Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a significantly larger battery than its predecessor.

We know this because a leaker called Digital Chat Station noticed the regulatory filings for the upcoming iPhones in China (via MacRumors).

Starting with the iPhone 18 Pro, it's apparently going to have a 4,056mAh battery in China and a 4,288mAh in the U.S. (the difference is there due to the SIM tray, which the iPhones still have in China; the SIM tray takes up some space that would otherwise be allocated to the battery). That's an increase compared to the iPhone 17 Pro which has a 3,988mAh and 4,252mAh battery, respectively, but it's hardly sensational.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is a different story. The Chinese database filings reveal that it's going to have a 5,391mAh battery in China, and a 5,567mAh battery in the U.S., a decent leap from the 4,823/5,088mAh battery on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

There's one caveat to this: The leaker says that the battery capacities for the iPhone 18 Pro Max is "questionable and needs further verification."

If the report is accurate, iPhone 18 Pro Max buyers can expect a decent increase in battery life. The battery capacity is roughly 10 percent larger compared to last year's model, though that doesn't directly translate into battery life as it also depends on the chips powering the device, the display, and various optimizations to conserve battery life. The good news is that Apple is very good at these optimizations, so we wouldn't be surprised to see an even bigger leap in nominal battery life on the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will likely be unveiled in early September, alongside Apple's first foldable phone, which will probably be named the iPhone Ultra.

SAVE OVER $10: As of July 7, the Lego Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70 set is on sale for $65.66 at Amazon. That's $14.33 off its full price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Lego

Lego Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70 (21345)

$65.66 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $14.33

 

Get Deal

Amazon has been dropping some excellent Lego deals lately, and it's certainly not slowing down yet. If you're looking for an adult set to piece together this summer, the Lego Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70 is a truly delightful pickup that's incredibly close to its lowest-ever price right now.

As of July 7, the Lego Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70 is marked down to $65.66 at Amazon. Usually it's listed for $79.99, so this is a great opportunity to save just over $14. It's just a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price point of $63.95, so what better time to grab it?

If you have a big love of cameras, particularly vintage models, this Lego set is sure to brighten your day. It's a 516-piece build that creates the Polaroid OneStep SX-70 camera, complete with a viewfinder, Color Spectrum, exposure compensation dial, and stickers to add.

Another really fun element is that it actually comes with three illustrated "photos" that can be loaded into the camera and ejected with the red button. That certainly helps it feel like the real thing.

This discount may not last for long. Don't miss out on this chance to save on the Lego Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70 set at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: Live stream Pegula vs. Gauff in Wimbledon 2026 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are two Americans left in the Wimbledon women's singles draw, and they're playing each other in the quarter-final stage. Pegula vs. Gauff is a rrally exciting matchup on paper, and a really difficult game to predict. The winner will be whoever delivers their best performance on the day.

If you want to watch Pegula vs. Gauff in Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Pegula vs. Gauff for free

Pegula vs. Gauff in Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to live stream Wimbledon 2026 before recovering your investment. It's a sneaky trick, but it works.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for Wimbledon, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for Wimbledon?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of Wimbledon.

TL;DR: Live stream Osaka vs. Muchová in Wimbledon 2026 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Wimbledon has already delivered a lot of surprise results, including Naomi Osaka confidently beating Sabalenka in the last round. Now Osaka faces off against Muchová for a place in the semi finals. It's going to be an epic battle between two talented stars.

If you want to watch Osaka vs. Muchová in Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Osaka vs. Muchová for free

Osaka vs. Muchová in Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to live stream Wimbledon 2026 before recovering your investment. It's a sneaky trick, but it works.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for Wimbledon, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for Wimbledon?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of Wimbledon.

If you're considering having children, are about to have a child, or have just recently had a child, you may want to give Nightborn a wide berth.

That's certainly the impression given in the trailer for Hanna Bergholm's Finnish horror, which sees young couple Jon (Rupert Grint) and Saga (Seidi Haarla) moving into a remote house in the forests of Finland to start a family.

But is there something wrong with Saga, their new baby, or all of them? Yes.

Nightborn is streaming on Shudder from July 31.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box is on sale for $124.98 at Amazon, down from its $209.70 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box

$124.98 at Amazon
$209.70 Save $84.72

Get Deal

Magic: The Gathering’s Marvel Super Heroes set has already been through a few rounds of strong discounts, but Amazon has now dropped the Play Booster Box down to the lowest price we’ve seen for this 30-pack display. 

As of July 7, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box is on sale at Amazon for $124.98. That means instead of its $209.70 list price, you’ll be saving $84.72 with 40% taken off the sealed box altogether. What’s more, this new drop marks the Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box’s lowest price yet, as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

Sold and shipped by Amazon directly, free delivery is listed at the time of writing for as soon as July 13, or July 9 for Prime members. Just take note that Amazon is marking this listing as final sale with no returns. 

At this price, you’re paying roughly $4.17 per Play Booster before tax, which is a sharp drop for a fresh crossover set that only launched at the end of June. 

Walmart currently has the same box for $124.98 through marketplace seller Cataclysm Games, fulfilled by Walmart, with other sellers starting from $124.95. TCGplayer is even cheaper on paper, with unopened listings as low as $115.90 with shipping included — going even lower than the box’s $118.15 market price. 

For anyone catching up, Marvel Super Heroes brings the comic-book universe into Magic: The Gathering, with heroes and villains jumping from the page to the battlefield. This is both a great set for current players and beginners, as you can build around Marvel heavy hitters, equip them with recognisable gear, and use their abilities across casual games, Limited play, and drafts. 

Inside the box, you’ll get 30 Play Boosters, with 14 Magic trading cards in each pack. Every pack includes one Traditional Foil card and one to four rare-or-higher cards, alongside commons, uncommons, and a land. There’s also a chance of pulling a Foil Borderless Mythic Rare, while a Traditional Foil Land replaces a regular land in 20% of boosters. 

This isn’t the only Magic: The Gathering deal live right now. You can score the Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box on sale for $18.10 at Amazon. Plus, you can still pre-order Magic: The Gathering's Reality Fracture Play Booster Box at $10 off on Amazon. 

SAVE OVER $20: As of July 7, the Polaroid Now+ 3rd Generation I-Type instant film camera is on sale for $126.63 at Amazon. That's $23.36 off its full price of $149.99.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Polaroid

Polaroid Now+ 3rd Generation I-Type Instant Film Camera

$126.63 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $23.36

 

Get Deal

Instant film cameras are a very fun way to capture your favorite memories. Sure, digital photos are quick and easy to snap, but there's something really nice about a physical photo you can have in your hand right away. If you're looking around for a model for this summer, the Polaroid Now+ 3rd Generation I-Type instant film camera is worth a look. That's especially true right now, as Amazon has it on sale.

As of July 7, the Polaroid Now+ 3rd Gen I-Type camera has been marked down to $126.63 from its original price of $149.99. That's just over $20 in savings, and not far at all from its lowest-ever price at the retailer. It's actually not the only color on sale. The arctic blue, white, and coral models are on sale for a few dollars extra at $129.99, if you'd prefer a splash of color.

This Polaroid Now+ 3rd Gen I-Type camera boasts some very cool features. It actually connects to the Polaroid app via Bluetooth, which can be done by pressing the plus button on the front of the camera to link it to your phone, allowing you to access extra features for the camera. These include aperture priority, remote controls, manual mode, and more.

If you're curious what types of film it works with, you can use Polaroid i-Type and 600 film for capturing your favorite moments. Plus, it comes with a built-in USB-C rechargeable battery that lasts over 15 film packs.

Who knows how long this deal will be around for, so be quick to save on the Polaroid Now+ 3rd Generation I-Type instant film camera while it's still on sale at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching the quarter-final stage. Only two spots are undecided, with two all-important games on the schedule for July 7.

It all kicks off at 12 p.m. ET. Interested in watching the final two fixtures from the Round of 16? We've got all the information you need.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: July 7

• Argentina vs. Egypt (Atlanta Stadium) — kickoff at 12 p.m. ET

• Switzerland vs. Colombia (BC Place Vancouver) — kickoff at 4 p.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup games today

Watch Argentina vs. Egypt

The defending champions will be expected to overcome Egypt and advance to the next round, but they did struggle to beat Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Egypt will be banking on a strong performance from Salah, but this matchup might be a step too far for the Pharaohs.

Live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Switzerland vs. Colombia

This is a tricky matchup to predict. Colombia probably have the edge, but Switzerland are one of those teams without a real weakness. They're strong across the board, but they'll need to be at their best to stop Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez taking control of this game.

Live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Fox One

Fox One (3-Month Subscription)

$39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99

 

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Peacock

Peacock (Spanish Language)

Starting at $10.99/month

Get Deal

More live streaming options

Live TV cable replacement

Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:

• YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months

• Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month

• Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.

You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup on these free streaming services. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpresVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, July 7, 2026:

Across

Body part exposed in a sandal

• The answer is Toe.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

With 7-Across, zen state of mind

• The answer is Inner.

See 4-Across

• The answer is Peace.

Goldman ___ (investment bank)

• The answer is Sachs.

Many a kid's gift

• The answer is Toy.

Down

Hits the "15%" or "20%" button, say

• The answer is Tips.

___-Day (vitamin brand)

• The answer is One A.

Vote into law

• The answer is Enact.

Word shouted into a canyon

• The answer is Echo.

Table booking website

• The answer is Resy.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE OVER $200: As of July 7, the iRobot Roomba 105X robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $219.99 at Amazon. That's $250 off its full price of $469.99.

Opens in a new window

Credit: iRobot

iRobot Roomba 105X

$219.99 at Amazon
$469.99 Save $250

 

Get Deal

Summer can be a very busy time, and if you're finding it difficult right now to keep up with cleaning your floors, a robot vacuum can be a helpful purchase. This is particularly true of the combo cleaners. If their high price tags have kept you from making a move, Amazon's actually offering some solid deals on select models right now. This includes the iRobot Roomba 105X, which has received a huge 53% discount.

Normally, this cleaner is listed for $469.99. As of July 7, and for a limited time, it's had its price cut to $219.99. This deal price isn't far off its lowest-ever price. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, that was $199.99, so you're looking at just a $20 difference.

The iRobot Roomba 105X boasts power‑lifting suction that's 70x stronger than the Roomba 600 series. With the help of a three‑stage cleaning system, it combines that suction with a multi‑surface brush and an edge‑sweeping brush to make sure every surface and corner is clear of any dirt or debris.

Its built‑in microfiber mop helps scrub out stains on harder surfaces. And there's no need to worry about it getting carpets wet, as it automatically detects them to avoid mopping. On top of that, its AutoEmpty Dock even holds up to 75 days worth of debris, so you don't have to constantly empty it. Plus, it features ClearView LiDAR that helps map out your home for an even clean.

This deal may not last for long considering it has a "limited-time deal" tag. Act fast to save on the iRobot Roomba 105X robot vacuum and mop at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $79.99 at Amazon, down from its $118.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box

$79.99 at Amazon
$118.99 Save $39

 

Get Deal

Since launching in the trading card space in mid-May, the Pokémon TCG’s Chaos Rising expansion has been fluctuating in price. Fortunately, it's now back down to one of the lowest prices we’ve seen. 

As of July 7, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box is on sale at Amazon for $79.99. That’s a drop of $39 from its $118.99 list price, and takes 33% off the sealed ETB altogether. Plus, as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel, it’s only 30 cents off its lowest-ever price. 

The same box is still a little cheaper at TCGplayer, if you’re happy to shop away from Amazon. Unopened Chaos Rising ETB listings are currently starting from $73.99 with shipping included, putting it only slightly above its $73.29 market price. Walmart, meanwhile, has the ETB for $80.89 through a marketplace seller — close, but still not quite as low as Amazon. 

Inside the Pokémon TCG’s Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box, you’ll get nine Mega Evolution Chaos Rising booster packs, one full-art foil promo card featuring Fennekin, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, a player’s guide, six damage-counter dice, one competition-legal coin-flip die, one plastic coin, a collector’s box with six dividers, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. 

As for valuable cards you can pull from these packs (or buy individually from TCGplayer), you’ll have the chance to get singles worth up to $275 — including SIR Mega Greninja ex, Megan Hyper Rare Mega Greninja ex, SIR Cinccino ex, and Mega Dragalge ex. 

While you’re shopping around for Pokémon cards, you can also grab the Mega Greninja ex Premium Collection for up to $35 off. What’s more, the Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box is now available for just over market price on Amazon.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Bundle is on sale for $67.92 at Amazon, down from its $89.89 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle

$67.92 at Amazon
$89.89 Save $21.97

 

Pre-order Here

The Pokémon TCG’s latest Mega Evolution expansion is already getting preorder discounts before release day, and Amazon has one of the better early prices for the Pitch Black Booster Bundle. 

As of July 7, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Bundle is on sale for $67.92 at Amazon. That's a 25% drop from its $89.89 list price. That saves you $21.97 on the six-pack box ahead of launch on July 17 — even better TCGplayer’s market price of $72.36. 

This listing is sold by third-party seller DSTStore instead of Amazon directly, but it still comes with Amazon’s 30-day refund/replacement window. Free delivery is listed for July 23 at the time of writing. That price brings Amazon’s bundle down to about $11.32 per booster pack, which is significantly cheaper than buying individual Pitch Black sleeved booster packs from Amazon right now. Those are currently listed at $19.90 each, meaning six packs would come to $119.40 before tax. 

Inside the Pitch Black Booster Bundle, you’re getting six sealed titular booster packs from the upcoming Mega Evolution Pitch Black expansion. Each booster pack should include 10 trading cards, one Basic Energy, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card, giving you a straightforward way to open a decent chunk of the new set without jumping to a full booster display box. 

Pitch Black is built around Mega Darkrai ex, with Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Chandelure ex, and Mega Excadrill ex also joining the expansion — surely making for some exciting pulls when the launch comes in. 

Among other Pokémon TCG deals right now, you can grab the Mega Greninja ex Premium Collection for as low as $64.69. What's more, you can buy the Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box for around market price.

Donald Trump cheerfully admitted on Monday that he had a part to play in getting U.S. striker Falorin Balogun's red card match suspension reversed ahead of Team USA's match against Belgium. In a White House press event, the president explained that he called FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to moan about the situation.

Guest hosting for Jimmy Kimmel in the clip above, Tiffany Haddish had the perfect response.

"One of our star players was supposed to be suspended from tonight's game, but Donald Trump personally called the head of FIFA to get the player reinstated, which is surprising because Trump doesn't know anything about soccer, and it's the first time he's ever defended a Black person," says Haddish. "He's growing. I'm so proud of him."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

SAVE $90: As of July 7, the Dyson V8 is on sale for $299.99 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Dyson

Dyson V8

$299.99 at Amazon
$389.99 Save $90

 

Get Deal

Amazon has dropped the price of a number of Dyson vacuums this week, including this $90 discount on the Dyson V8.

If you're looking to treat your floors to some advanced cleaning technology, you can do so now for less. As of July 7, this cordless vacuum is down from $389.99 to $299.99, specifically for the V8 Cordless model.

This vacuum is a lightweight cleaner, designed for quick and easy cleaning around your home. It gives you up to 40 minutes of suction power, with a power trigger that helps maximise battery efficiency by only using energy when you need it.

There are also two cleaning modes, so you can choose the right level of power for different tasks. The Motorbar cleaner also deep cleans all floor types and automatically detangles long hair and pet hair as you clean. And for small spaces or upholstery, it easily converts into a handheld vacuum.

It also has an advanced filtration system that captures 99.99% of particles, even as small as 0.3 microns. This helps to expel cleaner air while you vacuum.

Find this Dyson deal at Amazon right now.

SAVE $90: As of July 7, the Anker 3-in-1 charger is on sale for $139.99 at Amazon. That's a 39% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Anker

Anker 3-in-1 Charging Station

$139.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $90

 

Get Deal

If messy charging cables are the bane of your existence, meet the Anker 3-in-1 charger. This is a compact charging device that can power up multiple Apple devices at the same time, without the need for numerous cables. And as of July 7, it's on sale for $90 off, bringing the price down to $139.99.

The device helps to efficiently charge your Apple devices wirelessly, combining Qi2.2 technology with a smart display and active cooling system. It has 25W wireless charging, which means it can charge an iPhone 17 Pro up to 50% in just 22 minutes.

It's designed as a complete Apple charging hub, so if you're well and truly in the Apple ecosystem, this will make life much easier. It can power an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time from a single outlet. And you'll also get three different charging modes: Boost Mode for faster top-ups, Ice Mode for cooler charging during use, and Sleep Mode for quieter overnight charging. The adjustable 80 degree stand even makes it easy to use your phone while charging.

Get this charger deal at Amazon right now.

SAVE $100: As of July 7, the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series is on sale for $377.99 at Amazon. That's a 21% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Hisense

Hisense 65-Inch E6 Cinema Series

$377.99 at Amazon
$478 Save $100.01

 

Get Deal

In need of a new TV? You're in luck, because the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series is back on sale at Amazon, now for $100 off the list price.

Normally $478, it's now down to just $377.99. This price is for the 65-inch model, but a number of sizes are on sale, from as small as 43-inch all the way to 75-inch.

This clever TV combines great picture quality with smart features to create an impressive entertainment experience. Hi-QLED Color delivers lifelike colors across every scene, while the Total HDR Solution supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, and HLG. It even benefits from an AI 4K upscaler that improves lower-resolution content.

On the inside, it runs on the Fire TV OS, so you'll find your favorite streaming apps and live channels on one easy-to-use home screen, with Alexa built in for hands-free content searches. The TV also features an AI Light Sensor that automatically adjusts screen brightness based on your room's lighting. Other benefits include WiFi 6 connectivity to give a faster, more stable streaming experience.

You can find this TV deal at Amazon right now.

SAVE $270: As of July 7, the EcoFlow Delta 2 is on sale for $429 at Amazon. That's a 39% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: EcoFlow

EcoFlow Delta 2

$429 at Amazon
$699 Save $270

 

Get Deal

A reliable portable power station can see you through anything from an unexpected power outage to off-grid camping trips. With options that can power your essential devices and others that can keep your whole home powered for days, it's a saturated market and there are many models to consider.

If you're looking for something capable of powering multiple devices at once over days, you need the EcoFlow Delta 2. And as of July 7, it's over $200 off at Amazon, bringing the price down to $429.

With this unit, you'll get a 1kWh capacity as standard, with the option to expand up to 3kWh using additional batteries (sold separately). It has a 1,800W output and 15 outlets, so it can power up to 90% of household appliances like AC units or smaller devices like laptops.

One of its standout features is fast charging, reaching 80% in just 50 minutes and a full charge in around 80 minutes using a standard AC wall outlet. It also supports up to 500W of solar input, allowing you to recharge using compatible solar panels.

You can find this portable power station deal at Amazon now.

With 4 million YouTube subscribers, Circle ToonsHD has become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring animators looking to forge their own paths in the field.

For 10 years and counting, Christian Brantley, the animator behind the Circle ToonsHD handle and many of its voices, has been creating original content that combines a mischievous sense of humor with his love of animation and his passion for pop culture.

His signature style features characters who resemble charmingly inflated stick figures and are capable of a wide array of emotions across seemingly any genre. He's made funny short videos about fantasy role-playing games, the video game Among Us, and that time Sony unveiled the first look at their CGI Sonic the Hedgehog and his nightmare teeth.

He's collaborated with other creators, like rapper bbno$, for silly vids like "When bbno$ is Your Bard."

Yet Circle ToonsHD digs deeper into media critique with long-form, horizontal videos about the rise of AI and "How 'Good Graphics' Killed Video Games."

In an interview with Mashable for our Creator Playbook series, Brantley credited his success to a commitment to his craft and his "superpower" of turning around animated videos swiftly.

The animator — who's happy to lend a kind word or a bit of advice to up-and-coming content creators — was also happy to share which tools of his trade make keeping up the pace of Circle ToonsHD's output possible.

What Circle ToonsHD needs to animate

Top of his list: "Tablets are gonna obviously jump out ahead," he told Mashable in an interview at Vidcon 2026.

"I use Huion. Huion is an awesome company. They're affordable. They're accessible. Wacom is really good, but they can be on the higher end. And so, really, truly, I've fallen in love more with Huion than Wacom."

Opens in a new window

Credit: unknown

HUION Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) Drawing Tablet

 

Next up, a good smartphone.

"I make a lot of my stuff with photo references," Brantley explained, "So, a good smartphone [is necessary]. I am obsessed with the Samsung line of phones. I actually used to film a lot of my content on a smartphone, because I used to do moving illustrations on a screen, like puppeteering animation. So that's really big."

Likewise, Brantley recommends a "good computer," adding that the right software is essential.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Adobe

Character Animator

 

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: HUION

HUION Artist Glove

 

Get Deal

"I know Adobe, the company, kind of sucks, and they are weirdly half discontinuing Animate, but Adobe Animate is incredible, and it is like my child of a program that I feel so confident in."

He added, "I push MS Paint, not because it is good. But because it is one of the quickest ways people can start drawing and practicing and making little doodles. And that's like unironically what started my love for digital art. So maybe it's pushed on to different phone apps now that people are drawing on, but if you can make cool stuff in MS Paint, you are actually going to be a fun creative."

Brantley says a drawing glove is also essential, "so your hand's gonna glide a lot better." His favorite is one by Huion.

Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Huion/Adobe/Microsoft/Shure

Best gear for creating animation audio?

Brantley favors a Shure SM7B microphone.

"For my voice acting, that is pivotal," he explained, "with a CloudLifter as well. That's going to upgrade voice acting. That's a little bit on the pricier side, but if you really want to jump into voice acting, that's a really good jump as well."

Opens in a new window

Credit: Shure

Shure SM7B microphone

 

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Cloud Microphones

Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator

 

Shop Now

What apps are essential for Circle ToonsHD?

While YouTube is his main hub for both long and short-form animation, he's been into Instagram more and more.

"I'm kind of falling in love with Instagram lately," Brantley said. "If we're talking like the vertical space, art and animation and creative is like skyrocketing and exploding on Instagram."

Beyond that, he sees Instagram as an essential networking tool.

"I found that being like almost a business card at VidCon," he explained, "Being like, 'Can I get your Instagram? Swap some content? Let's make some stuff?' The amount of content or videos I've made from reaching out to people on Instagram is in like the dozens, so super good spot."

"If you're not growing Instagram," he concluded, "even if you're not making content on Instagram, it is a dang good business card."

Catch up on Mashable's complete VidCon 2026 coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and reporting from the convention floor.

The interview above was edited for length and clarity.

TL;DR: Live stream Switzerland vs. Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching the quarter-final stage. Switzerland and Colombia are set to battle it out for a place in that round. Colombia are probably favorites to advance, but they'll need the likes of Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez to be at their best to overcome a stubborn Switzerland side.

If you want to watch Switzerland vs. Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Switzerland vs. Colombia?

Switzerland vs. Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on July 7. This fixture takes place at BC Place Vancouver.

How to watch Switzerland vs. Colombia for free

Switzerland vs. Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Switzerland vs. Colombia for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Switzerland vs. Colombia for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Switzerland vs. Colombia (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Switzerland vs. Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

Alberta Devor didn't set out to become a creator. During the pandemic, the engineer started posting funny TikToks simply because she was bored (extremely relatable). Over time, those videos found an audience among fellow software engineers and tech-curious people, eventually leading her to leave her stable job at Google and pursue content creation full-time under the name Alberta Tech.

In this conversation with Mashable Culture Editor Crystal Bell at VidCon 2026, Alberta Tech reflects on making that leap, why her background as an engineer helped her earn her audience's trust, and how comedy has become one of her favorite ways to explain complex topics like AI and software development. She also shares her nuanced perspective on generative AI, where it fits into creators' workflows, why "vibe coding" has become such a misunderstood — and polarizing — term, and the role originality still plays in an increasingly AI-powered internet.

Plus, Alberta Tech offers practical advice for aspiring creators, from knowing when it's time to leave your day job to why staying curious can lead to your next great idea.

Watch the full interview above.

TL;DR: Live stream Argentina vs. Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to deliver electric matchups from the knockout rounds. England vs. Mexico has probably been the game of the round, but we're hoping for something even more special from Argentina vs. Egypt. The defending champions sneaked past Cape Verde in the last round, and they'll be banking on another captain's performance from Lionel Messi when they face Egypt.

If you want to watch Argentina vs. Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Argentina vs. Egypt?

Argentina vs. Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on July 7. This fixture takes place at the Atlanta Stadium.

How to watch Argentina vs. Egypt for free

Argentina vs. Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Argentina vs. Egypt for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Argentina vs. Egypt for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Argentina vs. Egypt (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Argentina vs. Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have not released official wedding photos yet, but that has not stopped fake ones from spreading online.

In the absence of actual photos, AI-generated pictures have filled the gap, turning one of the year's biggest celebrity events into the latest example of a growing internet trend: when people are desperate to see something, AI can make a version of it before the real one exists online, and likely fool people in the process.

For a July 3 wedding that reportedly took over Madison Square Garden and drew a guest list full of famous people, surprisingly little has actually leaked.

There have been details, outside photos, and guest comments, but no official images of Swift and Kelce from the ceremony or reception. Their marriage was announced with a "JUST&T Married" billboard outside Madison Square Garden and a press release from Swift's publicist, Tree Paine. According to that release, Swift and Kelce’s wedding looks were created by Christian Dior Haute Couture; their shoes were custom Christian Louboutin; Swift wore Cartier jewelry; Austin Swift served as her "Man of Honor"; Jason Kelce was Kelce's best man; and Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony.

So far, though, the main thing fans still do not have is the thing they usually want most: the photos.

That left plenty of room for fake ones. After the wedding, AI-generated images claiming to show scenes from the ceremony and reception began circulating across social media. Some appeared to show Swift and Kelce in wedding attire. Others claimed to offer a look inside the venue. One showed Swift alongside Sabrina Carpenter, another drinking a cosmopolitan. Many people, including myself, believed at least one of the photos was real.

That was until Joseph Kahn, the director behind several of Swift’s music videos, including "Blank Space" and "Look What You Made Me Do," called out the images on X. Kahn, who attended the wedding, said every wedding photo he had seen circulating online was fake, effectively putting an end to the rumors.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Swift and Kelce’s wedding had already inspired fake AI content before the ceremony. Comedian Bert Kreischer posted an AI-generated image of himself standing with Swift and Kelce as if they were all at the wedding, and Kelce responded in the comments with crying-laughing emoji. In that case, the image was clearly a joke. But after the real wedding, similar AI images became harder to distinguish from actual rumors, fan edits, and supposed leaks.

Fake celebrity wedding photos are becoming a familiar part of the online news cycle. Earlier this year, Zendaya addressed AI-generated images that appeared to show her wedding to Tom Holland. She said people in her real life believed the fake photos and complimented her on them, only for her to explain they were not real. Zendaya's stylist, Law Roach, critiqued the viral AI-generated wedding dress on Good Morning America, saying, "That dress was not good enough. Trust me, the dress was better than that."

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner were also the subject of fake AI wedding photos in June. Images claiming to show the couple celebrating in Sicily spread across social media. The photos were reportedly created by Italian digital artist Rick Dick and were originally posted as AI-generated images. But as the images were reposted elsewhere, that context was often lost, and some users believed they were real.

That is how a lot of AI slop moves these days. A photo may begin as a joke, an obvious edit, or a clearly labeled AI post. But once it is screenshotted, cropped, reposted, or shared by another account, the original caption can disappear, and by the time it reaches a wider audience, it may no longer look like a meme. It may look like a leak.

Swift is also not new to the darker side of AI-generated images. She has previously been the target of AI fakes using her likeness, including political images falsely implying her endorsement. In April, Swift’s company, TAS Rights Management, filed trademark applications connected to her voice and image, including the spoken phrases "Hey, it’s Taylor Swift" and "Hey, it’s Taylor," as well as a specific Eras Tour image of Swift performing with a pink guitar.

She is not the only celebrity trying to get ahead of the issue. Matthew McConaughey has pushed other public figures to protect their voices and likenesses in the AI era, and he has secured trademarks associated with his own persona, including his famous "alright, alright, alright" catchphrase. Other celebrities have also started filing trademark applications tied to their voices, faces, and signature phrases as AI tools make it easier to generate realistic-looking and realistic-sounding versions of real people.

The legal landscape is still messy. Right of publicity laws can protect someone from unauthorized commercial use of their name, image, and likeness, but those protections vary by state. Trademark law may give celebrities another tool, but it is not a perfect shield against every AI fake. There is also proposed federal legislation, including the No Fakes Act and Take It Down Act, aimed at unauthorized AI-generated copies of people's voices and likenesses, but the debate over how to regulate the technology is still ongoing.

How to tell if an image is AI-generated

There are a few ways to be more careful with celebrity images online. The first is to check where the image came from. Real celebrity wedding photos usually come from an official account, a reputable publication, a photo agency, or a confirmed guest. Posts that use vague language like "leaked," "reportedly," "first look," or "fans think" should be treated carefully, especially if there is no clear source.

It also helps to look for signs that an image may have been generated or altered. Strange hands, inconsistent faces, odd lighting, blurry backgrounds, incorrect clothing details, and unreadable text can all be clues. But AI images are getting better, so the source matters more than the image itself.

With Swift and Kelce, the safest rule is simple: if the photo did not come from the couple, their team, a confirmed guest, a photo agency, or a trusted outlet explaining where it came from, it's worth approaching with a healthy dose of skepticism. Until the newlyweds say otherwise, you need to calm down.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has unveiled new views of the galaxy Centaurus A — drawing back thick curtains of dust to expose a core packed with millions of stars. 

The dazzling images have been released to celebrate Webb's fourth year of studying the universe. They reveal a spaghetti bowl of glowing dust, a warped band of gas (in the shape of Tennessee) cutting across the galaxy's center, and a hungry supermassive black hole hidden deep within.

The pictures are spectacular to zoom in on and explore, as with much of NASA's best high definition screensaver-style imagery. But they're also a chance to see some of the universe's most incredible forces at work.

Centaurus A is effectively a laboratory for the events that have shaped galaxies across the cosmos: Galaxies collide; Black holes grow; Stars are born, die, and seed the next generation of stars.

Because Centaurus A is relatively close — about 11 million light-years away — the infrared telescope can examine those processes better than it can in galaxies much farther from home. Every new detail here helps astronomers understand how all galaxies evolve over billions of years.

And this galaxy has plenty of stories to tell.

Roughly 2 billion years ago, Centaurus slammed into another galaxy, leaving behind a warped disk of gas and dust that still stretches across its middle. 

But the collision wasn't mortally wounding. Deep inside Centaurus, a supermassive black hole continues to feast on surrounding material while unleashing powerful jets and energy that ripple through the galaxy.

Previous observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope could only see part of this picture, according to NASA. Visible light was blocked by dense dust, while earlier infrared observatories, such as the Spitzer Space Telescope, lacked the sharp vision needed to separate individual stars. Webb, which primarily uses infrared light, produces much sharper images.

Result: what once looked like a hazy glow is now a crowded landscape of countless stars. By comparing stars of different ages, astronomers can reconstruct the galaxy's past, identifying which stars existed before the collision, which ones were born during that upheaval, and which ones formed afterward.

After combining the near and mid-infrared telescope data, Centaurus A's warped band of gas across the center becomes even more prominent. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / A. Pagan / J. DePasquale / M. Garcia Marin

The new images also reveal delicate filaments and glowing clouds of dust, along with a mysterious S-shaped structure near the center. Scientists can't say yet exactly what created it, but it may be linked to the ancient collision, the black hole's activity, or both.

Webb can also break the galaxy's light into its component colors to measure how gas is moving. Early observations show warm hydrogen gas rotating near the black hole while other gas rushes outward.

This offers new clues about how black holes can both create and destroy. They trigger new stars to form by squeezing gas molecules together, and also shut down star formation down by blasting gas away.

Try getting your screensaver to do that.

TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Struff in Wimbledon 2026 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Wimbledon is slowly coming to its dramatic conclusion. Alcaraz has not competed, but we haven't really missed him. We've had loads of drama and competitive tennis from top players, including top seed Sinner. Next he faces Struff for a place in the semi finals.

If you want to watch Sinner vs. Struff in Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Sinner vs. Struff for free

Sinner vs. Struff in Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to live stream Wimbledon 2026 before recovering your investment. It's a sneaky trick, but it works.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for Wimbledon, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for Wimbledon?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of Wimbledon.

TL;DR: Live stream Auger-Aliassime vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2026 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Wimbledon quarter-final stage is showcasing some pretty epic matchups, including Auger-Aliassime vs. Djokovic.

Without Alcaraz, this could be a real opportunity for Djokovic to roll back the clock and win another Grand Slam. It's going to be tough for the Serbian legend, because Auger-Aliassime has been in great form in this famous tournament.

If you want to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Djokovic for free

Auger-Aliassime vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to live stream Wimbledon 2026 before recovering your investment. It's a sneaky trick, but it works.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for Wimbledon, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for Wimbledon?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of Wimbledon.

TL;DR: Conquer PDFs once and for all with a lifetime subscription to PDNob Pro PDF Editor, now only $39.97 (reg. $349.95) with code SAVE10 until July 19.

Opens in a new window

Credit: PDNob

PDNob Pro PDF Editor: Lifetime Subscription

$39.97
$349.95 Save $309.98

 

Get Deal

No matter who you are — from accountants to stay-at-home moms to students — PDFs have a sneaky way of showing up at the most inconvenient times. PDNob Pro PDF Editor makes that experience less painful, with AI-powered editing tools you can use on Windows and Mac devices.

Right now, you can lock in a lifetime subscription to PDNob Pro PDF Editor for just $39.97 with code SAVE10 until July 19.

PDFs are inevitable in life, so it’s time to make peace with them for good. PDNob Pro PDF Editor makes it possible, offering an easier way to work with these pesky files. This app uses AI to simplify the PDF process and keeps it in one convenient workspace.

With PDNob Pro, you can edit PDFs as easily as you draft documents with Word. Change up the text, tweak the layouts, crop, rotate, replace, or delete images, and even insert headers, footers, page numbers, watermarks, and more, all without a struggle.

If you’re converting a document from PDF to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TXT, BMP, TIFF, and image formats, it’s as easy as a few clicks. You can also create PDFs from Office files, images, screenshots, TXT, or scans, all while preserving your document’s original formatting.

PDNob’s AI-powered tools can give your productivity a little extra boost. Let the app help you summarize long documents, offer speedy translation, or even rewrite things. Extract key points without reading every page, or ask questions about reports, manuals, research papers, or contracts.

This lifetime subscription gives you permanent access and includes free updates. You’ll also receive 20GB of secure cloud storage and free tech support.

Lock in a lifetime subscription to PDNob Pro PDF Editor for only $39.97 with code SAVE10 until July 19.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: This 27-App Lifetime Mac Bundle from enSili takes your Mac to the next level, and right now it’s only $29.99 (reg. $390).

Opens in a new window

Credit: EnSili

The 27-App Lifetime Mac Bundle

$29.99
$390 Save $360.01

 

Get Deal

Macs are powerful machines, but if you have the right apps, you can make them even better. This enSili 27-App Lifetime Mac Bundle gives you access to 27 native Mac apps ready to take your device to the next level. Right now, you can snag them all for life for just $29.99.

If you’re a Mac user, you probably love your device but have discovered some places where it’s lacking. The enSili 27-App Lifetime Mac Bundle delivers all the apps you wish your macOS already included — giving you help in different areas ranging from design to transcription.

With this enSili 27-App Lifetime Mac Bundle, you unlock a new world of productivity, all without paying subscription fees. Independent Mac developer Yanis Zafiropulos built this suite of helpful apps, ensuring each one was made with performance, simplicity, and long-term usability in mind. You’ll even get access to their continuous free updates in the future.

Made specifically for macOS users, this bundle includes features that address many common gripes. Want your device to move faster? MemoryBooster frees up inactive memory and speeds up your Mac. SpeakMe lets you turn text into audio in any language with just one click.

Working with a lot of files? ReNameMe lets you batch rename files, complete with live previews and reusable workflows. And if you often work with QR codes, you’ll love QR Wizard, which lets you generate and customize the codes right on your Mac.

Color Hound lets you create customizable color palettes from any image, and Watermarker+ lets you add text and image watermarks to any photo. Erazor is available to delete sensitive files and folders, and there’s also Tidier to help you organize your files automatically.

Lock in a lifetime of Mac productivity with this 27-App Lifetime Mac Bundle for only $29.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: For a limited time, Mint Mobile is offering any phone plan — including Unlimited — for just $15 per month. New customers can sign up starting at $45 upfront for three months.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Mint Mobile deal

Mint Mobile

New customers can get any Mint Mobile plan, including Unlimited, for $15/month with a qualifying upfront payment.

Get Deal

If you're spending more than you want on your phone plan, Mint Mobile's latest deal could bring that cost down to just $15 per month.

For a limited time, new customers can get any Mint Mobile plan — including the Unlimited plan — for $15 per month, making it one of the strongest prepaid wireless deals available right now.

The biggest value is on the Unlimited plan, which normally costs $30 per month, making this a straight 50% discount for your first plan term. Rather than paying month to month, you'll pay for your plan upfront:

• 3 months: $45 upfront

• 6 months: $90 upfront

• 12 months: $180 upfront

No matter which option you choose, it works out to $15 per month during your introductory plan. After that initial term ends, you'll need to renew at Mint Mobile's regular rates. You can still choose different monthly plans when you renew, but the promotional pricing won't carry over.

Every Mint Mobile plan includes unlimited talk and text, access to a nationwide 5G network, mobile hotspot support, and free calling to Mexico, Canada, and the UK. If you opt for the Unlimited plan, you'll also get up to 20GB of hotspot data, though speeds may slow after 50GB of monthly usage if the network is busy.

If you're already planning to switch carriers, this is a solid deal to consider. Paying upfront isn't ideal for everyone, but even the shortest plan starts at just $45, making it an easy way to try Mint without a big commitment.

A cheaper carrier is just $15 per month away — at least for your first plan term.

Remember when Twitter was Twitter? Then Elon Musk bought it, renamed it to X, launched an AI company called xAI, which acquired X, and then Musk's space company SpaceX merged with xAI, which has now been renamed to SpaceXAI.

At some point, it may become practical to just lump it all together as "that Musk thing."

To clarify: SpaceX is the public company and the parent corporate entity that towers above it all; SpaceXAI is a subsidiary of SpaceX, and X is a subsidiary of SpaceXAI (there's another layer between these called X Holdings, but perhaps it's best not to complicate things any further).

The change, alongside a new logo for the company, has been announced on SpaceXAI's official X account, which has also been changed to @SpaceXAI.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

SpaceX acquired xAI in February 2026, shortly before SpaceX's monster IPO in June, which immediately propelled the company to a valuation of roughly $1.8 trillion (it currently stands at about $2.1 trillion).

The acquisition was (officially) about Musk's idea of creating huge AI data centers in space. The company plans to start demoing Starmind (as this infrastructure will be called) in late 2027, with actual commercial deployment starting in 2028.

We'd never mention the fact that xAI was burning money and needed a wealthy parent company to keep it afloat.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you watch international soccer.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Swimming techniques

• Green: Touch pass

• Blue: Super Bowl performance

• Purple: EPL names

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Four Main Swimming Strokes

• Green: Throw a Soft Pass

• Blue: Performed at a Super Bowl Halftime Show

• Purple: Premier League Nicknames, Minus the S

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #652 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Four Main Swimming Strokes: BACKSTROKE, BREASTSTROKE, BUTTERFLY, FREESTYLE

• Throw a Soft Pass: FLOAT, LOB, LOFT, TOSS

• Performed at a Super Bowl Halftime Show: KEYS, PRINCE, STING, WONDER

• Premier League Nicknames, Minus the S: BEE, BLACK CAT, BLUE, GUNNER

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 7 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 3-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 7 Pips

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 2-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 2-3, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 7 Pips

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically; 2-3, placed vertically; 5-2, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

Hurdle Word 1 hint

Overhead.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

ALOFT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Community.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

UNITY

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Premiere

Hurdle Word 3 answer

DEBUT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Blanket.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

DUVET

Final Hurdle hint

Head skin.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

SCALP

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you played high school sports.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Investigative board game

• Green: High school sports

• Blue: Unexpected

• Purple: PBS legends

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Rooms in Clue

• Green: Student-athlete designations

• Blue: ___ Twist

• Purple: Ending in "Sesame Street" characters

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1122 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Rooms in Clue: CONSERVATORY, HALL, KITCHEN, STUDY

• Student-athlete designations: ALL-AMERICAN, JOCK, LETTERMAN, TEAM CAPTAIN

• ___ Twist: FRENCH, LEMON, OLIVER, PLOT

• Ending in "Sesame Street" characters: BERNIE, COLBERT, DISCOUNT, SAN ANSELMO

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're always on the go.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Hitching a ride

The words are related to travel.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe transportation.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Summertime.

NYT Strands word list for July 7

• Wagon

• Cart

• Buggy

• I Get Around

• Sleigh

• Stagecoach

• Carriage

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you've broken an arm.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To fling.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

SLING

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Amazon Prime Day is back for another year! Running from July 7-13, you can grab a hefty discount on a variety of smart home products, including Dreame’s range of automated cleaning gadgets. From easy-to-use robot vacuums to powerful hair dryers, you’ll save up to 73% off and give your home the cleaning upgrade it needs.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Dreame

Dreame L10s Ultra Gen2 Robot Vacuum and Mop

AU$1,699 at Amazon AU

Robot vacuum and mop with MopExtend RoboSwing technology, 10,000PA suction power, and Duo Scrub Mopping System.

Get Deal

When looking for a solid starter robot vacuum for your home, you can’t go wrong with the L10s Ultra Gen2 for only A$529. Equipped with Dreame’s “advanced MopExtend RoboSwing Technology” and Pet Zone Cleaning, this gadget will rid your space of spills, stains, and pet hair with ease. However, if you want an automated cleaner with extra power, their flagship X40 Ultra is down to an unbelievable price of A$749. With 12,000Pa suction power and SideReach Edge Cleaning, this robot cleaner can clean the parts of your home you’ve been struggling to reach.

The best Dreame robot vacuum Prime Day deals

• Dreame F20 Eco Robot Vacuum and Mop - A$199 (was $599, 67% off)

• Dreame L40 Ultra CE Robot Vacuum - A$549 (was $1,499, 63% off)

• Dreame D30 Ultra Robot Vacuum - A$599 (was $1,499, 60% off)

• Dreame L10s Ultra Gen3 Robot Vacuum - A$749 (was $1,999, 63% off)

• Dreame L50 Ultra CE Robot Vacuum and Mop - A$1,299 (was $2,199, 41% off)

However, Dreame’s Prime Day sale extends beyond their range of robot vacuums. If you’d prefer to replace your cordless vacuum, the A$189 G10 Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner can both suction and mop your floors in one go.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Dreame

G10 Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

AU$549 at Amazon AU

 

Get Deal

Meanwhile, Dreame has also slashed prices on their range of smart hair dryers, with the ultra-fast drying Dazzle now only A$229.99 – and you can get an extra 15% off using code W444QFST.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Dreame

dreame Dazzle Hair Dryer

AU$499 at Amazon AU

 

Get Deal

This promotion will run strictly during Amazon’s annual Prime Day from July 7-13, so you’ve got until stocks last to take advantage. However, since these deals are locked to Amazon Prime members only, just make sure your subscription is up to date (or sign up for a 30-day free trial).

A quick look at the best Prime Day 2026 deals we've spotted so far:

---

Best robot vacuum deal

Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum

A$749 (was $2,799, 73% off)

Get Deal

---

Best budget robot vacuum deal

Eureka E20 Plus

A$349 (was $862.95, 60% off)

Get Deal

---

Best headphones deal

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

A$378.10 (was $649, 42% off)

Get Deal

---

Best TV Deal

Prism+ Q75 Ultra 75" 4K QLED Smart Google TV

A$1,299 (was $1,843, 33% off)

Get Deal

Amazon's famed Prime Day sale has kicked off Down Under for 2026, with deals running across Amazon Australia until July 13. That means a whole week of eyewatering discounts on just about everything, with a strong focus on tech. If you need a new robovac, TV, headphones, or just about anything else gadget-y, now is the time. Below, we've listed the best deals we've seen so far and will be updating this page all week. Happy hunting!

Best robot vacuum deals

• EUREKA E20 Plus Robot Vacuum – A$349 (was $862.95, 60% off)

• ECOVACS DEEBOT N20 Plus Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop – A$429 (was $949, 55% off)

• roborock Q7T+ Robot Vacuum & Mop – A$399 (was $999, 60% off)

Best smart home deals

• Ring Battery Video Doorbell – A$42 (was $149, 44% off)

• Ring Spotlight Camera Pro (2nd Gen) – A$279 (was $399, 30% off)

• Blink Outdoor 4 Wireless smart security camera – A$29 (was $89, 67% off)

• D-Link DCS-8302LH FHD Weather Resistant Wi-Fi Camera – A$89 (was $199.95, 55% off)

• WUUK 2K Battery Operated Outdoor Security Camera – A$237.49 (was $369.99, 36% off)

Best smartphone and tablet deals

• Samsung Galaxy S25 512GB – A$1,099 (was $1,599, 34% off)

• Xiaomi 17T 256GB – A$747 (was $999, 19% off)

• REDMAGIC 11 Air 256GB – A$679.20 (was $849, 20% off)

Best wearable tech deals

• Garmin vívoactive 5 – A$346 (was $499, 30% off)

• Garmin Venu 3, GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display – A$595 (was $749, 21% off)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch – A$347 (was $499, 30% off)

• Garmin Lily 2 Classic, Silver – A$398 (was $469, 15% off)

• Google Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch – A$226.74 (was $356, 36% off)

• Polar Ignite 3 GPS Smartwatch – A$319 (was $499, 36% off)

Best headphone and speaker deals

• Bose QuietComfort SC Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – A$256 (was $499, 49% off)

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones – A$279 (was $549, 49% off)

• Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones – A$62.69 (was $119, 48% off)

• Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones – A$148 (was $259, 43% off)

• Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker – A$141.55 (was $249.95, 43% off)

• Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth Travel Speaker – A$68 (was $99.95, 31% off)

Best TV and home cinema deals

• LG 48-inch OLED AI B6 4K Smart TV 2026 – A$1,498 (was $1,999, save $502)

• LG 85-inch QNED80B Evo AI Mini LED 4K Smart TV 2026 – A$2,446 (was $3,499, save $1,053)

• Denon AVR-X1800H 8K AV Receiver – A$995 (was $1,299, 23% off)

• LG Home Theatre S80TR Sound Bar 5.1.3 Channels with Rear Speakers – A$695 (was $1,299, 46% off)

• Yamaha A-S701 2-Channel Integrated, 100 W Stereo Amplifier – A$1,069 (was $1,499, 29% off)

• Kimwood FHD Mini Projector with Upgraded HiFi Speaker – A$99.99 (was $139.99, 29% off)

• VOPLLS 600 ANSI 4K Smart Mini Projector – A$168.99 (was $269.99, 37% off)

• WiMiUS Portable HDR10 4K Projector – A$509.99 (was $659.99, 23% off)

Best laptop deals

• ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6-inch Laptop – A$1,299 (was $1,799, save $500)

• HP OmniBook Ultra Flip AI 14" Laptop – A$3,498 (was $4,299, 32% off)

• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15.3-inch Laptop – A$974 (was $1,499, save $525)

• Lenovo 14-inch OLED IdeaPad 5 2-in-1 Laptop – A$1,198 (was $1,799, save $601)

After a new PC? Check out the top computer deals on our sister site, PCMag Australia.

--

With literally thousands of deals on Amazon.com.au, finding the good ones can be a laborious task. So we've done the hard work for you and tracked down the best deals on everything tech. If you enjoy window shopping yourself (AKA, scrolling), you can check out Amazon's Prime Day page.

You will need to be an Amazon Prime member to partake in the fun. If this isn't you, fear not! You can grab a no-obligation 30-day free Prime trial and still get in on the action.

What is Amazon Prime Day? Is it different in Australia?

In 2026, Prime Day Australia is taking place on a completely different week to in the US, who had theirs in the last week of June this year. Previously, the dates had overlapped.

Prime Day is an twice-a-year online sales event (think Black Friday or Click Frenzy), only it is exclusive to Amazon Prime customers. It started as a one-day event in the US in 2015, but has since expanded to a week long event that takes place across the globe, including Australia. The first Prime Day Down Under happened in 2018, and has grown every year since. Australian users get access to deals on both Amazon.com.au and the Amazon Global Store until the conclusion of the event in the US.

Additionally, the Shop Local Businesses store highlights a number of small Australian businesses that are also partaking in the Prime Day fun.

What will be on sale this Prime Day?

While it can be difficult to predict specific products that go on sale, Amazon has promised over 100,000 deals in Australia from big brands, small local brands, and everything in-between. The brands that Amazon has confirmed will be a part of Prime Day include Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Bose, and more – a pretty hefty list!

Expect deals across all categories, including tech, such as TVs, Smart Home, Headphones, Gaming, as well as homeware, sports, fashion, beauty and more.

How to find the best deals during Prime Day in Australia

Amazon is quite often the cheapest place to find a given product at the best of times, but the really good deals only come up a few times a year. The above list features some of the very best tech deals available right now. However, you can also properly prepare for the event to make sure you truly get the most out of it.

Before Prime Day kicks off, you should put together a shopping list of items that you are after, then 'wishlist' those products on Amazon and set deal alerts on the Amazon app. This will ensure you don't miss top deals on products that you especially want.

Ensure you are subscribed to Amazon Prime, or else you won't be able to secure the products for the Prime Day deal price. A subscription costs A$6.99 per month, but there is a 30-day free trial available if you are just looking to take part in Prime Day and nothing else.

It is also worth spending a bit of time on Amazon and familiarising yourself with its interface and how it works. This can save you time and hassle when the deals start dropping (many of which are only available for a limited time).

How to shop on Amazon Prime Day

Of course, we'll be keeping track of all the best Prime Day deals we spot in the lists above. But if you are keen to trawl through some deals yourself, here's how to best shop during the event.

• Amazon app: If you'll be out and about on Prime Day, download Amazon's mobile app, log in, and you'll be ready to shop wherever you are.

• Amazon Wishlist: Add items to your wishlist in the product interface to get alerted if it goes on sale.

• Ask Alexa: Why move at all? The main idea behind Amazon's Echo devices is to sell you stuff, so Alexa is more than willing to help you add things to your cart.

• Amazon Global Store: Check out the best deals from the US and across the world on the Amazon Global Store.

• Support Local: Amazon's Shop Local Business initiative highlights deals curated from small Aussie businesses across Amazon.

TL;DR: Bring home your own Apple MacBook Pro for only $394.97 (reg. $1,799) now through July 19.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple Macbook Pro 2020 (Refurbished)

$394.97
$1,799 Save $1,404.03

 

Get Deal

Our time is pretty valuable, so don’t let a slow laptop steal precious moments. A MacBook Pro lets you spend less time waiting and more time getting things done, so you can get back to the things that really matter.

Right now, you can get one of Apple’s most powerful laptops for a fraction of the usual price — just $394.97 — until July 19, while supplies last.

There’s a reason the MacBook Pro typically comes with a hefty price tag. It’s packed with the bells and whistles you love from Apple, in a portable, 3.1-pound frame that can tag along anywhere.

This particular model comes equipped with a 2GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processor that can handle all your multitasking, with turbo boost capabilities up to 3.8GHz. There’s also 16GB of RAM that can help you tackle more demanding tasks, like video editing and coding.

A 512GB SSD gives you speedy, reliable storage for files and apps, with room to grow. You’ll be doing everything on the MacBook Pro’s 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology, so you’ll enjoy vibrant visuals and Apple’s signature technology that adjusts the screen color to prevent eye strain.

The Magic Keyboard makes typing comfortable on this MacBook Pro, and the Apple Touch Bar feature provides easy access to shortcuts. You’ll also have convenient connectivity options with four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports. And a full charge provides 10 hours of battery life, so you’re not searching for an outlet halfway through your day.

You’re saving over $1,300 on this device thanks to its Grade A refurbished rating, which means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition with minimal to zero scuffing on the case.

Get an Apple MacBook Pro for just $394.97 now through July 19, while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE OVER $20: As of July 6, the Lego Technic 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R (42210) is down to its lowest-ever price of $111.99 at Amazon. That's $28 off its full price of $139.99.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Lego

Lego Technic 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R (42210)

$111.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $28.00

 

Get Deal

Lego is always a fun gift idea, and if you're shopping for a Fast & Furious fan right now, Amazon has a great offer on a build. As of July 6, the retailer has discounted the awesome Lego Technic 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R down to $111.99.

That's a solid discount of $28 off this set's usual price of $139.99. It's also its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

The Lego Technic 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R is quite a detailed build. It comes with 1,410 pieces that create the car from the movie 2 Fast 2 Furious, including fun elements like functioning steering, a 6-cylinder engine, front and rear suspension, opening doors, and more. According to the store page, it even features the first-ever LEGO Technic drift mechanism, so you can recreate iconic street racing scenes.

Given its more complex assembly and detailing, this set is recommended for adults. However, if you know someone younger than 18 who's interested in it, just help them out with the build.

If it's caught your eye, don't miss out on this opportunity to grab the Lego Technic 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R at its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $15: As of July 6, the Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $19.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

Amazon Fire TV Stick HD

$19.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $15.00

 

Get Deal

Fire TV Stick is one of the simplest ways to add streaming apps to a TV, and right now, one of the most affordable models has dropped in price at Amazon.

As of July 6, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is back on sale for $19.99, saving you $15. This streaming device is ideal for HD TVs without built in apps, or if you simply prefer the Amazon Fire TV experience.

Recently upgraded in 2026, the HD Fire Stick is now faster than ever, giving you full HD picture quality with WiFi 6 support for more stable streaming. The updated model also features a new, easier to use interface, with dedicated categories and more personalized recommendations, all assisted by Alexa+. And like all streaming devices, you'll have easy access to platforms like Netflix and Prime Video, alongside a huge selection of free, ad-supported content.

This device is easy to take with you anywhere, saving you having to log into your accounts on unfamiliar devices. And for even more ease, this device no longer requires a wall outlet to be powered. Just plug it into your TV’s USB-C port and you're ready to start streaming.

Head to Amazon now to get this streaming deal.

SAVE $230: As of July 6, the HP OmniBook 5 16-inch AI laptop is down to $749 at Walmart. This deal saves you $230 on list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: HP

HP OmniBook 5 16-inch laptop

$749 at Walmart
$979 Save $230

 

Get Deal

The HP OmniBook 5 16-inch AI laptop is on sale for $749 at Walmart. Thta's marked down from $979, saving you $230. It’s a decent price drop on a large-screen Windows 11 laptop built for everyday work and AI-assisted features.

The Omnibook 5 laptop is built for everyday use with a focus on speed and responsiveness, whether you’re working, studying, or streaming. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 7 processor, which helps handle demanding tasks while also enabling newer AI-assisted features in Windows.

The 16-inch 2K touchscreen has a taller 16:10 layout, so you get extra vertical space for documents, web pages, and spreadsheets. It also delivers sharp detail and natural-looking color, which makes it better for reading, browsing, and media work.

The HP OmniBook 5 16-inch AI runs Windows 11 and includes Copilot+ PC features designed to speed up everyday tasks and bring AI tools directly into the system experience. It comes bundled with limited-time extras like Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft 365, which add some immediate value out of the box.

Grab the HP OmniBook 5 at Walmart while it’s still in “good deal” territory.

TL;DR: Lock in 20TB of cloud storage forever with this Scramble Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription, on sale now for just $349.95 (reg. $1,440).

Opens in a new window

Credit: Scramble Cloud

Scramble Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB)

$349.95
$1,440 Save $1,090.05

 

Get Deal

Stuck in an endless cycle of paying for cloud storage? Those subscription fees add up fast. And as your files grow, so does your monthly bill. Scramble Cloud Storage lets you own your cloud storage, putting an end to that madness.

Right now, you can even lock in 20TB of cloud storage that you actually own for life for only $349.95 — that’s less than you would pay for 6 months of 12TB with iCloud.

Looking for a better way to keep your digital life secure? Scramble Cloud Storage lets you pay once and own your cloud storage for life, saving you from expensive and endless subscriptions.

If you hate parting with your memories, this 20TB of space is enough to grow with you for life. Keep your photos, videos, and important files safe in one convenient spot with Scramble Cloud Storage, featuring end-to-end encryption and GDPR compliance, so you can rest easy knowing everything is secure.

With Scramble Cloud Storage, you have control over your files and an easy interface to manage them from all your devices — web app, desktop, WebDAV, or CLI. Preview your files instantly and manage them with a simple drag-and-drop interface.

Scramble Cloud Storage has a 5GB maximum file size and a 70GB daily upload limit. Once uploaded, you can enjoy unlimited file sharing easily with links, stream videos, or view Word and Excel files directly in your browser. If your friends use Scramble, you can also create groups for even more convenient sharing.

This lifetime 20TB subscription includes ongoing platform updates, so you’ll stay up to date.

Own 20TB of cloud storage with this Scramble Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription, now only $349.95 (reg. $1,440).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Waymo passengers in San Francisco got the ride of their life over the July 4th weekend — when their car ran over a lit firework.

The riders appear to have filmed the incident from the back seat as they approached an intersection with people lighting illegal fireworks.

The autonomous vehicle then drove into the hazard. Passenger Rose Peterson told local affiliate ABC7 the incident was terrifying.

"The more me and my fiancé were talking about it, something really bad could have happened to us, something bad could have happened to the people around us," Peterson said. "It was a very scary situation."

The video caught one of the passengers uttering the remark: "Are we on fire, dude?"

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

A Waymo spokesperson told Mashable there were no injuries or vehicle damage. The company has also contacted the rider about their well-being.

"We're committed to keeping our riders safe and earning the trust of the communities where we operate," the spokesperson said in a statement. "We take situations like this seriously and are committed to evaluating and learning from these events."

Elsewhere in San Francisco on July 4, Waymo cars stalled when they lost power amidst heavy traffic congestion. Drivers reported being trapped in an hours-long traffic jam as they waited for the autonomous vehicles to be towed.

At CES earlier this year, Hyundai and Boston Dynamics introduced the world to their Atlas humanoid robot. Atlas walked out on stage at Hyundai's keynote event and wowed the crowd so much that Mashable, along with the rest of the CNET Group, declared that Atlas was the "Best Robot" at the show.

Now, just a few months removed from the big technology event, Atlas made its big debut on perhaps the biggest stage of all: The 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As the Round of 16 match between Norway and Brazil was about to enter the second half, Atlas emerged from the player tunnel and showed off its moves on the pitch. While Atlas has previously performed dance routines, the humanoid robot had a more appropriate showing at the World Cup, mimicking player celebrations, including those of Norway's star player, Erling Haaland.

Atlas's Haaland celebration Credit: Hyundai

Atlas wasn't just there for entertainment either. Hyundai's robot played a crucial role at the end of the half, delivering the match ball to the referee so the game could continue.

Mashable was at the World Cup match at New York-New Jersey Stadium to witness Atlas. The robot carried out its duties without a hitch. And, most importantly, the crowd seemed enamored by the robot. Spectators held out their smartphones, snapping photos and taking videos of Atlas doing its best player impersonations.

“As part of Hyundai's 'Next Starts Now' campaign, we wanted Atlas's performance on the world's biggest stage to demonstrate that the future isn't something we imagine — it starts now," said Hyundai's Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer Sungwon Jee. "At Hyundai, we are committed to developing human-centered innovation that integrates seamlessly into everyday life, and to presenting a new vision of future mobility expanded through robotics — showing that robotics can be a trusted partner in humanity's progress through diverse and creative brand experiences.”

Atlas hands off the match ball to the ref at the half. Credit: Hyundai

According to Hyundai, Atlas was powered by "several core robotics capabilities that enable advanced movement and real-world interaction." Retargeting technology allowed Atlas to analyze and adapt to human movements. Reinforcement Learning was used to train Atlas through thousands of simulations on how to move, and Whole-Body Control was deployed to coordinate movement across the robot's body.

"The way we trained Atlas to perform these fun movements at the match is similar to how we teach the robot to take on real-world industrial applications," said Boston Dynamics Director of Robotics Behaviour Alberto Rodriguez. "It’s a great way to introduce people everywhere to the incredible potential of today's AI-enabled robots.” 

It turned out that Atlas picked a perfect celebration to imitate at halftime. At the end of the match, Norway emerged victorious, upsetting Brazil 2-1. Both of Norway's goals were scored by Haaland. So, between Haaland and Atlas's impersonation, fans got to see plenty of Viking-esque celebrations on the pitch this past Sunday.

TL;DR: Get the FileLu Cloud Storage Premium Plan with 1TB of lifetime encrypted cloud storage for $94.97 (reg. $350).

Opens in a new window

Credit: FileLu

FileLu Cloud Storage Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription

$94.97
$350 Save $255.03

 

Get Deal

Running out of storage always seems to happen at the worst possible time … it can be right before a big upload, an important backup, or when you’re trying to free some space on your laptop. The FileLu Cloud Storage Premium Plan offers 1TB of lifetime cloud storage for a one-time payment of $94.97 (reg. $350), making it a smart alternative to recurring monthly storage subscriptions.

FileLu combines encrypted cloud storage, file sharing, and automatic backups into one platform. It’s a great tool that’s built for professionals, creators, and families managing documents, photos, videos, and other important files.

If security is one of your top priorities then you’ll find it useful that every file transfer is protected with SSL encryption, while stored files can be secured with FileLu’s Secure-SoloCypher Encryption (SSCE). The SSCE gives users control of their own encryption key which means even FileLu can’t access encrypted files. The service also supports end-to-end encrypted folders for an additional layer of privacy.

Users can upload files through a web browser, mobile apps, FTP, WebDAV, Rclone, APIs, URL uploads, and FileLuSync. Automatic cloud backups can also be scheduled for computers or servers, making it useful for anyone who wants files protected without remembering to back them up manually.

The Premium Plan includes 1TB of storage with no file-size limits, no caps on the number of folders or files, unlimited download speeds, bulk folder downloads, and direct file sharing links. Shared storage spaces also make collaboration easier for families or teams working from the same account.

If you need cloud storage without the hassle of paying another recurring bill, the lifetime model may be one of the biggest advantages. Instead of paying month after month, a single purchase provides long-term access while still supporting desktop, mobile, and web platforms.

Whether you’re backing up creative projects, organizing years of photos, or storing important work documents, the FileLu Cloud Storage Premium Plan can be yours for $94.97 (reg. $350).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream USA vs. Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to a dramatic conclusion, with the quarter finals just days away. USA and Belgium are set to battle it out for a spot in this late stage. It would be the first time USA has reached the quarter finals in 24 years.

USA are bolstered by the inclusion of Folarin Balogun — a key player in the squad — whose one-match ban for a red card has been lifted. USA should feel confident, particularly as Belgium haven't looked particularly sharp in this tournament. Still, they possess the talent to advance.

If you want to watch USA vs. Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is USA vs. Belgium?

USA vs. Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on July 6. This fixture takes place at the Seattle Stadium.

How to watch USA vs. Belgium for free

USA vs. Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream USA vs. Belgium for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Watch USA vs. Belgium for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream USA vs. Belgium (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream USA vs. Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

America has a Monday night football game to watch in the middle of July. Only this time, there are no helmets.

Tonight, the U.S. men's national team faces Belgium in a prime-time World Cup knockout match, with a quarterfinal spot on the line and a team the country actually wants to root for.

This isn't the norm, at least in the U.S. For decades, soccer in the States has been treated as the next big thing that never sticks. The World Cup arrives, casual fans tune in, the conversation swells for a few weeks, and then the country usually returns to its regular rotation of football, basketball, baseball, and whatever officiating scandal people are talking about.

But this tournament has been different. The U.S. opener against Paraguay drew an average audience of 18 million across Fox's platforms with another 7 million watching on Spanish-language Telemundo. FIFA has also said attendance surpassed 3.6 million in the first two weeks of the tournament, breaking the record set in 1994, the last time the U.S. hosted the men's World Cup. So if soccer has been trying to prove it belongs in the American sports conversation, this tournament is making a pretty strong case.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Part of the buzz comes down to logistics. The games are being played on American soil and in American time zones, which means the U.S. team is not asking casual fans to wake up at 5 a.m. or plan their entire day around a match happening halfway across the world. A prime-time game is an easier sell. It can be watched at bars, at home, in group chats, after work — the way Americans already watch big sports events.

Part of it is timing. The U.S. reached this stage during a summer already wrapped in red, white, and blue, as the country marked its 250th birthday and host cities turned World Cup matches into something that looked a lot like an extended Fourth of July weekend. Across the country, the scene has been hard to miss: packed fan zones, pop-up shops selling soccer gear, viewing parties in parks, shopping centers, and museums, and U.S. fans showing up in jerseys, flags, and face paint.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

There is also the fact that the U.S. team has given people a reason to keep watching.

Striker Folarin Balogun has been at the center of that, giving the U.S. the kind of scoring threat it has not always had on the World Cup stage. But the entire roster is one of the clearest examples yet of what modern American soccer looks like, from Christian Pulisic to Chris Richards and Weston McKennie.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Plus, players like Tim Weah, Sergiño Dest, Malik Tillman, and others reflect a U.S. program built from several pipelines at once: players developed abroad, players connected to immigrant families, players with eligibility for multiple national teams, and players shaped by European club soccer, MLS academies, and the American youth system. Several could have represented other countries and chose the United States instead. For casual fans, that makes the team easier to get behind.

And then there is the controversy, because nothing pulls Americans into a sporting event faster than a good scandal.

During the U.S. team's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun was sent off the pitch after a VAR review for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemović. The red-card decision initially meant he would miss the Belgium match, taking the U.S.'s top scorer out of its biggest game of the tournament. Then, after a conversation between Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA changed course.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The red card itself was not erased, but FIFA suspended Balogun’s one-game ban, clearing him to play in the round of 16. The decision came after Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for the play to be reviewed, saying Monday that he did not think it was a foul. The decision, though controversial, has sparked debate on the internet.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The betting market is moving, too. Sportsbooks have seen unusually strong activity around U.S. matches, with games involving the USMNT drawing far more action than other World Cup matches on the same day. Betting volume does not prove long-term fandom, but it does show that the U.S. team has moved from background programming to something people are actively tracking as part of the broader American sports calendar.

However, the increase in interest for the sport did not start with this match, or even the World Cup in general. A Nielsen study found North America's soccer fan base has grown 10.9 percent over the past five years to more than 136 million people. The U.S. now has the fourth-largest soccer fan base in the world, with 62.5 million followers, according to the same report. The tournament is surely helping interest, with nearly seven in 10 North American fans saying their fascination with the sport had increased in the last three years as the World Cup approached, while 64 percent expected their interest to grow further.

Locally, youth soccer clubs have reported new sign-ups and renewed interest from families during the tournament. In Houston, HTX Soccer said hundreds of children signed up in recent weeks, a jump the club connected to World Cup excitement. In Florida, the soccer team Tampa Bay Rowdies has been using watch parties and youth outreach programs to turn World Cup attention into something more lasting.

That still does not mean soccer has overtaken football, basketball, or baseball in the U.S. But it does mean this World Cup arrived at a moment when the sport was already gaining ground. Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami also helped push MLS further into the mainstream, building on the celebrity and global attention David Beckham has been cultivating since becoming one of the club's owners. MLS has grown to 30 teams across the U.S. and Canada. Premier League and La Liga broadcasts have helped make the U.S. the biggest foreign market for several major European leagues. Streaming, social media, FIFA video games, and shows like Ted Lasso and Welcome to Wrexham have made the sport more familiar to American audiences who did not necessarily grow up watching it.

For once, the question about soccer in the United States is not whether people can be persuaded to care. It feels like a lot of them already do.

An hours-long traffic jam in San Francisco on Saturday July 4 was partly the result of stalled Waymo vehicles, the autonomous car company has confirmed.

Alleged videos of the gridlock surfaced on X, where drivers posted angrily about Waymo cars that wouldn't move.

A Waymo spokesperson confirmed to Mashable that the city's 4th of July celebration at the Golden Gate Bridge led to traffic disruptions, a high volume of travelers, and unexpected road closures nearby.

While some of the autonomous vehicles remained operational, others ran out of charge while idling and were towed as a result.

"Our priority is keeping San Francisco moving safely, especially during major city celebrations," the Waymo spokesperson said in a statement. "Our team is always evaluating ways to strengthen Waymo's resilience in major traffic disruptions."

This isn't the first time that stalled Waymo cars have caused traffic jams in the city by the Bay.

Last December, a power outage gave San Francisco Waymo vehicles trouble at intersections without functioning stoplights, and the company had to temporarily suspend its service.

Ironically, two days before the 4th of July gridlock, Waymo posted a video on X about the simplicity of hailing one of its cars.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

"Because after a night out, getting home should be the easiest part," the video's caption reads.

For millennials, a trip to Claire's was practically a rite of passage.

It was where ears were pierced, friendship necklaces were split in half, and every trip to the mall somehow ended with an armful of glittery accessories you probably didn't need but absolutely had to have. Long before "girlhood" became an internet buzzword, Claire's had already built an empire around it.

But nostalgia alone isn't enough to sustain a retailer in 2026.

After years of financial struggles, shifting shopping habits, and the slow decline of the American mall, Claire's has spent the past several years redefining itself for a generation that's more likely to hang out with friends on Roblox than at the mall. Its newest customer isn't a millennial looking for a nostalgia fix — she's Gen Alpha, discovering the brand through YouTube, social media, and online gaming platforms.

That strategy was on full display at this year's VidCon, where Claire's unveiled its latest collaboration with Roblox YouTuber Lana's Life, which just hit stores nationwide. The collection, inspired by the wildly popular game Dress To Impress, is more than another creator merchandise drop. It's part of a broader effort to position Claire's as what Chief Brand Officer Michelle Goad calls "an inspiring playground for modern girlhood."

"Girls feel very rushed to grow up," Goad told Mashable at the convention. "Because they have access to everything on social. They're seeing grown women in their algorithm, and they feel this urgency to grow up faster. We took a counterculture position and said, 'We're actually going to take a beat and cherish girlhood.'"

View this post on Instagram

For Claire's, that starts with understanding how Gen Alpha differs from the generation before it. While Gen Z embraced louder colors, edgier aesthetics, and more maximalism, Goad says today's tween shoppers are gravitating toward something noticeably softer.

"They're really feminine," she said. "They like a very pastel aesthetic."

She believes part of that shift comes from growing up with millennial parents. "If mom is in her beige era," she joked, "your daughter is probably into something really girly."

That insight has shaped everything from Claire's merchandising to the creators it partners with.

Rather than signing a traditional celebrity ambassador, the company looked to Lana's Life, whose 9.5 million subscribers know her through Roblox roleplay videos, beauty content, and Dress To Impress. Claire's had already seen strong demand for Dress To Impress-inspired products in stores. Lana, Goad said, was the obvious person to help bring that audience into the physical world.

The decision reflects a broader shift in how brands think about influence. "This consumer demands a two-way conversation and a true relationship with their community," Goad said. "You're going to want to engage and be a fan of someone who's actually there, showing up in the comments and doing the work."

Claire's debuted its Lana's Life collaboration at VidCon 2026. Credit: Courtesy of Claire's

For Gen Alpha, creators often feel more accessible than celebrities. They're present in comment sections, livestreams, and community posts in ways movie stars and musicians rarely are. And that trust and connection hold more weight than a traditional celebrity endorsement. With millions of followers, Lana offers both the scale of a celebrity and the intimacy of a creator, which is exactly the combination Claire's is betting on.

The collaboration itself was designed to blur the line between digital and physical play. Fans visiting Claire's booth at VidCon could test products before they reached stores, meet Lana in person, and purchase items that unlocked digital rewards inside Roblox.

That feedback loop is central to how Claire's says it now operates. Instead of relying solely on trend forecasting months in advance, Goad says the company watches what young girls are actually talking about online and moves quickly. Internally, she describes the strategy as being "on trend, on time."

Whether it's the rise of squishies, Dress To Impress, hackey sacks making a comeback for a new generation, or another internet obsession waiting around the corner, Claire's increasingly treats Gen Alpha communities as its research department.

"I think our job is to listen," Goad said. "What are they saying in the comments? What are they asking for? What are they excited about?"

It's a notable evolution for a retailer once synonymous with mall culture. Instead of asking young shoppers to fit into Claire's vision, the company says it's rebuilding the brand around theirs.

For a generation growing up almost entirely online, Goad hopes Claire's can still offer something increasingly rare: a place — whether that's inside a Roblox game, on social media, or in one of its stores — where girlhood isn't something to rush through, but something worth celebrating.

Elon Musk's space exploration and AI company SpaceX may be looking to compete with Apple and the iPhone, even though Musk has denied the reports.

SpaceX has been showing off a prototype of a "handset-like device" to investors recently, according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal.

The device is reportedly focused on bringing AI capabilities to users, running on the company's own operating system and integrating xAI's technology to power its AI features. It's been described as having a "sleek design" and being "slimmer than an iPhone." The device is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

However, Musk weighed in on the Wall Street Journal report, calling it "utterly false" on his social media platform, X, without elaborating any further.

Musk has previously denied reports from earlier this year that SpaceX was working on a phone that would connect directly to Starlink satellites. 

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

"We are not developing a phone," Musk said in a reply on X, directed at Reuters' report that the company was developing a Starlink phone.

However, this time around, the Wall Street Journal's sources claim that there is a prototype that has been physically shown to investors.

Musk has previously voiced his dissatisfaction with Apple's iPhone and its dominance in the mobile market. 

"Man, I sure hope we don't have to make a phone," Musk said at a town hall event in October 2024. "That's a lot of work."

"The idea of making a phone makes me want to die," he continued. "But if we have to make a phone, we will. But we will aspire not to make a phone."

It's possible that Musk doesn't view SpaceX's handheld device as a smartphone, as it seems more like an AI device. It's also possible that the device does have traditional smartphone functionality and Musk is just trying to deny its existence.

According to this most recent report, SpaceX informed investors that the device is in an early stage, so things can change, including whether it ever even reaches the public.

TL;DR: Live stream Portugal vs. Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with arguably the biggest game of the round. There's a spot in the quarter-final stage up for grabs as Portugal play Spain.

Portugal are led by Cristiano Ronaldo in possibly his last major tournament. Spain are Euro 2024 champions and among the favorites to win the World Cup. It's got all the makings of a classic. Fans will be expecting big performances from the likes of Lamine Yamal and Bruno Fernandes.

If you want to watch Portugal vs. Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Portugal vs. Spain?

Portugal vs. Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on July 6. This fixture takes place at the Dallas Stadium.

How to watch Portugal vs. Spain for free

Portugal vs. Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Portugal vs. Spain for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Watch Portugal vs. Spain for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Portugal vs. Spain (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Portugal vs. Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

Best microSD, portable SSDs, and hard drive deals to grab this week:

---

Best microSD card deal

Gigastone MicroSD Card (128GB)

$49.99 (save $10)

Get Deal

---

Best portable SSD card deal

Samsung T9 Portable SSD (1TB)

$199.99 (save $88)

Get Deal

---

Best internal hard drive deal

Samsung 990 PRO (2TB)

$389.99 (save $250)

Get Deal

If you've been shopping for any kind of storage device, then you're probably well aware of the ongoing global memory crisis (affectionately known as "RAMageddon"). And, like most crises, experts have confirmed that it's only going to get worse before it gets better, if ever. (Thanks, AI.)

During Prime Day, we saw hundreds of microSD, portable SSDs, and hard drives go on sale. But now that those deals are gone, you'll have to dig deep to find a genuine discount (read: not some inflated list price BS).

To help you out, I tracked down the best memory and storage deals you can still grab this week to beat the price hikes.

Best microSD deal

Gigastone MicroSD Card (128GB)

$49.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $10

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

I know a $10 discount doesn't sound like much, especially if you remember buying these things for 20 bucks a few years ago. But thanks to RAMageddon, 17% off the Gigastone 128GB Micro SD Card is basically the best deal we're going to get this week.

Bonus: It comes with a five-year warranty that includes free data recovery. If you've ever lost hours of drone footage or game saves to a corrupted card, that safety net is worth every penny.

Best portable SSD deal

Samsung T9 Portable SSD (1TB)

$199.99 at Amazon
$287.99 Save $88

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

If you're looking for laptop storage, the Samsung T9 (1TB) is down to $199.99 this week. That's not the lowest we've seen this portable SSD go for, but since it normally costs around $288, it's a pretty good deal considering (*gestures to everything*).

It delivers read and write speeds up to 2,000 MB/s, so you shouldn't have to wait too long on file transfers. It also features a built-in thermal guard to keep it from overheating, so that's nice. If you need even more space, you can grab the 2TB version on sale for $399.99 or the 4TB for $799.99.

Best internal hard drive deal

Samsung 990 PRO (2TB)

$159.99 at Best Buy
$199.99 Save $40

 

Get Deal at Best Buy Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Attention gamers: The Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD (2TB) is on sale for $389.99 right now. That's a $250 price cut for a top-notch hard drive. Not only is the 990 PRO an "Amazon's Choice" product, but it has more than 13K reviews and a 4.7-star rating.

It hits sequential read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s, is about 50 percent more power-efficient than the older 980 PRO model, and Amazon reviewers say the performance is "unbeatable;" though some have noted that you may need a motherboard heatsink if you're going to be doing heavy video editing or 3D rendering.

More microSD, portable SSD, and hard drive deals

• Lexar ES3 External SSD (1TB) — $152.99 $169.99 (save $17)

• WD My Passport Portable External Hard Drive (5TB) — $180.49 $284.99 (save $104.50)

• Samsung T7 Portable SSD (1TB) — $219.99 $274.99 (save $55)

• Lexar ES3 External SSD (2TB) — $269.99 $299.99 (save $30)

SAVE $16.89: The Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box is on sale at Amazon for $18.10, down from the list price of $34.99. That's a 48% discount and the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box

$18.10 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $16.89

 

Get Deal

Just like Pokémon, getting into Magic: The Gathering can take a serious investment. Instead of fretting over the price of a starter pack, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of July 6, the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box is on sale for only $18.10 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $34.99. That's a major 48% discount that shaves $16.89 off the price. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Designed to help learn the basics of the game, the Magic: The Gathering Avatar set is the perfect option for a two-player adventure. The first game takes you on a guided battle between Aang and Zuko with two 20-card decks. There's a step-by-step guide booklet to take beginners through their first game with ease.

After that, players will combine any two of the eight 20-card half decks to form a full 40-card deck. That means players have tons of options to replay the game with new combinations and outcomes.

Today's box includes two packets of 100 cards, including the two 20-card tutorial decks with Aang and Zuko. The eight 20-card half-decks include Firebending, Earthbending, Waterbending, Allies, Big Creatures, Counters, Spells, and Attacking. Accessories include playerboards for both players, two spindown life counters, two beginner guides, and five double-sided tokens.

Since it's on sale for the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon, snag the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box for only $18.10. It's a great intro to the game that comes with an affordable price.

Microsoft laid off 4,800 employees Monday, with more than 30 percent of the cuts in its Xbox division, according to an internal email reviewed by IGN.

The reductions, described internally as an Xbox "reset," will affect roughly 1,600 employees immediately, with the company planning to eliminate about 20 percent of Xbox jobs by the end of its 2027 fiscal year.

As part of the shakeup, four studios are being spun off from Microsoft. Double Fine and Compulsion Games are returning to independent ownership under founders Tim Schafer and Guillaume Provost, respectively, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are being sold to new owners, with commitments in place to continue development on their respective titles, Senua and State of Decay 3.

In an internal memo obtained by IGN, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said the division's business "is not healthy," citing profit margins that are far below those of comparable platform and publishing companies. Sharma noted that Xbox lost 64 cents for every dollar invested in a typical year and pointed to oversaturation in the games market as a factor in the strategic pullback.

The memo also confirmed additional layoffs across Activision, Bethesda/ZeniMax, Blizzard, King, and Mojang, though Sharma said no first-party announced games are being canceled. As part of a broader management shakeup, Mojang and King will now report directly to Sharma, and Helen Chiang has been named Xbox's first Chief Operating Officer.

IGN, which is owned also reported that Microsoft is weighing the sale or closure of Arkane Studios, which has been developing the delayed, over-budget title Blade. According to the outlet, French labor consultations over Arkane's future could take months.

(Disclosure: IGN and Mashable are both owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)

The 2026 World Cup is now racing to the latter stages of the knockout rounds. The quarter finals are calling for the USA, now facing off against Belgium in the Round of 16. Portugal and Spain are also in action — a fixture that has the makings of an all-time classic.

It all kicks off at 3 p.m. ET. If yesterday's action is anything to go by — with Norway upsetting Brazil and England beating Mexico in an absolute thriller — July 6 could be another special day from this electric tournament.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: July 6

• Portugal vs. Spain (Dallas Stadium) — kickoff at 3 p.m. ET

• USA vs. Belgium (Seattle Stadium) — kickoff at 8 p.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup games today

Watch Portugal vs. Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal in what is almost certainly the superstar's final World Cup campaign. But it won't be easy getting to the quarter finals. Spain are defending European Championship winners and have their own superstar in 18-year-old Lamine Yamal. It's truly a battle between two powerhouses. Expect fireworks — not to mention goals.

Live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch USA vs. Belgium

USA were facing this crucial game without Folarin Balogun after he received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. But his one-match ban has been controversially lifted, so USA will be at full strength against Belgium. Can USA ride the wave of home support and reach the quarter finals for the first time since 2002?

Live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Fox One

Fox One (3-Month Subscription)

$39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99

 

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Peacock

Peacock (Spanish Language)

Starting at $10.99/month

Get Deal

More live streaming options

Live TV cable replacement

Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:

• YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months

• Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month

• Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.

You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup on these free streaming services. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpresVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

SAVE $560.99: The 45-inch LG Ultragear OLED curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $1,439, down from the list price of $1,999.99. That's a 28% discount.

Your home gaming setup should be an oasis. It's a way to step out of real life and dive into an alterative life that serves as an enjoyable break. If you gaming station has less-than-ideal elements it can harsh the good vibes. Instead of dealing with a subpar monitor, check out this Amazon deal.

As of July 6, the 45-inch LG Ultragear OLED curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $1,439, marked down from the list price of $1,999.99. That's a 28% discount that shaves $560.99 off the norm.

The LG monitor is equipped with excellent stats. First off, it has an OLED display. Yes, that comes with a higher price point, but the quality of an OLED display is well worth the investment for many folks. On top of the display quality, there's the 800R curve for a fully-immersive experience.

LG also made this model with a glare-free design, low blue light, and a flicker-free screen. You'll be in line for a great 165Hz refresh rate and a zippy 0.03ms response time. All of these features will be great for summer weekends spent gaming.

The included base can swivel and tilt, and you can adjust the height to get the best fit for your gaming setup. In addition, it's a great model to have if you work from home. The 45-inch display is plenty of space for having two or three windows in full display at the same time. Zip through those e-mails thanks to the width.

While we're in the sticky summer months, upgrade to the 45-inch LG Ultragear OLED curved gaming monitor while it's on sale at Amazon for under $1,500. It'll be something you'll enjoy everyday for years to come.

The best Apple deals this week, at a glance:

---

Best MacBook deal

Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 Pro chip

$2,369 (save $130)

Shop Now

---

Best AirPods deal

Apple AirPods Pro 3

$222 (save $27)

Get Deal

---

Best iPad deal

Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)

$599 (save $100)

Shop Now

---

Best Apple Watch deal

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm)

$329 (save $70)

Get Deal

There's no major sale on the calendar, but Apple deals are still popping up. With Apple recently raising prices across Macs, iPads, and other devices due to rising memory and storage costs, discounts feel less predictable than usual. That makes any price cut worth a closer look.

You won’t find markdowns on new Apple gear directly from Apple, so retailers like Amazon remain the best place to shop for savings. And despite the recent price hikes, we’re still spotting a handful of deals on MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods — including some models priced better than expected even after recent hikes.

We’ve rounded up the best Apple deals you can grab for the week of July 6, whether you’re upgrading your laptop, grabbing an iPad for everyday use, or picking up AirPods while they’re on sale.

Best MacBook deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 Pro chip

$2,369 at Amazon
$2,499 Save $130

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

The MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip is built for heavy workloads. It handles demanding tasks such as video editing, design work, coding, and large-file processing without slowing down. Battery life is strong, and it’s designed to last through a full workday depending on usage.

The new chip also handles on-device AI tasks more efficiently, so image generation and other AI tools work quicker than on older models. Performance stays steady whether the laptop is plugged in or on battery, which makes it dependable for working on-the-go. The display is still one of Apple’s best — sharp, bright, and accurate enough for both creative work and everyday media use.

More MacBook Pro deals

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,049 $2,199 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black) — $2,374 $2,499 (save $125)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 15-core CPU/16-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,849 $2,999 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,649.99 $2,999 (save $349.01)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,749.99 $3,199 (save $449.01)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Silver) — $3,049.99 $3,599 (save $549.01)

• Apple 2026 MacBook Pro, with M5 Pro chip with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 48GB, 1TB SSD, Space Black) — $3,419 $3,599 (save $180)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,849.99 $4,399 (save $549.01)

MacBook Air deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,449 $1,599 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,349 $1,499 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,649 $1,799 (save $150)

Best AirPods deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

AirPods Pro 3

$222 at Amazon
$249 Save $27

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s most refined earbuds yet, with improved noise cancellation and a more comfortable fit thanks to redesigned foam-infused tips in multiple sizes. Battery life holds up for long listening sessions, and the earbuds bring newer features like heart rate tracking, Fitness app integration, and live translation support.

Early reviews on the AirPods Pro 3 have been strong too, with Mashable calling them “without a doubt, one of the best products of the year” in 2025. Given Apple’s recent price increases across its lineup, any discount here is worth paying attention to — especially for a newer model that rarely sees much movement in price.

More AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — $159 $179 (save $20)

• Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen) — $498 $549 (save $51)

Best iPad deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)

$599 at Amazon
$699 Save $100

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

The iPad mini (A17 Pro) stands out as one of the best iPads for reading and everyday use. Its smaller 8.3-inch size makes it easier to hold for long periods than larger iPads, which start at around 11 inches.

In Mashable’s roundup of the best iPads of 2026, the iPad mini earned the “best for reading” spot because it hits a rare balance — feeling like an e-reader in the hand but still working like a full iPad when you need it. You can read, stream, and switch between apps without it feeling as limited as dedicated e-readers often do. The A17 Pro chip handles everyday tasks without slowdown and powers Apple Intelligence features like article summaries and basic productivity tools.

More iPad deals

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi + Cellular, 256GB) — $1,199 $1,399 (save $200)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,249 $1,499 (save $250)

Best Apple Watch deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple Watch Series 11

$329 at Amazon
$399 Save $70

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 brings more health data, stronger safety features, and better battery life without changing the core design. As a Mashable review by Stan Schroeder puts it, “The Apple Watch Series 11 isn't all that different from last year's model, but it has a significantly longer battery life, and that's a huge deal.”

In everyday use, that upgrade makes a difference. The watch now lasts through a full day and can stretch closer to a day-and-a-half depending on usage. Stan notes that this alone changes how usable it is for sleep tracking and daily wear, since older models often needed a charge before bed.

More Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 44mm) — $249 $279 (save $30)

• Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) — $359 $429 (save $70)

• Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) — $429 $499 (save $70)

• Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + Cellular, 46mm) — $459 $529 (save $70)

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) — $699.99 $799 (save $99.01)

Apple accessory deals

• Apple Pencil (USB-C) — $69 $79 (save $10)

• Apple Pencil Pro — $99 $129 (save $30)

SAVE 50%: As of July 6, you can get the Roborock Saros Z70 for $999.99, down from $1,999.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount or $1,000 in savings.

Roborock Saros Z70

$999.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $1,000

 

Get Deal at Amazon

As the proud dog mom of two beagles, keeping my floors clean is a never-ending battle. But ever since I brought a robo vacuum-mop combo into my apartment, I've been able to handle the mess without stressing (too much). So if you've been trying to justify buying one for yourself, let this be your sign.

Right now, you can get the Roborock Saros Z70 for $999.99, down from $1,999.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount or $1,000 in savings. It's also the lowest price we've tracked on this model to date. (It's listed for $2,599.99 on the Roborock website, so it's technically $1,600 off.)

One of the coolest (and most unique) features about this vacuum is its OmniGrip mechanical arm. It folds out to pick up rogue socks, tissues, or whatever else is in the way, and moves them. That said, our Senior Shopping Reporter, Leah Stodart, says that the arm is basically decorative. But with a $1,000 discount, the 22,000Pa of suction power and auto washing and drying base more than make up for it.

SAVE $599.01: The Anker Solix S2000 is on sale for $599.99, down from the normal price of $1,199. That's a 50% discount, and just 99¢ more than the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Anker Solix

Anker Solix S2000

$599.99 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $599.01

 

Get Deal

When the power goes out at home, it poses some problems. First, we consider how much battery is left on our phone. After that, the concern often turns to all of the food in the fridge and freezer going bad. If none of that sound like a nice time, you've probably considered upgrading to a portable power station. Check out this worthy model that's on a major discount at Amazon.

As of July 6, the Anker Solix S2000 is on sale for $599.99, marked down from the normal price of $1,199. That's a 50% discount that shaves $599.01 off the price. It's also just 99¢ more than the lowest price Anker offered on this model during its launch back in May.

Plenty of portable power stations are designed to keep you going when out camping, but not all are perfect for using at home during a power outage. Anker designed the Solix S2000 specifically for use at home, and it excels at keeping your refrigerator working as it should despite a power outage.

Anker Solix states the S2000 can keep a typical household refrigerator cooling for up to 35 hours. The team put that to the test in a live YouTube stream and wound up with a final time of 38 hours and 52 minutes. Keep in mind, the indoor temperature of your home as well as your specific refrigerator can alter the exact time. But Anker's test proves the model worthy of keeping your food safe for well over a day.

Getting into some specifics, the S2000 has 2,010Wh of battery capacity while only weighing about 36 pounds. I've tested dozens of power stations and can say that's lightweight for a battery that holds over 2,000Wh.

It's also compact, measuring 8.2 inches × 11.1 inches × 12.7 inches. Anker put eight outlets on this model on both the front and the back of the power station. It has three AC ports on the front and two on the rear. This configuration is great for using a rear AC port for the fridge while keeping the front open for other kitchen items like the kettle of a coffee maker. The front also houses two USB-C ports and a USB-A, so you can keep your phone and other small devices charged up.

Before the next power outage, upgrade your home with the Anker Solix S2000. It'll give you the reassurance your fridge can continue cooling despite grid power going down. It's on sale for $599.99 at Amazon for a limited time. It's quite possible the current contents of your fridge are worth more than that.

SAVE OVER $10: As of July 6, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is on sale for $21.99 at Amazon. That's $18 off its full price of $39.99.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

Fire TV Stick 4K Select

$21.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $18.00

 

Get Deal

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select may have dropped to $10 during Prime Day, but if you missed out on that offer, you can actually still save right now at Amazon.

As of July 6, this streaming device is on sale for $21.99 at Amazon. It may be just over $10 more than Prime Day, but it's still a pretty solid discount to take advantage if you're wanting to upgrade to 4K streaming. In comparison to its full price of $39.99, you're saving $18. Overall, that's a 45% discount, which isn't bad at all. On top of that, it even comes with one month of Xbox Game Pass for free if you're a new user.

If you're looking to make the jump from HD to 4K without splashing out on the pricier 4K Fire TV Sticks, this is an excellent model to start with. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select supports 4K Ultra HD picture quality alongside HDR10+. It also supports WiFi 5 for streaming quality and comes with 8GB of storage for holding all of your favorite apps.

If you're curious what the differences are between each 4K Fire TV stick before buying, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select store page features a nice breakdown of each. That way, you can feel a bit more informed before dropping your cash.

Don't miss out on this great deal on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Samsung is going to make a lot of money selling memory chips.

According to Reuters, the company is about to post a huge profit increase estimate for its Q2 profit, an 18-fold increase compared to the same period last year. That would be 86 trillion won ($56.35 billion) in profit for the quarter starting in April and ending in June, up from just 4.7 trillion won ($3 billion) in Q2 2025.

The reported number comes from an estimate based on forecasts from 30 analysts, and reflects an ongoing memory chip supply crunch. The insatiable need for memory chip recently drove stock prices of memory chip makers such as Micron and Hynix through the roof. As the largest chip memory chipmaker in the world, Samsung will profit from the market imbalance too.

Samsung sells memory chips to numerous companies including tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Nvidia.

The global memory crisis, dubbed the RAMageddon, has helped memory chip makers lock in lucrative contracts and increase profits, but it also caused consumer tech prices to surge. In June, Apple announced significant price increases across numerous product categories, and gadgets such as the PlayStation, the Switch, phones like Motorola Razr, and laptops from Acer, Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft have suffered a similar fate.

TL;DR: Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open, French Open, and U.S. Open would all argue that they're the biggest tennis event on the schedule, but Wimbledon has that special something.

Maybe it's the fast-paced tennis on lush green surfaces? Maybe it's the crisp white outfits? Or maybe it's the copious amounts of champagne and strawberries consumed by fans? Whatever the reason, Wimbledon is hard to beat.

If you're interested in watching Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is Wimbledon?

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It is the third of four Grand Slam tennis events each year.

The defending singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek.

When is Wimbledon in 2026?

The 2026 Wimbledon Championships is the 139th edition of the tournament. This year's event takes place from June 29 to July 12.

How to watch Wimbledon 2026 for free

Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to live stream Wimbledon 2026 before recovering your investment. It's a sneaky trick, but it works.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for Wimbledon, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of Wimbledon.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $598: As of July 6, the TCL 85-inch NXTVISION Frame TV is on sale for $1,399.96 at Amazon. That's down from $1,997.99, saving you $598.

Opens in a new window

Credit: TCL

TCL NXTVISION 85-Inch Frame TV

$1,399.96 at Amazon
$1,997.99 Save $598.03

 

Get Deal

The TCL 85-inch NXTVISION Frame TV is now $1,399.96 at Amazon. That's down from $1,997.99, saving you $598 — the lowest price we’ve seen for this model and about $98 below its Prime Day low.

The TCL Frame TV sits directly against the wall, measuring just 1.1 inches thin. Instead of a bulky setup, the main hardware is built in, so there’s no separate external box. It comes with a light wood-style magnetic frame in the box, so you can change how it looks depending on your room — or keep the clean off-white bezel for a more minimal setup.

A flush wall mount is included to keep the TV close to the wall for a framed-art effect. Just note, it’s designed specifically for this setup and doesn’t work with standard VESA mounts.

The screen itself is matte and anti-glare, which helps it blend in more like framed artwork than a traditional TV. There’s also an art mode with a built-in library, AI-generated artwork options, and the ability to display your own photos. Installation is simple with an included template and mounting system, so it goes up cleanly, with no visible gaps or clutter.

Grab the TCL 85-inch NXTVISION Frame TV at Amazon while it's at its best-ever price.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Tour de France for free on SBS on Demand. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We know there's a lot of sport taking place right now and your schedule is probably stacked with live action from the World Cup and Wimbledon, but can we suggest making a little time for the Tour de France? It is the world's most prestigious cycling race, after all.

This edition of the Tour de France is shaping up to be pretty special. Tadej Pogacar is seeking a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title, but he's going to face stiff competition from his rival Jonas Vingegaard and new star Paul Seixas. It's going to be a fascinating ride over the next few weeks.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 Tour de France for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the Tour de France?

The Tour de France is an annual men's multi-stage bicycle race held in France (and often passing through nearby countries). This famous race forms part of the Grand Tours (alongside the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España).

The defending champion is Tadej Pogacar.

When is the 2026 Tour de France?

The 2026 Tour de France is the 113th edition of the event. This year's event takes place from July 4-26.

How to watch the 2026 Tour de France for free

The 2026 Tour de France is available to live stream for free on SBS on Demand.

SBS on Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the 2026 Tour de France from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 Tour de France for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Connect to SBS on Demand

5. Stream the 2026 Tour de France from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 Tour de France without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to follow the 2026 Tour de France before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free live streams from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Tour de France?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams from around the world, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 Tour de France for free with ExpressVPN.

England beat Mexico 3-2 on Sunday, securing a spot in the quarter finals of the FIFA World Cup — and if there was any doubt whatsoever in your mind as to how England Captain Harry Kane might be feeling about the victory, his post-match interview made it crystal clear.

Here he is speaking with the BBC about the game while struggling a bit to find his voice.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

"Yeah it was a crazy game," says Kane in that clip, rubbing his throat. "But yep, we had to find...we had to find something. Yeah I've just been saying in there, I can't really talk."

The Bert from Sesame Street comparisons were inevitable.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

He now has five days to rest that voice before England take on Norway in the quarter finals on Saturday.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're an online dater.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Mind-blowing

• Green: Experiment

• Blue: Iconic animated character

• Purple: Find your match

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Stunning news

• Green: Science fair model subjects

• Blue: Acme products used by Wile E. Coyote

• Purple: Starting with dating apps

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1121 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Stunning news: BOMBSHELL, REVELATION, SHOCKER, THUNDERBOLT

• Science fair model subjects: ATOM, DNA, SOLAR SYSTEM, VOLCANO

• Acme products used by Wile E. Coyote: EARTHQUAKE PILLS, IRON BIRD SEED, ROCKET SKATES, TNT

• Starting with dating apps: BUMBLEBEE, GRIND RAIL, MATCHA, TINDERBOX

What is "iron bird seed"?

"Iron bird seed" is a fictional ACME product from classic Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons, used by Wile E. Coyote in one of his many failed attempts to catch the Road Runner. The product is exactly what it sounds like: bird seed mixed with iron pellets. The Coyote’s plan is to feed it to the Road Runner, then use a giant magnet to pull the now-magnetic bird into a trap.

As usual, the scheme backfires. Instead of catching the Road Runner, the Coyote ends up becoming the victim of his own ACME setup.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you can take the heat.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: The growing season

The words are related to this time of year.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a hot season.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Summertime.

NYT Strands word list for July 6

• Burgeon

• Thrive

• Bloom

• Summertime

• Expand

• Spread

• Flourish

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love a good drink.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An alcoholic drink.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter D appears twice.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

TODDY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you watch international soccer.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Leaving a team

• Green: Regionally specific

• Blue: Best sluggers

• Purple: Almost USA members

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Move on from a player

• Green: San Diego teams

• Blue: Members of the 600-HR club

• Purple: USMNT players, with the last letter removed

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #651 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Move on from a player: CUT, RELEASE, TRADE, WAIVE

• San Diego teams: AZTECS, PADRES, SAN DIEGO FC, WAVE

• Members of the 600-HR club: AARON, RUTH, SOSA, THOME

• USMNT players, with the last letter removed: ADAM, FREES, RICHARD TRUST

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, July 6, 2026:

Across

Halloween silhouette

• The answer is Bat.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Ron's assistant on "Parks and Recreation"

• The answer is April.

State that only borders one other state

• The answer is Maine.

Out of money

• The answer is Broke.

"___ all good!"

• The answer is Its.

Down

Disney deer

• The answer is Bambi.

Split up

• The answer is Apart.

Groups of three

• The answer is Trios.

Octopus's defense against predators

• The answer is Ink.

Harper ___, author of "To Kill a Mockingbird"

• The answer is Lee.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get "dates" (and I use that term loosely) with the tap of a button. Thanks to classic hookup apps like Tinder and newcomers like Pure, finding a sexy new friend can be as straightforward as ordering a pizza. As for the quality? That’s about the same as your pizza — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you're located, and how hungry you are.

Fortunately, you’ve got me, your resident dating app expert (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw), to guide you to the promised land, aka the best hookup apps.

I’ve spent the past three years (yes, years) researching, downloading, and testing dozens of the top dating apps to find the best ones for all kinds of daters, including the one-night-stand crowd. From discrete sexting apps to dating sites for serious relationships, I've swiped through them all. I also consulted a helpful panel of sex and relationship experts to make sure my picks are solid.

How to get the most out of hookup apps

My number one rule is to be brutally honest about what it is you want. You’re here for a good time? Own it. That means staying in your lane; don't go looking for a one-night stand on an app like eharmony.

"Hookup apps help prevent situations where people are on mainstream dating sites with the intention of having a casual hookup but are unclear about these intentions," Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for Biird and author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject, tells Mashable. "They also give women a space to be openly sexual creatures without judgment."

And here's a little secret I picked up from Alexander Liebisch, the CEO and founder of TinderProfile.ai: Timing is everything. He found that people messaging on Tinder's "free tonight" feature after 10 p.m. on a weekend had a 45 percent higher chance of hooking up.

So, whether you're looking for a one-night stand, a regular FWB situation, or just a space to explore your sexuality, I've got you covered. Based on all my hands-on testing and expert consultations, I’ve broken down the best hookup app for every type of person and mood.

Recent updates to this guide

• Hinge: Hinge just keeps getting better, so I’ve bumped it up higher on my list as of October 2025. In our most recent update in June 2026, it still earns the top spot. Its user base is growing, and my own recent tests on the app have been surprisingly positive.

• Sniffies (added September 2025): I've added Sniffies, the map-based app for queer men, because it's been gaining a lot of traction. (It got a little too spicy for Apple and was pulled from the App Store, so it's now technically a dating site.) Don't say I didn't warn you about the NSFW content.

• FetLife (added September 2025): FetLife is my new favorite "Honorable Mention." It's not your typical hookup app; it's more of a social network for the kink community (and, oddly enough, the best hookup app for gamers). Just remember: it's a community, so don't treat it like Tinder.

• Plenty of Fish (removed January 2025): POF went through a rebrand recently, and honestly, I'm not impressed. My latest tests showed they got rid of key features like free messaging for non-matches, and I kept running into the same old profiles.

• Match (removed August 2025): I know some people say they've found casual hookups on Match, but that's not what it's for. Match is where you go to find a serious, long-term relationship, and I still recommend it for that. But for a hookup? You're just fishing in the wrong pond.

Why some popular hookup apps didn't make the cut

You might notice a few apps that pop up in ads or other lists are missing here. That’s intentional. I swipe through the good, the bad, and the downright sketchy so you don’t have to. For an app to make my list, it has to be effective, safe, and worth your time.

Here's a shortlist of apps that didn't make the cut this year:

• Wild: You’ve probably seen ads for this one. On paper, Wild sounds like the perfect casual dating app. In practice, the paywalls are aggressive, the distance filter doesn't work, and you have to pay for anything that's even remotely useful. Unless you're willing to spend serious cash upfront (and hope for the best), the experience feels limited compared to more open apps like Tinder.

• DOWN: This app (formerly "Bang With Friends") is known for its simple "Get Down" vs. "Get Date" feature. It sounds clever, but in reality, the experience is messy at best. Many users report feeling scammed by subscriptions that don't deliver matches, or finding that the few real people on there are... let's say "odd." It’s hard to recommend an app when the main user complaint is "Is anyone real?" Hard pass.

• Facebook Dating: Yes, Facebook has a dating section, and it’s surprisingly massive (and completely free, which is huge). While it's a decent option for casual dating, the vibe tends to be a bit more "friends of friends" and "relationship-focused" than the anonymous, no-strings energy you get from apps like Pure or Feeld. (For Mashable's Chance Townsend, signing up was "the most uneventful dating experience" of his life.) It's worth a shot if you're already on Facebook, but it didn't quite crack my top tier for hookups specifically.

TL;DR: All 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup are available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer/ITVX. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The world is watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are welcoming the best international sides from around the world as they compete for arguably the biggest prize in sport. The knockout rounds are really heating up. We've already seen powerhouses like Germany and Brazil get dumped out, and it feels like there's so much more still to come from huge names like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Lionel Messi.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the FIFA World Cup?

The World Cup is an international football competition between senior men's national teams. The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams will progress to the knockout rounds.

The defending champions are Argentina. They won their third title at the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in an epic final.

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of this famous competition. This year's tournament takes place from June 11 to July 19.

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free

A number of streaming platforms are offering free coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

• Australia — SBS

• Austria — ORF and ServusTV

• Belgium — RTBF and VRT

• France — M6

• Germany — ARD and ZDF

• Ireland — RTÉ

• Italy — RAI

• Norway — NRK

• Netherlands — NOS

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)

These streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)

5. Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this tournament before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for the FIFA World Cup?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Greninja ex Premium Collection is on sale for $64.69 at Amazon, down from its $99.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Greninja ex Premium Collection

$64.69 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $35.30

 

Get Deal

Mega Greninja’s new Premium Collection has only just joined the Pokémon TCG’s Mega Evolution lineup, but Amazon has already dropped one of the better post-launch prices we’ve seen for this eight-pack box. 

As of July 6, the Pokémon TCG Mega Greninja ex Premium Collection is available at Amazon for $64.69 — which is a massive saving off its $35.30 listing price. This lowest-priced listing is shipped and sold by Amazon directly, though delivery times are listed for between July 30 and August 13. If you’d like to get yours as soon as possible, the third-party listing from Hero Collect (for $69.95) can arrive as soon as July 14.

At $64.69, this Premium Collection works out to roughly $8.09 per booster pack before you count the extra Mega Greninja ex bonuses.

Inside the box, you’re getting eight Pokémon TCG booster packs of trading cards (two Chaos Rising, four Perfect Order, and two Phantasmal Flames), one foil promo card featuring Mega Greninja ex, one oversize lenticular promo card featuring Mega Greninja ex, and a tech sticker featuring Mega Greninja. 

The card itself is built around Mega Greninja ex’s Mortal Shuriken Ability, which lets you discard a Basic Water Energy from your hand to place six damage counters on one of your opponent’s Pokémon. Its Ninja Spinner attack can also hit for up to 200 damage. 

Amazon’s own $64.69 listing is the most convenient option right now, but it is not the absolute cheapest. If you’re open to shopping at other storefronts, TCGplayer currently has unopened Mega Greninja ex Premium Collection listings starting at $54.62 — while Walmart is selling the box for $57.99 with free shipping through third-party seller Cash Cards Unlimited.

You can get over $10 off the Ascended Heroes Mega Meganium ex Box. Meanwhile, the Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box is still available to buy for under $90. 

Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) may have finally claimed the Iron Throne, but her enemies aren't going down without a fight.

That's very much the theme of the House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 4 trailer above, which sees our new Queen trying to work out what Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton) is planning in Tumbleton.

Elsewhere, Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Larys (Mathew Needham) are faced with fresh challenges, and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) gets some Harrenhal reinforcements.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

SAVE $20: As of July 6, the Keurig K-Mini Mate single serve K-Cup pod coffee maker is on sale for $59.99 at Amazon. That's $20 off its list price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Keurig

Keurig K-Mini Mate

$59.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $20.00

 

Get Deal

Some coffee machines have very bulky builds. If you live or work in a smaller space, that's not an ideal purchase for a countertop. If you're searching for something smaller to handle your favorite brew, the Keurig K-Mini Mate single serve K-Cup pod coffee maker can help you out. It's even on sale at Amazon right now.

As of July 6, the Keurig K-Mini Mate has been discounted from $79.99 to $59.99 at Amazon, saving you $20 overall. What's even better is every color is on sale at this price right now, so you can choose between the black, glamping green, pink sands, or red rocks models.

This coffee machine comes in at just four-inches wide, so no matter if you're in a smaller apartment or tiny office space, it can slot nicely onto a kitchen countertop without taking up a bunch of space.

The Keurig K-Mini Mate works with K-Cup pods and can brew a cup measuring up to 12 ounces in its One Cup reservoir. If you're in a hurry, it can even fit up to a 7.25-inch travel mug so you can have something ready to take on-the-go.

This delightfully compact coffee maker may not be on sale for long, so act fast to save on the Keurig K-Mini Mate at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are free right now with T-Mobile. Here's how to qualify for this limited-time offer.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 17

Free when you trade in your eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan..

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

Shop Now

All we seem to hear about these days are price increases. Apple just bumped up the price of its iPad and Mac lineups, RAM prices are about to rise nearly 50 percent, and smartphone price hikes are on the way.

It's a grim picture. So imagine our delight when we see that you can still score an Apple iPhone 17 for free with T-Mobile.

T-Mobile has dropped a fresh batch of free iPhone deals to beat the price increases:

• Apple iPhone 17 — free when you trade in your eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro — free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in needed).

Of course, T-Mobile isn't simply handing over these latest handsets as a favor. Instead, the retail cost of your new phone is offset by 24 consecutive monthly bill credits. Your monthly statement will show a standard charge for financing the phone, which is immediately balanced out by an equal credit to bring that charge to zero.

What's happening here is you are signing up for a 24-month commitment with the network. If you decide to cancel your service, switch to another carrier, or upgrade to the iPhone 18 before those 24 months are up, the remaining unpaid balance on the phone's retail value will become due immediately.

You will also need to cover the standard upfront taxes and a one-time $35 activation fee. But that's a small price to pay to lock in the iPhone 17 before Apple's prices bump up again.

Score the latest iPhones for free with T-Mobile.

SAVE $80: As of July 6, the Samsung HW-B62WF soundbar is on sale for $199 at Walmart. That's down from $279, which saves you $80 on list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Samsung

Samsung HW-B62WF Soundbar

$199 at Walmart
$279 Save $80

 

Get Deal

The Samsung HW-B62WF soundbar is on sale for $199 at Walmart. That's marked down from $279, which saves you $80 — about 29% off. You’re getting a 3.1-channel setup here, which means clearer voices and more impact in action scenes compared to built-in TV speakers.

The setup puts extra focus on dialogue clarity through a dedicated center speaker, so voices come through more clearly. A wireless subwoofer handles the low-end, adding depth to effects and music without making the overall mix feel cluttered.

It also adds a layer of spatial audio processing using Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X, which helps spread sound more around the room rather than keeping it flat in front of you. It’s not true surround sound with rear speakers, but it does a good job of making movies and games feel more immersive.

For dialogue-heavy content, there’s a voice enhancement mode that pushes speech forward in the mix. That helps with quieter scenes or shows where background noise tends to overpower talking.

For gaming, the Samsung HW-B62WF soundbar includes an optimized mode that reduces audio delay and improves directional clarity, making it easier to track movement and in-game action in real time.

Grab the Samsung HW-B62WF soundbar at Walmart while it’s still $80 off.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $220: As of July 6, the Dyson V15 Detect is on sale for $619.99 at Amazon. That's a 26% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Dyson

Dyson V15 Detect

$619.99 at Amazon
$839.99 Save $220

 

Get Deal

Dyson vacuums are popular for good reason, but they often come with a high price tag. If you've been wanting to upgrade, chances are you've been waiting for a new discount or sale. Prime Day and July 4 sales have both come to an end, but Amazon still has some pretty impressive deals live, including this latest price drop on the Dyson V15 Detect.

As of July 6, the Dyson V15 Detect is down to $619.99 from $839.99. That's over $200 off.

This vacuum has a lot of power, capable of cleaning just about anything. It comes with two advanced cleaner heads: the Fluffy Optic head, which shows up hidden dust on hard floors, and the Digital Motorbar, which deep cleans carpets and detangles long hair and pet hair as you go. It also easily converts into a handheld vacuum for cleaning cars, stairs, and upholstery, and even includes a crevice tool for tight and hard-to-reach spaces.

Additional features include a built-in LCD screen that provides real-time updates, including particle count, remaining run time down to the second, power mode, and maintenance alerts. And speaking of run time, with this vacuum you'll get up to 60 minutes, so you're not constantly having to run back to the charger.

This vacuum deal is available at Amazon right now.

SAVE $370: As of July 6, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is on sale for $429 at Amazon. That's a 46% discount off the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Jackery

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

$429 at Amazon
$799 Save $370

 

Get Deal

Looking for a reliable power source for emergencies? You can't go wrong with the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2, especially now it's down to $429. That's a saving of $370 on list price.

This is a truly great portable power station for your home or off-grid. It has a 1,500W AC output and 3,000W surge peak, so it can power multiple devices at once. And it's not just for small items like laptops. No, it can power fridges, AC units, and even electric cooking equipment.

And for use on the go (think road trips or camping vacations), this model has a lightweight design of just 23.8 pounds and a foldable handle that makes it easy to carry.

It also features ultra-fast charging, reaching 0 to 100% in as little as one hour using emergency mode via the Jackery app, or around 1.7 hours in standard mode, so you don't need hours of prep time before it's ready to use. And because it's built with ChargeShield 2.0 technology and a durable LFP battery, you'll get safer charging plus a long lifespan of over 10 years.

Get this Jackery deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $20: As of July 6, the Fire Stick 4K Plus is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

Amazon Fire Stick 4K Plus

$29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00

 

Get Deal

Amazon's Fire Stick 4K Plus is back on sale. It's the ideal product for simple streaming that you can take on the go. As of July 6, it's $20 off, bringing the price down to just $29.99 for a limited time.

This Fire Stick is ideal if you have a 4K compatible TV. It displays content in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, so you're getting an incredible viewing experience with great sound quality.

This discount is for the 2026 edition of the Fire Stick 4K Plus, meaning it has a more modern, streamlined design. Enjoy new features like dedicated categories, pinned apps, and personalized recommendations.

And of course, you'll get access to major streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and more. You'll also get hundreds of thousands of free movies and TV episodes from ad-supported services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Fire TV Channels. Gamers are catered for too, and you can stream Xbox titles with Xbox Game Pass.

Get this streaming stick deal at Amazon now.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Sleeved Booster Packs are on sale for $14.99 at Amazon, down from the $19.95 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Sleeved Booster Pack

$14.99 at Amazon
$19.95 Save $4.96

 

Pre-order Here

The Pokémon TCG’s latest Mega Evolution expansion is still getting ready to drop in the trading card market, but Amazon is already offering discounts on booster packs.

As of July 6, preorders for Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Sleeved Booster Packs are on sale for $14.99 at Amazon. With $4.96 off its typical $19.95 price, that saves you 25% per pack. These packs are shipped and sold by MVP Marketplace rather than Amazon directly. You do still get Amazon’s 30-day refund/replacement window on this listing.

TCGplayer currently has Pitch Black Sleeved Booster Packs starting at $13.44 with shipping included (vs. their market price of $11.42). 

Each Pitch Black Sleeved Booster Pack includes one sealed booster with 10 random Pokémon TCG cards inside, plus the cardboard guard packaging you’d expect from a sleeved pack. 

Pitch Black is the next dark-leaning Mega Evolution expansion, led by Mega Darkrai ex. Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Chandelure ex, and Mega Excadrill ex are also joining the set. The whole Pitch Black expansion will include over 115 cards, more new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, more than 20 Trainer cards, and more than 35 Pokémon and Trainer cards with special illustrations. 

You can score the Pokémon TCG’s Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box for under $90. If it’s Scarlet & Violet expansions you’re hunting, you can now find the Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box for around market price on Amazon. 

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Mega Meganium ex Box is on sale for $68.90 at Amazon, down from its $79.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Mega Meganium ex Box

$68.90 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $11.09

 

Get Deal

The Pokémon TCG’s Ascended Heroes era is still proving pretty expensive if you’re trying to catch up on the Mega Evolution expansion, but Amazon’s new price for the Meganium Box can at least take off a chunk of the cost. 

As of July 6, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Mega Meganium ex Box is on sale at Amazon for $68.90. Compared to its $79.99 list price, that saves you $11.09 and takes 14% off the boxed set. This listing ships from Amazon directly, although it’s sold by third-party seller Bigg Time Sales. Free delivery is listed for July 14-16 at the time of writing. Just take note that Amazon is marking this listing as final sale with no returns.

Amazon’s price isn’t technically the lowest overall. TCGplayer currently has the Ascended Heroes Mega Meganium ex Box as low as $58 plus $3 shipping — a $61 total. That's only slightly above its $57.27 market price.

Inside the box, you’re getting one foil promo card featuring Mega Meganium ex, one oversize lenticular promo trading cards featuring Mega Meganium ex, and four Pokémon Ascended Heroes booster packs. 

Ascended Heroes is packed with incredibly valuable chase cards you can pull (or buy individually on TGCplayer) — including SIR Pikachu ex ($1,300+), SIR Mega Gengar ex ($1,200+), and SIR Mega Gengar ex ($700+).

Among other Pokemon deals right now, you can also get the Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box for around market price. What’s more, you can grab the Pokémon TCG’s Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box for under $90.

Apple's iPhone Ultra will be slightly late, it will be pricy, and it'll still sell out fast.

That's according to reliable analyst and Apple sleuth Ming-Chi Kuo, who shared his thoughts in a post on X.

In the article, Kuo compares the iPhone Ultra (a likely name for Apple's first foldable iPhone) with the iPhone X, which was the first iPhone to sport a notch on top, ushering the era of modern iPhones back in 2017.

The iPhone Ultra will be a little late, says Kuo. It will be announced in September, together with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, but it will actually start shipping about a month later, just like the iPhone X did when it launched.

There's been considerable back and forth about this, with some analysts claiming the iPhone Ultra will not be late at all, and others saying it will be delayed. At this point, it's getting impossible to figure out who's right, but at least most reports now agree that the Ultra will be unveiled in September.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Kuo also gave his most precise prediction for the iPhone Ultra's price, which according to him will be "roughly $2,300–$2,500." Kuo previously said the Ultra would cost $2,000 to $2,500. Notably, Apple recently increased the prices of numerous products due to a memory chip supply crunch, but the iPhones were left alone.

Even with a price point that's roughly two times the price of the company's current flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Kuo expects strong sales "at least through the end of 2026," which could mean the iPhone Ultra would "sell out immediately after pre-orders open, with delivery lead times quickly stretching to 4–6 weeks or longer and remaining there through December." In other words, even if you have north of two thousand dollars to spare for a foldable iPhone, you might have to wait a month or more to get it.

Apple is likely to launch the iPhone Ultra, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, in early September. Here's all we know about the Ultra so far.

Parmida and Corbin just got dumped on Love Island USA, and the internet is mourning the loss of their favorite Love Island "robot" — also known as "CorbinGPT."

The Islanders sang their hearts out in a karaoke competition in Season 8, Episode 29 of Love Island USA, which left the winners, Kenzie and Dylan, safe from being dumped from the villa. However, the episode concluded with the results of the most recent public vote, which revealed who viewers thought were the least two compatible couples: Parmida and Corbin, and Kayda and Zach.

The Islanders were asked to pick which couple to save, and four out of the five "safe" couples voted to save Kayda and Zach. Parmida and Corbin were thus dumped from the island, leading to an emotional goodbye in the villa. 

While the show claims that Islanders don't have access to online discourse, X users said they suspected the cast was breaking the fourth wall when The Boys (Bryce, Carl, KC, Dylan, Sincere, and Zach) joked about Corbin being an AI robot.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

"We broke the robot!" said Bryce in response to Corbin crying. "Wait, they put tears in that? I didn't know AI could cry!"

The online joke was sparked by Corbin's deep voice and stoic demeanor, starting shortly after he made his entrance on Love Island USA as a bombshell in Episode 4. Viewers nicknamed him "CorbinGPT" on social media, a reference to OpenAI's generative AI chatbot ChatGPT.

This nickname stuck until his departure from the villa, X users having joked that CorbinGPT received "software updates," "reboots," and "code installations" at various times throughout his stay.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

CorbinGPT may have started as a joke, but it gradually became a point of bonding within the online Love Island USA community. And it turns out, the internet is going to miss CorbinGPT and Parmida the "Persian cat" (a nickname she received after her own Casa Amor bombshell entrance in Episode 17).

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The stakes are growing higher with only six couples left in the villa, which means we can expect more couples to get dumped in the coming days leading up to the season finale. Chat, we're not ready yet!

New episodes of Love Island USA premiere daily except Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT on Peacock.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

Hurdle Word 1 hint

Entirely.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

FULLY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Shrimp.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PRAWN

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Stop.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

CEASE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

An oceanic plant.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

ALGAE

Final Hurdle hint

Extra.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

SPARE

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

It's almost the Third Quarter phase of the Moon's lunar cycle, which means only half of the Moon's Earth-facing side will soon appear illuminated.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, July 6, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in its Waning Gibbous phase, with 66% of its surface visible.

With just above half of the Moon's surface illuminated, there is still plenty to see. In fact, with just your naked eye, you'll be able to spot the Kepler Crater, Mare Imbrium, and Oceanus Procellarum. Binoculars will help you see even more, so if you have them pull them out to see the Gassendi Crater, Alps Mountains, and the Apennine Mountains. And finally, keen moongazers with telescopes will also see the Apollo 14 landing spot and the Rima Ariadaeus.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on July 29.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth approximately every 29.5 days, moving through eight recognised phases along the way. Although the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the amount of its surface illuminated by the Sun changes as it travels around our planet. As a result, the Moon appears to shift in shape throughout the month, progressing from slender crescents to quarter moons and eventually reaching the brightly lit Full Moon stage. This repeating pattern is known as the lunar cycle.

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

There's more to Sam Reid's Say More interview than even we knew at the time.

When the star of The Vampire Lestat sat down with Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, she'd only seen the first three episodes of Interview With the Vampire's lusty third season. So, she and Reid dug into its details, talking his Taylor Swift-like song about his traumatizing maker Magnus and the dark truth of what he has in common with his fledgling Claudia.

Now, with episode 5 "New York" live, we're looking back at what Reid teased at the time. Chiefly, he talked about how Lestat begins the season by putting up a façade through his rock star persona. Yep, Louis and Armand aren't the only unreliable narrators in this fanged franchise.

In his interview with Mashable, Reid spoke to the Lestat's season-long arc, saying, "It's really a sort of, like, a portrait of an artist, which was Rolin [Jones]' point of direction and a constant point of reference. Lestat is a creative being, and how he kind of discovers himself, works himself out, really nuts through his issues, is through his art. And that is of one of the main arcs of the season, is that he's starting the music as a point of deflection from how he's been portrayed in [Daniel's] book."

Reid went on to explain that Lestat begins by projecting a vampire "schtick" to the public, adding, "But I think deep down, he actually wants to be taken seriously as a musician, as an artist. And progressively throughout the show, the music changes. He's still looking for his sound, and particularly by the time you get to episode five, everything changes, and the music becomes much more adult."

How Lestat's music changes in episode 5

Lestat's songs, written by Daniel Hart, have ranged in influences from T. Rex and David Bowie to Taylor Swift and The Police. "Long Face" (and possibly "Black Licorice") are about his tumultuous romance with Louis. "Your Biggest Fan" is about the stalker Magnus, while "Why Do I Have to Feel?" recounts the loss of his beloved Nicky. In episode 4, he offers a diss track called "Big Boss" for Armand. But in episode 5, Lestat peels back the theatrics, swagger, and sex appeal for a song about Claudia called "Stained Glass Eyes."

At the end of the episode, he plays a song for her on piano. He's stripped away the two guitars, the bass, the violin, the drums, and the Brat Prince façade. What remains is his grief and regret.

He sings:

The day you were born, I was shaking like a leaf on an old oak tree.

Then you stayed like a thorn. Red roses raining down 'til they flooded me.

Even when we parted ways, you never turned

Never turned your gaze

And I can still, I can still hear you say,

"Don't break that stare. I'm burning in your mirror tonight.

No, don't you dare call it yearning. It's the fear that I'm right.

Don't you try to forget all the things you regret."

In those stained glass, stained glass eyes."

As he sings, he sees Claudia staring back at him, as he has seen his slain brothers, Nicky, Magnus, and others. As he sings about how "you never turned... your gaze," the episode crossfades to Claudia's death. Her sun-scorched flesh flutters to ash as she stares down Lestat, her father, uncle, maker, and mirror. This moment crosses over into the present as the ash from her execution falls into his hair as he sings in the recording studio.

As the band comments when they play the finished track back, "Stained Glass Eyes" doesn't fit with the sexy and scathing songs they've been playing on tour. Lestat knows. He says they're killing the other tracks and starting over. This leads to Larry's fateful and fatal departure (RIP, Larry), and the rest of the band begging to be made vampires so they can stay on this musical odyssey with their front man.

Lestat drops the act in episode 5.

This shift from sexy to sincere reflects something Reid said in our Say More interview, about how Lestat has been trained to behave by the two biggest influences in his life and death.

"He's got two makers, you know," Reid mused. "He's got his mother, and he's got Magnus. Both of those figures are very, very influential in what forms him as a character, and [both] are abusive. He's a highly sexualized character, because he's been sexualized from the beginning. Whether it's his mother wanting to love him to the point of being with him, because she wants to live vicariously through him, or whether it's his maker wanting what he sees on stage, that kind of performer, that spark, and eroticizing him and making him this kind of perfect, immortal being. It's the only way he knows how to express himself, is by thrusting around on stage and writhing around. And so we do ask the audience to come with him on the journey. Maybe don't understand it at first, but it's a slow unraveling that he begins to unravel too."

How to watch: The Vampire Lestat debuted on AMC and AMC+ June 7, with new episodes weekly.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 6 Pips

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 6 Pips

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally.

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 2-6 placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 6 Pips

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

We're well acquainted with most of the winged stars of House of the Dragon, past and present: the colossal Vhagar, the fierce Caraxes, the mighty Vermithor, the misunderstood Sheepstealer. But there's one dragon in Season 3 who keeps showing up and is yet to receive a full introduction.

In the military ranks of Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton), there's a smaller blue dragon who appears constantly grounded. Who is she, and will we get to see more of this little cobalt gem?

Meet Tessarion, known as the Blue Queen, a dragon ridden by Prince Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth), Ormund's ward and the youngest son of Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and King Viserys (Paddy Considine) — meaning he's a direct threat to Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) throne.

We first spy Tessarion in Season 3, episode 1, when we're introduced to Ormund at his army camp. Tessarion's not fully grown, standing only two humans high and wearing a small saddle. And she's so cute. But she's fenced in with spears, in a move that likely keeps the troops calm and horses uneaten more than anything (and keeps out thieves). At this point, we don't know House of the Dragon is hiding Daeron in plain sight, ready for the Hightower lord to pull the switcheroo in episode 3.

In the latter episode, we get a better look at Tessarion when she's in the front line of Ormund's troops, during his confrontation with Daeron Targaryen (Matt Smith). In this scene, Ormund is forced to surrender and hand over Dearon as a prisoner of war. Importantly, Ormund had the foresight to know Daemon would demand such a captive, so has his decoy ready — not mounted on Tessarion (she would not allow this) but beside her.

Just watch her little face when the decoy walks over to Daemon. Utter confusion that plays as concern. If dragons could furrow their brow, Tessarion would do it. Daemon doesn't even try to take her along as hostage, as this relatively peaceful transfer would inevitably turn hostile.

Without spoiling anything from George R. R. Martin's Fire and Blood, Tessarion's plight is not to remain a grounded dragon. She'll have a part to play in the Dance of the Dragons yet.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) is Queen of the Seven Kingdoms at last in House of the Dragon, but a good ruler is nothing without their Small Council.

We've seen numerous iterations of this micro court in the Game of Thrones universe. Essentially the Small Council acts as kind of government cabinet, with each member taking charge of a different aspect of the court.

So what are the roles, and who has Rhaenyra recruited so far? Let's break it down.

What roles are there typically on the Small Council?

Small Councils have varied over the years in Westeros, but generally there are seven roles:

Hand of the King/Queen — When Viserys (Paddy Considine) was ruler, snakey Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) became his Hand. This is the role in the Small Council that wields the most power, as whoever has the Hand's pin is essentially second-in-command.

Grand Maester — Basically the head of all maesters in the realm, advising the ruler on medical and scholarly matters.

Master of Whisperers — The most famous Master of Whisperers was probably Varys (Conleth Hill) from the early seasons of Game of Thrones. This person is charged with gathering information on enemies and allies alike.

Master of Coin — The crown's treasurer.

Master of Laws — The go-to on all legal matters in the realm.

Master of Ships — Unsurprisingly, this person is the leader of the crown's fleet. Lord Corlys (Steve Touissant) held this role under Viserys before it passed to the unfortunate Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall). RIP.

Lord Commander of the King's/Queen's Guard — The leader of the White Cloaks. Moody Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) previously held this role under Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney).

Who is on Rhaenyra's Small Council?

Rhaenyra's Small Council, at least in Season 3, episode 3, is looking pretty bare bones. There are some "early startup" vibes as she strides into the room where Aegon and Viserys took their meetings, only to find that the crown's gold is missing and she has very few trusted advisors around her for support.

She does have some advisors, though, so who are they and what are their roles?

Lady Mysaria, Mistress of Whispers — Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) has been on a long journey since Season 1, but she's been Rhaenyra's trusted advisor throughout her time on Dragonstone. She's also long peddled in information. It's no big surprise that Rhaenyra gives her this role, no matter how irritated it makes Daemon (Matt Smith).

Lord Corlys, Hand of the Queen — Back from the dead and looking somewhat less comfortable on dry land, Lord Corlys reluctantly takes on his duties as the Queen's Hand in episode three — he was promoted a while back after the death of his wife Rhaenys (Eve Best).

Grand Maester Orwlye — The one member of Aegon's Small Council that survives the regime change, Orwlye (Kurt Egyiawan) spends much of episode 3 trying to convince the others that he wasn't aware of any Team Green plots.

King Consort, Daemon Targaryen — Daemon doesn't have a traditional Small Council title in episode 3, but as the King Consort it feels like he's almost like the Hand of the Queen+ (he certainly has more to say for himself than Corlys does, anyway).

And as for the other roles? Master of Coin, Master of Ships, and Master of Laws? Well, as we mentioned before, Rhaenyra's Small Council is still looking a little small. But we're guessing there will be some new additions once she gets her feet under that Iron Throne.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

For all things House of the Dragon, Mashable has you covered.

Between Widow's Bay and House of the Dragon, foreboding bells on TV are so hot right now.

Bells are a constant presence in House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 3, which chronicles Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) first days on the Iron Throne. The early phase of her rule is not marked by celebration, but by a string of crises. The treasury is depleted. The High Septon refuses to bless her ascendancy. Daemon (Matt Smith) wants her to kill her half-brother Daeron. Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) turns on her after she refuses to legitimize his bastard sons. Each setback is punctuated by the ring of a lone bell.

By themselves, the bell's mournful clangs suggest Rhaenyra's frustration with her situation. No part of her rule so far — from the brutal executions to her lackluster coronation — has met her expectations. Worse, none of it seems worth the loss of her two sons. Her reality is literally out of tune with her dreams for her queendom.

However, the bell is also a musical callback to a key sequence in Game of Thrones history: Daenerys Targaryen's infamous burning of King's Landing in Season 8, episode 5, fittingly titled "The Bells." The episode hinges on the moment when King's Landing surrenders to Daenerys by ringing the city's bells. By this point, Daenerys' time in Westeros has pushed her to the brink. She has lost two of her dragons and her closest friend, Missandei. She has weathered skepticism, scorn, and even betrayal from her close allies. Hearing the bells pushes her to the edge, and she chooses not to accept the city's submission. Instead, she continues on her warpath and torches the city, its civilians, and eventually the Red Keep. It's the defining moment in her descent into tyranny, marking her as a Mad Queen.

"The Bells" is a controversial turning point in Game of Thrones' already controversial final season. Daenerys' fall from grace feels unearned, especially since the two seasons she actually spends in Westeros are truncated to seven and six episodes. Still, the tie between Daenerys' madness and the bells of King's Landing is now seared in my brain, and it's that association that House of the Dragon plays with in Season 3, episode 3.

By using bells, House of the Dragon draws a link between Rhaenyra's strained mental state and Daenerys' final snap, although the show is by no means equating the two just yet. In George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood, Rhaenyra doesn't go fully "mad" in the way that the Mad King Aerys II or his daughter Daenerys do in Game of Thrones. However, she does grow more punitive and paranoid once she takes the Iron Throne. The bells in House of the Dragon help foreshadow this transformation, and they also hint that the show will be tackling Rhaenyra's descent with more care than Game of Thrones took with Daenerys'. For starters, the lone, repeated bell sounds suggest a more gradual decline when compared to the overwhelming barrage of bells in Game of Thrones. Plus, House of the Dragon's bells aren't diegetic like Game of Thrones' are. They're part of the score, acting more like an internal monologue for Rhaenyra's frustrations.

Two of the biggest complaints with Game of Thrones' treatment of Daenerys' downfall are that it happened too fast and we didn't get to truly see her internal transformation until it was too late. And even then, it didn't make much sense! ("The Bells" director Miguel Sapochnik said that Daenerys razing King's Landing was triggered by dissatisfaction with her victory, but you wouldn't know it from the episode.) House of the Dragon counters that too-sudden shift with the promise of a more prolonged change in Rhaenyra, one rooted firmly in her perspective.

Episode 3's deliberate use of bells is just the start of how House of the Dragon stylistically heralds Rhaenyra's tragic arc. The entire episode effectively traps her in a haunted house. In her first scene, she proclaims "the air is thick with ghosts" in the Red Keep. Later, she's haunted by visions of the late Jacaerys (Harry Collett), as well as Baela (Bethany Antonia) coming to tell her of Jace's death. Episode 3 also plays with other haunted house tropes, from scurrying rats to darkened, claustrophobic hallways. It's no wonder that the time when Rhaenyra feels most powerful in this episode comes outside the walls of the Red Keep, when she's distributing food to King's Landing's poor.

Running through it all is Ramin Djawadi's score, an anxiety-inducing flutter of discordant strings that would be right at home in a horror movie. They're complemented perfectly by the bells, which sound the alarm that while Rhaenyra may now sit on the Iron Throne, her time there may well be running out.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

While I would bend the knee to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy), I would not want to attend any of her dinner parties.

In House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 3, Rhaenyra throws a banquet for the nobles of King's Landing. The main course? Cooked rat, served atop an unappetizing black sludge. Not since Arya Stark served Walder Frey his own sons has a Westerosi meal disconcerted me so much. It's pure Game of Thrones-style nastiness, yet this scene doesn't even take place in George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood.

Initial horror aside, the nobles do deserve it. (And you know what? So did Walder.) Rhaenyra cooked up the rat stunt as retaliation for their treatment of King's Landing's poor. While the city starved as a result of Corlys Velaryon's (Steve Toussaint) blockade, the nobles feasted off the food they had saved up in their store houses. Rhaenyra's rat dinner gives them a taste of the scarcity the smallfolk faced, albeit with some surprisingly stylish plating.

The rat feast, it turns out, is also a distraction. While the nobles are in the Red Keep, the Gold Cloaks are seizing their provisions and redistributing them to the city's poor. Later in the episode, Rhaenyra will distribute some of this food herself.

It's a bold move to prove Rhaenyra's allegiance to the smallfolk, and by the episode's end, it seems to have paid off. The commoners of King's Landing embrace her generosity. (Even if Rhaenyra was also responsible for Corlys Velaryon's blockade in the first place.)

However, Rhaenyra is playing with fire when it comes to her relationship with the Seven Kingdoms' nobility. While she proclaimed she had invited everyone to dinner as a "conciliator," she quickly revealed her true goal to be more punitive. Now, she's certainly struck fear into the hearts of her dinner guests, but could that cause resentment that leads them to mobilize against her?

While Rhaenyra's intentions here are good, her plan's disgusting execution signals a turn towards cruelty that may very well not stop with these nobles. In Fire and Blood, Rhaenyra develops a reputation as a vindictive ruler, earning her the nickname "Maegor with teats," a reference to former Targaryen king Maegor the Cruel. Much of Season 3, episode 3 is devoted to showing how Rhaenyra's mental state — strained to the breaking point by the death of Jacaerys (Harry Collett) and the unceasing demands of ruling — is slipping towards that cruelty. The episode even draws a musical parallel between Rhaenyra and Daenerys Targaryen's mental snap in Game of Thrones Season 8, suggesting Rhaenyra is headed down a similar tragic path.

So, while Martin never actually wrote out Rhaenyra's rat feast, it is absolutely in keeping with Rhaenyra's arc in the books, all while adhering to show Rhaenyra's more sympathetic attitude towards the smallfolk. Plus, it continues that great Game of Thrones tradition of truly upsetting meals. Remind me never to make a reservation at the Red Keep.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

House of the Dragon Season 3 has finally introduced Prince Daeron Targaryen, the youngest son of Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine). Or has it?

Episode 3 opens with Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton) meeting with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and pledging his fealty to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy). One of the conditions of his pledge is that he gives up his ward, Daeron. He presents Daemon with a young boy (Charlie Gordon) dressed in Hightower green and rocking the Targaryens' signature silver hair.

However, by the end of the episode, House of the Dragon reveals that this is not Daeron Targaryen at all. Instead, he's a child whom Ormund compelled to pose as the young prince. Ormund changed his hair and demanded him not to give up the ruse, otherwise he'd have the boy's mother hanged.

Where is the real Daeron Targaryen?

Now that Ormund's trick has been unmasked, where is the actual Daeron Targaryen? We know that he has to be traveling with the Hightower army, as his dragon Tessarion is situated at their camp. (In the episode's opening sequence, Tessarion is notably rider-less.)

Perhaps the show has already introduced Daeron. In Season 3's first episode, Ormund is accompanied by an unnamed boy (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth), also dressed in Hightower green. Due to his closeness to Ormund and the fact that he takes Ormund's orders, it seems like this boy is Ormund's squire, which is the role we've heard Daeron has taken on. Ainsworth's character was missing from the meeting with Daemon, so if he is the real Daeron, perhaps Ormund was keeping out of sight to ensure his switcheroo went off without a hitch.

Is the fake Daeron plot in Fire and Blood?

Ormund does not try to pull a fast one on Rhaenyra in George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood, so his fake Daeron trick is a show-only creation.

By this point in Fire and Blood, Daeron is out in the field, fighting alongside the Hightower host. During the book's Battle of the Honeywine, a fight which House of the Dragon appears to have cut, Daeron and Tessarion turn the tide for Team Green and vanquish the combined forces of House Beesbury, House Tarly, House Rowan, and more. In the celebrations that followed, Ormund knighted Daeron and dubbed him Ser Daeron the Daring.

In keeping Daeron close — or perhaps even hiding in plain sight — Ormund might have other plans for his young ward. After all, the smaller Tessarion is no match for Rhaenyra's dragon army, so it's best not to unleash him just yet and let him lay low. Still, we're expecting the real Daeron face reveal any episode now.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

The name on everybody's lips in House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 3 is Tumbleton.

By the end of the episode, Ormund Hightower (James Norton) and his army have taken over the small town, proving that he never had any intention of surrendering to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy). (His "fake Daeron" plot doesn't do him any favors in that regard either.) Now, the Hightowers have effectively taken Tumbleton hostage. The army mingles among the civilians, so that if Rhaenyra tries to retaliate with dragon fire, she will be burning her own people along with her enemies.

Team Black also has a connection to Tumbleton. Ser Hugh Hammer's (Kieran Bew) wife Kat (Ellora Torchia) has gone to live in Tumbleton with her brother, as there was nothing left for her in King's Landing. Hopefully, now that Hugh and the other dragonseeds are officially knighted, Rhaenyra can hook them up with better housing accommodations. That is, once she's finished dealing with the myriad other concerns that plague her as a new queen.

Multiple mentions of Tumbleton in one episode suggest that the town is going to get really important, really fast. Here's what you need to know about Tumbleton, and how it figures into House of the Dragon's source material, George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood.

Where is Tumbleton in Westeros?

Let's start with the basics. According to Fire and Blood, Tumbleton is a "thriving market town" situated at the start of the Mander River, "some 50 leagues southwest of King's Landing." (So around 150 miles away.) It's the seat of House Footly, and for military purposes, it's the last town standing between the Hightowers and King's Landing. Since Fire and Blood claims the town's castle is only manned by 40 soldiers, no wonder Ormund was able to take it so easily.

What happens to Tumbleton in Fire and Blood?

In Fire and Blood, Tumbleton is the site of not one but two pivotal battles. No major spoilers, but they involve heavy dragon action and act as important turning points in the Dance of the Dragons.

House of the Dragon could make its fair share of changes to these battles, just as it did for the Battle of the Gullet. However, given that the show is already making a big deal out of Tumbleton so early on, it's clear we're going to be getting some form of conflict there in the end, so get ready to do a bit of Tumbleton tourism in the future.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Every now and then someone in House of the Dragon will say something that feels like it unlocks one of the show's key themes.

It's already happened with those recurring references to the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy that are currently driving the decision-making of Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Daemon (Matt Smith). And in episode 3, we get a similar moment with Alicent (Olivia Cooke).

What does Alicent say in episode 3?

Alicent is in a tricky spot at this point. She's sort of kept up her side of the bargain she struck with Rhaenyra back in Season 2, but she's essentially under house arrest in the Red Keep until Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is found. She's also an easy outlet for Rhaenyra's growing list of problems — during one scene early on in the episode, the new queen confronts Alicent about the crown's treasury having gone missing.

Alicent, being truthful, says she doesn't know anything about it. But Rhaenyra doesn't believe her.

"They hated me from the start!" protests Alicent, referring to the other members of the small council. "Resented my influence, my mere presence. My own father kept their plot from me."

The conversation escalates from there.

"Where is Vhagar?" spits Rhaenyra at one point. "Who rides Sheepstealer?"

"I do not know!" responds Alicent. "Is Aemond not flown away as I promised? Did the guards on the parapets not suffer you to pass? I have done all I could. Will you blame me only for what men have done?"

The argument goes on a little while longer, but that feels like the pivotal moment. The line that really gets through to Rhaenyra, because it's something they both have in common.

Will you blame me only for what men have done?

Why is that line so significant?

It's a long way back now, but let's not forget that Rhaenyra and Alicent started off the show as friends. Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) then pressured his daughter into a romantic relationship (ick) with Rhaenyra's father, Viserys (Paddy Considine), then their sons started fighting and eventually killing each other, and it pretty much went downhill from there.

The common thread? Men embroiling the women in their lives in violence because they either want more power (Otto) or they're bitter and vengeful (Aemond).

This theme has continued so far in Season 3, but Rhaenyra and Alicent's latest argument finally puts a name to it. At the time, it feels like Alicent's words do land with Rhaenyra, too.

The big question: Will they be able to get past their own bitterness toward each other and find a way to work together again?

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

For all things House of the Dragon, Mashable has you covered.

TL;DR: If you have a book idea, Youbooks AI Non-Fiction Book Generator can make it a reality with this lifetime subscription, on sale now for just $34.97 (reg. $540).

Opens in a new window

Credit: Youbooks

Youbooks AI Non-Fiction Book Generator: Lifetime Subscription

$49
$540 Save $491

 

Get Deal

Want to add published author to your resume? If you have an idea for a non-fiction book, Youbooks AI Non-Fiction Book Generator can make it happen in a matter of hours. You can even continue to write books forever with this lifetime subscription, on sale now for only $34.97 through.

It’s 2026, and while we don’t yet have flying cars, at least the book-writing process is a whole lot easier. Gone are the days of researching, writing, and drafting. Youbooks AI Non-Fiction Book Generator makes the process painless and turns it from a months-long effort into a completed manuscript in hours.

With Youbooks, you provide a detailed description of your book’s subject, and it gets to work. You can set the tone and style, upload your own writing samples so it can emulate your tone, and upload your own supporting documents so it can be based on your own research.

Youbooks is powered by AI models ChatGPT, Gemini, Llama, Claude, and more. This means your final product includes the most up-to-date facts, statistics, and news, as it can do real-time web searches as it writes your book.

When your manuscript is finished, you can choose between DOCX, EPUB, or Markdown and make the publishing process even easier.

Your lifetime subscription to Youbooks AI Non-Fiction Book Generator provides you with 250,000 credits each month. Each credit is equivalent to one written word or uploaded source word. You’ll also have full commercial rights, so you have no publishing restrictions, and you keep all the profits.

Lock in a lifetime subscription to Youbooks AI Non-Fiction Book Generator for only $34.97 now.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Brazil vs. Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is really heating up. Places in the quarter-final stage are now up for grabs, and Brazil and Norway will do everything they can to secure a spot. This is one of the most unpredictable matchups of the round. Brazil look a little shaky, and Norway have a certain Haaland leading the line.

Anything could happen, with the winner facing whichever team comes out on top in the England vs. Mexico fixture.

If you want to watch Brazil vs. Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Brazil vs. Norway?

Brazil vs. Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on July 5. This fixture takes place at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

How to watch Brazil vs. Norway for free

Brazil vs. Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Brazil vs. Norway for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Brazil vs. Norway for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Brazil vs. Norway (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Brazil vs. Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

UPDATE: July 6, 2026, 3:30 p.m. EDT

FIFA has used an obscure rule to suspend Folarin Balogun's red card, clearing the USMNT forward to play in the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle at 8pm ET Monday.

A last-minute appeal against the unusual decision, filed by the Royal Belgian Football Association, was rejected by FIFA's appeals committee on Monday.

UEFA, the governing body for all European football, said FIFA's "incomprehensible and unjustifiable" decision was "crossing a red line" and "undermining the integrity of the game."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Balogun had been facing an automatic one-game ban after receiving a red card in last week's round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina — a game in which he also scored the winning goal. But the decision to suspend Balogun was itself suspended.

"In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year," world football's governing body announced Sunday.

Article 27, which effectively allows the chairman of one FIFA committee to make red-card suspensions meaningless, has been deployed just once before. Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was given a red card for elbowing a player in a World Cup qualifying match last November. Such violent conduct would otherwise have kept Ronaldo out of Portugal's first two games in the 2026 World Cup.

The Balogun decision — arguably worse than the "Ronaldo rule" — would have been controversial on its own. FIFA has previously stated that there would be no Ronaldo-like suspensions of red card penalties at the World Cup itself.

But then President Donald Trump claimed to have intervened, saying he had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino himself. In addition, White House lawyers reportedly got involved alongside U.S. Soccer's own legal team.

To make matters stranger, those same White House lawyers could have denied Balogun's U.S. citizenship under Trump's controversial "birthright citizenship" executive order, which was recently struck down by the Supreme Court.

Balogun currently leads the U.S. squad with three goals at this World Cup — and the Balogun conversation is dominating the internet.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Read our original story, along with reactions to the original red card decision, below.

Team USA won its game on Wednesday night, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It marks only the second time that the team has won in a knockout stage match in the team's history at the World Cup.

While many U.S. soccer fans celebrated the win, referee Raphael Claus put a major damper on the celebrations due to a red card issued to Team USA striker Folarin Balogun. Fans took to the internet to voice their displeasure with the ref's decision, which required a VAR review.

The red card was issued in the 64th minute of the game, making the win even more challenging for Team USA. The team ultimately pulled off the win, but there are further consequences from receiving the red card that may affect Team USA's chances in the round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday.

So, what does this all mean for Team USA? Here's a rundown along with some of the internet's best reactions to Balogun being issued a red card.

What is a red card?

Yellow cards and red cards are doled out by referees in order to uphold the rules of the match.

Yellow cards serve as a warning, whereas red cards are issued for more serious, egregious violations.

What happens when a player receives a red card?

When a player receives a red card, they are immediately forced out of the game and their team is forced to play with a man down. In Team USA's case, Balogun had to leave the game and USA needed to play the rest of the match with 10 players versus Bosnia and Herzegovina's 11 players.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

In addition, the player that's issued the red card is suspended for their team's next match. Team USA will be able to play with 11 on the pitch against Belgium, but Balogun will not be able to play.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Why are U.S. fans upset?

For one, the red card was seen as fairly controversial.

During the 64th minute of the game, Balogun and Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic both appeared to go for the ball. Balogun and Muharemovic collided, with Balogun's cleat stepping on Muharemovic's ankle as both players fell to the ground.

Analysts and former FIFA refs have shared their opinions on whether Balogun deserved the red card, and there doesn't seem to be much of a consensus. Some agree it was a red card offense, others disagree.

Furthermore, the contact appeared accidental as both Balogun and the player for Bosnia and Herzegovina went for the ball. In addition, the red didn't even issue a yellow card at first and required a VAR check before issuing any card. After review, the ref deemed the incident as a "serious foul" and issued the red card.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Balogun has been Team USA's top goal scorer with three goals across three games that he played in. Not having him on the field against Belgium certainly puts Team USA at a disadvantage.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Some fans have been upset about what they view as uneven refereeing across the tournament. A common example being used by fans is when Messi appeared to commit a similar foul in the group stage games. Messi was not called on the foul and didn't receive a red or yellow card.

Can the ref's red card decision be appealed?

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

A red card and a subsequent match suspension cannot be appealed, according to FIFA.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

To make matters even worse, FIFA can review the foul and decide to suspend Balogun for additional games. This already happened in one World Cup game this year when FIFA extended a red card suspension against a Qatari player to five games after a foul resulted in a Canadian player breaking their leg.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

For now, though, Team USA is focused on their round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday.

If you want information about saving energy during a massively unpleasant heatwave, the United States Department of Energy doesn't seem willing to help.

The Verge and others reported that the Department of Energy conducted a broad, sweeping purge of roughly 6,000 pages on its website related to energy conservation this week. While no one in the federal government has provided definitive confirmation of why this happened, the deletions came shortly after New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani shared an advisory on social media urging New Yorkers to set their indoor air conditioners to 78 degrees in the middle of a heatwave.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Conservative accounts immediately pounced on Mamdani's post, accusing the mayor of spreading the horrors of communism by asking people to keep their homes at a moderate temperature during a weekend in which New York City reached triple-digit temperatures. However, many quickly pointed out that the Department of Energy's official stance mirrored Mamdani's guidance. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, had also shared identical guidance in the past during heatwaves.

Within 24 hours or so of Mamdani's announcement, eagle-eyed internet users noticed that the Department of Energy had deleted its own web pages espousing the same advice.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Again, no one knows for certain why these web pages were deleted at the precise time they were. But the timing is suspect, and given the Trump administration's previous actions, it's not unreasonable to assume it was done out of pettiness.

A new fleet of autonomous taxis has arrived in one of America's worst traffic cities.

Specifically, Tesla's Robotaxi service is now active in Miami, according to a post from the company on X. The same post included a map of a relatively small portion of West Miami, where you can currently hail a Robotaxi. Presumably, more of the city will be included in the service at some point, but for now, the robot cars are limited to those areas.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This follows a limited rollout in Houston and Dallas back in April. Tesla's Robotaxi service has been slowly expanding across the United States, and if precedent holds, the cabs will be available in a larger portion of Miami in the near-ish future, as Austin went from limited to full availability last month. Other cities that could get Robotaxi service this year include Orlando, Tampa, and Phoenix, though, as Electrek pointed out back in April, the company has not been especially good about meeting plans on time.

It should also be noted that these Robotaxis do not come with safety monitors. This is certainly one way to get around in Miami without worrying as much about the city's notoriously awful traffic problems, but keep in mind the risks involved.