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If you've ever used an AI chatbot, you'd know it's a very singular experience. Your chatbot interacts with what an individual says or asks.

At Google I/O, as part of its Gemini for Workspace platform, the search giant shared a new feature: AI Teammate. AI Teammate basically takes that solo chatbot experience and puts the AI bot in a multi-user space, turning the AI chatbot into sort of a mock fellow co-worker.

SEE ALSO: Google I/O 2024: 'AI Agents' are AI personal assistants that can return your shoes Setting up an AI Teammate in Gemini for Workspace Credit: Google

According to Google, an AI Teammate can appear alongside others within the company in chat groups, emails, and documents just as any other employee would. The AI Teammate can have an identity – at Google I/O, they showcased an AI Teammate named "Chip" – as well as its own workspace account. The AI Teammate can have a specific role in the company and carry out specific objectives.

For example, if a user asks a question in a group chat, the AI Teammate can answer the question based on what's been addressed anytime earlier in the chat group. If the AI Teammate was added to emails or files, the chatbot can also utilize that information in its answers as well. Everyone in the group chat can see the chatbot's answers, just like they could any other co-worker, and further interact with the chatbot as well.

Google's AI Teammate "Chip" provides info in a group chat. Credit: Google

Basically, the main selling point here is that the AI Teammate can build a knowledge base based on what the entire team has shared and not just one singular user. That AI Teammate can then distribute that information to everyone as well.

It's an interesting take on the AI chatbot experience. There has been some third-party AI wrappers that have been developed with a similar idea in mind, but Google appears to be the first of the large language model companies to introduce this feature.

Google's vision of an AI-driven future for search is coming to fruition with the rollout of AI Overviews in the US, and soon globally. This feature, previously dubbed the Search Generative Experience (SGE), introduces AI-generated summaries at the top of many search results, changing how billions interact with Google Search.

At the forefront of the tech giant's generative AI additions to search, revealed at its I/O 2024 event, are AI Overviews. This new tool aims to streamline search processes by presenting a concise, AI-generated summary at the top of search results. This new feature allows Google to provide AI-generated overviews or summaries directly in the search results, potentially offering more comprehensive answers to complex queries.

Here are some other key features that will come to Google Search in the coming weeks:

Search by Video Tweet may have been deleted

Google has expanded the functionality of Google Lens to include video-based search capabilities. Users can now capture video clips to initiate searches, allowing for a more dynamic and interactive query process. This feature caters to the growing demand for more intuitive and flexible search tools, accommodating various forms of user interaction with the digital world.

Planning with Search Credit: Google

Google's new planning tool automates the creation of personalized itineraries and meal plans with just a single query. By leveraging Gemini, this tool simplifies the planning process (e.g., travel or daily meals) by generating customized suggestions based on user preferences and previous interactions.

Contextual Search Credit: Google

Another feature is the AI-driven reorganization of search results based on the context of the query. For instance, when searching for restaurants in a new city, Google now categorizes the results to fit scenarios like date nights or business meetings. This tailored approach minimizes user effort in sifting through irrelevant information, making the search experience more efficient and user-friendly.

Featured Video For You Here’s everything that was announced at Google I/O.

Gemini is getting a facelift.

Sundar Pichai announced updates to Google's AI model at the company's annual Google I/O event on May 14, including updates to Gemini 1.5 Pro and a new model of Google Gemini called Gemini 1.5 Flash. 

"We want everyone to benefit from what Gemini can do," Pichai said.

Tweet may have been deleted

Gemini 1.5 Pro was originally announced in February, but the company announced at I/O that it's getting a bit of an update with new API features like video frame extraction, parallel function calling, and context caching. Pro will help support AI Overviews, Ask Photos, NotebookLM, and more. In the seemingly perpetual fight to the front of the AI world, Gemini 1.5 Pro is an invaluable resource for Google, which plans to use the AI model as the basis for Pixie — the new version of the Google Assistant — and other Google products.

And there's a new member to Google's family of AI models, showing the world a new model: Gemini 1.5 Flash. It has much of the same capabilities as 1.5 Pro but should run faster and more efficiently due to lower latency and a lower cost to serve.

As Josh Woodward, the senior director of product management inside Google's Labs incubator group, said at I/O, Gemini 1.5 Pro is for "complex and general tasks" and "high-quality responses," while Gemini 1.5 Flash is for "high-frequency and narrow tasks" and "fastest response time." Both of the products are "natively multimodal," which means you can prompt them with text, images, audio, and video.

SEE ALSO: Google I/O 2024: 'AI Agents' are AI personal assistants that can return your shoes

"Today, we're introducing Gemini 1.5 Flash," Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind who introduced Flash, said. "Flash is a lighter-weight model compared to Pro. It's designed to be fast and cost-efficient to serve at scale while still featuring multi-model reasoning capabilities and breakthrough long context."

In a blog post, Hassabis said Gemini 1.5 Flash "excels at summarization, chat applications, image and video captioning, data extraction from long documents and tables, and more."

You can give both Gemini 1.5 Pro and Gemini 1.5 Flash today globally in Google AI Studio and Vertex AI. Developers can sign up to try two million tokens by heading to ai.google.dev/gemini-api. Gemini 1.5 Pro is $7 for one million tokens, but for prompts up to 128,000, it's just $3.50 for one million tokens. Gemini 1.5 Flash will start at $0.35 for one million tokens up to 128,000.

"We're so excited to see what all of you will create with it," Hassabis said.

Google has a new AI agent that can tell you things about what's around you. A lot of things.

Called "Project Astra," it's a Gemini-based multimodal AI tool that lets you point your phone's camera at real-life stuff and get a spoken description of what you're looking at.

In a demo, shown during Google's I/O conference Tuesday, the tool was pointed at a loudspeaker, correctly identifying a part of it as a tweeter. Far more impressively, the phone's camera was then turned onto a snippet of code on a computer display, with Astra yielding a fairly detailed overview of what the code's doing.

Finally, the person testing Project Astra turned their phone towards the window and asked "What neighborhood do you think I'm in?" After a few seconds, Gemini replied: "This appears to be the King's Cross area of London," along with a few details about the neighborhood. Finally, the tool was asked to find a misplaced pair of glasses, and it complied, saying exactly where the glasses were left.

In perhaps the most interesting part of the video, we see that those glasses are actually some kind of smart glasses, which can again be used to prompt Gemini about what the wearer sees - in this case giving a suggestion on a diagram drawn on a whiteboard.

SEE ALSO: Google I/O 2024: 'AI Agents' are AI personal assistants that can return your shoes

According to Google's DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, something like Astra could be available both on a person's phone or glasses. The company did not, however, share a launch date, though Hassabis said that some of these capabilities are coming to Google products "later this year."

Featured Video For You Here’s everything that was announced at Google I/O.

Google will be sharing lots of products ready to utilize at today's big Google I/O event.

However, one announcement from CEO Sundar Pichai was more of an idea that's in the works: AI Agents. According to Pichai, AI Agents are still in "early days," but their description shows what Google envisions what AI can do for users. 

What are 'AI Agents'?

Pichai described AI agents as "intelligent systems that show reasoning, planning, and memory" and can "think multiple steps ahead" to complete more compex tasks for users.

Shopping returns is a specific example used at Google I/O to give a real-world use case for AI agents. Pichai explained a scenario where a user wants to return a pair of shoes they purchased. AI agents will be able to search the user's email inbox for the receipt, locate the order number from the email, fill out the return form on the store's website, and schedule a pickup for the item to be returned.

Google showed off how AI agents could be of help when returning products to the store. Credit: Google I/O

Another scenario provided involves AI agents searching up local shops and services, like dog walkers and dry cleaners, for a user that just moved to a new city, so that the user has all of these locations and contacts at their disposal. A key feature mentioned here was that Gemini and Chrome would work together to complete these takes, showing how AI agents would be able to work across various software and platforms. 

It's an interesting concept, but also weird in some aspects. We'll keep our eyes peeled for AI agents in the near-to-maybe-not-so-near future.

Featured Video For You Here’s everything that was announced at Google I/O.

At Google's annual I/O conference, the tech giant announced a more powerful AI-based search experience within Google Photos.

People upload 6 billion photos and videos to the platform every day, and now they'll be able to search for those elements more efficiently using not just keywords but phrases.

SEE ALSO: Google I/O 2024: AI Overviews are rolling out to users this week

CEO Sundar Pichai gave one example: "Say you're at a parking station ready to pay," he told the audience, "but you can't recall your license plate number." Now you can ask Google Photos something like, "What's my license plate number again?"

It's unclear how Gemini will know to bring up your license plate number instead of all photos with a license plate in them, but Pichai says Gemini does.

Another example was reminiscing on family memories. Ask Google Photos, "When did Lucia learn to swim?" for example, says Pichai, and "Gemini goes beyond a simple search, recognizing different contexts from doing laps in the pool to snorkeling in the ocean to the text and dates on our swimming certificates." Then it packages those photos and videos together for you.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI isn't just competing with Google Search. It's coming for Google Assistant, Alexa & Siri, too.

It's been teased and tested for over a year, but it's finally here: AI Overviews in Search.

SEE ALSO: Google I/O 2024: What to expect after OpenAI's GPT-4o reveal

The first major announcement of Google's I/O 2024 event, the tech giant started off with the reveal that its Search Generative Experience (SGE) labs feature will be rolling out to US users within the week. This new feature allows Google to provide AI-generated overviews or summaries directly in the search results, potentially offering more comprehensive answers to complex queries.

The aim is to improve the user's experience by leveraging AI to aggregate and synthesize information from various web sources, delivering it in an easily digestible format. In May 2023, Google introduced its AI-enhanced search feature, which it characterized as an "AI-powered snapshot of key information to consider, with links to dig deeper."

However, the results were inconsistent when Mashable conducted tests on this feature on Google Labs. Reporter Cecily Mauran noted that this tool cluttered Google's results pages, overshadowed already useful features, and mentioned that unexpectedly encountering an AI-generated result could be somewhat disconcerting.

That doesn't mean that Google hasn't improved on SGE since then. The keynote has only started so you can watch live here.

Featured Video For You Here’s everything that was announced at Google I/O.

The new DJ mode for Google's Music FX got the best presentation possible ahead of its Google I/O 2024 event. Featuring acclaimed DJ Marc Rebillet, the new addition to the tech giant musical generative AI lets anyone become a middle-aged DJ in real-time.

SEE ALSO: Google I/O 2024 keynote: How to watch live

The DJ mode was first introduced in March, just months after Google released Music FX in December of last year. DJ Mode allows users to generate music through text prompts, focusing on instrumental tracks without the ability to include vocals or specific artist references. This mode is particularly innovative because it starts with user-generated descriptions or "chips," which can then be manipulated to create live beats and music loops. Users can adjust the music dynamically by changing the prompts, which are reflected in the live mix within seconds.

DJ Marc Rebillet at Google I/O Credit: Mashable / Google

Despite its capabilities, Google emphasizes that MusicFX is experimental and could be subject to changes or discontinuation. Therefore, it's recommended for casual exploration rather than serious or commercial applications. Like its counterpart, ImageFX, MusicFX uses a similar method of converting text prompts into adaptable options for creative output, though DJ Mode focuses specifically on music.

You can watch the Google I/O 2024 event here.

The first teaser for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is here, promising Sauron like you've never seen him before. (Blond.)

J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary villain (played by Charlie Vickers) spent most of The Rings of Power Season 1 disguised as human Halbrand, only revealing his true nature in the Season 1 finale. But now that Sauron is officially back in action, it won't be long until his darkness threatens to corrupt all of Middle-earth for good.

SEE ALSO: Sauron slays in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer

The Season 2 teaser leans heavily on that encroaching darkness, highlighting Sauron's new destructive tactics and his bold new form. From new rings to unexpected team-ups, here are the seven most exciting moments from the Rings of Power Season 2 teaser.

1. Sauron becomes Annatar in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 New look, same evil. Credit: Screenshot: Prime Video

If you take one thing away from this teaser, let it be this: It's Annatar time!

Annatar, also known as the Lord of Gifts, is Sauron's fair form. In Tolkien's The Silmarillion, he takes on this disguise to nudge Elven smith Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) into forging the Rings of Power for dwarves and men. While Celebrimbor creates the Elven rings last in The Silmarillion, he makes them first in the show, meaning that The Rings of Power is switching up Tolkien's ring-forging timeline. However, the appearance of Annatar — because who else would blond, Elven Sauron really be? — in the teaser suggests that the Lord of Gifts isn't done gifting quite yet. Perhaps he'll even pay Celebrimbor another visit, explaining the brief shot of the two of them in the same room together towards the end of the teaser.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer: Westeros prepares for war 2. The Rings of Power forges even more rings in Season 2 "Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky." Credit: Screenshot: Prime Video

Season 1 of The Rings of Power ended with the forging of the three Elven rings, and the Season 2 trailer shows them off in all their glory in the above shot. The three Elven ring bearers in Tolkien's legendarium are Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), the High King Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker), and shipwright Círdan. We met the first two in Season 1, and showrunner Patrick McKay confirmed in an interview with Deadline that Círdan will be playing a major role in the series going forward. Brace yourselves for more Elven ring action!

Put that ring back where it came from or so help me! Credit: Screenshot: Prime Video

But the Elven rings aren't the only rings we're working with this season. The teaser also shows off Durin III (Peter Mullan) taking a good long look at a ring of his own. That likely means we're getting the "seven [rings] for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone" in Season 2. But do they come from friendly forges? Or is this more of Sauron's trickery at work? I'm going to guess the latter.

SEE ALSO: 10 burning questions we have after 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' finale 3. Sea monsters and nasty tendrils — things are getting scary in Middle-earth! What is this? Credit: Screenshot: Prime Video

I did not expect the Rings of Power teaser to send a chill down my spine, but then that gargantuan sea monster showed up. The rest, as they say, is spine-chilling history.

AND WHAT IS THIS? Credit: Screenshot: Prime Video

The sea monster isn't the only freaky beastie at play in The Rings of Power Season 2. The trailer features a frightening, humanoid mass of black tendrils crawling out of the ground, as well as tree roots worming their way menacingly through a forest. And we can't forget Galadriel's red-tinged scream queen moment! Looks like Sauron's darkness is taking hold already.

4. Arondir and Isildur — who did not die! — team up New potential bromance just dropped. Credit: Screenshot: Prime Video

The Rings of Power left Isildur's (Maxim Baldry) fate up in the air at the end of Season 1, with the Númenorean soldier getting trapped in the fallout from the volcanic explosion that created Mordor. However, the Season 2 teaser proves that he's very much alive. No surprise there, since Isildur has a big part to play in the founding of Gondor and the coming fight against Sauron.

SEE ALSO: 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' is basically 'Cats: The Musical'

Not only is Isildur alive, he's also teamed up with an unexpected ally: elf Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova). They're only together onscreen for a brief amount of time, but this is a partnership I'm fully ready for.

5. The Stranger is still doing his mysterious magical thing in Season 2 of The Rings of Power It's magic time! Credit: Screenshot: Prime Video

The Season 1 finale of The Rings of Power all but confirmed outright that the figure known as the Stranger (Daniel Weyman) is actually Gandalf. And in Season 2, it looks like we're going to see some more of his powerful Istari magic in action. The Stranger only appears for a flash in the Season 2 trailer, but it's enough time for him to summon a powerful windstorm — one that nearly sends his Harfoot traveling companion Nori Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh) flying.

Please help Nori. Credit: Screenshot: Prime Video

Remember, these two are headed to the land of Rhûn in the east, which is a fairly underdeveloped region compared to other areas of Tolkien's work. It's the home of the Easterlings, who later choose to serve Sauron, but other than that, this is uncharted territory — both for Nori and the Stranger, and for the audience.

6. Expect battles galore The charge of the elf brigade. Credit: Screenshot: Prime Video

The Rings of Power Season 1 stunned us with its epic battle between the forces of Númenor and the orcs of the Southlands. Based on this new teaser, it looks like the show hopes to match (or even surpass) that level of action in Season 2.

This is not what we meant when we said light the beacons. Credit: Screenshot: Prime Video

We see several shots of elves like Galadriel and Elrond (Robert Aramayo) gearing up for battle, including a sequence where Elrond leads an army charging into battle. Perhaps most intriguing is a night-time battle sequence where catapults rain fire upon an Elven city. Is this the realm of Lindon coming under attack?

7. Is that... Barad-dûr? All that's missing is a giant glowing eye. Credit: Screenshot: Prime Video

The final seconds of the Rings of Power Season 2 teaser deliver one of the most exciting — and slightly terrifying — Sauron moments yet. Faced with several angry elves, including Celebrimbor, Sauron (in Annatar form) flexes his hands and sends a massive icy blast across the landscape. As he does, we see a castle that is exactly what you'd picture if someone told you to imagine an evil lair. It's dark, it's spiky, it's gargantuan — and it might just be Barad-dûr, Sauron's central fortress in Mordor.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 premieres Aug. 29 on Prime Video.

SAVE $119.01: As of May 14, get the Google Pixel Tablet (128GB) with charging speaker dock at Woot for $379.99, which is $119.01 off its normal price of $499 (when you buy the tablet and speaker separately). That's $20 less than the typical price of $399 for a Google Pixel Tablet alone.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot! Google Pixel Tablet (128GB) with Charging Speaker Dock $379.99 at Woot
$499.00 Save $119.01 Get Deal

In the market for a tablet, but don't want an Apple or Samsung device? There are other options, including one you might not be considering: a Google Pixel Tablet. The company's first tablet is a capable one that works best when paired with its essential-for-optimal-performance charging speaker dock. And you can get both for a great price right now at Woot.

As of May 14, get the Google Pixel Tablet with a charging speaker dock for just $379.99 at Woot. That's a discount of $119.01 compared to when you buy both devices separately via Google, and $20 less than the typical price of $399 for a Google Pixel Tablet alone. This particular deal is for the Porcelain colorway, and you're getting a new tablet rather than a refurbished or used unit like Woot occasionally sells. The deal is live for the next day or until the tablets sell out.

SEE ALSO: Get up to $50 off Amazon Fire tablets for kids ahead of the Amazon Book Sale

Mashable reviewer Alex Perry called the tablet "fine," acknowledging that its speaker dock "changes everything." That transforms it into a useful mini-TV and a much more palatable purchase, and since you get it as part of this bundle, you'll be getting the optimal version to play around with for $120 less.

"I used to connect my phone to a Bluetooth speaker to do that stuff, but not anymore," Perry says. "There are also plenty of other use cases that I didn’t even touch. For instance, you can connect all your Google Home-compatible devices to the Pixel Tablet, turning the latter into a mobile command center. Beyond that, you can obviously use the docked tablet for video calls and even cast videos from your phone to the tablet."

The Google Pixel Tablet is powered by the Tensor G2 processor and has an 11-inch LCD display. It can connect to other Pixel devices and you can use it as a smart home hub to manage all of your in-home devices. Otherwise, you can rely on it to watch content, make video calls, and listen to music with the excellent speaker dock. It might be priced a bit steeply outside of this deal, but for this discounted rate, it's worth it just to check out the speaker alone.

SAVE $60: The Carrera Smart Sunglasses with Alexa are on sale at Amazon for $329.99, marked down from the normal price of $389.99. That's a 15% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Carrera Smart Sunglasses with Alexa $329.99 at Amazon
$389.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal

Summer is just a few blinks away, and what better way to welcome in the warmth than with a long stroll in the sun? How about listening to your favorite tunes or playing an audiobook while you walk? If these two activities sound like your ideal summer, Amazon has a great deal in store today.

As of May 14, the Carrera Smart Sunglasses with Alexa are $329.99 at Amazon, discounted from the normal price of $389.99. That's $60 off.

SEE ALSO: Jam out this summer with up to 38% off portable speakers

The Carrera Smart Sunglasses with Alexa are multi-purpose, serving as polarized sunglasses, open-ear headphones, and your connection to Alexa. First and foremost, the sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful rays with polarized lenses that have UV400 protection. Since you'll be wearing them in the summer, the IPX4 water and sweat resistance can also be useful. There's also an anti-reflective coating on the lenses.

In terms of sound, the Carrera Smart Sunglasses with Alexa are designed with open-ear audio, which means you can tune in without having to wear headphones or earbuds. The sunglasses direct audio into your ears while minimizing the amount of sound that leaks into your surroundings. This means you can walk the beach while listening to your summer jams and also hear the waves. The smart glasses also eliminate the need for earbuds or headphones, which are oh-so-easy to forget at home.

You can also take calls on the Carrera Smart Sunglasses with Alexa, giving you hands-free power. If you're on a call and don't want the other end to hear what's on your side, a double-press can mute the audio.

The smart sunglasses get up to six hours of battery life with continuous media playing or up to 14 hours with moderate usage. Amazon mentions it takes about two and a half hours to fully recharge the smart glasses on the included charging stand.

If you're the type who prefers to simplify tech, the Carrera Smart Sunglasses with Alexa can serve as sunglasses, personal audio speakers, and a hands-free way to take phone calls. Summer walks could be better than ever thanks to the features you'll get with these smart sunglasses, not to mention the stylish design.

UPDATE: May. 14, 2024, 12:00 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the lastest information regarding Prime Day 2024.

Amazon Prime Day is officially back for the tenth year running.

Amazon confirmed that the savings event will take place this July (with exact dates TBD). We're expecting another mid-July 48 hours of deals, with weeks of early deals leading up to the main event.

The event is for Prime members only, but all inflation-weary shoppers searching for deals can get their hands dirty by signing up for Amazon's 30-day free trial.

We're expecting a lot of great deals to be had, but the mega-sale doesn't have to be as overwhelming as it sounds. Our pro tip for saving money (time, and sanity) during Prime Day 2024? Organize (and actually follow) a wishlist. Practices like pinning down must-have items ahead of time or setting price drop alerts can help you stay on track with your spending rather than crossing into buyer's remorse territory after a ravenous "add to cart" spree.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2024: When it's happening and everything else we know so far Tip #1: Organize your Amazon wishlist

If it’s news to you that Amazon even offers such a feature, here’s how it works:

Every product page on the retail giant’s website has a little “add to list” button right around where the “add to cart” button is located (very convenient placement). Click on that, and you can add said product to your personal Amazon wishlist, or any other list that you’ve created for yourself on your profile.

Do this with every gadget, gizmo, and knick-knack you think would make a worthy addition to your collection of goods. What you’ll end up with is an organized, definitive page of all that you desire. View it all at a glance, or even rank each item based on how much you want it.

Your Amazon wishlist is one of the most useful tools that you have at your disposal come Prime day.

Then, and here's the important part, be sure to check back on your list when Amazon Prime Day 2024 kicks into high gear — you’ll be able to see which products have gone on sale and snatch them up before they’re gone.

WARNING: Only add the necessities to your wishlist or risk critical failure and end up with mass shipments of shit you don’t need, never needed, and will never need. (Did you *have* to get that life-size cardboard cutout of Danny DeVito? No. No, you didn’t. But now he’s standing there in the corner of your living room. And he’s watching you.)

Tip #2: Turn on wishlist alerts

That’s not where the perks of "wishlisting" cap out. If you download Amazon’s mobile companion app, you’ll be granted the added benefit of "wishlist alerts."

These alerts can aid in notifying you when an item on your wishlist becomes a “lightning deal,” as well as when a sold-out item on your wishlist goes back in stock.

This isn’t a notification setting that's turned on by default, so you’ll have to go in and check it off yourself. All you have to do is open up the Amazon app, go into your settings, then to your notifications, and click on “your watched and waitlisted deals.”

It's this one. Credit: Screenshot Tip #3: Turn on Alexa's advanced deal alerts

As it turns out, newer Echo smart speakers are good for more than just bumping out your playlists. They can also notify you of a sale on an item in your wishlist, shopping cart, or "saved for later" queue up to 24 hours before it even goes live.

• Open up the Alexa mobile app to turn on the advanced deal alerts feature. You'll find it under More > Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping

• Once you're there, click Shopping Recommendations and then Deal Recommendations. Since you already have your wishlist organized and ready to go, that's all there is to it.

• You'll see a pop-up alert or a yellow ring light on your Echo device whenever Alexa finds out about an upcoming deal on products in your wishlist. Ask, "Alexa, what are my notifications?" to get the scoop.

You can either have Alexa let you know once the deal is live or even give her the go-ahead to order it for you ("Alexa, buy it for me"). Your default payment and delivery address on file will be used automatically.

Voilà — now you’ll never miss a deal for something you want. Your Amazon wishlist is one of the most useful tools that you have at your disposal to ensure a successful shopping experience.

Also, keep a watchful eye out for our Amazon Prime Day coverage, where we’ll be highlighting all the best deals that you can get your hands on.

Season 2 of "House of the Dragon" premieres June 16 on HBO and Max.

Prime Day can be overwhelming. Amazon's big discount holiday features so many products and categories that it can be tough to track. We know another Prime Day is right around the corner, but exactly when remains a question. That won't stop us from bestowing a little advice on how to shop it successfully.

You don't want to get out over your skis and buy everything in sight, but if there's a good deal on something you need, you don't want to miss that either. It helps to know what to buy and what to avoid. Mashable has a hub for Prime Day coverage that can give you in-depth analysis of every shopping category you can imagine, but here are a few quick tips on things to buy and things to avoid as you parse through Prime Day.

Best things to buy on Prime Day

Mashable has lots of recommendations, but Prime Day is a great time to buy things you already planned on buying at some point. Don't spend big just because it is on sale — buy something you need and get it cheaper than the retail price. Here are the top categories to shop on Prime Day.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2024: When it's happening and everything else we know so far 1. Apple products

Buying the fruit company's flagship tech during Prime Day is a major hack. If you're already planning on buying some of the most notoriously expensive tech on the market, why not buy it at a discount? In light of Apple's latest iPad Pro and iPad Air drops, we expect to see markdowns on older models. The iPad (10th gen) has a new low price, and we'd certainly like to see an extra discount when Prime Day rolls around.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple products Shop Now 2. Amazon devices

It's no secret that the biggest discounts of Prime Day are usually on Amazon's own devices. Whether you're working on building out your smart home or you're finally ready to pull the trigger on a new e-reader, you're sure to expect record-low pricing on Amazon Echo speakers, Echo Show devices, Kindles, and more. Just stay away from Ring cameras (more on that below).

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon devices Shop Now 3. Robot vacuums

There are good robot vacuum deals all the time, but Prime Day brings some of the biggest discounts on iRobot Roomba models, Shark vacs, and more big-ticket brands. We expect that iRobot will have the best deals, since the brand is now owned by Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot robot vacuums Shop Now SEE ALSO: Our top 4 robot vacuums for carpet and rugs, tested 4. Everyday essentials

Even if you're not planning on making a big tech purchase on Prime Day, it's an ideal time to score the household items you would buy even if they weren't on sale. From laundry detergent to paper towels and diapers, there are almost always deals on home products you might toss in your cart on a Target or Walmart run. And with Prime shipping, your must-haves will be at your door ASAP so you can spend more time taking care of the house and less time shopping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bounty / Colgate / Tide Home essentials Shop Now 5. Pet supplies

As the owner of two dogs, I feel like I'm constantly shelling out money for dog food, dog treats, dog toys, and grooming products. If you have a dog or a cat, it's basically a given that you're going to need to buy these essentials every few months at least. During July Prime Day, I bought a 50-pack of poop bag rolls for a fraction of what I'd pay for at the pet store, in addition to a ton of cheap treats and toys. Prime Day is the best time to stock up on pet stuff, especially from the Amazon Basics brand. If you missed out on the Amazon Pet Sale, don't wait on the Prime Day pet deals.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bedsure Pet supplies Shop Now 6. Drones and cameras

DJI drone bundles, Holy Stone drones, and GoPro cameras are almost givens for deals we expect to see on Prime Day. We've also spotted solid deals on cameras from Panasonic, Canon, Sony, and Nikon in the past — just in case you're finally ready to get serious about filming for your YouTube channel.

Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Drones Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Cameras Get Deal 7. Smartwatches

In addition to sweet Apple Watch deals, you can bet that Prime Day will bring steep discounts on Fitbits, Garmin smartwatches, and Samsung smartwatches. For reference, we saw the lowest price ever for multiple Fitbit models during last year's Prime Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Smartwatches and fitness trackers Shop Now SEE ALSO: Shop the best early Prime Day smartwatch deals, including the lowest price on the Apple Watch Series 9 8. TVs

You might not find the best deals on premium TVs during Prime Day, but it's a good time to get a deal on mid-price Fire TVs. These won't be your showstopper living room TVs, but are great for your guest bedroom or kids' rooms. During last year's event, we saw an invite-only deal for the 43-inch version of a 4K Omni Series TV for just $99.99, and we expect to see even more cheap Fire TVs to come this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TVs Shop Now 9. Headphones

After covering basically every Prime Day that's ever happened, we know which headphone brands will be on sale. Bose, Sony, Beats, AirPods, and JBL models will definitely see some solid discounts. During last year's Prime Day, we saw steep price drops on the QuietComfort line of Bose headphones, so we'll be looking out for sales on the newly-dropped QuietComfort Ultra headphones and earbuds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Headphones Shop Now 10. Invite-only deals

Amazon is likely bringing back its invite-only deals program for Prime Day. You'll need to request access to these doorbusters ahead of time, and if you're one of the chosen ones, you'll be able to score products at their sale prices. Last year's invite-only deals included Blink outdoor cameras, Jabra headphones, a SodaStream bundle, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: SodaStream Invite-only deals Shop Now 11. Nintendo Switch and gaming deals

Upgrading your gaming console and even buying new games feels like a drag — when you're doing it at full price, that is. Luckily, during Prime Day you can catch markdowns on both. During last year's Prime Day, Nintendo's holiday bundle arrived earlier than expected, so we can't wait to see what this year's has in store.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 'Mario Kart 8' Deluxe Bundle Shop Now Things to avoid on Prime Day

While Prime Day might have some good deals, there are some things to look out for. Mashable covered things to avoid in detail, but here are a few quick tips.

SEE ALSO: What not to buy on Prime Day, from third-party scams to Ring cams 1. Third-party sellers

In general, you can trust things sold and shipped by Amazon. Third-party sellers tend to be less reliable, and you run the risk of buying counterfeit products. If a deal from a third-party seller seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Ring doorbells and cameras

The steep discounts on Ring cameras and bundles might be tempting around Prime Day, but we don't recommend anything from Ring due to privacy concerns. Not only are they easily hackable, but Ring is also notorious for giving people's info away without their consent. There are plenty of home security deals from other brands on Prime Day, and if you need a little guidance on the good ones, check out our guide to the best home security systems.

3. Anything you don't need

Like we mentioned before, it's best to use Prime Day as a way to get something you need at a good discount. What's not as advisable is buying things just because. Something you don't need or won't use is still something you don't need or won't use, no matter how good the deal is.

UPDATE: May. 14, 2024, 10:32 a.m. EDT This article has been updated to include details of how to contact Amazon customer service ahead of Prime Day 2024.

Preparing for the impending chaos of Prime Day?

Prime Day 2024 is just two months away, and though we don't have a confirmed date yet, we do know that it's easy to get caught up in the sales, indulge in some impulse purchasing, and experience a bit of buyer's remorse.

In years past, the sale has been a 48-hour event, with plenty of deals going live in the weeks prior. We're expecting to see more of the same this year, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for you to shop — and run into some questions along the way. Whether you're dealing with a classic case of buyer's remorse, or have questions about deals, damage to packages, or your Prime membership, you want to know that you can actually speak to customer service.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day: 11 things you should buy, and 3 to avoid

Since contacting Amazon can be tricky at times, here are all the ways you can get in touch with their customer service for a smoother online shopping experience this Prime Day season:

Amazon customer service help page

This is probably the most common, and easiest, way to look for answers to common queries, such as those about Amazon’s return policies or information about international shipping. The page contains a whole library of questions that users can get answers to, including how to track packages or cancel orders. Your most recent purchases will pop up at the top of the page for easy navigation.

To access Amazon’s Customer Service Help Page, go to the website landing page and click on "Customer Service" in the top left of the screen. 

Amazon customer service email

Sometimes customer queries need to be worked through on a case-by-case basis, and the answers on the official website need to be more specific to offer any help to shoppers. In these cases, users can email cs-reply@amazon.com and explain their issues. Remember that contacting Amazon’s customer service via email might not be the best solution if you have an urgent question regarding your purchases, since customers are unlikely to get a prompt response.

Amazon customer service phone number

Need a quicker reply? Call Amazon at 1-888-280-4331. When customers call this number, a bot picks up the phone and eventually connects them to Amazon staff, depending on the type of query that needs to be answered. It’s important to note that customers should have a cell phone number connected to their Amazon account. Customers must enter verification codes that will be messaged to their linked contact information before using this service. In other words, things can get a bit tricky if you're sharing an account with someone else.

Amazon online chat service

Real-time chatting with Amazon representatives is the most convenient way to get all your questions answered. To use the live chat feature, return to the Customer service help page and click on "Something else." Another page opens with a list of more help options. Select "I need more help."

Now you've officially entered the chat. Type "Talk to associate" in the chat box. Amazon's messaging assistant might prompt you to give more info on your issue, which you can, but if you'd rather get to a real person ASAP, you can select, "I need more help" from the pre-written responses.

From there, you can choose if you’d prefer to talk via chat or call. If you're looking for immediate help with a Prime Day purchase — be it due to buyer's remorse, a damaged package, an address change, etc. — this is your best bet to get your needs met.

Contact Amazon via social media

If your questions aren’t that urgent, you can contact Amazon Customer Service at @amazonhelp on X, @amazon on Instagram, and www.facebook.com/Amazon on Facebook. 

We're only in the middle of May, but when has that ever stopped retailers from starting their Memorial Day sales early? This year is no different, so it's time to prepare for those summer savings. Here's everything you need to know about this year's big Memorial Day sales, plus some early offers for you to start shopping right now.

When is Memorial Day, and when do the sales start?

This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 27. But Memorial Day weekend — the time when most of the big sales will be taking place — starts on Friday, May 24. We expect to see lots of discounts on offer during the three-day weekend, especially from mattress, appliance, and outdoor goods brands. No matter what you're shopping for, you should be able to find plenty of cost-cutting deals, many of which have already begun.

SEE ALSO: Spring cleaning starter kit: 8 products to cover all your bases Are Memorial Day sales starting early?

Some Memorial Day sales are already getting started as we speak, with some brands holding "early access" events leading up to a bigger sale during Memorial Day weekend (more on those below). Others aren't necessarily labeled as early Memorial Day sales, but you can already find a lot of savings on outdoor items, home appliances, and select electronics at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. We do think the deals will be much better as we get closer to Memorial Day, so it may be best to just wait it out.

Though Memorial Day weekend doesn't officially begin until May 24, keep an eye out for sales starting earlier that week on May 20.

What to buy during Memorial Day sales

Memorial Day is always a huge time for doorbuster mattress sales, but we also expect to see big discounts on outdoor items and appliances for the summer, as well as other select home appliances and electronics. Look out for items like grills, lawn care equipment, gardening supplies, and outdoor furniture.

We also foresee popular kitchen items going on sale, as well as big-ticket items like TVs, headphones, laptops, and fitness equipment.

What are the best Memorial Day sales?

The worthwhile Memorial Day sales aren't all that plentiful just yet, but more will be on the way shortly. Here are some of the best Memorial Day sales and deals that we could find so far.

Best early Memorial Day deals 2024

Mattresses

• Amerisleep: Save $450 on select mattresses

• Avocado: Save up to 20% on mattresses and more

• Bear: 35% off sitewide, plus free sleep accessories

• Beautyrest: Save up to $1,200 on select mattresses and base sets

• Birch: 25% off sitewide, plus two free pillows

• Brooklyn Bedding: 25% off sitewide

• Casper: 30% off all mattresses and 10% off everything else

• Cocoon by Sealy: Save 35% on all mattresses + free Sealy sleep bundle ($199 value)

• Cozy Earth: Save up to 30% on bedding

• DreamCloud: Up to 50% off mattresses

• Emma: Up to 55% off mattresses plus two free pillows

• Helix: Up to 30% off sitewide, plus two free pillows

• Layla: Up to $200 off mattresses, plus two free pillows

• Leesa: 25% off mattresses, plus two free pillows

• Nectar: Up to 40% off mattresses

• Nolah: 35% off mattresses, plus free pillows

• Plank: Up to 25% off sitewide

• Purple: Up to $800 off mattresses + base

• Saatva: Up to $600 off select mattresses

• Serta: Save up to $900 on select mattresses and adjustable bases

• Siena: Save up to $500 off mattresses

• Sleep Number: Up to 50% off smart beds

• TempurPedic: Save up to $500 on select adjustable mattresses

• Vaya: Save up to $300 off any mattress

• WinkBeds: Save up to $300 on mattresses

• Zoma: Save $150 on all mattresses

Furniture and home appliances

• Dyson: Up to 70% off cordless stick vacuums

• Home Depot: Up to 50% off home decor and furniture

• LG: Bundle select items and save up to $200

• Lowe's: Up to 35% off home appliances

• Samsung: Save up to $1,200 on refrigerators and laundry machines

• Shark: Up to 30% off select products

• Solo Stove: Up to 30% off sitewide

• Wayfair: Way Day sale starting on May 4

Kitchen

• KitchenAid: Up to $150 off select Stand Mixers

• Our Place: Up to 40% off cookware and kitchen gear

Tech, electronics, and more

• Amazon: Check out deals on Echo devices, MacBooks, AirPods, iPads, fitness trackers, and other select electronics

• Best Buy: Check out deals on TVs from brands like Samsung, Hisense, Insignia, and more. Also find discounts on fitness trackers, home gym equipment, and outdoor items like grills and lawnmowers.

• HP: Save up to 55% on select laptops.

• LG: Save up to 40% off select entertainment devices

• iRobot: Save up to $400 sitewide until May 11

• Nike: Save up to 50% off shoes and apparel

• Target: Up to 30% off patio and garden furniture

• Travelpro: Save up to 25% sitewide

• Walmart: Score deals on kitchen appliances from Ninja, Keurig, Hamilton Beach, and others. Plus, find deals on patio furniture and summer cleaning devices.

Google I/O 2024 is finally on this Tuesday, becoming the next tech event to take centre stage after Apple's iPad event last week. Commentators are expecting Google to make a swathe of announcements, including revealing new Android 15 updates, a progress report on its AI chatbot Gemini, and news on the next Pixel Fold.

Fortunately, you don't have to trek all the way to Silicon Valley to keep up to date. Here's how to watch Google I/O no matter where you are.

SEE ALSO: Google I/O 2024: What to expect What is Google I/O?

Google I/O is a developer conference held by the tech giant in the U.S. every year. Initially called Google Developer Day when it first took place in 2007, the annual event's name was changed to Google I/O for its second year — a moniker which has stuck since.

"A googol is a one, followed by 100 zeroes, so that's where the I/O name and logo came from," Google's director of US events Lorin Platto explained last year. "We just took the first one and zero, and we left off all the other zeroes. It all goes back to Google."

The conference includes numerous talks and workshops advising developers how they can use Google's products. However, the average person will primarily be interested in two sessions: the Google keynote and the Developer keynote. With Google I/O having been the platform for big product announcements in the past, any significant reveals are likely to take place during these sessions. Google I/O was previously used to launch Android, Google Assistant, and Google Home.

When is Google I/O 2024?

This year Google I/O will take place from Tuesday, May 14. Google's keynote is scheduled to start the proceedings at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET, with the Developer keynote set to follow at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET. The 2024 event will run for two days, though in the past it has been as short as one or as long as three.

Tweet may have been deleted Where is Google I/O 2024?

Google I/O 2024 will take place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. The Shoreline Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue with a capacity of 22,500 people, though Google has stated that this year's event will only have a "small live audience." Google I/O has been held at the Shoreline Ampitheatre almost every year since 2016, the only exceptions being when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, then conducted entirely online in 2021.

The annual conference has since been held both in-person and online, allowing developers around the world to join in for free.

How to watch Google I/O 2024

If you aren't attending this year's Google I/O in person, you can still watch a livestream of the keynotes on Google's official YouTube channel. The video is embedded below:

The nerds won't have to miss out Google I/O's technical and educational information either. All content will be available on demand from Thursday, May 16 at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET on the Google I/O website, and will even be translated into different languages. Google has also stated that some content such as captioned videos might be viewable "shortly after the event."

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Apple 11-inch iPad Air (M2, 128GB, WiFi) $569.99 at Amazon (save $29.01) Get Deal BEST WFH DEAL Samsung 27-inch Essential Monitor S4 $119.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal BEST OUTDOOR DEAL Traeger Grills Pro 22 electric wood pellet grill and smoker $389 at Amazon (save $110.95) Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL Shark Wandvac handheld vacuum $99.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal

If you love a good deal but hate doing the hunting it takes to find one, we've got you covered. We keep our eyes on Amazon's pages of listings and hand-pick a few of the best deals worth shopping for each day. As of May 14, we're seeing particularly good deals on top brands like Apple, Samsung, and Shark.

Here are the best Amazon deals of the day. Be sure to check back at our deals from May 13 as well — most of those deals are still live.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 11-inch iPad Air (M2, 128GB, WiFi) $569.99 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal

The M2 iPad Air hasn't even officially been released, but it already got its first discount. If you pre-order it as of May 14, you can save $29.01. Sure, it's not the biggest discount ever, but it's enough to make a difference. The new iPad Air is a welcomed upgrade from the previous generation — although not a massive design change.

"Aside from a new 13-inch size and relocated webcam, there aren't many changes design-wise, but the M2 chip brings sweet energy efficiency and a performance uptick," writes Kimberly Gedeon in her Mashable review.

The 11-inch option is on sale for just $569.99 when you pre-order it at Amazon — that's a 5% discount from its regular $599 price tag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-inch Essential Monitor S4 $119.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Hunching over your tiny laptop screen is far from the ideal way to work. Snag yourself a monitor and extend your workspace without breaking the bank with this Samsung 27-inch Essential Monitor S4 deal. As of May 14, it's on sale for just $119.99 at Amazon — that's 45% in savings and its lowest price to date.

Advanced eye comfort technology reduces strain on your eyes, while AMD FreeSync keeps your graphics and refresh rate in perfect sync. The monitor swivels, tilts, and pivots, so you can find your perfect angle. And with HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity, you can connect your work setup with ease.

Opens in a new window Credit: Traeger Traeger Grills Pro 22 electric wood pellet grill and smoker $389.00 at Amazon
$499.95 Save $110.95 Get Deal

It's cookout season, y'all. Make sure you're prepared with a proper grill for the occasion. The Traeger Grills Pro 22 electric grill and smoker is on sale for its lowest price ever, just $389 (reg. $499.95), so you can spice up your setup just in time.

As a wood-pellet grill, you'll be able to achieve that perfect wood-fired taste by cooking hot and fast or low and slow. It offers six-in-one versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbecue with precision temperature control and an impressive 572 square-inch cooking surface. That's big enough to accommodate four chickens, five racks of ribs, or two dozen burgers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Wandvac handheld vacuum $99.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

When you're doing your spring cleaning, don't forget the cracks and crevices in your car, your furniture, and everywhere in between. You know, the places your regular vacuum can't reach. That's where the Shark Wandvac comes in handy — and it's on sale for 23% off as of May 14.

Weighing in at just over a pound, the handheld vacuum is easy to maneuver and compact enough to fit just about anywhere. Its high-speed brushless motor and streamlined airflow offer powerful suction for such a small gadget, making it a breeze to suck up all the crumbs and dog hair plaguing your fabrics. Usually $129.99, you can snag it on sale at Amazon for just $99.99 — that's just $10 shy of its all-time low price.

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

Ahead of the Amazon Book Sale, the mega-retailer has dropped the price on several Amazon Fire tablets for kids. Here are some of the best options:

Best Amazon tablets for kids Best tablet deal for young kids Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet (16GB, 1-year Amazon Kids+) $69.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal Best tablet deal under $100 for older kids Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro $99.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best tablet deal with a larger display Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro $149.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal

Although it's yet to officially start, the Amazon Book Sale has already slashed prices on e-books and e-readers. If the kid in your life is an avid reader, the sale is a great time to stock up on kids' books for summer vacation reading material. And if your kiddo is also in need of an on-the-go tablet, here are some of the best options on sale today.

Best tablet deal for young kids Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet (16GB) plus a year of Amazon Kids+ $69.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Designed for kids ages three to seven, the Amazon Fire 7 Kids comes in three fun colorways for kids to enjoy. With larger buttons, younger kids should have an easier time navigating the tablet while watching their favorite shows, reading books, or playing games. The included cover is also meant to be kid-friendly with a durable design that'll help protect the tablet from inevitable drops.

The tablet also comes with Amazon's two-year guarantee that if the tablet breaks within the first two years, the retailer will replace it for free.

With 16GB of storage, the Amazon Fire 7 Kids gets about 10 hours of battery life, which could be a lifesaver this summer during road trips or family vacations.

Best tablet deal under $100 for older kids Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro can be perfect for kids between ages six and 12 who'd like to read on a tablet, play games, or browse the web (safely). The parental controls allow kids to request books and games and gain access to purchases and downloads after they've been approved by parents. Come summer vacation, kids could be especially excited to make voice and video calls to classmates with the Amazon Fire 8 Kids Pro.

Expect to get about 13 hours of battery life with this tablet, which comes with 32GB of internal storage and 2GB RAM. If the storage room isn't quite enough for all the downloaded books, games, and movies, you can take advantage of the expandable storage which will accept cards up to 1TB.

Best tablet deal with a larger display Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro $149.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If your kids have been asking for a larger tablet, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro could grant their wish. The bright 10.1-inch screen is ideal for reading, gaming, and watching shows. With 32GB of internal storage, kids have plenty of room for dozens of Amazon Book Sale grabs as well as their favorite games for keeping entertained on longer car rides. The included case has a slim design and the kickstand makes it more convenient for setting on a tabletop.

Parents are still in control with the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro, with approval settings for the app store, screen time limits, and the ability to set educational goals.

On May 6, celebrities flocked to the steps of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, swathed in jewelry and fineries, as hundreds of pro-Palestine activists protested just miles away. That same night, Israeli airstrikes targeted Rafah, an enclave on the border of the Gaza Strip that was instrumental for transporting aid and supplies, and a refuge for Palestinians amid the ongoing war.

In the wake of these events, a digital movement took flight.

Labelled "celebrity blockout 2024" and "digitine" (or the "digital guillotine"), the movement is a protest against celebrity culture: specifically, blocking people of influence who have not yet used their power or privilege to take a stance on the humanitarian crisis that has devastated millions.

What is the celebrity blockout 2024?

At the time of the Met Gala, social media users began drawing comparisons to The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins' dystopian YA franchise that unpacks themes of class, survival, and privilege. On X (formerly Twitter), people used the series to flag the painful gap between the opulence of events like the Met Gala and the war in the Middle East that continues to take lives. Images of Met Gala co-chair Zendaya, juxtaposed with photographs of Palestinian children in Rafah, enraged the timeline when posted together.

These notions quickly transformed into a larger call to action, which has become the blockout movement.

SEE ALSO: How 'blue comments' turned the TikTok algorithm into a protest tool

Hashtags ranging from #celebrityblocklist, #letthemeatcake and #blockout2024 are being used to galvanize people in the online boycott, which is targeting some of the world's most recognizable faces, from the Kardashians to Zendaya to Taylor Swift.

It also takes aim at influencers. Much of the movement began with reactions to an ill-advised video from influencer Hayley "Baylee" Kalil (@haleyybaylee) who posted a video of herself at a Met Gala pre-event, lip-syncing to the alleged Marie-Antoinette quote, "Let them eat cake," which appeared in Sofia Coppola's 2006 biopic of the French queen. Though there's no historical evidence Marie-Antoinette actually said it, the quote is indicative of the struggles during the French Revolution, when the bankrupt aristocracy was overthrown after a movement spearheaded by those suffering from social and financial inequality. King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette's extravagant spending and corruption within their powerful court was a point of contention for the people, whose economic interests were being dismissed and lives were increasingly poverty-stricken.

TikTok user Rae (@ladyfromtheoutside) has been attributed the kickoff to the movement, specifically using the term "digital guillotine" or "digitine" and asking for TikTok users to begin by unfollowing Baylee in particular. The "guillotine" reference points to Baylee's use of the infamous Marie-Antoinette quote, as both Louis XVI and the Queen were executed by guillotine after the revolution prevailed.

"We gave them their platforms. It's time to take it back, take our views away, our likes, our comments, our money," stated Rae, in a video that garnered over two million views.

Featured Video For You How to block people on TikTok What is the movement asking for?

Across social media, including TikTok and X, people are posting lists of celebrities to unfollow or block en mass, on the basis that these public figures are both out of touch and not using their immense and wide-reaching platforms for good.

Tweet may have been deleted

TikTokkers have explained that the movement is about the overwhelming silence from public figures, about celebrities recognizing their reach, and people redirecting their money and attention from these faces. Media outlets like Slow Factory have explained that the digital revolt is all the more impactful because people are not only removing celebrities from their feeds, but actually blocking them, thereby removing their monetary gains from targeted ads: "This is a grassroots push for accountability and social responsibility from all members of the community, celebrity or not," reads an Instagram post from the company.

Others participating in the movement have also have pointed out that disillusionment with celebrities in the midst of world crises is nothing new, and that the pro-Palestine movement is largely being propelled and given voice by the people — those on the ground, working to make change.

"Why is it that we are more invested in a small blip from a celebrity?," asks creator @ashcashistrash. "I do not care if Kim Kardashian has a fucking thing to say about it. I care about the people who are on the ground suffering, the people who have educated themselves here in America, who are protesting. I do not care about celebrities and you shouldn't either."

Mashable's Elena Cavender and Chase DiBenedetto argue similarly, writing, "Why are we so obsessed with what celebrities think of social movements?" While celebrities have the means to direct attention towards Palestine, they wrote, "it's up to those online to choose where to focus their eyes."

Tweet may have been deleted

This sentiment is echoed by other TikTokkers, like @xiandivyne, who argues that the digital boycott has the potential to be punitive, and moreover, may not have a clear aim, while the continuous student protests across campuses worldwide do.

Tweet may have been deleted

Still, a significant amount of traction has since led to famous figures reportedly losing hundreds of thousands of followers, including Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and Zendaya. Meanwhile, singer Lizzo spoke out just yesterday, in an Instagram post that she called "long overdue", specifically thanking the activists "working tirelessly to help the liberation" of people in Palestine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where humanitarian issues and conflicts are reaching new heights.

Criticism of the blockout suggests that the pedestal of celebrity is not necessarily what activism needs, while others have denoted that the movement is a culmination of frustration and anger toward public figures, their apparent ignorance, and resounding silence. It's this silence that is ultimately being panned, whether or not we need celebrities and their words to create significant change. And the real win comes with a concrete effort to direct collective energy towards others: activists, small businesses, and those who have long been speaking out in all forms.