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These are the best 4th of July sale outdoor deals

These are the best 4th of July sale outdoor deals

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Oklahoma Joe's grill

The 4th of July is finally here, which means all of the best 4th of July sales are officially in full swing. Whether you're adding to your backyard hangout spot or looking for all the best gear that will keep you safe and happy out on the trails, now is the time to take advantage of all the best outdoor deals.

These are the best 4th of July sale outdoor deals:
Best camping deal
Skyward 4 Tent
$186.83 at REI Co-op (save $187.17)
Skyward 4 Tent
Best grill deal
Oklahoma Joe's 21.5 in. Blackjack Charcoal Kettle Grill
$269 at Home Depot (save $60)
Oklahoma Joe's 21.5 in. Blackjack Charcoal Kettle Grill
Best watersports deal
FBSPORT 11-foot Premium Stand Up Paddle Board
$179.99 at Amazon with on-page coupon (save $70)
FBSPORT 11' Premium Stand Up Paddle Board

We rounded up all the best opportunities for outdoor savings from favorite retailers including Amazon, Home Depot, and REI. From deals on grills and firepits to watersports equipment, we've tracked down something for everyone that will make this a summer of fun — and savings.

Best camping deal

Skyward 4 Tent
Credit: REI Co-op
Our pick: REI Co-op Skyward 4 Tent
$186.83 at REI Co-op
$374.00 Save $187.17

Why we like it

Through the end of the day, REI Co-op is slashing prices on clearance gear, offering shoppers up to 40% off thanks to the outdoor retailer's 4th of July sale. If you're shopping for a new tent to hit the trails with this summer, this sale offers some of the best deals, including savings on the REI Co-op Skyward 4 Tent. This four-person tent is 60 square feet and has a peak height of 78 inches, making it a spacious shelter with enough room to change and stand without hunching and ducking. We also love this three-season tent's mesh, bug-proof roof that offers ventilation and views of the night sky.

More camping deals:

Best grill deal

Oklahoma Joe's 21.5 in. Blackjack Charcoal Kettle Grill
Credit: Oklahoma Joe's
Our pick: Oklahoma Joe's 21.5 in. Blackjack Charcoal Kettle Grill
$269.00 at Home Depot
$329.00 Save $60.00

Why we like it

This 4th of July, the Home Depot is offering savings on outdoor furniture, power equipment, tools, and plants — plus, some of the best deals on grills from trusted brands. Shoppers can save on Oklahoma Joe's 21.5 in. Blackjack Charcoal Kettle Grill and turn their backyard into their new favorite dining spot. Perfect for grilling and smoking, this charcoal grill has 360-degree air intake for accurate temperature control. Thanks to its porcelain-coated cooking grate and removable ash pan, the grill is also super easy to clean.

More grill and firepit deals:

Best watersports deal

FBSPORT 11' Premium Stand Up Paddle Board
Credit: FBSPORT
Our pick: FBSPORT 11-foot Premium Stand Up Paddle Board
$179.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $70.00
with on-page coupon

Why we like it

If you're looking for more ways to get out and enjoy the water this summer, the FBSPORT 11-foot Premium Stand Up Paddle Board has got you covered. From paddling down your favorite shorelines to enjoying paddle board yoga, the FBSPORT stand-up paddle board's wide, 33-inch no-slip deck gives you the support and stability you need to cruise around with confidence. Made with military-grade material, this inflatable paddleboard is extra durable and designed for all skill levels. Plus, its triple-fin setup makes it easy to maneuver.

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You can now get AI Judy Garland or James Dean to read you the news

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I love an account on X (formerly Twitter) called @LizaMinnelliOutlives (shockingly not run by the icon herself) that lists things like famous deaths or agreements. Well, in a twist, the real Liza Minnelli no longer outlives new words from her deceased mother, Judy Garland. The actress and singer has given ElevenLabs, an AI startup with cloning services, permission to recreate her mother's voice for their new Reader App. Garland joins James Dean, Burt Reynolds and Sir Laurence Olivier as deceased stars whose AI voices are in the "Iconic voice collection," thanks to deals with their estates for undisclosed sums. 

The voices will exist solely on the Reader App and people can use them for things like narrating an e-book. "It's exciting to see our mother's voice available to the countless millions of people who love her," Minnelli, the representative of the Garland Estate, said. "Through the spectacular new technology offered by ElevenLabs, our family believes that this will bring new fans to Mama, and be exciting to those who already cherish the unparalleled legacy that Mama gave and continues to give to the world." A sample of Garland reading The Wizard of Oz appears in ElevenLab's promotional video on YouTube — personally, I find it a little bit eerie, but I can see the appeal. 

ElevenLabs released its Reader App in late June to allow users to hear any text on their phone, including messages, PDFs and news articles. It's currently only available in English for iOS users in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. However, ElevenLabs has a waitlist for Android users and claims it will launch in the Google Play store in the "coming weeks." The company also says it's working on making the app available in every language its Multilingual model supports (29 as of now) and will, subsequently, launch it globally.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://ift.tt/6VFs4wM
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REI's 4th of July Sale is here: Save up to 40% off all clearance gear

REI's 4th of July Sale is here: Save up to 40% off all clearance gear

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Two hikers wear Gregory backpacks

UPDATE: Jul. 3, 2024, 9:29 a.m. EDT This post has been updated to include the latest 4th of July deals.

Fourth of July is just one day away, but the savings events have been happening all week. If your summer calendar is packed with camping trips, day hikes, and afternoons at the beach or park, there's still time to shop REI's 4th of July Sale before you ring in Independence Day.

Best Deals from the REI 4th of July Sale:
Best tent deal
The North Face Wawona 4 Tent
$239.99 at REI (save $160.01)
Wawona 4 Tent
Best sleeping bag deal
REI Co-op Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag
$139.89 at REI (save $60.06)
Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag
Best Yeti deal
Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler
$200 at REI with Mmembership (save $50)
Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler
Best daypack deal
Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack
$67.39 at REI (save $22.56)
Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack

REI's 4th of July Sale gives shoppers up to 40% off clearance items, including camping and hiking gear, clothes for men and women, and water sports equipment. Plus, REI Members can take 20% off any regular-priced Yeti cooler. If you're not a member, you can join for $30 - and get a $30 REI gift card back when you sign up before July 11.

Best tent deal

Wawona 4 Tent
Credit: The North Face
Our pick: The North Face Wawona 4 Tent
$239.99 at REI
$400.00 Save $160.01

Why we like it

Need to upgrade your tent before you hit the trails this summer? No problem. The North Face Waona 4 tent is back with a reimagined design, upgrading from single- to double-wall construction for enhanced ventilation. Plus, its color-coded poles have been re-engineered for an even simpler setup. Measuring 10 x 27 inches and weighing 13 lbs when packed up, this tent is ready for adventure.

More tent deals:

Best sleeping bag deal

Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag
Credit: REI
Our pick: REI Co-op Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag
$139.98 at REI
$199.95 Save $59.97

Why we like it

In this year's sale, you can save 30% off REI Co-op brand's top synthetic sleeping bag, the Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag. Made for backpacking through the spring and fall seasons, this hooded sleeping bag comes in an extensive range of sizes so you can find your most comfortable fit. We love the bag's mummy shape and the way the bag's designed to prevent insulation from shifting - avoiding unwanted cold spots during the night.

More sleeping bag deals:

Best Yeti deal

Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler
Credit: Yeti
Our pick: Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler
$200.00 at REI
$250.00 Save $50.00

Why we like it

REI Members are reaping plenty of benefits during this year's 4th of July Sale - most notably, 20% off one full-price Yeti cooler. This saves members $50 off of the Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler — a great pick to bring along camping or boating. With a shoulder strap and a top handle, this soft cooler is easy to pack up and carry, and its wide zipper also makes it easy to load and unload the cooler. With an 11.7 liter capacity and interior dimension of 11 x 9 x 8 inches, it's a great size for packing lunch, snacks, and drinks.

More cooler deals:

Best daypack deal

Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack
Credit: Gregory
Our pick: Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack
$67.39 at REI
$89.95 Save $22.56

Why we like it

Shoppers looking for a causal daypack to bring along on quick hikes or to festivals will want to check out the Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack. With a 3L water reservoir, you can easily stay refreshed and hydrated. It has three spacious pockets and a front bungee attachment to stash your other essentials. It's designed for comfort, too, with features that help keep your back cool and your load balanced as you move.

Even more REI 4th of July deals:


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Roblox and the BBC have teamed up for UK election coverage

Roblox and the BBC have teamed up for UK election coverage

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A graphic of the UK General Elections on Roblox.

The UK General Election is set to take place this week, and there's an exciting digital partnership playing to election content: Roblox and the BBC.

The BBC is bringing Larry the Downing Street Cat — iconic Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office and pet-in-residence at the official home of the UK Prime Minister — to Roblox for this election.

Larry, along with digital avatars of BBC presenters like Laura Kuenssberg, Clive Myrie, and Jeremy Vine, will appear in a game that requires players to track down ballot boxes outside 10 Downing Street. If you find enough boxes, Larry will become your pet (whether or not you share Larry with the PM is unclear). While playing, Roblox users will also be shown facts about UK elections.

SEE ALSO: The world of Roblox accessories is betting big on young, Black creators

The game will be a part of the BBC’s Wonder Chase experience, which has been around on Roblox since April of this year. Wonder Chase, a free experience on Roblox, features a range of areas dedicated to BBC shows like Doctor Who, EastEnders, and The Next Step.

"I’ve never imagined being a gaming character before," says Kuenssberg, long-time political presenter at the BBC, "but like never before, in 2024 the BBC’s coverage of the election really IS getting everywhere." Fiona Campbell, controller of youth audience for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer says that the game is "an engaging and fun way to learn more about the country’s election whilst interacting with our top political experts."

The UK's General Election will take place on July 4, with millions of people in the country headed to the polls to vote despite "mass apathy" towards the presiding political parties.


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Use your Android phone to unlock your hotel room — how to do it via Google Wallet

Use your Android phone to unlock your hotel room — how to do it via Google Wallet

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Phone being placed at doorknob for unlocking

Did you know that you can now store hotel keys via Google Wallet? If you tend to be absent-minded, making you prone to losing entrance cards, you may be relieved to hear that Google Wallet now supports digital key cards.

As 9to5Google spotted, Google recently updated the Wallet Help page, which gives users a quick-and-easy guide on how to store and save hotel key cards.

SEE ALSO: Google Pay app is shutting down in the US after being replaced by Google Wallet

How to store hotel key cards via Google Wallet

Physical hotel key cards will now become a thing of the past. As mentioned, if you have a tendency to be irresponsible on vacations, you no longer have to worry about misplacing hotel key cards — as long as you don't lose your Android device.

Here's an easy, step-by-step process on how to store hotel key cards in Google Wallet:

  1. Open the hotel's website (or app).

  2. Sign into the hotel's website.

  3. Find the "Add to Google Wallet" button on the reservation confirmation page. (If you don't find this button, the hotel may not support digital hotel key cards.)

  4. Sign into your Google account.

  5. Tap "Add" followed by "View in Wallet."

You can then use it by unlocking your phone before holding the back of the device to the door's key card scanner.

As AndroidCentral pointed out, Google Wallet uses Near-Field Communication (NFC) to facilitate the usage of digital hotel key cards — the same technology that underpins "Tap to Pay." Apple, by the way, has been supporting digital hotel key cards since iOS 15, which launched in 2021.

The Clarion Hotel Post, located in Sweden, is the first to allow its guests to use Google Wallet for digital keys.


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Shop early markdowns on Apple Watches ahead of Prime Day 2024

Shop early markdowns on Apple Watches ahead of Prime Day 2024

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A person swimming in the water looking at an Apple Watch 9 on their wrist.
Best Prime Day Apple Watch deals
Best Apple Watch SE deal
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, GPS, 40mm)
$189 at Amazon (Save $60)
An Apple Watch SE in Starlight aluminum
Best Apple Watch Series 9 deal
Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 45mm)
$329.99 at Amazon (Save $99.01)
An Apple Watch Series 8 in Starlight aluminum

Prime Day 2024 is just weeks away, kicking off July 16 and 17. However, you don't need to wait two weeks to start shopping. Summer sales are here with 4th of July deals rolling in and Target Circle Week around the corner. But we know you probably don't want to wait for the markdowns, especially on major brands. We're on the hunt, or should we say...watch?

Apple Watch models are on sale at Amazon ahead of Prime Day. Both the SE and Series 9 watches are marked down with up to 24% savings. With this deal you can start tracking your workouts and health metrics for under $200. And we know it's summer, so you have to be ready to jump-in a body of water at any given moment. These Apple Watches aren't just on sale — they're waterproof.

Best Apple Watch SE deal

An Apple Watch SE in Starlight aluminum
Credit: Apple
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, GPS, 40mm)
$189.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $60.00

Why we like it

Already a budget-friendly option, the Apple Watch SE is down to $189 ahead of Prime Day. That's just $10 more than its lowest price ever during Black Friday 2023. While it is affordable, it still has the advanced tech you want in a smart watch. The bright retina display tracks your heart rate and watches for irregular rhythm. You can track your workouts — even in the water — as it's water resistant up to 50m. Right now you'll save $60 for 24% savings. We're not sure what Prime Day will bring, but we can confidently say, this is a good deal.

Best Apple Watch Series 9 deal

An Apple Watch Series 8 in Starlight aluminum
Credit: Apple
Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 45 mm)
$329.99 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $99.01

Why we like it

For the latest technology, look to the Apple Watch Series 9. It's loaded with bigger displays, offering either a 41 or 45 mm display over the SE's 40 and 44mm options. It has an always-on retina display, so you don't have to wake it up every time you need to check the time. The health metric offerings are even more extensive on the Series 9 with the ECG app and temperature sensing. Like the SE, it's water resistant, so you can jump in the water care free. It's down to its lowest price ever of $329, saving you $99.01 for 23% off.

More Apple Watch deals


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Sega’s new Crazy Taxi reboot will be an open-world MMO

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Sega’s upcoming Crazy Taxi reboot is going to be an open-world massively-multiplayer online (MMO) game, according to a developer interview on YouTube. The interview includes both quotes from Sega’s team and some brief instances of game footage.

Series producer Kenji Kanno confirmed that the reboot will be playable by many people at once, though the company is still testing the game mechanics. The goal, according to a translation by Automaton, is to maintain the feel of the original franchise entries while incorporating MMO elements. To that end, the footage shows multiple yellow taxis racing one another with police cars in pursuit. Oddly, the police cars are convertibles.

It also looks like the map will be inspired by California, which makes sense given the previous entries, and will include “theme park-like” elements. The reboot has previously been described as a AAA title, so Sega is putting a whole bunch of resources behind it. Based on one job recruitment page, the game is being developed in Unreal Engine.

The idea of an open-world Crazy Taxi makes perfect sense, as it already was basically a precursor to GTA and the like. The MMO aspect, however, could be annoying or it could be amazing. We won’t know until it comes out.

This reboot is just one of Sega’s upcoming visits to the nostalgia well. The company recently announced that it’s breaking out many dusty IPs to work on modern versions. These include Crazy Taxi, of course, but also Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio, Shinobi and Streets of Rage. It’s worth noting that the company continues to ignore what the people really want, a modern take on the horrifying talking fish nightmare simulator Seaman.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://ift.tt/vRngaMi
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