IT General

The iPad Air 2024 is arguably the most highly anticipated tablets of the year. It also may be one of the most delayed consumer products of 2024.

The new iPads — both the Air and Pro models — were poised to be released in March (perhaps alongside the new M3 MacBook Air), according to DigiTimes, which cited Apple's suppliers. However, it has been frequently pushed back throughout March and April.

So the question is, when will the iPad Air finally drop? We have the scoop on its potential release date — as well as four new features you can expect from the new tablet.

SEE ALSO: iPad Pro 2024: 5 new features coming to the rumored new Apple tablet iPad Air 2024 release date

The iPad Air is reportedly poised to drop on May 7. On Tuesday, April 23, Apple announced that it will launch a May 7 livestream.

During this event, you'll probably see the new iPad Air as well as the iPad Pro.

Gurman's reporting validates this; he said that the iPad Air is due to drop some time during the week of May 6.

The iPad Air, alongside the iPad Pro, has been reportedly delayed throughout March and April, according to DigiTimes. However, it seems like Apple finally has the iPad Air release date written in stone.

iPad Air 2024 price

Like Macworld, we're expecting the iPad Air 2024 to launch its 10.9-inch variant at $599, similar to its current-gen model.

However, it's trickier to predict the price of the rumored new 12.9-inch version. MacRumors says it will be $200 more, putting the 12.9-inch model at $799.

Macworld has a more optimistic forecast, speculating that the 12.9-inch variant will have a starting price of $699.

iPad Air 2024: 4 new features

The next model will be the 6th-generation iPad Air, and according to rumors and leaks, it will have the following new features:

• Two display sizes: an anticipated 10.9-inch model and a new 12.9-inch variant, according to Bloomberg

• New miniLED display

• Front camera moved from the top bezel to the side, according ShrimpApplePro, an X leaker with a decent track record

• New M2 chip, according to Bloomberg

To summarize, instead of the usual one iPad Air model we get from Apple, we're expecting two models, making it similar to the iPad Pro's two-model offerings. To reiterate, rumor has it that the iPad Air 6 will have a 10.9-inch model and a 12.9-inch model that matches the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro on the market.

As we reported in mid-April, the iPad Air will reportedly feature a new miniLED variant (a step up from the current-gen LCD display design). This will likely come to the new 12.9-inch model.

Thirdly, as it stands now, the iPad Air features a camera placed on the top (while it's being held in portrait mode). However, Apple is reportedly moving that camera to the side, allowing for a better camera experience during landscape orientation.

That camera will move from the top to the side, according to rumors Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Bloomberg states that the iPad Air will get an M2 chip. For reference, the last iPad Air, updated in 2022, featured the M1 chip.

As MacRumors pointed out, if Apple is feeling particularly generous, it may opt to pack iPad Air 2024 with the more advanced M3 chip. However, I'm leaning towards M2; it's a logical way to distinguish the iPad Air from the iPad Pro (if it gets the M3 chip).

Save for the relocated camera and a larger iPad Air, we haven't seen any rumors about significant design changes. The iPad Air, compared to the iPad Pro, has always been slightly thicker with wider bezels — and that design language is expected to continue with the iPad Air 2024.

Rumor has it that Apple is planning to drop a new Magic Keyboard and an Apple Pencil, too. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

It's worth nothing that the Cupertino-based tech giant is reportedly releasing a refreshed Apple Pencil with a new squeeze gesture as well as a new Magic Keyboard.

As aforementioned, the new iPad Air 2024 is expected to drop on May 7. Stay tuned for Mashable's in-depth coverage on the new tablet.

GPT-4, OpenAI's latest multimodal large language model (LLM), can exploit zero-day vulnerabilities independently, according to a study reported by TechSpot.

The study by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers has shown that LLMs, including GPT-4, can execute attacks on systems by utilizing undisclosed vulnerabilities, known as zero-day flaws. As part of the ChatGPT Plus service, GPT-4 has demonstrated significant advancements over its predecessors in terms of security penetration without human intervention.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT got an upgrade — and OpenAI says it's better in these key areas

The study involved testing LLMs against a set of 15 "high to critically severe" vulnerabilities from various domains, such as web services and Python packages, which had no existing patches at the time.

GPT-4 displayed startling effectiveness by successfully exploiting 87 percent of these vulnerabilities, compared to a zero percent success rate by earlier models like GPT-3.5. The findings suggest that GPT-4 can autonomously identify and exploit vulnerabilities that traditional open-source vulnerability scanners often miss.

Why this is concerning

The implications of such capabilities are significant, with the potential to democratize the tools of cybercrime, making them accessible to less skilled individuals known as "script-kiddies." UIUC's Assistant Professor Daniel Kang emphasized the risks posed by such powerful LLMs, which could lead to increased cyber attacks if detailed vulnerability reports remain accessible.

Kang advocates for limiting detailed disclosures of vulnerabilities and suggests more proactive security measures such as regular updates. However, his study also noted the limited effectiveness of withholding information as a defense strategy. Kang emphasized that there's a need for robust security approaches to address the challenges introduced by advanced AI technologies like GPT-4.

The iPad Pro 2024 has been reportedly pushed back several times, according to DigiTimes, alongside the next-generation iPad Air.

Citing Apple's suppliers as its source, the Taiwan-based publication claims that the iPad Pro 2024 was supposed to be released in March (perhaps with the new M3 MacBook Air). However, its release has been reportedly postponed several times.

Fortunately, according to Mark Gurman, Bloomberg's popular Apple prognosticator, Apple reportedly finally has set release date. Curious about which new features will come with the new iPad Pro? Based on leaks and rumors, we've got the scoop.

SEE ALSO: 2024 iPad Air: 3 new features coming to the rumored new Apple tablet iPad Pro 2024 release date

The iPad Pro will likely drop on May 7. On Tuesday, April 23, Apple announced that it will launch a May 7 livestream. It's during this event that you'll probably see the new iPad Pro as well as other lower-tier tablets.

This aligns with Gurman's reporting, who said that the iPad Pro will be announced during the week of May 6.

Per DigiTimes, the iPad Pro 2024 has been delayed repeatedly from March through April. However, it seems like Apple has finally set is sights on an early May release date.

iPad Pro 2024 price

The iPad Pro 2024 will reportedly sport OLED displays, which will likely make the price tag significantly pricier.

According to yeux1122, an X leaker that Macworld claims has a "spotty record," the iPad Pro will have a starting price tag of about $1,499. For reference, here are the starting prices of the current-gen iPad Pro models:

• 11-inch - $799

• 12.9-inch - $1,099

If that X leaker is to be believed, that means that Apple has nearly doubled the starting price of the iPad Pro 2024. If you were to ask me, I do believe that the next iPad Pro will have a price hike — I'm just not convinced it'll be that expensive.

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Adding salt to the wound, yeux1122 also predicted a jump from $1,099 to somewhere between $1,799 and $1,999 for the 12.9-inch model. Again, I'm doubtful.

DigiTimes' prediction (shared by MacRumors) is a lot more believable, claiming that the iPad Pro 2024 models will have a $160 price increase. Based on this rumor, the new prices should be the following, give or take:

• 11-inch - $999

• 13-inch - $1,199

Still pricey, but far more credible than yeux1122's outlandish forecast.

iPad Pro 2024: 6 new features

The new iPad Pro 2024's brand spankin' new display is the talk of the town. In addition to a new screen, here are six new features coming to the next-generation iPad Pro 2024:

• New OLED panel for a sharper, brighter display

• 12.9-inch variant upgrades to 13 inches

• Relocated webcam

• M3 chip

• Thinner chassis

• Slimmer bezels

To dive deeper, the iPad Pro 2024 is ditching its current-generation mini-LED display for a new OLED panel, which should bring deeper blacks and better contrast to the screen.

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

OLED displays are also known to have better power efficiency than mini-LED screens, so there's a good chance that the iPad Pro 2024 will have better battery life than its predecessor.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple's own software confirms its rumored move to OLED displays. Code spotted in iPadOS 17.5 beta, dropped in early April alongside iOS 17.5 beta for developers, suggests that the next-generation iPad Pro will, indeed, feature an OLED panel.

SEE ALSO: iOS 17.5 beta 1 is here: 3 new features coming to your iPhone

The iPad Pro will also be slightly larger, per Gurman. The 12.9-inch variant will get a slight bump to 13 inches.

According to "Instant Digital", a leaker from Weibo (a China-based social media platform), the new iPad Pro 2024 will have its camera relocated from the top bezel (when it's in portrait mode) to the side for a "landscape webcam." (We're also seeing a similar rumor for the iPad Air 2024.)

Next, the iPad Pro 2024 will be faster. The current model features the M2 chip, but the successor is expected to have the M3 chip.

According to 9to5Mac, the iPad Pro 2024 will have thinner dimensions, too. For context, the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro is 6.4mm thick, but the new one will reportedly be 5mm thick. The 11-inch variant currently has a thickness of 5.9mm, but its successor will allegedly be thinner at 5.1mm.

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

And again, from Instant Digital, the iPad Pro 2024 will reportedly have slimmer bezels, allowing for users to enjoy more screen real estate. (The iPhone 16 is tipped to have thinner borders, too.)

According to the rumor mill, Apple is also reportedly dropping an Apple Pencil with a new squeeze gesture as well as a new Magic Keyboard.

As I said at the outset, the new iPad Pro 2024 is expected to drop on May 7. Stay tuned for Mashable's coverage on the new tablets.

Apple announced a May 7 livestream event, giving us a strong indication that the Cupertino-based tech giant is set to reveal a new iPad Pro and iPad Air — and a few other accessories to go along with them.

As someone who has been keeping a sharp eye on rumors and leaks regarding the iPad Pro and iPad Air, I've got a pretty good idea what Apple purportedly plans on revealing at the May 7 event.

SEE ALSO: iPad Air 2024: No OLED, but it’s tipped to get this big display upgrade May 7 event: What will Apple reveal?

As mentioned, Apple is reportedly planning on releasing a new iPad Pro. According to scuttlebutt from Apple bean spillers like Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, it will have the following new features:

• New OLED display for a sharper, brighter screen

• New location for the webcam (moving to landscape orientation)

• New M3 chip

• Slimmer chassis

• Thinner bezels

For a more in-depth look at what to expect from the next-generation top-tier Apple tablet, check out our oft-updated iPad Pro 2024 rumor hub.

We're also expecting a new iPad Air. Here's what the rumor mill is saying:

• New miniLED display

• Two sizes as opposed to one: the traditional 10.9-inch variant and a new 12.9-inch size

• New webcam location

• New M2 chip

If you crave more information, sink your teeth into all the leaks and rumors surrounding the cheaper Apple tablet in our iPad Air 2024 rumor hub.

Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil

Along with new iPads, Apple is reportedly planning on unleashing a new Magic Keyboard as well as a new Apple Pencil with a new "squeeze gesture" perk.

Mashable will be covering the highly anticipated livestream event, so stay tuned for our coverage on the rumored new iPads.

Despite mixed responses to Taylor Swift's behemoth double album The Tortured Poets Department, its cultural impact is undeniable. It officially birthed its first meme: "You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum that raised me."

Of all the lyrics — and there are so, so many — the line from "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me," track 10 of 31, is the run away hit with X / Twitter users. Swifties and non-Swifties alike are posting the lyric with images of the places that raised them.

SEE ALSO: Taylor Swift's brand is mightier than her pen

In "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me," the pop star complicates her relatable underdog narrative by drawing on the dark side of child stardom and urging listeners to fear her, going so far as to describe herself as "wretched" and "wrong."

Throughout the album, Swift utilizes asylum language and imagery making the meme somewhat representative of the themes she explores. The physical album features a summary poem penned by Swift where she "pleads temporary insanity" and declares, "In summation, it was not a love affair" but "a mutual manic phase" and "self-harm." The music video for "Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)" shows her chained to a bed in a sterile facility, where she's only released after taking "forget him" pills. Later, she's seen receiving electroshock therapy.

According to Know Your Meme, the lyric was first quoted on X when The Tortured Poets Department leaked on April 17. It gained popularity after one user captioned a photo of the choir room in Glee with "You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum that raised me." The meme grew from there. As always, the more the place caters to extremely online sensibilities, the better it performs.

Tweet may have been deleted

Some posted other television "asylums" like Carrie Bradshaw's apartment floor plan in Sex and the City, the pool house in The OC, and Marnie Michael's acoustic performance of "Stronger" in Girls.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Others reference online moments like 2014 Tumblr, A Very Potter Musical, and YouTuber drama. Then, of course, there were the actual physical places like Aeropostale.

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The Swifties were Swiftying this whole time, posting about Ticketmaster queues and that era where people thought Swift didn't have a belly button.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

What lyric will grab the internet's attention next? Perhaps, "I'm so depressed, I act like it's my birthday every day?"

UPDATE: Apr. 17, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT Check out the latest Apple deals from Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and more.

Best Apple deals this week: Best MacBook deal 2024 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,199 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best iPad deal iPad Air (WiFi, 64GB) $499 at Amazon and Walmart (Save $100) Get Deal Best iPhone deal iPhone 15 at Verizon $0 on a new line with select unlimited plans (Save $829.99) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) $189 at Walmart and Amazon (Save $60) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple USB-C AirPods Pro $199.99 at Amazon and Walmart (Save $49.01) Get Deal

Apple may have an iron grasp on the general population, but when it comes down to it, their products look good, work well, and stay cutting-edge — so of course, people love 'em. Whether you build your calendar around Apple events or just want solid tech no matter the brand, Apple's got you covered. Sure, they're a little notorious for their high prices, but we've rounded up the best deals on iPads, AirPods, MacBooks, and more to help you save where you can.

iMac and MacBook deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: 2024 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,199.00 at Amazon
$1,299.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air.

While this isn't quite the $150 discount we saw an on-page coupon bring this MacBook to a couple weeks back, $100 off a two-month-old laptop is still a pretty good deal. The larger screen makes the new Air a great choice for folks who need more space to work, especially for creative tasks like video or photo editing. The M3 chip will give you plenty of power for your workflow, and, especially with the price drop, this Air is a more affordable alternative to the 14-inch MacBook Pro.

More iMac and MacBook deals

MacBook Air

• 2020 MacBook Air (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $699 $899 at Walmart (save $200)

• 2020 MacBook Air (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $699.99 $899 at Best Buy (save $199.01)

• 2023 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $999 $1,299 at Best Buy (save $300)

• 2023 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,199 $1,499 at Best Buy (save $300)

• 2024 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,199 $1,299 at Amazon (save $100)

• 2024 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,389 $1,499 at Amazon (save $110)

• 2023 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,499 $1,899 at Best Buy (save $400)

MacBook Pro

• 2023 14.2-inch MacBook Pro (M3, 8GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,599 $1,799 at Amazon (save $200)

iMac

• 24-inch iMac (M1, 7-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849.99 $1,249.99 at Best Buy (save $400)

• 24-inch iMac (M1, 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999.99 $1,649.99 at Best Buy (save $650)

SEE ALSO: M3 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Air: What’s the difference? iPad deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: iPad Air (WiFi, 64GB) $499.00 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the 2022 iPad Air.

Let's get two things out there: one, this iPad Air deal is still $50 away from the lowest price we've ever seen it at, and two, Apple has finally confirmed a May 7 event where we expect to see the release of new iPads. With that in mind, this honestly isn't all that stellar of a deal, but iPad deals are sorely lacking this week, making it the best of what's out there. It's still the cheapest entry into M1 tablet territory, but if you can hold off for a bit longer, we wouldn't be surprised if this tablet received a more significant price drop in the weeks to come.

More iPad deals

iPad (10th gen)

• Refurbished 2022 iPad (WiFi, 64GB) — $313.54 $368.99 at Target (save $55.35)

iPad (9th gen)

• 2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB) — $249 $329 at Amazon (save $80)

• 2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB) — $249 $329 at Walmart (save $80)

• 2021 iPad (WiFi, 256GB) — $379 $479 at Walmart (save $100)

iPad Air

• iPad Air (WiFi, 64GB) — $499 $599 at Amazon (save $100)

iPhone deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: iPhone 15 at Verizon $0 on a new line with select Unlimited plans (save $829.99) Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the iPhone 15.

The iPhone 15 hasn't really received the "get it free" deal treatment since it's been on the market. Although this particular deal comes with the standard caveats of requiring a new line and particular cell phone plan, it's still one of the best we've seen on this phone. With its USB-C charging port, Dynamic Island, and 48-megapixel camera, it is, as Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder calls it in his review, one of "the best new iPhones for most people."

More iPhone deals

• iPhone 14 (128GB) at AT&T — $5.99 per month for 36 months on select unlimited plans, then receive a $514.36 bill credit. $729.99 (save up to $514.36)

• iPhone 15 (128GB) at AT&T — $129.99 with an eligible trade-in on select unlimited plans. (save up to $700)

• iPhone 15 Plus (128GB) at AT&T — $10.99 per month for 36 months on select unlimited plans, then receive a $534.36 bill credit. $929.99 (save up to $534.36)

• iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB) at AT&T — $199 with an eligible trade-in on select unlimited plans. $1,199 (save up to $1,000)

• iPhone SE (64GB, 3rd gen) at Verizon — $0 with an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate Plan (save $429.99)

• iPhone 14 (128GB) at Verizon — $0 with select 5G unlimited plans. $729.99 (save up to $729.99)

• iPhone 14 Plus (128GB) at Verizon — $0 when you open a new line on any 5G unlimited plan. $829.99 (save $829.99)

• iPhone 15 Pro (128GB) at Verizon — $170 on a new line with an Unlimited Ultimate plan. $999.99 (save up to $819.99)

• iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB) at Verizon — $360 on a new line with an Unlimited Ultimate plan. $1,199.99 (save up to $839.99)

SEE ALSO: iOS 18: Everything we know about the next big iPhone update Apple Watch deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple Watch Series SE (40mm, GPS) $189.00 at Walmart and Amazon
$249.00 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If we're recommending a budget-friendly Apple Watch, we actually want it to be a budget-friendly. That's why we're fans of this 40mm Apple Watch SE deal, which knocks $60 off the price at Walmart and Amazon, saving you 24% on the full price. Though you won't get a ECG app or always-on display like you would with the Series 9, you're paying a good $140 less. Plus, the Series 9 no longer comes with a functioning blood oxygen sensor, so it has even less of an edge.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 9

• Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) — $329 $399 at Amazon (save $70)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) — $329 $399 at Walmart (save $70)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) — $359 $429 at Amazon (save $70)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS + cellular) — $429 $499 at Amazon (save $70)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS + cellular) — $459 $529 at Amazon (save $70)

SE

• Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $189 $249 at Walmart (save $60)

• Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $189 $249 at Amazon (save $60)

• Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $219 $279 at Amazon (save $60)

• Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $219 $279 at Walmart (save $60)

• Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS + cellular) — $229 $299 at Walmart (save $70)

• Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS + cellular) — $279 $329 at Amazon (save $50)

More Apple Watch deals

• Buy two, get $300 off on Apple Watches at AT&T

AirPods and Apple accessories deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple USB-C AirPods $199.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $49.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the USB-C AirPods Pro.

While the AirPods Pro may not be at their $180 record low, or even the $189 sale price they sometimes hit, this $50 off discount isn't bad at all — and it certainly beats full price. We love these earbuds for their easy pairing to Apple devices and exceptional noise-cancellation, and we recommend them for travelers and iPhone users in particular.

More deals on AirPods and Apple accessories

• Apple AirTag — $24 $29 at Amazon (save $5)

• Apple AirTags (4-pack) — $79.99 $99 at Amazon (save $19.01)

• Refurbished Beats Studio Buds + — $99.99 $169.95 at Woot (save $69.96)

• Magic Keyboard for 12.9-inch iPad Pro (open box) — $189.99 $349 (save $159.01)

• Apple USB-C AirPods Pro — $199.99 $249 at Walmart (save $60)

SAVE UP TO 80%: To honor World Book Day, Amazon has marked down the price on hundreds of Kindle ebooks by up to 80% as of April 23. But you'll want to hurry to grab your favorite titles because this deal expires at 11:59 p.m. PT tonight.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle ebooks save up to 80% on Kindle ebooks Get Deal

Reading is one of life's greatest gifts. A good book can bring us into worlds we would have never otherwise experienced. We gain new friends, learn lessons, take off on adventures, and dive into historical events. If your collection is running low, stock up today in honor of World Book Day while saving some serious money thanks to Amazon's sale.

As of April 23, hundreds of Kindle ebooks are up to 80% off to celebrate World Book Day. Chose your favorites quickly though, because this deal is over at 11:59 PT tonight.

Spring and summer reads are some of the most memorable. Find a great bench at the park and get lost in the latest novel or take your Kindle on that tropical vacation for some perfect poolside reading. Whatever you prefer, you can load up on new Kindle ebooks today at Amazon for a hefty discount.

If you don't already own a Kindle device, now would be an ideal time to snag one since you'll be saving on loading it up. (Mashable rates the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition as the very best Kindle model). From there, snag deep discounts from authors we know and love like Liane Moriarty, Ann Patchett, and Alice Walker.

If you're keeping up with the Bridgerton saga, score the eighth book, "On the Way to the Wedding: Bridgerton: Gregory's Story" for just $1.99. Or if memoirs are your favorite, score "Pageboy" by Elliot Page for just $2.99.

The deal also includes books for kids, health and wellness reads, and cookbooks. With hundreds of Kindle ebooks included in this deal, you're sure to find a great stack of books to read throughout the spring and summer. While you're on this reading adventure, be sure to sign up to earn free credits through Kindle Rewards.

You have until 11:59 PT tonight to score up to 80% off hundreds of Kindle ebooks at Amazon, so hop to it and start turning pages.

SAVE 90%: As of April 23, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (Deluxe Edition) is on sale for just $4.99 at the PlayStation Store. That's $45 off of its usual price of $49.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Respawn Entertainment "Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order" (Deluxe Edition) for PS4 and PS5 $4.99 at PlayStation Store
$49.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

We're nearing the first anniversary of the release of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, but its 2019 predecessor is actually the game in the spotlight.

Fans who somehow didn't fall into the trance when Fallen Order first changed the game in 2019 have no excuse not to try it now — because it's $5. A hidden gem of the PlayStation Store's Spring Sale (as well as a likely anticipatory Star Wars Day deal), PS4 and PS5 owners can score the original Star Wars Jedi installation for 90% off of its usual $49.99.

SEE ALSO: 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire' trailer brings you over to the dark side

It's the Deluxe Version, too, which includes extras like assorted Crimson skins, a digital art book, and over 90 minutes of behind-the-screens footage from the making of the game.

Five years after what went down in The Revenge of the Sith, you'll be in the shoes of Ian from Shameless Cal Kestis, an Order 66 survivor on the run. As one of the few remaining Jedi Padawans, you have several jobs: master new Force abilities, fend off Vader-trained villains, and, you know, casually rebuild the entire Jedi Order. It's simultaneously a deeply personal story and a riveting challenge that come together to create one of the best games of 2019 — and one of the best Star Wars games ever.

SAVE $100: As of April 23, get a pair of refurbished Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) for $149.99. That's a discount of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Refurbished Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) on white background $149.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Summer's just about here. If you're planning on walking around, enjoying the warm weather and listening to your favorite songs or podcasts, you've got to have the right equipment. A great pair of earbuds should do the trick, and you can't go wrong with Apple AirPods Pro. Of course, those can be a bit pricey. Luckily, if you've got your eye on them and want a great pair of buds to enhance your summer listening, Best Buy has a deal right now that you won't want to miss.

As of April 23, you can get a pair of refurbished Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) for just $149.99. That's $100 off their normal price of $249.99 and a discount of 43%. These are Geek Squad Certified Refurbished, meaning they've been tested and guaranteed by Best Buy, so you can trust that the buds work like new – and you can get a refund if not.

These earbuds are absolutely fantastic, and the best of Apple's lineup of audio products. They fit snugly in your ear and come with a variety of replaceable tips to get you the best fit possible. They have excellent noise cancellation to help you immerse yourself in your favorite tunes, so if you're trying to block out the world, they can help you achieve that. Plus, they're water-, sweat-, and dust-resistant. You can wear them while swimming, working out, or handling other physical activity without having to worry about them malfunctioning.

With a battery life of 30 hours, they'll be your constant companion just about everywhere you go. Add in spatial audio and adaptive audio support, and you've got a can't-miss package, especially at the $149.99 price point. If you need some earbuds this summer, don't miss this deal – the refurbished part won't mean a thing when you're grooving along this season.

SAVE 50%: As of April 23, get the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 (Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) for $349. That's a savings of $350.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 (Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) $349.00 at Best Buy
$699.00 Save $350.00 Get Deal

Ready to buy a laptop, but don't need anything too fancy? You might be able to get away with buying an older Chromebook. These machines may not be the souped-up powerhouses you'd expect from Apple's lineup or more expensive Windows laptops, but they're still useful for those with light workloads or just for surfing the web and checking email.

A cheap Chromebook is a more affordable option than a regular laptop for popping in your bag for "emergency" computer use on vacation or even a main internet machine for elderly users. No matter your use case, most older Chromebooks are perfect for casual usage. There's one especially great Chromebook you can get on sale today that should tick all the boxes.

As of April 23, get the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 (Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) for just $349 at Best Buy. That's a 50% discount and $350 off its normal price of $699.

This is an older model, as previously stated, so don't expect it to be the zippiest machine — it relies on an older Intel Core i3-10110U processor from August 2019. While the Chromebook will get 10 years of automatic updates from Google, it's important to understand that it will be quite slow in comparison to some of the more expensive Chromebooks on offer right now. But it's still very much capable of handling a variety of tasks if you're fine with remaining in the Google ecosystem.

This flame red Chromebook with touchscreen capabilities can handle smaller tasks with less bandwidth: browsing the internet, word processing, simple presentations, and streaming media. Just don't expect it to be super fast. It's still plenty viable to toss in your bag and go if you need something on hand to get work done, but be aware that you will need an internet connection to utilize it to its fullest.

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: Our top pick iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ $999 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal Best budget-friendly headphone deal Soundcore Anker Life Q20 (black) $39.98 at Amazon (save $20.01) Get Deal Best laptop deal Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,241.33 at Amazon (save $558.66) Get Deal Best photo editing deal Photoshop Elements 2024 and Premiere Elements 2024 $99.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best speaker deal Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker (black) $21.99 at Amazon (save $8) Get Deal

Once again, Amazon has delivered when it comes to great deals. Sure, today's deals aren't quite as plentiful as major shopping holidays like Black Friday or Prime Day, but Amazon still appreciates a random price drop on a Tuesday. We've found some noteworthy deals for today, April 23, that are worth checking out if you're in the market for some home upgrades or the latest tech.

Below, we've listed some of our favorite deals to shop at Amazon today. And if you missed our top Amazon deals from yesterday, April 22, some are still live and worth looking into.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ $999.00 at Amazon
$1,399.00 Save $400.00 Get Deal

If you've been meaning to hand off the task of vacuuming to someone else, Amazon has just the robot for the job. The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is a do-it-all floor cleaning solution and now it can be yours for under $1,000. Mashable named the Roomba Combo j9+ as the very best Roomba in our review of the best robot vacuums and mops, noting it's a combination of some of Roomba's best functions like better suction power and a water tank that only needs refilling about once every 30 days.

One of the only negatives the review points out is the robot vacuum and mop's high price tag, which is significantly reduced thanks to the sale price of $999 at Amazon today.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Anker Soundcore Anker Life Q20 (black) $39.98 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.01 Get Deal

If you have upcoming travel plans, this deal is the one for you. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones are on sale for just $39.98, marked down from the normal price of $59.99, which means you'll save $20.01.

Mashable named these the best budget pick for noise-canceling headphones that are ideal for flying. The Life Q20 don't have top-of-the-line noise cancellation, but they pack a punch for the price tag. Plus, they come with about 60 hours of battery life and memory foam cushioning, so they should be plenty comfortable for wherever your travels take you.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,241.33 at Amazon
$2,799.99 Save $558.66 Get Deal

With a 14.4-inch touchscreen display, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a great option for creative minds or anyone who wants a portable and durable laptop.

Mashable's East Coast Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon reviewed the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and noted its exceptional build. "If the Surface Laptop Studio 2 were a fictional character, it’d be Optimus Prime. It is one burly, brawny, sturdily built machine," she writes. She also notes artists will especially enjoy the model's easel-capable positioning.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 can also be great for traveling since it weighs just over four pounds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Adobe Photoshop Elements 2024 and Premiere Elements 2024 $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Whether you're brand new to photo editing or a seasoned professional, Adobe photo editing software is often the top choice. Thanks to today's deal, you can grab a code for digital access to both Photoshop Elements 2024 and Premiere Elements 2024 for $99.99, which is a 33% discount from the normal bundle price of $149.99.

For those new to Adobe's editing suites, follow along with 88 editing guides that'll cover the ins and outs. You can also use templates for creating photo reels, video reels, and animated social media posts, and you have access to companion mobile apps for editing on the go.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker (black) $21.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $8.00 Get Deal

Summer is on its way, and if you're prepping for backyard hangs, the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker could be perfect. Thanks to today's sale price on the black colorway, the portable speaker can be all yours for just $21.99, which is 27% off the normal price of $29.99.

With up to 24 hours of playtime on one charge, your summer gathering will never be without tunes. The wireless speaker can pair with Android or iOS devices for streaming through Bluetooth 5.0 which'll stay connected up to 66 feet away from the speaker. It's also waterproof, so you won't have to worry about bringing it along to the beach or for an afternoon spent poolside.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Finally, Xbox is getting into the VR game! Kind of.

Nestled into a larger blog post featuring multiple big announcements, Meta revealed on Monday that it is working with Microsoft on an Xbox-branded VR headset. To be more specific, it's a "limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox."

Ah, ok. So it's not actually a full-fledged Xbox VR headset. Instead, it seems like it'll just be a branded version of an existing Quest headset, ideally the Quest 3 since it's the newest one. It's not clear if it would have any unique hardware or software features, but I wouldn't count on it, personally.

SEE ALSO: A batch of updates from Meta puts AI front and center when you use its apps

That said, the partnership still makes sense. As pointed out in the blog post, Xbox Cloud Gaming is available on Meta Quest, so you can play Xbox games on a Quest right now. In an Instagram post, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg claimed the new headset would come with Xbox controllers and access to Xbox Game Pass, both of which are prerequisites for using Xbox game streaming.

This news more or less leaves PlayStation as still the only one of the "big three" gaming hardware manufacturers to embrace VR. Nintendo is likely never going to do it (again), but Microsoft said in 2016 it had plans for an Xbox headset, only to back down on those plans two years later.

Bummer for the people who insisted VR was the future of gaming ten years ago, I guess.

SAVE UP TO 44%: As of April 23, several j Series Roombas have dropped to record low pricing at Amazon:

Best Roomba deals this week Most advanced Roomba iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ $999 at Amazon (save $400.99) Get Deal Next best mopping Roomba iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ $699 at Amazon ($400.99) Get Deal Most powerful Roomba under $600 iRobot Roomba j9+ $599 at Amazon ($300.99) Get Deal Cheapest mopping Roomba with obstacle avoidance iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ $449 at Amazon (save $350.99) Get Deal

Many robot vacuum deniers are of the mindset that you shouldn't have to babysit your robot vacuum. And we don't blame them — the need to tidy up any rogue personal items before sending your robot vacuum out to clean is definitely a case for going the cordless vacuum route altogether.

SEE ALSO: Roomba models, explained: The 2024 guide to deciding which Roomba to buy

Amazon's current Roomba deals are your answer to that problem. As of April 23, four j Series Roombas with obstacle avoidance technology have dropped down to record-low pricing — one of them hitting this low for the first time ever. (This is all according to Amazon price tracker Camelcamelcamel.)

All of your options are less than $1,000, with the most affordable robovac dipping below $450. If you're on the fence about which one to buy, we're unpacking the differences between the Roomba Combo j9+, Roomba Combo j7+, Roomba j9+, or Roomba Combo j5+ below:

Most advanced Roomba Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ $999.00 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $400.99 Get Deal

Why is it such a big deal to be able to score the best Roomba under $1,000? Let's unpack. While the Combo j9+ keeps the best parts of the older Roomba Combo j7+ that we loved during hands-on testing, like the retractable mopping pad that never needs to be removed or the ability to avoid small, pesky obstacles like cords and socks, the Combo j9+ also solves several gripes that we had with the Combo j7+.

First, it's simply better at cleaning: its new four-stage cleaning system delivers 100% stronger suction than the i Series Roombas, while its mopping pad scrubs back and forth with pressure to eat away at stubborn stains. Besides stellar cleaning, we'd also be remiss not to mention the dock — it's a chic end table on the outside and a home for self-emptying rubbish and a self-refilling water tank on the inside. It's got function and style.

Next-best mopping Roomba Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ $699.00 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $400.99 Get Deal

If you'd rather save yourself an extra $300, the Combo j7+ will still be a solid addition to most homes, especially ones that don't have a ton of carpeting that needs to be deep cleaned. With the OG true hybrid Roomba, you're still securing iRobot's two best features: the mop that knows to levitate when it senses carpet and the technology that knows to steer clear when it senses small obstacles that it would get stuck on.

(Admittedly, the record-low pricing on the Combo j7+ is $698.99, so feel free to wait until Black Friday if you want to save an extra cent.)

Most powerful Roomba under $600 Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba j9+ $599.00 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $300.99 Get Deal

Or maybe your home does have more carpeting than hard floors that would need to be mopped. In that case, your best bet is the Roomba j9+. Like the Combo j9+, this one vacuums with iRobot's strongest suction power yet — unlike the Combo j9+, it skips the water tank and mopping pad system completely to save you several hundred dollars.

Cheapest mopping Roomba with obstacle avoidance Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ $449.00 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $350.99 Get Deal

The most affordable j Series Roomba in our list also happens to be the one at a price we've never seen before. For the first time, you can bring home iRobot's obstacle avoidance and mopping for less than $450.

The main differences between the Combo j5+ and the other mopping Roombas we just mentioned are that the Combo j5+ is a Swap and Mop model that requires you to manually click a water tank on and off to differentiate between mopping mode and regular vacuuming mode. The obstacle avoidance technology here is also slightly less meticulous, though the big pests (cords and pet waste) are still in the clear.

We are announcing special workshops and trainings to celebrate our 15th anniversary. 

Coming up: A rare in-person session in LDN with IIB founder David McCandless (we do these once a year). A virtual workshop running on two half days and the regular full day session.

Learn how to turn numbers, ideas & data into beautiful charts, graphics & stories. This year we’re adding a new “data storytelling” element so you can begin to learn how to shape and present powerful data stories and narratives.

Next dates:

In-person
» Mon 8th July

In the leadup to Taylor Swift's latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, online stans did what they arguably do best: theorize. One Swiftie narrative about TTPD, partly fueled by Swift's "stages of heartbreak" playlists for Apple Music, speculated that her ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn cheated on her. As Mashable's Elena Cavender summed up, Alwyn became the "bad guy" to Swift's "good guy," a common thread in her albums.

For months, fans dissected Swift's actions in videos that amassed thousands of views. They drummed up an unsubstantiated rumor that Alwyn cheated with his Conversations with Friends co-star Alison Oliver based on…sex scenes in the show (this video has nearly one million views). The TikTok search "joe alwyn cheating theory" results in a flurry of videos.

SEE ALSO: The wildest lyrics on Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department,' from 'Grand Theft Auto' to Charlie Puth

The rumor that Alwyn cheated with Conversations with Friends co-star Alison Oliver isn't only unfounded, but also turned out to be irrelevant to TTPD. The album is indeed about Swift's breakup with Alwyn (like that she still has his location), but it's arguably more about The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, with whom Swift reportedly had a brief post-breakup fling.

There are occasional mentions to cheating on the album ("My husband is cheating, I wanna kill him" on "Fortnight"; "They said I was a cheat, I guess it must be true" and "All my girls got their lace and their crimes / And your cheating husband disappeared" on "Florida!!!") — but it's not a central theme. Still, the frenzy around Alwyn and Oliver reached such a fever pitch that some Swifties continued to pester Oliver on Instagram after the album came out. Some Swift fans maintain that Alwyn did cheat.

The "cheating scandal" is pervasive in celebrity culture, and social media fuels the fire. From The Try Guys to Scandaval to these Swift-Alwyn rumors, online fans become furious at the thought of such betrayal. This is driven by our societal feelings towards cheating, yes, but also the nature of parasocial relationships.

This makes sense on several levels: Cheating is a transgression, one that usually involves a multitude of lies. Our culture is dominated by monogamy, and infidelity is considered one of the worst things one can do in a relationship. Even with non-mongamy on the rise (and one can still cheat even if a relationship is non-monogamous), cheating is considered heinous by society at large. And if you think your favorite celeb's partner cheated on them? It's the ultimate crime.

Did Joe Alwyn cheat on Taylor Swift?

As Mashable's Cavender and Chase DiBenedetto pointed out during Swift's Midnights era, the singer is known for her conspiratorial fans and album Easter eggs. Swift has "taught her fans that there are always hidden meanings in everything she does, and that means they're always theorizing," said Dr. Georgia Carroll, a sociology PhD who's studied Swift's fandom. 

When Swift announced TTPD, fans realized it would be a breakup album, Carroll continued, so theorizing about reveals was the obvious next step. While Swift didn't explicitly encourage speculation over why her and Alwyn's relationship ended, she let narratives develop based on clues she left — like song titles, lyric snippets, and the stages of grief playlist.

"More broadly, fans theorize because they — by the nature of being a fan — spend a lot of time thinking and talking about things they like, and eventually those discussions will spiral out into theories," Carroll said. "That's true whether you're talking about music, or a TV show, or even a sports team."

This all goes down on social media. Rather than being confined to a few fellow fans you know in your community, Swifties have a widespread community on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Reddit. 

"There's the element of group agreement strengthening your willingness to believe in a theory," Carroll said, and even if they know their theories likely aren't true, they can revel in "clowning" or being "delulu." 

Carroll continued, "Social media also has the additional element of encouraging attention-seeking behavior, so people may be deliberately hyperbolic in the hopes of getting engagement, and this furthers the snowballing by creating a more widespread buzz."

The parasocial pull of cheating scandals

You don't need me to tell you cheating is wrong. It can even be considered a form of emotional abuse if it's done with the intent of harming one's partner, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Love is Respect. An example is if someone cheats on their partner then blames their partner for it; that's a form of emotional abuse.

People can cheat on their partners without rising to the level of abuse, however. It can be an indication of an unhealthy relationship, as cheating breaches trust. (Love is Respect has a relationship spectrum featuring behaviors of healthy vs. unhealthy vs. abusive relationships).

Infidelity isn't a crime under law, but to stans, it's evil — it's a reason to harass someone. In the lead-up of TTPD, Swifties "flooded" Alwyn with hate, and extended the hate to Oliver, the rumored "other woman."

SEE ALSO: How to track your partner's location like Taylor Swift in 'Black Dog'

"Cheating is obviously an act of betrayal, which to a fan committed to supporting someone becomes the ultimate sin and is almost taken on as a personal attack," Carroll said. A lot of fandom boils down to supporting your faves, and so when you spend time and effort supposing them, a defensiveness against mistreatment develops, she continued — even if the mistreatment is only perceived. 

"It becomes a 'how dare they' moment, despite not actually knowing the reality of the situation," she continued. Fans think that they know Swift — something she has encouraged over the years — so they feel betrayed on her behalf.

This is where the parasocial element comes in. Swifties don't know the singer and they don't know what really went down in her past relationship (from TTPD, it sounds like a sad breakup). So, they make up what they think might be true, and social media algorithms are the accelerant. The most outrageous possibility rises to the top.

Swift has songs that allude that she herself has cheated, with titles like "illicit affairs" (from Folklore) and "High Infidelity" (from Midnights), among others from her discography. "Guilty As Sin?" from TTPD is speculated to be about emotional infidelity. To be clear, fans have speculated about this too, but she doesn't receive the same vitriol fans throw to her exes. But of course she wouldn't, because it's not about the act itself: It's about the act against their favorite celebrity. And if that's not the ultimate crime, what is?

Our long national nightmare is over: iPads may be finally launching in two weeks.

In an invite image sent to press on Tuesday, Apple confirmed it will hold a livestreamed product announcement event on May 7 at 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET. The event, titled "Let Loose," is advertised with an image of a hand holding an Apple Pencil, all but confirming that this will center around iPads.

SEE ALSO: How to cancel your Apple TV+ subscription from your desktop or your phone Yeah, this is for iPads, alright. Credit: Apple May 7 Apple event: What we're expecting

Of course, that's not terribly surprising. There have been rumors circulating about new iPad Pro and Air models for months. Currently, we expect to see four new iPads, two in each style. The big innovations we plan to see include big display upgrades on both ends. For instance, the new iPad Pro is said to have an OLED display for the first time in an iPad, while the new iPad Air has been upgraded to mini-LED, at least on the larger 12.9-inch variant.

Plus, there is scuttlebutt that Apple will be revealing a new Magic Keyboard and a new Apple Pencil.

The good news is we won't have to rely on iffy rumors for much longer.

As Mashable's Amanda Yeo wrote of Netflix sci-fi thriller Atlas: "If AI wrote propaganda, this is probably what it would look like."

Keep that in the back of your mind as you watch the second trailer for the film, with Jennifer Lopez out front as the titular Atlas Shepherd.

A data analyst and agent with a grudge against AI, Atlas finds herself on a mission to retrieve a rogue robot (Simu Liu), one she's met before. As the film progresses, it seems our protagonist might be coming around to the idea of AI when she finds herself lost on an inhospitable ice planet with only an AI for company in her gigantic robot power armor.

From Rampage and San Andreas director Brad Peyton, and written by Leo Sardarian and Aron Eli Coleite, this seemingly action packed film has a big cast alongside Lopez and Liu, with Sterling K. Brown, Lana Parrilla, Mark Strong, Abraham Popoola, and Gregory James Cohan.

Atlas premieres May 24 on Netflix.

SAVE $558.66: As of April 23, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) is just $2,241.33 at Amazon. That's a discount of 20%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,241.33 at Amazon
$2,799.99 Save $558.66 Get Deal

Ready to buy a new laptop, but looking to think outside the box a bit beyond a vanilla Windows computer or a MacBook? A Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is another choice that might fit the bill, especially if you're the creative type. For professional artists or anyone who wants multiple ways to interact with your computer, this accessible and convenient laptop has several modes of use, including normal clamshell functionality, tablet mode, and an easel-like option that you can use a stylus to sketch on. It's an intriguing form factor that you might want to opt for – and you can get it for less than usual today if you head over to Amazon.

As of April 23, you can get the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) for $2,241.33. That's $558.66 off its original price of $2,799.99, and a 20% discount.

This 14.4-inch convertible laptop boasts the powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, making it perfect for a variety of graphic-intensive tasks, from sketching up mockups to 3D models and more. It comes preinstalled with Nvidia Studio drivers and other creative-centric tools to help you bring your ideas to life. With its gorgeous touchscreen and 120Hz refresh rate, you'll have plenty of power to create – or just kick back, relax, and check out your favorite shows and movies.

Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon took the laptop for a test drive and found that it's great for artists or anyone who could benefit from its convertible display as well as "differently abled users who could take full advantage of the Surface Laptop Studio 2’s adaptive touch trackpad feature." While Gedeon didn't find that it beats the MacBook across the board, the aforementioned situations make it a fine contender for many users.

If you want to take a Microsoft Surface for a test drive, this one is a great pick.

If you tried to use X this morning (April 23) and saw something wonky, you're not alone.

The social media platform formerly known as Twitter was acting up all morning. For some users, it showed reposts as the manual RTs of yore. Other users couldn't update their home screen or trending topics but could see updates in specific people's profiles.

Some of you might consider this to be great (healthy) or you might consider it to be horrible (not healthy) or you might not think about it at all (very healthy). But no matter what, you weren't alone: Down Detector showed that loads of users were complaining about "problems" with using the platform with outages spiking at 9:56 a.m. ET. (Down Detector is owned by ZiffDavis, Mashable's parent company.)

Not to worry — after about an hour, the site is back up and running. X didn't post about the short outage.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Mercedes-Benz is bringing Level 3 autonomous vehicles to the U.S. — the first automaker to do so.

While Tesla calls its driver assistance system "Full Self-Driving," with CEO Elon Musk promising, and then failing to deliver, Level 4 or Level 5 autonomy, it is actually Mercedes-Benz that officially achieved the feat of getting a Level 3 car on a U.S. road.

SEE ALSO: Tesla cuts FSD price, ditches Enhanced Autopilot

The "Level" figures refer to SAE International's levels of driving automation. Level 2 and below refer to various driver support features, which can perform certain functions such as steer, accelerate, and brake, but the driver must constantly supervise them and intervene as needed.

Level 3, 4, and 5, refer to fully automated driving, but the differences between them are vast. A vehicle that has Level 3 automation can drive itself, but it might require the driver to take over. It only works under limited conditions, and will not operate unless all required conditions are met. Level 4 and Level 5, ideally, should never ask the driver to take over, with the difference being that Level 4 also works under certain limited conditions, whereas Level 5 means the car can drive itself in all conditions.

...if all conditions are met, the driver can take their eyes off the road, and let go of the steering wheel without the car nagging.

Mercedes-Benz's take on Level 3, available through a set of features call Drive Pilot, only works in clear weather, during the day, on some specific freeways in California and Nevada, and only when the car is traveling less than 40 miles per hour. Finally, it's only available in Merc's EQS and S-Class sedans. All of that may not sound terribly exciting, but what makes this different from other, similar systems, is that if all conditions are met, the driver can take their eyes off the road, and let go of the steering wheel without the car nagging. Tesla's Autopilot and FSD systems require the driver to react and take over in all scenarios, meaning they officially fall into the Level 2 category.

Mercedes-Benz announced this system last September, and started selling Level 3-enabled cars in the U.S. in December (the company previously launched the same system in Germany). Now, as Fortune noticed, at least one of those cars has actually been sold to a customer in California.

Mercedes is not alone in this effort, though it is the first to do it in the United States. Last year, BMW announced it would launch a Level 3-enabled car in March 2024, but only in Germany.

Tweet may have been deleted

Musk recently announced a "Robotaxi" event, scheduled for August 2024. Despite not being able to perfect its FSD system to the point of it being fully autonomous, the Tesla CEO keeps betting on a dream of robotaxis, meaning cars that can autonomously ferry passengers around. Those do exist - for example, Alphabet's Waymo and GM's Cruise have been offering a self-driving taxi service in San Francisco, with mixed results — but Musk seems to want to sell such cars to customers. In order to do so, he'll first have to leap over Mercedes' latest effort; notably, Mercedes's own CTO Markus Schäfer thinks that private-owned Level 4 cars could be a thing "by the end of the decade."