there are deals for you, too. The 256GB / Wi-Fi model is currently available at Amazon for $779.99 ($120 off), beating the previous lowest price by $20.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, which allows you to better balance fun with productivity, is now available at Amazon starting at $189.99 ($135 off) in its 64GB configuration. It boasts a 10.1-inch screen, expandable storage via microSD, and includes an S-Pen for drawing or taking notes. It originally sold for $329.99, but it’s sometimes available for around $210.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus with 64GB of storage is $139.99 (originally $219.99), beating its previous best price of $149. Despite its low price, the Tab A9 Plus retains a high-end look, and its 11-inch screen makes it a great option for watching movies and TV shows.
If you’re looking for an Android tablet that delivers high-end entertainment and gaming experiences, consider the Galaxy Tab S10 FE, which is available at Amazon with 128GB storage for a new low of $429.99 ($70 off). This 10.9-inch tablet boasts a 90Hz refresh rate screen, and its Exynos 1580 should be able to handle a large number of games. It also includes an S-Pen, along with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. Notably, it’s IP68 rated, so it should be able to handle the elements like a champ.
Amazon’s entry-level Kindle from 2024 is considerably better than bargain ebook readers used to be. It features longer battery life, a brighter screen, deeper contrast, and other gen-to-gen improvements. And thanks to Prime Day, you can snag it at Amazon in one of two colors with ads and three months of Kindle Unlimited for $84.99 ($25 off), which is the lowest price we’ve seen on the entry-level e-reader.
Amazon’s latest Kindle Scribe has been available at Amazon with 16GB of storage starting at $259.99 ($140 off) since before Prime Day started, but it’s still a solid deal if you’re looking for a large e-reader that doubles as a smart notebook. Its previous low was $299.99, and it originally sold for $399.99. Read our review.
Amazon makes a bunch of different tablets, which are nearly all discounted right now. If you’re looking for an affordable 10-inch tablet for watching movies and TV shows on, the latest Fire HD 10 tablet is a great, cheap candidate. It’s on sale at Amazon right now with lockscreen ads and 32GB of storage starting at $69.99 (originally $139.99).
Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition
The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is Amazon’s first e-reader with a color display. It also boasts 32GB of storage, waterproofing, and support for wireless charging. Read our review.
Google’s 11-inch Pixel Tablet uses the same Tensor G2 chip found in the Pixel 7 lineup. It also features a crisp LCD display and a four-speaker sound array. Read our review.
Amazon’s latest Paperwhite features a larger seven-inch display and noticeably faster performance. It also boasts longer battery life than the previous model, retains IPX8 waterproofing, and includes a USB-C port. Read our review.
Amazon’s latest streaming stick is faster than its predecessor with Wi-Fi 6E and double the storage. It also now displays widgets and artwork when idle while continuing to offer Alexa integration.
The most affordable 48-inch OLED TV we’ve seen during Prime Day isn’t available at Amazon — it’s at Walmart, where you can pick up LG’s B4 OLED for just $599.99 ($200 off). However, at Amazon, Sony’s 48-inch A90K is down to $998 ($400 off), beating its previous low by hundreds of dollars.
Leveling up in size, picture quality, and screen brightness is Sony’s 65-inch A95K QD-OLED, which is on sale at Amazon for $1,498 ($2,012 off). It previously sold for $2,898, which is more than most people likely want to spend on a 65-inch OLED. However, this deal’s much better.
LG B4 series OLED TV
LG’s B4 might be one of the cheapest OLED TVs available, but it still offers plenty of bang for your buck — including four HDMI 2.1 ports, speedy performance, and five years’ worth of webOS updates.
TCL’s Mini LED QLED TV is a great value, particularly for those who want a fast frame rate and a bright picture. It offers a 144Hz refresh rate, features two HDMI 2.1 ports, and supports Google TV’s robust software.
Samsung’s 65-inch Frame Pro is down to $1,897.99 ($50 off) at Amazon, which is a relatively small discount given the TV’s previous low. However, it initially sold for around $2,199.99. The step-up model boasts an impressive Mini LED panel, along with a jump from 120Hz to 144Hz. The biggest upgrade, however, is arguably the wireless connect box, which wirelessly streams any and all HDMI video inputs straight to the TV.
Samsung S85D OLED TV
Bargain hunters seeking a large, yet reasonably priced, 65-inch OLED TV should consider Samsung’s S85D. It’s Samsung’s entry-level model, though you still get HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K resolution at 120Hz with consoles, and a variable refresh rate.
Looking for an affordable TV with Roku software to make it easy to access streaming apps? The company’s own 55-inch 4K smart TV is down to just $249.99 at Amazon right now. It’s never sold for less than $299.99 before, so these are some solid savings on a relatively budget-friendly set.
iFFALCON QLED Mural TV
iFFALCON’s slim-bezeled mural TV takes after Samsung’s Frame TV, but costs significantly less. The TCL sub-brand’s TV sports an art mode and several high-end features, including a 144Hz refresh rate for gaming.
Alienware is a major player when it comes to OLED monitors. This 27-inch 360Hz model hits the sweet spot in terms of screen resolution, features, and — most importantly — price.
This ultrawide (21:9) QHD OLED gaming monitor has a 165Hz refresh rate, a fast response time, and a slick design. It’s tough to get more OLED for your money than with this model when it’s discounted.
The newer Echo Spot is an excellent smart alarm clock with decent sound for its size and no camera. It features Amazon’s smart voice assistant for voice control and is worthy of a spot on your nightstand. Read our review.
If you’ve ever wished you had a robot that could push a button for you, that’s precisely what the SwitchBot Bot does. It’s simple, smart, and works on anything with a button. Stick it on the device you want to turn on or off, and you’re set.
For the first time since Black Friday, a three-pack of Google’s shiny Nest WiFi Pro routers — all of which support Wi-Fi 6E — are down to $289.99 at Amazon. This kit typically sells for around $372. Read our review.
For $199.99, you can get a three-pack of TP-Link’s Deco XE75 routers at Amazon. Like Google’s Nest WiFi Pro, these tri-band routers support the 6GHz band. However, each XE75 sports a 2.5Gbps port (plus two other gigabit ethernet ports), while Google’s option tops out at 1Gbps and only has two gigabit ports per router.
If you’re looking for a high-end router that supports ludicrously fast wired connections, as well as great wireless connections, Eero’s Max 7 is one of the best. You can purchase a single router at Amazon right now for $419.99 (it had previously not sold for less than $449.99). Alternatively, you can grab a three-pack at Amazon for $1,189.99 (was $1,699.99). This model offers tri-band support and features two 10Gbps ethernet ports, as well as two 2.5Gbps ports, on each router.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (third-gen)
The newest Echo Show 5 is just as small as its predecessor but features updated mics and a speaker system that delivers double the bass and clearer sound quality.
Air quality is important, and it’s nice to have a reading that’s more local than what your phone gives you for your neighborhood. For a granular look at the air quality in your home, you can snag Amazon’s aptly titled Air Quality Monitor, which is currently matching its all-time low of $44.99 ($25 off) at Amazon for Prime Day. Read our review.
If you’re all-in with Philips Hue, to the point that its smart home accessories have invaded your living room, perhaps you’ll want the high-end sync box that lets select Philips Hue products sync directly with what’s on your TV’s screen. The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K is available for $244.99 ($104 off) at Amazon — a significant discount when compared to its previous low of $334.99.
Amazon Smart Thermostat
Developed in partnership with Resideo, the Amazon Smart Thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home through Alexa voice controls and remotely via an app. Read our review.
The battery-powered Google Nest Doorbell is down to $112.92 ($67 off) at Amazon, matching its lowest price to date, in the color of your choice. There are certain omissions you’ll encounter with the battery model versus the pricier option. For example, it lacks 4K video and 24/7 capture. If those don’t bother you, this is a solid option, especially in the design department. Read our review.
Prime members can snag Govee’s slick RGBIC floor lamp for a mere $59.99, which matches its previous low. This thin, futuristic lamp is ideal for corners, as it can splash colors onto your walls, syncing with your music, or with a color combo that sets the vibes in the room.
The cost of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium fluctuates nearly as much as the temperature each day, but it’s cheaper than ever during Prime Day. You can currently snag the smart thermostat, which includes a smart sensor and air quality monitor, for $209 (previously $249.99). Read our review.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro delivers high-quality video with adjustable, accurate radar-powered motion detection, 2,000 lumens of light, and a good digital zoom. It offers smart alerts for people or motion and works with Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Ring’s excellent app.
This is a great battery-powered buzzer with excellent video quality, a good head-to-toe view, and very speedy response times for a battery doorbell. It integrates well with Amazon Alexa and can record locally to a Ring Alarm Pro, but the battery only lasts about two months unless you turn on battery-saving features.
Blink built its Mini 2 camera to be a great, inexpensive indoor or outdoor camera. By default, it’s an indoor cam, with HD video, color night video, and two-way audio support. It’s a good deal on Amazon right now, too, where you can grab it for $19.99 ($20 off). If you need an outdoor cam, you can grab it with a weather-resistant power adapter for just $10 more (normally $49.98).
Thanks to Prime Day, Amazon’s slick Echo Pop smart speaker is down to $21.99 (nearly 50 percent off). It’s available in four colors (black, grey, purple, and teal), and select designs of the Kids version — which comes with parental controls and six months of Amazon Kids Plus— are also discounted to $21.99.
Amazon Echo Dot (fifth-gen)
The fifth-gen Echo Dot touts a temperature sensor, better sound, and faster response time than the prior model. It can also act as an extender for your Eero Wi-Fi system. Read our review.
Amazon’s apt-titled Smart Plug doesn’t require a hub and lets you add Alexa functionality to any outlet, allowing you to control a range of devices with just your voice.
TP-Link’s Kasa smart home brand makes several Matter-ready Wi-Fi plugs, and a two-pack of them is currently available for just $19.99 ($20 off) at Amazon. You can control the plugs from within the Kasa app, or by giving voice commands via Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, or Samsung SmartThings.
Robot vacuum deals
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra
With top-notch vacuuming performance, an easy-to-use app, and built-in voice control, the S8 MaxV Ultra is a superb vacuum and good mop which is why it’s our top pick overall. It features Roborock’s best obstacle avoidance, innovative features like dirt detection, and a hands-free dock that makes it an expensive but excellent choice.
With a neat ability to remove and reattach its mop pads, the Dreame X40 solves the problem of vacuuming carpets (with 12,000Pa suction power) while also mopping hard floors. Its mops can also swing out and under low furniture, getting where most bots can’t reach.
Eufy’s Omni C20 is on sale for $379.99 during Prime Day, which beats its previous low by $20. The budget robot vacuum features built-in mops, and its cleaning station can store debris from the vacuum, as well as wash and dry the mop components to prevent them from smelling after doing some dirty work.
Eufy X10 Pro Omni
The X10 is a great robovac with excellent AI-powered obstacle detection, powerful oscillating mops, a user-friendly app, and good mapping capabilities.
Our favorite budget-friendly robot vacuum offers high-end features, including room-specific cleaning, a capable mop, carpet boost, and smart navigation. It also features an auto-empty dock.
The Sonos Ace are the company’s first set of wireless headphones. They feature a premium, comfortable build and active noise cancellation, along with compatibility with Sonos Arc and other Sonos soundbars. Read our review.
The second-gen AirPods Pro improve upon Apple’s original pair with much better noise cancellation, sound quality, and onboard volume controls. The latest refresh also ships with a USB-C charging case, as opposed to Lightning. Read our review.
The latest pair of Beats earbuds are a no-brainer for athletes. They pack fantastic sound and thumping bass, along with active noise cancellation, IPX4 water resistance, and heart rate monitoring. Read our review.
Bose’s QuietComfort Headphones, which replace the QuietComfort 45, have adjustable noise cancellation and the ability to set custom modes. However, they lack immersive audio mode and the higher-quality Bluetooth found in the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are a decent-sounding pair of earbuds with ANC, and they’re down to a new low $54.99 ($45 off) at Amazon. The entry-level earbuds offer reliable performance and satisfactory sound — especially at this price — though they lack wireless charging, multipoint support, and some of the newer frills found on Samsung’s flagship earbuds. That said, they also come with a pair of silicone “wings” to help them stay firmly planted in place, which some considered a hallmark of prior models. Read our review.
If you’re an Apple user, there’s no better pair of starter buds than the open-style AirPods 4, which have fallen to a new low of $89 ($41 off) at Amazon and Walmart. The latest model sounds significantly better than the third-gen pair, particularly when it comes to voice calls. More importantly, they offer robust integration with the rest of the Apple ecosystem, letting you take advantage of audio sharing, automatic device switching, hands-free “Hey Siri” commands, Apple TV integration, and more. Read our review.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Samsung’s premium Galaxy Buds 3 Pro sport the same stem-based design and pinch gestures as the standard Galaxy Buds 3, only they deliver better sound, improved ANC, and an in-ear fit with silicone tips. Read our review.
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are on sale at Amazon for $169.99 ($60 off), which is about $10 shy of their best price to date. They’re a pretty notable step up from the prior model — particularly if you use a Pixel phone — with a smaller build, an excellent transparency mode, and some of the best battery life you can get in a pair of noise-canceling earbuds. Read our review.
Sony’s newer WH-1000XM6 are our No. 1 pick for the best ANC headphones, but the prior model remains an excellent alternative at $298, their current price on Amazon. The WH-1000XM5 still offer top-tier noise cancellation and superb sound, along with a helpful transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth support, and other handy features. The only real downside, aside from the plasticky build, is the fact that they don’t fold down like the XM4 and this year’s XM6. Read our review.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony’s last-last-gen ANC headphones still offer great sound, last up to 30 hours on a single charge, and provide a comfortable listening experience thanks to their plush ear pads. Read our review.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer better sound and noise cancellation than the original pair, and they now come in a unique translucent color option. Read our review.
Other than the Beats Studio Buds Plus above, there aren’t a ton of reputable pairs of wireless earbuds that rely on a see-through design. The newer WF-C710N do, however, and they’ve reached a new low price of $78 ($41 off) at Amazon for Prime Day. What’s more, the budget-minded earbuds also borrow some tricks from Sony’s pricier earbuds, including improved noise cancellation and battery life, an automatic pause feature, and touch buttons that allow you to control playback without whipping out your phone.
Sony’s Float headphones are currently down to $78 ($52 off) at Amazon, which is significantly less than their previous low of $108. The Float represent Sony’s take on open-ear headphones, and while we haven’t had a chance to test them (yet), they seem to offer similar features to their like-minded rivals, including IPX4 water resistance, USB-C charging, and generous ear hooks that are designed to keep them firmly in place while you run.
Nothing Ear (a)
Nothing’s Ear (a) earbuds have the same general design as the company’s previous earbuds — but you can get these in a snazzy yellow. They include ANC, more than decent sound quality, and other features like multipoint for just under $100. Read our impressions.
Shokz’ best bone conduction headphones yet, with more booming bass than its predecessor. Our reviewer Victoria Song praised their cozy fit as well as their USB-C charging (goodbye, proprietary charger!). Read our review.
The recently released Skullcandy Method 360 ANC are down to a new low of $79.88 ($50 off) at Amazon for Prime Day. They’re basically a pair of low-end Bose earbuds in disguise — hell, they even use licensed technology and audio tuning by Bose — which means they offer well-balanced sound, solid battery life, and a number of great features for the price. They also block noise more effectively than previous Skullcandy offerings and come in an array of fun colors, including a chic leopard print.
The Shokz OpenFit are currently on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $109.95 ($50 off), a new low. Like other pairs of Shokz earbuds, they feature a lightweight, open-style design that’s well-suited for both the gym and everyday use, with an IP55 water resistance rating, relatively clear sound, and a decent amount of low-end thump despite their less conventional design. Read our hands-on impressions.
Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series earbuds have hit a new low of $49 ($50 off) at Amazon. The newer Pixel Buds Pro 2 are, unsurprisingly, a huge step up in terms of sound and features, but Google’s discontinued entry-level earbuds are still very good for the money and create a tight seal in your ears to block outside sounds in lieu of proper noise cancellation. Read our review.
Soundbar and Bluetooth speaker deals
Sonos Beam (second-gen)
The Sonos Beam (second-gen) is a compact soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos and can stream music from a plethora of services. Read our review.
Vizio’s Elevate SE is a budget-friendly alternative to its high-end Elevate soundbar. It still features many of the same highlights, though, including booming sound quality and rotating speakers that provide the verticality required for Dolby Atmos content.
One of the best-looking Bluetooth speakers around is the second-gen Bose SoundLink Flex, which is on sale for an all-time low of $99 ($50 off) at Amazon for Prime Day. It’s a long-lasting, rugged (IP67) option, in case you’re sifting through which you might buy for your future outdoor escapades. It can stand on its own, too, or you can sling it onto a strong carabiner using its built-in loop.
UE Miniroll
Ultimate Ears’ latest disc-shaped Bluetooth speaker is small and affordable, with a built-in strap for attaching it to your belongings. It also charges via USB-C and features an IP67 rating against dust and water, along with up to 12 hours of battery life.
The last-gen JBL Go 3 may not be quite as powerful as larger models in JBL’s current lineup, but it remains a great pool-ready Bluetooth speaker that can fit in your pocket.
If you’ve ever wanted a Bluetooth speaker that looks like a guitar amp, Marshall’s Acton III is one of the best. It’s got tactile switches and knobs out the wazoo, letting you fine-tune the bass and treble, along with the option to plug in a 3.5mm source or use Bluetooth for playback.
The WiiM Mini makes it easy to wirelessly stream music from your phone, a streaming service, or other local storage to existing speakers you already have. It supports AirPlay 2 and a variety of streaming services.
Typically priced at $149, the more capable WiiM Pro streaming device has also received a discount at Amazon, where you can currently grab it for $119.20 (about $30 off). It has the same DAC as the aforementioned Mini above, but it sports a couple of features you won’t find on the cheaper version, including Chromecast Audio, ethernet support, and RCA audio inputs. Read our WiiM deep dive.
Sonos has discounted the price of its Roam 2 smart speaker to $143 at Amazon (it typically runs between $140 and $180 when discounted). Like all Sonos speakers, it can be paired to your larger Sonos family of speakers via Wi-Fi, or you can use it as a standalone Bluetooth speaker indoors or outside.
JBL Authentics 300
The JBL Authentics 300 is one of only a few smart speakers on the market with simultaneous Google Assistant and Alexa support. The ’70s-style speaker is heavy, but it produces impressive, powerful sound, especially at louder volumes. Read our review.
The Apple Watch Series 10 has a larger, wide-angle OLED display with up to 30 percent more screen area. It’s thinner and lighter than its predecessors, yet it charges faster and features the same fitness and wellness features. Read our review.
The Amazfit Active 2 delivers outsized value for the price. It looks spiffy and has a wide array of health tracking features, plus built-in GPS and AI chatbots to provide extra context to your data. Read our review.
The entry-level Apple Watch Ultra 2 hasn’t sunk below $700 in a few months, but during Prime Day, you can snag it at Amazon for $649.99. This beats its previous low by $30. Read our review.
Google Pixel Watch 3
Google’s new Pixel Watch 3 is bigger and brighter than its predecessor. It also features more advanced running capabilities, offline Google Maps functionality, and deeper integration with other Google devices. Read our review.
If $249 is still too expensive, don’t write off the Pixel Watch 2, which is currently down to just $129.99 ($120 off) at Amazon in its Wi-Fi configuration. If you prefer the cellular version, that one is on sale at Amazon for $179.99 (also $120 off). Its battery life isn’t as good as the Pixel Watch 3, and it’s missing a few features, but it’s otherwise a solid alternative if you’re trying to save a little cash. Read our review.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is targeted at more outdoorsy folks with dual-frequency GPS, a new multisport activity, an emergency siren, and increased durability. Read our review.
If you have your eyes set on a Samsung smartwatch, it’s a good time to grab the Galaxy Watch 7, which is matching its previous low of $259.99 at Amazon in the 44mm configuration with LTE. Read our review.
The non-LTE, 44mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Bespoke Edition is down to $199.99 ($130 off) at Amazon, which is a steep price drop compared to its previous low of $279.99.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is on sale at Amazon in multiple sizes for $299.99 ($100 off), which beats its previous low price by $50. It’s a solid, subscription-free first attempt at a smart ring from Samsung, with good hardware and long battery life. It’s Android-only, however, and it’s best paired with a Samsung phone. Read our review.
The Garmin Lily 2 has returned to its all-time low of $199.99 ($50 off) at Amazon. While Garmin makes plenty of trackers for enthusiast fitness folks, the Lily 2 is a more pared-back experience for casual users. I don’t say that condescendingly; The Verge’s Victoria Song praised its limitations during a vacation.
Oura Ring 4
The Oura Ring 4 is slimmer and more accurate than its predecessor, while adding new AI-powered tools and longer battery life. Read our review.
The Fitbit Charge 6 features a haptic side button, an improved heart rate algorithm, turn-by-turn navigation with Google Maps, and the ability to broadcast your heart rate on certain Bluetooth gym equipment. Read our review.
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a minimalist fitness band that delivers notifications and tracks your activity on a bright OLED screen. It lacks built-in GPS, contactless payments, and digital assistants, but offers a range of other excellent health and fitness tracking features. Read our impressions.
Ubisoft’s latest Assassin’s Creed game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has been given a small but welcome price cut. Thanks to Prime Day, you can pick up the open-world game set in Feudal Japan for $47.49 (originally $69.99) at Amazon. Read our review.
Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws is an original open-world adventure set in the vast universe of the iconic film series. It stars Kay Vess, a protagonist looking to steal from criminal overlords to gain her freedom. A new expansion featuring Lando Calrissian recently launched, alongside an update that improves stealth and some of the game’s most glaring issues. Read our review.
If you want to know why Armored Core fans were overjoyed in 2023, it’s because that’s when Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon launched. The fast, relentlessly challenging third-person action game is a treat for the senses (and a punishment to your reflexes), and the PlayStation 5 version is down to just $19.99 (about $10 off) at Amazon for Prime Day. This matches the game’s previous low, but it remains a fantastic deal if you missed out last time.
Bloober Team knocked it out of the park with its remake of Silent Hill 2 on the PS5. If you scoffed at its original $69.99 price tag, you can currently pick it up for $39.99 ($30 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. Read our review.
There are few games out there with more heart and soul (and pure silliness) than Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The latest game in the long-running Yakuza-turned-Like a Dragon franchise is on sale for the PS5 for $39.99 ($20 off) at Best Buy and Amazon.
One of the best-looking Switch 2 games is Splatoon 3, which recently got an update that makes the game run (and look) better on Nintendo’s new console. If you’ve always wanted to give this one a try, you can pick up a digital or physical copy at Best Buy for $39.99 or Walmart $49.50 (typically $59.99). Read about the Switch 2 update.
Not enough people are still talking about Pikmin 4, the latest entry in Nintendo’s chill (yet often chaotic) exploration game. You navigate through environments, collect and command Pikmin with different elemental abilities and weaknesses, and try to save fellow space cadets from strange happenings. All the while, you’re trying to find Captain Olimar, the protagonist of the original Pikmin game. The Switch title is matching its all-time low of $39.99 ($20 off) right now at Best Buy. Read our review.
Gaming accessory deals
Meta Quest 3S
If you bought a Meta Quest 2, you’re a prime candidate for the Quest 3S. It’s a faster, more comfortable VR headset that runs the same chipset as the pricier Quest 3. While its screen resolution hasn’t improved, nearly everything else about the hardware has. Read our review.
If you read our review of the Windows-flavored Lenovo Legion Go S, we made it clear that its high $729.99 price was one of its biggest flaws. It has other issues, such as the current state of gaming on a Windows handheld and its underpowered Ryzen Z2 Go processor, but the 32GB RAM / 1TB storage model is worth considering at its discounted price of $499.99 ($230 off) at Best Buy. That’s a huge discount.
The microSD cards used in the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and the original Nintendo Switch are becoming more and more affordable. For instance, Samsung’s Sonic-emblazoned Pro Plus 512GB microSD card is on sale for $29.99 (about $13 off) at Amazon. If you’d prefer a 1TB version so you won’t have to upgrade any time soon, that’s down to $69.99 (this model has never been cheaper than $89.99).
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
The G Pro X Superlight 2 is Logitech’s lightest and most advanced mouse to date. It features a 32,000 DPI Hero 2 sensor and 4kHz polling rate, as well as support for USB-C charging and Logitech’s Powerplay mouse mat.
For something cheaper — and in some ways better — than Nintendo’s official Pro controller, there’s 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2, which works with the original Switch and Switch 2. It features TMR joysticks with trigger switches for adjusting the feel, as well as vibration and motion control support.
The version of 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2 wireless controller that works with Android and Windows (including the Steam Deck) is down to $47.99 (originally $59.99) at Amazon. Aside from not being able to connect to Nintendo consoles, it’s identical in terms of features to the pricier, made-for-Switch edition.
Sony InZone Buds
Sony’s wireless gaming buds offer low latency, active noise cancellation, and support for both Bluetooth and USB-C.
Amazon’s Luna Controller is on sale for $39.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, which matches its best price to date. Although it was built primarily for Amazon’s cloud-gaming service, the gamepad offers support for both Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, rendering it compatible with Android phones, Apple products, Fire TV devices, and PCs. It also integrates with Alexa, allowing you to issue voice commands directly through the controller when paired with a Fire TV device.
PC add-on deals
Insta360 Link 2
The Insta360 Link 2 offers the same auto-swiveling design as its predecessor, but it’s smaller and offers a slate of new features, including group tracking and no-follow zones.
If you use an XLR microphone as part of your PC’s audio setup, Elgato makes a version of the Stream Deck that you can plug directly into. The aptly titled Elgato Stream Deck Plus XLR audio interface, available at Amazon for $179.99 ($120 off), can perform the usual Stream Deck functions to turn you into a multitasking pro, and its knobs allow you to make audio and mic adjustments on the fly.
Elgato Prompter
A teleprompter is a luxury. They help you make it look effortless to look at your camera as you read from a script or a chat log. Elgato’s option includes a small screen and a mirror, the latter of which allows you to see what you need to look at without breaking eye contact with viewers.
It’s now easier than ever to plug your DSLR or mirrorless camera into your PC to use as a high-end webcam. Just grab Elgato’s Cam Link 4K, which is down to $79.99 ($20 off) at Amazon for Prime Day. The device converts the HDMI signal coming out of your camera into USB for your PC to process.
You may not be able to take full advantage of a PCIe 5.0 SSD, but having extra speed for future upgrades isn’t a bad idea. If that’s appealing to you, the current Amazon deal on Samsung’s 9100 Pro 4TB M.2 SSD caught our eye. It’s available for $399.99, down from its typical price of $449.99. If you’d prefer something cheaper, you can grab a 2TB version for $199.99, which is $40 lower than the prior low.
Samsung 990 Pro NVMe SSD (with heatsink)
Samsung’s ultrafast 990 Pro is a PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD that can reach sequential read speeds of 7,450MB/s and write speeds of 6,900MB/s. It’s more than capable for high-end PC builds, and its preinstalled heatsink means it’s easily installable into a PlayStation 5. Its heatsink even has a bit of RGB lighting for some extra pop (if you’re able to see it).
Have a Steam Deck, an Asus ROG Ally, or a similar handheld PC that can accept an M.2 2230-sized SSD? WD Black’s 1TB SN770M is discounted to $84.99 at Amazon, down slightly from its previous low of $89.99. Installation procedures vary in steps and complexity depending on the handheld you own.
One of Logitech’s best Switch 2-ready webcams just received a Prime Day discount. The Brio 500 1080p webcam is currently available at Amazon for $79.99 ($50 off), which is a new low price.
Charger and cable deals
Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station 8-in-1
A Qi2 pad on the front and a party in the back, with three AC outlets and four USB ports. It can deliver up to 67W through a single USB-C port or divided between its two USB-C and two USB-A ports.
Anker’s jack-of-all-trades travel adapter packs enough ports to refill your devices during some downtime. It features one AC outlet, two USB-C ports (one tops out at 20W), and two USB-A ports. It’s not the fastest wall charger, but it’s a solid choice when you can find it at a discount.
For a portable power bank that matches the design of Anker’s 20,000mAh 737 battery with its display but delivers a substantial amount of power (a combined 130W), there’s Ugreen’s Nexode model, which is currently on sale at Best Buy for just $56.99 ($33 off).
You can keep your iPhone and AirPods charged with Belkin’s MagSafe 2-in-1 wireless charging stand, which is down to $59.99 ($4o off) at Amazon, nearly matching its best price to date. While similar models from other brands are often cheaper, this one looks better than most, and it hasn’t sunk this low in price since mid-2023. Belkin’s option also includes a power adapter.
The Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max has been one of the most popular products for Verge readers recently. The 4-in-1 car charger can put out a combined 163W of power and features two retractable USB-C cables, plus two USB-A ports. It’s tough not to love, especially at its Amazon price of $29.99 ($20 off).
ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger
A compact, flexible Qi2 charger for vent and dash mounting. Read our review.
Baseus’ slick USB-C charger supports 100W passthrough and takes a puck-like form when not in use, with male connectors on either side that retract inward with a quick tug.
One of the best cartoons ever made is Batman: The Animated Series. It dominated TVs and store shelves in the ‘90s, and now you can own all 109 episodes (but not the great Mask of the Phantasm film) across 12 discs in this Batman: The Animated Series Blu-ray collection for just $29.99 (usually $50).
Robert Egger’s revamped version of Nosferatu is available on 4K Blu-ray for $17.99 (about $23 off) at Amazon. The title is dripping with style, and it effectively brings together elements from the original 1922 film with Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel to great effect. Read our review.
The Wire is one of the few HBO gems from its cable-only era that’s still considered must-watch TV. Thankfully, you can — and should — pick up the complete series on Blu-ray while it’s down to $49.99 ($51 off) at Amazon, which is about $30 less than it usually costs. Just to note that this collection is in 16:9 aspect ratio, while the show initially aired in 4:3.
BBC’s Orphan Black put the inimitable Tatiana Maslany on the map. She plays multiple roles with ease in this multi-season sci-fi show that’s about clones and cons. The Blu-ray set is available now at Amazon for $22.99 ($42 off), which marks its lowest price to date.
Furiosa: Mad Max Saga is available on 4K Blu-ray at Amazon right now for $12.99 ($21 off). The prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road is no less explosive as it dives into Furiosa’s backstory. It stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth. Read our review.
Parasite, the Best Picture winner at the 2020 Academy Awards, is now available for just $10.99 on 4K Blu-ray at Amazon. The Bong Joon Ho-directed film highlights economic class struggles in a two-hour whirlwind that delivers intimacy, humor, and terror in almost equal parts.
Verge favorites and other miscellaneous deals
Apple AirTags
Apple’s AirTags are unobtrusive, waterproof, and tap into the massive Find My network for out-of-range locating. Read our original review.
Furbo’s rotating 1080p gadget can fling treats on command and automatically track your pet as they roam around your home, allowing you to keep a closer eye on your pet via a mobile app when you’re away.
Thermacell’s E90 mosquito repeller is down to $33.49 (about $17 off) at Amazon right now, beating its previous low by $6 or so. It’s similar to the rechargeable E55 — asummer favorite of ours — only the upgraded model provides up to nine hours of continuous protection when used with the included repellent cartridge, as opposed to five. Needless to say, it’s a great pick for the dog days of summer.
It’s not often enough that Elgato’s composite / S-Video-to-USB converter — which is perfect for making digital copies of your VHS tapes — goes on sale. But thanks to Prime Day, it’s down to $69.99 (originally $99.99) at Amazon. It’s still expensive, but the company’s simple software makes it stand out as a great option for people who aren’t particularly tech-savvy.
If you’re an avid concert goer who’d like to retain your hearing later in life — and who wouldn’t? — Loop’s ultra-comfortable Experience 2 earpugs are on sale at Amazon for an all-time low of $26.95 ($8 off). The stylish earplugs won’t reduce noise as effectively as a custom set; however, they do carry a noise reduction rating of 12dB, which is totally adequate for that occasional Turnstile set.
LifeStraw personal water filter
LifeStraw’s basic filter removes unwanted viruses, bacteria, and microplastics as you drink, giving you a safe way to hydrate no matter where you are.
Lego’s brick-ified replica of an Imperial Star Destroyer is an excellent 1,555-piece throwback to Star Wars: A New Hope, one that comes with seven minifigs, plenty of interior detail, and a convenient handle for carrying it around the room.
Lego’s Animal Crossing Fly with Dodo Airlines set is one of the few Lego sets receiving a Prime Day discount at Amazon, where you can currently pick it up for $26.99 ($11 off), its second-best price to date. The kid-friendly, 292-piece playset is a nice little homage to Animal Crossing New Horizons, especially if your kiddo or someone you know has a soft spot for planes… or extinct, flightless birds.
Looking to spruce up your workspace? Yamazaki’s Desk Organizer is available at Amazon for $30.06 (about $12 off), which is one of the better prices we’ve seen in recent months. The handsome, steel accessory is equipped with a small bin and an elevated wooden platform, ensuring your keys, wallet, and whatever else it is you need are always within reach.
Bird Buddy Pro
Bird Buddy’s charming, camera-equipped feeder identifies and snaps shots of each bird that stops by, supplementing its 5-megapixel stills with insightful facts via an app.
The pocketable HoverAir X1 keeps things simple, with a 2.7K at 30fps max resolution and six preset flight modes for easy, hands-free shooting. It lacks GPS and obstacle avoidance, but it launches in seconds and is easy to use.
Look, a carpet cleaner is not a very Verge-y gadget. But we’ve all got carpets and / or upholstery to keep clean, right? Luckily, Bissell’s relatively compact cleaner does a great job of restoring fabrics to their original sheen with just a little elbow grease.
This battery has the juice, so to speak, and quite a lot of it. Its main role is to be available to jumpstart a car battery (12V/1000A), but it has USB ports, too, making it handy for charging other devices you bring in the car.
Slice’s retractable, finger-friendly ceramic blade is great for tearing through packing tape and cutting plastic wrapping. The comfy tool also features a sturdy, reinforced nylon handle and a hooked design that makes it easy to stow when not in use.
The Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth transmitter and receiver features an integrated 3.5mm cord and long-lasting battery life. It can also connect up to two sets of headphones, making it a great choice for listening to in-flight entertainment.
The Xreal One aren’t the most affordable augmented-reality glasses available, but they are some of the best for displaying movies and games on the go. You can connect them via USB-C to your smartphone, tablet, or handheld gaming PC. Save another 5 percent with the offer code XREALONE
Hatch Restore 2 was one of our favorite sleep gadgets, and now you can pick up the third-gen model at Amazon for an all-time low of $139.99 ($30 off). The Restore 3 is quite similar to the TikTok-famous model we reviewed in 2023 in that it still functions as a smart alarm clock / sunrise lamp, except the latest version features an updated design and adds several new buttons that make it easier to operate.
Speaking of sleep devices, the Yogasleep Travel Mini Portable Sound Machine is now on sale at Amazon for $23.79 ($6 off), which is just $3 shy of its best price to date. The rechargeable, travel-ready device offers six noise profiles, from ambient nature sounds to serene pink noise, as well as a built-in night light for navigating your hotel or next Airbnb.
Grownsy Baby Nasal Aspirator
The Grownsy snot sucker comes with three interchangeable soft tips for a good fit and provides three levels of suction. Your kid might still hate it, but at least one of you will have an easier time with it.
One of our gift guide mainstays, the six-quart Instant Pot Duo Plus, is discounted to $69.99 ($70 off) at Amazon and Target right now, matching its lowest price to date. The stainless steel multicooker is an excellent set-it-and-forget-it device in many ways, as it allows you to steam, sauté, pressure cook, slow cook, and engage in a variety of simple culinary endeavors without having to pony up for a host of kitchen appliances.
Robot vacuums are overrated. Black & Decker’s rechargeableFurbuster — now on sale at Amazon and Chewy for $79.99, its lowest price of the year — is a great handheld alternative that’s well-suited for picking up fur, dirt, and other unwanted debris, especially when you tack on the extra-long crevice tool or the included motorized pet brush.
Aura Carver Mat digital picture frame
The Aura Carver is a lovely, 10.1-inch display that allows you to showcase photos uploaded via the web or a mobile app for Android and iOS. It’s easy to set up, crisp, and keeps unwanted pillarboxing to a minimum.
Hoto makes some of the slickest electric tools around, but Fanttik’s are a close second. The E1 Max Precision Electric Screwdriver — available at Amazon for $43.77 ($36 off) for Prime Day — is a great example of why that’s the case. It’s not going to get you a ton of torque, but it features an attractive design, a 350mAh rechargeable battery, and 50 magnetic steel bits that are ideal for tackling small electronics.
If you’re still gearing up for the summer grilling season, BioLite’s versatile FirePit Plus is currently available from Amazon, REI, and BioLite for around $224.96 ($175 off), its best price of the year. The portable fire pit is an efficient little gadget thanks to its clever design and battery-powered fan, which helps keep smoke at bay regardless of your fuel source.
Glocusent Neck Reading Light
Glocuscent’s rechargeable book light hangs around your neck to illuminate whatever you’re reading, while offering adjustable brightness and warmth settings.
Nerf’s first gel blaster, the Gelfire Mythic, is available at Amazon for $14.99 ($55 off), its lowest price to date. The fully automatic blaster shoots pellets made of water-infused gel instead of reusable foam darts or balls, though you do get a whopping 10,000 of them right out of the box. It also features a retractable stock and removable barrel for a variety of play styles. Just don’t forget to wear the eye pro.
Fanttik X9 Pro Portable Tire Inflator
Whether you primarily drive a car, motorcycle, or a bicycle, the one thing in common with all three modes of transport is the need for well-inflated tired. This rechargeable 150psi inflator might just save you from a flat (or from being dangerously close to one) when you least expect it.
Coway’s surprisingly efficient Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty is compact enough to fit in any corner of your home and offers a three-stage filtration system, including a true HEPA filter.
The AeroPress has made a name among enthusiasts for its great brewing ability and extreme portability. Its simple, hands-on operation can make your morning coffee ritual more fun and engaging than a traditional drip-style maker.
Hoto’s electric screwdriver is perfect for making small- to medium-sized repairs around the house. In addition to a USB-C port, the screwdriver comes with a magnetic case and 25 steel bits.
OnePlus has launched five new products today, including the midrange Nord 5 phone and a smaller version of its Watch 3 wearable. The 43mm version of the Watch 3 and the new Buds 4 earbuds are the only new products launching in the US, with the others going on sale in Europe and India.
The Watch 3 43mm is exactly what it sounds like: a more compact version of the existing OnePlus wearable, which only launched in a single 47mm option. That was my colleague Victoria Song’s “big design gripe” with the original Watch 3, so a fix is certainly welcome. The new version is not only much smaller, but also drops the angular elements around the rotating crown and button for a simpler, circular design that’s less distinctive, but which I certainly prefer.
The compact design comes at a cost to battery though. OnePlus says the new Watch 3 is 7 percent thinner and 28 percent lighter than the original, but it has just 50 percent of the battery life. That’s still 60 hours on typical settings, but a far cry from the 120-hour battery life that was a key selling point first time round. That’s despite using a much less bright display, with 1,000 nits of peak brightness, down from 2,200 in the 47mm model.
As before, it runs on Wear OS and is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, with a second low-power chip to help with battery life. There are some new features too, with reproductive cycle tracking, and an updated version of its “Wellness” score that claims to use the watch’s barometer to measure your fatigue levels and show you a corresponding emoji as a result. The Watch 3 43mm is available from the OnePlus website from today for $299.99 — $100 less than the larger model — and will arrive on Amazon and Best Buy in August. In Europe it’ll set you back €299 / £269.
The other US release is the Buds 4, a new pair of affordable earbuds. Available in green or gray, these support both Hi-Res and spatial audio, powered by dual 11mm and 6mm drivers in each bud. I’m a fan of the slightly concave touch controls, which make it easier to feel where you’re meant to swipe and tap. They cost $129.99 in the US, and €119 / £119 in Europe.
The Nord 5 is the star of the other launches, though it won’t come to the US. This midrange phone launches in Europe for €449 / £399, powered by the Snapdragon 8S Gen 3. There’s a clear gaming focus, with a 144Hz OLED display, but also an unexpectedly capable 50-megapixel selfie camera. This one’s for the kids, I guess.
It’s a big phone, with a 6.83-inch display, but it’s relatively slim and light, so doesn’t feel too bulky from my time testing the phone so far. It also follows the Asia-only OnePlus 13S (known as the 13T in China) in dropping the company’s classic Alert Slider in favor of a new button, the Plus Key. This is fully customizable, but by default triggers (you guessed it!) AI stuff. I’m reviewing the Nord 5 right now, so we’ll have a full verdict on the phone soon.
It’s joined by the Nord CE 5, a €349 / £299 handset that looks similar but makes compromises across the board. It’s a hair smaller, with a 6.77-inch screen, and drops to a slower MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset. The screen has a lower resolution, refresh rate, and peak brightness, and the camera specs are less impressive too, though at least it includes the same 5,200mAh battery and 80W charging speed as the Nord 5, and a similar promise of four years of OS updates. I’d pay a little more for the Nord 5 if you can afford to.
Finally, the Pad Lite is a cheaper take on the OnePlus tablet line-up. I’m disappointed to see it uses the ugly circular camera design of the older Pads (since changed on the recent Pad 3), but otherwise there’s a lot to like for the price. It has an 11-inch, 2K display (though only at 90Hz), and a decently sized 9,340mah battery. It’s just €229 / £199, but an extra €30 / £30 will net you more RAM, double the storage, and LTE support, which sounds like a bargain.
Microsoft’s latest Windows AI features arrived first on new Copilot Plus PCs last year, but they were limited to a special range of laptops. That looks set to change thanks to Intel refreshing its existing Arrow Lake desktop CPUs later this year, that might just deliver Copilot Plus PC features in desktop PC form factors for the first time.
Intel’s latest Core Ultra desktop CPUs launched in October with an NPU inside, but it wasn’t capable enough to hit the 40 TOPS requirement that Microsoft mandates for Copilot Plus features. ZDNet Korea reports that Intel is now preparing an Arrow Lake Refresh that will include higher clock speeds and a more advanced NPU that should be capable of Copilot Plus features.
The new NPU design will reportedly move the refreshed Core Ultra 200 lineup to a newer “NPU 4” design, the same NPU architecture found on Intel’s Lunar Lake laptop CPUs that got Copilot Plus AI features in November. This would allow for true desktop PCs with a capable NPU, instead of Copilot Plus only being available on mini PCs and all-in-one PCs that use laptop processors.
It sounds like a newer NPU will be the main part of Intel’s Arrow Lake Refresh, as it will reportedly not include addition CPU or GPU cores over the existing Core Ultra 200 chips. More space on the chip for NPU features will disappoint gamers who have been waiting for Intel to be more competitive in the desktop CPU space, though.
The first Arrow Lake chips ran more efficiently and cooler, but the PC gaming performance was disappointing and often behind Intel’s previous Raptor Lake CPUs. Intel admitted that its Arrow Lake launch “didn’t go as planned,” but a series of BIOS updates have done little to change the gaming performance situation. It now looks unlikely that Intel will compete with AMD’s Ryzen 9800X3D and 9950X3D chips in gaming performance until its next generation Nova Lake CPUs launch in 2026.
Apple’s original Liquid Glass design was very transparent.
Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language just got a little more… frosted. In the third iOS 26 developer beta, Apple dialed back the transparency of navigation bars, buttons, and tabs that once allowed you to clearly see the content beneath them.
Apple already toned down the glassiness of Liquid Glass after many users complained that it was too transparent and made it more difficult to see certain options, like the icons inside the Control Center. This most recent beta makes Liquid Glass elements even more solid, likely as a way to improve readability. Still, some users see the change as a reversal of the flashy, glass-like design that Apple showcased at WWDC.
The App Store in the iOS 26 beta 2 (left) vs. iOS 26 beta 3 (right)
“iOS 26 beta 3 completely nerfs Liquid Glass,” AppleTrack’s Sam Kohl says in a post on X. “It looks so much cheaper now and feels like Apple is backtracking on their original vision.” Others ask Apple to “stop ruining” Liquid Glass and call the new design a “step backwards.” Some users in the beta found that the transparency level can vary depending on the app they’re using.
The Weather app in the iOS 26 beta 2 (left) vs. iOS 26 beta 3 (right)
This is still just a developer beta, so it’s likely that Apple will continue to make tweaks before it releases iOS 26 to the public in September.
Grok, the chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI, was updated over the weekend with instructions to "assume subjective viewpoints sourced from the media are biased" and "not shy away from making claims which are politically incorrect" - part of Musk's ongoing attempt to shape the bot's point of view.
Musk announced on Friday that xAI had improved Grok "significantly," saying an upgrade would come "in a few days." On Sunday evening at 7:01pm ET, xAI added new lines to Grok's publicly posted system prompts, which direct the chatbot's responses. (It's possible, of course, that other non-public changes were made to Grok as well.)
In a new post shared to its Windows blog, Microsoft says that it has “reached a major milestone” when it comes to improving the speed of Edge’s user interface. It now takes Microsoft’s browser less than 300 milliseconds to start rendering the first parts of a website for users, whether it’s text, images, or parts of the user interface.
It’s a metric known as First Contentful Paint (FCP) that Google introduced in its Chrome browser in 2017, and according to Microsoft, “industry research shows that waiting longer than 300 to 400ms for the initial content can significantly impact user satisfaction.” However, while loading the first elements of a site in less than 300 milliseconds can help a browser feel fast and responsive, FCP is not an indication of how long it will take a site to load in its entirety.
The upgrades could persuade some users to switch to Edge, which currently has less than five percent of the worldwide browser market share compared to Chrome’s 68 percent. Microsoft may also soon be facing new competition from companies like OpenAI that are also considering introducing their own browsers to complement existing AI web search tools.
The improvements follow similar performance gains Microsoft has highlighted in previous blog posts made possible by the company’s continued efforts to migrate Edge’s user interface to a faster WebUI 2.0 architecture that “minimizes the size of our code bundles, and the amount of JavaScript code that runs during the initialization of the UI.”
Last February, Microsoft said that Edge’s downloads, history, and creating new private browsing tabs were on average, about 40 percent faster. The company says it has since delivered similar performance improvements for 13 additional browser features, including settings that are more responsive, split screen that now provides “near-instant navigation and less loading delays,” and smoother playback for its AI-powered and accessibility-focused Read aloud feature.
In the coming months, Microsoft plans to introduce additional performance improvements to Edge for features like Print Preview and Extensions.
Since its launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been notoriously difficult to buy, with many retailers selling out of their allotted stock within minutes. Luckily, there’s good news: starting at 7PM Eastern today, Walmart Plus members will be able to purchase Nintendo’s latest handheld console — either the standalone Switch 2 or the Mario Kart World bundle — through its website. The restock is happening just before its Walmart Deals event begins on July 8th; the event lasts through July 13th.
The standalone Switch 2 will go for $449 from Walmart. If you plan on picking up the excellent Mario KartWorld, then you might as well opt for the Mario Kart World bundle, which will also be available at Walmart for $499. The bundle includes everything that comes with the Nintendo Switch 2 — a dock, a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, etc. — as well as a download code for a digital copy of the new Mario Kart game (valued at $79.99). It will be available as a limited-time purchase through fall (or while supplies last).
In case you haven’t had a chance to read our review, know that the Switch 2 arrives with a number of welcome upgrades over its predecessor, with the most notable being its larger 7.9-inch LCD display. It also features an improved U-shaped kickstand, 256GB of internal storage, and a pair of magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, which offer mouse-like functionality in select games and a new “C” button that provides quick access to Nintendo’s in-game voice and text chat feature, GameChat. The redesigned dock, meanwhile, features a built-in ethernet port and two USB-A ports.
President Donald Trump plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on goods imported from South Korea and Japan. The levy will go into effect on August 1st, which is when the Trump administration will begin enforcing sweeping tariffs on a wider swath of countries that fail to reach a trade agreement with the US.
The US was set to begin imposing its “Liberation Day” tariffs on countries around the world on April 2nd, but Trump extended the deadline by 90 days, which is coming up on July 9th. But now, it seems that the deadline will be pushed further, as Trump begins sending out tariff-related letters to several countries, starting with South Korea and Japan.
In a pair of postson Truth Social, Trump shared nearly identical letters addressed to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The letters say that the US will impose a 25 percent tariff on “any and all” products imported from both countries starting August 1st to correct a “trade deficit” with the US.
During an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union with Dana Bash, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said if countries don’t reach a deal with the US by August, tariffs will “boomerang” back to their April 2nd level. He also said August 1st is “not a new deadline.” “We are saying, ‘This is when it’s happening. If you want to speed things up, have at it. If you want to go back to the old rate, that’s your choice.’”
Trump’s letters state that “there will be no tariff” if Japan and South Korea — or the companies based there — “decide to build or manufacture product within the United States.” He adds that the US will raise tariffs if the countries respond with higher fees of their own.
One thing that has been missing from Bluesky until now was the ability to turn on notifications for specific accounts, but now Activity Notifications are live. If you want to know every time The Verge or ESPN, or one of your friends posts, you can, just by toggling the bell icon on their profile page, along with an option to see notifications for just new posts or with replies included too.
It’s the kind of feature I’ve gotten used to on other platforms, especially Twitter, where news breakers have been able to keep their audiences updated from minute to minute, making it easier to follow interesting topics or developing stories.
That goes double for sports, and Bluesky has called growing its presence in sports discussions “a top priority.” So far, ESPN reporter and Woj heir Shams Charania hasn’t brought his free agency coverage to the platform yet (to go with X, Threads, and the ESPN app), but now that it has push notifications for specific accounts, maybe he will.
Another small change is that it can also notify people if someone likes or reposts something they have reposted.
Of course, if your problem is that you’re getting too many notifications, the updates that rolled out on Monday also have something for you. There’s been an explosion in the amount of granular controls available to decide if you’ll get updates about reports, likes, new followers, or other activity, and if you want to receive them from activity by anyone, no one, or just people you follow. According to a blog post, the simple “priority notifications” toggle that was available previously has been migrated to the new setup, so anyone who had it turned on will still only get notifications from people they follow.
People hold signs as they gather in a protest outside a Tesla dealership in Lisbon against Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on March 9th, 2025. | Photo: AFP via Getty Images
Tesla used to be the envy of the auto world, with sky-high valuations, a relentless focus on tech, and a CEO that commanded unprecedented loyalty from his customers.
Now the company's reputation is in shambles, its financial future looks increasingly grim, and its costly bets on AI and robotics are unlikely to pay off anytime soon. Weirdly, CEO Elon Musk has only just "woken up" to the mounting crisis on his doorstep. That's according to an unnamed "former Tesla executive," who told the Financial Times that Musk has only just now come to terms with the damage his political activities are creating for Tesla.
Last September, after successfully suing Google for running an illegal app store monopoly, Epic Games sued Samsung, too - alleging the phonemaker of illegally conspiring with Google to undermine third-party app stores. An "Auto Blocker" feature on Samsung Android phones, which was turned on by default, automatically kept users from installing apps from stores that haven't been authorized by Samsung, such as Epic's mobile store.
Amazon Prime Day kicks off tomorrow, July 8th, but you don’t have to wait until then to pick up Apple’s latest pair of AirPods at a discount. Right now, the AirPods 4 are available for around $99 ($30 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, while the AirPods 4 with noise cancellation are going for around $149 ($30 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. That’s within $10 of the lowest price we’ve seen on the ANC model and matches the lowest price to date on the base pair.
Both versions of Apple’s current-gen earbuds feature shorter stems and larger buds than previous models, allowing them to accommodate a broader range of ear shapes. The open-style earbuds have a hard plastic body that doesn’t create a tight seal inside your ear, which means they sacrifice some bass response compared to gummy-tipped earbuds. Hardshell earbuds won’t create pressure in your ear, though, which can feel uncomfortable after listening to music for a few hours.
Overall, the fourth-gen AirPods sound better than previous models due to a custom amplifier and new acoustic architecture. Audio quality is somewhat subjective and largely depends on how the music was recorded, mixed, and mastered; however, former Verge staffer Chris Welch noted in his reviewthat he was pleased with the sound of Apple’s latest pair of wireless earbuds. If you’re upgrading from an older pair, you’ll notice a difference.
The AirPods 4 run on Apple’s H2 chip, which is required for Voice Isolation, a feature that reduces background noise and amplifies the volume of your voice during calls. If you’re using an iPhone, you can say “Hey Siri” to evoke Apple’s smart assistant to place calls, hear and return messages, and play music. You can also locate the earbuds using the Find My app on Apple devices if they’re misplaced.
The entry-level model can last up to five hours on a single charge and can be fully charged five times using the included USB-C charging case (the ANC model also offers wireless charging). Both pairs of earbuds are also IP54-rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, ensuring you can wear them safely during workouts. Needless to say, the AirPods 4 are excellent earbuds at their current price, whether you opt for the model with ANC or not.
Three more deals worth your time
Amazon’s latest Kindle Scribe, with 16GB of storage, is currently on sale at Amazon starting at $259.99 ($140 off), an all-time low. The 10.2-inch e-reader can last for weeks between charges, features a backlit display for reading in the dark, and supports Bluetooth for playing Audible audiobooks. The Scribe also doubles as a digital notebook and comes with a stylus that lets you mark up books and documents. You can create notebooks with handwritten notes, which you can then send to yourself or others via email. The Scribe’s more recent AI tools can summarize longer notebooks, too, or convert your handwriting into a more legible script or typed text.
The Garmin Venu Sq 2 is down to an all-time low of $149.99 ($100 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Verge reviewer Victoria Song called it the best fitness watch for casual users and a good choice if you’re moving away from a Fitbit. It features a 40mm OLED screen, a battery that can last up to 11 days, and doesn’t require a subscription unless you want AI insights. The smartwatch can track your steps, sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen level, hydration, respiratory rate, menstrual cycles, and other health metrics to help you track trends. A built-in free training program, called Garmin Coach, can even help you work up to a 5K, 10K, or a marathon.
You can get Samsung’s Q-Series HW-QS700F soundbar for $497.99 ($200 off) at Amazon, which is its second-best price to date. The 45.67-inch soundbar features five drivers: three are directed upward and two forward, along with a built-in 6-inch subwoofer, enabling it to produce Dolby Atmos surround sound. It comes with a 9.8-inch wireless subwoofer for even more bass, and it’s compatible with Q-Symphony, a feature that connects the HW-QS700F to speakers in a compatible Samsung TV to create a larger audio system. A built-in mic allows you to calibrate the soundbar based on the size and shape of your room, and a sensor will detect whether it’s lying flat or mounted on a wall to ensure the audio sounds correct.
A bigger, more powerful Switch means bigger, more intensive games that take more time and money to make. But as development costs skyrocket across the industry, Nintendo seems to have a plan to keep things in control as it transitions into the Switch 2 era.
In response to a question during a recent shareholders meeting about the increased costs of making games for its new console, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa admitted that “recent game software development has become larger in scale and longer in duration, resulting in higher development costs. The game business has always been a high-risk business, and we recognize that rising development costs are increasing that risk.”
However, he said that Nintendo’s development teams are “currently devising various ways to maintain our traditional approach to creating games amidst the increasing scale and length of development. We believe it is important to make the necessary investments for more efficient development.”
“The game business has always been a high-risk business.”
Of course, Nintendo is not alone, and the increased scale of game development has been disastrous for many of its competitors. Just last week Microsoft’s gaming division was hit hard by layoffs and game cancellations, while high-profile games like Black Panther and Concord have been shut down alongside their development studios. Nintendo has been one of the rare exceptions in the floundering game industry, but keeping that up will become increasingly challenging as games get bigger. Then again, Furukawa offered one concrete way of combating this: more smaller games.
“We also believe it is possible to develop game software with shorter development periods that still offer consumers a sense of novelty,” Furukawa said. “We see this as one potential solution to the concern about rising development costs and software prices, and we will explore it from various angles within the company.”
