Perplexity joins anti-ad camp as AI companies battle over trust and revenue
AI search startup Perplexity is distancing itself from ads amid fears users won't trust chatbots with an agenda to upsell. The move highlights an emerging crossroads for the AI industry as the sector's biggest players hunt for stable sources of income to bankroll massive spending, with giants like OpenAI leaning into ads and others like Anthropic promising to keep them out.
Perplexity began phasing out ads late last year and isn't exploring any new ad deals at the moment, executives said on Monday at a roundtable event, according to Business Insider and the Financial Times. It is a noteworthy U-turn for the US startup, which became one of …
Tesla won’t use the term ‘Autopilot’ in California anymore
Tesla is no longer using the term "Autopilot" to describe the self-driving capabilities of its vehicles in California, avoiding a 30-day sales suspension in the state. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced that Tesla has taken corrective action after finding in December that the EV manufacturer's marketing was violating state law and misleading customers into thinking its cars would drive autonomously.
The DMV's complaint is connected to written marketing materials for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features that Tesla started publishing in May 2021, which later led to the EV maker appending "(Supervised)" …
Meta’s new deal with Nvidia buys up millions of AI chips
Meta has struck a multiyear deal to expand its data centers with millions of Nvidia's Grace and Vera CPUs and Blackwell and Rubin GPUs. While Meta has long been using Nvidia's hardware for its AI products, this deal "represents the first large-scale Nvidia Grace-only deployment," which Nvidia says will deliver "significant performance-per-watt improvements in [Meta's] data centers." The deal also includes plans to add Nvidia's next-generation Vera CPUs to Meta's data centers in 2027.
Meta is also working on its own in-house chips for running AI models, but according to the Financial Times, it has run into "technical challenges and rollout …
Stephen Colbert says CBS banned him from airing this James Talarico interview
The Late Show host Stephen Colbert says CBS blocked him from broadcasting an interview with James Talarico, a Democratic representative from Texas. During his opening monologue on Monday night, Colbert says the network's lawyers told him in "no uncertain terms" that he couldn't have Talarico on the show, forcing him to post the interview on YouTube instead, hours after news broke that Anderson Cooper is leaving his position at the network as a 60 Minutes correspondent.
"He [Talarico] was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network's lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast," …
The best deals on MacBooks right now
Apple currently sells MacBooks equipped with its own M-series processors in a wide range of sizes and price points, all of which run the company’s newest operating system, macOS 26. Purchasing a new MacBook can be complicated if you’re trying to figure out what specs you need, but finding a deal on a relatively speedy model is surprisingly easy, especially since Apple increased the starting RAM on several models in late 2024 and hasn’t stopped.
These days, it’s not uncommon to see various MacBooks discounted by up to $800, although the quality of deals fluctuates frequently. Alternatively, purchasing refurbished options directly from Apple is another way to save money without waiting for the changing deal winds to blow your way. It’s also the only option to find certain configurations of older models as Apple continues to move forward with newer releases. Apple’s refurbished store offers a one-year warranty and generally discounts new units by up to 20 percent.
But if you want to buy new and you’re looking to save whatever you can, here are the best MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini deals available.
The best MacBook Air deals
M4 MacBook Air
In March 2025, Apple released an updated MacBook Air, which comes in both a 13- and 15-inch configuration with an M4 processor. Interestingly, the latest Air starts at a lower price than the prior model, yet it offers slightly faster performance and twice as much base RAM at 16GB. It can also connect to two external monitors with the lid open, comes in a fresh sky blue color, and features the 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam from the latest MacBook Pro. Needless to say, there’s a lot to like.
The 13- and 15-inch MacBook Airs have both previously received sizable discounts, though there aren’t any notable deals happening right now. That said, you can pick up the 13-inch base model with a 10-core CPU, an eight-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage on sale at Amazon for $849.99 ($150 off) in most color options. The lowest price we’ve seen for this model takes $200 off the original cost. If you prefer the larger 15-inch model, the entry-level configuration with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage is on sale for $1,049 ($150 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo, which is decent but not as good as the $999 sale price that was around for months.
13-inch MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
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15-inch MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
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The best MacBook Pro deals
M4 Pro MacBook Pro
The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips launched with a big increase in RAM over the previous generation, bringing them up to 24GB. They start with 512GB of storage, too, and retail for $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. While the total port selection hasn’t changed compared to their respective M3 Pro and M3 Max counterparts, you’ll get faster Thunderbolt 5 ports on these more substantial models. That’s in addition to the SD slot, dedicated full-sized HDMI port, and 3.5mm jack. They also have the upgraded 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam with Desk View, as well as the optional nano-texture display option.
As of right now, the M4 Pro-equipped MacBook Pro is the only model receiving significant discounts. For example, the 14-inch M4 Pro with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is available at Amazon and B&H Photo starting at $1,799 ($200 off). It’s a solid discount, even if it’s not the biggest price drop we’ve seen in recent months.
The base 16-inch MacBook Pro, meanwhile, is available with an M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $2,379 at Amazon, which isn’t great compared to previous deals.
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
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M5 MacBook Pro
Apple’s latest revision of the 14.2-inch MacBook Pro adds the M5 processor. The generational leap will be felt most by those who have an older MacBook Pro, not those upgrading from the M4, unless you use specific AI apps that tap into the chip’s new Neural Accelerators. As for other design changes and upgrades to the inside and outside of this MacBook Pro, there really aren’t any major ones to note; in fact, it’s so similar to the M4 model that our reviewer Antonio Di Benedetto had to write “M5” on a sticky note just to be able to tell them apart. That being said, it’s still an amazing laptop, one that’s just now starting to get minor discounts.
The 14.2-inch base model with the M5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is down to $1,449 ($150 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo, which is $100 shy of its best price to date. It’s worth picking over the M4 MacBook Pro, especially since that model is tough to find in stock and, more importantly, currently costs more than the newer, better version.
MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025)
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The best Mac Mini deals
The newest Mac Minis in town are the M4-based models, which arrived in 2024. Apple reduced the desktop’s horizontal footprint and paired it with its M4 chipset and 16GB of RAM, which is double that of the previous generation and brings it in line with other base-model Macs from 2024. That makes Apple’s newest desktop computer a tremendous value.
M4 and M4 Pro Mac Mini
Deals on the newest Mac Mini are a bit easier to come by now than they were at launch. The M4 Mac Mini starts with an M4 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for $599. That’s an incredible value for a tiny desktop computer that can rival the Mac Studio and Mac Pro when it comes to certain tasks, including light gaming, 4K video editing, and 3D modeling. The M4 Mac Mini is a fair bit thicker than the last-gen M2 model at 2 inches tall, yet it measures a mere 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep.
In addition to the odd decision to place the power button on its underside, Apple moved the 3.5mm headphone jack and two of its five USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports to the front. The rear features an additional three Thunderbolt ports, HDMI-out, and a gigabit ethernet port. You can also get the Mac Mini with an M4 Pro chipset starting at $1,399, which comes with faster Thunderbolt 5 storage and the option to upgrade to 10-gigabit ethernet for another $100.
In the past, we’ve seen the base Mac Mini drop to as low as $469, but right now, the sales aren’t particularly noteworthy. It’s on sale at Amazon and B&H Photo with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD for around $569 ($30 off). If you need more storage, you can step up to the version with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $743 ($57 off) at Amazon and $749 at B&H Photo. Meanwhile, the base M4 Pro model with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is on sale for $1,301 ($99 off) at Amazon.
Apple Mac Mini (M4)
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Update, February 17th: Updated to reflect current pricing and availability.
Google’s AI search results will make links more obvious
Google says it will now display links more prominently inside its AI-powered features in Search. Robby Stein, the vice president of Google Search, announced on Tuesday that a list of links will now appear inside a pop-up when you hover over the sources in AI Overviews and AI Mode on desktop, alongside a description of each linked article and accompanying images.
Stein adds that Google will also show these "more descriptive and prominent link icons" in its AI responses on desktop and mobile. "Our testing shows this new UI is more engaging, making it easier to get to great content across the web," Stein writes.
While AI Overviews appear as …
Sony’s WH-1000XM6 are nearly $100 off for just a few more hours
If you’re looking for a great pair of noise-canceling headphones, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 are amongst the best available and are now down to $368 ($92 off) at Amazon in black or gray. While their high price usually makes them harder for us to suggest over the last-gen model, which is often on sale for around $278.99, today’s deal makes the XM5 much easier to recommend. Just note the deal is expected to end around 10:50PM ET.
Sony WH-1000XM6
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Sony’s flagship headphones build upon their predecessor with a new chip that powers the company’s most powerful active noise cancellation yet, making them even better at blocking out background sounds like traffic on busy streets. They boast new drivers, delivering detailed, bass-rich sound with adjustable EQ. Voice call performance is improved as well, so you sound clearer on calls.
In terms of design, they’re once again foldable like the XM4, making them easier to toss into a backpack or carry-on. Sony also widened the headband with removable ear cups, so they feel more comfortable during long listening sessions. Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours with ANC on, and you can even charge them while listening, though you’ll need both a 3.5mm cable to listen to music and a second USB-C for charging.
Read our hands-on impressions.
Piggyback’s fantastic Metroid Prime art book is nearly 20 percent off
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launched on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in December, but if you’re itching for some more lore, Metroid Prime 1–3: A Visual Retrospective is a nice way to dig in, especially now that it’s on sale. Normally $49.99, you can currently buy the hardcover version for $41.08 (about $9 off) at Amazon and Walmart, which is one of the first discounts we’ve seen on the tabletop book.
Metroid Prime 1–3: A Visual Retrospective
Where to Buy:
Developed in collaboration with Nintendo and Retro Studios, Piggyback’s 210-page retrospective is an excellent homage to the last 20 years of Metroid. The book itself resembles a piece of art, stitched-bound in a canvas-like cloth hardcover, with a red embossed outline of the series’ iconic protagonist, Samus Aran. Inside, you’ll find a trove of concept drawings and sketches spanning the entire trilogy — as well as Metroid Prime Remastered — including detailed illustrations of environments, common enemies, and bosses. It even features concept art that never made it into the final games.
What really makes the book stand out are the behind-the-scenes stories, however. It touches on everything from Retro Studios’ burnout upon shipping Metroid Prime 2: Echoes to insights surrounding Nintendo’s secretive development process. The margin notes from series producer Kensuke Tanabe are especially entertaining, as they reveal design debates from over two decades ago.
Read our review of the visual retrospective.
Google announces dates for I/O 2026
It's official: Google I/O 2026 will take place from May 19th to 20th. In an announcement on Tuesday, Google says it will share the "latest AI breakthroughs and updates in products across the company, from Gemini to Android and more" during the event, which will take place in-person in Mountain View, California's Shoreline Amphitheatre, and online.
Similar to previous years, Google I/O 2026 will feature keynotes from company leaders, fireside chats, product demos, and more. Google still hasn't shared the full schedule for its sessions, but the company plans to kick off the event with a keynote on the morning of May 19th. You can also interac …
Here are the best Apple Watch deals available right now
In September, Apple launched its latest batch of smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 11, the SE 3, and the Ultra 3. Each has its own pros and cons, but the introduction of Apple’s newest wearables also means there are now more Apple Watch models on the market than ever before — and a lot more deals to be had.
But with all of those options, which one should you pick? Generally speaking, you want to buy the newest watch you can afford so that it continues to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 26, launched in September on the Series 6 and newer models, leaving those with a Series 5 and older devices in the proverbial dust. Fortunately, picking up a watch from the latest (or a recent) generation ensures you’re getting a futureproof smartwatch with an updated design, a robust feature set, and plenty of sensors.
Now, let’s get to the deals.
Apple Watch Series 11 deals
Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS)
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Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm, GPS)
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The new Apple Watch Series 11 is a fairly iterative update of the Series 10, meaning those who already own Apple’s last-gen flagship may not necessarily feel compelled to upgrade. That being said, the newest model does tout a more power-efficient 5G modem and a more scratch-resistant display, as well as an additional 6 hours of battery life over the Series 10. It’s also the slimmest Apple Watch to date and the first to offer FDA-cleared hypertension notifications out of the gate, which you can also now leverage on both the Series 9 and Ultra 2.
If you’re looking to be an early adopter, however, you can pick up the Apple Watch Series 11 in the 42mm / GPS configuration at Walmart starting at $299 ($100 off), which remains the lowest price we’ve seen for the base model. If you prefer the larger 46mm / GPS model, it’s also on sale at Amazon and Walmart in select configurations, where you can grab it for an all-time low of $329 ($100 off).
Read our full Apple Watch Series 11 review.
Apple Watch Series 10 deals
If you’re looking for a real deal — and you’re not particularly tempted by what the Series 11 offers — the Series 10 still holds its own. The last-gen smartwatch packs the same S10 SiP chip that’s in the Series 11, as well as support for fast-charging, a gorgeous wide-angle OLED display, and a design that’s still significantly slimmer and lighter than previous models. It also features both depth and water temperature sensors, along with an FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection feature and the aforementioned hypertension notifications, courtesy of watchOS 26.
Thankfully, the Series 10 remains on sale at Walmart in the 46mm sizing with GPS starting at $229 ($200 off), which is easily one of the lowest prices we’ve seen on the larger configuration.
Read our Apple Watch Series 10 review.
Apple Watch SE 3 deals
Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS)
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Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm, GPS)
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While the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 introduce a handful of iterative updates, the new Apple Watch SE 3 represents a significant upgrade over its 2022 predecessor. The entry-level watch features the same speedy S10 chip found in Apple’s flagship models, for one, letting you take advantage of Apple’s double tap feature, wrist flick gestures, and on-device Siri. The SE 3 also (finally) adds an always-on display, 5G connectivity, support for fast-charging, and audio playback so you can listen to music or podcasts directly from your wrist.
On the health front, the SE 3 introduces a wrist-temperature sensor for retrospective ovulation tracking, along with breathing disturbance alerts, sleep apnea notifications, and a new Sleep Score that breaks down time spent in each stage. What you won’t find are the Series 11’s EKG functionality, blood oxygen monitoring, or hypertension notifications — those are exclusive to the Series and Ultra models.
In terms of deals, the Apple Watch SE 3 is currently available at Amazon and Walmart in its 40mm base configuration with GPS for $219 ($30 off), which is about $20 shy of its lowest price to date. You can also pick up the larger 44mm model at Amazon and Walmart starting at $249, a $30 discount.
Read our full Apple Watch SE 3 review.
Apple Watch SE (second-gen) deals
If you don’t need the latest upgrades, the last-gen SE remains a solid buy if you can pick it up at a significant discount. It has the same chipset as the Series 8, which still holds up well, but has fewer sensors (meaning fewer features), no always-on display, and a slightly outdated design compared to Apple’s newer watches. Those omissions might take it out of the running for some people, but it still may be exactly what you’re after.
Right now, the best deal on the last-gen SE can be found at Walmart, where you can pick up the 44mm model with GPS starting at $129 ($150 off), which remains an all-time low.
Read our Apple Watch SE (second-gen) review.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals
Apple Watch Ultra 3
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Unsurprisingly, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch available thus far. It features a larger, wide-angle OLED display with a 1Hz refresh rate and thinner bezels, as well as both satellite and 5G connectivity. Better yet, battery life has been extended from 36 hours to 42 hours — a marginal improvement, but one that allows you to squeeze out a bit more life when necessary.
As far as deals are concerned, the Ultra 3 recently dropped to an all-time low of $699.99 ($100 off). That said, it’s currently only available at Amazon with either an Ocean Band, a Trail Loop, or an Alpine Loop starting at $768 ($31 off).
Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 3 review.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals
Apple Watch Ultra 2
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If the latest Ultra isn’t what you’re after, you can save some money by opting for an Apple Watch Ultra 2, which isn’t vastly different than Apple’s latest top-of-the-line model. The wearable runs on the older S9 SiP and features Apple’s second-gen ultra wideband chip, but that may not matter to you since it still offers precise GPS tracking, a range of diving-friendly sensors, and long-lasting battery life.
Right now, you can pick up the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Best Buy with an Alpine Loop, a Trail Loop, or an Ocean Band starting at $549 ($250 off), which matches its lowest price to date.