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Ahead of Build 2024, Microsoft just dropped the new Surface Pro, a competitor to iPad — and we're curious about whether it can beat the popular Apple tablets.

Typically, a discussion about whether Microsoft Surface device can beat an Apple equivalent wouldn't be had, but there's something special about this Surface Pro. It's got the brand-spankin' new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip, a processor that claims to beat the M3 chips inside the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

And now that same chip is stuffed inside the Surface Pro. It may not have a chance to beat the M4 iPad Pro, but it may likely surpass the M2 iPad Air with ease. In other words, it may sit somewhere between the two in terms of performance.

SEE ALSO: MacBook Pro in trouble? New 'AI laptops' claim to be better, with one claiming 26-hour battery life Microsoft Surface Pro 11: Everything we know

According to Microsoft, the Surface Pro 11 is up to 90% faster than the previous generation. Plus, battery life is expected to be decent: 14 hours of video playback.

Credit: Microsoft

The power efficiency of the new Surface Laptop 7, also launched alongside the Surface Pro, is expected to be better (i.e., 20 hours), but 14 hours isn't half bad. But of course, we'll have to test these claims ourselves to be sure.

Microsoft Surface Pro specs

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite processor

• Qualcomm Adreno GPU

• 16GB or 32GB of RAM

• Up to 1TB of SSD storage

• 13-inch, 2,880 x 1,920-pixel display with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate.

You can also opt for an OLED display, too. The webcam is 1440p and you're getting two USB-C/USB4 ports on the tablet.

Quick look: How does the Surface Pro compare to the iPad?

The Microsoft Surface Pro is a tablet, but unlike the iPad, it comes with a built-in kickstand that allows you to prop it up at a convenient angle.

Credit: Microsoft

However, if you'd like to add a more comfortable, tactile typing experience to the Surface Pro, you'll need to grab a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, which is sold separately. You must, at the very least, spend $349 for one. The iPad, too, comes with a sold-separately Magic Keyboard, but it'll set you back at least $299.

Microsoft Surface Pro Credit: Microsoft

The iPad Air comes in 13 inches, too, but you can also get an 11-inch variant. Focusing on the 13-inch iPad Air, let's dive into some quick comparisons:

Surface Pro display: 13-inch, 2,880 x 1920-pixel panel

iPad Air display: 13-inch, 2,880 x 1,920-pixel panel

The only difference here is that the Surface Pro also comes with an OLED option. The iPad Air does not. If you do want OLED, you'll have to spend at least $999 for the iPad Pro.

13-inch iPad Pro Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Interestingly, Microsoft didn't publicize how bright the Surface Pro can get, but the iPad Air has a 600-nit display while the iPad Pro can climb to 1,600 nits peak brightness.

Mashable battery life test (TikTok rundown) for iPad Air: 13 hours and 10 minutes

Microsoft's claimed battery life for Surface Pro: 14 hours

The iPad Pro can last even longer. According to hour testing, it can last over 16 hours on a single charge.

13-inch iPad Air Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Surface Pro weight: 1.97

iPad Air weight: 1.36 pounds

The Surface Pro is slightly heavier than the iPad Air, but it doesn't even come close to the 13-inch iPad Pro, which is quite the featherweight at 1.28 pounds.

Surface Pro thickness: 0.37 inches

iPad Air thickness: 0.24 inches

The iPad Pro made headlines for being Apple's thinnest product ever at 0.20 inches thick.

13-inch iPad Pro Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The iPad Air isn't that slim, but it has an impressive thickness of 0.24 inches, which beats the Surface Pro.

iPadOS vs. Windows 11

It's also worth noting that iPadOS, the operating system on the iPad Air and iPad Pro, may be a little too limiting for users who want full-featured creator apps for a seamless workflow.

Windows 11, on the other hand, should offer a more all-encompassing environment, especially with Copilot being at the forefront of the operating system's functionality.

Surface Pro and AI

While the iPad line has its fair share of AI capabilities, it's more "in-your-face" with Copilot making a splash on the new Surface Pro. One interesting AI tool that it will be featured on the new Surface Pro is "Recall," which tracks everything you do on your PC, allowing you to revisit your activities later.

The Surface Pro comes in four colors: Sapphire, Dune, Black, and Platinum. It starts at $999 via Microsoft's official website — and it's available for pre-order now.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro 11 $999.00
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TL;DR: As of May 20, the newest iteration of the Microsoft Surface Pro is available to pre-order at the Microsoft Store. There are two different models — one with a Snapdragon X Plus processor and LCD display, and the other with a Snapdragon X Elite processor and OLED display. The former model starts at $999.99, and the latter at $1,499.99.

Quick links Snapdragon X Plus with LCD Display model Microsoft Surface Pro $999.99 at Microsoft Pre-order Now Snapdragon X Elite with OLED Display model Microsoft Surface Pro $1,499.99 at Microsoft Pre-order Now

Just as the Microsoft Surface Pro 10 enters the chat, another model follows soon after. Microsoft just announced the newest iteration of the Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Laptop ahead of the annual Build developer conference, and the reboot of the popular 2-in-1 looks to be pretty promising.

SEE ALSO: New Microsoft Surface Pro just dropped — how does it compare to the iPad?

Part of Microsoft's new line of Copilot+ PCs, the new Surface Pro features built-in AI-powered hardware, as well as a possible M3-chip-killer in the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors (both the Plus and Elite versions). According to Microsoft, this Surface Pro will run up to 90 percent faster than the previous model. Other promised perks include 5G support, up to 14 hours of battery life, and the optional Surface Pro Flex Keyboard (priced at $450), which finally supports Bluetooth and can be detached from the Pro during use.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 announced — and it's threatening the M3 MacBooks

The Surface Pro starts at $999.99, and comes with a Snapdragon X Plus processor and LCD display. If you want to upgrade to the Snapdragon X Elite processor and OLED display model, you'll have to shell out $1,499.99. And if you want the maximum specs for the new Surface Pro (32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage), it's going to cost you $2,099.99.

This story is developing...

TL;DR: The new Microsoft Surface Laptop is available for preorder through the Microsoft Store as of May 20. It comes in two sizes (13.8- and 15-inch) that start at $999.99 and $1,299.99, respectively.

Quick links: 13.8-inch model Microsoft Surface Laptop Starting at $999.99 in the Microsoft Store Pre-order Now 15-inch model Microsoft Surface Laptop Starting at $1,299.99 in the Microsoft Store Pre-order Now

A hot new MacBook rival enters the villa: Microsoft debuted a redesigned, AI-powered Surface Laptop ahead of its annual Build developer conference. It comes in 13.8- and 15-inch sizes starting at $999.99 and $1,299.99, respectively, and preorders are already live in the Microsoft Store ahead of its June 18 launch.

Billed as a new "Copilot PC+," the clamshell-style device features new Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips that may give Apple's M3 processor a serious run for its money. This CPU also "distinguishes it from the Intel-based Surface Laptop 6 for business that launched earlier this year," reports Mashable's Alex Perry.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 announced — and it's threatening the M3 MacBooks

The 13.8-inch Surface Laptop packs a Snapdragon X Plus or Elite chip, 16GB to 64GB of memory, and 256GB to 1TB of storage. It's available in four colors: black, platinum, a beige dune, and a sky-blue sapphire.

The 15-inch model only comes with the Snapdragon X Elite chip and in two colors (black or platinum), but it's configurable with the same RAM and storage options.

This story is developing...

Back in the day, "Mac vs. PC" was a big deal. They even made TV commercials about it. Thanks to the latest Microsoft Surface announcement, we might be back to that era.

Ahead of Microsoft Build 2024, the Windows maker announced its most powerful consumer-grade Surface Laptop yet. The new flagship Windows laptop from Microsoft itself packs in an "elite" new processor to potentially compete with the MacBook Pro currently on the market. It starts at $999 via Microsoft's official website.

SEE ALSO: Samsung shades Apple with 'Creativity cannot be crushed' ad after iPad promo backlash Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Everything we know

The big news with the new Surface Laptop is its new Snapdragon processor, which distinguishes it from the Intel-based Surface Laptop for business that launched earlier this year. That said, there are plenty of other stuff to like about it, too:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (13.8-inch model only) or Elite processor

• 13.8-inch or 15-inch display

• Dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz on both models

• 16GB or 32GB RAM

• 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB internal storage

• Up to 20 hours of battery life on video playback (13.8-inch model)

• Up to 22 hours of battery life (15-inch model)

As I said, the processor is the big story here. Rumors and analysis prior to Microsoft's official confirmation of the Surface Laptop 7 suggested it could be on par with the M3 MacBook Pro that launched last year, which is currently one of the best laptops on the market.

Of course, these days, a new processor has to do more than just bump up the Geekbench score. As The Verge noted, the new Surface Laptop has a bunch of built-in Copilot AI features that could give it a leg up over Apple's current offerings.

A new Recall feature lets you use AI to quickly search through files and documents on your PC, while on-device live translation could theoretically help out in video calls with people who speak other languages.

It will take more than just a beefier processor and some AI features to dethrone the MacBook line, but Microsoft sure is trying. Interested in snagging a Surface Laptop 7 for yourself? Here's where you can pre-order.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 $999.00 at Microsoft
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Newly unveiled AI laptops are making bold claims that may have Apple shaking its boots: they're faster, better, and more power-efficient than the MacBook.

As a laptop reviewer, when people ask, "Hey, which laptop has great performance and long battery life?", I often point them to the MacBook line. While some Windows laptops deliver stellar performance and offer up to 10 hours of battery life (on a good day), their energy efficiency (read: battery runtime) struggles to beat Apple laptops.

However, a new crop of Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite laptops I've got to touch and experience for a brief moment spell trouble for Apple, with one of them claiming they are coming for the MacBook Pro's throat.

SEE ALSO: I’m a Windows stan, but I just switched to a MacBook – 3 reasons I’m never going back HP comes for the MacBook's throne

HP gave Mashable a sneak peek of a new laptop that may knock the MacBook off its high horse: the HP OmniBook X 14.

HP OmniBook X 14 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

What is it about these laptops that make them a MacBook competitor? They're equipped with the — dun, dun, dun — Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor. Why is this a big deal? Well, it's threatening to outshine the M3-series chips stuffed inside MacBooks.

Qualcomm's mobile chipsets are best known for powering smartphones and VR headsets like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Meta Quest 3. But they're no stranger to laptops either. I've had the pleasure of reviewing laptops like the HP Elite Folio and the Samsung Galaxy Book Go. Both were packed with Snapdragon chips and had excellent battery life. But this year, Qualcomm is claiming that the new Snapdragon X Elite-based laptops will deliver great battery life and rival-beating performance.

One of those laptops from the HP realm is, as mentioned, the Snapdragon X Elite-packed HP OmniBook X 14.

But you may be wondering, "Which MacBook, exactly, is this HP laptop claiming to surpass?" The 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro. On top of being better than the M3 chip, HP boasts that the Omnibook has "record-breaking" battery life (up to 26 hours to be exact). Of course, I'll have to test this laptop to know for sure because this is quite the daring assertion!

HP OmniBook X 14 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The laptop also benefits from a dedicated NPU, which helps power AI tasks locally on the device. "Create and edit photos, audio, and video faster than ever with AI-enabled software that make pro features easy even for beginners," HP said in a press release.

I got to finagle around with the HP OmniBook X 14 for a bit, and my favorite aspect of it is that it still makes room for legacy ports (e.g., USB-A) with a drop-jaw design (even though it has a surprisingly slim profile).

HP OmniBook X 14 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

For a quick look at specs, the OmniBook X 14 comes with a Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 chip and can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage. It also comes with a 14-inch, 2,240 x 1,400-pixel display.

Lenovo has it out for the MacBook, too

Unlike HP, Lenovo doesn't have its crosshairs set for the mighty MacBook Pro, but it does have a target set on the MacBook Air — and yes, the one with the M3 chip.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Say hello to the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, another Apple rival that may send a shudder down the Cupertino-based tech giant's spine. Like the aforementioned HP laptops, the Yoga Slim 7x is packed with the star chipset of the year: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite.

It, too, has a dedicated NPU, allowing users to enjoy light AI productivity, which will facilitate easy-breezy editing workloads like adding fun effects to photos and videos for Instagram. Lenovo also claims that the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x has impressive battery life. But of course, we'll have to see about that when we test it ourselves.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. It's packed with a 14.5-inch display with a 2,944 x 1840-pixel panel and a 90Hz refresh rate.

After experiencing some time with the Yoga Slim 7x, I can confirm that Lenovo's "super thin" claims about it are true. It's also very light — seriously, its 2.8-pound featherweight chassis threw me for a loop. I also dig the high-contrast keyboard with the teal-blue keys, which looks striking against the dark deck.

When can you get these Apple rivals?

You can get the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x some time in June — and it has a starting price of $1,199. The HP laptop will also be available in June with starting price tags of $1,199 for the OmniBook X 14.

Again, both laptops are positioning themselves as Windows alternatives for MacBook users who want to make the jump into the PC world. However, I'd wait for our reviews to make sure these laptops are, indeed, solid MacBook competitors.

Save up to 65%: During HP's Memorial Day sale, you can find major savings on tech including laptops, printers, desktops, and gaming computers. In addition to 65% savings on tech, Accidental Damage Protection is 40% off and PC Care packs are 30% off.

Best HP Memorial Day deals Best laptop deal HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop $829.99 at HP (Save $370) Get Deal Best printer deal HP ENVY 6455e All-in-One Printer w/ bonus three months Instant Ink through HP+ $89.99 at HP (Save $60) Get Deal Best desktop computer deal HP Envy All-in-One 34-inch desktop $1,429.99 at HP (Save $570) Get Deal Best gaming computer deal Omen 16t-wf100 gaming laptop $1,029.99 at HP (Save $400) Get Deal

This Memorial Day, retailers are dropping their prices and offering major savings across summer gear and tech. HP is the latest to launch their Memorial Day sale, offering 65% off tech. The deals spread across HP's wide range of products including laptops, desktops, printers, and more. Plus, you can find markdowns on gaming equipment too.

If you want to protect your new devices, during the sale HP is also offering 40% off on Accidental Damage Protection. Most HP devices are covered by a one year warranty, but you'll find two- and three-year warranties majorly discounted too.

We've rounded up the best deals at HP this Memorial Day, but explore the full sale here.

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop $829.99 at HP
$1,199.99 Save $370.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're in the market for a laptop, you could go with a 2-in-1 that combines the processing speed of a laptop with the convenience of a tablet. The HP Envy x360 is a great option especially now that it's 30% off. You can find this HP laptop with touchscreen for $829.99 during the brand's Memorial Day sale, saving you $370. While you can use this laptop that comes with 16GB RAM and 1TB of storage as you normally would, you can also fold the keyboard over to turn it into a touchscreen tablet. The OLED display offers vibrant colors for those of us just looking to stream, but it's also a great opportunity for creatives looking to do design work.

More laptop deals

• HP 15-fd0047nr laptop — $449.99 $799.99 (Save $350)

• HP Pavilion 15t-eg300 laptop — $549.99 $999.99 (Save $450)

• HP Pavilion Plus 14z-ey100 laptop — $579.88 $849.99 (Save $270)

• HP 17-cn3097nr laptop — $649.99 $919.99 (Save $270)

• HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 14-eu0097nr laptop — $1,329.99 $1,649.99 (Save $320)

Best printer deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: HP ENVY 6455e All-in-One printer $89.99 at HP
$149.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Sure, most things have gone digital these days, but there's always some form that you need printed and signed. Don't waste money at the print shop, get a printer for under $100. The HP ENVY 6455e All-in-One printer can do it all: Printing, scanning, and copying. This Memorial Day, the multi-functional printer is down to $89.99, saving you $60 for 40% savings. As a huge bonus, this printer also comes with three months of Instant Ink with HP+ that monitors your ink levels and automatically sends you new cartridges when you're running low.

In fact, all of the printer deals you'll find at HP this Memorial Day comes with three complimentary months of Instant Ink so shop all the deals here.

More printer deals

• HP OfficeJet 8015e all-in-one printer — $99.99 $159.99 (Save $60)

• HP Envy Inspire 7955e all-in-one printer — $149.99 $219.99 (Save $70)

• HP Envy Inspire 7255e all-in-one printer — $159.99 $199.99 (Save $40)

• HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e all-in-one printer — $199.99 $289.99 (Save $90)

Best desktop computer deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: HP Envy all-in-one 34-inch desktop $1,479.99 at HP
$2,049.99 Save $570.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you like a large workspace that desktops offer, don't sleep on HP's memorial day sales. Our favorite desktop deal is the HP Envy all-in-one 34-inch desktop where you'll save $570, and get the computer for just $1,479.99. You can't beat the vast workspace of this desktop as it measures 34 inches. That's plenty of space to run all your different windows but don't worry — it also has 16GB RAM to keep things running.

More desktop computer deals

• HP 27-cr0000t all-in-one desktop — $449.99 $849.99 (Save $400)

• HP Envy TE01-4000 desktop — $479.99 $799.99 (Save $320)

• HP Pavilion 27-ca2000 all-in-one desktop — $779.99 $1,109.99 (Save $330)

• HP 24-cr0055t all-in-one desktop — $929.99 $1,169.99 (Save $240)

Best gaming computer deals Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: Omen 16t-wf100 gaming laptop $1,029.99 at HP
$1,429.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Loaded with the powerful Intel i7 processor and gorgeous NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 grapics, you can't go wrong with the Omen 16t-wf100 gaming laptop. During the HP Memorial Day sale, you can find this gaming laptop for $1,029.99, saving $400. The high resolution displays will make your games really pop, but the system won't get overloaded thanks to its internal cooling system. Upgrade your gaming set-up during the HP Memorial Day sale and score 27% savings.

More gaming computer deals

• HyperX QuadCast S microphone and gaming headset bundle — $164.99 $289.98 (Save $124.99)

• Omen by HP 31.5 inch QHD gaming monitor — $279.99 $399.99 (Save $120)

• Victus by HP 15t-fa100 gaming laptop — $699.99 $999.99 (Save $300)

• Victus by HP 15L TG02-1075t gaming desktop — $879.99 $1,399.99 (Save $520)

• Omen 40L GT21-1490xt Desktop — $1,649.99 $2,549.99 (Save $900)

DISCOVER SAMSUNG SUMMER SALE: Now through May 26, you can save on TVs, fridges, smartphones, and more during the Discover Samsung Summer Sale.

Discover Samsung Summer Sale: Day One deal Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,299.99 at Samsung (save $120) Get Deal Day One deal 65-inch Class OLED S95D TV $3,299.99 at Samsung (save $100) Get Deal

The Discover Samsung Summer Sale event is finally here, bringing six days of deals and unbeatable discounts on everything from high-end TVs to smartphones to household appliances and accessories. Through May 26, new deals will drop daily at 9 a.m. EST, lasting for just 24 hours.

Day One of the Discover Samsung Summer Sale includes hefty discounts on the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the 65-inch Class OLED S95D TV. You’ll also see savings on a wide range of other Samsung favorites, including smartwatches, earbuds, soundbars, tablets, and more.

Here's a closer look at Monday's top deals:

Day One deal: Galaxy S24 Ultra Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Day One deal: unlocked Galaxy S24 Ultra (512 GB) $1,299.99 at Samsung
$1,419.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Get an unlocked Galaxy S24 Ultra (512 GB) for just $1,299.99 (originally $1,419.99) at Samsung — a $120 savings! Plus, trade in your old device and save an additional $750.

The S24 Ultra has Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Generative Edit features that’ll make your current smartphone feel outdated.

Bonus: You can add a pair of Buds2 Pro ($229.99 value) to your cart for free when you purchase the Galaxy S24 Ultra during the Discover Samsung Summer Sale.

If you’re looking for a steeper discount, you can get the S24 Ultra at Best Buy or Amazon for $1,169.99. However, this doesn’t include the free Buds2 Pro.

Day One deal: 65-inch Class OLED S95D TV Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Day One deal: 65-inch Class OLED S95D TV $3,299.99 at Samsung
$3,399.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Take your home entertainment system to the next level with a 65-inch Class OLED S95D TV from Samsung, available for just $3,299.99 (save $100).

This TV features Samsung's advanced OLED technology, delivering true blacks, infinite contrast, and over a billion vibrant colors for a truly immersive viewing experience. The anti-reflective coating ensures a glare-free picture from any angle, even in bright rooms.

Gamers will appreciate the Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro 144Hz refresh rate and ultra-low input lag for a smooth and responsive gaming experience.

Best Buy matches this price, while Amazon has it for $3,297.99.

More Day One deals:

• 32-inch M80C smart monitor w/streaming TV, USB-C ergonomic stand, and SlimFit camera — $399.99 $699.99 (save $300)

• Bespoke Counter Depth 4-door Flex Refrigerator (23 cu. ft.) with AI Family Hub + and AI Vision Inside — $3,299 $5,099 (save $1,800)

Bundles and weeklong deals

Check out the list below for exciting weeklong deals, and remember to check back daily for new 24-hour flash sales throughout the Discover Samsung Summer Sale event!

Phones

• Galaxy S24+ (512 GB) — $999.99 $1,119.99 (save $120 + get an anti-reflecting screen protector for free)

• Galaxy Z Flip5 (256 GB) — save up to $500 with trade-in + $75 e-certificate with carrier activations (price starts at $999 before enhanced trade-in)

• Galaxy Z Fold5 (256 GB) — save up to $800 with enhanced trade-in + a $100 e-certificate with carrier activation (price starts at $1,799 before trade-in)

Laptops

• Galaxy Book4 — $649.99 $899.99 (save $250)

• Galaxy Book4 360 — $999.99 $1,349.99 (save $350)

• Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 — $1,399.99 $1,899.99 (save $500)

• Galaxy Book4 Ultra — $1,899.99 $2,399.99 (save $500)

Watches

• Galaxy Watch6 (40mm) — $239.99 $299.99 (save $60)

• Galaxy Watch5 Pro (45mm) — $379.99 $499.99 (save $120)

• Galaxy Watch5 Pro Golf (45mm) — $399.99 $499.99 (save $100)

Audio and TV

• 55-inch Class OLED S90C — $1,299.99 $1,899.99 (save $600)

• 43-inch Class Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90D — $1,399.99 $1,499.99 (save $100)

• Q-series 11.1.4 ch. wireless Dolby ATMOS soundbar Q990C — $1,399.99 $1,899.99 (save $500)

• 85-inch QE1C QLED 4K TV — $1,500 $2,799.99 (save $1,300)

• 65-inch Class OLED S90C — $1,599.99 $2,599.99 (save $1,000)

• 98-inch Class QLED 4K Q80C — $4,999.99 $7,999.99 (save $3,000)

Monitors

• 34-inch G85SB OLED Ultra WQHD 0.03ms(GtG) 175Hz curved smart gaming monitor — $799.99 $1,199.99 (save $400)

• 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 (G95SC) DQHD 240Hz 0.03ms G-Sync compatible curved smart gaming monitor — $1,199.99 $1,799.99 (save $600)

• 55-inch Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen. 4K UHD 165Hz 1ms(GtG) Quantum mini-LED curved gaming screen — $1,799.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,200)

AI models are still easy targets for manipulation and attacks, especially if you ask them nicely.

A new report from the UK's new AI Safety Institute found that four of the largest, publicly available Large Language Models (LLMs) were extremely vulnerable to jailbreaking, or the process of tricking an AI model into ignoring safeguards that limit harmful responses.

"LLM developers fine-tune models to be safe for public use by training them to avoid illegal, toxic, or explicit outputs," the Insititute wrote. "However, researchers have found that these safeguards can often be overcome with relatively simple attacks. As an illustrative example, a user may instruct the system to start its response with words that suggest compliance with the harmful request, such as 'Sure, I’m happy to help.'"

SEE ALSO: Microsoft risks billions in fines as EU investigates its generative AI disclosures

Researchers used prompts in line with industry standard benchmark testing, but found that some AI models didn't even need jailbreaking in order to produce out-of-line responses. When specific jailbreaking attacks were used, every model complied at least once out of every five attempts. Overall, three of the models provided responses to misleading prompts nearly 100 percent of the time.

"All tested LLMs remain highly vulnerable to basic jailbreaks," the Institute concluded. "Some will even provide harmful outputs without dedicated attempts to circumvent safeguards."

The investigation also assessed the capabilities of LLM agents, or AI models used to perform specific tasks, to conduct basic cyber attack techniques. Several LLMs were able to complete what the Instititute labeled "high school level" hacking problems, but few could perform more complex "university level" actions.

The study does not reveal which LLMs were tested.

AI safety remains a major concern in 2024

Last week, CNBC reported OpenAI was disbanding its in-house safety team tasked with exploring the long term risks of artificial intelligence, known as the Superalignment team. The intended four year initiative was announced just last year, with the AI giant committing to using 20 percent of its computing power to "aligning" AI advancement with human goals.

"Superintelligence will be the most impactful technology humanity has ever invented, and could help us solve many of the world’s most important problems," OpenAI wrote at the time. "But the vast power of superintelligence could also be very dangerous, and could lead to the disempowerment of humanity or even human extinction."

The company has faced a surge of attention following the May departures of OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and the public resignation of its safety lead, Jan Leike, who said he had reached a "breaking point" over OpenAI's AGI safety priorities. Sutskever and Leike led the Superalignment team.

On May 18, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and president and co-founder Greg Brockman responded to the resignations and growing public concern, writing, "We have been putting in place the foundations needed for safe deployment of increasingly capable systems. Figuring out how to make a new technology safe for the first time isn't easy."

Best deals for National Streaming Day 2024 Best streaming device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal Best streaming service deal Starz 99 cents for two months via the Roku Channel (Save $18) Get Deal

May 20 is National Streaming Day, meaning that before we officially enter the summer of the streaming bundle, you can get some of the best rates of the year on several streaming services if you know where to look.

Sadly, Hulu isn't back this year with their $2 for three months deal we've seen on Streaming Days past. However, the Roku streaming service, the Roku Channel, is offering a similar deal of 99 cents for two months of streamers like Cinemax, Stars, and the Lifetime Movie Club, offering better rates than if you were to buy direct from those streaming services.

SEE ALSO: It was tough, but we found the 24 best movies on Max

The Roku Channel is completely free to sign up for, and can be accessed through your web browser, a Roku streaming device, or an Amazon Fire TV device. Luckily, in addition to Roku's streaming service markdowns, Amazon and Roku have also marked down their streaming devices to celebrate the day.

The deals on subscriptions and Roku's players will be live through May 25: you'll find our favorite deals below, along with more of the best National Streaming Day deals for 2024.

Streaming device deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like this

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K supports 4K streaming and Dolby Vision. Even though it's not a Roku device, you can still get access to the Roku Channel (and therefore, all of the below streaming service deals). At $29.99, it's priced the same as Roku's 4K entry-level streaming stick, but unlike the Roku stick, Amazon Fire devices come with six months free of MGM+.

More streaming device deals

• Roku Express — $19 $29.99 (save $10.99)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• Roku Express 4K+ — $29 $39.99 (save $10.99)

• Roku Streaming Stick 4K — $34 $49.99 (save $15.99)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Roku Ultra — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Amazon Fire TV Cube — $109.99 $139.99 (save $20)

SEE ALSO: The best movies on Prime Video right now Streaming service deals Opens in a new window Credit: Starz Starz 99 cents for two months through the Roku Channel Get Deal Why we like this

At the time of writing, Starz's deal directly from their site is good, but not nearly as good as the one offered through Roku. With the Starz deal, you'll get three months of the service for $5 per month, compared to the $10 per month you'd pay at full price. With the Roku deal, you get two months of the service for just 99 cents, saving you $18 over the course of two months, as compared to Starz's full price, and $8 compared to their discount price.

More streaming service deals

Pay 99 cents for two months when you subscribe to the following services through the Roku Channel:

• Acorn TV

• A&E Crime Central

• ALLBLK

• BritBox

• Cinemax

• Fox Nation

• The Great Courses

• HiDive

• History Vault

• Lifetime Movie Club

• MGM+

• Shudder

• Hallmark Movies Now —Pay $1.99 for 2 months

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Ecobee Total Security and Savings Bundle $369.97 at Amazon (save $120) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones $38 at Amazon (save $21.99) Get Deal BEST BEAUTY TECH DEAL Revlon One Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 $33.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Anker Soundcore Space A40 ANC earbuds $49.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

Another week brings another hand-picked bundle of deals at Amazon just for you. We've found some impressive price drops on May 20, including all-time lows on Sony headphones, Soundcore earbuds, a TikTok favorite Revlon beauty tech tool, and a smarthome security system to bring you into the latest century.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Be sure to come back tomorrow for a new selection of deals as we inch closer to Memorial Day Weekend.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Ecobee Amazon deal of the day: Ecobee Total Security and Savings Bundle $369.97 at Amazon
$489.97 Save $120.00 Get Deal

Convert your living space into a smart home with the Total Security and Savings Bundle from Ecobee, which includes a smart doorbell camera, two smart sensors for windows and doors, and the Smart Thermostat Premium. A $489.97 value, the full package is on sale for just $369.97 — that's a savings of 24%. The smart doorbell camera gives you a second set of eyes outside your front door, with rich notifications and always-on security. The smart sensors will alert you to when specific doors and windows are opened, and the smart thermostat is a complete home monitoring hub that does more than just keep your home comfortable. It includes built-in smoke alarm detection and air quality monitoring, alerts you to possible break-ins when armed, doubles as a smart speaker, and more. Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) reviewed the Smart Thermostat Premium and awarded it with a 4.5 rating and Editor's Choice award.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones $38.00 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $21.99 Get Deal

They may not be Sony's top tier headphones, but the price, battery life, and comfort features make the WH-CH520s a solid pick. With up to 50 hours of battery life, you'll have plenty of time to listen on road trips, flights, and long commutes. And when you do run out of juice, a quick three-minute charge will get you another 1.5 hours of listening. The sound quality is totally customizable to your preference with the EQ Custom on the app; pick a preset to match the genre you're listening to or create your own. Typically $59.99, you can grab the Sony WH-CH520 headphones on sale for only $38 as of May 20 — that's 37% in savings and their lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Revlon Revlon One Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 $33.99 at Amazon
$48.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

When we tested the Revlon One Step back in 2022, we dubbed it one of the best Dyson Airwrap dupes on the market. Since then, we've found a few others that took that title away, but we still have a place in our hearts for the One Step — especially because of its price tag. Typically only $48.99, you can snag the One Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 in the Amazon-exclusive mint shade for only $33.99 as of May 20. That's 31% in savings and back down to its all-time low price. The newer Plus 2.0 model features an additional medium heat setting, a detachable head for travel and storage, a longer lasting motor, and a 2.4-inch oval head barrel for more volume.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Space A40 ANC earbuds $49.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Our friends over at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) reviewed the Soundcore Space A40 noise-cancelling earbuds and gave them an "excellent" rating. With 50 hours of audio playback, a fast-charging feature that delivers four extra hours of listening on a 10-minute charge, quality adaptive noise cancellation, and a price tag that won't break the bank, it's easy to see why they earned the PCMag Editor's Choice award. Typically $99.99 on a regular day, the buds are down to just $49.99 at Amazon as of May 20. That's a 50% price drop and matches their lowest price to date.

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

Rumors about Apple's plans to integrate ChatGPT into the the next big iOS update, iOS 18, are continuing to swirl.

As reported in Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman said that Apple's AI efforts have lagged behind rivals, but a new partnership with OpenAI could change the game.

SEE ALSO: How to get GPT-4o with free ChatGPT ChatGPT coming to iOS18?

Historically, Apple has focused on privacy and security, often processing AI tasks on-device rather than relying on cloud-based solutions. This approach has limited Siri's capabilities compared to competitors like OpenAI and Google's advanced AI models.

With iOS 18, Gurman said that Apple plans to introduce a mix of on-device and cloud-based AI features. Enhancements will include more conversational Siri interactions, improved auto-summarizing for notifications and news articles, better voice memo transcription, and AI-based photo editing. However, Gurman reports that Apple's generative AI technology is still not advanced enough to match the capabilities of leading chatbots like ChatGPT or Google's Gemini.

Apple is collaborating with OpenAI to bridge this gap by incorporating ChatGPT into iOS 18. This partnership aims to provide robust AI features while Apple continues to develop its own AI technology. The announcement of this collaboration is expected at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

OpenAI is pausing the "Sky" voice after being compared to Scarlett Johansson's character in the movie Her.

The ChatGPT maker confirmed that it was not Johansson's voice used for Voice Mode with GPT-4o, but it is pulling the voice for now. "We believe that AI voices should not deliberately mimic a celebrity's distinctive voice," said OpenAI in a blog post sharing how the voice actors for its Voice Mode feature were chosen.

Why OpenAI is pausing its Sky voice

"We’ve heard questions about how we chose the voices in ChatGPT, especially Sky," in a post on X. OpenAI is "working to pause the use of Sky" while it addresses those questions.

Tweet may have been deleted

OpenAI didn't elaborate on what those questions are, but the fact that the female Sky voice that sounds like the voice assistant that Joaquin Phoenix's character falls in love with in the sci-fi movie didn't sit well with people. The voice in a particular demo that sounded like it was flirting with the male demo-er and complimenting his hoodie was mocked on the Daily Show for its "horniness."

The Sky voice has been around since OpenAI first released Voice Mode in September of 2023 as one of five options to choose from in addition to "Breeze", "Cove", "Ember", and "Juniper". But OpenAI's announcement of GPT-4o, which brings these voice capabilities directly into the model, exclusively uses Sky, thus casting a spotlight on that particular voice. During the live demo, even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman picked up on the comparisons to Scarlett Johansson, when he posted, "her" on X.

Tweet may have been deleted

Despite Altman's knowing wink at the futuristic premise, OpenAI says Sky was not intended to imitate Scarlett Johansson's voice. Instead, according to OpenAI, the voices come from actors that were chosen based on characteristics such as timelessness, approachability, trustworthiness, confidence, inspiration, and charisma — all wrapped up in a rich and warm tone.

There has been lots of analysis about why female voices are often used for voice assistants. But this one met the wrong criteria; it sounded too much like Scarlett Johansson — and a little too excited to chat with its users.

All across the country, Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the season of summertime fun. Whether you like to fill yours with parties with family and friends, camping trips to your favorite sites, or hitting the trails hiking or biking, having the right portable speaker is essential.

Today's best portable speaker deals as of May 20: Best party speaker deal JBL Partybox Encore Essential Speaker $249.95 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best camping speaker deal JBL Charge 5 $139.95 at Amazon (save $40 ) Get Deal Best mini speaker deal JBL Clip 4 $49.95 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal

As of today, May 20, Amazon is already slashing prices on portable speakers as part of its Memorial Day Weekend Sale, where shoppers can save up to 40% on must-have items. This includes JBL portable speakers, which are on sale for up to 38% off. From the JBL Partybox Encore Essential Speaker to the JBL Clip 4, we've rounded up the best portable speaker deals for you to take advantage of today.

Best party speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Partybox Encore Essential Speaker $249.95 at Amazon
$299.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Music is the heartbeat of any party. With its deep bass and dynamic lights, the JBL Partybox Encore Essential Speaker takes yours to the next level. With six hours of playtime, you don't have to worry about keeping your speaker plugged in - it can go wherever the party is. And if that includes someplace by the waterside, that's okay, too. The speaker is splashproof, so spilled drinks or spray from the pool won't kill the vibe. When you shop today, it will arrive in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

Best camping speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Charge 5 $139.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A day of lawn games at the campsite or a night spent around a campfire won't be complete without the soundtrack of your favorite songs. That's why we love the JBL Charge 5: with a 20-hour battery life and a compact, waterproof design, this speaker is built for outdoor adventures. It even has a built-in power bank, so you can charge your phone when there's no outlet in sight. When you shop today's deal at Amazon, you'll get the JBL Charge 5 in time to pack it up for this weekend's adventures.

Best mini speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Clip 4 $49.95 at Amazon
$79.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The JBL Clip 4 takes the word portable to a whole different level. The mini-speaker fits in the palm of the hand and has an integrated carabiner so it can easily attach to your belt, backpack strap, or buckle. Though it's small in size, it still delivers JBL's signature powerful sound. With 10 hours of battery life, the JBL Clip 4 is equipped to handle long days following wherever the trail takes you. Since it's waterproof and dustproof, you can have peace of mind when it comes to the speaker's durability.

Memorial Day is still a handful of days away, but we're already seeing the sale prices roll in. Here are some of the best Amazon Memorial Day sale items to shop today.

Best Amazon Memorial Day Sale items to shop today Best tech deal Apple iPad Air (5th Generation) $399.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best summer prep deal Traeger Grills Pro 575 $599.95 at Amazon (save $200.04) Get Deal Best deal to treat yourself Amazon Kindle Scribe (32 GB) $279.99 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal Best summer self-care deal Hydro Flask All Around travel tumbler (40 ounce) $29.96 at Amazon (save $9.99) Get Deal Best vacuum deal iRobot Roomba 694 $179.99 at Amazon (Save $95) Get Deal

While we're still a few months away from shopping the mega deals during Prime Day 2024, Amazon is putting out some great deals during the Memorial Day Sale, which is already underway. It's an ideal time to grab anything you'll need for the summer season ahead, like upgrades to tech, kitchen appliances for summer projects, or a new e-reader for relaxing afternoons spent in the shade.

If you're in the market for some fresh items before summer, here is our list of the best Amazon Memorial Day Sale items to shop today. We expect sale items to continue rolling in as we approach May 27, so keep an eye on this page as we update it with additional deals.

Check out the full list of Amazon Memorial Day Sale deals here.

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple iPad Air (5th generation) $399.00 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

These days, a tablet holds just as much power as a laptop, and Apple's iPad Air (5th generation) proves it. The fruit brand just debuted their latest iPad models this spring, and while that means that there are technically more advanced tablets available, it also means the older, but still impressive iPads are available at deep discounts. This Memorial Day, the iPad Air (5th Generation) is down to its lowest price ever of $399. That's $200 off and 33% savings.

In Mashable's review of the iPad Air by Stan Schroder, he was throughly impressed by the performance. It scored a 4.5/5, earning it a Mashable Choice Award. Loaded with Apple's M1 chip, it's almost excessively powerful for your typical tablet needs of streaming shows, reading e-books, or browsing the web. But that also makes it a great option for people who want to use their iPad like a laptop.

More tech deals:

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K — $29.99 $49.99 (Save $20)

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet (16GB, 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription) — $69.99 $109.99 (Save $40)

• Amazon Echo Show 8 — $94.99 $149.99 (Save $55)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet — $94.99 $139.99 (Save $45)

• Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series HD smart TV — $149.99 $249.99 (Save $100)

• Beats Studio Pro — $249.95 $349.99 (Save $100.04)

• Garmin inReach Mini 2 — $299.99 $399.99 (Save $100)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones — $328 $399.99 (Save $71.99)

• Apple AirPods Max — $449.99 $549 (Save $99.01)

Best summer prep deal Opens in a new window Credit: Traeger Our pick: Traeger Grills Pro 575 $599.95 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $200.04 Get Deal Why we like it

What's summer without backyard barbecues? If your old charcoal grill is looking sad, the impressive Traeger Grills Pro 575 is on sale for $599.95, down from the normal price of $799.99 which means you'll be scoring a savings of $200.04. The Traeger uses wood pellets to fuel the grill rather than gas or charcoal and can reach a max temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Adding to the impressive upgrades, the Traeger grill can connect to your home's WiFi which gives you control of the grill via the associated app on your phone or tablet. This means you can turn down the heat while inside prepping the potato salad.

The Traeger Grills Pro 575 has 575 square inches of grilling space which the brand says can fit 24 burgers, five racks of ribs, or four chickens.

More summer prep deals:

• Amazon Basics portable camping chair — $21.52 $29.99 (Save $8.47)

• Columbia women's Newton Ridge hiking boots — $42 $100 (Save $58)

• Columbia men's Newton Ridge hiking boots — $49.39 $100 (Save $50.61)

• Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler (150 quarts) — $102.60 $129.99 (Save $27.39)

• Osprey Poco LT lightweight child carrier backpack — $179.99 $240 (Save $60.01)

• Thule EasyFold XT 2-hitch bike rack — $678.95 $999.95 (Save $321)

Best deal to treat yourself Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Kindle Scribe (32GB) $279.99 at Amazon
$389.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Summer is a great time to take it slow and relax. If 2024 has felt chaotic in a less-than-ideal way, take some time to unwind this summer with the Amazon Kindle Scribe, which doubles as an e-reader and a notebook. The Amazon Memorial Day sale brings the price down to $279.99 which is $110 off the normal price of $389.99. You'll be free to enjoy all those books you've been meaning to get around to on the Kindle Scribe's large 10.2-inch screen, which is the largest of any Kindle.

But what's unique about the Scribe is the ability to use it as a journal. Sketch, draw, write, and take notes in the margins of books with the Kindle Scribe. The included Premium Pen allows users to write handwritten notes and easily covert them into text later or create folders to keep your projects organized.

If you're looking to take it easy this summer and savor the warm afternoon breeze with a book or a journal entry, the Kindle Scribe is a great investment.

Best summer self-care deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hyrdro Flask Our pick: Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler $29.96 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $9.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If you struggle with staying hydrated, welcome to the club. It's easy to think drinking water would be no issue, but actually downing the ounces throughout the day can be an issue. With summer temps requiring even more hydration, grab the 40 oz Hydro Flask All Around travel tumbler to help keep you drinking water this summer. The double-wall design means your preferred drinks will stay cold and the flexible straw makes taking a quick sip a second-nature task.

More summer self-care deals

• Hydroflask stainless steel 32 oz. water bottle — $33.69 $44.95 (Save $11.26)

Best vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Our pick: iRobot Roomba 694 $179.99 at Amazon
$274.99 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The iRobot Roomba 694 is an already affordable option from the makers of the most powerful robot vacuum we've tested. This Memorial Day, you can save 35% on the vacuum and score it for $179.99. For under $200, the Roomba 694 will sweep up debris with its powerful motor and at the end of its cleaning cycle, tuck itself back into its charging station. Its sensors detect furniture and edges, so it won't go tumbling down the stairwell either. If you want to get your house ready for summer guests, let the Roomba 694 do the cleaning for you.

More vacuum deals

• Dyson V8 cordless vacuum — $349.99 $469.99 (Save $120)

• Shark AV2310AE Matrix robot vacuum — $349.99 $449.99 (Save $100)

• Roborock Q8 Max robot vacuum — $399.99 $599.99 (Save $200)

• iRobot iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO and Braava jet m6 bundle — $498.99 $899 (Save $400.01)

Memorial Day Weekend kicks off in just four days. Before you pack up the car and head for the mountains, lakes, or city, there's time to shop early deals this week at Amazon as part of the retailer's Memorial Day Weekend Sale, where prices are up to 40% off.

Today's best Memorial Day Weekend tablet deals at Amazon: Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air 5th Generation (10.9-inch, WiFi, 64GB) $399 at Amazon (save $200 ) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet 2023 (10.1-inch, WiFi, 32GB) $94.99 at Amazon (save $45) Get Deal Best Samsung tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (11-inch, WiFi, 128GB) $219.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

Amazon's Memorial Day Weekend Sale is an excellent time to save on big tech purchases, like headphones and speakers. As of today, May 10, it's also a smart time to score tablets, with Apple, Amazon, and Samsung tablets on sale for $45 - $200 off.

Best iPad Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 5th Generation (10.9-inch, WiFi, 64GB) $399.00 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With the brand-new Apple iPad Air newly launched, we're seeing the previous model Apple iPad Air 5th Generation (10.9-inch, WiFi, 64GB) hit its lowest price on record at $399. This model gives folks an affordable way to enjoy an iPad that's comparable in power to a Macbook thanks to its use of the Apple M1 Chip. Plus, it's sleek and light, making it an excellent option for tackling creative projects and staying connected with work when you're traveling and on the go.

Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet 2023 (10.1-inch, WiFi, 32GB) $94.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For under $100, you can score the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet 2023 (10.1-inch, WiFi, 32GB) and have your favorite entertainment right at your fingertips. An ideal tablet for streaming, reading, gaming, and video calling, the Amazon Fire HD 10 has an ultra-clear screen, a 5 MP camera, and a 13-hour battery life. These features work together to make your experiences even more immersive - and reliable.

Best Samsung tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (11-inch, WiFi, 128GB) $219.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're a multitasker, then you'll love the support that the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (11-inch, WiFi, 128GB) gives you: with ease, you can see and use multiple apps at once, seamlessly juggling multiple tasks, such as watching a video lecture and taking notes. With 128GB of storage, you can keep everything you need securely in one place. At $219.99, this tablet is at its second-lowest price to date, making today an opportune time to buy.

"Deadpool & Wolverine," the MCU's first "Deadpool" movie, hits theaters July 26.

Sony unveils a prototype of a microsurgery assistance robot which can support surgeons operating on small tissues, nerves and veins.

If you mainly watch television on streaming services like Netflix and Max, you might be missing the one great community aspect of cable — live TV.

Launched in 2017, YouTube TV brings you what you're missing without cable — kind of. You choose a plan that's right for you, and you've got entertainment, news, live sports, and more at your fingertips. It's similar to other live TV streaming services, like Hulu + Live TV. Now you don't have to mute dozens of words on social media before you can catch up on your favorite shows.

SEE ALSO: Why I finally switched from Sling to YouTube TV

If you're thinking about subscribing to YouTube TV, here's what you need to know before signing up.

How much is YouTube TV?

YouTube TV starts at $72.99 per month for the Base Plan (it's currently $57.99 for your first three months), and increases with each add on you choose. The price has more than doubled since launching — it was initially $35 per month in 2017 — and has been jacked up several times over the last few years with various licensing deals.

What can you watch on YouTube TV?

It depends on what add-ons you choose, but YouTube TV lets you stream live and local sports, news, shows from more than 100 channels. The Base Plan includes major networks like NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX, sports networks like ESPN, NBA, and MLB and NFL — YouTube TV was the exclusive home of the NFL Sunday Ticket in 2023. The Base Plan also includes some 100 plus more channels, including PBS, TNT, BET, TBS, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon.

Add-on networks include AMC+, HBO's Max, Shudder, STARZ, Fox Soccer Plus, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and more — each with its own price point.

Each area has a different list of local and regional programming, of course, but you can see which networks are provided in your area with YouTube TV by putting your zip code in on its site.

You also have unlimited space to store recorded shows, allowing you to rewind, fast forward, and pause whenever you want — your recordings are kept for nine months.

How many people can use YouTube TV?

The Base Plan includes three simultaneous streams, meaning one person can be watching a show on their phone while another is watching a show in the living room and a third person is watching a show on their laptop. And it's six accounts per household.

What is the downside of YouTube TV?

Add-ons aren't included, so if you want to upgrade your TV experience by adding networks, sports, Spanish language TV, and 4K, you'll have to shell out some extra money. And, when your starting point is already $73 every month, those add-ons can really add up.

YouTube has also recently made ads unskippable on YouTube TV.

If you want a first-hand account, Mashable's Alex Perry wrote about why he switched from Sling to YouTube TV. And if you're not into YouTube TV after subscribing, here's how to cancel it.

If you ever find yourself with the need to combine several PDFs into one single file, you may be immediately frustrated: It's not immediately obvious how to achieve what you're trying to do.

Luckily, Adobe, the creator of the PDF, offers a super-simple and free online tool that will help you combine your files in a matter of minutes. Read on for an easy-to-follow walkthrough that will show you exactly what you need to do to successfully combine two or more PDFs.

SEE ALSO: How to save locations in Google Maps How to merge PDFs using Adobe Acrobat's online tool

Adobe's free online tool to combine PDFs offers a clean and simple interface that's easy to understand. Notably, Adobe says, "Your files will be securely handled by Adobe servers and deleted unless you sign in to save them."

Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Desktop or laptop
• Adobe Acrobat

Step 1: Open Adobe Acrobat's online tool.

The URL is https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/merge-pdf.html.

Step 2: Drag your PDF files into the "Merge PDFs" box or click the "Select Files" button to add files.

Credit: Screenshot: Adobe

Step 3: Once you've uploaded your PDF files, you can add more or move them around.

Credit: Screenshot: Adobe.

Step 4: Click the "Merge" button toward the top right of your screen.

Step 5: Sign in to generate the file for download.

You will need to sign in with your Google, Facebook, or Apple account to download the file, or by creating an account with your email address and a password.

Step 6: Adobe will open your newly merged PDF in a new tab, where you can edit it or download the file.

Hit the download button in the top menu. This page also gives you further options to edit your file, including the ability to reorganize the pages, split the PDF, edit it, convert it into an alternative file format such as a JPEG or Word file, and to add a comment.

Credit: Screenshot: Adobe.

And there you have it! Meanwhile, if you're dealing with long, dense PDFs, there's a new Adobe 'AI Assistant' that will tackle them for you.

House of the Dragon Season 2 is on the horizon, and judging by the trailer it's going to be every bit as dramatic as the first season.

But in terms of sheer WTF factor, can Season 2 really hope to top Season 1? Let's recap the most shocking moments in House of the Dragon so far, so we can establish the bench mark.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 wish list: Everything we want to see 1. Queen Aemma dying in childbirth (episode 1) 'House of the Dragon' starts on a truly grim note. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

The first key death in House of the Dragon sets the tone for what's to come. Queen Aemma Arryn (Sian Brooke) goes into labor at the end of episode 1, but there are complications. Her husband, King Viserys (Paddy Considine), is called into the room and told that the maesters may be able to save his son by carrying out a caesarean section, but the procedure will result in the death of his wife. Forced to choose, he tells them to go ahead. It's a truly horrifying sequence made even more upsetting by the fact that the child dies anyway shortly after the Queen passes.*

2. Otto Hightower encouraging his daughter to comfort King Viserys (episode 1) Otto, no. Credit: HBO

Nothing says "creepy" quite like sending your teenage daughter to comfort your much older friend, almost immediately after the passing of his wife. "He'll be glad of a visit," says ever-sneaky Hand of the King Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) to 17-year-old Alicent (Emily Carey), sending her to King Viserys' chambers before adding: "You might wear one of your mother's dresses." Ick! Using your own daughter as a pawn to climb the ranks is not it, Otto!

3. Daemon and Rhaenyra sneaking into town together (episode 4) Go home. Separately. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

No, no, no, no. Look, we know the Targaryens were all about the incest, but that doesn't make 30-something Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) casually hooking up with his 17-year-old niece Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) any less disturbing. In episode 4, after helping Rhaenyra sneak out of the Red Keep, Daemon proceeds to show his niece some of King's Landing's seedier attractions — and it all ends in a brothel, exactly how you think it's going to. On the one hand, OK, we're used to seeing this kind of thing in the Game of Thrones world, primarily with twins Cersei and Jaime Lannister. But what makes this particular incest scene even more grim is the very large age gap. Here's hoping they dial it back in Season 2.

4. Larys Strong murdering his family (episode 6) This guy. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

We don't actually see Harwin Strong's (Ryan Corr) death, which happens within a fire at Harrenhal, but we do see the build-up. What pushes this one into WTF territory is the fact that Harwin's father, Lord Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes), dies alongside him in the blaze — and what makes it even worse is the fact that Harwin's own brother Larys (Matthew Needham) was the one who arranged for the building to be burned down, purely because he thinks it'll make Alicent (Olivia Cooke) happy. WTF, Larys?*

5. Laena Velaryon dying in childbirth (episode 6) Laena's is the most shocking death in 'House of the Dragon' so far. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell), daughter of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and Lord Corlys Velaryon (Eve Best and Steve Toussaint), and Daemon's wife, endures the most gruesome, harrowing death of House of the Dragon.

In yet another horrifying childbirth sequence in episode 6, we once again see a maester giving a father unimaginable news after complications arise in labor: a fatal c-section is the only way to potentially save the baby. Daemon asks if Laena will survive the procedure, and when the answer is "no", it's clear Laena hears the exchange. She decides to take her fate into her own hands. Laena staggers outside and gives her dragon Vhagar one last order, "Dracarys," which the dragon visibly struggles with, before burning her and her unborn child to death. A truly upsetting scene.*

6. Aemond losing an eye (episode 7) A vicious fight between kids. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Bloodthirsty fights are pretty standard fare in House of the Dragon, but the high levels of violence are always nastier when children are involved. In episode 7 the fight is all children, with a young Prince Aemond (Leo Ashton) pummelling multiple cousins after he manages to tame Laena Velayron's dragon Vhagar after her death (see number six). Laena's daughters Baela (Shani Smethurst) and Rhaena (Eva Ossei Gerning) take issue with his perceived dragon theft and all hell breaks loose, culminating in Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault), Rhaenyra's son, slashing Aemond across the face with a dagger, leaving the boy with one eye and a lot of internalised anger.

7. Laenor Velaryon's fake death (episode 7) What a ruse! Credit: HBO

This one makes WTF status purely because of its complexity. At the end of episode 7, in order to carry out their plan of marrying each other, Rhaenyra and Daemon (you know, your favourite niece/uncle couple) appear to have Rhaenyra's current husband Laenor Velayron (John MacMillan) killed. But all is not as it seems. The final scene in the episode is double-take worthy, as we see the still very much alive Laenor boarding a boat with his lover Ser Quarl Correy (Arty Froushan) and fleeing to pastures new. You can read our full explainer here, but in a nutshell the death was faked — the real victim was a servant.

8. Princess Rhaenys bursting through the floor atop a dragon (episode 9) OK this ruled. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Talk about making an entrance. In episode 9, midway through the coronation of King (shudder) Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best) — who has been semi-imprisoned in the Red Keep — decides to make things a little more interesting by smashing her way through the floor on the back of her dragon Meleys. It's not WTF in the gross way that many of these moments are, but it's certainly shocking to watch a cheering crowd suddenly becoming screaming dragon fodder.

9. Lucerys getting chomped (episode 10) Dragon snack. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

You've got to feel a bit sorry for Lucerys Velaryon. The minute he steps into Storm's End and sees Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) — whose eye he obliterated years earlier (see number seven) — you know things aren't going to end well. Exactly how not well is made clear once he tries to flee on his dragon Arrax, only for Aemond to give chase on his significantly larger dragon Vhagar. Arrax goes rogue and breathes fire on the chasing dragon, only for Vhagar to decide enough is enough: He goes against his master's wishes and basically chomps both Arrax and Lucerys in two. One of the major moments of the Season 1 finale, it's not the most gruesome death in the series – you don't really see much gore – but it's certainly a shocking one.*

*This blurb has appeared on a previous Mashable list.

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