Blogroll

There's a new iPad Pro and it might be more powerful than the most powerful MacBook Pro.

At least, that's what Geekbench says. According to the popular benchmarking software's website (as spotted by MSPowerUser) the new iPad Pro's single and multi-core scores are 22 and 25 percent faster than the 2023 MacBook Pro. It should be noted that the new iPad starts at $999, while the MacBook is a full $1,000 more than that.

SEE ALSO: What's missing: 6 features the new iPad Pro 2024 doesn't have

Of course, there's a reason the tablet has a higher Geekbench score than the laptop: the M4 chip powering it. Apple's latest in-house silicon debuted in the new iPad Pro, and it's not really surprising that M4 would be faster than the M3 Pro chip powering the MacBook Pro. At least, not on paper, but a tablet being more powerful than a laptop is still pretty cool.

Apple first confirmed the existence of the new iPad Pro during an event on Tuesday. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch models, features an OLED screen for the first time, and is being marketed as Apple's thinnest ever device. And on top of all that, it might be more powerful than the best MacBook Pro.

TikTok is taking another stab at curbing the rise of AI-generated misinformation taking over social media platforms, as it announces a new way its watermarking (or labelling) AI.

The platform announced today that it is joining the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative and the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), a nonprofit-backed project to align tech and social media companies on best practices for what is known as "content provenance," or the "basic, trustworthy facts about the origins of a piece of digital content."

While TikTok already labels AI-generated content (AIGC) made using its own AI effects, and requires users to label their own uploaded AI content, the new policy will apply automatic oversight to content made offsite. TikTok's stated intention with the collaboration is for an auto-labeling system to read Content Credentials in order to parse an image or video's metadata and quickly identify it as AI-generated.

The platform also said it would begin attaching Content Credentials to TikTok content itself, so that others can learn when, where, and how the content was made or edited. It's now the first social media company and video platform to sign on to Adobe's Content Credentials standards, Fortune reports.

SEE ALSO: TikTok sues the U.S. government over ban

"While experts widely recommend AIGC labeling as a way to support responsible content creation, they also caution that labels can cause confusion if viewers don't have context about what they mean," the company wrote in its announcement. "That's why we've been working with experts to develop media literacy campaigns that can help our community identify and think critically about AIGC and misinformation."

TikTok will also release 12 new media literacy resources created alongside the Poynter Institute's Mediawise, a youth-focused fact checking project, and WITNESS, a human rights organization that teaches civilians how to use tech to record and protect themselves. WITNESS also provides guidelines and advice for discerning deepfakes and other AI threats.

Other tech platforms, similarly flooded with the products of generative AI, have taken their own paths toward better labeling and watermarking. Meta announced new AI content labels in April. Not long after, Snapchat announced it was adding an automatic, but user-visible, watermark to all content created using its in-house AI tools. The transparent Snapchat logo watermark is added to images once they are downloaded to a device or exported off the platform.

TikTok, meanwhile, launches these intended AI protections within a flurry of attention aimed at the platform's role in global organizing and its potential impact on the upcoming presidential election. The new policies also come in the midst of the company's last ditch effort to save the app's place on U.S. phones, including a recent lawsuit against the U.S. government for its Biden-approved ban.

Happy (almost) summer! Let's celebrate by looking ahead to the oodles of television coming in the next few months.

The summer of 2024 is already shaping up to be a busy time for TV lovers, with the return of heavy-hitters like House of the Dragon, The Bear, Bridgerton, and The Boys. Elsewhere, upcoming Star Wars show The Acolyte will transport us to the High Republic, The Umbrella Academy prepares to take its final bow, and Interview with the Vampire goes all in on gothic goodness.

But there are even more shows — both new and returning — where those came from. Read on for 33 TV shows to check out this summer.

SEE ALSO: Summer Movie Preview: Every film you oughta know Shardlake

Sean Bean as Thomas Cromwell. That's all we need to watch Shardlake, a four-part historical murder mystery set in Tudor England. Written by Stephen Butchard and directed by The Other Boleyn Girl's Justin Chadwick, Shardlake is based on the first book in C. J. Sansom's novel series. The show spans the reign of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, during the dissolution of the monasteries. Lawyer Matthew Shardlake, who works for Cromwell, is ordered to investigate the murder of one of the Crown's commissioners in the town of Scarnsea. With his assistant Jack Barak, Shardlake must solve the crime while navigating the political turmoil permeating this seaside town. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Arthur Hughes, Sean Bean, Babou Ceesay, Paul Kaye, Matthew Steer, David Pearse, Joe Barber, and Kimberley Nixon

How to watch: Shardlake premieres May 1 on Hulu.

Hacks Season 3

Sharp-tongued comedians Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels return in Hacks Season 3, which has a lot of ground to cover following Season 2's game-changing finale. In that episode, stand-up legend Deborah fired her assistant Ava in order to give her more time to focus on her own life and career. But a dynamic duo can only stay apart for so long, right? The two will team up again soon, right?

Based on the trailer for Season 3, it looks like a Deborah and Ava reunion is certainly in the cards after a chance elevator encounter. And now that Deborah's latest special has put her back on top of the comedy world, she'll need someone like Ava to keep pushing her to do all that she wants to achieve. That's great news for Hacks fans, because we can always count on Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder's killer chemistry for a great time.* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter.

Starring: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Kaitlin Olson, Poppy Liu, Rose Abdoo, and Mark Indelicato

How to watch: Hacks Season 3 premieres May 2 on Max.

A Man in Full

Tom Wolfe's novel gets the Netflix treatment with Jeff Daniels in the lead as Atlanta real estate mogul Charlie Croker. He's going bankrupt and risks losing everything, much to the delight of many of his adversaries. Created by David E. Kelley, A Man in Full has Regina King directing alongside Thomas Schlamme, so expect this one to be sharp and smart as hell. — S.C.

Starring: Jeff Daniels, Diane Lane, Tom Pelphrey, Aml Ameen, Chanté Adams, Jon Michael Hill, Sarah Jones, William Jackson Harper, and Lucy Liu

How to watch: A Man in Full premieres May 2 on Netflix.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

New Zealand author Heather Morris' popular novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz has been adapted into a six-part TV series for Peacock. The book follows a love story in unimaginable circumstances, inspired by the true story of Lale and Gita Sokolov.

The series follows Lale, a Jewish man imprisoned in Auschwitz-Birkenau; there, he was forced to tattoo identification numbers on the forearms of other prisoners. One such prisoner is Gita, with whom he fell in love. — S.C.

Starring: Jonah Hauer-King, Anna Próchniak, Jonas Nay, Harvey Keitel, and Melanie Lynskey

How to watch: The Tattooist of Auschwitz premieres May 2 on Peacock.

Dark Matter

Admit it: You've sometimes wondered how your life might have turned out if you made a slightly different choice along the way. That's the starting premise for Apple TV+'s sci-fi series Dark Matter, but in the world based on Blake Crouch's novel, it isn't just a premise.

SEE ALSO: 'Dark Matter' trailer teases a black box that leads to infinite versions of one man's life

Scientist Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton) has actually invented a black box that can access infinite versions of his own life. The villain of the piece? A different version of Jason, who kidnaps the first Jason and rudely moves him into a parallel universe. Yes, it's all a little confusing. But the premise is also so intriguing that we can't wait to see where this one goes. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi, and Oakes Fegley

How to watch: Dark Matter premieres May 8 on Apple TV+.

Reginald the Vampire Season 2

Reginald the Vampire Season 2 raises the stakes with a promise of a face-off between vampires and angels.

The SYFY comedy sees Reginald Andres (Jacob Batalon) adjusting nicely to his new vampire life and cohort. But just as life as a bloodsucker is starting to click, angels return to Earth and threaten to destroy every vampire in existence. With 30 days before the Blood War, can Reginald and his friends find enough allies to stand a chance? — B.E.

Starring: Jacob Batalon, Mandela Van Peebles, Em Haine, Savannah Basley, Aren Buchholz, Marguerite Hanna, and Thailey Roberge

How to watch: Reginald the Vampire premieres May 8 at 10 p.m. ET on SYFY.

Black Twitter: A People's History

In 2021, Wired's Jason Parham published the essential three-part article series "A People’s History of Black Twitter," chronicling the rise of the mighty online community that defined the platform now known as X. Hulu has developed Parham's piece into a three-part series, directed by Prentice Penny (Insecure) and produced by Onyx Collective. The series looks to delve further into the rise of Black Twitter through the memes, moments, and influencers who defined one of the most influential, important spaces on the internet.

"Black Twitter is the beating heart of Twitter overall," wrote Mashable's Chance Townsend and Tim Marcin. "If you have a favorite meme, joke, or even way to use Twitter, it most likely started on Black Twitter. There is no Twitter — at least not the version we know — without Black Twitter." The response to Hulu's trailer, however, was mixed — especially on Black Twitter. — S.C.

Starring: Jason Parham, Roxane Gay, W. Kamau Bell, TJ Adeshola, Ira Madison III, Dr. André Brock, Jemele Hill, Kid Fury, Rembert Browne, Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Raquel Willis, Dr. Meredith Clark, Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins, Shamika Klassen, Wesley Lowery, April Reign, Sam Jay, Brad Jenkins, Van Lathan, Jamilah Lemieux, Baratunde Thurston, Judnick Mayard, God-is Rivera, Ashley Weatherspoon, Amanda Seales, Denver Sean, and J Wortham

How to watch: Black Twitter: A People's History premieres May 9 on Hulu.

Bodkin

From true crime docu-series to troubling dramas and outright parodies, Netflix loves a good murder mystery. Created by Jez Scharf, Bodkin offers a curious new series to obsess over, one that combines a small-town mystery, a tenacious journalist, and a big-hearted podcaster (played by comedian Will Forte).

But don't expect this one to be a laugh riot. Set in an Irish community untrusting of outsiders, Bodkin begins with the unsolved case of three missing persons who vanished 21 years ago during Samhain — or as Gilbert (Forte) puts it, "the Irish Night of the Dead." From there, surly locals, strange revelations, and a battle between ambition and empathy stoke tension. Also, there are nuns who promote yoga. This is an odd Bodkin to be sure. — K.P.

Starring: Will Forte, Siobhán Cullen, Robyn Cara, David Wilmot, and Chris Walley

How to watch: Bodkin premieres May 9 on Netflix.

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School

2022's Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin gets a new title, just in time for summer! Appropriately titled Pretty Little Liars: Summer School, the series sees our crew of liars catching up on classes while everyone else is on vacation. Summer jobs and flings are in the cards, but so is a disturbing development: A new villain who may be linked to "A" has surfaced, and they've got bloody vengeance on their mind. — B.E.

Starring: Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, Zaria, Malia Pyles, Maia Reficco, Mallory Bechtel, Sharon Leal, Alex Aiono, Jordan Gonzalez, and Elias Kacavas

How to watch: Pretty Little Liars: Summer School premieres May 9 on Max.

Doctor Who Season 14

It's a thrilling time to be a Whovian. Following David Tennant's return in the eponymous role for a timey-whimey mini-arc of episodes, Ncuti Gatwa debuted as the Fifteenth Doctor with plenty of panache — and no pants! Shortly thereafter, he took the lead in "The Church on Ruby Road," a Christmas special that ranks as one of the long-running sci-fi series' very best. And now, at long last, we're getting a full season of his swaggering Doctor, aided by a plucky companion in Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday. But that's not all! 

SEE ALSO: 'Doctor Who' is about to change forever. You're not ready.

The eight-episode season will be brought to us by showrunner Russell T Davies, who is responsible for some of the most beloved episodes of the modern run, including "The Runaway Bride." And in teasers and trailers, Davies has revealed flashy fashion, dinosaurs, dance numbers, and big guest stars, including Broadway's Jonathan Groff and RuPaul's Drag Race's Jinkx Monsoon! When it's Monsoon Season, everybody's a winner, baby. — K.P.

Starring: Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson, Jinkx Monsoon, Aneurin Barnard, Anita Dobson, Yasmin Finney, Michelle Greenidge, Jonathan Groff, Bonnie Langford, Genesis Lynea, Jemma Redgrave, Lenny Rush, Indira Varma, and Angela Wynter

How to watch: Doctor Who Season 14 premieres Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. ET on Disney+ in the U.S. In the UK, the season kicks off Saturday, May 11, at 12 a.m. GMT on BBC iPlayer, followed by BBC One later that day.

Interview with the Vampire Season 2

AMC's Interview with the Vampire shocked and awed us with its gothic romance and thoughtful reworking of Anne Rice's original novels. Its spectacular first season ended with Louis de Pointe du Lac breaking away from lover Lestat de Lioncourt, bringing young vampire Claudia with him. Season 2 picks up with this pair joining a group of bloodsuckers at the Théâtre des Vampires in France. New characters await, including Théâtre des Vampires members Santiago and Armand, whom Louis introduced to his interviewer Daniel Molloy in the Season 1 finale as "the love of my life." But how did Louis and Armand grow so close? And what fresh hell will Lestat wreak when he finds out? Let's just say we're more than ready to sink our teeth into what comes next.* — B.E.

Starring: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Delainey Hayles, Eric Bogosian, Assad Zaman, Rae Dawn Chong, and Ben Daniels

How to watch: Interview with the Vampire premieres May 12 on AMC and AMC+.

Blood of Zeus Season 2

Several TV shows got us through the dark times of October 2020. One was Blood of Zeus, Charley and Vlas Parlapanides' brutal animated Greek mythology series about the son of the god of thunder, a demigod known as Heron. As is tradition, Hera wasn't stoked at another of Zeus' mortal dalliances resulting in a kid, so she went down the path of vengeance. At the end of Season 2, Heron found out some real Greek myth-level truths about his family, and fratricide went down. But when has death stopped the gods, especially when Hades is around? — S.C.

Starring: Derek Phillips, Elias Toufexis, Jason O'Mara, Fred Tatasciore, Claudia Christian, and Jessica Henwick

How to watch: Blood of Zeus Season 2 premieres May 9 on Netflix.

Bridgerton Season 3

Dearest gentle readers, it's high time we reunite with the Bridgerton family, wouldn't you agree? After the swoon-worthy story of Queen Charlotte and King George, Netflix's juggernaut Bridgerton returns to its roots for a third season, this time focusing on the romance between Penelope Featherington (who is secretly gossip maven Lady Whistledown) and Colin Bridgerton.

SEE ALSO: 'Bridgerton' Season 3 clip teases a very tense argument

Based on the trailer for the new season, this latest trip to the Ton will see Penelope seeking out a suitor with Colin's friendly help. (Emphasis on friend.) But as possible matches for Penelope arise, Colin finds that his feelings for Penelope may be stronger than he originally thought. Cue the angst! Oh, and remember that for the first time in Bridgerton history, Netflix will be releasing the season in two parts — so be sure to time your binge viewing accordingly!* — B.E.

Starring: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Luke Thompson, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Lorraine Ashbourne, Hannah Dodd, Simone Ashley, Jonathan Bailey, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, Jessica Madsen, Florence Hunt, Martins Imhangbe, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, and Julie Andrews

How to watch: The first four episodes of Bridgerton Season 3 premiere May 16 on Netflix, and the last four on June 13.

The Big Cigar

An elaborate escape plan involving a fake movie production? This is one of the core "stranger than fiction" elements of The Big Cigar, Apple TV+'s series about Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton and his escape from the U.S. to Cuba, which he managed with the help of Hollywood producer Bert Schneider. The series is based on a 2012 Playboy article written by journalist Joshuah Bearman, whose 2007 Wired article fueled Ben Affleck's Argo. Yep, it's another fake-movie-border-smuggling-affair drawn from real events, if you can believe it. Plus, the first two episodes are directed by Don Cheadle. — S.C.

Starring: André Holland, Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, P.J. Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Moses Ingram, Rebecca Dalton, Olli Haaskivi, Jordane Christie, and Glynn Turman

How to watch: The Big Cigar premieres May 17 on Apple TV+.

Trying Season 4

Have you slept on Trying? There's a fourth season coming of writer Andy Wolton's delightful series, so now's the time to get into it. A heartfelt journey through the trials and tribulations of starting a family, specifically through the adoption process, Trying has been one of Apple TV+'s underrated gems for a while now. The series hinges around London couple Nikki and Jason, whose road to parenthood isn't straightforward. But the series embodies the phrase "it takes a village," with a wonderful supporting cast of their family and friends making up the show. — S.C.

Starring: Rafe Spall, Esther Smith, Imelda Staunton, Sian Brooke, Darren Boyd, Scarlett Rayner, and Cooper Turner

How to watch: Trying Season 4 premieres May 22 on Apple TV+.

Evil Season 4

I've said it before: Evil is the wildest show you aren't watching. But with Season 4 fast approaching, there's no better time than the present to catch up quick! Imagine The X-Files with loads of Catholic horror, and you've got the rough outline of Robert King and Michelle King's racy and riveting series. A supernatural drama set in New York City, Evil follows a motley crew of paranormal investigators: one true believer, Catholic priest David Acosta (a sultry and stern Mike Colter); one die-hard skeptic, forensic psychologist Kristen Bouchard (an eye-rolling and charming Katja Herbers); and one agnostic tech wizard, Ben Shakir (the always-funny Aasif Mandvi). 

Week after week, this quipping trio combats everything from urban legends, demons, and ghosts to cults, creatures, and their main antagonist, Leland Townsend (the delectably devilish Michael Emerson), a wicked rival of Kristen's who is literally in league with Satan. After three seasons of cheeky stand-alone stories and an overarching narrative about a sinister IVF company, things are coming to a head with the coming of the Antichrist. So grab a blanket to cuddle up with. This one's going to get creepy. — K.P. 

Starring: Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Andrea Martin, Kurt Fuller, and Christine Lahti

How to watch: Evil Season 4 premieres May 23 on Paramount+.

Eric Credit: Ludovic Robert / Netflix

Suffragette writer Abi Morgan's Netflix thriller, Eric, promises to plunge us back into '80s Manhattan with a missing person mystery. Benedict Cumberbatch is in the lead as Vincent, a famous puppeteer and kids' TV show creator. When his nine-year-old son Edgar goes missing, a distressed Vincent descends into destructive actions, fixated on the character Edgar created in his drawings: a monster called Eric. Seeing Eric as the one real chance to bring his son home through his TV show, Good Day Sunshine, Vincent starts to become more and more isolated from those around him. — S.C.

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Gaby Hoffmann, McKinley Belcher III, Dan Fogler, Clarke Peters, Ivan Howe, Phoebe Nicholls, David Denman, Bamar Kane, Adepero Oduye, Alexis Molnar, and Roberta Colindrez

How to watch: Eric premieres May 30 on Netflix.

We Are Lady Parts Season 2 Credit: Saima Khalid / Peacock / NBC International / C4

It's been a while since Nida Manzoor's comedy about an all-female Muslim punk bad made a splash with its first season, but fans will be pleased to hear that it won't be long before Saira (Sarah Kameela Impey), Ayesha (Juliette Motamed), Bisma (Faith Omole), Momtaz (Lucie Shorthouse), and Amina (Anjana Vasan) are back on our screens.

"The main critique for We Are Lady Parts remains that it is too short," wrote Mashable's Proma Khosla about Season 1. "I want eight episodes, or 10, or 50. Finishing the first season feels a lot like performing a stage gig; you won't remember every detail but you'll remember the feeling, a rush of joy and adrenaline that you were grateful to share with this motley, magnificent crew."* — S.H.

Starring: Sarah Kameela Impey, Juliette Motamed, Faith Omole, Lucie Shorthouse, and Anjana Vasan

How to watch: We Are Lady Parts Season 2 premieres May 30 on Peacock.

The Outlaws Season 3 Credit: Prime Video / BBC Worldwide Americas

Stephen Merchant and Elgin James' lauded comedy series is back for a third round. Described as "a criminally fun watch" by Nicole Gallucci for Mashable, The Outlaws follows a group of random miscreants in Bristol charged with community service. In previous seasons, this now-tight crew has dealt with crime boss and drug lord The Dean (Claes Bang), but they're not free of the threat yet. No word yet on whether Christopher Walken will return, but the rest of the beloved cast is back for more. — S.C.

Starring: Stephen Merchant, Rhianne Barreto, Gamba Cole, Darren Boyd, Clare Perkins, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jessica Gunning, Charles Babalola, Tom Hanson, and Claes Bang

How to watch: The Outlaws Season 3 premieres May 31 on Prime Video.

Clipped Credit: Kelsey McNeal / FX

FX's sports drama Clipped tackles one of professional basketball's biggest scandals: Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's racist remarks and subsequent lifetime ban from the NBA.

The series examines the dysfunctional environment Sterling (Ed O'Neill) fostered at the Clippers organization through the eyes of new head coach Doc Rivers (Laurence Fishburne) and Sterling's mistress, V. Stiviano (Cleopatra Coleman), who leaked tapes of Sterling's racist comments during the Clippers' 2014 playoff run. Not only does Clipped portray a pivotal moment in NBA history, it also chronicles social media's response and the role it played in the scandal's aftermath. — B.E.

Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Ed O'Neill, Cleopatra Coleman, Jacki Weaver, Kelly AuCoin, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Rich Sommer, Corbin Bernsen, Clifton Davis, and Harriet Sansom Harris

How to watch: Clipped premieres June 4 on Hulu.

Star Wars: The Acolyte

2023's Star Wars TV offerings like The Mandalorian Season 3 and Ahsoka suffered from an overreliance on Easter eggs, fan service, and hewing too closely to prior Star Wars series and films. The Acolyte may just avoid these pitfalls altogether, as it takes us to an entirely new time period in the Star Wars chronology. Created by Leslye Headland (Russian Doll), The Acolyte is our first live-action introduction to the High Republic era, 100 years before the prequels take place. This is a time of relative peace for this galaxy far, far away. However, when a former Jedi Padawan and her master team up to investigate a series of crimes, they'll uncover forces far darker than they could have possibly imagined.* — B.E.

Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Charlie Barnett, Dean-Charles Chapman, Carrie-Anne Moss, Margarita Levieva, and Joonas Suotamo

How to watch: The Acolyte premieres June 4 on Disney+.

Queenie

Candice Carty-Williams has already had a big 2023 with her awesome BBC series Champion, but this year has even more on the horizon. The author has adapted her popular 2020 debut novel, Queenie, as a buzzy series with Onyx Collective and Channel 4, with Dionne Brown in the lead as the eponymous protagonist. With Carty-Williams at the helm as showrunner and executive producer, the series revolves around Queenie, a 25-year-old Jamaican British journalist who's going through a break-up, navigating the mess of modern dating, and figuring out how to keep her job together, all while connecting with her family and incredibly tight group of friends.* — S.H.

Starring: Dionne Brown, Jon Pointing, Samuel Adewunmi, Bellah, Sally Phillips, Tilly Keeper, Elisha Applebaum, Mim Shaikh, Llewella Gideon, Michelle Greenidge, Cristale De'Abreu, Joseph Marcell, Joseph Ollman, Melissa Johns, and Laura Whitmore

How to watch: Queenie premieres June 7 on Hulu.

The Boys Season 4

In 2023, The Boys universe took a college detour with the deeply fun (and deeply bloody) spin-off Gen V. In 2024, the flagship series will return for an explosive fourth season. America is more polarized than ever (sound familiar?), with the MAGA-esque cult of Homelander facing off against Starlight's supporters. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Victoria Neuman grows ever closer to the Oval Office, the Boys are at odds with former leader Billy Butcher, and new supes Sister Sage and Firecracker are joining the Seven. With so much at stake, how will The Boys be able to top themselves in terms of outrageous gore?* — B.E.

Starring: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Colby Minifie, Claudia Doumit, Cameron Crovetti, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan

How to watch: The Boys Season 4 premieres June 13 on Prime Video.

Presumed Innocent Credit: Apple TV+

Already adapted into a Harrison Ford-led film in the '90s, Scott Turow's legal thriller novel Presumed Innocent has been snapped up by David E. Kelley and J.J. Abrams for Apple TV+. Jake Gyllenhaal (who is also on board as an executive producer) takes over Ford's role of Rusty Sabich, the chief deputy prosecutor for the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney's office. Here, a murder charge within the building sees power and politics thrown into the air, and over eight episodes, it's a race to the truth. — S.C.

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, Elizabeth Marvel, Peter Sarsgaard, O-T Fagbenle, and Renate Reinsve

How to watch: Presumed Innocent premieres June 12 on Apple TV+.

House of the Dragon Season 2

Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon returns for its highly anticipated second season this summer, bringing more Targaryen fire and blood to our TV screens. And I mean a ton more fire and blood. Think of it this way: If Season 1 was all about the build-up to the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, Season 2 is where the war begins in earnest. Following the death of her son Lucerys, Rhaenyra Targaryen is prepared to go scorched earth on Alicent Hightower and her son Aegon II — and who can blame her? Brutal battles, dastardly assassinations, and political machinations await, along with more dragons. (Of course.)* — B.E.

Starring: Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Eve Best, Steve Toussaint, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya Mizuno, Graham McTavish, Matthew Needham, Gayle Rankin, Simon Russell Beale, Freddie Fox, Abubakar Salim, Clinton Liberty, Jamie Kenna, Kieran Bew, Tom Bennett, Tom Taylor, and Vincent Regan

How to watch: House of the Dragon Season 2 premieres June 16 on HBO and Max.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 has dueling trailers. Watch and pick a side. Orphan Black: Echoes

In the mid-2010s, Orphan Black was an obsession for sci-fi fans. Not only did the twisted Canadian drama series spin a complicated and compelling tale of clones quirky and caustic, but also it was shouldered by the wildly talented Tatiana Maslany, who'd go on to star in She Hulk: Attorney at Law. Now, the concept is replicated with Orphan Black: Echoes, a sequel series of sorts that exists in the same universe as the original.

This time around, Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones, Love and Death) stars, but specifics on the plotline are currently cryptic. Here's what AMC has released: "Set in the near future, Orphan Black: Echoes takes a deep dive into the exploration of the scientific manipulation of human existence. It follows a group of women as they weave their way into each other's lives and embark on a thrilling journey, unraveling the mystery of their identity and uncovering a wrenching story of love and betrayal. Ritter plays Lucy, a woman with an unimaginable origin story, trying to find her place in the world." — K.P.

Starring: Krysten Ritter, Keeley Hawes, Amanda Fix, Avan Jogia, Rya Kihlstedt, and James Hiroyuki Liao

How to watch: Orphan Black: Echoes premieres June 23 at 10 p.m. ET on AMC, AMC+, and BBC AMERICA.

Land of Women Credit: Apple TV+

Eva Longoria leads Apple TV+'s Land of Women as Gala, a New Yorker who's used to the good life. Unfortunately, Gala's husband has been up to no good; he implicates their family in financial wrongdoings and promptly disappears, leaving her to deal with his debt. With bad guys hot on their trail, Gala flees the country with her mother and adult daughter. The three wind up in a small wine town in Northern Spain — the same one Gala's own mother left decades before. They try their best to keep their identities hidden, but as townspeople gossip and criminals hunt Gala down, she and her family will learn deep, surprising family secrets. — B.E.

Starring: Eva Longoria, Santiago Cabrera, Victoria Bazúa, and Carmen Maura

How to watch: Land of Women premieres June 26 on Apple TV+.

The Bear Season 3 Credit: Chuck Hodes/FX

Are you ready for Carmy and company to come back? Season 1 gave us a panic attack with the real-time lunch rush of "Review." Season 2 gave us treats: rising star chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) guiding us on a Chicago food tour, beloved baker Marcus (Lionel Boyce) rolling around Denmark, Cousin Richie finding himself and his inner Swiftie, and hard-shelled Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) finally letting some love into his life. But man, this so-called "comedy" show also knows how to gut us with the ferocious family conflict in a star-stuffed holiday episode. 

SEE ALSO: The surprising mindfulness of 'The Bear'

Whether you love this critically heralded series for its "Forks" or "Fishes,"The Bear is undeniably some of the best TV of the past decade. So while we know virtually nothing about Season 3, it's still among our most anticipated returns of 2024. Let it rip! — K.P. 

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, and Liza Colón-Zayas

How to watch: The Bear premieres June 27 on Hulu.

Fantasmas Credit: Monica Lek / HBO

Julio Torres wowed audiences earlier this year with his whimsical directorial debut Problemista. Next up on his to-do list? Fantasmas, a new television show for HBO and his second with the network after Los Espookys. In Fantasmas, Torres tells us the story of how he lost a golden oyster. His journey to find it will bring him face to face with fascinating new characters (played by the likes of Julia Fox and Steve Buscemi) in a series of introspective (and likely charming) little films. — B.E.

Starring: Julio Torres, Martine, Joe Rumrill, Julia Fox, Ziwe, Steve Buscemi, Alexa Demie, and Kim Petras

How to watch: Fantasmas premieres on HBO and Max in June.

Sunny Credit: Apple TV+

A mystery with a sci-fi twist, Apple TV+'s Sunny stars Rashida Jones as a woman who teams up with a robot to solve the disappearance of her family.

Jones plays Suzie, an American woman living in Kyoto. When her husband and son go missing in a plane crash, Suzie receives Sunny, a domestic robot made by her husband's electronics company. Her resentment and grief soon give way to an unexpected friendship between the two — one that leads them to investigate what really happened to Suzie's family. Dark secrets and robot detective capers await. — B.E.

Starring: Rashida Jones, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Joanna Sotomura, Judy Ongg, You, annie the clumsy, and Jun Kunimura

How to watch: Sunny premieres July 10 on Apple TV+.

Hit-Monkey Season 2 Credit: Courtesy of Marvel

2021's Hit-Monkey brought us face to face with one of TV's most unlikely (yet surprisingly moving) duos: Monkey (voiced by Fred Tatasciore), a Japanese snow monkey with a killer instinct, and Bryce (voiced by Jason Sudeikis), an American assassin who is also a ghost. In Season 1, the two took on the Yakuza in Tokyo. Season 2 moves the action to New York City, where Monkey will try to end his killing ways. But with former ally Akiko (voiced by Olivia Munn) hunting him down to avenge the death of her uncle, Monkey's plans for a life of peace might have to wait. — B.E.

Starring: Fred Tatasciore, Jason Sudeikis, Olivia Munn, Ally Maki, and Leslie Jones

How to watch: Hit-Monkey Season 2 premieres July 15 on Hulu.

Those About to Die

Anthony Hopkins! Roland Emmerich! Gladiators! Those About to Die has it all.

The TV debut from Independence Day director Roland Emmerich takes us behind the scenes of a gladiatorial competition in ancient Rome. Prepare to see the nitty-gritty ins and outs of the bloodiest entertainment industry imaginable, as well as some gnarly fights. And, of course, reigning over it all is Hopkins himself as Emperor Vespasian. Let the games begin. — B.E.

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim

How to watch: Those About to Die premieres July 18 on Peacock.

The Umbrella Academy Season 4

2024 marks one last ride with the Hargreeves siblings, who can never quite seem to time travel without any consequences. By the end of Season 3, the siblings have entered an all-new timeline, one where none of them have any powers, and where their nightmare of an adoptive father is exceedingly powerful. The Hargreeves' future may be unpredictable, but you can bet we'll get one more season full of fun fight scenes set to absolute banger tunes.* — B.E.

Starring: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Justin H. Min, Ritu Arya, Colm Feore, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, and David Cross

How to watch: The Umbrella Academy Season 4 premieres Aug. 8 on Netflix.

Emily in Paris Season 4

The drama is on this season of Emily in Paris, especially in the aftermath of Camille and Gabriel's messy wedding. Emily finds herself struggling with her feelings for both Gabriel and Alfie, Sylvie must confront a dilemma from her past, the Agence Grateau team is facing some big shakeups, and Mindy's Eurovision hopes may be dashed by financial troubles. Sacré bleu. — B.E.

Starring: Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Camille Razat, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, William Abadie, and Lucien Laviscount

How to watch: The first five episodes of Emily in Paris premiere Aug. 15 on Netflix, and the last five premiere Sept. 12.

Only Murders in the Building Season 4 Credit: Craig Blankenhorn / Hulu

Following the theatrical conclusion of their Broadway murder mystery, Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin) are back on the case this summer! Season 4 will focus on who killed Charles' long-time body double Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch). And — considering her physical similarity to the polarizing TV star — was she even the intended target? 

The Season 3 finale laid out some early clues. But here's what else we know about this fresh investigation: Season 4 of Only Murders in the Building will feature the return of Meryl Streep as the secretive actress Loretta Durkin, and new to the ever-expanding ensemble are Molly Shannon, Eva Longoria, Eugene Levy, Kumail Nanjiani, and Zach Galifianakis. Without even knowing what roles these comedic talents are slated for, we suspect this season will be another big hit. — K.P.

Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Meryl Streep, Molly Shannon, Eva Longoria, Eugene Levy, Kumail Nanjiani, and Zach Galifianakis

How to watch: Only Murders in the Building Season 4 is coming to Hulu this summer.

(*) means a blurb comes from a prior story.

SAVE $99.01: As of May 9, get a pair of Apple AirPods Max for $449.99, down from $549. That's a savings of 18%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirPods Max $449.99 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $99.01 Get Deal

Thinking about investing in a new pair of over-the-ear headphones? There are tons of great options out there, but if you regularly use Apple devices, you might want to stay within that ecosystem. In that case, the AirPods Max are a formidable option for you that you can opt for over AirPods. And right now, you can shave some nice savings off their hefty price tag.

As of May 9, you can get the AirPods Max at Amazon for $449.99, which is reduced from their list price of $549. That's $99.01 off and a discount of 18%. This price is only $20 more than their lowest price ever, and it's still a great deal if you want to try out these luxe cans.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best noise-cancelling headphones for flying in 2024

You get what you pay for with Apple's most expensive pair of headphones. There's fantastic active noise cancellation, which has become a staple for Apple headphones, so they sound great no matter where you are. They also offer a transparency mode option, should you need to be able to hear what's going on around you.

Like the AirPods Pro, they also offer spatial audio support for total musical immersion with dynamic head tracking. And let's not forget they look pretty cool, too, with a cooling knit mesh headband and cushy ear cups to boot.

If you've had your eye on these unique-looking headphones for a while, it might finally be time to get a pair. Be sure to do so while they're on sale.

UPDATE: May. 9, 2024, 1:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest robot vacuums on sale during the first half of May, including 50% off the Roomba Combo j5 and new all-time-lows on several self-emptying Eufy models.

A quick look at the best robot vacuum deals for mid-May: Best budget deal Eufy L60 $199 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best self-emptying deal Shark Matrix RV2300S $299 at Walmart (save $200.99) Get Deal Best vacuum-mop combo deal Eufy X9 Pro $549.99 at Amazon (save $350) Get Deal

Only three things are certain in life: Death, taxes, and a few days each month when you need to vacuum but just don't have time. Whether you detest the chore or hope to make your home upkeep a bit breezier, a robot vacuum is a lifesaver.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum Best non-mopping robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Matrix RV2300S ¤299.00 at Walmart
¤499.99 Save ¤200.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Bring home both automatic emptying and smart mapping — two major features that keep you from having to babysit a robovac — for less than $300 with the Shark Matrix RV2300S. Shark's most "basic" Matrix model is also capable of entering Matrix mode, where the vacuum creates a virtual grid and vacuums in a crosshatch pattern to loosen and lift debris from multiple angles. The chic gray color scheme is also unique in a world of black-and-white robot vacuums.

More robot vacuums (that don't mop) on sale

• Ionvac SmartClean 2000 — $68.99 $129 (save $60.01)

• iHome AutoVac Juno — $79 $199.99 (save $120)

• Eufy L60 — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)

• Roborock Q5+ with self-empty station — $359.99 $699.99 (save $340)

• Eufy Clean X8 Pro with self-empty station — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)

Best robot vacuum and mop hybrid deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy X9 Pro $549.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $350.00 Save with Prime Get Deal Why we like it

Eufy's X9 Pro debuted in fall 2023 and sits right in the sweet spot between the X8 Pro (on sale for $399.99) and the X10 Pro Omni (a CES 2024 debut that goes for nearly $700 on sale). As of May 9, use code EUFYX9PRO at checkout to knock the sale price to $549.99.

The X9 Pro is more reminiscent of its pricier successor: It has a flat edge to get into corners, it mops, washes, and dries its own mopping pads, and uses AI to detect and avoid small obstacles like phone cables. As a mopper, the X9 Pro provides more elbow grease than many competitors thanks to double-pressurized, rotating mopping heads. These automatically lift above the ground if carpet is detected.

More robot vacuum hybrids on sale

• Yeedi Vac 2 Pro — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100 with on-page coupon)

• Eufy G30 Hybrid with self-empty station — $249.99 $429.99 (save $180)

• iRobot Roomba Combo j5 — $299 $599.99 (save $300.99)

• Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 — $299.40 $449.40 (save $150)

• Shark IQ 2-in-1 RV2402WD — $299.99 $449.99 (save $150)

• iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ — $349 $549.99 (save $200.99)

• Ecovacs Deebot N10+ with self-empty station — $349.99 $649.99 (save $300)

• Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 with XL self-empty station — $399.60 $699.60 (save $300)

• Roborock Q8 Max — $429.99 $599.99 (save $170 with on-page coupon)

• Roborock Q7 Max+ with self-empty station — $459.99 $869.99 (save $410)

• Roborock S8 — $499.99 $749.99 (save $250)

• Roborock Q8 Max+ with self-empty station — $579.99 $819.99 (save $240)

• Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni with self-empty station — $649 $1,099.99 (save $450.99)

• Eufy X10 Pro Omni with self-empty station — $679.99 $799.99 (save $120)

• Roborock Q Revo with self-empty station — $679.99 $899.99 (save $220)

• iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ with self-empty station — $699 $1,099.99 (save $400.99)

• Yeedi M12 Pro+ with self-empty station —  $799 $1,099 (save $300 with on-page coupon)

• Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni with self-empty station — $999.99 $1,499.99 (save $500)

• Roborock S8 Pro Ultra with self-empty station — $999.99 $1,599.99 (save $600)

UPDATE: May. 9, 2024, 11:59 a.m. EDT Amazon Pet Day deals were slated to end at midnight on May 8, but we're still seeing some great deals remain live. Here's the updated list of best options:

Best deals at Amazon Pet Day 2024 Best pet tech deal Tractive GPS tracker and health monitoring for dogs $29.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best pet bed deal Furhaven cooling gel dog bed (iceberg green) $38.20 at Amazon (save $6.79) Get Deal Best pet toy deal Chuckit! dog ball launcher (sport, 25 inches) $8.69 at Amazon (save $5.30) Get Deal Best pet DNA kit deal AncestryDNA Know Your Pet DNA: Dog DNA Breed Identification Test $79 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

It's hard to find something in life that's more enjoyable than spoiling our pets. Giving us unconditional love, pets deserve all the treats in the world all the time. And thanks to the Amazon Pet Day sale, you can spoil your furry friends for less.

When is Amazon Pet Day 2024?

While the name implies just one day of sales, Amazon Pet Day actually spans two days, May 7 and 8, with deals expiring at midnight on May 8. However, we're still seeing some great deals still remaining on May 9.

Amazon Pet Day deals are the perfect excuse to stock up on toys, pet accessories, tech, and treats. This could be an ideal time to pick up your pet's favorites.

What to expect from Amazon Pet Day

While this isn't a massive sale like Amazon Prime Day, you'll find tons of deals for pets like self-cleaning litter boxes, the Furbo dog camera + treat dispenser, dog food, and toys to keep your dog or cat entertained all day.

Unlike some Prime Day deals, Amazon Pet Day sales are open to all shoppers, even those without an Amazon Prime membership.

The best Amazon Pet Day deals

We've compiled our favorite pet deals below, and we'll continue updating this page as the sale continues.

Here are our top recommendations so far:

Best pet tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tractive Our pick: Tractive GPS tracker and health monitoring for dogs $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable's top choice for a budget-friendly GPS dog tracker is the Tractive GPS tracker and health monitoring system. The tracker slips onto your dog's collar and through the associated app, you'll be able to keep tabs on your dog 24/7. With no distance limitations, the tracker gets about 15 days of battery life before it needs a recharge. You can also set up a custom area where your dog typically hangs out, like inside of the house and the backyard. If the dog leaves this area, you'll automatically be alerted, which can help give you peace of mind while you're not at home.

More pet tech deals:

• Petkit stainless steel cat water fountain — $59.99 $89 at Amazon (save $29.01)

• Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi pet camera with laser for cats and dogs — $63.99 $79.99 at Amazon (save $16)

• PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Smart front-entry self-cleaning cat litter box — $249.95 $299.95 at Amazon (save $50)

• Petkit PuraMax self-cleaning cat litter box — $399 $596.99 at Amazon (save $197.99)

Best pet bed deal Opens in a new window Credit: FurHaven Our pick: FurHaven cooling gel dog bed (iceberg green) $38.20 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $6.79 Get Deal Why we like it

Soaring summer temps are just a few weeks away and if your pet tends to overheat, the FurHaven cooling dog bed could be perfect for warmer months. Designed for small or medium dogs, the bed has a removable and washable cover. While it's made for dogs, who's to say a cat wouldn't love to nap on the cooling gel foam too? It's designed for cushioned support in dogs that weigh up to 35 pounds while the L-shaped chaise design gives pets a cozy pillow to relax on.

More pet bed and furniture deals:

• Bedsure cat bed for indoor cats — $28.99 $32.99 at Amazon (save $4)

• Kitty City large cat tunnel bed (white) — $33.58 $39.50 at Amazon (save $5.92)

• IRIS USA 24-inch exercise playpen for small dogs — $34.99 $39.99 at Amazon (save $5)

• Bedsure calming bed for medium dogs — $39.99 $49.99 at Amazon (save $10)

• PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge — $48.54 $53.95 at Amazon (save $5.41)

• PetSafe Happy Ride folding pet ramp — $74.95 $104.99 at Amazon (save $30.04)

• Happy & Polly Fruit World cat tree — $87.77 $109.99 at Amazon (save $22.22)

• Bedsure XXL orthopedic dog bed — $92.79 $139.99 at Amazon (save $47.20)

Best pet toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Chuckit! Our pick: Chuckit! dog ball launcher (sport, 25 inches) $8.69 at Amazon
$13.99 Save $5.30 Get Deal Why we like it

Some dog toys are absolutely essential, and the Chuckit! ball launcher is certainly at the top of this list. If your throwing arm is lacking, the Chuckit! turns almost every toss into an award-winning throw, giving your dog the ball-chasing experience they dream of. The 25-inch length of this model is said to be ideal for dogs between 20 and 60 pounds, and it includes a medium ball. Not only does the Chuckit! allow you to launch the ball like never before, its handy cup design means you no longer have to touch a slobbery tennis ball that's rolled through the dirt.

More pet toy deals:

• Chuckit! Paraflight Flying Disc dog toy — $4 $16.99 at Amazon (save $12.99)

• Catstages Crunchy Pickle Kicker dental catnip cat toy — $4.04 $5.59 at Amazon (save $1.55)

• Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick — $4.55 $10.99 at Amazon (save $6.44)

• Outward Hound by Ninja Ottosson dog twister dog puzzle — $6.84 $16.99 at Amazon (save $10.15)

• Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle — $8.38 $12.99 at Amazon (save $4.61)

• Potaroma Cat Toys Flopping Fish— $9.98 $12.98 at Amazon (save $3)

• Barkbox 2 in 1 Interactive plush dog toy (Consuela the cactus, small) — $10.39 $12.99 at Amazon (save $2.60)

• Catstages by Nina Ottosson Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play cat treat puzzle — $12.20 $12.99 at Amazon (save $6.79)

• Disney for Pets Pixar’s Finding Nemo cat play tunnel — $14.69 $19.99 at Amazon (save $5.30)

• Brightkins Pizza Party! treat puzzle for dogs — $16.50 $19.99 at Amazon (save $3.49)

• Petlibro Interactive Cat Toy — $18.99 $26.69 at Amazon (save $7.70)

Best pet DNA kit deal Opens in a new window Credit: AncestryDNA Our pick: AncestryDNA Know Your Pet DNA: Dog DNA Breed Identification Test $79.00 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you've always been curious about your dog's breed, Amazon Pet Day has a great deal on the AncestryDNA kit for dogs. After a quick saliva sample, send the kit back to Ancestry and you'll get online results in two to six weeks. The results will show the exact breed or mix of breeds, as well as percentages of each. Ancestry also lists behavioral traits common with each breed which can help you identify certain characteristics in your dog.

More pet DNA kit deals:

• Wisdom Panel breed discovery dog DNA kit — $67.99 $84.99 at Amazon (save $17)

• Embark dog breed identification kit — $98.10 $109 at Amazon (save $10.90)

• Basepaws cat DNA test — $99 $159 at Amazon (save $60)

• Wisdom Panel Premium dog DNA kit — $119.99 $159.99 at Amazon (save $40)

Amazon Pet Day vacuum deals

• eufy HomeVac H30 Mate — $99.99 $179.99 at Amazon (save $80)

• Shark LA702 Rotator Pet Lift-Away ADV upright vacuum — $299.99 $379.99 at Amazon (save $80)

• Roborock S8+ — $759.99 $999.99 at Amazon (save $240 with on-page coupon)

More deals on essentials for dogs and cats:

• Save up to 21% on Fresh Step cat litter

• Save up to 26% on select Outward Hound dog life jackets

• Save up to 40% on Frontline flea and tick for cats and dogs

• Save up to 48% on dog food and treats

• Save up to 54% on Purina cat food and treats

SAVE $69.01: As of May 9, get a pair of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) for just $179.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 28%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) $179.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $69.01 Get Deal

Spring is a great time to head outside, walk around the block, and listen to some of your favorite songs. Maybe you want to get caught up on all the diss tracks rapper Kendrick Lamar has released with Drake in his sights. Or you might still be digesting Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Society. Whatever the case may be, make sure you have a great pair of headphones to do it with. You can get some excellent earbuds for less right now, as the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) are on sale for a price that's just a smidge away from their lowest price ever.

As of May 9, you can get a pair of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) for $179.99 at Amazon. That's $69.01 off their list price of $249 and a discount of 28%. You can also get these earbuds for the same price right now at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.

SEE ALSO: The Beats Studio Buds are back down to their lowest price ever

These are the best AirPods on offer, and they come boasting fantastic active noise cancellation as well as overall great sound. Their support for spatial audio make them a superb choice for immersing yourself in your favorite songs, and they also offer Transparency Mode, which lets in outside noise for when you need to hear what's going on around you.

With four pairs of included silicone tips to help you find the right fit, a lengthy battery life, and a charging case for additional juice when you need it, you can't go wrong with these buds. If you're an Apple device user, you'll also love their seamless connectivity.

Mother's Day is coming up, so these AirPods could make a good last-minute gift, or you can get a pair for yourself. Whoever these AirPods are for, they'll be hearing their music in a whole new light.

SAVE $130: Snag a refurbished Dyson V11 at Walmart for $289.99. That's $130 off the normal price of $419.99 and a discount of 31%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V11 Outsize cordless vacuum (refurbushed) $289.99 at Walmart
$419.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal

Dyson makes some of our favorite vacuums. With their slim, stylish designs and powerful engines, there's a lot to love about these machines. One thing not to love? Their steep price tags. So when we catch wind of a Dyson deal, we're all ears.

As of May 9, you can find a refurbished Dyson V11 Outsize cordless vacuum at Walmart for just $289.99, knocking 31% off its normal price of $419.99. That's $130 of savings on a model that works like new.

SEE ALSO: The best Dyson vacuums: A guide to the latest versions of stick, ball, and handheld cleaners

Sold and certified by Dyson, the V11 Outsize is guaranteed to perform like it's fresh out of the box. The Outsize model provides a full-sized vacuum head and dustbin compared to the more compact standard V11, perfect for those who need a heavy-duty cleaning tool (without a heavy weight; it's 6.68 pounds). The torque engine provides powerful suction, so it won't miss a spot anywhere in the house.

The V11 Outsize comes with several tools to help you clean whatever and wherever you need to, including a crevice tool and a hair screw tool, and automatically detangles hair so you don't have to get your hands dirty. It's a high-tech option too, with a luminous LCD digital display. The screen shows estimated run time (up to 60 minutes on a single charge) and maintenance alerts, giving you all the information you need to keep it running.

You can shop the Dyson V11 Outsize for a great price at Walmart. Buy now for $289.99 and save $130.

If you're meeting up with friends, sharing your location is a hell of a handy way to save you screeching into your phone, "Wait, what can you SEEEEEE?" Switching on Find My has become a staple of Gen Z friendship and location sharing through various apps has long functioned as all-ages safety method, though Taylor Swift's continued location sharing with her ex had us perplexed — you can (and probably should) turn that off.

As of January 2024, Google Maps now allows you to share your location right there in the app on Android or iOS.

As Google notes, when sharing your location on Google Maps you may get a warning for a few reasons, including your age (if you're under 13 you can't set up a Google account, and if you're under 18 you can't share your location for longer than 24 hours), or whether your account is managed by a parent or guardian in the Family Link app.

SEE ALSO: Does your partner really need to know your location all the time?

You should also be aware that when you share your location on Google Maps, the person you're sharing with will be able to see details beyond your location including your name, photo, how much battery you have left, and (if you've chosen to share it) your estimated arrival time. So just keep that in mind.

Of course, there's a darker side to sharing your location, so it's completely up to you who you choose to share your location with and how long for. And never, ever share your location on a dating app.

So, now you've got all the info, there are two ways to share your location on Google Maps: One when your friend has a Google account and one when they don't.

How to share location on Google Maps (if your friend has a Google account) Total Time

• 5 min

What You Need

• iPhone or Android
• Google Maps app
• Google account

Step 1: Add your friend's Gmail address to Contacts (if you haven't already).

Step 2: Open Google Maps.

Make sure you're signed into your Google account.

Step 3: Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.

Step 4: Tap "Location sharing".

You'll be sent to a screen that introduces the location sharing function, where Google notably says, "Your location is updated even when the app is not in use." Be aware of that.

Credit: Shannon Connellan / Google Maps

Step 5: Tap "Share location".

Step 6: Tap the person you'd like to share your location with.

You can scroll through the contacts that appear and pick one of them, or tap "more" to see more options. Here, you can also decide how long you'd like to share your location, whether one hour or "Until you turn this off".

Step 7: To request this person to share their location with you (only fair), tap on their name and tap "Request".

The person will receive a notification in their Gmail asking them to share their location — they need to do this within the Google Maps app. Your email will be shared with that person to help them identify you. The request will be greyed out until they accept. Once they do, you can tap their profile pic and Google Maps will show you their location.

Credit: Shannon Connellan / Google Maps

Step 8: To stop sharing, simply tap "Stop" within Google Maps under their name.

You can also block another person’s account if you need to.

And now for those who don't have Gmail...

How to share location on Google Maps (if your friend doesn't have a Google account) Total Time

• 5 min

What You Need

• iPhone or Android
• Google Maps app

Step 1: Open Google Maps.

Make sure you're signed into your Google account (your friend doesn't have to be).

Step 2: Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.

Step 3: Tap "Location sharing".

Credit: Shannon Connellan / Google Maps

Step 4: Tap "More options" under your contacts.

Step 5: Tap "Copy" to add the link to your clipboard.

Step 6: Drop the link in whichever messaging app you use.

Credit: Shannon Connellan / Google Maps

Step 7: To stop sharing, simply tap "Stop" within Google Maps under "Sharing via link".

In a neat feature for punctual folks, but a terrible idea for those who like to send the ol' "just leaving" text as you're getting in the shower, you can also share your estimated time of arrival within Google Maps.

Simply punch in your location into Google Maps search, select your transport method, and start navigation.

Once you're up and away, tap the navigation menu at the bottom of the screen (where it says how long it'll take) and tap "Share trip progress". You can then pick which of your contacts to share it with or choose to copy it from "more options" and send it via messaging app.

While you're here, we've got guides for how to turn your location off and on with your iPhone, how to download Google Maps, how to turn on 3D buildings in navigation, how to save locations, and other Google Maps tips and tricks.

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Kindle Unlimited Free for 3 months (save $35.97) Get Deal BEST KINDLE DEAL Kindle Scribe $239.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal BEST LAPTOP DEAL ASUS Vivobook Go 12 L210 (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $179.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL AirPods Max $449.99 at Amazon (save $99.01) Get Deal

Between Mother's Day sales, leftover Pet Day discounts, and early Amazon Book Sale deals, the savings are through the roof this week at Amazon. We've gathered up a few of our top picks for you to shop on May 9, including brands you know and love like Kindle and Apple.

Here are the best Amazon deals of the day. Make sure to check back at our top picks for May 8 as well — a few of those are still live.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Amazon deal of the day: Kindle Unlimited 3 months for free (save $35.97) Get Deal

Want to read more books? Kindle is offering a three-month membership for free as part of the Amazon Book Sale. It would usually run you $11.99 per month, so that's $35.97 in savings. Despite the name, a Kindle Unlimited account does not require a Kindle. You can enjoy the over 4 million digital titles from your phone, tablet, or Kindle e-reader. You'll have access to best-selling books, the newest popular series, and all of the classics in multiple formats (yes, even audiobooks). Three months gives you plenty of time to test the waters before deciding whether or not to keep your membership going and pay the monthly fee.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Scribe (16GB, Basic Pen) $239.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you really want to double down on your reading habits, pair your free three-month Kindle Unlimited membership with a new Kindle Scribe. Also part of the Amazon Book Sale, the Kindle Scribe (16GB, Basic Pen version) is on sale for just $239.99 — that's $100 off and matches its all-time low price. As Mashable's Alex Perry noted in his review, the Kindle Scribe is not a perfect device. However, it does manage to bridge the gap between traditional reading and e-reading by including a stylus to mark up books to your heart's content.

Read our full review of the Kindle Scribe.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS Vivobook Go 12 L210 (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $179.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Need a laptop for everyday tasks that won't break the bank? The ASUS Vivobook Go 12 is an affordable pick that weighs just over 2 pounds and packs a variety of convenient features for on-the-go work and play. It'll last you up to 12 hours on a single charge, can lay flat for sharing purposes, thanks to a 180-degree hinge, and includes a touchpad that doubles as a number pad. The specs aren't top notch (Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB SSD), but this isn't a laptop meant for your heavy duty tasks anyway. As of May 9, it's on sale for just $179.99 — that's 22% in savings and its first price drop since release.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Max $449.99 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $99.01 Get Deal

Apple's uber expensive AirPods Max are back down to their Black Friday price of $449.99. That's not the lowest price they've ever been — that honor would go to the $429 deal from Sept. 2022 — but it's still a sweet $99 discount. Upon release at the end of 2020, the AirPods Max were praised by former Mashable tech reporter Branda Stolyar for their "excellent audio quality, easy-to-use controls, and good battery life." They have some fit issues that can make them hard to wear for hours at a time, but if they snugly fit on your noggin, you can't go wrong.

Read our full review of the AirPods Max.

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

SAVE UP TO 90%: Shop Amazon's selection of Kindle e-books and score up to 90% off on select titles.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Save up to 90% on Kindle e-book titles Get Deal

If you run through books like days of the week, it could be the perfect time to stock up on reading material for the summer. Amazon's got great deals on Kindle reads that might catch your eye today.

As of May 9, hundreds of Kindle e-books are marked down by as much as 90% at Amazon. You'll find discounted titles in genres like nonfiction, mystery, thriller, romance, sci-fi, and more ahead of the Amazon Book Sale, which kicks off May 15.

SEE ALSO: Get three free months of Amazon's Kindle Unlimited and read to your heart's desire

If you've exhausted your list of books to read or you feel like adding to your ever-expanding digital library, today is a great day for those who read Kindle editions of digital books. You can score epic discounts on hundreds of titles in every genre (children's books, cookbooks, biographies, novels, and more) from authors including Viola Davis, Meghan Quinn, Dean Koontz, David Sedaris, and many others. You can read Kindle editions through the Amazon Kindle app which works on compatible phones or tablets.

If you don't yet have an e-reader device, Mashable's favorite version is the Amazon Kindle Signature Edition, plus the Kindle Scribe is on sale for its lowest price ever today. But if you'd rather not snag a Kindle right now, you can still cash in on the deeply discounted books.

There's something for every type of reader in today's Kindle book sale.

SAVE $35.97: As of May 9, get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free when you sign up for a subscription.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Unlimited (3 months) $0.00 at Amazon
$35.97 Save $35.97 Get Deal

Trying to squeeze more reading into your day-to-day life, but not quite sure how? A Kindle Unlimited subscription could be just the thing. You can access millions of digital books, audiobooks, magazines, and more from Amazon all for a flat fee of $11.99 monthly — but you can get a subscription completely free right now.

As of May 9, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free (regularly $35.97) when you sign up for a subscription. Cancel anytime, and if you continue with the subscription after your free trial, you'll pay just $11.99 per month. There are no contracts or fees to cancel — just remember to do so before your three-month trial is up to avoid getting charged.

SEE ALSO: Get early access to the Amazon Book Sale and save 29% on the Kindle Scribe

A Kindle Unlimited subscription nets you hours and hours of reading and listening for free. There's plenty of reading material to choose from, including new releases and even some manga, which can all be downloaded straight to your Kindle devices or read online or on your phone. Whether you want to catch up on Colleen Hoover's multiple best sellers or see what's going on in the world of magazines these days, there's so much to discover here.

Summer is a great time to relax and get some reading in, especially since you can save big on a Kindle Unlimited subscription when you join right now – how does free sound?

Save $25: Crocs Baya clogs are now 50% off at Walmart. For $24.99, get a new pair of Crocs just in time for summer. At this price, you may as well pick up two pairs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Crocs Crocs Unisex Baya Clog Sandals $24.99 at Walmart
$49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

With the warm weather finally here, toss your boots to the back of the closet and let your feet breathe. As you get ready to hit the beach or spend hours in the garden, a pair of Crocs Baya Clogs are the ultimate companion.

Normally $49.99, these Crocs are now $24.99 at Walmart. That's a major discount, slashing the price in half. They're available in 18 colors and a wide range of unisex sizes.

SEE ALSO: Gardening season is here — shop the best deals now

These lightweight, foam shoes are comfortable and supportive. The ventilation provides nice airflow since we all know things get a little sweaty in summer.

Plus, they're great water shoes. Wear them to the beach or pool, and the hole-y design drains out water rather than trapping it. If one of the shoes drops into the water, its buoyant, so you won't need to throw on goggles and go diving. Crocs also make great gardening shoes. After a day in the mud and dirt, hose off these durable clogs to wash grime away.

Get the Crocs Baya Clogs at Walmart for just $24.99 (save 50%).

Between the tear-jerking journey of super-sized episode "The Sign" and the jaw-dropping surprise at the end of the Season 3 finale, Bluey fans have been fretting that the beloved children's show is coming to an end. There certainly was a feeling of conclusion to those two episodes.

Thankfully, Disney+ has announced that a new slate of episodes will hit this summer. However, they won't be the standard seven-minute eps.

SEE ALSO: Why 'Bluey' is the ultimate kids' show for grownups

Bluey creator Joe Brumm — in conjunction with Ludo Studios — is offering 20 minisodes, which run from one minute to three minutes. Per Disney+'s press release:

The “Bluey Minisodes” highlight funny and sweet moments featuring Bluey and Bingo, leaning into playful interactions and games that further explore the characters and world of Bluey.

This is great news for kids who relish the show's charming tales of childhood, centered on dog sisters Bluey and Bingo alongside a playful pack of pups. For grown-ups who can't get enough of the Easter Eggs offering nuanced stories in the background of the kiddie antics (Brandy is pregnant! Winson's dad has found love! WHO IS BLUEY'S BABY DADDY?!), there will surely be new clues to pour over about our favorite canine characters.

Disney has also revealed exactly how big a hit "The Sign" was for the streaming service, sharing the 28-minute episode was "most-viewed Bluey and Disney Jr. episode premiere ever, with 10.4 million views," per Nielsen Streaming Content Ratings and Disney's internal data.

While these new minisodes are slated for July, it seems Disney would be game for longer form Bluey tales as well. And Brumm seems on board. Speaking to The Guardian about "The Sign," Brumm teased the possibility of a Bluey movie, saying, "I love the idea of doing something even longer, so we’ll see how this goes down. Maybe a movie, who knows? This is a good way to test the waters."

Bluey is now streaming on Disney+.

SAVE $70: The Beats Studio Buds are on sale for $79.95 at Amazon, down from their regular price of $149.95. That's a discount of 47% — and their lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds $79.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $70.00 Get Deal

While Apple AirPods dominate the megabrand's assortment of headphones, the Beats Studio Buds (yes, the Beats line is owned by Apple) are a sneaky competitor in its line-up. Offering beautiful, deep bass, these earbuds are a great entry-level option for those who prioritize sound quality.

As of May 9, the Beats Studio Buds are on sale for $79.95 at Amazon, down from their regular price of $149.95. That's a discount of 47% — and a return to their lowest price ever. The last time these noise-canceling headphones dipped below $100 was in December. If you missed out then, now's your chance to score these savings. If you want some extra protection for your new buds, you can choose the bundle that includes two years of AppleCare+ for just $99.95.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best earbuds to buy in 2024

Mashable's Alex Perry reviewed the Beat Studio Buds, awarding them a Mashable Choice award and naming them "Apple's go-to entry-level earbuds." For Apple users, the Beats seamlessly fit into the ecosystem with simple pairing. The earbuds stay snug in the ear, with three different tips included to find the best fit. Perry noted that the entry-level AirPods pale in comparison to the Studio Buds when it comes to sound quality. The Beats deliver rich audio with two modes of listening: active noise cancellation and transparency modes.

These earbuds have about eight hours of battery life, but the self-charging case (which holds 24 hours of charge time) makes charging on the go a breeze.

Shop the Beats Studio Buds now for just $79.95.

SAVE $100: Score an Amazon Kindle Scribe (16GB) with Basic Pen for just $239.99, down from the usual price of $339.99. That's a 29% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe (16GB) with Basic Pen $239.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

The Amazon Kindle e-reader family is terrific for anyone who enjoys reading, with models to suit everyone's preferences and budget. Amazon's Book Sale officially kicks off on May 15, but the deals are already rolling in. Today's deals include a deep discount on one of our favorite Kindles.

As of May 9, the Amazon Kindle Scribe (16GB with Basic Pen) is on sale for $239.99, marked down from the typical price of $339.99. That's $100 off or a discount of 29%. This sale price matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindles for every type of reader

Amazon has a range of Kindle e-readers on offer these days, but if you're looking for the model with the largest display, you'll want to grab the Kindle Scribe. With a 10.2-inch glare-free screen, the Scribe is twice as large as the Kindle Paperwhite. The display size means you can see two pages of a book side by side if you're reading in landscape mode.

The Scribe also gets bragging rights for the longest-lasting battery of any Kindle, getting weeks of life before needing to recharge.

But the Scribe is more than just a beautiful e-reader. The included Basic Pen allows you to take notes in the margins of books, create personal notes, make a daily to-do list, write a journal entry, or even sketch a drawing. Plus, the pen is battery-free, which means you'll never have to worry about it going dead or needing to recharge.

Our list of the best Kindles for every reader names the Kindle Scribe as the best option for taking notes. Whether you're reading the latest fiction hit or diving into a textbook for history class, take notes with the Scribe's sticky notes features which automatically save at that spot in the book, making them easy to review in the future.

Whether you're new to e-readers or upgrading to a model that can also take notes, today's deal on the Amazon Kindle Scribe allows you to read and take notes while also saving $100 — a smart move all around.

The prequel to "A Quiet Place" stars Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn as New York City citizens trying to escape the alien apocalypse.

It might not happen every day, but there's nothing more frustrating than our sweet, sweet technology failing us.

iPhones are no exception. If your screen is stuck on the Apple logo for a long time, or it prompts you to connect to your computer screen or simply tells you it's in recovery mode, then all you need to do is follow the steps below in order to recover and restore it.

SEE ALSO: How to set up Siri on your iPhone How to put your iPhone in recovery mode and restore it Total Time

• 15 mins

What You Need

• iPhone
• laptop or desktop computer

Step 1: Make sure your computer is up-to-date.

This is an important start! Get that Mac up to speed, and update Apple Devices or iTunes.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your computer.

Use either a USB-C Cable or USB-C to Lightning Cable.

Step 3: Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes.

If you're on Mac, use Finder. If you're on PC, open Apple Devices. If you don't have the Apple Devices app or are using an operating system older than macOS Mojave, open iTunes.

Step 4: Wait until the screen says "Connect to computer".

Step 5: Press the following buttons in the following order.

If you have an iPhone 8 or later, you need to quickly press volume up, then volume down, and then hold the side button until you see Connect to computer. (For 7th generation iPhones you'll need to hold the side button and the volume down button at the same time, while earlier iPhones require holding the side and Home buttons at the same time.)

Credit: Apple

Step 6: Locate your iPhone.

Once you've found your device, and if given the option, click Update (if Update isn't there, choose Restore instead). If your iPhone exits the Connect screen at any point, repeat Step 3 once the download is finished.

Step 7: Set up your iPhone.

Almost there! Once your Update/Restore is complete, it's time to set up your iPhone.

If you're looking for a guide on how to reset your iPhone, we've also got you covered.

Losing your internet connection when trying to navigate isn't a fun moment. Whether you're driving or walking to your destination, it can throw a spanner in the works.

But Google Maps offers a good hack: you can download offline maps to help you reach your location even if your phone has zero bars. This tool is perfect for when you've planned a trip ahead of time and know exactly where you're heading — or, if you want to be able to navigate a specific city. Downloading the map in advance is good insurance, especially in spotty WiFi zones.

SEE ALSO: 3 tips for using Google Maps more effectively, according to Google

Here's how to do it.

How to download Google Maps Total Time

• 5 min.

What You Need

• iPhone or Android
• Google Maps app

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your phone.

Step 2: Click on the profile icon at the top right of the screen.

Step 3: Choose "offline maps."

Credit: Meera Navlakha / Google Maps

Step 4: Click "select your own map".

Credit: Meera Navlakha / Google Maps

Step 5: Here, move your map to the area you want to download.

Google Maps will indicate how much storage the download will require depending on the size of the location.

Credit: Meera Navlakha / Google Maps

Step 6: Click "download".

Step 7: Bonus: you can also search for a specific city and click "download".

Credit: Screenshot / Google Maps.

Here's a few more tips and tricks for using Google Maps while you're at it.

The search for a rocky world swaddled in a protective atmosphere somewhere else in space has eluded scientists, but the James Webb Space Telescope has found a strong case.

Webb, the leading infrared observatory run by NASA and the European and Canadian space agencies, has taken a closer look at super-Earth 55 Cancri e, an exoplanet blanketed in either carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide just 41 light-years away.

But to call it an "Earth-like world" would be misleading. Discovered 13 years ago in the constellation Cancer, the planet seems to orbit so close to its star, its surface is probably lava. And because it's hugging the star so tightly, chances are it isn't rotating either, with one side in constant darkness.

Still, the discovery could be the best evidence scientists have found of a rocky planet's atmosphere outside Earth's own solar system. Such a finding, published in the journal Nature, bolsters experts' confidence that they'll eventually discover rocky worlds with hospitable atmospheres.

"Webb is pushing the frontiers of exoplanet characterization to rocky planets," said Renyu Hu, a researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in a statement. "It is truly enabling a new type of science."

SEE ALSO: Webb may have just found an Earth-like world with an atmosphere Tweet may have been deleted

When exoplanets cross in front of their host star, the star’s light is filtered through that atmosphere. Molecules within the atmosphere absorb certain light wavelengths, or colors, so by splitting the star’s light into its basic parts — a rainbow — astronomers can use Webb to detect what light segments are missing and discern the molecular makeup of an atmosphere.

Scientists have found signs of atmospheres surrounding many exoplanets over the past 20 years, but all of them have been gas giant planets, like Jupiter, with thick atmospheres mostly composed of hydrogen.

Knowing what's in another planet's atmosphere is important. NASA has playfully called Earth's own atmosphere its "security blanket": Without it, the type of life flourishing on the planet wouldn't exist. This cocoon holds oxygen in the air and filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, all while keeping our world warm and habitable. Furthermore, it creates pressure that allows liquid water to exist on Earth's surface.

NASA made a travel poster-inspired illustration of what the exoplanet 55 Cancri e might look like. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech illustration

The first sign that 55 Cancri e could have a substantial atmosphere came from temperature readings based on the infrared light it radiates. If the planet is covered in dark molten rock with no atmosphere — or a very thin one of vaporized rock — the side in constant light should be about 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Instead, the researchers found a much lower temperature of about 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

"Webb is pushing the frontiers of exoplanet characterization to rocky planets," said Renyu Hu, a researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Credit: NASA GSFC / CIL / Adriana Manrique Gutierrez illustration

"This is a very strong indication that energy is being distributed from the dayside to the nightside, most likely by a volatile-rich atmosphere," Hu said.

While 55 Cancri e would seem far too hot to support life as we know it, scientists think studying it could enhance their understanding of the primitive conditions of Earth, Venus, and Mars, which some believe were also once covered in magma oceans.

"Ultimately, we want to understand what conditions make it possible for a rocky planet to sustain a gas-rich atmosphere: a key ingredient for a habitable planet,” Hu said.