What you need to know

• RedMagic debuts the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro in China, which will debut as the Astra 2 in global markets (announcement later in July).
• The tablet features a 9-inch 2.4K display with a maximum 185Hz refresh rate, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and more RedMagic AI for optimized gameplay.
• The Gaming Tablet 5 Pro features a large 8,300mAh battery with 80W wired charging in China.
• Consumers will find the tablet in black and silver colorways, starting at 5,299 RMB (~$780).

After earlier teasers, RedMagic is finally ready to debut its latest compact gaming tablet. This tablet boasts powerful specs, ready to take on the world of eSports.

Early this morning (June 30), RedMagic shared details about the launch of the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro in China. However, it adds that global users will see this debut as the Astra 2, the successor to the original Astra, in 2025. Driving the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro forward is its compact design. RedMagic states it's equipped with a 9.06-inch display with "narrow" 4.9mm bezels. The tablet's screen-to-body ratio is reportedly 90%, meaning RedMagic's attempts to immerse you in games might shine even brighter.

The 2.4K OLED display features a 185Hz refresh rate; however, users will have multiple refresh rate options. The tablet can switch between 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz, alongside the highest choice.

Your reactions and the device's response time can be the deciding factor in many multiplayer games. If you're on it but your hardware isn't, that could spell defeat. RedMagic states its Gaming Tablet 5 Pro improves on its response times with Synaptics S3930 touch solution. Precision, sensitivity, and lower input lag are the hallmarks of this solution.

On the other hand, devices get hot—every mobile gamer knows this. To help, the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro offers liquid cooling. RedMagic reports this is the first tablet in the industry to deploy such a cooling tactic. Internally, the tablet features an ultra-thin micro pump that continuously "circulates coolant through nano-sealed tubing with minimal power consumption..." What's more, several internals, such as the tablet's vapor chambers and heat dissipation hardware, help keep the device cool.

What brings RedMagic's newest tablet together is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. Not only does the company highlight this tablet's strengths in "portable gaming," but it places its own RedCore R4 gaming chip and Energy Cube 3.0 engine right beside it. Elsewhere, a mobile gaming device is nothing without a capable battery, and that's where its 8,300mAh cell comes into play.

While the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is RedMagic's China model, its battery differs from that of the global Astra 2.

RedMagic says the Chinese version will feature 80W fast charging. Once the Astra 2 debuts, we'll know for sure what charging wattage it will provide. The company's 1227 stereo speaker system enhances the tablet's audio for "richer bass response, greater spatial depth, and immersive audio for gaming, movies, and music." AI is another aspect RedMagic has worked on to assist gamers.

Its OS 11.5 software introduces MORA AI Agent 2.0 to optimize gameplay and assist with everyday tasks.

eSports and more

RedMagic's efforts in building a capable gaming tablet have resulted in validation for use in eSports environments. The press release states, "The device has received official certification across multiple top-tier mobile esports competitions spanning FPS, MOBA, racing, and tactical shooter genres, demonstrating its ability to meet the demanding standards of professional gaming."

With the official launch underway in China, the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is offered in black and silver colorways. Additionally, users in China will find it available in the following RAM/storage options: 12/256GB, 12/512GB, and 16/1TB. The Gaming Tablet 5 Pro starts at 5,299 RMB (~$780).

It's worth remembering that this device will launch as the RedMagic Astra 2 in global markets. More details are set to be revealed on July 17. RedMagic warns that certain features, specs, and configurations may differ between global and Chinese markets, so its upcoming announcement will be important.

Android Central's Take

I'm always for devices that can run games well. By that, I mean there's very little input lag, little FPS drop, and the like. It's a struggle, obviously. Mobile devices are a bit more limited in what they can do due to size and internals. But RedMagic's continued to hammer away at solving that, and the upcoming Astra 2 is no different. Receiving strong eSport validation is a sign that this tablet can hold it's own, and for some pretty big tournament names, like Call of Duty: Mobile Masters and Arena Breakout Vanguard Cup.

The 4th of July is swiftly approaching, and Best Buy is marking the occasion by dropping hundreds of outstanding deals across its site. Whether you want a kitchen appliance, smart TV, or top-rated smartphone, there is no shortage of discounts to check out this week.

That said, if you don't feel like scrolling through page after page of products to find the right deal for you, you're in luck: I've picked out all of the best discounts for Android users and dropped them below.

These offers range from deals like 52% off the Samsung S90F OLED TV, no strings attached, to this Prime Day-level $600 discount on the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025). Needless to say, there are plenty more offers where those came from, so keep reading for all of my favorites.

• Best Buy's 4th of July sale is LIVE: see the full list of deals

Phones

Wearables

Tablets and Chromebooks

Headphones and earbuds

Smart TVs

When does Best Buy's 4th of July sale end?

Best Buy's 4th of July sale ends Sunday, July 5th, which gives you a little less than a week to explore the retailer's discounts.

What you need to know

• Google's NotebookLM now condenses massive documents and notes into 60-second, TikTok-style vertical videos.
• The feature is fueled by Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite Image, Google’s fastest and most cost-efficient image generation model, boasting four-second render times.
• Google is also previewing a robust full-video generation model that supports natural language editing, multimodal inputs, and native audio syncing.

Nobody really enjoys reading through a massive stack of notes or a 50-page research document when they're cramped for time. Google knows this, and so it’s rolling out a huge upgrade to NotebookLM that takes your uploaded documents and turns them into bite-sized, 60-second AI-generated videos.

For the uninitiated, NotebookLM started out as a simple AI research assistant, but it’s now a powerful learning tool. The latest feature, Short Video Overviews, expands on the Cinematic Video Overviews we saw earlier. But the real star of the show is the engine that powers it: Google's new Nano Banana 2 Lite.

Officially dubbed Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite Image, Nano Banana 2 Lite is Google’s fastest and most cost-efficient image generation model to date. You get a whopping four-second image generation time and a big jump in visual quality over the original Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (the first Nano Banana). This engine combines world knowledge with rock-solid consistency of character. It lets you quickly sketch accurate scenes, develop storyboarding tools and render legible typography for localized ads without compromising object fidelity.

Using Short Video Overviews in NotebookLM activates this model, which condenses your sources into a vertical video packed with narrative explanations and educational animations. It's purpose-built for people revising notes, presentations, or lengthy PDFs who just want the key takeaways. Before generating, you simply select "Short" from the output formats (alongside Explainer and Cinematic), pick your specific sources, and set the video's focus using a custom prompt or a suggested topic.

Alongside this, Google also pushed Gemini Omni Flash into public preview. This model is aimed at full video generation, with conversational editing (relighting scenes and swapping characters with natural language) and multimodal inputs. It has native audio pairing for each video output and syncs on-screen text with kinetic movements.

Short Video Overviews aren't available to everyone just yet. The feature begins rolling out over the coming weeks to English-speaking users aged 18 and older. When it goes live, you’ll be able to access it on the web, Android and iOS, whether you’re signed into a regular consumer account or Google Workspace.

Android Central's Take

If you’re a student cramming for finals or someone who hates reading dense reports, turning a 50-page PDF into a digestible, TikTok-style recap is a massive win. But are we really so allergic to actual reading that we need an AI to hallucinate a 60-second clip from our notes? Google wants to sell the service as the ultimate productivity hack, but it feels disturbingly like a crutch for our fast-shrinking attention spans.

What you need to know

• Motorola's new Moto Tag 2 arrives in North America with Bluetooth 6.0, UWB support, Google Find Hub integration, and over 500 days of battery life.
• It adds Find My Phone, remote camera controls, location sharing, IP68 durability, privacy protections, and support for third-party accessories.
• The Moto Buds 2 Plus are getting new looks with Swarovski-studded Brilliant Collection and new Pantone color options while keeping the same hardware.

Motorola’s connected ecosystem is getting a little boost, but only one of its latest accessories is actually new. The company is bringing the all-new Moto Tag 2, an upgraded Bluetooth tracker that includes newer wireless technology, longer battery life, and tighter integration with Google's Find Hub network, to North America along with fresh color options for the Moto Buds 2 Plus.

In North America, the Moto Buds 2 Plus are available in the eye-catching Brilliant Collection, which pairs a PANTONE Violet Indigo finish with Swarovski crystals, or a more understated PANTONE Cool White. There is also a Canadian PANTONE Silhouette option available.

The Brilliant Collection includes 12 Swarovski crystals embedded in each earbud, plus another 41 hand-placed crystals around the Motorola logo on the charging case.

The styling is new, but the hardware is the same. The Moto Buds 2 Plus still have Sound by Bose tuning, dual 11mm dynamic drivers with Knowles balanced armature drivers, Hi-Res Audio support, Spatial Audio on compatible Motorola phones, and Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation. Transparency Mode and six microphones with CrystalTalk AI also return to enhance calls and keep users aware of their surroundings when necessary.

Motorola hasn't skimped on features, either. Bluetooth 6.0, dual-device connectivity with auto-switching, wear detection, customizable EQ, Bass Boost, low-latency Gaming Mode, Audio Share, Fit Test, and Motorola AI integrations are still present on compatible devices.

Battery life is rated at up to nine hours on the earbuds alone, or up to 40 hours with the charging case, with a quick 10-minute top-up delivering up to two hours of listening. The earbuds also boast an IP54 rating, while the charging case comes with an IPX2 splash resistance rating.

Pricing hasn’t changed much either. The Swarovski Brilliant Collection edition is priced at $200 in the US, while the PANTONE Cool White version is $150. Availability begins June 30 through Motorola’s online stores.

The bigger announcement is the Moto Tag 2. Motorola's new Bluetooth tracker includes Bluetooth 6.0 with Channel Sounding and supports Ultra Wideband (UWB) on compatible Android phones, helping you locate lost items more accurately.

It also works with Google’s Find Hub network, so Android users can find tagged items through the crowdsourced network of devices.

Motorola is also emphasizing practicality. The Moto Tag 2 runs for more than 500 days on a user-replaceable CR2032 battery, carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and works with Android 9 and newer devices.

In addition to basic item tracking, it has Find My Phone, remote camera controls, location sharing, unwanted tracking alerts, and end-to-end encryption and works with third-party accessories. Those additions make it more versatile and address growing privacy concerns around Bluetooth trackers.

What you need to know

• Recently, the World Power Consortium held a Qi Off-Cycle meeting at Xiaomi's HQ in Beijing, China.
• Xiaomi and several more companies were there to discuss a new Qi2 charging standard: 50W.
• The major talks have concluded, but there's more work to be done, and it's been reported that Qi2 50W might not debut until 2028.

Times are changing, and it looks like the World Power Consortium (WPC) wants to upgrade Qi2 to match what consumers are looking for.

It was reported by ITHome (Chinese) that the WPC's Qi Off-Cycle meeting at Xiaomi's HQ in Beijing, China, was to discuss the future of the wireless charging standard (via 9to5Google). Specifically, Xiaomi is spearheading the future of Qi2 by chasing a 50W charging standard. The publication reports that Xiaomi is focused primarily on "small inductance, low voltage, high power solutions" (machine-translated). Each of these is said to directly influence safety/charging efficiency, coil module loss, and more.

In short, what this new 50W direction wants to solve is "high-powered wireless charging."

The publication states that the meeting featured Xiaomi, as well as "over 20 companies" that have been working alongside it and the WPC to advance the Qi2 wireless standard. The companies met in Beijing to talk about Qi2's 50W "interoperability verification" and to highlight the prototype testing stage. These companies have been encouraged to continue working together to push 50W through, so the market (and consumers) can see it in their future phones.

However, there's nothing official just yet. Right now, what Xiaomi and its partners have been working on is just the groundwork. It's been reported that following Xiaomi's partnerships with domestic companies, Qi2 50W could be a reality by 2028.

25W was almost a year ago

Let's not forget that in July 2025, the WPC announced Qi2 v2.2.1. The version numbers equates to the wireless charging we have today: 25W. The WPC highlighted this new version as being "more powerful" than the original Qi2. A primary critique from consumers about wireless charging is its speeds. They're slow. The latest 25W version aimed to solve that, but it hasn't quite nailed that yet.

Charging speeds were previously stuck at 15W, and now they're 25W. However, if Xiaomi has anything to say about it, things won't stay there for long. It's not satisfied with 25W charging, and consumers aren't either. At the time, iPhones were among the first to bring this to its consumers, with Android makers adopting it soon after. There's a chance we'll see a similar occurrence whenever Qi2 50W arrives.

The WPC was also confident that even more Android phones would see Qi2, and that's thanks to Google and Samsung.

What you need to know

• Walmart has doubled the price of its cheapest Onn FHD Streaming Stick with Google TV, from $15 to $30.
• Logged-in Walmart users still see the old price, but anyone not signed in is already seeing the higher tag.
• Rising AI infrastructure demand is pushing up memory component costs, which is trickling down to budget devices.

Walmart makes some of the most affordable Google TV sticks under its Onn brand. But if you were planning to grab the company's cheapest streaming stick, you'll now have to pay double what it originally cost.

Walmart introduced the Onn FHD Streaming Stick with Google TV back in 2023 for just $15. The smart stick then pushed the price up to $20, but now, as spotted by 9to5Google, Walmart has bumped the Onn FHD Streaming Stick all the way up to $30.

As spotted by the publication, logged-in users are still seeing the original $15 price tag, but anyone not signed into a Walmart account is now seeing the $30 price. A similar thing happened with the mid-tier 4K Plus model first, so it's likely only a matter of time before the base variant sees a permanent increase as well.

The move comes shortly after Apple raised prices on several of its devices, including the Apple TV. Walmart hasn't made any official statement, but the likely reason is the same one driving price increases across the industry: AI.

The push to build out AI data centers is driving up demand for memory components, which are also used in consumer tech hardware, and that's pushing component costs higher across the board. Since budget products already carry thin margins, it's natural for companies to pass those increased costs on to customers, and that appears to be exactly what's happening with Onn.

It's not the first time Walmart has raised prices on its streaming sticks, either. The Onn 4K Pro already costs $60, which is $10 more than the previous generation, while the Onn 4K Plus went from $30 to $40. Now the company's most affordable option is taking the same hit.

What you need to know

• T-Mobile is forcibly migrating customers on older plans like Simple Choice, ONE, Magenta, and Sprint to newer ones.
• The price increase can be as much as $6 per line per month, though some customers may see no change at all.
• T-Mobile is sweetening the deal with extra benefits and a 5-year price guarantee on all the new plans.

T-Mobile has hit its older customers with a sudden price increase, with original plans being phased out and subscription costs going up by as much as $6 per line per month.

According to early reports, now confirmed by T-Mobile, the company has begun migrating a large number of customers from older plans to newer ones. Most of those affected are on the Simple Choice, ONE/ONE Plus, Magenta, and grandfathered Sprint plans.

T-Mobile has already started sending emails and messages to affected customers. In the notification, the company says users will keep their current benefits, while also gaining additional perks and improved service experiences. T-Mobile is also offering a 5-year price guarantee on the new plans.

In a statement, T-Mobile said it's retiring its oldest plans, some of which were built over 15 years ago during the 3G and 4G era. The company noted that "customers will move to modern plans with access to better wireless technology, enhanced features, and a 5-year price guarantee."

It added that some customers will see no change to their monthly bill, while others will see a modest adjustment, and that every customer moved to a new plan will keep their existing benefits while gaining improvements in network and service experience.

Unsurprisingly, customers aren't happy. Many have taken to social media and Reddit to voice their frustration, some have filed complaints with official state courts over the price lock guarantee, and a number of users are reportedly planning to switch to Verizon's new Simplicity plan.

A Reddit post has also shed some light on what the new plans will look like. They'll fall under a new category called Experience Signatures/Select/More/Beyond plans, and will include benefits like unlimited premium data with hotspot sharing and ad-free Netflix on most tiers.

A lot of users haven't seen any changes yet, but given that T-Mobile has now officially confirmed the transition, it's likely only a matter of time before you get a notification from the carrier as well. In the meantime, if you're sticking with T-Mobile regardless, here are the best T-Mobile phones you can get right now.

What you need to know

• A new leak claims the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 could pack a blazing 5,000-nit display.
• Samsung is also rumored to boost battery capacity from 590mAh to 800mAh.
• The next Ultra may get an IP69K durability rating, offering stronger protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water than the current IP68 certification.

Samsung is gearing up for the release of the next generation of its flagship smartwatch, and if a new leak is to be believed, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is coming in hot. Or, more exactly, bright.

Tipster Ice Universe, who has a good track record with Samsung leaks, revealed on Weibo that the company is working on a significant hardware upgrade for its next-gen wearable. The leak suggests the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 could be up to 5,000 nits bright at its peak. That's a massive jump from the current Galaxy Watch Ultra, which maxes out at 3,000 nits.

If it's true, it could make a real difference. More brightness means less squinting and fewer moments hiding the screen with your hand.

Battery life also looks to receive an upgrade. The leak says Samsung will pack the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 with an 800mAh battery, up from the 590mAh cell in the current model. This corroborates an earlier report, and it's a big jump in capacity and could translate into longer time between charges if Samsung backs it up with efficient software and hardware optimizations.

Samsung might be making the watch even more rugged as well. The Galaxy Watch Ultra already aims at those with active lifestyles, but the new leak suggests the sequel will get an IP69K rating. It is a more robust standard than the existing IP68 certification that covers high-pressure, high-temperature jets of water.

Samsung hasn’t confirmed any of these details, so take the leak with the usual dose of skepticism. But with the company’s next Galaxy Unpacked event looming on the horizon, we probably won’t have to wait long to find out how much of this report rings true.

Android Central's Take

Personally, I’d take these types of upgrades over another AI-powered smartwatch gimmick any day. I want to see a screen that’s actually readable in bright midday sun, battery life that makes me stress less about charging, and tougher protection long after launch day. My only worry is that Samsung can't count on incremental hardware improvements forever. There comes a point where brighter screens and bigger batteries aren’t enough, and the company will need to show why upgrading from the first Galaxy Watch Ultra is worth the investment.

What you need to know

• Mishaal Rahman, an employee of Google's Community engagement for Android, teased Android 17's upcoming foldable gaming mode.
• This gaming mode would split a foldable's screen during gameplay, featuring the game at the top half and a virtual gamepad below that.
• It's a full gamepad, featuring all the buttons you'd expect from a PlayStation or Nintendo controller, and users will be able to customize it.
• Rahman says this gaming mode is targeting a "platform release in the coming months."

A Google member has posted a generous early look at what's coming up for Android 17 and gaming for foldables.

On the Android Gaming subreddit, Mishaal Rahman, working for the community engagement side of Android at Google, posted a glimpse at Android 17's "foldable gaming mode." Rahman leads off by stating, "While touch controls work incredibly well for many titles, certain games are better enjoyed with physical gamepads." To solve this, Google is working on a gaming mode for these unique phones that splits their screen.

The top half would host your game, leaving the bottom half with a true (touch-based) gamepad experience. Rahman says the gaming portion of the screen will remain "unobstructed." To enable this, Google says users need only unfold their phone before or after launching a compatible game.

Another issue that Google sought to solve was users needing to carry a controller. While Android works well with physical controllers, traveling can be a burden. This foldable gaming mode is focused on games that support physical controllers. Rahman adds that devs don't have to change much for this virtual gamepad to appear; however, split-screen support is where their focus should be.

The gamepads look familiar. If you were to compare it to Xbox or Nintendo controls, you'd feel right at home. Google worked in X, Y, A, and B buttons, alongside L1, L2, R1, and R2. Of course, users will find analog sticks for movement and a D-pad for their arrows. Android 17 will let foldable users customize their virtual gamepad's layout. You can have the sticks together in the middle, more like a PlayStation 5 controller, or staggered, similar to a Nintendo Switch 2 or Xbox controller.

What's more, users will be able to increase or decrease the size of their gamepad. Haptic feedback is another addition, teased as a toggleable option. Some Android games already have haptics. This might be an obscure or off-the-wall reference, but if you've played Pokémon TCG Pocket, you'd know.

Rahman says, "Foldable gaming mode is part of the Android 17 platform release and will be available in the coming months."

Onward, Android 17

Android 17 launched in mid-June after some rapid testing by Google over the past few months. This year's OS upgrade isn't quite as flashy as we've seen before, but it's effective for detecting threats and scams. What's more, the OS brings a few key features, such as Bubbles. This is a new way for users to multitask between apps on their device in a floating menu. While many users with slab phones (think Galaxy S25, Pixel 10) might not see much of a use for it, Bubbles truly targets large-screen devices (foldables).

Rahman teases this foldable gaming mode for a future platform release "in the coming months," and we can't help but look at Android 17's first drop. Right now, Google is engaged in QPR1 Beta 5 after rolling it out to Pixel users last week. The latest beta was pretty large, bringing fixes for vanishing widgets, Game Dashboard, and Pixel cameras.

Android Central's Take

Do I have to say much here? I think we all know that I really like what Google's teased for foldables. I might have to get myself one (pray for my wallet). Gaming on foldables hasn't been bad, but this change would make it better. I can see this useful for games that would truly benefit from a virtual gamepad. Think Wuthering Waves or Zenless Zone Zero. Quick button inputs, rapid movements. A lot of people game on their phones, and making foldables better at that would make them a little more appealing (at least for me).

What you need to know

• Rumors suggest the Xiaomi 18 could receive a modest ~200mAh battery boost over the previous model.
• If true, that would place its Chinese version at ~7,200mAh, but it's unclear if this same boost or more could hit the global version.
• Xiaomi's president, Lu Weibing, stated in a livestream last year that the Dynamic Back Display was popular, pushing the series to shatter records, and that the company would seek to do it again.

Xiaomi's next flagships (at least the top two versions) have been rumored for a while now. However, what's entering the fray is a rumor about an upgrade that its base version could bring to extend your usage.

Late this weekend, tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) posted on Weibo about an upgrade Xiaomi is supposedly bringing to the base Xiaomi 18 (via GSMArena). The tipster suggests the Xiaomi 18 could receive a 7,200mAh battery when it debuts. Nothing's certain yet, but the 18 series could appear in the second half of 2026 if we're looking back to the 17 series' September 2025 arrival.

DCS adds that the device in question is a "prototype," so perhaps this battery total will change. As it stands, the Xiaomi 18 is only preparing for a modest 200mAh upgrade over the 7,000mAh cell in the 17. However, the publication notes an important fact: this 7,000mAh total was only present for the Chinese version of the Xiaomi 17. When it hit global audiences, that total dropped to ~6,330mAh. Maybe Xiaomi will increase totals a little more than 200mAh, or perhaps they'll keep it the same.

What's more, in the comments, Chinese users were discussing the phone's alleged specifications, to which DCS claims, "if you want both good image quality and a large battery, just buy a large-screen phone" (machine-translated). GSMArena expands on this, adding that the Xiaomi 18 is rumored to feature a 6.4-inch display and a 200MP telephoto lens. Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is rumored, which isn't so surprising.

The Pro, Pro Max are cooking

Xiaomi's next flagship Pro and Pro Max have been talked about, but that's because the company's "magic" display, or "Dynamic Back Display," was so popular with consumers. Xiaomi's president, Lu Weibing, held a livestream shortly after the series debuted, stating the devices shattered pre-order records "minutes after" going live. While the 17 Pro performed well, it was the 17 Pro Max that was the shining star. Both devices offer a 2.1-inch Dynamic Back Display with unique interactions.

The company states it has already increased the budget for its R&D department to continue this design on future phones. More recently, rumors about the phones followed what Xiaomi's president said late last year. However, these rumors say the back display could increase to 4 inches with "higher brightness" and "privacy protection."

Android Central's Take

I'm hoping Xiaomi boosts its global version's battery a little more than 200mAh. Sure, it's already a good cell. 6,330mAh is great for keeping you engaged, playing, and scrolling all day long. But there's a pretty wide gap in battery capacity between the global and Chinese versions. Do the numbers have to match one-to-one? Not really. I wouldn't say I'm that picky. But boosting it by maybe 400, 500mAh would be nice.

What you need to know

• WhatsApp announced the beginning of its global username reservation period for the platform.
• Users can begin reserving their desired username this week on WhatsApp, which lets them share this instead of their phone number for added privacy.
• Small business owners and content creators can "claim" their usernames from Facebook or Instagram and port it into WhatsApp.

In the name of privacy, WhatsApp is rolling out username reservations, and this is how you can get started.

Today (June 29), WhatsApp announced that its "introducing usernames" to the platform this week. Users can keep their phone numbers to themselves and instead put their chosen username front and center. What's more, WhatsApp is adding a "key" to help users "control who contacts you by your username." To avoid overlap, the messaging platform is kicking things off with a reservation period before the username feature launches officially "later this year."

What's rolling out is a new Username option in your WhatsApp account settings (Settings > Account > Username). Tapping that will give an initial splash screen and a button to create one. The system will check to make sure your username hasn't already been taken. If it has, you'll need to create a new one. Additionally, the secondary level of security is the "key."

If you specify that only people with your key can contact you, WhatsApp will generate a unique string of numbers for you. However, you must share your username and this generated key before someone can start texting or calling you.

WhatsApp states that there is no "registry" or suggestions for usernames. People must know your name (and key, if you've chosen that) before they can contact you. For content creators and businesses on Facebook or Instagram, users can "claim" their username and transfer it to WhatsApp.

Reserved under...?

WhatsApp states usernames are rolling out "gradually over the coming months." The app will inform you when you can begin doing so in your country.

We've been hearing about usernames on WhatsApp for a while now. The messaging platform rolled out a few contact-focused features a while ago. The main goal was to give users the option to save contacts from WhatsApp web and Windows devices. It gave more flexibility when interacting with contacts, as the only way you could do so prior was on your primary phone.

However, the platform said this was done to begin setting the framework for usernames in the future. This would be that future. Global reservations for usernames are beginning this week, so users should start thinking ahead of time and get to it ASAP.

Android Central's Take

Usernames are simple. If you grew up playing multiplayer games, you'd know the feeling. They represent who you are (in a way), and are like fun codenames when you're playing games. The thing about phone numbers is that they're so personal. They literally connect you with someone else. If someone has it, they knew exactly how to reach you. Not everyone's ready for that kind of commitment, and I think usernames can solve that.

What you need to know

• YouTube Shorts is getting a major usability upgrade with 2x playback, a clutter-free viewing mode, improved recommendation controls, and a redesigned Like button.
• You can now speed through Shorts at 2x by holding either side of the screen, making it easier to skip slower content without leaving the video.
• A new Clear screen mode hides on-screen clutter with a single tap, giving videos a cleaner, more immersive viewing experience.

YouTube is giving Shorts one of its biggest viewer-focused updates yet, making the experience cleaner, faster, and a lot more familiar for anyone who’s spent time on TikTok.

The rollout brings four major improvements to the Shorts player interface, including a faster playback experience, a clean viewing experience, improved feedback controls, and a new Like button, as per YouTube's announcement. The headline addition is 2x playback speed.

Shorts had previously been limited to normal playback speeds, while standard YouTube videos offered various playback controls.

With the new change, you can now hold either side of the screen to temporarily double the speed of playback. Then, release your finger to return to normal. If you want to keep it at 2x, just swipe down with the screen held.

Another welcome change is the addition of a new "clear screen” mode. Watching Shorts often means an overlay full of buttons, captions, usernames, and other interface elements. Now you can hide almost everything on the screen with just one tap, leaving only the video itself. Tap again if you want the controls restored. The feature is a close copy of TikTok’s Clear Mode, but it’s an improvement many Shorts viewers have been asking for.

YouTube is also altering the way viewers engage with Shorts. The familiar thumbs-up icon is being replaced with a heart, aligning the visual language of Shorts with other short-video platforms. It looks different, but it functions the same: tap it and you’re still giving the video a thumbs up.

The dislike button is dead

The bigger switch is dislike. YouTube is removing the dislike button from the Shorts player entirely and will provide users with more direct controls over recommendations. Viewers are asked to select “Not interested” or “Don’t recommend this channel” from the three-dot menu instead of just disliking a video. These tools, YouTube says, provide more accurate signals about what kind of content people actually want to stop seeing, which helps improve future recommendations rather than just relying on a simple thumbs-down.

But creators don’t need to worry about losing their historic data. The current dislike counts for Shorts will still be available in YouTube Studio. At the end of June, however, Google will stop collecting new dislike counts for Shorts, while long-form videos and live streams will continue to show dislikes like they do today.

Another quality-of-life improvement that comes with these changes: viewers can mute Shorts right from the player, making it easier to browse silently without having to use the device’s volume controls.

Android Central's Take

I think this is the kind of updates shorts has been needing for a while. Scrolling should be less frustrating and more purposeful if you could zoom through slower videos, hide the clutter on the screen, and fine-tune recommendations without resorting to a vague dislike button. That said, it’s hard to look past how many of these additions feel like they were lifted from TikTok, rather than truly original thoughts. By now, YouTube appears more interested in closing feature gaps than blazing its own trail.

Prime Day 2026 has come and gone, but you may be surprised at the number of Android phone deals that are still hanging around. One notable example of this would be the 256GB configuration of the Samsung Galaxy A57 5G, a midrange masterpiece that is still chilling with a 16% discount, days after the sale's end. That price decrease drops Samsung's 'budget king' to the lowest price ever recorded, no trade-in or Prime membership required!

The Galaxy A57 5G is the 'budget king', and now it's cheaper than ever before

Although it often gets overlooked next to similarly-priced options like the Google Pixel 10a, the Galaxy A57 5G is an incredible phone in its own right, boasting a lovely 6.7-inch OLED display, versatile triple camera system, and IP68 water-and-dust protection, which is a rarity at this price point. 

The A Series Samsung phone also comes with a durable aluminum-and-glass construction while still weighing less than Google's phone. Under the hood you get an efficient Exynos processor with 8GB of RAM and a 5,000mAh battery that should easily surpass a full day on a single charge. 

On the other hand, the Galaxy A57 doesn't offer wireless charging support, the AI features are a bit lacking compared to some Samsung phones, and you only get six years of OS/security updates compared to Google's guaranteed seven. Still, the Galaxy A57 is a sophisticated smartphone that feels way more premium than its price would suggest. 

Would I recommend buying the phone at full price? No. But slap on a historic discount and the midrange masterpiece becomes a seriously good value. 

It's no secret that SSDs and other storage devices are absurdly expensive right now, and it doesn't seem like that's changing any time soon. Fortunately, Prime Day gave us a few solid deals on portable SSDs and other storage devices, and even though that sale has officially come to a close, there are still a few leftover discounts hanging about.

One of my favorite leftover deals is this offer that slashes 38% off the 1TB T9 SSD by Samsung, knocking the price of the storage device down to $179.99 for a limited time. Up until Prime Day, the 1TB SSD was floating around $250, so this is no small discount — it essentially amounts to $0.18 per gigabyte. And the best part is that, unlike many of the official Prime Day deals we saw last week, you don't need to be a Prime member to enjoy the savings.

Whether you're a photographer, musician, or business professional, if you're dealing with large files on the go, the Samsung T9 is the ideal companion. This compact device boasts read-and-write transfer speeds of up to 2,000MB per second, plus you get regular firmware updates with AES 256-bit password protection and a high-end thermal cooling system that keeps your SSD running smoothly, no matter how heavy the usage.

The SSD is also built from durable materials and has been drop-tested from up to 9.8 feet in height, so you can take it with you anywhere without worrying about the safety of your most important files. If something does go wrong, Samsung also offers a five-year warranty.

Indeed, the Samsung T9 is a powerful storage device for on-the-go file management, and this is a good price. If you're planning to upgrade your storage setup this year, I'd recommend jumping on this deal before Amazon's leftover Prime Day deals expire. After all, the current RAM crisis isn't going away any time soon, and if you miss this discount, you'll likely have to wait until Black Friday to save this much cash on a portable SSD by Samsung.

More deals - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

What you need to know

• Ticketmaster announced its partnership with Google Wallet, which brings "customizable passes" to Android.
• Clients of events can customize their digital passes with flashy designs and up to 12 links for important venue details.
• Users benefit from this last note, as they can find info on parking, food, drinks, merch, and VIP access directly from their pass.

This summer is going to be packed with events of all kinds. To try and help, Ticketmaster announced a partnership with Google Wallet for more unique digital passes on Android.

Ticketmaster says that what it's worked on with Google Wallet are "customizable passes" that are designed for "branded experiences" on Android. Passes are mobile tickets saved in Google Wallet, but Ticketmaster says this new direction offers a new sense of "brand presence." Brands can offer customized hero images, tour artwork, and more.

If you're attending a group's stop on their nationwide tour, you might see unique album artwork or sports game visuals if you're going to an NFL game.

Aside from flashy visuals, these customizable passes are getting more useful for you, the user. Ticketmaster says clients can add "up to 12 action links to each pass." These links will direct visitors to crucial event areas. Links for parking, transportation, gate details, VIP upgrades, and food/drinks can be found in these passes. This removes the need for users to conduct extra research before heading out or leading up to the event/gameday.

The post states that tapping a parking link will open a map of the venue, so you can plan where you might go. Additionally, users can download that event's affiliate app on their Android device through these links if desired.

Digital passes continue to evolve

Passes and digital tickets have been a big aspect of Google Wallet for years now. The company rolled out a useful update to Wallet, one that would automatically surface a pass you might need. "Context-aware" is what drives this feature. Google states that as the user approaches a location, like a train station, the Wallet app would produce their train ticket on their lock screen.

This removes the need for users to open their phones, navigate to the Wallet app, and select their appropriate pass. Google says this capability extends to airport gates, concert venues, and stores. Considering this new partnership with Ticketmaster, perhaps something like this would occur for these customizable passes.

Android Central's Take

I like this partnership, and this is coming from a sports guy. Getting my tickets ready for gameday is an exciting feeling. I can just imagine a White Sox or a Bears ticket through Ticketmaster's new approach for passes. The hype would be unreal. What's more, these links would help with stadium navigation for parking in case anything changes.

What you need to know

• Google states a fix is rolling out late in June for a bug that impacted several of its smart speakers and SiriusXM radio.
• Users given multiple errors a month ago, when reports surfaced, and were unable to get their content to stream via a speaker.
• While this issue gets resolved, Google's also debuted its new Home Speaker and expanded Gemini for Home to more partners.

Google has been busy with new launches and bug fixes since May. This week, it's been reported that a major fix is on the way for a satellite radio problem.

About a month ago, users on the Google Home subreddit reported a sudden problem attempting to listen to SiriusXM radio on their smart speakers (via Android Authority). Getting down to brass tacks, Google responded to this month-old thread this week, stating "We've resolved an issue impacting the ability to stream SiriusXM on some Google Home devices." These "issues" Google refers to were highlighted by the thread's OP (original poster), who states their smart speakers were unable to stream any content.

Specifically, the user states their device would consistently give them the following error: "I looked for that, but it either isn't available or can't be played right now." They checked their Google Home settings and ensured their SiriusXM subscription was properly linked. Spoiler alert: everything was fine. Further investigations showed that they could listen to the radio via the app, just not through their speakers.

Many more reports on the subreddit stated similar issues. After contacting Google Support, users were told to run through normal troubleshooting procedures. Many users already said they did this on their own, to be fair. However, through these reports, Google acknowledged it was an issue, at least that's what users said after contacting support.

Now, over a month later, a fix for the radio issue is coming through for Google Home smart speakers.

New speaker on the block

In the time that these issues were reported, Google launched the Home Speaker, its future of smart speakers and AI assistance at home. For $99, the Home Speaker is the brand's first device built completely around its AI, Gemini. The AI is capable of understanding normal speech, meaning users don't have to constantly remember and throw buzzwords around. The AI can act on multi-step commands, and users can engage in follow-up questions to keep their conversations going.

Since Gemini is so tightly integrated, we all know what that means: Gemini for Home is at its core. When Google expanded its availability to more countries, the company improved Gemini's response times by 40%. What's more, it improved the AI's ability to understand what device users are talking to about to (hopefully) avoid mistaken commands. On a related note, Google opened Gemini for Home to hardware makers and carriers.

This means consumers will likely see more devices hitting the market that support Google's AI natively.

We're in the final stretch of Prime Day, so there's a bit of pressure to make sure you get everything in your cart before the deals end. Well, if you're still trying to figure out which new phone to buy, consider the search over, because this Galaxy S26 Plus deal just dropped the phone to its lowest price since launch.

When the Galaxy S26 Plus was released earlier this year, it retailed for $1,099, or $100 more than its predecessor. However, despite the price increase, Prime Day is slashing more than $300 off this rather excellent phone, meaning you pay less than the base model Galaxy S26.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You're in the market for a new flagship smartphone with good cameras, great battery life, and tons of AI features.

❌Skip this deal if: You prefer smaller phones like the base Galaxy S26 or you want Samsung's cool new Privacy Display feature, which is only available on the Ultra.

I've used the Galaxy S26 Plus on and off since it launched earlier this year, and there's no doubt it's a fantastic phone. It plays a delicate balance between the cheaper S26 and pricier Galaxy S26 Ultra by offering a large display, a big battery, and fast 45W charging.

It misses out on some Ultra features, like a secondary telephoto lens, 60W charging, and the very cool Privacy Display that can keep onlookers from seeing the contents of your display.

That said, you still get the excellent One UI experience with smooth animations, the latest features like AirDrop support, and tons of Galaxy AI capabilities like advanced photo editing and a revamped Bixby. And with Gemini Screen automation, you can let the AI handle your Uber Eats orders while you sit back and relax.

The Galaxy S26 Plus may be the awkward middle child of the S series, but you shouldn't sleep on it when it's this cheap.

A good pair of earbuds is fairly easy to find, but finding a good pair of affordable earbuds can be a challenge. The Pixel Buds 2a are surprisingly good for their price point, which makes this Prime Day deal even better, bringing the earbuds down to their lowest price since launch.

The Pixel Buds 2a are less than a year old, launching in August 2025 and hitting stores in October for a retail price of $129. There have been a few price dips since then, but now you can get them for just under $100.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You own a Pixel smartphone and/or want an affordable pair of earbuds with good sound, great ANC, and a sweat-resistant design.

❌Skip this deal if: You don't own a Pixel smartphone or you want earbuds with support for higher-quality audio codecs.

I've been using the Pixel Buds 2a for some time, and despite them being the epitome of everything I don't like about many earbuds today, I can't seem to put them down. I even own the Powerbeats Pro 2, which I bought specifically for the gym, but before I go out, I grab the Pixel Buds 2a.

A big reason is that, despite their low price point, the audio quality is surprisingly good, and ANC does a great job of blocking out most noise, especially at the gym. They're also incredibly light, fit well in my ears, and are sufficiently sweat-resistant, so I don't have to worry about them during runs.

They may not support high-quality audio codecs like higher-end earbuds, but I'm no audiophile, so I'm content with how they sound. And if you're willing to spend just $99 on a pair of great earbuds, these are the ones.

Excuse me if I have "Transformers" on my mind; I just finished binge-watching all the films on my TCL QM6K. It's a fantastic TV, especially for the price, but if you want something even better, the TCL QM7K is currently on sale for Optimus Prime Day, and it's a deal you shouldn't miss out on!

The TCL 55QM7K wasn't exactly cheap when it launched, retailing for $1,299 back in 2025. It has since had a few discounts, but this current Prime Day deal is about as low as it gets, bringing it down to just $498, which is still much cheaper than the $649 it was recently priced at. That's less than $500 for an incredible 4K Google TV set! Optimus Prime would be proud!

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You're in the market for a Google TV set with great color, a high refresh rate, the latest Gemini AI features, and must-have gaming capabilities like VRR.

❌Skip this deal if: You want the deeper contrast and inky black of an OLED.

Prime Day"

Since I have the TCL QM6K, I guess you can say I have a big of experience with the QM7K model. I love my TV set, but the 7K model is a step up from what I have. With this model, you get a slimmer design, a brighter QD-Mini LED display, and higher-quality Bang & Olufsen speakers. The display is also anti-reflective, which is a must-have, especially if you plan to put it in a relatively bright space.

And of course, it runs Google TV out of the box. This gives you access to tons of streaming apps, which you can control directly from your phone using Google Cast. It also gives you access to Gemini features and better content recommendations based on your apps and the content you've watched. And with the press of a button, you can use natural language to ask Gemini to find a movie or show instead of scrolling through a ton of apps yourself.

Over-ear headphones can get expensive quick — I routinely test models between the $400 and $600 price points. If you're on a budget, going with an on-ear pair of headphones can be an excellent way to save without sacrificing quality. On-ear headphones come with perks of their own, like lightweight designs and secure fits.

Beats Solo headphones have been the default for on-ear headphones for years, and the Solo 4 model is $100 off for Prime Day. For a limited time, these headphones are just $99.95 on Amazon, meaning you're technically saving more than you're spending (by five cents). I've tested the Beats Solo 4 personally, and found a handful of ways they beat more expensive headphones.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you need a secure pair of on-ear headphones; you want headphones with week-long battery life; you value a USB-C port and 3.5mm jack for lossless audio.

❌ Skip this deal if: you prefer over-ear headphones; you have more to spend and would rather upgrade to the Beats Studio Pro (only $50 more for Prime Day).

The difference between on-ear and over-ear headphones is simple. On-ear headphones, like the Beats Solo 4, have ear cushions that rest directly on your ears. They're typically smaller and lighter, with a higher clamping force, as a result. This makes headphones like the Solo 4 ideal for working out, where you don't want to have over-ears slipping off your head during a lifting session.

By comparison, over-ear headphones like the Beats Studio Pro fit your ear inside the cushions, which some find to be more comfortable. I tend to like over-ear headphones, but the tradeoffs are size, weight, and price.

The Beats Solo 4 stand out among the competition with numerous connection methods. You can use them wirelessly with iOS and Android, and there are physical power, play/pause, next/previous, and volume up/down buttons. Better yet, there's both a USB-C port and a 3.5mm jack for wired connections.

The USB-C port can be used for charging, and when fully charged, the Solo 4 last for up to 50 hours. If they die, the 3.5mm jack supports fully analog mode — you can use them with an aux cable without power. The USB-C port can also be used for wired audio. You have a ton of options, and the two wired modes support lossless audio.

It's worth noting that the Beats Solo 4 lack active noise-canceling, and this cost-cutting measure helps them cost so little. If you can look past that, these are a surprisingly great pair of headphones for slightly under $100.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

Prime Day is almost over, but there are still plenty of deals available right now. While scouring the web for products I like, I came across a Garmin Venu 4 deal that I was tempted to highlight. However, I found an even better deal on the Garmin Forerunner 570, which I think is more worth your time (and money).

The Garmin Forerunner 570 launched last year for $550, but this 18% discount shaves $100 off, bringing the price to $450. That's around $50 cheaper than the Garmin Venu 4 with its current discount, which is why I think the Forerunner 570 deserves your attention.

✅Recommended if: You're someone who enjoys running and wants a watch that can coach them as well as track their activities.

❌Skip this deal if: You're not a big runner and watch a more all-purpose smartwatch with access to your favorite apps.

Garmin makes watches for all kinds of fitness enthusiasts, and the Forerunner 570 is an ideal watch for runners. It's similar to the Forerunner 970, which is also on sale right now, but it's more affordable at the expense of some features. That said, after testing the Forerunner 570 myself, I must say that it's an incredible fitness watch if you're into running or even if you want to get into it (like me).

The watch is great at fitness tracking, and the OLED display is vibrant and highly visible outdoors. The Garmin UI is also much easier to navigate, with quick access to your most important metrics and activities. There are also plenty of external buttons for shortcuts and navigation, making it easy to use the watch even while on a run.

The Garmin Venu 4 is still a great watch, and the $50 discount may be tempting for someone who just wants an all-around fitness watch with a streamlined design and experience. You can also check out deals on the tech devices I used to lose weight in time for the summer.

I became a Powerbeats user with the Powerbeats2 Wireless — they came out 12 years ago — and I've used every model released since. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the most well-rounded workout earbuds yet, and I bought two pairs of the Nike collab for $250 each for me and my sister.

I don't regret spending that much on them, but I'm happy to report that you can get them for $70 off during Amazon Prime Day. At only $180, these sporty earbuds pack a ton of features. They share internals with the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 3, but work just as good on iOS as on Android.

I've run thousands of miles with Powerbeats earbuds in my ears, and they're the only ones I'd recommend for fitness buffs as we kick off summer.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you need a pair of workout earbuds with a secure fit and ear hooks for stability; you want earbuds that can move between iOS and Android easily; you value on-earbud controls, like playback and volume buttons.

❌ Skip this deal if: you don't like the Powerbeats Pro 2's large design; you want earbuds with a smaller charging case.

The feature that always sold me on Powerbeats is their included ear hooks. These wrap around your ear, ensuring that even if the ear tips slip out, the Powerbeats Pro 2 won't fall out of your ear. Another great perk is the physical volume rocker and play/pause button. No one wants to fight with gesture controls in the gym or on the track with sweaty hands.

With the Powerbeats Pro 2, I don't have to. And both the left and right earbuds have the physical buttons, so I can wear just one without missing out on features. This is great for safety, as I stay aware of my surroundings while I run. Since the earbuds have ANC and transparency mode support, I can also use the latter to maintain awareness while working out.

Beats is owned by Apple, but it's worth emphasizing that the Powerbeats Pro 2 work just as good on Android as iOS. They get a companion app on Android, and every feature is available across both platforms. In fact, if you've always wanted AirPods but needed better Android support, these are the earbuds to get. The Powerbeats Pro 2 share the same Apple H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2.

And, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have the same optical heart-rate monitor as the AirPods Pro 3. That's right — you can use these earbuds to track your heart rate during workouts without needing a smartwatch or chest strap, pairing them to your Android phone.

It's clear that they were built from the ground up with fitness buffs in mind, and that's why I love them as a runner. At $180, they're a no-brainer if you love to work out.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

We clearly love Oura here at Android Central, and even with the new Oura Ring 5 available now, we would still recommend buying the Oura Ring 4, especially if you can find a good discount. Right now, the Oura Ring 4 just hit its lowest price for Prime Day, but you'll have to act fast because color options are falling out of stock.

The cheapest Oura Ring 4 starts at $349, but you're saving roughly $135 by opting for the Silver colorway, bringing it down to just $214. Plus, you can save even more at Best Buy when you buy pricier color options. As great as this ring is, that's more than worth it. And the great thing about this Prime Day deal is that with the money you're saving, you can basically cover the cost of the Oura Membership (which I'll break down further below), so it works out!

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You want a low-key health and fitness wearable to help you track sleep, activities, and give you a comprehensive view of your health.

❌Skip this deal if: You prefer the newer and smaller Oura Ring 5 or you're really against paying for a monthly or yearly membership to access it's most useful features.

Oura is interesting because it's probably the only smart ring on the market that uses a subscription model. However, that membership gives you full access to the Oura Ring 4's features and helps Oura build on and improve its products, including the Oura Ring 4.

On the plus side, the subscription is only $6 a month (or $70 annually), which actually feels pretty reasonable. And you can pay for both the Oura Ring and the membership using your FSA or HSA, which is also a plus.

But as I mentioned before, you're saving a ton of money on the Oura Ring 4. For the Silver variant above, you're saving about $135, and when you divide that by the membership cost, it comes out to roughly two years' worth.

And when you factor in the $220 savings from the Best Buy deal, that's about three years of Oura Membership that you can use that extra money for. I don't know about you, but the math is mathing here.

I test every mainstream pair of wireless earbuds that come out, and my buying advice is simple: grab the pair that matches your phone. More often than not, it really is that easy. If you have an iPhone, get AirPods. If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, get Galaxy Buds. Google Pixel users are lucky enough to get the Pixel Buds Pro 2 — they're not just the best for Pixel, they're one of the best wireless earbuds overall.

While most premium earbuds start at $250 and up, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are just $229 at full price. That makes this Amazon Prime Day deal feel too good to be true. You can snag the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for only $160, and every Pixel user should consider it.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you want small and comfortable earbuds without a stem; you have a Google Pixel phone and want companion earbuds; you want incredible wireless audio under $200.

❌ Skip this deal if: you need physical on-earbud buttons (the Pixel Buds Pro 2 use swipe gestures); you're on a budget and would rather get the Pixel Buds 2a (also on-sale for Prime Day)

Most wireless earbuds on the market today offer great sound, and many bundle exclusive software features you only get with a matching phone. That's why the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 go great with, say, a Pixel 10 Pro. I've used the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and there's one thing that makes them stand out among the competition.

It's their comfort. While many earbuds are chunky or feature long stems, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are minuscule by comparison. They are 27% smaller than the original Pixel Buds Pro, and they're also 24% lighter. Better yet, they have an included stabilizer that keeps the Pixel Buds Pro 2 locked in place.

Google did something clever to let you know when you've found the perfect fit: the "G" logo on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be upright when they're twisted in place. I have AirPods and Galaxy Buds slip out of my ears all the time, and that's never happened with the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

At their $160 sale price, these earbuds are priced like a base-model pair, with the specs of a flagship. They have a custom Tensor A1 audio processor to handle sound and active noise-cancelation. They can also do spatial audio and multi-device switching, connecting with Google Find Hub for tracking.

I don't think you'll find a better pair of wireless earbuds at this price point — but this deal won't last forever. Prime Day ends today, so move fast.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

What you need to know

• Some Netflix users are now being asked to add a unique email address to each Netflix profile instead of relying on the account owner's email.
• Individual emails enable separate sign-in verification, account recovery, and profile management while preserving personalized recommendations.
• While the feature adds convenience, some believe it's laying the groundwork for even tighter control over shared accounts in the future.

Netflix is still tinkering with the streaming guidelines. If you thought the 2023 password-sharing crackdown was the ultimate challenge, prepare for a new twist: the company is now apparently testing a mandatory change that turns your shared household account into a bundle of individual logins.

According to several Reddit posts, Netflix is starting to push some users to add a unique email address to each Netflix profile, instead of just using the primary account’s email (via Android Authority). Typically, one email address and one password control the account, while up to five profiles let different family members keep separate watchlists, recommendations, and viewing histories. If a person needs a verification code or wants to recover access, it all goes through the account owner’s inbox.

That seems to be changing now, as some subscribers are being prompted to add an email address directly to their profile. The message says doing so will give you “easier sign-in access,” account recovery options, personalized recommendations, and other features to come.

Each profile gets more independence

When an email is linked, each profile can receive its sign-in verification codes and access recovery information without needing to depend on the primary account holder. The change also provides each profile a little more freedom. You can control some profile settings for individual users but still get personalized recommendations based on viewing history. However, not everyone believes that the change is solely for convenience.

The update comes just a few years after Netflix launched its password-sharing crackdown and the idea of a Netflix Household, which restricts account access to people living under the same roof but provides paid Extra Member slots in supported markets. Netflix has since rolled out several tools designed to simplify user splitting, such as Profile Transfer, which lets subscribers move their viewing history, recommendations, saved games, and watchlists to a separate account when they leave a shared subscription.

That history has some users thinking that profile-specific email addresses could eventually make it easier for Netflix to distinguish between individual users or move them into separate accounts down the road.

Currently, the update appears to be slowly rolling out, rather than being deployed to everyone at once. If it ever gets to your account, adding an email to your profile may make it easier to sign in, especially in larger households. But considering Netflix’s recent history of tightening account controls, it’s worth monitoring if this is just another convenience feature or the beginning of the next evolution of account management for the company.

If you've seen Toy Story 5 (or just the trailer), you know the basic synopsis. All the toys have been binned in favor of a nasty brainrot tablet, and it's all up to the toys to fix the parents' mistake. This Prime Day, I'd love to encourage all the parents out there to opt for a Kindle Colorsoft Kids edition e-reader instead of a tablet, and you'll save nearly $100 in the process.

Tablets certainly have their place, and there's nothing wrong with owning one, but it's pretty clear that too many kids spend way too much time vegging out on their devices. Lots of people have made the switch to less stimulating, less addictive devices, or have started scheduling time to unplug from their devices for the good of everyone in the room, and grabbing an e-reader instead of a tablet will help your kids do the same.

This one even includes 12 months of Amazon Kids+, Amazon's excellent books subscription service that includes thousands of curated, age-appropriate books for kids 3-12 years old. Once that year is up, it's just $5.99 per month to continue the service, which is cheaper than buying even one book a month!

• Prime Day 2026 is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You're looking to get your kids into reading, making it more convenient to find great books, or want a good alternative to overstimulating tablets.

❌Skip this deal if: You've got an older kid. Buy this $85 Kindle, instead.

A Colorsoft Kindle is a particularly excellent choice for kids because it allows them to read more than just novels and text-heavy books, as an adult might read. You can grab books from Amazon's immense library, or stick with the Amazon Kids+ service I mentioned above, and that covers everything from comics to more picture-heavy books (that still include plenty of text to read).

Since this is a kids' edition Kindle, it's built to withstand the careless nature kids have with devices. It's waterproof, so they can take it in the bath or on the beach, and the warm backlight is totally flicker-free, so you don't have to worry about nasty tablet displays that use PWM dimming and are probably ruining your kids' eyes.

Plus, Amazon has a whole parental controls dashboard, so you can be sure your kids aren't straying off into uncharted waters and reading books they shouldn't be. Grab this deal, and feel good about a wholesome parenting win!

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

You've got only 12 hours left to shop some of the best Prime Day deals, and I was curious to know what the top-most clicked items Android users have been buying were. So I found them and compiled a list for you. These products range from chargers to storage devices to phones, wearables, and even a huge TV.

They are clearly popular because they have been flying off the shelves, and you guys have been buying them. So if you're having a bit of FOMO and need to know what to buy, check out one of these nine products that are highly recommended... by YOU!

• Prime Day ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

Amazon has officially confirmed that Prime Day 2026 will be begin on June 23rd and run through June 26th. This means that you have four full days to take advantage of the members-only sale event.

Do I need to be a Prime member to shop during Amazon Prime Day?

Although select discounts may be available to the general public, the vast majority of deals during Prime Day are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Haven't joined yet? Sign up for Amazon's 30-day free trial to enjoy all of the benefits of a Prime membership without paying a cent. The cost of a membership is $14.99 per month once the trial period is up, but you can cancel at any time with zero hassle.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

Prime Day is nearing an end, but there are still plenty of great Android phone deals hanging around if you know where to look. That said, there's one product category that hasn't received enough attention during the sale: small phones. 

As you probably noticed, Android phones have been getting bigger and bigger in recent years. That's cool if you're into that kind of thing, but there is a growing population of users who would prefer something compact and powerful over a giant display that you can barely use with one hand. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available if you prefer small phones, and many of them are on sale today. 

Since it's ending tonight at midnight PST, I'll start by showcasing Prime Day deals — but if you missed Amazon's sale, don't forget that Best Buy and Walmart are also running their own rival sale events. The picks below range from no-frills budget phones to clamshell devices, so without further ado, let's dive right in. 

What is considered a small phone?

Nowadays, small phones are considered any device with a screen that's less than 6.4 inches. Considering how many modern Android phones are 6.7-inch or larger, the category is smaller than you might think. 

What time does Prime Day end?

Prime Day 2026 is set to formally end at 11:59pm PST. That means you only have a few more hours to take advantage of the best Prime Day deals until they're gone for good (or until Amazon decides to launch another sale event later this year). 

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

Prices are going up all over the place, and even Apple isn't immune to the RAM crisis. The company just raised prices of products like the latest 11-inch iPad Air, which now starts at $749 (a $150 price increase). However, you can still get a good tablet deal if you know where to look, like this Prime Day discount on the Galaxy Tab S10 FE.

When the Galaxy Tab S10 FE launched last year, it had a retail price starting at $499. That recently went up due to the RAM crisis, but the starting price only increased by $50 to $549, which is much smaller than the iPad Air's $150 price jump. Now, you can get the Galaxy Tab S10 FE for just $334, saving you $215 or more than the price increases of both tablets combined! That's also cheaper than last year's 11-inch iPad Air, which has been discounted to $479.

✅Recommended if: You need a functional Android tablet with stylus support that you can use for school, work, or for entertainment purposes.

❌Skip this deal if: You want flagship performance on a tablet or rely on full desktop applications that you can't get on Android.

The iPad Air 11-inch may be tempting, but the Galaxy Tab S10 FE is not only cheaper, but it's roughly the same size, maybe just a little bigger, and slightly heavier. Still, you get the full Android experience, which looks and works great on a tablet, and you still get built-in AI features like Circle to Search and Gemini.

You also get a sharp and smooth 10.9-inch 90Hz display and a large 8,000mAh battery that should last you through the day. And with 45W charging, you won't have to wait too long to get going.

The best part is that, unlike the iPad Air, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE comes with a stylus pen that attaches magnetically to the back of the device. It's incredibly handy, and the tablet can clean up your handwritten notes with ease, which is great if you're a student. And if you need extra utility, you can get a separate keyboard case, which Samsung is currently selling at a discount as well, turning this tablet into basically a full-blown laptop.

What you need to know

• Google is reportedly rolling out its first update for the Fitbit Air to Android and iOS users late this week.
• The company didn't state much aside from "bug fixes" in its patch notes, drumming up hope that many early Fitbit Air issues are getting fixed.
• Shortly after the device launched, Google highlighted its commitment to fix issues, such as those for its automatic workout detection, and more for the Health app.

The Google Fitbit Air is the latest device on consumers' minds for its screen-less appeal, like Whoop. The wearable is getting its first software patch in June, which is not as detailed as we would like.

Late this week, Google started rolling out an update to the Fitbit Air, its first since its launch in late May. The folks at 9to5Google spotted the update, noting it's slowly rolling out to Android devices as v67.20001.253.2. The post adds that the update isn't as widespread yet, meaning most Androids are likely still waiting for the patch to arrive. When it does, Google's kept its changelog pretty light.

The publication says the company only lists "bug fixes and general improvements" as the core of this first patch. While Google hasn't highlighted much, there's a lot it's been working on behind-the-scenes. The Fitbit Air and the updated (rebranded) Google Health app debuted as a duo. However, early impressions of the Health app left users feeling like it was a bit unfinished.

Android Central's Sanuj Bhatia reported on this, highlighting several missing features from the Health app. The Fitbit Air wasn't excluded from scrutiny, either, but Google has come forward with a commitment to fixing both sides.

Light as air

Shortly after everything debuted, Google brought attention to its faults and errors in the Health app and the Fitbit Air. The app was receiving fixes for workout tracking and sleep scores. It also rolled out fixes for the app's connectivity with the Fitbit Air. What's more, the company said users would soon get an option to customize the Health dashboards and rearrange their metrics.

Google claims that it's working on better automatic workout detection, as well as "inconsistencies" with workout data. The only issue is that, if Google had fixed these glaring Fitbit issues, surely it would've been highlighted in this week's patch. That's not to say it's not worked these improvements into its new update, though. We'll have to wait and see the overall user sentiments after the majority receive it.

Early Fitbit Air users were struggling with the device since a Health update wasn't available after pre-orders. That's since been patched (or, at least, should've been), seeing as we're late in June now.

Google just released the Home Speaker, its first smart speaker in half a decade. It's a small device designed with Gemini at the core, but it's not very impressive as a speaker. A single, tiny full-range driver is responsible for all the sound. Luckily, if you want a smart speaker with high-quality audio chops, you can get the Amazon Echo Studio instead for just $75 more than the Home Speaker during Prime Day.

Amazon's Echo Studio is an impressive smart speaker. It has large audio drivers with Dolby Atmos support, an integrated mesh Wi-Fi extender, and complete Alexa support. This device really does it all, and the Echo Studio justifies its price tag. It's an easier sell for Prime Day, as you can get the Echo Studio for only $175, saving 20%.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you need a smart speaker with sound that can fill your living room; you want Dolby Atmos and spatial audio support; you value a smart home controller with a built-in mesh Wi-Fi extender.

❌ Skip this deal if: you don't have a lot of Amazon Echo or Matter accessories; you want Gemini or Siri instead of Alexa.

Too many smart speakers skimp on sound quality, but the Echo Studio doesn't make that mistake. This speaker includes three full-range drivers and a 3.75-inch high-excursion woofer. There's software support for lossless audio, spatial audio, and Dolby Atmos. Everything you'd need from a living room or home theater speaker is here. You can even pair two of them together to create a stereo set for room-filling sound.

The Echo Studio uses four microphones to ensure it picks up your voice, even when music is playing. Alexa is the voice assistant, and you can subscribe to get the upgraded Alexa Plus version.

Another neat Echo Studio feature is the built-in Wi-Fi mesh extender. You need an Eero router to use it, but if you have one, the Echo Studio can add up to 1,000 square feet of extra coverage for up to 10 connected devices. It also has Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support, so the Echo Studio can be the centerpiece of your smart home.

The Google Home Speaker's sound quality is somewhat disappointing, and if you're looking for something better, the Amazon Echo Studio is a great alternative. For only $175 until time runs out, you can't beat this smart speaker's feature set.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

As a tall person, long flights suck if I don't have a good book or device to distract me. After a particularly uncomfortable overseas flight last fall, I decided to invest in two devices that have completely transformed my travel experience: a pair of noise cancelling headphones, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 Plus. The former blocks out any unwanted noise from fellow travelers, while the latter does literally everything else. 

I bought the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 Plus because it was affordable without skimping on essential features. I paid around $250 for it, but now that Amazon Prime Day is slashing a whopping 46% off the tablet, I kind of wish I waited.

If you're a regular traveler and you need a device to help entertain you on those long flights or road trips, don't make the same mistake that I did: grab the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus while it's just $160. That's the cheapest that the already-affordable Android tablet has ever been, no strings attached - just be sure to pick it up before Prime Day ends. 

• Prime Day ends TONIGHT: see the full list of last-minute deals

Currently selling for just over $160 during Prime Day, the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus comes with a lovely 11-inch 90Hz display that looks good in any light, a generous 7,040mAh battery that charges up quick, and a capable MediaTek MT8775 processor that handles most tasks with ease. You even get a few premium extras that you wouldn't expect at this price point, such as a quad speaker system, expandable storage up to 1TB, and seven years of guaranteed software support.

To be sure, the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus isn't powerful enough to be a laptop replacement, and you shouldn't expect to do any serious gaming or heavy file management on this one. But if you value bang for the buck and you need a device for simple streaming, casual gaming, or surfing the web, then the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus is a truly remarkable device. At retail price, this tablet was a good value. At $160? It's a verified steal. 

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

Need a place to keep your phone on your desk while you work? Why not get a stand that wirelessly charges it as well? This magnetic stand from Anker supports 15W Qi2 and MagSafe wireless charging, so you get to recharge your phone without ever plugging it in. And thanks to this final day Prime Day deal, you can score a sweet 20% discount on the Anker MagGo 15W Qi2 Wireless Charger Stand.

Magnets are really great on stands or mounts because you don't need to mess around with clamps, arms, and all that nonsense. And now that magnetic Qi2.2 is catching on in the Android space, iPhone users aren't the only ones who can enjoy the perks of MagSafe products.

• Prime Day June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You need a wireless charging stand that is magnetic, adjustable at multiple angles, and supports 15W speeds.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a stand that comes with another charging pad on the base. If that's the case, I recommend getting the slightly pricier Anker MagGo 2-in-1 15W Qi2 Wireless Charger Stand instead, which is 30% off right now.

The Anker MagGo 15W Qi2 Wireless Charger Stand has really powerful magnets, so you can even use the charger with a slim MagSafe or Qi2 case on. Anker promises a speedy 15W wireless charging speed nonetheless.

Since you can rotate your phone a full 360 degrees, you can easily mount it in landscape or portrait orientations. It also tilts, to the point that you can make the mount completely flat, like an elevated pad facing upwards, to charge non-magnetic accessories like earbuds.

The Anker MagGo 15W Qi2 Wireless Charger Stand uses Anker's dependable ActiveShield 2.0 technology to intelligently monitor and manage the temperature of the charging stand. Anker says it measures the device temperature up to 3,000,000 times per day and has built-in protections to help guard against voltage spikes, overcurrent, and overheating.

To add even more reassurance, Anker includes a 24-month warranty. The only thing missing here is a wall charger, but you can use any of your USB-C chargers lying around at home that you use to charge your phone.

If you would like to purchase a dedicated charging brick to go with the stand, Anker's fantastic little Nano Pro 20W charger is just $11.99 on Amazon.

No one likes bad Wi-Fi connections. In fact, the only thing I hate more than slow Wi-Fi is spending money on networking gear. I get it — there are a million things you'd rather spend your money on before Prime Day runs out than a new router. But if you're tired of buffering, connectivity issues, and slow speeds, that's exactly what you should buy.

After years of using the router provided by my ISP, I upgraded to the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro. I had tons of Android and Google Home or Nest devices, so buying a router with the smarts to tie the entire ecosystem together made sense. Now, you can get the Nest Wi-Fi Pro for just $85, saving nearly $115 compared to the usual retail price. It's a no-brainer if you need a Wi-Fi 6E router and are invested in the Android or Google ecosystems.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you need a reliable mesh Wi-Fi system; you want Wi-Fi 6E speeds; you have a Google Home or Nest ecosystem and want your router to fit in.

❌ Skip this deal if: you have internet speeds faster than 1Gbps from your ISP; you need a router with more Ethernet jacks.

There's a lot to like about the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro, starting with its simplicity. It's just an orb-shaped, plastic Wi-Fi 6E router with a power cord and two Ethernet jacks. One is used for the Ethernet cable coming from your modem, and the other can be used to connect other devices to your network. You can even hook up an unmanaged Ethernet switch to add ports to your Nest Wi-Fi Pro.

The subtle design and stylish colorways allow you to place the Nest Wi-Fi Pro anywhere in your home. You manage it through the Google Home app, just like your other Nest devices. They all work together nicely. For instance, I can ask my Nest Hub display to run a speed test for my Nest Wi-Fi Pro, and see the results on the screen.

Google uses software optimization to help your Nest devices run better on networks powered by Nest Wi-Fi Pro. For example, it says that you can get a "stronger live connection to your Nest Doorbell and faster 4K streaming on Chromecast with Google TV." I personally use a Nest Doorbell Battery and two Nest Cam Indoor cameras in my home, and they all run great thanks to the Nest Wi-Fi Pro router inside.

The best thing I can say about the Nest Wi-Fi Pro is that after upgrading to it, I haven't had to think about my Wi-Fi. It just works, and when there's an issue, it lets me know before my ISP can. If you struggle with Wi-Fi issues too, this is the $85 fix you need for Prime Day.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

Amazon's biggest sale of the year ends at midnight tonight, which means you only have a few hours to take advantage of the best Fire TV deals this side of Black Friday. Amazon's Fire-powered smart TVs range from no-frills 32-inchers to premium 75-inch Ember models, and Prime Day is dropping nearly all of the best models to record low prices.

For starters, our top pick for the best overall Amazon Fire TV is the 4-Series Ember model, and I was happy to see that that particular set is chilling with a 39% discount during Amazon's sale. Of course, that's far from the only discounted TV available today, so keep reading for all of my favorite picks. Most of my recs are from Amazon's own line of smart TVs, but I'll also include some Fire-based streaming devices and a few models from other companies that utilize the Fire platform.

Don't forget that the vast majority of deals listed below are exclusive to Prime members. Haven't signed up yet? Amazon is offering a 30-day free trial so you don't have to add yet another subscription to your list of monthly bills. Simply sign up today, do some Prime Day shopping, and cancel your account before the month is up with zero penalty. 

• Prime Day ends TONIGHT: see the full list of last-minute deals

What time does Prime Day end?

Amazon Prime Day is set to end at 11:59pm PT tonight, June 26th. Did you miss all of the festivities? Fear not! Best Buy and Walmart are running rival sale events that will last through Sunday night, and unlike Amazon's sale, they don't require a membership. 

Amazon Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

There are plenty of reasons to grab a new pair of earbuds. Whether yours are just getting old or you accidentally dropped one down a sewer drain (ask me how I know), Prime Day is one of the best ways to grab a new pair for cheap, and there's no better deal than this $19.99 CMF Buds 2a deal!

If you haven't tried Nothing's CMF buds before, get ready to be impressed with how good earbuds can be for this price. We've been praising this brand's buds since 2024, and Nothing goes above and beyond delivering a simply "good" experience, despite the price.

The Buds 2 series has several entries, so I've narrowed it down to three options for you to choose today: the entry-level Buds 2a, the mid-range Buds 2, and the more premium-style Buds 2 Pro.

• Prime Day 2026 is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You're looking for a quality pair of active noise-cancelling (ANC) earbuds for a ridiculously low price.

❌Skip this deal if: You're an audiophile who needs high-res audio quality. These are great, but they're no $500 Bose headphones. Also, keep in mind that ll three of these are water-resistant (IP54 or IP55), which means they're just fine for rain and sweat, but not for getting submerged.

The cheaper Buds 2a and Buds 2 offer identical case designs with a rotating "fidget wheel" that includes spots to attach a lanyard to. This case will charge your buds fast. I'm talking 5-10 minutes of charge for hours of use. It's pretty wild!

Upgrading to the Buds 2 Pro will turn that wheel into a bona fide volume adjustment wheel, so you can easily adjust music volume in your pocket by using the wheel. It's one of those little charming traits you'll delight in using every time. Plus, it doubles as a customizable button that you can assign several functions to in the CMF app.

As you might expect, the Buds 2 Pro will deliver the best audio quality of the three on sale today, so choose wisely depending on how much you care about top-quality audio. But don't wait too long, because this sale ends when the clock strikes midnight on Friday, June 26!

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

As our reviewer Nick Sutrich put it, the Fitbit Ace LTE redefines what I thought a smartwatch for kids could be. It is one of the most fun pieces of modern tech for children, almost making me wish my grown-up Pixel Watch was this fun! The UI is very colorful and full of cute characters, exciting animations, and dynamic game-based prompts, tools, and activities.

Google did an outstanding job with the Fitbit Ace LTE, equipping it with bare necessities like health and fitness tracking, GPS tracking, LTE connectivity, and quick charging, as well as some incredibly exciting extras.

For more than half off during Prime Day, this Fitbit Ace LTE deal is only good until the end of the day today. So if your child has been begging you for a cool new smartwatch, you better run to buy it at this bottom-of-the-barrel price.

• Prime Day June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You want a premium-grade smartwatch with fitness and tracking features especially designed to engage kids.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a kids' smartwatch with sleep tracking.

The Fitbit Ace LTE is the perfect starter "smartphone" for children. It gives them access to important features like calls, texts, and GPS tracking, but at the same time, it also limits their access to the internet in a key way: it doesn't have social media or internet browsers.

This mix of crucial features and restricted access is what makes the Google Fitbit Ace a fantastic smartwatch for children and one of the best ways to start them out on phones and internet access.

Your children can learn how to manage money and how to stay fit in a fun, gamified way using the Fitbit Ace. The watch has "Daily Quests" for healthier living, a point-based activity system, and six games preloaded onto the watch that require them to move about and engage in physical activity.

What I love is that Google regularly drops new updates for the Fitbit Ace, with new games added seasonally, as well as features like "Family Chat" and "School Time". Children can even have virtual pets within the watch called Eejies. Here's how Nick Sutrich, our reviewer, described Eejies:

"Eejies feel a bit like a cross between Tamagotchi and Animal Crossing. Daily activity will grant rewards in the form of outfits and furniture for their Eejie's rooms, and new watchbands from Fitbit unlock exclusive outfits that match the bands. It's an incredible experience that's unlike any other smartwatch on the market, and it's made just for kids!"

Sutrich's kid adored the Fitbit Ace LTE so much, he went on to say that it has become their favorite smartwatch. At 51% off, this is an epic deal for a really well built kids' smartwatch.

Gaming handhelds have become surprisingly expensive. Lenovo just raised the price of the Legion Go 2, while other devices, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and ASUS ROG Ally X, cost hundreds of dollars, making getting into portable gaming pretty expensive.

That's exactly why this Prime Day deal caught my attention. Amazon has dropped the R36MAX Retro Handheld Game Console from $100 to just $50, and there's another $10 coupon on top, bringing the final price down to only $40.

For anyone who's been thinking about buying a retro handheld, I honestly think this might be one of the best times to do it.

• Prime Day ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: you want an inexpensive handheld packed with retro games, something for flights and travel, or a device you can simply pick up and play without worrying about downloads or subscriptions.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for modern AAA gaming, want to stream PC games, or need something that can compete with a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch 2.

The best part about the R36MAX is that it comes with a huge library of retro games already loaded onto its 64GB storage. You don't need to create an account or download games onto it. There are plenty of games already pre-installed on the device.

The hardware isn't bad either, especially for the price. You get a quad-core processor that's more than capable of handling most retro 2D games, along with a 4-inch IPS display with 720 x 720 resolution. It also comes with dual analog sticks, proper shoulder buttons, built-in speakers, and USB-C charging, which is more than I'd expect from a $40 handheld.

Battery life also looks pretty solid. The R36MAX packs a 4,000mAh battery, with the company claiming up to six hours of continuous gameplay on a single charge. That's enough for most flights. It even comes with a carry case in the box, making the deal feel even better.

Of course, this isn't going to replace your Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, nor is it trying to. But if you've been curious about retro handheld gaming or simply want an inexpensive way to replay old classics, this is probably one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get started.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

If I were to start running from scratch, there’s only one watch I would get to help me track my progress.

Oh, wait, I have started running, haha, and I did end up getting a watch that is actually the greatest invention ever; the Garmin Forerunner 970. And lucky for you, it’s on sale right now for Prime Day.

All color variants were 749.99, but now they're 649.99 and are selling out fast. If you were thinking of getting one of the best watches to train for a marathon, then this is the watch you need to get.

• Prime Day ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

But let me backtrack, about a month ago, I decided on the crazy idea of running my first half-marathon, and who knows, maybe by the end of my training, it will become a full marathon. But running isn’t a joke. It’s hard, even if I’ve been working out my whole life.

I did what anyone did: I went online and did a whole bunch of research, and you know where that landed me? Confused, overwhelmed, and right back where I started, not knowing how to start my training.

What helped me was reading what Android Central has written about Garmin. I learned that while other watches can track pace and distance and monitor heart rate, one watch delivered the ultimate performance. It’s why I got the Garmin Forerunner 970.

And from the fitness test we did, “it’s the running watch you buy when you don’t want compromises.”

The watch has many features that are great for runners who aren’t just running as a hobby but want to track every specific detail of their training.

I will add that if the watch is a bit out of your budget, then you can also get the Forerunner 570, which is also on sale. While it is much less premium and lacks some of the features that the 970 has, it is still a stellar device. And I think the Forerunner 570 is a great watch for those considering taking up running as a hobby but who still want to track progress, might consider running a marathon, and want a few more features than a simple smartwatch.

All color variants of the Forerunner 570 are on sale on Amazon for $449.99, down from $549.99.

Do I need to be a Prime member to shop during Amazon Prime Day?

Although select discounts may be available to the general public, the vast majority of deals during Prime Day are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Haven't joined yet? Sign up for Amazon's 30-day free trial to enjoy all of the benefits of a Prime membership without paying a cent. The cost of a membership is $14.99 per month once the trial period is up, but you can cancel at any time with zero hassle.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

What you need to know

• OnePlus may bring back the full smartphone experience by including a 45W charger and a clear silicone case in the N6 box.
• The bundled charger matches the phone's 8,000mAh battery and 45W fast charging, so buyers won't need to purchase a compatible adapter separately.
• The leaked unboxing confirms the mint colorway already teased by OnePlus, with a black variant also expected at launch.

OnePlus looks poised to bring back a small convenience many smartphone brands have ditched. Just days before the official launch of the OnePlus N6, a leaked unboxing has offered a glimpse of what customers will find inside the retail box, and it's shaping up to be more generous than what you'll find with many flagship phones today.

The images, shared by tipster Abhishek Yadav on X, show the complete retail bundle alongside the handset itself (via Android Authority). The OnePlus N6 will come with a 45W SuperVOOC power adapter, a USB-C charging cable, a clear silicone protective case, documentation, and a SIM ejector tool, according to the post. That’s notable at a time when many manufacturers have dispensed with charging bricks in the box altogether, often leaving customers to reuse an older charger or buy a new one separately.

The charger included also meets specifications OnePlus has already confirmed. The company says the N6 is powered by a massive 8,000mAh battery with support for 45W wired fast charging, so consumers won’t have to hunt for a compatible adapter on day one.

The leaked photos don’t hold many surprises on the phone’s design, as OnePlus has already shown it off ahead of launch. The device shown in the unboxing matches the mint color finish that the company teased earlier, and official promotional material also hints at a black color option.

Don't be fooled by the camera bump

One thing to check out is the rear camera module. At first glance it seems to have three cameras, but that doesn’t mean the phone has a triple-camera setup. So far, OnePlus has officially announced only a 50MP main rear camera and an 8MP front-facing camera. The extra cutouts could be used to house decorative elements or auxiliary sensors rather than the cameras.

Earlier leaks have also helped clarify the rest of the hardware, in addition to the official announcements. The OnePlus N6 is rumored to sport a 1,570 x 720 display, a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus (MT6835) chipset, 6GB of RAM, and Android 16 at launch. OnePlus has yet to confirm those specs, but they align with the phone's status as an affordable entry-level device.

Pricing is expected to be sub Rs 20,000 (roughly $212), which will surely keep the N6 in the budget segment. OnePlus has already announced that the phone will be launched in India on June 30, but the company has not confirmed whether it will launch in other markets, including the U.S.

Android Central's Take

I’m glad OnePlus is fighting the industry’s tendency to strip essentials out of the box. A charger and a basic case aren’t premium extras; they’re things most people actually need on day one. If this leak holds, the OnePlus N6 will save buyers a little money and a trip to the accessories aisle. That's more than I can say for plenty of brands that sell you a $1,000 phone and then expect applause for letting you buy the charger separately.

Android phones are exceptionally capable these days, but they are also more deeply connected to everyday life. Banking, shopping, messaging, travel bookings, work accounts and even smart home controls now live inside the same device people carry everywhere.

All this integration has changed the nature of Android security threats and moved risks beyond the category of suspicious pop-ups or obviously malicious downloads.

Fake parcel delivery texts arrive through SMS, phishing links spread through messaging apps, and harmless-looking apps can quietly request access to photos, microphones, contacts or location data without users fully realising what they’re agreeing to.

At the same time, Android remains one of the most flexible mobile platforms available, which is part of its appeal. The ability to sideload apps, customise devices and install software outside traditional app stores gives users more freedom, but it can also create additional opportunities for bad actors to exploit.

That’s why mobile security in 2026 increasingly focuses more on reducing exposure in the background before problems escalate, which is exactly where Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android can help you.

TL;DR

Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android focuses on the risks Android users increasingly face every day, including malicious apps, phishing links, risky permissions, and unsafe public Wi-Fi networks. Its protection tools work across apps rather than just in browsers, with background scanning helping to reduce exposure without constantly interrupting normal phone use.

Android threats no longer live inside the browser

Many modern Android threats now appear inside everyday apps rather than through traditional desktop-style malware attacks.

Phishing attempts increasingly arrive through WhatsApp messages, Instagram DMs, Telegram chats and fake delivery texts designed to look legitimate at first glance. In some cases, users may never even open a web browser before exposing personal information.

Fake Android app updates have also become more convincing, with some imitating banking apps, streaming platforms or productivity tools closely enough to fool users into downloading malicious software or entering login credentials into cloned interfaces.

Sideloading remains another area where Android users need to stay alert. Installing APKs outside official storefronts can sometimes provide access to useful apps unavailable elsewhere, but unofficial downloads may also contain hidden malware, spyware, or aggressive advertising software that runs silently in the background.

This is where modern mobile security increasingly shifts towards prevention rather than reaction. Instead of waiting for a device to become obviously compromised, Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android proactively identifies suspicious activity, risky downloads and malicious links before they cause wider problems.

What are risky Android permissions — and why do they matter?

App permissions control what software can access on an Android device, including microphones, cameras, contacts, files and location data. The problem is that many users grant permissions automatically without questioning why an app needs them in the first place.

A photo-editing app requesting permanent location access or a flashlight app asking to read contacts may not sound too risky, but permissions can potentially expose far more personal information than you think.

Android has significantly improved permission transparency in recent years, with clearer controls and better visibility into what apps access behind the scenes. That said, permission requests have become so common that many people automatically tap “Allow,” creating opportunities for malicious actors to quietly collect unnecessary data over time.

Bitdefender’s Mobile Security for Android can help users identify suspicious behaviour patterns without requiring deep technical knowledge or overwhelming them, and by simplifying decision-making while keeping people in control of their devices.

Web protection now needs to work across apps

The way people use the internet on Android has changed dramatically over the past few years. Many users now spend more time inside apps than traditional web browsers, which means phishing protection can no longer focus solely on browser-based threats.

Malicious links are increasingly spreading through messaging platforms, social media apps, QR codes, and SMS conversations. A fake delivery notification, concert ticket update or password reset request can appear convincing enough to encourage users to click before questioning its legitimacy.

This is one reason why cross-app web protection has become increasingly important for Android security platforms.

A dedicated solution for your mobile phone, such as Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android or a Bitdefender multi-platform security solution, can detect suspicious links across multiple apps and services, reducing exposure wherever a potentially harmful link appears.

Background protection matters because modern phishing attempts often rely on speed and distraction rather than sophisticated hacking techniques.

Android security works best when it stays out of the way

The best mobile security tools are often the ones users barely notice day to day. Constant warnings, intrusive pop-ups and complicated settings menus can quickly lead people to disable protections altogether, particularly on personal devices used for work, travel and entertainment throughout the day.

That’s why many modern Android security platforms now prioritise quieter background monitoring designed to reduce friction during normal usage. Background scanning, malicious app detection, and automated web protection enable security tools to operate continuously without forcing you to constantly manage alerts.

This is especially beneficial for families or households with several Android devices, like shared tablets and family phones, where not all users may be able to recognise risky download suggestions or suspicious links.

Fortunately, Bitdefender's system can manage this automatically, operating in the background without requiring users to surrender control over their privacy settings and permissions.

Why public Wi-Fi still creates privacy risks

While public Wi-Fi remains convenient, it’s also a security risk for mobile users. Airports, cafés, hotels and train stations all rely on shared wireless networks, yet users often have limited visibility into how secure those connections actually are.

In some situations, attackers may attempt to intercept unsecured traffic, impersonate legitimate networks, or redirect users to malicious login pages designed to steal credentials or payment details.

Mobile devices are particularly exposed because they frequently connect automatically to previously used networks, sometimes without users realising it.

For Android users who regularly work remotely or travel with sensitive personal information stored on their devices, Bitdefender's secure browsing remains an important way to reduce exposure on unfamiliar networks.

Does Android still need antivirus software?

Android is considerably safer than it was a decade ago, thanks to stronger built-in protections, stricter app store policies and improved permission management. That said, modern mobile threats have evolved alongside the platform itself.

Rather than focusing solely on traditional “viruses,” many attacks now target phishing, account theft, malicious links, fake apps, and data-harvesting techniques that rely heavily on user behaviour rather than technical exploits alone.

As Android devices increasingly replace laptops for banking, shopping, communication and work, the amount of sensitive information stored on phones continues to grow.

That’s why modern mobile security tools increasingly focus on broader privacy and exposure reduction rather than simply scanning devices for malware signatures.

• Explore how Bitdefender security solutions can help protect your devices, identity and privacy — all in one place.

I love reading books, and my favorite way to crack open a new one isn't by turning physical pages; it's by powering on an e-reader. That's because e-readers like this on-sale $85 Kindle are lighter and thinner than any book, making it a joy to hold and read for hours at a time.

Amazon makes a ton of Kindles, but this particular model is the most modest-sized of all and comes in a lovely soft-touch construction that's easy to hold. Plus, it's the lightest Kindle ever and is lighter than even the smallest phones on the market today, despite having a paperback-sized 6-inch screen.

The $85 deal is for the ad-supported version, but don't be fooled by that description. Ads generally come in the form of book recommendations and only appear on the lock screen. Amazon doesn't give you obnoxious pop-ups or on-screen ads while reading. If any ads bother you, the ad-free version of this Kindle is just $20 more.

• Prime Day 2026 is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You want an unbelievably light, distraction-free e-reader with a bright backlight and near-perfect construction.

❌Skip this deal if: You want an e-reader with a warmer backlight, one with waterproofing, or one that runs more apps than just the Kindle library.

This one comes in two colors, black and matcha. I'd like to have a word with Amazon's design team, as this is absolutely not a matcha color. Rather, it's more like seafoam green, which still looks amazing in hand, but it's not a rich verdant green like matcha tea is.

While we're speaking of matcha, it wouldn't hurt to grab this 16oz matcha tin for $20. I bought one last Prime Day, and it took me nearly an entire year to use up. It's the perfect way to make a great latte while reading a good book on your new Kindle!

Why choose a Kindle over other e-readers?

Most e-readers these days are powered by Android and let you download any Android app on them (like this excellent $157 Prime Day deal). That's amazing for book selection and whatever else you want to do on your e-reader, but it also opens the gates for lots of distractions while you're trying to read.

Kindles are a more basic product, only offering access to Kindle books and Audible audiobooks. That's all in Amazon's ecosystem, of course, but it also means you won't be seeing text messages, emails, or getting bothered by notifications while enjoying your book.

Black & white e-readers are also still the best for book reading, as they are substantially crisper than color E Ink. That, combined with a backlight you can completely disable, and the paper-like reflectivity of E Ink, makes this a perfect reading companion for your summer and beyond.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

What you need to know

• Samsung's Galaxy S27 Pro has allegedly appeared in a GSMA database listing alongside the other three models.
• The listing directly mentions the phone by name with a model number that's uniquely its own.
• Previous rumors claim Samsung wants to expand the Galaxy S27 series with a fourth model, and it could feature a 6.4-inch display with "Ultra-like" features.

Rumors have been drumming up what we might see from Samsung's Galaxy S27 series for months. Now there's a report that says one alleged device could be real.

The eagle eyes of OVRPlus claim that the GSMA database now (allegedly) lists a new Galaxy S model that we've seen rumored: the Galaxy S27 Pro (via SamMobile). The publication states the device was listed with model number SM-S957B/DS. What's more, the listing details the manufacturer, which is Samsung, and the device's "market name" as "Galaxy S27 Pro."

Usually, listings from GSMA bear weight, but keep in mind that nothing's confirmed until Samsung says so.

The publication kept searching and found that the database listing contains model numbers and names for the other Galaxy S27 series phones. The company has posted listings for the base Galaxy S27, S27 Plus, and S27 Ultra. These three phones were expected, as they've become commonplace for Samsung's flagship series.

Pro on the way?

The latest leak surrounding the Galaxy S27 Pro came from a South Korean report that said it could bring "Ultra-like" features. The report got things going by stating Samsung was looking to expand its Galaxy S series next year with one additional model: the S27 Pro. While rumors suggest it could offer an experience that's closer to the Ultra, the Pro wouldn't feature an S Pen.

What's more, Samsung could give the S27 Pro a Privacy Display. This wouldn't be the first time we've seen a fourth model injected into the Galaxy S line. My colleague Sanuj Bhatia reminded us all of the Galaxy S25 Edge, which didn't perform as well. Whether the S27 Pro is simply an experiment or not remains to be seen. On the other hand, specification rumors surfaced for the S27 Pro, stating it could offer a 6.4-inch display.

A screen like this would place it between a base Galaxy S model and a Galaxy S Plus, if we're going by Samsung's history. The Pro could also grab the Ultra's main and ultrawide cameras; however, the difference could be in its telephoto.

Android Central's Take

A Galaxy S27 Pro would shake things up for sure. I think the display size, from what these rumors have said, would make it interesting, too. The Pro wouldn't be as big as the Ultra, but would carry features like it. I can see this phone grabbing the attention of people who love the Ultra's features, but don't enjoy holding such a big phone all day everyday.

When Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 7 last year, it pushed the foldable even further into premium territory with a price close to $2,000. But thanks to Amazon's Prime Day sale, that price is no longer as hard to justify, with Samsung's flagship foldable now discounted by more than $500.

Right now, you can grab the Galaxy Z Fold 7 for just $1,470 in the U.S., a massive 27% discount from its original $2,000 price. When we reviewed the Galaxy Z Fold 7, we said it was an excellent foldable but difficult to recommend at full price. We also suggested waiting for a big sale, and that sale has finally arrived.

• Prime Day is back June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: you want a thin and light foldable, a cover display that feels like a regular smartphone, flagship performance, an excellent OLED display, and Samsung's Galaxy AI features.

❌Skip this deal if: you want the biggest battery, ultra-fast charging, or need stylus support on a foldable.

The timing also makes this deal particularly interesting. Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 next month at Unpacked, but current rumors suggest it won't be a massive upgrade over the Fold 7. Instead, Samsung appears to be focusing most of its attention on a new, wider foldable designed to compete with Apple's rumored foldable iPhone.

That's exactly why this Galaxy Z Fold 7 deal is so compelling. You're essentially getting what will still be one of Samsung's best foldables for well over $500 less than its launch price, without giving up much compared to what's expected from the Z Fold 8.

Samsung made some meaningful changes with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, making it thinner and lighter than previous generations while also widening the cover display so it feels much closer to using a regular smartphone. It's one of the biggest reasons I'd still recommend it today, because you get the convenience of a normal phone that unfolds into a proper tablet when you need it.

Sure, it doesn't support a stylus anymore, but you still get Samsung's Galaxy AI features, one of the fastest chipsets available on Android in Snapdragon 8 Elite, and a polished foldable software experience.

If you thought the Galaxy Z Fold 7 was simply too expensive at launch, this Prime Day deal finally makes it feel like the value it should have been all along.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

A lot of the recent innovations in power banks have been around Qi 2 charging tech. There's a decent amount of choice if you need a good power bank, and I use the Baseus Picogo, which just got a discount and is down to $28 right now.

The Picogo is a 10,000mAh power bank, and it has a sleek design with powerful magnets that let you attach it to your iPhone and Pixel without any issues. I used this model with my Pixel 10 Pro XL and iPhone 17 Pro, and after a year of use, I didn't see any issues whatsoever.

✅Recommended if: You want a Qi 2 MagSafe power bank that's lightweight and reliable in daily use. The Picogo power bank has a 10,000mAh battery, Qi 2 with 15W charging, and a USB-C port that hits 22.5W when you need to plug in.

❌Skip this deal if: You need Qi 2.2 with 25W charging. In that case, get the Baseus Picogo AM52, which is now $52.

There's a lot to like with the Picogo power bank. The 10,000mAh battery is enough to charge a phone fully, and I really like the design; the metal chassis makes it durable, and the Qi 2 magnets are strong — they attached to my iPhone and Pixel without any problems.

With Qi 2 connectivity, you get 15W charging, and while it's on the slower side, it is adequate while traveling as the power bank stays connected to the phone. This is a big advantage over regular power banks, and the size and weight of the Picogo gives it an edge over its rivals.

There's a dedicated USB-C port that goes up to 22.5W, and this is useful if you need to plug in a secondary device to the power bank. Note that while the power bank has a 10,000mAh battery, it doesn't mean you'll be able to charge your phone twice over. Because of charging efficiency and the inherent energy that's lost while charging your phone, you'll get close to 5,500mAh of actual usage power out of the Picogo, and that is in line with other power banks in the industry.

If you need Qi 2.2 with the full 25W charging, you'll want to get the Picogo AM52. It has the same design and the same 10,000mAh battery, and the magnets are the same as well. The biggest difference is that it's able to deliver a 25W charge consistently, and I found that to be a decent enough differentiator when I need to charge my phone. But because of the newer standard, the AM52 costs a lot more — you'll be shelling out $52 to get your hands on the power bank.

Honestly, the regular Picogo should be more than adequate for most, and the best part is that it is now available for under $30, making it a good overall option.

In between summer travel and beach parties, I'm gonna be spending a lot of time relaxing in the comfort of my own home. I love listening to music, and since I've been meaning to upgrade my setup after moving into a new space, something as cool as the new Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable seems to fit the bill! It's the perfect mix of old-school and new, with a classic yet modern turntable design, and right now it's at its lowest price for Prime Day, making it the perfect opportunity to buy one.

The Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable was launched just this year and normally retails for $398, which is a bit above my price range (for most things). At $150 off, you're now paying just under $250 for this rather impressive turntable, which feels like quite a steal.

✅Recommended if: You want a modern turntable with Bluetooth out capabilities as well as support for wired audio connections.

❌Skip this deal if: You don't have a vinyl collection nor plan to build one up.

I've been eyeing turntables for a few years now, and have even started buying vinyl records... just in case.

One of the biggest reasons I want this particular model is that it supports Bluetooth output. For some reason, many turntables only support Bluetooth in, where you can stream music to the player from your phone, but that kinda defeats the purpose of even having a record player. Having Bluetooth out means I can connect the Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable to my Bluetooth speakers, though it also supports wired audio with a built-in cable and even has a switchable phono EQ.

The turntable features automatic playback, and the tonearm can raise, lower, and return to its resting position on its own. It also supports 33⅓ and 45 rpm speeds, so just about all your vinyl records should play just fine.

But of course, I'll also want a new speaker to go with it, and that's where the Marshall Stanmore III comes in, featuring big, booming sound, plenty of connection options, and a classy design that will fit any home. And whatd'ya know; it's also on sale!

As someone who lives in India, I know a thing (or ten) about intense heat. This summer is proving to be particularly hot, going up to 107 degrees F (42 degrees Celsius) in my city. Other parts of the world are also experiencing heatwaves, and if you're going out on vacation or just need a way to stay cool while outdoors, there's a product for you.

Accessory brand Torras makes wearable air conditioners, and the Coolify Cyber Fold does a great job controlling your microclimate — the immediate vicinity around you. It's designed to cool up to 50 degrees F and provides cool airflow of 3m/s, and you know what? It actually works. I tested it for the last two months, and even on days when it was 104 degrees out (40 deg C), it made a legitimate difference. The Cyber Fold is the costliest model in the Coolify range, and it's now down to $226. If you need an affordable alternative, the Coolify 2S Pro is a good option at $161, and the Coolify Air is just $89 right now.

✅Recommended if: You need an easy way to stay cool outdoors. The Cyber Fold uses innovative cooling tech that immediately makes a difference, and it's effective even in extreme heat.

❌Skip this deal if: You want something that isn't conspicuous. You will get plenty of attention while wearing this.

The Coolify Cyber Fold has much better build quality than other wearable ACs, and it uses Peltier cooling tech in conjunction with fans to ensure you stay cool outdoors. There are eight vents around the product that blow air, and you get decent coverage around your face and neck.

Obviously, the design means it will stand out when you're wearing it in public — there's no getting around that. But I will admit that it isn't as bulky or unwieldy as it looks, and I didn't notice the heft after a day or two of regular use. The best part about the Cyber Fold is that it's effective even on days where it's over 100 degrees F, and the cooling pads around your neck make a huge difference.

The built-in battery doesn't quite last all day, but it's good enough for a few hours of use on full blast. You can eke out better battery life by switching to efficient cooling, and unless it's over 100 degrees outside, you won't need to crank up the cooling all the way.

It is a niche product, but it's one that made a decent amount of difference in the summer months, and if you're interested in trying out a wearable AC, the Cyber Fold is the one I'd recommend — get it while it's still down to $226.

If you're using an older TV or have a model where the built-in interface is being laggy, you'll want to use a dedicated streaming stick. There are plenty of great models in this category, and Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Select continues to dominate for two reasons: it's reliable, and much more affordable than other models. That affordability is getting even better for Prime Day, as the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is now down to just $17, a huge 55% discount.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is an even better choice if you want HDR and Dolby Vision, and that model is discounted by 50% and is now selling for $24. Also, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max has better connectivity and storage, and if that's something you need, it is now down to $34. As someone who uses the Shield TV Pro regularly — which still costs $199 — it's ridiculous that Amazon is discounting its best-selling streamers to this extent, and if you need to use one of these, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the best choice.

• Prime Day is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You need a reliable way to stream your TV shows and movies. All Fire TV Stick 4K models have a fluid interface with no lag, and if you're getting the Plus or Max, you get Dolby Vision.

❌Skip this deal if: You need much more power. The Fire TV Stick 4K should be good enough for most users, but if you need additional power, look at the Shield TV or Shield TV Pro.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is a great option to consider, and it doesn't really miss out on much. Other than Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision, you get all the same features as the other models, and as the name suggests, you get 4K resolution.

As good as it is, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus hits the sweet spot, and this model has both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision in addition to HDR10+ and all the features of the Select. Honestly, this is the one to buy if you just need a reliable TV streamer with all the extras — you even get GeForce Now integration, which is missing on the Select.

Regardless of whichever model you buy, you're getting a reliable streamer, and with prices starting as low as $17, now is the best time to do so.

More Prime Day 2026 — quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

Public USB charging ports are convenient, but they're not always something you should rely on, especially at airports. That's exactly why this Baseus Prime Day deal caught my attention. Amazon has knocked 29% off the Baseus PicoGo AM52 MagSafe Power Bank, bringing it down from $80 to just $57.

At its original $80 price, the PicoGo AM52 felt a little too expensive for a power bank. But at $57, it's much easier to recommend. And that's not just because it supports MagSafe or packs a 10,000mAh battery, it's because it solves a few annoyances that most other power banks simply ignore.

• Prime Day is back June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: you want a power bank with a built-in USB-C cable, MagSafe support, a slim design, and a 10,000mAh battery.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a much larger battery capacity or you're simply looking for the cheapest power bank possible.

The timing of this deal is actually pretty good. Last year, the TSA warned travelers about the risks of juice jacking at public USB charging stations. Whether you worry about that or not, charging from an airport USB port also means you're stuck sitting next to it while your phone charges.

That's exactly where the PicoGo AM52 makes sense. What originally launched as a premium $80 accessory is now much easier to justify at $57.

What really sets this power bank apart is the built-in USB-C cable. You don't have to remember to pack an extra cable every time you travel. On top of that, it's fully MagSafe compatible, so you can snap it directly onto the back of an iPhone or Pixel 10 series device.

If you're using a MagSafe-compatible case with a Galaxy S26, it'll work there too. And when you need faster charging, just plug in the built-in cable, which supports up to 45W output, plenty for most smartphones.

The PicoGo AM52 also includes an additional USB-C port if you want to use your own cable or charge another device. There are a few other nice touches as well, including a small charging status display and a premium metal construction that makes it feel much more expensive than many plastic power banks.

At $57, it's really hard to find faults in the PicoGo AM52 portable charger. If you've been looking for a travel-friendly power bank that already has everything built in, this is probably one of the better Prime Day deals you'll find.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

Some of us like ot travel and explore during the summer, while others just prefer to relax and take it easy. I've already highlighted some enticing Prime Day deals for essential travel accessories, but what about for those of you staying home? Well, Amazon has just the thing for readers with this deal on the 16GB Kindle.

This model launched in 2024, but it's currently the latest base Kindle model available. Originally $110, this 23% discount brings it down to $85 and includes three months of Kindle Unlimited. However, keep in mind that this price still comes with lock-screen ads, which will set you back $104 (down from $129) to get rid of.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You love to read but don't own a lot of physical books or want an easy way to take your favorite books with you on the go.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a larger e-reader with more than 16GB of storage and with support for color.

I reviewed the 2022 Kindle model, and it turned me into a believer in e-readers, thanks to its compact size, very readable display, and long battery life. However, a few things annoyed me, such as the choppiness of the animations, and Amazon says the 2024 model has faster page turns, which hopefully addresses my complaint.

Otherwise, the 16GB of storage can hold thousands of books, which you can download from the Kindle store or upload to the device. And the display is plenty bright and easy on the eyes, making it a great alternative to a physical book.

The Kindle also lasts for up to six weeks per charge, so you don't have to worry about the battery dying while you're on your little staycation. But if it does, be ready to sit around while it charges, as it can take up to 2 hours at 9W. Honestly, it's a small price to pay when the battery lasts that long.