Microsoft's Xbox is currently experiencing widespread service disruption. The tech giant's games division has confirmed outages affecting multiple parts of its online ecosystem, according to VGC.

As of this writing, Xbox's own status page lists "major outage" conditions across four services: Account & Profile, Games & Gaming, Store & Subscriptions, and Apps & Mobile.

The Account & Profile status warns that users may be unable to sign in, may get disconnected mid-session, or may lose access to features that require sign-in, including most games, apps, and social features. The Store & Subscriptions page notes that some games may not appear in the Store, while the Apps & Mobile status flags problems launching apps.

All four services list the issue as identified, with a fix still pending.

Data from outage-tracking site Downdetector shows the bulk of user complaints center on launching games, which accounts for 65 percent of reported problems, followed by gameplay issues at 13 percent and server connection problems at 12 percent.

The official Xbox Support account acknowledged the issue on Sunday morning, stating that engineers were "actively working to mitigate" errors affecting sign-in, game libraries, and game launches, and pointed users to its status page for updates.

Team Xbox then posted a follow-up update at 2:03 PM EST, stating "our teams are focused on multiple investigation angles and remain hard at work. Thanks for your patience while teams keep working — we'll share more details as they become available."

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The outage comes just a week after PlayStation Network suffered its own multi-hour outage, which VGC reported began shortly after the open beta launch for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, leaving PS5 owners locked out of PSN and any games requiring a sign-in.

If you've used Anthropic's AI chatbot Claude, and shared any of your Claude conversations with friends, those chats may have been publicly available via Google.

That's what emerged this weekend when Reddit users noticed that shared Claude conversations were being indexed by Google Search. Seemingly private conversations between users and the AI chatbot, in other words, were publicly searchable on Google.

According to Reddit, those affected included a Claude user who was creating a crypto wallet and accidentally exposed keys to the currency, and a lawyer asking the chatbot for legal advice on whether they had to self-report a breach of conduct.

Anthropic has since addressed the issue. Google appears to have de-indexed and removed all shared Claude conversations from its search engine as of this writing.

How did this happen?

By default, Claude conversations are private. However, there is a feature which lets users share specific Claude chats. When doing this, Anthropic creates a static page that allows users to share the chat with others — and also made it indexable by search engines.

Simple "noindex" tags can be included in a web page's code, telling search engines not to index a page. It does not appear that Anthropic used those tags. That means each shared Claude conversation had the potential to be indexed by Google.

Reddit users were able to find shared Claude conversations by searching for "site:claude.ai/share." This query would pull up all indexed pages using that URL structure, which every shared Claude conversation utilized.

Does AI have a privacy problem?

The shared Claude chats have since been removed from Google. But this isn't the first time we've seen insecure AI chatbot conversations.

Last year, ChatGPT users experienced the same issue; their shared conversations were also being indexed by Google. OpenAI pulled the feature once users began finding shared conversations in Google Search.

The same thing happened with Claude before too. Just one month after the ChatGPT incident, shared Claude conversations were discovered in Google Search. Anthropic was able to remove them from Google and addressed the issue at the time, saying it had blocked search engine crawlers. Yet it seems shared Claude chats were still being indexed.

Mashable has reached out to Anthropic for more information, and we will update this piece if we hear back.

How can I check privacy on my Claude conversations?

If you've never shared a Claude conversation, you have no need to worry. This wasn't a leak of private conversations, which is what all Claude chats are by default. The issue affected only shared Claude chats. 

If you have shared Claude chats, then there's a chance your conversation was publicly available via Google Search.

To manage that feature, simply login to your Claude account, go to Settings, followed by Privacy, then Shared Chats, and click on Manage. You should see a list of all your shared chats, and sharing can be turned off for all of them.

Influencers have been barred from cafes, prevented from filming inside workout classes, and blamed for overwhelming picturesque towns. Now, a Nantucket craft store has condensed that years-long backlash into two words: "No influencers."

The sign hangs inside the Four Winds Craft Guild, which has sold handcrafted Nantucket baskets, purses, artwork, and carvings on the island since 1948. When the store shared a photo of it on Instagram over the weekend of July 26, the post revived a familiar debate over what businesses gain — and what customers, employees, and residents may lose — when creators turn physical spaces into content.

Influencers have become increasingly important in modern advertising. A single TikTok video or Instagram post can introduce an independent shop, restaurant, or destination to prospective customers without the business having to pay for a traditional ad campaign.

In a 2025 Sprout Social survey, 32 percent of consumers said they had purchased something through an influencer’s sponsored post within the previous year. That figure climbed to 53 percent among Gen Z and 48 percent among millennials. Businesses can easily track at least some of those purchases through personalized discount codes, affiliate links, and in-app storefronts.

But the attention creators generate can also lead to crowded rooms, tripods blocking walkways, customers recording strangers, and elaborate photo shoots unfolding while employees try to do their jobs. For businesses in small or already crowded destinations, an influx of visitors can create more disruption than revenue.

The sign quickly sparked reactions in Four Winds's Instagram comments, including from Paige Paul, the influencer and Dairy Boy founder formerly known as Paige Lorenze, who took her husband's surname after marrying tennis player Tommy Paul. Paul, who launched her own Nantucket storefront for Dairy Boy in May, pushed back against the sign, arguing that it dismissed an industry in which women have built businesses and gained economic independence.

"If you call yourself a feminist but proudly put up a 'No Influencers' sign, it’s worth asking who you are attempting to delegitimize, and why," Paul wrote. "Mocking women when they become powerful in a new industry isn’t new. It’s just a strange message coming from a store that celebrates a craft with such a rich history of women shaping the island and its economy."

“For those who don't know, the creator economy is overwhelmingly driven by women," she continued. "One woman with a loyal audience can successfully launch a business at a scale that would have once required corporate backing and massive advertising budgets. That’s a win. This sign isn’t."

Four Winds did not back down from the controversy. Although the store deleted its original Instagram post, it shared a notice indicating that its account had been reported and responded through its Instagram Story, according to Page Six.

"Imagine being so bored with life that you spend your pastime trying to report a photo on IG that makes you feel uncomfortable," the business clapped back.

Businesses are still setting boundaries around influencer filming

The disagreement did not begin on Nantucket. Businesses have spent years attempting to capture the benefits of social media exposure without allowing their spaces to become unrestricted sets.

In 2023, Mashable reported that Dae, a design shop and cafe in Brooklyn, had introduced a no-photo-shoot policy after creators began bringing tripods into the space and staging elaborate productions. Customers could still take quick pictures of their food and drinks, but larger shoots were no longer allowed.

"We love food and drink photos (clearly),” Dae wrote on Instagram at the time, "but the TikToks and Instagram photoshoots have gotten a bit out of control for us."

Similar conflicts have unfolded elsewhere. After an influencer requested a free stay in exchange for coverage, a hotel in Ireland banned all bloggers. A cafe in Taiwan prohibited influencers after customers began staging disruptive photo shoots. In Pomfret, Vermont, officials temporarily closed roads near popular fall foliage locations after residents complained about traffic, trespassing, property damage, and visitors blocking roads to take pictures.

As marketing director Sarah Blocksidge told Mashable at the time, "The reality is that some businesses just aren’t suited for the influx of people an influencer can attract, which can wind up hurting the business more than helping it."

2026 brought more of the same conversation. In May, Tracy Anderson Method studios began prohibiting drop-in visitors from filming during workouts. Monthly members, who reportedly pay around $900, could still record. Steven Beltrani, president of Tracy Anderson’s studios, said the policy was intended to reduce disruptions, preserve the studio environment, and protect members’ privacy, though some found it hypocritical and "insane."

Nantucket is already confronting the effects of online attention

Nantucket residents and officials are still grappling with how to manage the island’s growing number of visitors.

That debate surfaced again in May, when Paul opened Dairy Boy’s first permanent store on Nantucket over Memorial Day weekend. Videos and photos soon showed customers lining up outside, prompting residents on the r/Nantucket subreddit to debate whether businesses like Dairy Boy were capitalizing on the island’s social media appeal — and making it feel more “commercialized and trend-driven” in the process.

The island received another burst of buzz on July 9, when Peacock released The Five-Star Weekend, an adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel set on Nantucket.

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Even before filming began, members of the Nantucket Select Board worried that a major television production could disrupt the island and ultimately draw even more visitors during its already crowded summer season. The board approved the production but revised Nantucket’s filming policy after the shoot concluded.

Officials have also introduced restrictions at the Sconset Bluff Walk, a scenic public path that passes through the yards of privately owned homes. Residents have reported visitors leaving the path, trespassing, damaging landscaping, and gathering near homes for photo shoots. Influencers are not solely responsible for those problems, of course, but viral photos and videos shared online have introduced the location to a much larger audience.

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Enforcing boundaries around that attention is becoming more difficult. Producing content no longer requires a tripod or professional camera. A smartphone, or even camera-equipped smart glasses, can record an entire visit without attracting much notice.

Four Winds has not said whether the sign represents an actual ban, a rule against filming, or simply a joke about disruptive visitors. Without that explanation, the sign became the center of a much bigger debate over whether influencer attention helps businesses — or creates more problems for the people around them.

And in the process, Four Winds received exactly the kind of online attention its sign appeared to reject.

Save 30%: As of July 27, you can grab the Sonos Ace headphones in black for $279 at Amazon, knocking $120 off their $399 list price.

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Credit: Sonos

Sonos Ace

$279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120

 

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Many flagship headphones prices would suggest otherwise, but it is actually possible to get ultra-comfortable headphones with top notch sound quality and not pay over $400.

Part of the play? Knowing when to shop. As of July 27, the Sonos Ace headphones are just $279 at Amazon, which puts them $120 below their $399 list price. While not their most rare price drop, it's still an excellent value for headphones that look great and have the performance to match.

In the long line of headphones Mashable's team has tested, the Sonos Ace stand out as one of the most comfortable pairs, alongside options like the Bose QuietComfort Ultras. In her review of the Aces, Mashable's Miller Kern wrote that they compared to Sony in terms of sound quality, stand out for their Sonos soundbar compatibility, and an excellent battery life (at 30 hours per charge, it is on par with the aforementioned Bose's and the Sony XM6 headphones).

Other notable features include on-ear tactile controls, replaceable ear cups for future proofing, and solid ANC. At the time of writing, the deal is only available on the black colorway of the headphones.

SAVE 26%: As of July 27, you can get the Ecovacs Goat A3000 LiDAR Pro robotic lawn mower for $1,849 at Amazon, down from $2,499.99. That's a 26% discount or $650.99 in savings.

Ecovacs Goat A3000 LiDAR Pro Robotic Lawn Mower

$1,849 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $650.99

 

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Pushing a heavy lawn mower through thick grass in the peak of summer heat is nobody's idea of a good weekend. If you've been waiting for a reason to hand off your yard chores to a robot, now's the time to pull out your wallet.

Amazon's running a limited-time deal (you have about 14 hours left) on the Ecovacs Goat A3000 LiDAR Pro robotic lawn mower. Right now, you can get it for $1,849 at Amazon, down from $2,499.99. That's a 26% discount or $650.99 in savings.

Unlike older robotic mowers that require you to bury perimeter wires around your property, the Goat A3000 uses wire-free HoloScope 360 Dual-LiDAR navigation and an AI camera. It automatically maps yards up to 3/4 acre and maintains positioning accuracy within less than an inch, even under dense tree cover or along shaded fences.

It also features a built-in TruEdge trimmer to clean up borders along driveways and garden beds, a 32V power system designed for thick grass types like Bermuda or St. Augustine, and a 7,500 mAh battery that recharges in 70 minutes.

SAVE $400: The 27-inch LG Ultragear OLED monitor is on sale at Amazon for $499.99, down from the list price of $899.99. That's a 44% discount that matches the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

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Credit: LG

27-inch LG Ultragear OLED monitor (27GS93QE-B)

$499.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400

 

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It's gaming season at my house. Actually, gaming season never ends, but it does get more action during hot summer months when no one wants to go outside. If you're in the same situation and you've noticed the gaming setup could use some help, check out this deal.

As of July July 27, the 27-inch LG Ultragear OLED monitor is on sale at Amazon for $499.99, down from the list price of $899.99. That's a 44% discount that matches the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

When it comes to a gaming monitor, the quality and specs can make a world of difference. That's quite literal since a lagging monitor can cause the in-game world to end. Instead of dealing with meh specs, go with the assurance of the LG Ultragear OLED. Today's deal applies to the 27 inch with a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03 millisecond response time.

LG also added anti-glare that helps reduce light reflections that can cause distractions. If you have plans to game until the temperature calms down, consider upgrading to the 27-inch LG Ultragear OLED monitor.

SAVE UP TO 28%: Get the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 for $499.99 (down from $691.46) and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP07 for $549.99 (down from $749.99) at Amazon.

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Credit: Dyson

Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09

$499.99 at Amazon
$691.46 Save $191.47

 

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Credit: Dyson

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP07

$549.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $200

 

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Summer heat already means spending more time indoors with everyday allergens like dust and pet dander. But with the severe wildfires currently burning up north and affecting air quality across the country, keeping your indoor air safe and breathable is more of a necessity than a luxury right now.

As of July 27, you can get the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 for $499.99 (down from $691.46) and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP07 for $549.99 (down from $749.99) at Amazon.

As the name suggests, the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 continuously detects and destroys formaldehyde released from common household items while using a 360-degree HEPA filter to trap 99.97 percent of pollutants down to 0.3 microns.

If you want a versatile unit to use year-round, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP07 purifies, heats, and cools your space. Like the TP09, it uses Air Multiplier technology, offers up to 350-degree oscillation, features a Backward airflow mode, and links to the MyDyson app.

Players of indie hit Meccha Chameleon have been warned to update the game and steer clear of its original Discord server after malicious Steam Workshop maps infected PCs.

In a report from Dexterto, the issue was first uncovered by independent researcher Feint, who looked into player reports of strange black windows briefly flashing on screen while loading custom maps. Feint traced the problem to a downloadable map called "Laser Tag Neon," which secretly installed a hidden file on players' computers the moment it loaded.

That file is believe to have then quietly reached out to the internet to download a second, more dangerous piece of malware behind the scenes. The map was removed, though another infected one, "Chroma Grid Arena," reportedly popped up in its place. Feint later found that the follow-up malware gave attackers ongoing remote access to infected computers. Feint noted that simply downloading a malicious map wasn't enough to get infected; players had to actually load and play the map.

Meccha Chameleon co-developer Haganeiro said the underlying flaw was fixed in update 3.1.0, and disabled the malicious code on affected maps even for players who hadn't updated yet.

Despite the update, according to Dexerto, a systems engineer investigating the malware for the developers had their backup computer infected, and the hackers used the compromised machine to access the engineer's Discord account. Per Developer LEMORION, the hackers altered server permissions and banned staff members from the game's roughly 100,000-member official server.

It was also reported that the compromised device had no access to Meccha Chameleon's source code, game files, or Steam developer accounts, and that claims that the hijacked server had infected the official game build itself were disputed.

A replacement community server has since been stood up while the studio awaits a response from Discord's support team.

Everyone is getting in on the smart glasses arms race, including Apple, apparently.

Mark Gurman at Bloomberg has a new report on Apple's planned entry into the smart glasses market, a move that has been rumored for some time. According to Gurman, Apple will unveil the device at next year's Worldwide Developers Conference, a nominally software-focused event Apple holds every June. Presumably, the glasses would then be available for purchase sometime before the end of 2027.

It's still unclear exactly what form Apple's glasses would take. Meta and Samsung, among others, have created a template in recent years for glasses that include cameras for photography and video, and for showing the world to an onboard AI assistant, but that obviously comes with plenty of privacy concerns. Gurman said Apple is mulling over removing cameras entirely or removing the ability to take photos and videos, with the cameras serving solely to provide context for an AI assistant.

The glasses will also reportedly not include any displays, which has been true of most existing smart glasses to date.

After the fairly resounding failure of Apple Vision Pro, it would have been reasonable to think that Apple would hold off on releasing any more face-worn devices for a while, but evidently not.

Furious has hit Hulu with three jaw-dropping episodes. The new series from creator Elizabeth Meriwether (New Girl, Dying for Sex) centers on FBI agent Alice Black (Emmy Rossum, who also produces) as she hunts a female serial killer (Lola Petticrew) who's slaying a curious series of men. 

In this trio of premiere episodes, Furious unfurls that this mysterious murderess seems to be targeting a child trafficking ring. However, while this crime drama deals in child exploitation and sexual assault, Meriwether and her team of directors won't use imagery of either horror to tell their story. Instead, she entrusts Rossum, Petticrew, and the rest of the top-notch ensemble to sell the stakes without turning rape into a problematic spectacle. 

Over three in-person interviews, Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko sat down with Meriwether, Rossum, and Petticrew to dig into Furious's curious origins, its shrewd exploration of tough topics and complicated characters, as well as the "superpower" of its central killer. 

Look for more all season long, as Mashable has got plenty more from all three Furious collaborators. 

Furious began as an adaptation of Black Widow. 

Chloe Troast and Lola Petticrew in "Furious." Credit: Disney / Sarah Shatz

Nope, not the MCU one. In 1987, director Bob Rafelson debuted a bizarre neo-noir, in which Debra Winger stars as a U.S. Justice Department analyst who's on the tail of a suspected black widow — meaning a hot female serial killer who's offing her husbands, seemingly to collect their fortunes. But despite their cat-and-mouse dynamic, the two women find they have something in common. 

Out of the gate, Furious changes up the details, including the killer's M.O. Meriwether said of her point of inspiration, "A friend of mine told me to watch Black Widow. I did. It's such an interesting movie. You know, it feels like it's really in that world of 1970s and 1980s movies, where there isn't that push to kind of explain everything that the character is doing — in a great way. In fact, there's a Debra Winger scene where she almost makes fun of giving a monologue explaining who she is. And then there's this incredibly weird section of the movie where, after watching this cat-and-mouse female serial killer and female FBI agent dance around each other the whole movie, they just start hanging out at the beach together. 

"It's really strange," she mused, "but also, I found it really moving. Because I see these two women as just so desperate for connection with each other. And in some ways, they are the only ones that can really see the real person underneath [their façades]. And I wanted to take that and put it into this show."

She continued, "I think if you're adapting a movie into a TV show, there needs to be a why. Why do that? Like, you have to bring something to the project. So, I knew I needed to dive into the psychological parts and try to figure out why these two women became the women that they are. That led me, sort of inevitably, to an idea of being a victim of violence. I did a lot of research on female serial killers, which was, like, really terrifying and interesting. A common theme — not surprisingly — is that they are victims of violence, and then they become perpetrators of violence.

"I got excited about the possibility of just complicating all of that and showing how the experience of violence can get in your bones and come out in very strange, self-sabotaging ways," she explained. "And it can also come out in violent ways to other people."

Why does Furious not have flashbacks? 

Emmy Rossum in "Furious." Credit: Disney / Sarah Shatz

In dialogue, audiences learn that both Alice and the mysterious killer have been victims of violence. The former was battered by her ex-boyfriend, a Brooklyn detective (Jake Lacy); the latter was trafficked as a teenager. 

Meriwether said of the show's lack of flashbacks, "I think that it was important to me to keep the focus on these two women now, in the present moment, and not go back and show everything, you know, that happened to them."

Rossum expanded on this, saying, "Liz was emphatic from the drop that she wasn't interested in flashbacks. She was much more interested in the effects of the violence on both of our female characters and how it influences how they behave now."

Emmy Rossum speaks on Alice's trauma in Furious. 

Scoot McNairy and Emmy Rossum in "Furious." Credit: Disney / Sarah Shatz

"For Alice," Rossum continued, "she's become very disconnected from herself. She doesn't believe she can get justice for herself. And so she's really obsessed with getting justice for others — even at the expense of taking care of herself." 

The actor went on to address an outward element of Alice's trauma, saying, "[She's] unable to shower. We know that she smells, which I think is so brave for anybody to put in anything, because people smelling bad in our culture is really [representative of] a sense of shame. And it's something that we see exists for Alice."

As to how her trauma impacts Alice's work and sex life, Rossum said, "She has become such a machine in this job that she invites these strangers into her house to fight. Which is something that, when you read it the first time, knowing that we like victims of violence to fit in a certain box? I was scared of doing that scene.

"I didn't understand it," she continued. "I really had to work with a psychologist to understand the parts of myself that were resistant to it, the parts of myself that overlapped with the character... how to understand the separation between myself and the character, the ways in which we were different, to remember those, and also to understand that for this character, love and sexuality, violence and control have existed within the same relationship [for her]. And so I think we were really interested in an unflinching look and a fresh look at what a victim of violence would look like, both for my character, the agent, 'the good guy,' and 'the bad guy,' the serial killer. Who are, I think, on this collision course — we'll realize [they] are more similar, and there's, like, an invisible thread of sisterhood that kind of ties them together."

Lola Petticrew on understanding Furious' mysterious killer. 

Lola Petticrew in "Furious." Credit: Disney / Sarah Shatz

One of the most enticing elements of Furious is Meriwether's approach to her killer. Rather than the gold-digging black widow that was an inspiration point, Petticrew's character is a shapeshifter who has a girly streak even as she's drugging the men on her kill list. Even her name is a mystery as she shifts from Jinny to Vanessa and eventually Catherine.  

Asked about understanding their role on Furious, Petticrew said, "Even when I read the first two scripts, very early on, you get an idea of who she is. And then, as I signed on, Liz obviously revealed more. So, we definitely knew the heart and the crux of Catherine before we started shooting, and her motivation."

Over the course of the first three episodes, viewers see Catherine switch personas several times. One moment, she's skipping down the streets of New York City with girlish abandon. The next, she's acting scared to get access to a domestic violence shelter, or seducing an expensive lawyer with a vixen act, or rushing to a cozy house for her shift as a nurse's aid.  

"That is sort of Catherine's superpower," Petticrew said. "For anyone who is a woman — or socialized as a woman — as a kid, you learn very early on to read emotional temperatures of rooms. It's a socialized thing, because you have to, whether that's for safety or so that you're not underestimated. And I think for Catherine and Alice, particularly, it's a trauma response. And so I think everything that she does is led by that. And it's what she's really good at. Unfortunately, it comes from something quite dark and horrible. But she's able to harness it and use it to achieve her means."

The first three episodes of Furious are now streaming on Hulu, with new episodes every Monday through Aug. 31. 

The memory shortage persists, and the experts say it's not gonna get better anytime soon. That means buying now, before prices jump even more, might be the best option. Since current prices are painful, shopping deals has become even more pertinent. Fortunately, there are some decent deals out this week, including a World Cup model.

Check out our top picks if you're in the market for an SSD upgrade.

Best overall SSD deal

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Credit: Sandisk

Sandisk Portable SSD 1TB World Cup Edition

$159.99 at Walmart
$251.99 Save $92

 

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Why we like it

Sure, the World Cup is over, but since there's still a deal on a World-Cup branded SSD, we're all for it. The Sandisk Portable 1TB SSD is on sale for $159.99 at Walmart, down from the list price at Sandisk of $215.99. That makes for a nice $92 discount.

Sandisk says this model comes with transfer rates that reach up to 800MB per second. The lightweight 0.09 pound SSD is also highly portable. Since this is a World Cup edition, we suspect stock is dwindling, so hop on this deal quickly if it suits your needs.

Best SSD deal for phones

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Credit: Sandisk

SanDisk Creator Phone Drive (256GB)

$94.99 at Sandisk
$118.99 Save $24

 

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Why we like it

One of the hardest elements of storage management is where to put all of the photos that currently live on your phone or an always-full Google account. If you need some help with easy photo storage, the Sandisk Creator Phone Drive with 256GB is on sale for $94.99. You can easily transfer content from your phone to a laptop or tablet thanks to the USB-C. Plus, the size makes it travel-friendly.

Best large SSD deal

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Credit: Lexar

Lexar 2TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD

$329.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $70

 

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Why we like it

If 1TB won't cut it, check out the Lexar 2TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD. It's on sale at Amazon for $329.99 for an 18% discount off the list price of $399.99. Compatable with MagSafe, the Lexar SSD has an impressive read and write speed of up to 2,000 MB per second. With speeds like that, it's great to see Lexar added a thermal control to make sure everything stays cool.

More SSD deals to shop this week

• Lexar 512GB SL260 Air Portable SSD — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)

• Sandisk 1TB Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive — $219 $312.99 (save $93.99)

• Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB — $429.99 $549.99 (save $120)

FREE GIFT CARD: Through Aug. 1, Target is giving out free $15 gift cards to anyone who spends $50 on select household essentials (in stores or online). That includes things like toilet paper, laundry soap, cleaning supplies, and more.

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Credit: Target

Get a $15 Target gift card when you spend $50 on household essentials

 

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Running low on household essentials like toilet paper, laundry soap, and trash bags? Before you run to just any store to grab them, you might want to check out this deal at Target.

Through Aug. 1, you can get a free $15 Target gift card when you spend $50 on select household essentials — from paper towels and paper plates to laundry soap and dishwasher pods. Just load up your Target cart with items from the promotion until you reach the $50 threshold and the gift card deal will automatically be applied at checkout. Once your items ship, the gift card will appear in your Target account to spend however you please. The offer is also valid in stores, if you prefer to do your shopping in person.

The list of products included in the promotion is incredibly long, so there's a pretty good chance it includes items you use regularly and need to stock up on anyway. There are plenty of well-known brands like Arm & Hammer, Mrs. Meyer's, Bounty, Glad, Clorox, Angel Soft, and Dawn. But Target's own brands, like up&up, Dealworthy, and Everspring are also included. There are over 50 pages worth of household essentials, but you can filter by brand or product type to save you time.

Despite household essentials (and everything else in 2026) eating away at your wallet, you still need them. So why not get rewarded for stocking up with free money? Be sure to shop by the end of the day on Aug. 1 to get your gift card.

Save $80: Pick up a refurbished Nintendo Switch 2 and 'Mario Kart World' bundle for $419 before the deal sells out or expires in five days at Woot. A new game bundle goes for $499, netting you a 16% deal as of July 27 — a value that will only go up come the Sept. 1 price hike.

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Credit: Nintendo

Refurbished Nintendo Switch 2 and 'Mario Kart World' bundle

$419 at Woot

 

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After more than a year, we can say the Nintendo Switch 2 is great gaming console. It's also a fairly hefty investment, at $450 (or $500 for a game bundle).

With that price point going up $50 come Sept. 1, the time to get the absolute best value on a Switch is now. Especially with this Woot deal, which offers a refurbished Nintendo Switch 2 and 'Mario Kart World' bundle for $419. All told, that's $80 off the current list price of $499 and $130 off what the bundle price will be in the very near future.

As of July 27, the deal is only live for five more days or until supplies last — whichever comes first.

Outside of large savings events like Black Friday and Prime Day, Nintendo Switch 2 deals aren't all that common, and even then, they're not a given. All this is to say, we're probably seeing one of the last — if not the last — great deals on the console.

Just be aware that this is a Grade A Refurbished console (based on Woot's refurbished system), not a brand new one. That means that the console is close to a like-new condition, but there may be some visible cosmetic wear, like scratches, when viewed up close. A third party company, and not the manufacturer, completed the renewal process, and Woot offers a 90-day limited warranty with the bundle.

According to actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Alan Cumming, and Benedict Wong, the impending Paramount-Warner Bros. merger is a "TV and cinema calamity."

The trio penned an op-ed in The Guardian that lays out the dangers of the planned merger, starting with the consolidation of storytelling and acquisitions for independent projects. "Every merger of this kind narrows the funnel through which stories can reach audiences," the piece reads.

Cumberbatch, Cumming, and Wong raised the alarm on the job loss the merger could cause, citing prior mergers like Warner Bros.-Discovery and Paramount-Skydance. Both cases resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs. The actors also stressed that the merger would lead to one company controlling the UK's Channel 5 and CNN International.

"One owner controlling this much of the news, and the truth, endangers the public in a way no ordinary consolidation does," they write, noting Paramount CEO David Ellison's reported promise to President Donald Trump to make "sweeping changes" to CNN should the deal go through.

The Paramount-Warner Bros. merger has already faced opposition in the US, with 12 states, led by California, suing to block it. On July 24, Paramount agreed to delay the merger until after the antitrust trial.

Cumberbatch, Cumming, and Wong's focus lies with the UK, and encouraging its government to oppose the merger in similar fashion. They applaud the efforts of Lisa Nandy, the secretary of state for digital, culture, media, and sport. Through a statement to parliament and letters to Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros., Nandy has made clear that she is "minded to intervene" in the merger.

"Nandy has opened the door to intervention. She must walk through it, for the sake of everyone who makes UK television and film – and everyone who watches it," write Cumberbatch, Cumming, and Wong. "If she does not, we will be left without the ability to protect our industry and our culture from this consolidation. We must not push the public’s interest aside; we must stand up for it and block this merger."

It's only been a few months since Logan Paul's $16 million Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card sale set a record, but he's already on the hunt for something more valuable.

The controversial YouTuber-turned-WWE star released a one-hour mini-documentary on YouTube on Friday, chronicling his quest to acquire a card that doesn't exist yet.

So what exactly is he trying to do, and why is the Pokémon card he's trying to acquire potentially so valuable? Let's break it down.

Which Pokémon card is Logan Paul trying to acquire?

In a nutshell, the origin of Pokémon cards can be dated back to 1996. Rather than being sold in packs, the first trading cards were available to peel from sheets found in a Japanese comic called CoroCoro. Pairs of cards were released over a number of issues, with the first – issue 223 – containing Pikachu and Jigglypuff cards.

The catch? Although there are many of these cards in circulation, there is apparently still no Pikachu that's been graded a perfect 10 by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) body.

The video above chronicles Paul's attempt to secure one, following him as he buys copies of CoroCoro 223 along with pre-production sheets of the cards that came with the issue, hoping to peel a Pikachu card that's high enough quality to make the grade of Gem Mint 10 (categorised on PSA's website as a "virtually perfect card").

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When will we know if Logan Paul has acquired the PSA 10 Pikachu?

This is the big question. Normally getting cards graded with PSA takes time (from five to 25 business days), but in the documentary we see Paul getting two cards graded far more quickly after dropping them off at one of the PSA offices himself.

At the end of the video, he announces a live streaming event where he will peel the Pikachu card that he hopes to get graded a 10. What we don't know is what will happen next. Will the event end with Paul showing the card off and getting ready to take it to PSA? Or does he have the kind of relationship with the authenticator where he'll be able to organise for one of its graders to attend the event, and do the grading in person?

We'll have to wait for the stream, which is happening July 30 at 9:30 p.m. EST on Paul's YouTube channel, to find out.

SAVE 15%: As of July 27, you can get the Soundcore Anker Space 2 headphones for $109.99 at Amazon, down from $129.99. That's a 15% discount.

Soundcore Anker Space 2 ANC headphones

$109.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $20.00

 

Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon

Headphone prices have gotten entirely out of hand lately. (Well, it's not just headphones; it's gas, groceries, and just living in general, but I digress.) If you don't have the cash for a high-end pair of headphones but can't go without active noise cancellation (ANC), you should look into Soundcore.

Our Lead Shopping Reporter, Bethany Allard, reviewed the brand's Space 2 headphones in April 2026 and called them "proof that you don't need to spend upwards of $400 for a truly great pair of headphones." They easily took home a Mashable Selects award.

And right now, you can get the Soundcore Anker Space 2 headphones for $109.99 at Amazon, down from $129.99. That's a 15% discount.

You'll get 50 hours of playtime with ANC turned on and 70 hours with it off. If they do die on you, a quick five-minute charge buys you another four hours of listening. Bonus: The companion app includes a "Nap Mode" with built-in white noise, plus a live translation feature that we found to be about 80 to 90 percent accurate during testing.

SAVE $33: As of July 27, the Renpho Smart Scale for Body Weight is down to $186.99 at Amazon, its best price ever and a 15% discount off its $219.99 list price.

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Credit: Renpho

Renpho smart scale

$186.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $33

 

Get Deal

Renpho's smart body scale just dropped back to its best price yet. Right now it's $186.99 at Amazon, down from $219.99 — a 15% discount. More people are leaning into detailed health tracking these days, and full-body composition scales like this one have gotten popular as a way to track progress instead of just weight.

The Renpho scale handle has a 4.3-inch screen that walks you through 9 pages of data after each weigh-in, covering muscle mass, fat percentage, and how your numbers are trending over time. It uses an 8-electrode setup to measure different parts of your body separately, rather than just giving you one overall number, which is why it can track over 50 different metrics in total.

If you're not into staring at a screen, it also does voice assist, walking you through each step. Everything syncs to the Renpho app, which also connects with Apple Health, Google Fit, and MyFitnessPal, so you're not manually logging anything. It also supports unlimited user profiles, so the whole household can use the same scale without mixing up their data.

The smart scale holds up to 400 pounds, charges over USB-C, and Renpho says a single charge lasts up to 150 days. It's also FSA/HSA eligible, which is worth knowing if you're trying to make the most of pre-tax health dollars.

Your body's data deck awaits — grab the Renpho scale at Amazon.

The best Hulu and Disney+ streaming deals to watch Lollapalooza live:

---

Best Hulu standalone deal

Hulu annual subscription

$119.99 per year (save $23.89)

Get Deal

---

Best Disney+ standalone deal

Disney+ Premium annual subscription

$189.99/year (save $37.89)

Get Deal

---

Best student deal

Hulu Student

$1.99 per month (save $10 per month)

Get Deal

---

Best deal for T-Mobile users

Hulu (with ads)

free for select T-Mobile customers (save $11.99 per month)

Get Deal

---

Best bundle deal

Hulu and Disney+ bundle

$11.99/month for 6 months ($12.99/month thereafter) (save $11.99/month)

Get Deal

---

Best bundle deal for Verizon users

Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select (with ads)

$10/month with Simplicity or myPlan (save $9.99/month)

Get Deal

---

Best Disney+ free deal

Total Wireless $60 Unlimited+ plan

free Disney+ Premium (no ads) (save $18.99/month)

Get Deal

Festival season is in full swing. Next up on the docket? Lollapalooza, the annual four-day music festival held in Grant Park, Chicago. This year, it takes place from July 30 to Aug. 2 and features over 170 bands across eight stages. And you can get a front row seat without even leaving your living room.

For the first time, both Hulu and Disney+ will live stream select sets from Lollapalooza for subscribers, giving you access to some sure to be legendary music moments in real time. The livestream lineup includes Charli XCX, Lorde, Olivia Dean, The Smashing Pumpkins, Tate McRae, Jennie, Ethel Cain, Wet Leg, Turnstile, and more.

Hulu has offered exclusive front-row access in the past, but this is the first year Disney+ is throwing its hat in the ring. You don't even need the most expensive tier; Hulu, Hulu Premium, Disney+, or Disney+ Premium subscriptions will unlock access.

Not yet a subscriber to either platform? Both Disney+ and Hulu basic subscriptions with ads start at $11.99 per month, thanks to a late 2025 price hike, but there are some ways you can save. We've rounded up the best ongoing Hulu and Disney+ streaming deals below.

The best Hulu streaming deals

Best Hulu deal for most people: Hulu annual subscription

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Credit: Hulu

Hulu (with ads) annual subscription

$119.99 per year (save $23.89)

Get Deal

I've said it a million times at this point, but it bears repeating. If you can swing it, an annual streaming subscription is always the way to go if you want to cut back on costs. For Hulu, you'll pay $119.99 up front for a year (which breaks down to just $9.99 per month) instead of the $143.88 a monthly subscription would cost you. That's about 16% or just shy of $24 in savings. It's not the biggest discount ever, but every dollar counts.

Best for students: Hulu Student

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Credit: Hulu

Hulu Student (with ads)

$1.99 per month (save $10 per month)

Get Deal

College students can tune in to their favorite artists' sets live for only $1.99 with Hulu's student discount. Sign up through the Hulu Student promotional page and verify your college email address via SheerID, and the price will drop from $11.99 to just $1.99 per month. The deal is valid as long as your student status can be verified.

Best Hulu deal for T-Mobile users: Hulu (with ads) free for select customers

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Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu

Hulu (with ads)

free for select T-Mobile customers

Get Deal

The only way to get a Hulu subscription for free in 2026 is through T-Mobile's Go5G Next and Experience Beyond plans (you'll also get Netflix for free and Apple TV+ for $3). If you're already on one of these plans, just head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim the offer. Just enter your T-Mobile number and account details to sign up for Hulu.

The best Disney+ streaming deals

Best Disney+ deal: save 17% on an annual subscription

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Credit: Disney+

Disney+ Premium annual subscription

$189.99/year (save $37.89)

Get Deal

Rinse and repeat what I said above about annual plans. For Disney+, you can only get an annual subscription to the Premium plan without ads and it'll cost you $189.99 per year. That breaks down to $15.83 per month instead of the usual $18.99 per month — 17% or $37.89 in total savings.

When you check out, be sure to select Disney+ Premium, then "annual" to secure the discount for the year. Unfortunately, there is no annual plan available for the cheaper ad-supported tier.

Best way to get Disney+ for free: get the Total Wireless $60 plan

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Credit: Total Wireless

Total Wireless $60 Unlimited+ plan

+ free Disney+ Premium (save $18.99/month)

Get Deal

You can get Disney+ Premium for free if you switch your mobile plan to the Total Wireless $60 Unlimited+ prepaid plan. No terms or trial periods required — just an $18.99 per month value tacked onto your phone plan for $0. Just keep your account in good standing, and your Disney+ account will remain active.

Bundle deals

Best bundle deal for Verizon Wireless customers: save $9.99/month on the Disney Bundle

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Credit: Disney / Hulu / ESPN

Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select (with ads)

$10/month for Verizon customers on Simplicity or myPlan (save $9.99/month)

Get Deal

Verizon Wireless customers can save $9.99 per month on the Disney Bundle through Verizon myPlan or Simplicity plan. Just choose the Disney Bundle as a mobile perk on your account, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select (all with ads). The trio bundle would regularly cost you $19.99 per month, but by signing up through this deal, you'll only pay $10 per month. That's practically unheard of in the streaming world.

Best bundle deal for everyone else: Get Hulu and Disney+ for 50% off

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Credit: Hulu / Disney+

Hulu and Disney+ (with ads)

$11.99 per month (save $11.99 per month) for six months

Get Deal

The Disney bundle plans are some of the best deals in the streaming world on any given day. For a limited time, you can sign up for a six-month subscription to both Disney+ and Hulu for only $11.99 per month (reg. $12.99 per month). That means you'll get one streaming service completely for free for six months. After the six-month promotional period, you'll pay just a dollar more per month — still a crazy good deal if you ask me.

SAVE 18%: As of July 27, you can get the 27-inch Asus ROG Strix gaming monitor for $529 at Amazon, down from $649. That's an 18% discount or $120 savings.

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Credit: Asus

27-inch Asus ROG Strix gaming monitor

$529 at Amazon
$649 Save $120

 

Get Deal

If you're looking to upgrade your gaming setup, Amazon has a few monitors on sale right now, including the 27-inch Asus ROG Strix gaming monitor (specifically model XG27AQWMG) for $529. That's an 18% discount and the lowest we've seen this monitor go for to date.

It features a 26.5-inch QHD (2560x1440) TrueBlack Glossy WOLED display with a 280Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time. It also uses Tandem OLED technology, which Asus claims delivers 15 percent higher peak brightness, a 25 percent larger color volume, and a 60 percent longer lifespan compared to previous-generation WOLED panels.

If you're worried about OLED burn-in, Asus built in a Neo Proximity Sensor that automatically detects when you step away from your desk and switches to a black screen to protect the panel.

That said, some reviewers have noted that the screen looks dirty out of the box (visible vertical and horizontal grey bands). Running a few pixel-cleaning cycles, or just letting the monitor "warm up" with HDR content for a few hours, should fix the issues and give you a display that one reviewer called "the most beautiful display I have ever seen in person."

SAVE $400.02: The Bosch 300 Series Auto Espresso Machine is on sale for $498.98 at Amazon, down from the list price of $899. That's a 44% discount that matches the best price we've seen at Amazon.

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Credit: Bosch

Bosch 300 Series Auto Espresso Machine

$498.98 at Amazon
$899 Save $400.02

 

Get Deal

It's transition time. As summer comes to a close, we all come to grips with fall returning and the kids heading back to school. Even if you don't have kids to get ready in the morning, the shift into cooler and darker mornings can be rough. Make this season (and every season after) much easier thanks to this Amazon deal on a fully automatic espresso machine.

As of July 27, the Bosch 300 Series Auto Espresso Machine is on sale for $498.98 at Amazon, down from the list price of $899. That's a 44% discount that takes $400.02 off the price. This sale matches the best price we've seen at Amazon.

As much as we try to deny it, coffee is a morning necessity for plenty of us. The lure for us to swing into the coffee shop for a little treat every morning (or afternoon) is strong. While that's a fun part of some days, it can add up quickly if it's an everyday occurrence. Instead, turn your own kitchen into the coffee shop.

The Bosch 300 Series Fully Auto Espresso Machine is an all-in one unit with a ceramic grinder, steam wand, and one-touch buttons to make five drinks. Choose from espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and steam milk. The dual heads allow for brewing two cups at once, making the coffee line in the kitchen each morning go much quicker.

In addition to the coffee-based drinks, you can also adjust your desired strength. The high-quality ceramic grinder can hold up to nine ounces of coffee beans. Adding to the convenience of the machine, the stainless steel frothing wand is removable and safe to clean in the dishwasher.

Since it's on sale for the lowest price we've seen and dark mornings are coming, make the upgrade to the Bosch 300 Series Auto Espresso Machine.

TL;DR: Roborock has launched the Qrevo 2 Pro in the UK with a limited-time launch discount. Right now it's available for £529.99 (£120 off its £649.99 list price) through Aug. 9 at Amazon UK and Roborock's official store.

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Credit: Roborock

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro

£529.99 at Amazon UK
£649.99 Save £120

 

Get Deal

Roborock's Qrevo 2 Pro robot vacuum just launched in the UK with a limited-time deal — until Aug. 9, it's £529.99 (£120 off its £649.99 list price) with Amazon UK and Roborock's official store.

The Qrevo 2 Pro runs on 25,000 Pa HyperForce suction, strong enough to lift embedded dirt from hard floors and automatically ramps up power when it hits a carpet. If you've got pets, the Dual Anti-Tangle System pairs a rubber-and-bristle main brush with a side brush that guides hair inward instead of letting it wrap around the roller, which Roborock says results in zero tangling and full hair pickup.

Credit: Roborock

It's also designed for homes with mixed flooring. There's an Auto Mop Removal feature that detaches the mop pad before it hits carpet and reattaches once it's back on hard floors, so you don't end up with damp carpet spots. The side brush reverses direction in corners to sweep more thoroughly, covering up to 30% more corner area, and the mop can extend to within 1.85mm of the wall for full edge coverage.

As for maintenance, the dock is designed to take most of it off your hands. It self-cleans the mop with 75°C hot water, dries it with warm air, refills the water tank automatically, and can go up to 65 days without needing the dust bin emptied manually. The whole system runs on Roborock's SmartPlan 3.0, which learns your home's layout and floor types over time and adjusts its cleaning approach accordingly.

Grab the Qrevo 2 Pro on Amazon UK while it's still £120 off.

SAVE $350: As of July 27, the DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station is down to $348.98 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount off its $699 list price.

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Credit: DJI

DJI Power 1000

$348.98 at Amazon
$699 Save $350.02

 

Get Deal

The DJI Power 1000 portable power station just dropped to its record-low price. It's now $348.98 at Amazon, down from $699 — a 50% discount. This power station deal is worth a look if you've been eyeing a portable backup for storm season or camping trips.

Power stations in this capacity range don't often see discounts this steep, and with outdoor trips picking up over the summer, now's a good time to grab one before prices climb back up.

The DJI Power 1000 can run most of what you'd throw at it — it puts out up to 2,200W continuously, which covers high-drain devices like power tools and larger camping gear, not just small electronics. When it's time to recharge, plugging it into a wall outlet gets it fully charged in about 70 minutes, and if you're off-grid, solar charging can get you there in around 1.35 hours at max input.

Battery-wise, it uses LFP chemistry, rated for around 4,000 charge cycles, so realistically, you're looking at close to a decade of use before it starts to wear down. There's also a built-in battery management system that monitors for overcharging or overheating, and it's passed 26 separate safety certifications.

It's also quiet — DJI says it runs at around 23 decibels while charging, which is quieter than most refrigerators. And it comes backed by a five-year warranty, so you're covered if anything goes wrong down the line.

Grab the DJI Power 1000 on Amazon before this deal powers down.

A24's Onslaught trailer is a pretty rattling experience.

Directed by Adam Wingard and written by Simon Barrett (the team behind You're Next, The Guest, and Blair Witch), the horror-action-thriller sees a bunch of genetically engineered super soldiers on the loose, with dramatic monikers like The Butcher, Crybaby, and Cockroach. In the trailer, these "human equivalents of a heat-seeking missile" are introduced, before they terrorise an Army sniper (Adria Arjona), her young daughter, and their neighbours in the desert.

And it's all set to an overtly 28 Years Later-style remix of Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1941 "Day of Infamy" speech — delivered by the U.S. president after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, and effectively signalling America's entry into World War II.

Cast-wise, Arjona is joined by Dan Stevens, Rebecca Hall, Eric Wareheim, Reginald VelJohnson, Michael Biehn, Drew Starkey, and Alex Pereira.

Onslaught hits cinemas Sept. 4.

I tested the Oura Ring 5 for two months to see if its smaller design lives up to the hype and whether it's worth the higher price.

Gene.01 is the new humanoid robot from Generative Bionics, featuring "smart skin" embedded with touch sensors and proximity sensors to unlock a new level of awareness in how it interacts with the world.

SAVE $18: As of July 27, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Flipsuit Phone Case is down to $41.99 at Amazon. That's a 30% discount off its $59.99 list price — timed right after the Z Flip 8's launch at Samsung's latest Unpacked event.

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Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Flipsuit Phone Case

$41.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $18

 

Get Deal

Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip 8 officially launched at Unpacked in London on July 22, coming in 13% thinner than last year's Z Flip 7. If you're planning to grab one (or pre-ordered it the moment it dropped), this Flipsuit case deal is a good one to pair with it: right now it's $41.99 at Amazon, a 30% discount off its usual $59.99.

This case is one of those rare accessories that does more than just protect your phone. Double-tap the cover screen to activate FlexWindow, letting you play Brick Breaker from the outside of your phone — no need to flip it open; just tilt it side to side to control the paddle.

The bigger draw is the interchangeable LED Flipsuit Card. Insert it, and you get LED lights on the case that match visuals and animations, so it's a lot more fun than a plain case. There's also a photo frame card option, letting you display one of your own photos on the FlexWindow when your phone's closed.

Grab the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Flipsuit Phone Case on Amazon — your Flip 8 deserves better than a bare back.

So you've accrued a bit of a reputation at your local for being unbeatable at darts? Netflix is looking for you.

Announced on X on Monday, the streaming giant is offering amateur darts players the chance to take on English champion Luke Littler. Successful applicants will try their hand against the 19-year-old record-breaker and youngest world champion in darts history, in a match to be streamed live on Netflix on Oct. 30.

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The prize pot is a staggering £501,000 ($667,189), with true-aimed hopefuls encouraged to sign up on the dedicated website beatlukelittler.com.

If you're reflecting on your darts skills and want to sign up, you need to be over 12 (though anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian present). You'll also need to legally live in or be able to travel to the UK for production, and you can't have ever been a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Tour Card holder.

Netflix's application includes questions like "Why do you think you could beat Luke Littler?" which is a damn good question considering the champion has been absolutely thrashing the competition, defending his title, and breaking records at the 2026 World Matchplay in Blackpool, England in July. Other questions include "What is your darts nickname or what would it be?" so make sure you stay on target; may I suggest "Dart Garfunkel," "Napoleon Bonadarte," or "The Museum of Modern Dart," as starter points.

It's the latest live event on Netflix, with the streamer leaning more and more into WWE, football, concerts, boxing, and more. It's a crowded, competitive space, with the likes of Apple, Amazon, and Disney+ also focused heavily on live sports streaming.

So, if you're the undisputed champ of your local pub's crumbling dartboard, this could be your five minutes of fame.

SAVE $300: As of July 27, the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $1,499.99 at Amazon. That's $300 cheaper than the list price of $1,799.99.

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Credit: Dreame

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop

$1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,799.99 Save $300

 

Get Deal

Released just last year, Dreame's Matrix10 Ultra is a premium robot vacuum pick for those who want a cleaner that can handle both vacuuming and mopping. If it's something you've had on your radar but have been waiting for the price to dip before buying, now is a great time to make a move.

Amazon has knocked $300 off this cleaner's price tag, dropping it from $1,799.99 to $1,499.99, though it won't be discounted for long. The retailer has slapped a "limited time deal" tag on it, so the countdown has begun to take advantage of this offer.

If it's felt too much to keep on top of cleaning this summer, the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra is a mighty helpful machine to have around. In terms of vacuuming power, it boasts 30,000Pa Vormax suction to clear up your carpets and harder surfaces. Plus, it has a HyperStream detangling DuoBrush that keeps hair from clogging it up and slowing it down.

When it comes to mopping, this cleaner also has a Multi-Mop Switching Dock. According to the store page, this auto-selects the right mop for each area in your home, helping to prevent cross-contamination. On top of that, navigating your home is a breeze for this model. Not only does it feature obstacle-avoidance technology, but it also has dual retractable legs that can push through up to 3.15-inch steps.

Mashable's Leah Stodart experienced this system with a different model and wrote: "The use case felt quite limited. Actual stair climbing is still out of the question, but it could be helpful if your floors have any height changes, or if you need a robot vacuum to cross sliding door tracks."

If the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum and mop has caught your attention, don't miss out on this great deal 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 $1,300: As of July 27, the LG C5 Series 65-inch OLED evo 4K Smart TV is down to $1,399.99 at Best Buy. That's a 48% discount off its $2,699.99 value.

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Credit: LG

LG 65-inch C5 OLED evo Smart webOS TV

$1,399.99 at Best Buy
$2,699.99 Save $1,300.00

 

Get Deal

The 65-inch LG C5 OLED is down to $1,399.99 at Best Buy right now, a 48% discount off its $2,699.99 value — that's $1,300 in savings on one of LG's OLED TVs.

Even though the C5 is technically last year's model, it's still one of LG's better OLED TVs, and this Best Buy deal makes it an easy recommendation. If you've been holding off on an OLED because of the price tag, this is about as good an entry point as you'll find.

The C5 runs on LG's Alpha 9 Gen8 AI Processor, which handles picture and sound, and it uses AI to analyze whatever's on screen and adjust picture and sound settings accordingly — so a sports broadcast and a dark movie scene each get tuned differently instead of using one generic setting for everything.

You're also getting over 8.3 million individually lit pixels, which give OLED its signature deep blacks and accurate color, plus a Brightness Booster feature that helps the screen hold up even in rooms with a lot of ambient light — something OLEDs have historically struggled with.

Design-wise, the bezel is nearly invisible, so the screen blends into your wall, and LG's built in some useful extras, like the ability to display art or photos when you're not actively watching something, turning the TV into something of a design piece.

For movies, you get Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Filmmaker Mode, which strips out the usual "TV enhancement" processing so you're watching things closer to how they were actually shot and edited. This TV also comes stacked for anyone who games — a native 120Hz refresh rate, 0.1ms response time, VRR support, and four HDMI 2.1 inputs — more gaming-focused hardware than you'd typically expect from a TV at this price point, discount or not.

Deals this good don't wait around — grab the LG C5 OLED at Best Buy.

Rick and Morty's Season 9 finale has plunged viewers into melancholy.

The episode, titled "Field of Dreams," aired on Sunday night on Adult Swim, ahead of the debut of Rick and Morty spinoff President Curtis. And in true R&M form, the finale delivered cold hard existential truths across multiple realities.

The episode sees Morty (Harry Belden) visiting his own funerals across the multiverse, having met a version of himself at a Smith family estate sale with his grandfather Rick (Ian Cardoni). Morty has one grim goal: to hear his family say nice things about him.

IGN called the end of the episode "a proper dose of existential angst," and it seems to be a shared sentiment among viewers, especially around the finale's portrayal of Rick and Morty's chaotic relationship.

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And while many viewers are talking about the White House's seemingly AI-generated attempt to jump on the Rick and Morty bandwagon, the season finale's brutal reckoning with Rick and Morty's tempestuous bond seems to be fans' main meltdown.

Rick and Morty is now streaming on HBO Max.

SAVE $90: As of July 27, the DJI Flip (RC-N3) drone is on sale for $349 at Amazon. That's $90 off its full price of $439.

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Credit: DJI

DJI Flip (RC-N3) Drone

$349 at Amazon
$439 Save $90

 

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Have you been interested in buying a drone this summer to start up a new, high-flying hobby? Amazon's a great place to look for deals on select models. As of July 27, the DJI Flip (RC-N3) is one we've spotted on sale, with $90 slashed off its price tag for a limited time.

This discount has brought the price of the DJI Flip (RC-N3) down from $439 to $349 for a limited time. It's worth mentioning that it is sold by a third party, but it's a new model, and the company has a glowing 99% positive rating over the last 12 months, which is good news. What's even better is that this deal is just $10 away from its lowest-ever third-party price, according to camelcamelcamel, so it's one well worth taking advantage of while it's still available.

The DJI Flip (RC-N3) can capture some beautiful views while you're out and about this summer, with support for 4K, 60fps HDR video. It also has features like subject tracking, which helps keep what you're capturing in focus, and a battery life of up to 31 minutes of flight time.

As for its outer build, it's lightweight and quite compact — weighing under 249g, according to the store page — so carrying it around this summer will be a breeze. It even has full-coverage propeller guards, which help keep the drone's propellers protected as it takes to the skies, so there's no need to worry about damage.

Amazon has a "limited time deal" tag on this DJI Flip (RC-N3) drone right now, so act fast to save.

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: Sony’s Reon Pocket Pro Plus is here to help you beat the heat, bringing wearable cooling (and warming) tech to the U.S. for $259.99. The neck-worn temperature control device is currently out of stock at Sony, but you can sign up to get notified when it’s available again.

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Credit: Sony Reon Pocket Pro Plus Sensing Kit

Sony Reon Pocket Pro Plus

$259.99 at Sony

 

Learn More

With summer temperatures pushing into uncomfortable territory, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus takes a different approach to staying cool. Instead of carrying around a fan, this wearable temperature-control device sits around your neck and uses a cooling plate against your upper back to deliver a targeted way to manage heat.

This device can also warm you up during colder months, making it more of an all-season wearable than just a summer gadget. It uses built-in temperature and humidity sensors, along with Sony's control algorithm, to adjust cooling and warming based on your surroundings and preferences.

When paired with the included sensing device, it can detect both the temperature inside your clothing and the outside environment, allowing its Smart cool to warm mode to automatically switch between cooling and heating without needing constant adjustments.

Despite its compact design, Sony packs in plenty of practical features. The device uses two thermo modules that alternate intensity to maintain continuous cooling, while Smart cool mode can deliver up to 15 hours of battery life. A flexible neckband helps keep the cooling surface in contact with your skin, and the lightweight, discreet design is made to be worn under clothing without looking like you’re carrying a gadget around. When winter arrives, four adjustable warm levels let it double as a personal warmer.

Heatwave season is here — sign up to know when the Reon Pocket Pro Plus is back in stock.

SAVE $30: As of July 27, the Baseus Inspire XC1 are on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Baseus

Baseus Inspire XC1

$99.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $30.00

 

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If you're looking for a quality pair of earbuds that cost less than $100, check out this latest Amazon deal on the Baseus Inspire XC1.

Currently $30 off, these open earbuds are now just $99.99. This is also their lowest-ever price, so you've really found a great deal. They have a clip-on design and are designed to deliver great audio while still keeping you aware of your surroundings.

These earbuds also feature Sound by Bose, meaning they've been tuned by Bose audio engineers through acoustic testing to deliver a more immersive listening experience. They also support Hi-Res Wireless audio and LDAC for higher-resolution sound. And for output, they have a four-microphone system with AI voice pickup and wind-noise reduction to help improve call and voice note quality in busy environments.

And if you plan on using these for workouts, their design makes them the perfect fit. They feature a curved clip-on design with flexible ring joints, soft liquid silicone, and lightweight air cushions to make them both comfortable and kept securely in place. Plus, the long battery life means you'll get eight hours of playback on a single charge, with up to 40 hours with the charging case. And if you're in a hurry, a 10-minute quick charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of listening time.

This earbuds deal is available at Amazon right now.

Be ruthless if you must, Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy), but whatever you do leave Helaena (Phia Saban) alone!

Unfortunately in the trailer above for House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 7, it looks like Alicent's (Olivia Cooke) decision to leave her daughter with the Queen may not have been a good one. Elsewhere, we have more of Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) doing some shirtless sword training and a line troops marching (presumably) towards Tumbleton.

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.

It's been another death-filled episode on House of the Dragon, with Season 3 so far doing a sterling job of upping the body count.

And speaking of body counts, how many men does moody Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) manage to single-handedly chop his way through in episode 6's opening sequence, before he's eventually slain by three arrows?

We rewatched the sequence and counted to see whether or not he really was "the realm's greatest warrior," as he professed to Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) in episode 5.

What happens to Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 6?

First, a quick recap. After being in full emo mode for the entirety of the season so far, Cole finally reveals his plan to Ser Gwayne at the end of episode 5.

"Our fate was always assured, Ser Gwayne," says Cole. "When we set out we were doomed to death, and defeat."

Ser Gwayne tries to protest, repeating his offer of service to House Hightower. But Cole is having none of it.

"You have offered me service to your house," says Cole. "And I am grateful. But I've been a servant my whole life. To green or to black. I have defined myself by oaths. Through unyielding devotion. And the highborn have made much of me while it pleased them to do so. But I will not let them diminish me now. I will not return spurned, rejected. I am the realm's greatest warrior and I will die as such. Clear-eyed. Unbent. Glorious in battle. And not in their service. Finally. But in my own. And they will sing songs of it. And Queen Alicent herself will hear them."

It's a memorable speech, but how does Cole's vision of his own demise compare to the reality he faces one episode later?

How many men does Ser Criston Cole kill before dying?

One thing you can't deny when watching episode 6's opening sequence is that Cole clearly is a great warrior.

After he's ambushed by Oscar Tully's (Archie Barnes') troops he manages to single-handedly kill at least 10 men in under two minutes of fighting, while injuring multiple others.

Finally, after being surrounded and called out by Tully and Roddy the Ruin (Tommy Flanagan), Cole offers to fight both of them himself. Based on his performance in the preceding minutes it's a fight he'd likely win, but we never get to see it: Cole is instead shot dead by an archer, collapsing on the battlefield before his surviving men are swarmed.

So, does he die in the way he predicted one episode previously? Essentially, yes. He may have been one of the show's most hated characters, but the former Hand certainly goes out swinging.

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.

For all things House of the Dragon, Mashable has you covered.

TL;DR: Justice has launched a Garfield-themed back-to-school collection, including denim, character hoodies, and graphic tees. It's priced $14 to $38, available in kids' sizes XS to XLP exclusively at Walmart.

Does anyone else remember absolutely loving Garfield as a kid?

He's Monday-hating, lasagna-obsessed, and the most relatable cat in pop culture — and now Justice is bringing him back for a whole new generation of tweens. Justice just launched a Garfield-themed collection at Walmart, and Garfield has a timeless appeal that'll land with tweens even if they've never watched old cartoons.

The character-inspired collection features Garfield and friends across a range of apparel and sleep pieces built for lazy-Monday comfort with standout denim, cozy character hoodies, and graphic tees with fun designs.

Credit: Justice

Here's the full lineup:

• Girls Garfield X Justice Collab Baby Tee — $14

• Girls Garfield X Justice Fleece Short — $14

• Girls Garfield X Justice Plaid Skirt — $18

• Girls Garfield X Justice Skirt with Chain — $18

• Girls Garfield X Justice Graphic Hoodie — $22

• Girls Garfield X Justice Plaid Dress — $25–$38

• Girls Garfield X Justice Collab Jeans — $26

• Girls Garfield X Justice Collab Denim Shortall — $35

• Girls Garfield X Justice Collab Bomber Jacket — $38

Justice built its reputation on giving tweens fun, expressive fashion, and pairing that with a character as universally loved as Garfield feels like an easy win. It's also priced affordably and available exclusively at Walmart, so it's an easy add to your back-to-school shopping list.

Grab the full Garfield X Justice collection at Walmart while it's in stock.

TL;DR: Blvck Paris and UNO have launched their second collaboration, headlined by a fully blacked-out UNO deck featuring a new "Black Out" gameplay rule — players race to slap the card, with the slowest drawing four. It's priced from $25 and available online at Blvck Paris.

Blvck Paris and UNO are back for round two, headlined by an all-black UNO deck that reworks the game itself. It's not just a color swap either — Blvck reworked the deck with monochromatic detailing, premium packaging, and introduced a brand-new "Black Out" rule that adds a fun twist to how the game plays.

Here's how it works: when the Black Out card gets played, every player has to race to slap it, and whoever's slowest ends up drawing four cards. It also doubles as a Wild Card, so whoever plays it also gets to pick the next color. It's a small addition that turns a casual round of UNO into even more chaos in the best way.

And honestly? UNO deserves this level of attention. It's one of those rare games from childhood that never actually left — we all still play it as adults, whether it's at a family gathering, a game night with friends, or just killing time on a trip. This isn't just a one-time novelty either — it's a collab that's earned a second round.

Credit: Blvck Paris / UNO

The collection also includes apparel and accessories: an oversized Reverse Hoodie and a Reverse Tee, both reworking UNO's directional arrow branding through Blvck's minimal aesthetic, a vegan leather Mini Travel Bag, and a small headwear collection, including a baseball cap with subtle co-branded detailing.

Prices range from $25 to $160, with sizes running XS to 2XL, and everything's available now at Blvck.

Some black cards? Cool. All-black cards? Iconic. Grab the all-black deck at Blvck Paris before it's gone.

TL;DR: The Samsung 40-inch Odyssey G7 curved gaming monitor is on sale for $649.99 at Amazon, down from its $999.99 list price.

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Credit: Amazon

Samsung 40-inch Odyssey G7 (G75F)

$649.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $350

 

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A 40-inch ultrawide monitor can usually bump the cost of upgrading your gaming rig, but Amazon is now ready to save you hundreds of dollars on Samsung’s curved Odyssey G7. 

As of July 27, the Samsung 40-inch Odyssey G7 G75F curved gaming monitor is available at Amazon for $649.99, with $350 knocked off the $999.99 list price for a huge 35% discount. Sold and shipped directly by Amazon, you’ll get free delivery, scheduled for Aug. 1 (at the time of writing), or July 28 for Prime members. That’s with free 30-day returns.

With its 40-inch VA panel, using a 21:9 aspect ratio and 5,120 x 2,160 WUHD resolution, you’re buying a much wider field of view than a regular 16:9 monitor while keeping the vertical detail of a 4K screen. Add the 1,000R curve, and anything you play — between League of Legends and the upcoming Beast of Reincarnation or Marvel: TOKON Fighting Souls — will be more immersive and jaw-dropping than ever. 

The Odyssey G7 is quick enough for all manner of sessions with other multiplayer games. Its 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time should make movement feel smoother and far more immediate in games like Fortnite, Marvel Rivals, or Call of Duty. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro helps keep the monitor and a compatible GPU in check by reducing screen tearing, stuttering, and distracting frame breaks when the action speeds up multiple fast-moving assets.

What’s more, visual quality gets a further boost from VESA DisplayHDR 600, which is designed to produce brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and clearer detail in darker areas. That should help cinematic games make even better use of their lighting, while the 3,000:1 contrast ratio gives the VA panel more depth than a basic office screen. 

There is practical value outside gaming, too. Picture-by-Picture can display two sources side by side, while Picture-in-Picture lets you keep a smaller input visible over the main screen. Auto Source Switch+ can also jump to a newly activated device without making you cycle through inputs manually. 

SAVE $80: As of July 27, the GoPro LIT Hero is on sale for $189.99 at Amazon. That's a 30% discount on the list price.

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Credit: GoPro

GoPro LIT Hero

$189.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $80

 

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GoPro has been the go-to brand for action cameras for years, and for good reason. They're built to handle all kinds of activities, from extreme sports to more daring water activities.

If you've been wanting to treat yourself to a GoPro for your next outing, check out this new Amazon deal on the GoPro LIT Hero. As of July 27, this camera is now priced at $189.99, saving you $80 on the list price. And according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is the best-ever price for this model.

If you've never used an outdoor camera or similar equipment before, this one is a great choice to start with. It's an entry-level action camera with simple, easy-to-use controls. It lets you easily switch between video, photo, and slow-motion modes using an easy touchscreen interface, and its robust, waterproof design allows it to be used in mud, snow, and water at depths of up to 5 meters.

The camera quality is great too, recording 4K Ultra HD video at up to 60fps for smoother footage and supporting 2x slow-motion playback. It can also capture 12MP images, and you can also extract photos of up to 11MP from recorded videos through the GoPro Quik app.

Find this GoPro deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $270: As of July 27, the Shark AV2501S AI Ultra robot vacuum is on sale for $279.99 at Amazon. That's a 49% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Shark

Shark AV2501S AI Robot Vacuum

$279.96 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $270.03

 

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There’s a reason robot vacuums are becoming a staple in so many homes. Who can resist a device that reduces your housework and keeps your floors clean all day long?

If you're shopping around for something, there are many devices to consider, with prices ranging from the low hundreds to thousands of dollars. But if you're looking for a reliable option from a trustworthy brand, check out this latest Amazon deal on the Shark AV2501S AI Ultra robot vacuum.

As of July 27, this robot vacuum is down to $279.99 from $549.99. That saves you $270, almost half off the full price.

And this vacuum really does make life easier for you. It even has a self-emptying, bagless design that can hold up to 30 days of dirt and debris. And if you have pets at home, loose hair stands no chance against its self-cleaning brushroll and strong suction.

You'll also get a runtime of up to 120 minutes, so you'll get a large area cleaned before it automatically returns to recharge. When it's back up and running, it remembers where it left off and will resume the clean again. You can even schedule cleans or start cleaning sessions and control the robot using voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, so you don't need to get up to run this machine.

Convinced yet? Get this robot vacuum deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $600: As of July 27, the Aiper Scuba V3 is on sale for $799.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Aiper

Aiper Scuba V3

$799.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $600

 

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Robot pool cleaners are a welcome assistant when summer arrives, and pool maintenance becomes a more regular task.

Designed to tackle dirt, leaves, and debris with minimal effort, they can help keep your pool swim-ready throughout the season. There are many to choose from, but if you're looking for an impressive model at a great price, then the Aiper Scuba V3 is currently on sale at Amazon. Normally $1,399.99,this model is currently reduced to $799.99. That's a $600 savings, and it's the lowest-ever price.

So how does it work? This cordless robotic pool cleaner uses an AI-powered camera system to navigate and identify more than 20 types of debris, helping to clean your pool floor more efficiently. Its Cognitive AI Navium Mode analyzes factors such as pool size, weather, and previous cleaning history to create automatic weekly cleaning schedules, too.

After it's done cleaning, the robot returns to the waterline and sends you a notification through the app to tell you it's ready. It also comes with a wireless charging dock that requires no installation, so when it's done, you can just place the cleaner on the dock to recharge and store it between uses.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

SAVE OVER $20: As of July 27, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids 16GB (in select covers) has been marked down to $154.99 at Amazon. That's $25 off its full price of $179.99.

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Credit: Amazon

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (16GB)

$154.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $25

 

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The Kindle is a great investment for avid readers, as a digital library means you can stock up on tons of exciting books without clogging up your shelves. Kindles are some of our favorite e-readers, and if you're shopping for a younger reader in your life, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is our top pick.

For a limited time, you can save on the 16GB model at Amazon. The retailer has knocked the Kindle Paperwhite Kids with select covers — cyber city and starfish — down to $154.99. That saves you $25 off their original price of $179.99.

With 16GB of storage, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids has plenty of space for children to fill up with their favorite novels. It features a glare-free, 7-inch Paperwhite display with a higher contrast ratio and an adjustable warm light that makes reading at all times of the day feel comfortable on the eyes. Plus, it's waterproof, which is a big win if you're taking it on a summer trip to the beach or pool.

Mashable's Samantha Mangino had high praise for this model in our roundup of the best Kindles, writing: "What makes it great for kids is that it's a distraction-free device. It doesn't come with ads, notifications, or the temptation of games or video." She adds: "Parental controls are easy to use and set up, and the device also comes with a six-month free subscription to Amazon Kids+, which provides unlimited access to thousands of age-appropriate books."

This limited-time deal may not last long, so act fast to save on the Kindle Paperwhite Kids 16GB 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.

Props to Elizabeth Meriwether. The creator of New Girl and Dying for Sex had me hooked with the opening sequence of her latest, Furious.

Set in New York City, a quaint but posh block of brownstones is peopled by trick-or-treaters in costumes. On one stone stoop sits a redheaded woman, wearing a plastic cat mask. It'd be a cozy scene, except the opening shot has shown us what lies behind the door she's sitting in front of. There, a white man wheezes in a bathroom spattered with blood and bile. Using one arm, he desperately pulls himself into a hardwood-floored hallway decorated with crown moulding. All around him are silent indicators of wealth, but he is covered in the squalid fluids of sweat, vomit, and blood.

The woman will come inside to find him falling down the stairs in a pathetic attempt to escape her. She'll kill him swiftly, getting close and taunting him as death rattles creep from his dehydrated lips.

"I don't really like listening to you," she says softly, curling up close, like a lover might on a soft bed. "I don't like the sounds you're making. But I love your smile."

And just like that, I was hooked.

While Hulu subscribers will get to watch the first three episodes of Furious when it premieres on July 27, critics were given the whole first season, which is eight episodes long. And I watched them all in one day.

Be warned: This show is a brutal binge-watch. But also a deeply satisfying one.

What's Furious about?

Emmy Rossum and Quincy Tyler Bernstine in "Furious." Credit: Disney / Sarah Shatz

Furious centers on former Brooklyn detective-turned-FBI agent Alice Black (Emmy Rossum). She's a new recruit to the New York office, but has her eye on a spot in the sex crimes unit, run by tough-talking veteran agent Nora (Quincy Tyler Bernstine). She and Nora team up once Alice spots a strange connection between the aforementioned crime scene and the supposed overdose death of a suspected child trafficker.

Turns out the guy in the opening is the son of a billionaire philanthropist. So both the FBI and the Brooklyn PD are on the case. This tosses Alice back into her old squad, where she's made enemies over a domestic violence allegation against another detective. Still loyal to her is detective Danny Kelly (Scoot McNairy), who's eager to follow her on what she believes is a serial killer case. And with a female suspect, it's an unusual case indeed.

Meanwhile, the unnamed killer (Lola Petticrew) drifts from one identity to another. Over the first three episodes, she changes her hair, speech, affect, and name to move from the brownstone to a domestic violence shelter to a catering gig that gets her close to her next target.

Meriwether found inspiration for the series in the 1987 neo-noir Black Widow, which centered on the cat-and-mouse dynamic of a female investigator and a female serial killer. The chaotic chemistry of that setup blossoms in Furious. But in place of the gold digger turned black widow narrative, Meriwether's murderess is soon revealed to be a former sex worker, seeking vengeance against those who exploited her as a child.

Furious tackles horrid realities with a shrewd sensitivity.

Credit: Disney / Sarah Shatz

While this series deals in child exploitation and sexual assault, Meriwether and her team of sharp directors won't make a spectacle of rape. Rather than flashbacks of the killer's past, Meriwether uses other storytelling devices to land the horrors of what happened without showing them.

Some things are subtle, like when Alice and Nora speak to a 15-year-old fast food employee, urging her to testify against other traffickers. The girl's playful attitude reflects her youth, and when she's later found beaten nearly to death, her stillness on a hospital bed expresses the potential consequences of trying to escape a sex-trafficking ring. Likewise, in episode 2, the killer, whose name is eventually revealed to be Catherine, unexpectedly encounters Mira (Riley Vinson), the baby-faced daughter of her current victim.

Rather than attacking her, they bond over food, boy talk, and hairstyling. And in these moments of girlhood, Catherine tells Mira about her past. Specifically, Catherine reveals how she was this child's age when men had sex with her and hurt her, over and over. We don't need to see a flashback of Catherine's life to understand that. We need only to see her fury and the shock in Mira's face.

As the title suggests, fury motivates more than just Catherine. Alice and Nora are also urged on by ire. Meriwether pulls inspiration from Greek mythology, with Nora delivering powerful speeches about the Furies — deities of vengeance — as well as Medusa, and the culture's belief that all forms of anger might lead to madness.

This poetry enhances the complexities in Furious, where both hero and villain have trauma over violence committed against them, and a capacity for violence in response. Who is seeking payback, and who is seeking justice? As corruption creeps into the plot, playing by the book feels certain to fail in terms of catching the show's biggest bads. So, Alice begins to take risks and break rules, making for sequences that are breath-stoppingly tense.

Rossum and Petticrew lead a knock-out cast.

Lola Petticrew in "Furious." Credit: Disney / Sarah Shatz

For her part, Rossum, who also serves a producer, shoulders the series. As Alice, she carries a hardened exterior as a shield. But she swaps it for a smile when appealing to young victims. Then, with Nora, her eyes grow wide, eager to drink up her wisdom and any motherly guidance. With Danny, she's playful, but in the way of an older sister, always with an edge of "Don't fuck with me" menace. Faced with her abuser (Jake Lacy), she transforms again — to say how would be a spoiler. So, who will she be when she finally meets Catherine? All I'll say is that that episode is absolutely electrifying.

Like Rossum, Petticrew is playing a role of many sides. Catherine is practically a shapeshifter, a survival mechanism that allows her to slide into anonymity or stand out as suits her needs. One moment, she's a sneering murderess. The next, she's a flirty cater waiter with a submission kink. Then, she's a sultry cam girl or a committed nurse's aid. In each incarnation, Petticrew keeps us guessing, trying to understand who the real Catherine is.

Along the way to this discovery, Furious introduces an array of characters who, like the leads, are morally complex and fascinating. McNairy is heartbreaking as the earnest Danny, who'd die for Alice — and just might. With a hang-dog countenance and sparkling eyes, his yearning is so palpable you can practically grab onto it and feel a heartbeat within.

As Nora, Bernstine is a consistent scene-stealer. She delivers hard-hitting monologues about the shortcomings of the justice system with a profound world-weariness. But in moments of seeming victory, she has a childlike glee with a mature sense of righteousness. She sings — a bit inexplicably — throughout the series, and it's always a delight. And even in the darkest moments, she's wickedly funny. Nora is perhaps the clearest distillation of the curious concoction Meriwether has made with Furious. She is not easily defined as good or bad, hopeful or cynical, kind or cruel. And this is true for many of the show's "good guys," and even some of its "bad guys."

At her side, Rob Yang is hilarious as an ambitious but easily riled agent, whose brown-nosing practically becomes physical comedy. Rob Delaney, who also appeared in Meriwether's Dying for Sex, is likewise a crack-up, but also sleazy as a pricey lawyer with a creepy hypocrisy at his core. Then, the biggest surprise in the supporting case is Steve Way.

Ramy fans will recognize Way, but he was new to me. In episode three, he's introduced as Alden, who Catherine cares for as a nurse's aide. As the season goes along, their relationship becomes crucial to understanding Catherine. Together, they laugh, flirt, and talk in a way that's bracingly honest and accepting. When someone challenges him about her potential for violence, he alludes to a classic closing line from Some Like It Hot, saying, "No one's perfect." But Way's delivery is perfect. He's brilliantly funny, bringing a welcomed levity and defiance to Furious's grim content.

Altogether, this collision of talent, richness, and humanity in front of and behind the camera makes Furious an absolute stunner. Meriwether has built a slow-burn thriller, where the cop and the killer share a complicated relationship with violence. The murder scenes of men are brutal, but this provides a strange balance to the flood of media where the rape of women is treated like a naughty spectacle. The exploration of trauma and the messiness of healing is thoughtful and thought-provoking. The humor is dark yet humane. And the finale will have you cheering, gasping, and craving more.

Without spoilers, I will promise this: Furious answers the biggest questions its first season raises. Then, it gives a glimpse of where it could go next. And — to quote another TV heroine who's complex and funny — I want to go to there.

The first three episodes of Furious debut on Hulu on July 27, with new episodes every Monday through Aug. 31. 

TL;DR: uTalk teaches practical vocabulary with recordings from native speakers across more than 150 languages. Get lifetime access for $69.97 (reg. $300).

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Credit: uTalk

uTalk Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (150+ Languages)

$69.97
$300 Save $230.03

 

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Some language apps are great for keeping a streak alive. uTalk is built to help you actually communicate. Learn practical words and phrases from native speakers across more than 150 languages with a lifetime subscription for $69.97 (reg. $300).

Knowing individual words is one thing. Being able to order dinner, ask for directions, or make small talk on your next trip is another. uTalk focuses on the second approach, teaching practical words and phrases spoken by actual locals.

Instead of asking you to spend weeks mastering grammar before saying your first sentence, uTalk starts with vocabulary you’ll use in the real world. Lessons cover more than 60 real-world topics, from introducing yourself and asking for help to navigating airports, restaurants, hotels, and everyday conversations. Every word and phrase is recorded by native speakers, so you’re learning how the language actually sounds, not just how it looks on the page.

The app also lets you learn at your own pace with speaking games, progress tracking, and bite-sized lessons that fit into a commute or coffee break. Whether you’re preparing for an overseas vacation, relocating for work, connecting with relatives, or simply picking up a new hobby, it’s easy to squeeze in a few minutes of practice without feeling like you’re back in school.

A single lifetime subscription offers more than 150 languages, including widely spoken options like Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Arabic, and Japanese, alongside less commonly taught languages such as Hawaiian, Greenlandic, Breton, and Ancient Greek. From a weekend in Paris to a business trip in Seoul, you’ll already have the language tools waiting.

Normally $300, you can grab a lifetime subscription to uTalk for only $69.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for $9.97 through Aug. 2 and unlock enterprise-grade features with a one-time purchase.

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Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro

$9.97
$199 Save $189.03

 

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Some upgrades just feel right. This is one of them.

If your PC has been running a little sluggish or you’ve been meaning to bring your system up to speed, Windows 11 Pro is just $9.97 (reg. $199) through 11:59 p.m. PT on Aug. 2 — a rare, time-sensitive offer that rewards quick, savvy decisions.

This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s more about giving your computer the modern foundation it deserves. Windows 11 Pro brings a sleeker UI, better multitasking, and enhanced security — all in a one-time lifetime license.

Think of it as the difference between driving a reliable car and suddenly upgrading to one with a smarter dashboard, smoother handling, and built-in security features.

For professionals, creators, and power users, this upgrade also unlocks features like Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, and seamless Azure AD integration — tools that make a real difference when you’re working across projects or managing sensitive data.

And yes, Windows 11 comes with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can summarize pages, change settings, or even help you generate code on the fly. It’s like having a co-pilot (literally) inside your OS.

But you don’t need convincing — you already know a smart upgrade when you see one.

Get Windows 11 Pro for just $9.97 (reg. $199) through Aug. 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Score your own Apple MacBook Pro for only $429.97 (reg. $1,999) now through August 9, while supplies last.

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Credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Pro 2020 (Refurbished)

$429.97
$1,999 Save $1,569.03

 

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Whether you’re headed back to school soon or you’re just trying to power through a serious summer slump, sometimes you just need a new laptop. When it comes to powerful and portable devices that help you get things done, you can’t beat the MacBook Pro — but it usually comes with a sky-high price tag.

Fortunately, just in time for the end of summer, you can now get one for $429.97.

If you’re looking for a laptop that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, you can’t beat the MacBook Pro. This one is powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2 GHz base speed for smooth multitasking and Turbo Boost up to 3.8 GHz, so it’s ready to keep up with demanding workloads.

1TB of SSD storage gives you plenty of space to store files locally and download your favorite apps, with room to grow. You’ll also have 16GB of RAM that can keep up with video editing and coding.

A 13.3-inch display delivers bright colors and sharp details with a 2560×1600 native resolution, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics offer enhanced visuals when you need to work on anything creative. Apple’s signature True Tone Technology even helps reduce eye strain by adjusting the screen’s color based on your lighting.

This model has a Magic Keyboard complete with the Touch Bar, so you’ll experience responsive typing and easy access to shortcuts right at the top. Touch ID also keeps your device safe, so you’ll need fingerprint authentication to log in.

You’ll have an impressive 10-hour battery life on a full charge, with four Thunderbolt 3 ports for easy connectivity.

You’re saving big on this device thanks to its Grade A refurbished rating. That means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition, while you score a deep discount.

Bring home this Apple MacBook Pro for only $429.97 until Aug. 9, while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

AdultFriendFinder has been hooking people up for 30 years, having long established itself as the top adult dating site — and the go-to place for singles who want casual flings and hookups. AFF has stayed strong through major changes in the dating game and online culture. It's survived the emergence of dating apps, weathered the dominance of apps such as Tinder, and maintained a unique identity to stand out in the hugely crowded and competitive field of online dating. 

If you're looking to let your freak flag fly — and why not, we say, go for it — AFF offers you the best variety of ways to explore and indulge in kink-based fun. To help get you started, here's a round-up of six great features on AdultFriendFinder — features you won't find on any other dating sites.

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Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

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Naked content

The first thing to notice when you register for an AFF account (and you could hardly miss it) is that the site doesn't exactly shy away from nudity. You'll find it in every corner of AFF and throughout its interface. Indeed, it's very common for users' profile photos to contain genitalia close-ups or full-frontal nudity rather than the usual headshot you get on more typical dating sites. 

You can also post videos on your profile, including explicit videos, and there are webcam feeds live at any given time with amateur and professional models in various states of undress and pleasure. 

If you find yourself distracted by all of the nudity or just want to browse the site in public without having NSFW imagery all over your screen, you can turn on the adult content filter by navigating to your profile settings in the top right of the screen, then scrolling down to Content Filter and selecting either No Nudity, Some Nudity, or Everything (the default setting, naturally). Though it's worth adding that it's probably best to avoid checking AFF while you're out in public, no matter what filters you have in place.

Live webcam feeds

We know that webcam sites are rife — there's no shortage of options for cam-based naughtiness — but it's rare to find an actual dating site that hosts live webcam feeds. Indeed, you'll find not just professional models but also regular users on AFF webcam feeds.

All you need to do is go to the Live Action menu at the top of your AFF window and click either Member Webcams or Pro Models. Once you've selected your preference, there are even more specific search filters, including gender (Men, Women, or Trans), Nude or Non-Nude, and even by proximity to your location.

One thing to note, however: while free members can view webcam feeds (including more than one at a time), only Gold members and above can actually chat with models.

Discussion forums, blogs, and group chats

Unlike traditional dating sites, which only seek to match people in one-on-one interactions, AdultFriendFinder encourages group dynamics, especially in their Community section. Here you'll find not only personal blog posts by AFF users commenting on their experience, sharing stories, or posting queries, but also group discussion boards organized around literally hundreds of interesting topics. 

Many of these are sexual in nature (there's a polyamory group, for example, and a "women who like older men" group), but many are organized around interests and hobbies, including politics, tech, travel, movies, and music. 

Best of all, you can participate in these communal discussions without having to subscribe to AFF's Gold membership, which helps to keep these places more lively than they would otherwise be if only paying members could access these spaces. 

Erotic stories

Fun fact: erotic fiction now accounts for approximately 25 percent of all fiction sold in the United States, so it's hardly surprising that erotic writing ("literotica" for those in the know) would be a major draw. What is surprising, however, is how few online dating sites take advantage of it.

AdultFriendFinder members who wish to read or write sexy stories, real or imagined, can navigate to the Community menu and select Stories, where they'll uncover a near-unlimited array of stories, novels, fan fiction, and even erotic poetry. 

If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore the stories at random, but AFF also deploys a clever tagging system that allows you to search by topic, with popular options including First Time, Sci-Fi, TSTV (trans and transvestite), and Voyeur. 

Popular stories achieve higher ratings and greater on-site visibility, and popular authors can actually build a large following on the site, so whether you're eager to read more erotic fiction or aspire to write some, AFF has you covered. 

Contests

One of the more fun aspects of AdultFriendFinder is that it genuinely seeks to cultivate a sense of community and actively encourages its users to spend more time on the site, especially in the public-facing sections. Their on-site contests are a fantastic example of this in action. 

About once per month, the site hosts a themed photo contest, asking members to submit photos and then allowing the rest of the site to vote on which submissions best reflect or embody the contest caption. 

The most recent photo contest theme was "Velvet Secrets: Valentine's Masquerade," while prior contests included "Naughty & Nice" for the holidays and "Midnight Mischief." Winners get a special badge they can display on their profile, plus tons more profile visibility, so there's a strong incentive to participate. 

To enter, scroll to the Community menu and then find Contests at the very bottom of the options list. If there's an active contest and you are logged in to your account, you'll be given the option of participating.

Kink-based profile search

Every online dating site or app has a profile section, where you can fill out pertinent personal information such as your sexual orientation, level of education, and whatever hobbies, interests, or special skills you have that might make you stand out from the crowd, but AdultFriendFinder takes things a step further by offering members the opportunity to list their kinks.

If you navigate to your profile name in the top right of your AFF screen and then select Dating Profile and Edit Profile, you'll have the opportunity to add to your My Kinks section. Popular options here include BDSM, voyeurism, and cross-dressing, but the full list is far more extensive.

Best of all, these kink lists aren't merely decorative. If you have a premium account, you can actually search out other members by their chosen kinks, allowing you to find the people in your area who like exhibitionism or have a foot fetish, for example. 

There's no shortage of online dating sites, and even no shortage of hookup-first sites, but when it comes to adult dating, AFF clearly separates itself from the competition with its wide array of kink-friendly features and accommodations. 

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Commander Deck Bundle is on sale for $209.95 at Amazon, down from its $299.96 list price.

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Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Commander Deck Bundle

$209.95 at Amazon
$299.96 Save $90.01

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Building one Commander deck in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game can take plenty of time, but this Marvel Super Heroes bundle skips straight to the part where everyone chooses a side and actually starts playing. 

As of July 27, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Commander Deck Bundle is available at Amazon for $209.95. That's $90.01 off and the lowest price this four-deck set has ever been, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

The listing is sold and shipped directly by Amazon, with free delivery currently scheduled for Aug. 1, or July 29 for Prime members. Amazon is also marking the bundle as a final sale with no returns, so it is worth checking that you want all four decks before ordering. 

At this price, the bundle works out to roughly $52.49 per Commander deck before tax. What’s more, this new deal is even undercutting the market price value of $218.36 on TCGplayer, with listings only going as low as $218.90. 

The bundle includes Avengers Assemble, Wakanda Forever, The Fantastic Four, and Doom Prevails. Each is a ready-to-play 100-card Commander deck, meaning four players can pick a Marvel team or villain lineup and get into a multiplayer game without building anything first.

Every deck also contains 30 cards that are entirely new to Magic: The Gathering, along with 10 double-sided token cards, a deck box, a strategy guide, and a reference card. Altogether, that gives you 400 playable cards and 40 tokens across the bundle.

The foil treatment differs slightly between the four decks. Avengers Assemble, Wakanda Forever, and Doom Prevails each include one Traditional Foil Borderless commander, while The Fantastic Four comes with four — one for every member of the team.

For anyone still getting used to parts of MTG, Commander is designed as a free-for-all multiplayer format and is generally best with three to five players. That makes this bundle a particularly easy way to put together a complete Marvel-themed game night, with four distinct decks already built around their own heroes, villains, gear, and strategies.

Among other deals in MTG right now, you can still grab the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven Draft Night on sale for just over $80. Plus, you can pre-order the 30-pack Magic: The Gathering Reality Fracture Play Booster Box at $10 off on Amazon. 

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle is on sale for $48.43 at Amazon, down from its $59.99 list price. 

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Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle

$48.43 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $11.56

 

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The Chaos Rising expansion has been fluctuating around the $50-60 mark in the Pokémon TCG market lately, but Amazon’s latest third-party listing has pushed the six-pack Booster Bundle down for a limited time.

As of July 27, the Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Booster Bundle is available at Amazon for $48.43. That's $11.56 cut from the $59.99 list price.

Sold at that price by third-party sellers, delivery is set between July 30 and Aug. 17, although a slightly more expensive listing by J & M Collectibles (shipped by Amazon) for $52.49 will get to you by Aug. 1 at the time of writing. At $48.43, each of the six included Chaos Rising booster packs works out to roughly $8.07 before tax. 

Each booster pack contains 10 trading cards and one Basic Energy. The headline valuable chase cards you can pull (or buy individually on TCGplayer) include SIR Mega Greninja ex, MHR Mega Greninja ex, SIR Cinccino ex, and SIR Mega Dragalge ex. 

For even more from this expansion, you can score the 36-pack Chaos Rising Booster Display Box for around $200. As for the Pokémon TCG’s new expansion, you can buy the Pitch Black Booster Bundle for just over $40 on Amazon. 

TL;DR: Get the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when you trade in your eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan. Alternatively, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro is free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in needed).

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Credit: Apple

T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 17 for free

 

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Samsung is the center of attention at the moment, and that makes total sense. Samsung just dropped three new foldables smartphones, two smartwatches, and smart glasses. But can we hold some space for Apple?

Apple prices are bumping in the face of RAMageddon, but you can still secure a limited-time offer on iPhones from T-Mobile. This popular mobile carrier has just dropped a fresh batch of free iPhone deals on the latest handsets.

You can switch to almost any T-Mobile plan and get a free iPhone 17e with no trade-in required. Alternatively, you can score the iPhone 17 for free when signing up for 24 months of an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan and trading in an eligible phone. For power users, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro is free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in needed).

T-Mobile will charge taxes on these free deals and a $35 device connection fee. That's mildly irritating, but that's how it often goes with this kind of deal.

If you’re still rocking an iPhone 12 or 13, you’re missing out on some genuinely game-changing features. The iPhone 17 is the first base model built specifically to handle Apple’s most advanced AI features. Mashable's Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter." That's enough for us to consider upgrading.

Get the Apple iPhone 17 for free this week with T-Mobile.

Shopping for clothes is hard enough, but it's even tougher when shopping online. Outfits that look great on TikTok and Instagram don't always translate well to real life, and screens can easily hide thin fabrics and poor construction. As such, it can be difficult to spot quality pieces, and scary to spend your hard-earned cash on clothes you can't inspect in person.

Fortunately, you don't have to dive into the world of online shopping completely unarmed. Here are some tips to help you separate flimsy fast fashion from quality clothes you can pass to your grandkids.

Compare a garment's purpose with its material

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Adobe Stock

When shopping for clothes online, one of the best and most immediate indicators of quality is its fabric composition. For Dr. Rachel Lamarche-Beauchesne MA PhD, senior lecturer of Fashion Marketing and Enterprise at Torrens University Australia, her number one tip is to look at a garment's fibre content.

"I take offence to 'premium' products being sold with poor fabrics such as a blazer lining made of 100 percent polyester within a blazer retailed for multiple hundreds [of] dollars," Lamarche-Beauchesne told Mashable. "I would never buy this."

This doesn't mean you should only be buying high-end fabrics such as silk and cashmere. Rather, consider whether the fabric a garment is made of is suitable for its intended purpose. 

Office attire should be made of materials that are comfortable on the skin for all-day wear, such as cotton or linen. Synthetic fibres such as polyester are generally less breathable, making them uncomfortable in warm environments. However, polyester does have the advantage of being durable, easy to care for, and typically more affordable than natural fabrics. This makes them well suited to workout outfits instead of corporate clothes.

"For activewear or swimwear, bar from a few brands, it will be difficult to find alternatives to true synthetics, like nylon, polyester, and spandex, and those products will likely perform very differently than what people have come to expect from the category," said Lamarche-Beauchesne. 

You can usually find the fabric composition of clothes listed online in the product description. If you're buying second-hand, see if there are any close-up photos of the garment label. Platforms such as Depop or eBay let you message sellers, so don't be shy about asking about the fabric if the information isn't in the listing.

You should also consider exactly what part of the garment each listed material is being used for, such as whether they're in a jacket's shell or lining. Lamarche-Beauchesne states that while polyester may not be suitable for a lining, semi-synthetic material rayon (also known as viscose, Tencel, Lyocell, and a variety of other names) serves this purpose well.

"All [rayon materials] are derived from cellulose, and are very comfortable on the skin, including for linings or satin weaves closer to the body," said Lamarche-Beauchesne. "If odour is a concern, polyester lining traps odours much quicker than their cellulose counterpart."

Lamarche-Beauchesne also looks for fabrics that are completely made from one material where possible, such as 100 percent cotton knitwear. However, this isn't a hard and fast rule, as it heavily depends on what the materials are, what qualities they impart to the garment, and what percentage of it they make up.

"A pair of jeans with over two to three percent spandex to cotton ratio has a high likelihood of becoming distended, as the spandex fibre can stretch further, and are more prone to breakage," Lamarche-Beauchesne explained. "I would not buy a pair of jeans with polyester in it, but I would consider a two percent spandex to 98 percent cotton ratio."

Zoom in on the details and design

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Adobe Stock

Choosing appropriate fabrics will go a long way toward spotting quality pieces when shopping online. However, materials can also vary in quality — even synthetic ones. IDA+S co-founder Kinsen Siu told Mashable that not all polyester is equal, varying in quality just like natural materials. IDA+S is an Australian clothing brand that focuses on versatile, practical, and long-lasting pieces, and is named for Siu's mother: Lafayette 148 co-founder Ida Siu.

"[Polyester can have] tighter weaving that gives it a more luxury handfeel, finishing treatments that improve softness or add features such as moisture wicking, [or] anti-microbial in categories like performance wear and athleisure wear," Siu listed. "The problem is that high quality and bad quality polyester is indistinguishable as a content [listed in a garment's description]."

As such, you should also look at clothes' details and design. In addition to potentially offering more information on the fabric, such details help indicate the care and attention put into making the garment. Online stores may include close-up photos of high quality clothes, showing off buttonholes and lining, or allow you to significantly magnify product shots without loss of detail. Other times, you'll only have a handful of full-body photos that don't allow for such scrutiny, and may be hiding lacklustre finishes.

"A simple [tip] is: can you zoom in on the product photo?" said Siu, comparing the maximum zoom on a faux leather jacket to that of IDA+S' Isolde Leather Bomber Jacket. "One gives you the overall look of a garment. The other shows you the minute grain of the leather and the button detail. If you look at the pattern of the button [on the Isolde Leather Bomber Jacket], this is what's called a horn button, which is a pricier but more sustainable and stronger button option.

"In general, the more detail a brand has put into their product, the more effort and confidence they'll have in showcasing those details. Along the same lines, those details allow you to see the detail and the density of the stitching." 

While being able to magnify product photos will tell you a lot, full body shots are useful as well. Look at the model's pose, and whether they're positioned in a way that might be hiding details such as its drape. Carefully examining the garment's design, how it's cut, how the fabric falls, as well as how it sits on the model can help you determine if a purchase is worth it or a waste.

"[Look for] product design that adapts to the body in some way," said Lamarche-Beauchesne. Back waist elastics on bottoms are a non-negotiable for her, as they are comfortable and help clothes last longer. "It is very difficult to get a sense of the construction quality online, but the garment design, how it sits on the model, and considering additional design decisions, can support better decision-making when purchasing online."

Pricing is an indicator of quality, not a guarantee

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Adobe Stock

Higher prices can indicate that a garment is of higher quality. Lamarche-Beauchesne stated that pricing often plays an important role in the type of materials used, and that a garment's price-to-fibre ratio is "the biggest red flag" when shopping for clothes online. It's highly unlikely that your $10 Shien dress was crafted with the care and materials needed to ensure it withstands the test of time.

However, while an expensive price tag means a garment is more likely to be well made, it isn't a surefire promise of quality.

"Fashion overwhelmingly functions on a perceived-value model, and that model means that we assign to garments the value that we assign to its brand," said Lamarche-Beauchesne. "A brand sold at a premium price is a branding decision first. It is about marketing and does not always translate to a durable fibre selection or manufacturing quality. Consumers always have to be vigilant here."

Last September, popular TikTok fashion influencer Wisdom Kaye posted a video of his new Miu Miu vest losing a button as he undid it for the first time. This was actually a replacement that the luxury brand sent Kaye after his first vest also lost a button shortly after he brought it home, with the zip on a jacket breaking as well.

The video went viral, racking up over 11 million views, and sparked conversations about perceived quality decline in luxury fashion. Few shoppers would have expected such issues from a designer like Miu Miu, which charges several thousand dollars for a single shirt. 

It's a helpful reminder that a famous brand name and hefty price tag aren't necessarily guarantees of a garment's quality. Pricing is a useful indicator to help you draw a conclusion. Even so, you still need to do your own due diligence, and inspect clothes' material, details, and design.

Examine and take advantage of return policies

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Adobe Stock

Unfortunately, there are limits to how much you can discern about clothes by scrutinizing photos online. The quickest and easiest way to determine quality is to actually see and feel a garment in person. As such, Siu says your best bet may simply be to buy clothes with the intent to return them if you're underwhelmed.

"There are brands that are confident in their quality but understand that their clothes can't fit everyone," said Siu, speaking on return policies. "Check that return policy, buy it, try it on, and be diligent about returning it if it doesn't work for you."

When examining a store's return policy, look at whether they accept change of mind returns, how long you have to return your items, who's responsible for return postage costs, and whether there's a restocking fee. IDA+S' Try Before You Buy service gives customers three days to try on clothes while their payment is put on hold. However, you must remember to actually return them within the time limit, or else be out of pocket for clothes you don't want.

"Treat online shopping as if you are taking clothes into a fitting room," said Siu. "Be prepared to start the return process. Yes, it's inconvenient, but it is equally inconvenient for the brand. High returns is the signal to them that something is remiss in their product quality and it forces them to investigate it."

Siu advised comparing clothes from new brands to ones from designers you already know and trust. Look at details on garments from your favourite labels, consider the quality and features you like, and compare them to garments from new brands you're interested in. 

He further suggested digging into unfamiliar brands' backgrounds to determine whether you can trust them. In Siu's view, a label with no visible face behind it may be cause for suspicion.

"My personal habit is to look at the 'about us,' find the founder's name, and google them. In particular I look them up on LinkedIn," said Siu. "This is an extraordinarily difficult business to succeed in [the] long term. Every single brand has a challenge of driving awareness of which the founder is responsible for. No details in the 'about us'? Nothing about the founder? That is a major red flag."

Buy clothes you'll actually wear

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Adobe Stock

Fabric, details, drape, and pricing are all significant considerations when shopping for clothes online. These factors will help you find garments that not only look and feel good to wear, but will last you for years to come. However, the most important factor when shopping for clothes is whether you'll actually wear a piece, and have the capacity to care for it as needed.

"Given a poly blend that you wear on a regular basis for years vs a 100 percent linen shirt that you can't bring yourself to wear because you can't be bothered to iron it, it's clear that one has far greater utility," said Siu.

Fast fashion-fuelled clothes hauls and fashion trends can be fun to follow online. But if you want to get the most bang for your buck, help protect the environment, and elevate your look while at it, mindfully shopping for quality clothes will go a long way toward helping you achieve those goals.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you've ever gone fishing.

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.

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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.

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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: NFL teams

• Green: NHL teams

• Blue: Seen in Cincy

• Purple: German soccer clubs

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: NFL Teams Whose Nicknames Start with B

• Green: NHL Teams Whose Nicknames Start with B

• Blue: Associated with Cincinnati

• Purple: Words in the names of Bundesliga Clubs

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 #672 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• NFL Teams Whose Nicknames Start with B: BEARS, BILLS, BRONCOS, BUCCANEERS

• NHL Teams Whose Nicknames Start with B: BLACKHAWKS, BLUE JACKETS, BLUES, BRUINS

• Associated with Cincinnati: BEARCATS, BENGALS, BIG RED MACHINE, BURROW

• Words in the names of Bundesliga Clubs: BAYER, BAYERN, BERLIN, BORUSSIA

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 27 Pips

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

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 5-5, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 6-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 27 Pips

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 27 Pips

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

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

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed horizontally.

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

Number (0): Everything in this orange space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 1-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 1-5, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

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

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally; 3-2, placed horizontally.

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

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.

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

Hurdle Word 1 hint

Red tone.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

ROUGE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Smelled bad.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

STUNK

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

Ultra speed.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

TURBO

Hurdle Word 4 hint

What basketball is played on.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

COURT

Final Hurdle hint

To break.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

SMASH

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 just a couple of days away from the Full Moon, so it's looking nice and bright in the sky. Keep reading to find out what you might be able to spot on its surface, with or without visual aids.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, July 27, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in Waxing Gibbous phase, with 95% of its surface visible.

Using just your naked eye, tonight you should be to see the Mares Fecunditatis, Serenitatis, and Tranquillitatis. Binoculars will also help you to see the Mare Nectaris, Mare Humorum, and the Endymion Crater. If you have a telescope, this will help you see all this plus the Apollo 12, 16, and 17 landing spots.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on July 29.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to complete its journey around Earth, passing through eight distinct phases during each lunar cycle, according to NASA. While the Moon’s same side is always visible from our planet, the portion of its surface lit by the Sun changes as it moves along its orbit. These shifting levels of illumination are what create the different appearances we see throughout the month, from a slender crescent shape to a half-lit Moon and finally a bright Full Moon, before the cycle begins once again.

The eight phases are:

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.

Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), you tricky devil. Not only are you a witch, but you've also been hiding a clutch of dragon eggs from everyone this whole time!

In House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 6, Alys reveals to Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) that she's been guarding five dragon eggs, which now look gray, stony, and unable to hatch. Once Aemond sees them, he whispers, "Dreamfyre." That's the name of the blue dragon ridden by Queen Rhaena Targaryen, sister to King Jaehaerys, and therefore great aunt to Viserys (Paddy Considine) and Daemon (Matt Smith). Now, Dreamfyre is ridden by Helaena (Phia Saban), although the dragon has yet to make an appearance on the show.

Alys having dragon eggs at Harrenhal is a departure from George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood, which doesn't dive too deep into the beginnings of Alys and Aemond's relationship. However, the presence of dragon eggs at Harrenhal is consistent with Fire and Blood's lore.

Where did Dreamfyre lay her eggs?

Dreamfyre was a particularly fertile dragon, laying at least three clutches of eggs in her lifetime. One clutch, laid at Fair Isle, became coveted by several lords and ladies, with the Lannisters even offering to buy them. Rhaena refused the offer.

Dreamfyre made her lair in Dragonstone, and then, following Rhaena's death, she lived in the Dragonpit in King's Landing. But between those two points, as Alys points out in the show, Dreamfyre did have a stint in Harrenhal. (Notice how she speaks as if from personal experience, suggesting Alys is far more older — and therefore otherworldly — than she may seem.) During that time, given Dreamfyre's fertility and her presence at Harrenhal, it's entirely possible that she could have laid eggs there within the book's lore.

However, what's more intriguing now that these eggs are in play is what House of the Dragon plans to do with them next. Could Aemond and Alys' union truly spark a new generation of dragons? If they have a child, would they bond with one of the eggs? Again, they look pretty stony, so the answer doesn't seem likely. Then again, Alys has many a trick up her sleeve, so I wouldn't put hatching a dragon egg too far out of the realm of possibility. (It would be far out of Fire and Blood's canon, though.)

Alternatively, Alys could be manipulating Aemond, luring him in with the promise of more dragons while Vhagar remains absent. Likely, the situation is some combination of both: Alys wants a return of magic and power to Harrenhal on her terms, and she sees a path towards it in the vulnerable Aemond. One thing is for certain: With the introduction of these eggs and with Alicent Hightower's (Olivia Cooke) journey to Westeros' most cursed castle, we're headed for a showdown at Harrenhal that could look quite different from the book.

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.

Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) time on the Iron Throne has been an absolute nightmare.

Her treasury? Empty. The Gold Cloaks? Murdered. Tumbleton? Taken hostage by Ormund Hightower (James Norton). Now, as if things can't get any worse, her own throne has betrayed her.

In House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 6, Rhaenyra endures yet another rough session of listening to her subjects' petitions. The citizens of King's Landing are worried about rising costs of their basic needs, as well as the lack of protection from the Gold Cloaks. Rhaenyra is unequipped to answer their worries, and as she stews in her discomfort and rising panic, the Iron Throne cuts her finger and draws blood.

Rhaenyra hides her injury, but as she does, she looks towards one of the statues of the Targaryen kings lining the throne room. It's that of her father, Viserys (Paddy Considine), seen holding what looks like a model of Old Valyria. Viserys was no stranger to getting chopped up by the Iron Throne himself. Throughout his reign, he suffered many minor injuries from the throne's swords. They were the Iron Throne's way of saying he was unworthy, that he was losing his grip on the realm. Eventually, the wounds festered and led to his drawn-out, rotting death. From just this one cut alone, Rhaenyra sees her father's fate playing out before her. She knows her time on the Iron Throne is in peril.

A similar sequence plays out in George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood, although it takes place far earlier in Rhaenyra's reign. When she first sits on the Iron Throne in the book, Rhaenyra picks up cuts on her leg and palm and leaves the throne room with blood running down her body for everyone to see. It's visual proof for the realm that the Iron Throne is straight up rejecting her.

When House of the Dragon initially omitted that detail, I thought it was the show's way of legitimizing Rhaenyra's rule and silencing the "historical" sources in Fire and Blood, who may have embellished her downfall. Now, though, it's clear that the show was just taking a longer approach to Rhaenyra's decline as a ruler. Instead of immediately shunning her, the show's version of the Iron Throne must have thought, "You know what? I'm gonna give her some time to prove herself." When that didn't work out, it decided it was time to give her a very painful wake-up call by turning her hand into mincemeat.

The cut is still small enough that Rhaenyra is able to keep it private, unlike in Fire and Blood, where it's a public affair. Still, as Rhaenyra keeps unravelling, could the Iron Throne keep doing more visible damage until, like Viserys, Rhaenyra's unworthiness is visible to everyone?

More importantly, what are the Iron Throne's criteria for a good ruler? Because it certainly wasn't slicing and dicing Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) while he sat — unworthily! — on the Iron Throne. Nor did it chop up the tyrannical Joffrey Baratheon when he was king. Did the Iron Throne get lazy, or is a non-sentient chair of swords just maybe not the best judge of a monarch?

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.

Another House of the Dragon episode, another possible death for Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint).

The Lord of the Tides had a brush with fate in Season 3, episode 1, during the Battle of the Gullet, but even going overboard in full armour wasn't enough to stop him from washing up on the beach relatively unharmed.

The question is, has his luck finally ran out?

What happens at the end of House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 6?

After absolutely laying into Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) when she refuses to legitimise his sons, Corlys goes a bit AWOL. He's found by his son Alyn (Abubakar Salim) out in the woods, casually butchering members of the Triarchy who have apparently been carrying out raids on Driftmark.

Alyn tells Corlys that he's needed back in King's Landing, but he initially seems reluctant — at least until the episode's end. In the final scene of episode 6, we hear him giving a speech to his men, telling them they're needed back in the city. As he stares at the hanged bodies, though, Lord Ormund's righthand man, Bold Jon Roxton (Joplin Sibtain) appears behind him with men of his own.

"Who are you?" says Corlys. "What's your errand?"

Realising Ser Jon doesn't mean well, Corlys draws his blade — but it's too late. A man jumps on him from behind and wraps something around his neck.

Is Lord Corlys actually dead this time?

Surely Lord Corlys can't come back from the dead twice, can he? Well, even though we don't see exactly what happens to him, we do have a few clues to work from. First, after the man jumps on him, there's another distant shot of him struggling. We see a second man approach, but the camera cuts away before we can tell exactly what Corlys' attackers are up to. Crucially, though, Corlys is still moving when we last see him. He's not dead yet.

Second, we have to think about Ormund's motivation here. Obviously, he's sent Bold Jon to attack Corlys, but would the Velaryon lord be worth more to him dead or alive? Killing Corlys would certainly weaken Rhaenyra's position further, but taking him hostage could be even more powerful — not only does it deprive Rhaenyra of her re-enforcements, but it also gives Team Green a pretty big bargaining chip.

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 made several huge deviations from George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood. It cooked up Ormund Hightower's (James Norton) entire plan to crown Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) from scratch, and it gave Nettles' book storyline to Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell).

Now, though, it unleashes what could be its biggest change yet: sending Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) to Harrenhal.

Alicent spends the majority of her time onscreen within the confines of the Red Keep. In fact, starting in Season 2, every time she has left the Red Keep has marked a major shift from House of the Dragon's source material. She met with Rhaenyra in the Grand Sept to discuss peace efforts, took a cleansing swim in the Kingswood, and snuck onto Dragonstone to offer Rhaenyra a game-changing deal. None of these excursions are in Fire and Blood. Then again, House of the Dragon has often played fast and loose with Alicent and Rhaenyra's book dynamic, complicating it nicely by making them childhood friends.

The show's latest installment in its "Let Alicent Hightower Go Outside" initiative doubles as an assassination attempt. Rhaenyra knows that she needs to take Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) out. She also knows that he's holed up in Harrenhal and separated from his dragon Vhagar, offering her the perfect chance to strike.

However, just because Aemond is vulnerable doesn't mean he's unstoppable. Rhaenyra realizes that if she sends many soldiers to take him out, he can just flee again and become more untraceable. Instead, she decides to send just one sword, accompanied by someone he trusts: Alicent. She'll lure him into a false sense of security, and then the assassin will dispatch of him.

This whole storyline is a show-only invention, as Alicent remains in Red Keep mode from the moment Rhaenyra takes the Iron Throne in Fire and Blood. So, there really is no way of knowing what fate awaits Alicent at Harrenhal. On the one hand, she knows how unpredictable Aemond is, and she's willing to do anything to protect Helaena. Will that be enough to make her stand by as one of her sons — granted, the creepy son who did kiss her — is murdered? Or will she try to warn him?

I'm leaning towards the former (again, the Aemond kiss clearly shook Alicent), but there's a big wild card in play: Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin). The witchy guardian of Harrenhal has ensnared Aemond by weaponizing his mommy issues and showing off her clutch of dragon eggs. She's also proven that she has some sense of the goings-on around Westeros, based on her knowledge of the Battle of the Gullet in episode 1. She'll likely be able to sniff out Alicent's true purpose at Harrenhal from miles away. And if Alicent makes an enemy of Alys, she'll definitely wish she'd have stayed cooped up back in 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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a shopaholic.

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.

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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.

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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: Simone Biles

• Green: Pointy

• Blue: Segments

• Purple: Found online

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Gymnastics apparatus

• Green: Long tapered things

• Blue: Kinds of shifts

• Purple: Icons on a shopping site

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 #1142 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Gymnastics apparatus: BEAM, HORSE, RINGS, VAULT

• Long tapered things: CARROT, ICICLE, KNITTING NEEDLE, STALACTITE

• Kinds of shifts: DOPPLER, GRAVEYARD, PARADIGM, STICK

• Icons on a shopping site: BELL, CART, HEART, MAGNIFYING GLASS

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 ride public transport.

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: Let the journey begin

The words are related to travel.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe public transport.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Train Station.

NYT Strands word list for July 27

• Platform

• Kiosk

• Ticket

• Counter

• Bench

• Track

• Train Station

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're good at pretending.

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:

Pretender.

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 P.

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...

POSER

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.

TL;DR: Starting July 26, get 15% off two or more items during Casetify's Back-To-School Sale using promo code BTS26.

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Credit: Casetify

Casetify Back-To-School Sale

Get 15% off two or more items using promo code BTS26

Shop Now

I live life on the edge, which is to say I don't even have insurance on my phone. Instead, I put all my faith (and my device's safety) into a good case and a glass screen protector. If you're sending kids back to school, you probably want that same level of protection for their devices, especially since buying a reliable case is a whole lot cheaper than replacing a shattered screen or buying them a brand-new phone.

To help stretch the life of the devices you already own, Casetify is launching a back-to-school promotion. Starting July 26 and running through August 9, you can get 15% off two or more items by using the promo code BTS26 at checkout. (The only catch is that your cart has to include at least one phone case to get the discount.) If you want to save a little extra, checking out through the Casetify app will get you an additional 5% off.

If you prefer to buy things in person, Casetify is available in 343 Target stores nationwide right now, so you can just grab a case while you check off the rest of your school supply list. Just keep in mind that the BTS26 promo code is strictly for online and app orders.

TL;DR: PDNob Pro PDF Editor combines AI-powered editing, OCR, document summaries, file conversion, and e-signatures in one app. Get a lifetime subscription for $34.99 (reg. $349.95) with code SAVE15.

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Credit: PDNob

PDNob Pro PDF Editor: Lifetime Subscription

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If you only open a PDF editor a few times per month, paying for a PDF app subscription can feel like overkill. PDNob Pro PDF Editor bundles editing, AI tools, OCR, and file conversions into a one-time purchase for just $34.99 (reg. $349.95) with code SAVE15.

At its core, PDNob handles the PDF basics you’d expect. You can edit text and images without wrecking the formatting, merge and split files, convert PDFs into Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents, annotate drafts, fill and sign forms, and redact sensitive information before sharing. Equipped with OCR technology, it can also turn scanned contracts, receipts, books, and other image-based documents into editable, searchable files.

It’s more than just a standard PDF editor, though. Instead of reading an entire manual or report, you can use its AI tools to ask questions about a document, generate summaries, translate passages, or pull out key information in seconds. The lifetime license includes 6,000 AI credits, making those features useful long after your first project.

It also works across Windows, Mac, and iPhone, so you’re not locked into a single operating system if you switch devices throughout the day. One license supports two users with simultaneous use on two devices, includes 20GB of cloud storage, and comes with lifetime updates.

Normally $349.95, you can get a lifetime subscription to PDNob Pro PDF Editor for just $34.99 with code SAVE15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

An independent group that monitors potential manipulation of sports competitions has announced the results of a yet-to-be-released report examining irregularities related to betting and gambling on FIFA World Cup matches.

The organization called Group of Copenhagen monitored all 104 matches and determined that 15 games rose to the level of requiring enhanced monitoring. The group also assessed 12 major controversies from an "integrity risk perspective."

While the Group of Copenhagen has yet to release its full detailed report, the New York Times has reported that a few of these flagged events involve the online prediction market Polymarket.

The report singles out how $4.8 million was placed on Polymarket for Spain not to defeat Cape Verde in their group stage game, which was the first game either team played in this year's tournament. The game's result, a goalless draw, was considered to be one of the biggest shocks of the entire World Cup. Spain was a tournament favorite and went on to win the championship. Cape Verde was playing its first-ever World Cup game.

However, much more notable than a surprising game outcome is the market that was opened on Polymarket based on the red card issued to the U.S. Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun.

According to the report, a Polymarket market was opened on July 2, which asked: “Will Folarin Balogun play against Belgium?” That was the same day that Balogun was issued a red card in U.S.'s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The red card meant Balogun would not be able to play in the match against Belgium.

However, on July 5, before the U.S. vs. Belgium match, FIFA announced that Balogun would be allowed to play and that his ban would be suspended. President Donald Trump would take credit for FIFA's decision shortly after, saying he had a phone call with FIFA head Gianni Infantino. Reporting later confirmed that U.S. officials went to work immediately following the red card being issued to have it overturned.

Did Trump officials who were privy to this information partake in insider trading to make a profit on Polymarket? It's a legitimate question to ask, especially in light of recent news that Trump's teleprompter operator profited from their position by placing trades on Kalshi.

Prediction markets have blown up in popularity in recent years. Kalshi, a prediction market that partnered with the World Cup's official prediction market sponsor, ADI Predictstreet, has said that a record $1.2 billion in trades was placed on its platform to predict the World Cup winner. The company said it also gained 3 million new users directly from the World Cup.

According to experts interviewed by the New York Times, the irregularities don't necessarily mean that any manipulation occurred. While the Group of Copenhagen's research was coordinated with FIFA’s own Integrity Task Force, FIFA has released its own findings claiming that “no suspicious betting activity or indications of match manipulation in connection with any fixture” had been identified. 

Comic-Con International: San Diego has always been a barometer for where the entertainment industry is placing its biggest bets, and this year's lineup made that clearer than ever. Over the course of a single weekend, Marvel Studios, Prime Video, Apple TV, and AMC all used the convention floor to unveil casting reveals and first-look footage for some of their most closely watched projects, spanning superhero blockbusters, prestige sci-fi, and small-screen horror alike.

Long-simmering rumors finally became official announcements, decades-old franchises got new leads and new timelines, and fans packed into panels for a glimpse of what's coming to theaters and streaming over the next two years.

Here's a rundown of the biggest reveals to come out of Comic-Con 2026.

MCU's Ghost Rider

Credit: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Ryan Gosling was confirmed as Johnny Blaze in a new Ghost Rider film directed by Shawn Levy, ending years of speculation about the actor joining the MCU. This film is set to release in 2028.

Black Panther 3 release date reveal

Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images

The same Marvel panel brought news of another long-rumored casting: David Jonsson was announced as the new Black Panther, playing the son of Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa, in a film directed by Ryan Coogler and set for release on December 15, 2028.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Season 3's trailer teased Sauron's completion of the One Ring and the outbreak of full-scale war across Middle-earth. New cast additions include Simon Pegg voicing the Balrog, Eddie Marsan as Dwarven royal Thrain, and Andrew Richardson as the future King of Gondor, Anárion. Season 3 premieres November 11.

Blade Runner 2099

Prime Video debuted the first trailer for its Blade Runner series, set decades after Blade Runner 2049. Michelle Yeoh stars as Olwen, a replicant confronting the end of her life, opposite Hunter Schafer as a human fugitive on the run from Blade Runners. Ridley Scott executive produces, with Silka Luisa serving as showrunner. The series arrives November 25.

Carrie

Mike Flanagan's Carrie series got its first trailer, dragging Stephen King's telekinetic teen into the smartphone era ahead of an October 7 premiere on Prime Video. The eight-episode miniseries follows Carrie White as she endures bullying at school and abuse at home from her fanatically religious mother, Margaret — all while discovering she has telekinetic powers.

Summer H. Howell leads the new cast as Carrie White, alongside Samantha Sloyan as Margaret, Siena Agudong as Sue Snell, and Matthew Lillard as Principal Grayle, with Alison Thornton, Thalia Dudek, Amber Midthunder, Josie Totah, Arthur Conti, and Joel Oulette rounding out the ensemble.

Yaga

AMC+ and Crave released a teaser for this Canadian supernatural mystery series, starring Noah Reid as a detective investigating the disappearance of Henry Park, an heir to a commercial fishery, in a small coastal town. Park is played by Hudson Williams, known to fans of the queer romance series Heated Rivalry.

The cast also includes Carrie-Anne Moss and Clark Backo, with the series created by Kat Sandler based on her own 2019 stage play of the same name.

Neuromancer

Apple TV entered the fray outside Marvel and Prime's orbit, releasing its first trailer for an adaptation of William Gibson's cyberpunk classic, starring Callum Turner as hacker Case.

This article will continue to be updated....

Xtra, the camera company that suddenly popped up last year, is canceling preorders and issuing refunds for its upcoming Xtra Muse 2 Pro gimbal camera.

"After reviewing our product and launch readiness, XTRA has decided to pause the current Early Bird program," the company said in a statement posted on its website and in emails sent to customers viewed by Mashable. "Because we are unable to confirm a reliable launch timeline at this stage, we do not believe customers' funds should remain on hold."

Xtra customers had put down a $20 reservation for the Xtra Muse 2 Pro in exchange for a pre-order and an early bird discount of $60 off the camera when it went on sale. Along with a refund, Xtra is also issuing a 10 percent off coupon to customers that can be used on their current line of products.

Despite taking preorders, Xtra never shared a prospective launch date for the camera, which was a major point of criticism for customers across social media.

Why did Xtra cancel camera preorders?

Xtra says the refunds were due to "product and launch readiness" and didn't provide any further explanation. However, the preorder cancellations come shortly after the FCC announced investigations into eight companies, including Xtra.

DJI, the popular China-based drone and action camera company, has effectively been banned in the U.S. As Mashable previously reported, the ban started late last year after Trump's FCC cited national security concerns and data-spying issues. DJI products that were for sale before the ban can still be sold for now. Consumers with DJI devices can still use them. However, the U.S. government has not approved any new DJI products, so they can't be imported into the country.

Enter Xtra. Xtra came onto the scene last year with its lines of cameras that appear to be clones of DJI's line of cameras. The company is rumored to be a "DJI front company," or a company explicitly set up to import DJI's banned products into the U.S. Online sleuths and outlets such as The Verge have previously looked into Xtra's potential relations with DJI and found numerous similarities and connections. Xtra's Muse 2 Pro camera, for example, looks exactly like DJI's new Osmo Pocket 4 Pro camera aside from a few design alterations.

In addition, DJI has gone after competitors like Insta360 with legal claims involving its camera patents. Yet, DJI has remained mum on Xtra's products, which would appear to infringe way more than others.

The eight companies under investigation were previously asked to provide information on whether any of the products it sells should be on the list of banned items. However, none of these companies apparently responded to the FCC. As a result, the FCC is demanding the information and has levied a $25,000 fine against each of them, including Xtra.

The FCC is now looking into retroactively banning Xtra's previously approved products as well.

At this point, the status of the Xtra Muse 2 Pro is unclear. The company is not outright canceling the launch; however, the preorder cancellations and the FCC news point to a potentially grim outcome for U.S. consumers. For now, at least, U.S. consumers looking to buy an Xtra Muse 2 Pro or DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro can look into the Insta360 Luna Ultra, which is not banned in the country.

For years, iPhones have had various levels of water resistance. However, if you've previously submerged your iPad in water, you'll know that Apple's tablets, however, are not water-resistant. 

That will soon change.

Apple's first water-resistant iPad is currently planned to launch by the end of this year, according to a new report. The water-resistant model is expected to be the new, redesigned iPad mini.

The report says that Apple's approach to water resistance in the iPad differs from the iPhone. According to the report, Apple designed a "vibration-based speaker system," where sound transmits from the surface of the tablet's chassis. This means that the new iPad mini will not need physical speaker holes, which will greatly limit points of entry for water, dust, and other unwanted particles.

MacRumors points out that Apple described such a technology in a 2014 patent, which means the company has been working on this for some time.

The new iPad mini's IP rating, which measures a device's resistance to dust and liquids like water, is currently unknown. The iPhone 17 has an IP68 rating, which means it could be submerged in a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.

The iPad mini line last had a refresh when it received the A17 Pro chipset in 2024. However, other than that, the device remained the same. The iPad mini was last redesigned in 2021. 

Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman has previously reported that the iPad mini was set to get some big upgrades, including an OLED display, which would be a first for the device. 

A release before this summer's beach trips and pool parties would've certainly been ideal. But you could always start planning for next summer. The new iPad mini is expected to launch by October.

Apple currently sells the base model iPad mini for $599 after the company hiked prices across its products earlier this year. However, according to Gurman, the addition of an OLED display could result in even higher prices for the new iPad mini.

TL;DR: The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are available for free right now with T-Mobile. Here's how to qualify for this limited-time offer.

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Apple iPhone 17

Free when you trade in your eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan..

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Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience Beyond plan.

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Samsung has been the center of attention this week, and that makes total sense. It's not every week that a major brand drops three new foldables smartphones, two smartwatches, and smart glasses. But can we hold some space for Apple?

Apple prices are bumping in the face of RAMageddon, but you can still secure a limited-time offer on iPhones from T-Mobile. This popular mobile carrier has just dropped a fresh batch of free iPhone deals on the latest handsets:

• 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 Beyond plan (no trade-in needed).

Needless to say, T-Mobile isn't handing over a new iPhone without some strings attached. 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.

What exactly does this mean? You're signing up for a 24-month commitment with the network, and any unpaid balance on the phone's retail value will become due immediately if you decide to cancel your service, switch to another carrier, or upgrade to the iPhone 18 before the end of your deal.

You will also need to pay standard upfront taxes and a one-time $35 activation fee, but that's a small price to pay for the latest iPhone.

We get that at this point, it's tempting to wait for the next batch of iPhones to be announced. According to our rumor tracker, Apple is "widely expected to launch a new lineup of iPhones later this year, including the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and the rumored iPhone Ultra, the company's first-ever foldable." That's exciting news for iPhone fanatics, but with prices on the rise, this could be the last example of mobile carriers offering new phones for free.

Get the Apple iPhone 17 for free this weekend with T-Mobile.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free:

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Best Apple TV Deal

Apple TV

7-day free trial

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Best Prime Video Deal

Apple TV Prime Video Channel

7-day free trial

Shop Now

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Best Apple One Deal

Apple One

30-day free trial

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This season of F1 is unlike any other. Every season of F1 has a number of fascinating storylines to follow, but due to a major set of regulation changes, there's so much uncertainty right now. And uncertainty can lead to exciting racing.

Lando Norris secured an incredible title victory on the final day of last season. Now the pressure is on McLaren to defend that title against a long list of talented drivers and motivated teams. The likes of George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton are all challenging for race wins this season. Mercedes are the team to beat this season, but Ferrari are not far behind.

If you are interested in watching F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is F1?

Formula One (F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. A season consists of a series of races (Grands Prix) that take place in multiple countries and continents on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads.

Lando Norris is the defending champion. McLaren won the Constructors Championship in 2025.

When is F1 in 2026?

The 2026 F1 season is the 77th edition of the championship. This year's championship features 24 Grands Prix events held all over the world between March and December:

1. Australian Grand Prix — March 8

2. Chinese Grand Prix — March 15

3. Japanese Grand Prix — March 29

4. Miami Grand Prix — May 3

5. Canadian Grand Prix — May 24

6. Monaco Grand Prix — June 7

7. Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix — June 14

8. Austrian Grand Prix — June 28

9. British Grand Prix — July 5

10. Belgian Grand Prix — July 19

11. Hungarian Grand Prix — July 26

12. Dutch Grand Prix — Aug. 23

13. Italian Grand Prix — Sept. 6

14. Spanish Grand Prix — Sept. 13

15. Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sept. 26

16. Singapore Grand Prix — Oct. 11

17. United States Grand Prix — Oct. 25

18. Mexico City Grand Prix — Nov. 1

19. São Paulo Grand Prix — Nov. 8

20. Las Vegas Grand Prix — Nov. 21

21. Qatar Grand Prix — Nov. 29

22. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Dec. 6

It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. The Chinese, Miami, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Singapore GPs will host a sprint race.

How to watch F1 for free

For the first time, Apple TV has made an entire F1 race weekend available for free to viewers in the U.S., with live coverage of the Austrian Grand Prix from June 26–28. Fans can watch every session live on Apple TV — including practice, qualifying, and Sunday’s Grand Prix — with no subscription required.

In the U.S., F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV. If you want access to the whole season, an Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year.

Apple TV

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Credit: Apple TV

Apple TV (7-day free trial)

Apple TV comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. This is a sneaky trick, but you could sign up to watch the next F1 race and then cancel your subscription before you need to spend anything. This obviously isn't a long-term fix, but it does give you the opportunity to live stream select F1 race weekends for free.

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Apple TV Prime Video Channel

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Apple TV Prime Video Channel (7-day free trial)

Already an Amazon Prime member? You're in luck. You can sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. This lets you watch select F1 races live with the Prime Video app. The subscription typically costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch select races without actually spending anything.

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Apple One

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Apple One (30-day free trial)

Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial. Time it right and this trial could provide access to up to four race weekends for free. You do need to be a new or returning subscriber to each of the included services to get the free trial.

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It's worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple TVs. This special offer goes live for 90 days after the new device is activated — that's a good chunk of the season.

TL;DR: Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels to watch select F1 races for free. Watch the Hungarian GP for free with the Prime Video app.

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Apple TV Prime Video Channel

Watch the Hungarian GP for free with a 7-day trial

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Another weekend, another battle between the best drivers in the world. Seriously, what would we all do without a little bit of F1 to see us through to Monday?

This season of F1 continues to throw up interesting storylines. Mercedes is flying at the top of the standings, but there are clearly some issues between George Russell and his team. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli raced away from the competition to win again at the Belgian GP. He extended his lead over Lewis Hamilton, but Ferrari continues to cut the gap. Will we see another epic battle this weekend in Hungary?

If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Hungarian GP?

The Hungarian GP is the 11th race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Hungaroring:

• Practice 1 — 7:30-8:30 a.m. ET on July 24

• Practice 1 — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET on July 24

• Practice 1 — 6:30-7:30 a.m. ET on July 25

• Qualifying — 10-11 a.m. ET on July 25

• Race — 9 a.m. ET on July 26

Fans can follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.

How to watch the Hungarian GP for free

Most subscribers hang onto Amazon Prime for the fast shipping, Prime Day discounts, and Prime Video library. But for F1 fans in the U.S., Prime Video is a secret weapon. Because Apple TV holds exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for F1, you can sign up for a seven-day free trial of Apple TV directly through Prime Video Channels.

That trial gives you full access to stream select races — including this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix — for free. While the subscription rolls over to $12.99 per month after seven days, you can cancel auto-renewal in your settings right away and still stream the entire race weekend for free.

Of course, if you're already paying for Amazon Prime, calling it "completely free" is open to interpretation. But if you don't have an active membership, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new users. Stacking that Prime trial with the seven-day Apple TV channel trial means you are genuinely spending nothing to stream the race.

If you've already burned through that specific loophole earlier in the season, you still have a few solid workarounds:

• Apple TV: New standalone subscribers qualify for a direct seven-day free trial through Apple's app.

• Apple One: If you want more than just streaming, the Apple One tier packages Apple TV alongside Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, and 50GB of iCloud storage — and it comes with a full one-month free trial ($19.95 per month after the promotional period).

• Apple: The most generous Apple TV offer is tied to new hardware purchases. Buying an eligible iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV grants new subscribers three months of free service. You obviously have to spend money on hardware, but if you were already planning an upgrade, it effectively unlocks a massive chunk of the F1 season for free.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free in 2026

---

Best Apple TV Deal

Apple TV

7-day free trial

Shop Now

---

Best Prime Video Deal

Apple TV Prime Video Channel

7-day free trial

Shop Now

---

Best Apple One Deal

Apple One

30-day free trial

Shop Now

Mashable has been testing laptops for over 10 years. Over the past two years alone, the team and I have researched dozens of models and tried more than 80 of the most promising configurations available. We use a meticulous testing procedure involving real-world stress tests and artificial benchmarks to evaluate our contenders on the basis of performance, battery life, design/build quality, and value.

This regularly updated guide serves as our laptop trophy case, highlighting the best-in-class models we've tried across different subcategories. For even more recommendations, check out my dedicated guides to the best MacBooks, the best Windows laptops, the best cheap laptops, and the best Chromebooks.

A note about laptop prices

A recent boom in AI data center construction has caused a global shortage of RAM and SSD storage chips (often referred to as "RAMageddon"). As a result, many consumer tech devices that use these components, including the best laptops, have seen steep price hikes this year. The shortage is expected to worsen and could last into 2028, driving up prices even further and making good values in the budget and mid-range tiers even scarcer. Apple was the most recent brand to raise laptop prices, with MacBooks getting $100 to $300 increases.

This is something the Mashable team is taking into consideration as we assess laptops and select ones to recommend to our readers. Moreover, we've gone back and re-evaluated several models that have gotten more expensive since we first tested them. At the time of writing, only one previous top pick has gotten so unreasonably pricey that we think it's no longer worth buying. That would be the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, which jumped from an already-high $750 to $1,000 as tested. We've since replaced it with a much more cost-effective option that's less snazzy, but still apt for most Chromebook users. You can read more about it and our other current picks below.

One thing to know before you buy a Windows laptop

Many great Windows laptops we've tried run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X and X2 series chips, which use ARM-based architecture instead of standard x86 architecture like Intel and AMD chips. The Zenbook A14 and A16 are two great example of outstanding ARM laptops.

These Qualcomm chips are great because they offer amazing performance and battery life, but they're not compatible with some specialty software and PC games. Having said that, ARM support is getting better and should dramatically improve in the near future. Right now, I would only avoid ARM laptops if you're a college student, or if gaming is the main thing you do on your PC. You can read more about this in my best Windows laptops guide.

Recent updates to this guide

I added two new picks to this guide in late July 2026:

• The Asus ExpertBook Ultra is our new favorite business laptop for its dazzling ultra-thin-and-light design and impressive brawn.

• The Asus Zenbook A16 joins the ranks as the best 16-inch laptop for most people: It's also quite portable, its everyday performance is virtually unrivaled, and it's a stellar value to boot.

• I removed the Alienware 16X Aurora gaming laptop because the configuration we tested was out of stock at the time of writing. We're currently testing potential replacements.

I've also adjusted the prices of the three MacBooks featured in this guide. Apple made them $100 to $300 more expensive in mid-June because of the ongoing memory shortage.

For a short amount of time, a power outage feels nice. It’s an excuse to cancel plans and settle on the couch with a good book (or an e-reader) instead. That calm feeling fades once a low-battery alert shows up on your phone, and it’s never convenient to not have WiFi at home. But maybe even more inconvenient is the threat of the refrigerator heating up during a power outage.

Food spoilage is one of the biggest bummers of a power outage. It’s never fun to start calculating how many hours you’ve been without power and how many times someone has opened the fridge, releasing precious cooling. Jackery, one of the leaders in portable power stations, has a new solution. I’ve tested dozens of portable power stations, and I’ll admit I find this model to be both functional and one of the best-looking models out there.

Jackery FridgeGuard

$549.99 at Costco
$799 Save $249.01

 

Shop Now at Costco Shop Now at Jackery

What’s special about the Jackery FridgeGuard?

Immediately, you’ll notice the Jackery FridgeGuard does not look like most other portable power stations. Instead of the standard box shape with a handle, the FridgeGuard is a slim rectangle, measuring just a bit over 2.5 inches tall. The unique shape makes it ideal for sitting on top of the refrigerator. Jackery also includes two metal feet that attach to the bottom of the power station if you’d rather have it stand up vertically next to the fridge.

She's just 2.63 inches thick. Credit: Lauren Allain

But looks aside, the primary goal of the Jackery FridgeGuard is to keep your refrigerator cooling during a power outage. It has 1,024Wh of battery capacity, which Jackery says should keep a standard refrigerator cooling for about 15 hours.

When testing the Jackery, I plugged it into my bedside Blueair Blue Signature Air Purifier, and set it on a high fan speed, which pulled 17W. That power use means the Jackery would keep my bedroom air purifier powered up for about 27 hours. It also looked pretty slick when I used it at my home workstation.

Testing out the FridgeGuard as a laptop backup system. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

I was pleasantly surprised by the weight of the Jackery FridgeGuard while testing. At a bit over 23 pounds, I was able to get it on top of my fridge without asking for help. That was pleasing to my independent nature that much prefers to not ask for help. 

Spec highlights of the Jackery FridgeGuard

• Capacity: 1,024Wh

• Battery type: LiFePO₄

• Surge: 1,600W

• Weight: Approx. 23.2 pounds

• Dimensions: 23.6 in × 12.8 in × 2.6 in

• Ports: AC (1)

• Expected battery lifespan: 6.000 cycles to 70%+ capacity

• Charge temperature: -4 to 113 degrees F

• Discharge temperature: -4 to 113 degrees F

• Expandability: One Jackery FridgeGuard Battery (1,024Wh)

Easy plug-and-play solution

On top of the physical design, the very nature of how the FridgeGuard functions is unique. Jackery used a plug-and-play function for this power station. Stick it on top of the fridge, plug it into the wall, and then plug your refrigerator into the Jackery, and you’ll have consistent power to the fridge when grid power fails.

The Jackery has a 10-millisecond uninterrupted power supply (UPS), which means it’ll take over powering the fridge within 10 milliseconds of a grid outage. Since we’re often not home or are asleep when the power goes out, using the Jackery FridgeGuard means there’s no concern about a gap in power to the refrigerator.

Once grid power comes back online, the Jackery will recharge itself to 100 percent and be ready for the next outage. From the Jackery app, you can monitor battery level, power output, and power input. 

The sleek design makes it versatile at home

In all honesty, portable power stations are for function, not looks. For the most part, we don’t need a power station to look nice. We’re hauling them to the campground, the job site, or using them in the yard to power up tools. But if you’re placing a portable power station on top of your refrigerator to live there permanently, the slim Jackery FridgeGuard looks a lot nicer than a standard brick of a portable power station.

The gray colorway blends in well with my stainless steel fridge. That wouldn’t be the case if I placed the black Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 up there with its orange accents.

While the name suggests using it in the kitchen, I found it great to use around the rest of the house while testing. It makes for a great power backup solution if you sleep on an adjustable base or have a bed cooling system like the Eight Sleep Pod.

I tested out the Jackery FridgeGuard with an air purifier beside my bed. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

It’s also great for keeping the WiFi router online during a power outage or using it as backup for your home computer. If you sleep with a CPAP, it offers reassurance that you’ll have support all night in case the power cuts out. When testing, I found the Jackery FridgeGuard to be either silent or have a barely detectable fan hum. I never found the noise to be bothersome, even when I had it next to my bed at night.

What I don’t love about the Jackery FridgeGuard

The most glaring downside to the FridgeGuard is the port selection. It’s not even fair to say selection because the FridgeGuard has a single AC port. That’s sufficient if you’re using the Jackery for refrigerator backup power since it only requires a single port. Otherwise, you’re going to have to prioritize what gets to utilize the power of the FridgeGuard. 

The on-unit display includes information like remaining battery, total output, and total input. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The back of the FridgeGuard has the single AC port, the charging port, and a vent. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

It’s also not the best deal when it comes to portable power stations. At full price, Jackery lists the FridgePower at $799. That’s the same list price as the Jackery Explorer 1000 V2, which has a smidge more power at 1,070Wh but a lot more functionality. The Explorer 1000 V2 has three AC ports, two USB-C, one USB-A, and an onboard light.

Should you get the Jackery FridgeGuard?

If your main concern during a power outage is food spoiling, the Jackery FridgeGuard could be a great solution. Its unique design can easily tuck on top of your fridge, and the plug-and-play nature means you’ll have immediate power backup when grid power fails. That’s the ultimate convenience for powering your fridge, an aquarium, or a CPAP machine should the power go out in the middle of the night.

If you’re looking for a portable power station to take camping or use on the jobsite, you’re probably better off with a different model.

Other models worth considering

Both Bluetti and Anker Solix introduced fridge-specific models in the same quarter that Jackery launched the FridgeGuard. The world of portable power stations is getting crowded with models that only have the minorest of minor differences. So I’m surprised to say, all three fridge-backup models are glaringly different. 

The Jackery FridgeGuard is the thinnest, so if that’s your main priority, go with the FridgeGuard. Otherwise, here’s a brief rundown of the other two models I’d consider for fridge backup.

Anker Solix S2000

Coming with double the power of the Jackery FridgeGuard, the Anker designed the Solix S2000 as a model that’ll sit nicely atop or beside a refrigerator. Anker says this 2,010Wh is capable of keeping a standard refrigerator running for up to 35 hours. If your home tends to experience longer outages, this capacity might be a better fit compared to the Jackery.

The Solix S2000 also has more ports. You get three AC on the front and dual AC on the back. When placed on your countertop, you can use a rear AC for powering the refrigerator while keeping the front AC ports open for the coffee maker or a lamp. It also has dual USB-C and a USB-A for recharging phones, earbuds, and other small devices. But keep in mind the Solix S2000 has a more traditional portable power station shape. You can set it on top of your fridge, but it might block cupboards.

Anker Solix S2000

$599.99 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $599.01

 

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Bluetti FridgePower

The Bluetti FridgePower has a nearly identical physical layout to the Jackery FridgeGuard. The main difference is the battery capacity. The Jackery comes with 1,024Wh while the Bluetti has almost double at 2,016Wh. In short, that’s going to keep the refrigerator cooling for twice as long. It has two AC ports compared to the single AC port on the Jackery.

The slim design is similar to the Jackery, but the Bluetti is a bit larger and much heavier at 41 pounds compared to the FridgeGuard’s 23ish pounds. The Bluetti FridgePower also tends to be the most expensive model compared to the Jackery and Anker Solix.

Bluetti FridgePower

$898.99 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $600.01

 

Shop Now at Amazon

How to buy the Jackery FridgeGuard

At the time of launch and writing, the Jackery FridgeGuard is exclusive to Costco and Jackery. Costco members get a better deal, however, where the fridge backup is available for $549.99. If you’re lucky enough to find it in stock at Jackery, the station sells for $799. Jackery also sells a mounting bracket for $49 if you’d rather attach it to a nearby wall instead of setting it on top of the fridge or on the floor.

Jackery FridgeGuard

$549.99 at Costco
$799 Save $249.01

 

Shop Now at Costco Shop Now at Jackery

It must feel good to be a fan of the cyberpunk genre.

Apple TV has released the first trailer for its adaptation of William Gibson's 1984 sci-fi classic Neuromancer — one of the foundational texts of the cyberpunk genre. The novel follows Case, a washed-up cyberspace hacker recruited by a mysterious ex-soldier to pull off a high-stakes heist alongside a razor-fingered assassin.

Set against a neon-drenched, futuristic Japan, the trailer leans noticeably brighter than fans of the novel's noir-soaked prose might expect. Callum Turner (Eternity, One Night Only) headlines as Case, joined by Briana Middleton (The History of Sound) as the "razorgirl" Molly Millions and Mark Strong (The Penguin, Dune: Prophecy) as the enigmatic Armitage. The ensemble also includes Clémence Poésy, Peter Sarsgaard, Emma Laird, Max Irons, André De Shields, Isabella Pappas, and Dane DeHaan.

The ten-episode series is set to premiere on Apple TV on Jan. 22, 2027.

Horror's favorite It girl is getting her television series debut, with the first trailer now out for Mike Flanagan's (The Haunting of Hill House) adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie.

The eight-episode miniseries follows Carrie White as she endures bullying at school and abuse at home from her fanatically religious mother, Margaret — all while discovering she has telekinetic powers. As the trailer shows, Flanagan's version drags King's 1974 novel into the present day, trading its original setting for a story steeped in social media and viral humiliation. The 2013 film adaptation made a similar leap into modern times, so here's hoping this take sticks the landing.

It's worth noting that technically, this isn't Carrie's first trip to TV. A 2002 television movie, directed by David Carson and written by Hannibal's Bryan Fuller, starred Angela Bettis (Girl, Interrupted) in the title role — though Flanagan's series marks the story's first full episodic adaptation.

Summer H. Howell leads the new cast as Carrie White, alongside Samantha Sloyan as Margaret, Siena Agudong as Sue Snell, and Matthew Lillard as Principal Grayle, with Alison Thornton, Thalia Dudek, Amber Midthunder, Josie Totah, Arthur Conti, and Joel Oulette rounding out the ensemble. Flanagan serves as writer, showrunner, and director on four of the eight episodes.

Carrie premieres on Prime Video October 7.

After years of rumors and on-again, off-again flirtation between Ryan Gosling (Project Hail Mary, Barbie) and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's now confirmed: the actor will play Johnny Blaze, aka Ghost Rider, in an upcoming film.

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For those unfamiliar with the character, Ghost Rider is the demonic alter ego of stuntman Johnny Blaze, who strikes a deal to sell his soul to the demon Mephisto in order to save his father's life. Blaze's soul is then bonded to Zarathos, the Spirit of Vengeance, transforming him into a leather-jacketed, motorcycle-riding, flame-skulled avenger. Thus, Blaze is forced to punish the wicked and evil whenever Mephisto needs him to.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige introduced Gosling to a packed Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con to roaring applause. The titular film will be directed by Shawn Levy, who previously helmed Deadpool & Wolverine, and is slated for release in 2028. It marks the first film adaptation of the supernatural antihero since 2007's Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage, and its 2012 sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.

On the television side, Gabriel Luna played the Robbie Reyes variant of Ghost Rider in the fourth season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. That appearance was meant to lead into a solo spin-off slated for 2020, but a "creative impasse" in late 2019 led to the project's cancellation.

Gosling and Levy are already collaborators. The two are currently working together on Star Wars: Starfighter, due out in May 2027, and reportedly spent downtime on that set trading ideas for a Ghost Rider film.

Alongside the reveal of Gosling at Hall H, Feige also announced Black Panther III as a part of the MCU's 2028 slate. The film will star David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus, Industry) as the titular Black Panther, aka T'Challa II. The last we saw of T'Challa II was his introduction as a small boy in Wakanda Forever, revealed to be the son of Chadwick Bosman's T'Challa with Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o).

Not much is known about the plot for Ghost Rider, but given the character's ties to Mephisto, it won't be a surprise to see Sacha Baron Cohen reprise the role from Ironheart.

TL;DR: Protect up to nine devices with the AdGuard Family Plan Lifetime Subscription for $11 (reg. $169.99) through July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription

$11
$169.99 Save $158.99

 

Get Deal

It doesn’t matter if your household has two devices or 20, keeping everyone’s online activity protected can quickly become complicated. The AdGuard Family Plan simplifies things by covering up to nine devices with a single lifetime subscription. Through July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT, new users can get it for $11 (reg. $169.99).

The Family Plan is designed specifically for households rather than individual users. In addition to blocking intrusive ads across supported devices, it helps reduce online tracking, warns about phishing sites, and adds another layer of protection against malware. That means fewer distractions while browsing and more peace of mind when the whole family is online.

One great feature is the parental controls. Parents can restrict access to inappropriate or adult content while still giving kids access to the sites and apps they know and love. Combined with privacy protection that helps hide browsing activity from trackers, the plan focuses on creating a safer online experience for everyone using the family’s devices.

The Family Plan works across desktop and mobile platforms, making it easy to protect laptops, phones, and tablets under a single subscription. Since it’s a lifetime plan, you won’t have to worry about monthly renewals or annual subscription costs after the initial purchase.

This offer is available to new users only, it covers up to nine devices, and you have to redeem your code within 30 days of purchase.

If you’re looking for an easy way to protect multiple devices without juggling separate subscriptions, the AdGuard Family Plan Lifetime Subscription is price-dropped to $11 (reg. $169.99) through July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office Professional 2021 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, and Teams (free version). Get a lifetime Windows license for $27.97 (reg. $219.99).

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Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License

$27.97
$219.99 Save $192.02

 

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Microsoft keeps releasing new versions of Office, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs the latest one. For plenty of entrepreneurs, freelancers, students, and everyday office workers, Office Professional 2021 still checks every important box. For a limited time, a lifetime license is just $27.97 (reg. $219.99).

Office Professional 2021 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, and the free version of Teams, giving you a complete productivity suite that works offline after installation. It’s compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11, so you can keep working with the familiar desktop apps you already rely on.

Microsoft 365 includes extras like cloud storage, AI-powered tools, and continuous feature updates, but not everyone needs them. If you’re perfectly happy with the familiar Office apps you’ve been using for years, Office 2021 delivers the essentials without an ongoing subscription.

Better yet, it’s a one-and-done purchase. Buy it once, install it on one Windows PC, and keep using the software without worrying about another subscription renewal or future price increase. The license is tied directly to your device rather than your Microsoft account, which some users may prefer for its straightforward licensing model.

It’s also surprisingly well-rounded for the price. Compared with Office Home & Business 2024, which includes five core desktop apps, Office Professional 2021 comes with eight: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, and Teams (free version). That includes Access for database management and Publisher for desktop publishing, although Microsoft plans to end Publisher support in Oct. 2026.

Normally $219.99, you can grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for just $27.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

There's a commonly asked question about AdultFriendFinder, everyone's favorite spicy dating platform: Is AFF safe to use? We get it. Unlike other big-name dating sites, its interface is packed with adult content. It's extremely NSFW and appears to be a potential breeding ground for scams. Wannabe daters are right to question its legitimacy — they understandably want to know whether AFF is the real deal.

To better understand the risks of using AdultFriendFinder, we consulted Anna Larkina, a Web Data and Privacy Analysis Expert at Kaspersky, one of the world's leading cybersecurity services, about the kinds of threats users might face on AFF and how they can mitigate those risks.

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Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

Learn More

Understanding the risks of online dating

To begin, it's worth remembering that there's a risk inherent to using any online service, whether it's an adult dating site or otherwise. Even the most reputable websites have been exploited and experienced major hacks over the years. “Users should remember that any service can potentially encounter various cybersecurity issues,” Larkina told us. That includes “data leaks, attacks on third-party contractors, or issues related to the human factor.” 

But the risks are, of course, higher on certain websites. With a regular merchant website, for instance, you’re only handing over your credit card information (which is very valuable, admittedly), but with a dating site, you’re potentially providing your credit card details plus crucial personal information, from your date of birth and nationality to your address and phone number. That's information that can prove very appealing to scammers and bad-faith actors.

While this is a risk you take with any dating service, AdultFriendFinder is perhaps more vulnerable than most dating sites because of the nature of its content and user base, so it’s important to understand the potential issues.

What risks are specific to AdultFriendFinder?

The “adult content” angle

While NSFW is permitted — encouraged, even — on AFF, users are under no obligation to post nude photos of themselves, or get down and dirty on a webcam feed. Many, many people opt to do so, of course, and while there's no judgment here — no siree, let that freak flag fly high and proud — you are risking potentially awkward conversations with family, friends, or co-workers if they happen to stumble across your account. (That would mean they'd have to fess up to being AFF users too, but even so...)

Unfortunately, bad actors can exploit and use your own personal information against you.

“Data from services with adult content or dating services can be especially sensitive for users, because it’s more personal,” warns Larkina. “If fraudsters somehow obtain such private data, they can use it for more ‘efficient’ blackmailing or targeted phishing.” Needless to say, you should be wary of how you use the site and what information you share, especially if you have a public-facing job.

AFF security breaches

While dating sites invest heavily in cybersecurity protections, online threats are constant and keep evolving all the time. Hackers eager to discover treasure troves of personal and financial information often target online dating platforms, which can make users feel super vulnerable.

AdultFriendFinder has suffered two major security breaches, which is actually a pretty stellar record of security over its entire 30-year history. In 2016, hackers gained access to the personal information of four million AFF users before the breach was found and stopped. And a larger breach occurred in 2016, affecting some 300 million AFF accounts, including 15 million that had been officially deleted by users but whose data had not been properly expunged from the AFF servers.

Phishing scams

Another common hacking technique — and one particularly effective on dating websites — is phishing, in which a bad actor assumes a false identity to gain your trust and deceive you into revealing sensitive or compromising information. It's easy to do on dating sites because, by their very nature, people sign up specifically to search people out and make connections. Scammers can pose as attractive people, telling users exactly what they want to hear and luring them into the scam.

To combat phishing, AFF offers the ability to verify identities with government-issued identification. This verification process is still an optional extra — it's not mandatory when setting up an account. We recommended doing it though, and setting a search filter to verified accounts only. It's a surefire way to protect yourself against bad actors.

Can your AFF account be found?

While the private information you give AFF (your real name and email address, for example) isn't public-facing, AFF’s dating profiles are public by default, so if you include a picture of your face (as many accounts do), you can be recognized by friends, co-workers, and family members. 

And since AFF has suffered two major hacks before, there’s always a chance it could happen again, which could result in your email address and information ending up in a dodgy database.

How to protect your online identity when using AdultFriendFinder

Does this all mean you should never use AdultFriendFinder, or any dating site? Absolutely not. We're here to help you protect yourself and stay vigilant, not to discourage you from signing up. 

Larkina has shared an additional list of best practices to help you mitigate risks while having fun on AFF or any other dating site:

1. Don’t use a professional email address to sign up for a dating site. If you’re especially nervous, consider creating a new email address just for the purposes of signing up.

2. To protect your accounts, use strong and unique passwords, change them regularly, and if possible, enable two-factor authentication

3. Be extremely cautious with what you share with strangers, especially when it comes to sensitive information or intimate photos. “Always assess reputational and other risks before posting or sending anything,” cautions Larkina.

4. When using AFF in particular, limit your interactions to users who have verified their identity

Summing up her advice, Larkina urges online dating service users to treat these “platforms as public spaces, not as private ones” as far as possible, and be ever mindful that “every piece of data you provide — email, phone number, username, etc. — becomes part of your digital footprint.” If you’re careful about what you share and who you share it with, you can safely enjoy AdultFriendFinder and any other dating site.

As one of the true OGs of online dating, AdultFriendFinder has a sizeable community of singles and non-monogamous users looking for steamy fun. But that doesn’t mean using the site is necessarily straightforward. In fact, AFF, as its users call it, has been online for so long that its web interface can feel dated and counterintuitive, with key features requiring you to navigate a whole manner of menus and sub-menus. 

Making the most of AFF means a certain amount of trial and error, or at least some guidance from someone with an intimate knowledge of the spicy hookup platform.

That's why we've outlined four essential tips below to get you up and running on AFF and help connect with more people for more kink-filled fun. That said, it also helps to keep an open mind about it all. If you enter AFF with a narrow idea of exactly what you want, you'll likely be disappointed. But if you start your search with an open-minded curiosity and just go along for the ride (pun very much intended), you can discover new things about yourself — and maybe even your pleasure points — in the process.

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Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

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Here are four essential steps for getting the most out of your AdultFriendFinder experience:

Fill out your full AFF profile 

Sure, this is an obvious step with any and every online dating service, but it’s even more important on AFF because the site doesn’t entirely rely on a carousel-style presentation of dating profiles like other apps. Everything from your age to your gender to your sexuality to your list of personal kinks can help make you more discoverable to other AFF members, so the less you fill out, the harder it is for the site to make your profile discoverable. 

This is true even if your personal kink list is short or leans towards the conventional, or if it’s long and girthy and leans towards the exotic; trust us when we say there are people out there who are looking for the very same quirks and kinks and sexuality specifics, so it's worth taking your time to be specific and details. It will pay off in the long run.

Also, don’t sleep on videos. Unlike many dating sites that allow only profile pictures, AFF permits its members to upload short videos to their profiles. This is a fantastic way of showing others that you’re a real person — as opposed to a bot, which you'll find plenty of on AFF — and also helps you show off some personality. Just be wary of putting nude content upfront in your profile. You can do this if you wish, of course — AFF is all about the NSFW content — but putting that kind of content out there does raise privacy issues.

Verify your AFF account as soon as possible

AdultFriendFinder throws up very few barriers when you're creating your account. That makes it very easy for anyone to join, but it also means there is a huge amount of spam and bots clogging up the platform. To combat this, they’ve also created a profile verification system using the Confirm ID service. 

It requires you to share government ID for cast-iron verification, but the benefits to your profile will give you major peace of mind. It means photo authentication, age confirmation, and location verification, all of which help others trust that your profile is authentic. When the process is complete, you'll see a blue checkmark beneath your profile photo, just to the right of your username, which helps people identify your profile at a glance and boosts your visibility in search results, as search results prioritize verified users.

Be selective with your search criteria

If you use the site’s search function, you’ll find that you can be extremely specific and selective. And if you know exactly who and what you want, by all means, narrow your search, but if you’re on AFF to be surprised, it’s also worth being less selective from time to time.

For example, if you know you want an in-person date for next week, it obviously makes sense to narrow your location search to people who live near you. But what if you don’t know exactly what you want, or if you’re open to a sultry chat with a stranger half a world away? In that case, distance is irrelevant, and you should consider turning that filter off.

On the other hand, there are quite a few filters that are turned off by default that we actually recommend you turn on. For example, the default profile filter shows you all people who have bothered to upload photos, but while that’s a good start, it’s not enough to help you wade through the huge number of users. We strongly recommend narrowing it down to Verified/Confirmed users, since those people all proved their identity the same way you did (see above). That way, you can trust that your search results and potential connections are 100 percent legit. It's another means of filtering out the spam.

Another useful filter is the Last Visit, which by default is set to "All." We recommend specifying accounts that have been active within the last month. That's because lots of people sign up to AFF then never bother checking back in. Other users go inactive for weeks or even months at a time. If you stick with the default "All" setting, you risk messaging accounts that you might never get a reply from.

Explore the live-chat communities

AdultFriendFinder isn’t a traditional dating website, so don't use it like one. The search-and-swipe dating app method is tried and true, but it’s also a bit played out, and one of AFF’s biggest strengths is its larger community offerings. There's more to it than swiping — or should we say swinging? — left or right.

There are lots of forums to explore, all based around common interests (though you should know that some of these interests — or kinks — are not so common), or you can venture into a user’s livestream and interact with them and others there. AFF even has a dedicated Stories section, where users can share their memories or try their hand at writing erotica. That's all well and good for anyone with a knack for the written word, but if you're more visual, you can set up a webcam stream and invite others to tune in. 

For all of the above, AFF tracks not only which stories/streams/group chats are new but also which are trending, making it very easy to jump into a popular discussion or keep up with the latest site news.

Upgrade your AFF membership tier

As with other dating sites and apps, you only get the most out of AFF when you sign up for a paid membership. It is entirely possible to use AFF and interact without handing over your credit card information, but the site’s best features and functions are paywalled. And it has to be said that the advantages — visibility, communication options, and site functionality are all just too good to ignore.

Gold and VIP members receive special icons on their profiles, and these profiles are given priority in every search, regardless of the criteria. Because there are thousands of potential profile options for almost every search criterion that isn’t location-based, it’s very difficult to stand out from the crowd on AFF as a free user.

Additionally, if you fork out for the upgraded VIP membership, you’ll unlock an entire section dedicated exclusively to VIPs. It's the dating site equivalent of entering the velvet-roped area of a night club; you'll find the most glamorous people hiding there. VIP members even get additional points to spend on digital gifts or lavish on live streamers who catch your eye. This is another great way of standing out from the crowd. 

The learning curve on AdultFriendFinder is steeper than most other dating sites, and much steeper than most dating apps, but if you follow the above tips and you're willing to experiment, you’ll encounter more than a few fun and sexy surprises along the way. 

SAVE $1,100: At T-Mobile, get $1,100 off a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra when you activate a line on an Experience More or Beyond Plan. Pre-order now before it arrives on Aug. 7.

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Samsung Galaxy Fold8 Ultra

$999.99 at T-Mobile
$2,099.99 Save $1,100.00

 

Pre-order Here

This week, Samsung dropped a whole new line-up of redesigned foldables. The new collection includes the Galaxy Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra. The Fold8 Ultra is the most expensive of the bunch but also the most advanced. However, T-Mobile is providing a rare savings opportunity.

As of July 26, all the new Samsung Galaxy foldable phones are available for preorder before they arrive on Aug. 7. At T-Mobile, they're offering $1,100 off the Samsung Galaxy Fold 8 Ultra when you activate a line on an Experience More or Beyond Plan. That's over half the price of the phone, bringing it down to $999.99.

T-Mobile's Experience More plan is the carrier's most popular, at $140 per month with unlimited premium data. For an upgraded experience, go with the Beyond plan, which includes everything in the More Plan plus T-Satellite service.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold8 is a premium smartphone. It has a 6.5-inch AMOLED cover display, which opens into an 8-inch screen. The hinge is undetectable for a flat, high-definition experience right in your pocket. It takes content creation to a new level with the new My FanCam feature which reframes video to follow the action.

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Fold8 Ultra at T-Mobile and save $1,100 when you activate an Experience More or Beyond plan.

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

Water-based.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

HYDRO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Comical.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

FUNNY

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To spin.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

TWIRL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Barbecue.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

GRILL

Final Hurdle hint

3D shape.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

PRISM

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 Moon will look nearly full tonight as it continues through the waxing gibbous phase. Although the Full Moon is still a few days away, where we are in the lunar cycle means that most of its visible surface is already illuminated.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, July 26, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in Waxing Gibbous phase, with 90% of its surface visible.

Without the assistance of any visual aids, tonight you should be to see the Mares Fecunditatis, Serenitatis, and Tranquillitatis. Binoculars will also help you to see the Alps Mountains, Archimedes Crater, and the Gassendi Crater. Finally, with a telescope you'll see all this plus the Apollo 12 landing spot, the Schiller Crater, and the Caucasus Mountains.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on July 29.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to complete its journey around Earth, passing through eight distinct phases during each lunar cycle, according to NASA. While the Moon’s same side is always visible from our planet, the portion of its surface lit by the Sun changes as it moves along its orbit. These shifting levels of illumination are what create the different appearances we see throughout the month, from a slender crescent shape to a half-lit Moon and finally a bright Full Moon, before the cycle begins once again.

The eight phases are:

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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you've ever gone fishing.

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.

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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.

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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: Ohio

• Green: Gone fishing

• Blue: Seen in a logo

• Purple: Sounds like an NHL team

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Ohio Teams

• Green: Fishing Gear

• Blue: Found in MLB Team Logos

• Purple: Ends in an NHL Team

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 #671 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Ohio Teams: BROWNS, BUCKEYES, CAVALIERS, CREW

• Fishing Gear: HOOK, SINKER, SPOON, TACKLE BOX

• Found in MLB Team Logos: BASEBALL GLOVE, BRIDGE, CROWN, SOCKS

• Ends in an NHL Team: BLUE DEVILS, BOILERS, PF FLYERS, STOCKINGS

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.

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 26 Pips

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

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

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 26 Pips

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 26 Pips

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 1-2, placed horizontally.

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically.

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

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

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

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically.

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

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically.

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a parent.

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.

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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.

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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: Kid celebrations

• Green: Old gadgets

• Blue: Precipitation

• Purple: Outer layer

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Baby milestones

• Green: Outmoded consumer tech

• Blue: Expressions for rain

• Purple: What "Shell" might refer to

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 #1141 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Baby milestones: CRAWLING, FIRST WORDS, ROLLING OVER, SOLID FOOD

• Outmoded consumer tech: BLACKBERRY, DISCMAN, DVD PLAYER, PLASMA TV

• Expressions for rain: APRIL SHOWERS, LIQUID SUNSHINE, SCOTCH MIST, WET WEATHER

• What "Shell" might refer to: CARAPACE, GAS STATION, PASTRY CRUST, ROWING BOAT

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're well-versed in a specific subject.

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: All-knowing

The words are related to professionals.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe masters.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Big Brain.

NYT Strands word list for July 26

• Pundit

• Expert

• Big Brain

• Specialist

• Authority

• Maven

• Guru

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're a healthy eater.

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:

A tiny fruit.

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 G.

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...

GRAPE

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.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 for $42.97 (reg. $219) until July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License

$42.97
$219 Save $176.03

 

Get Deal

Whether you’re balancing household finances, finishing a presentation, or updating your resume, some word processing tools become second nature over time. Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 combines the familiar Office apps into a single purchase that’s currently price-dropped to $42.97 (reg. $219) through July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

This version of Microsoft Office is designed specifically for Mac users who want the classic desktop experience without ongoing monthly or annually costs. The lifetime license includes Word for documents, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations, Outlook for email, Teams (Basic), and OneNote (Free version). Once it’s installed on one Mac, the software is yours to keep.

Sticking with familiar software also means less time adjusting to new menus, shortcuts, and workflows. Whether you’re writing a resume, organizing household finances, creating a presentation, or managing email for a small business, you’ll already know where most of the tools are.

After purchase, your license key and download instructions are delivered instantly, so you can install the software without waiting for physical media. Microsoft also includes customer support if you need help getting everything up and running.

This license is valid for one Mac only, and you’ll need to redeem your code within seven days of purchase. It’s also a standalone 2021 release rather than a Microsoft 365 subscription, so it doesn’t include the ongoing feature updates that come with Microsoft’s subscription service.

If you’re looking for the Microsoft Office apps you already know in a one-time purchase instead of another recurring bill, Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 is available for $42.97 (reg. $219) through July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

There's always an anxiety around signing up for a new dating site, particularly one of the spicier variety like AdultFriendFinder. Signing up for any paid-for service leaves a digital paper trail — one that could be pretty embarrassing if it involves sex, kinks, and hookups. This kind of thing is personal, and everyone deserves their privacy when it comes to online fun.

There are lots of reasons to feel cagey about the digital paper trail. For starters, you could be married or in a relationship. Or perhaps you and your ex haven’t got round to dividing your financial lives yet. Maybe you just don’t like the idea of your bank teller or financial advisor knowing what you get up to online, which is totally fair enough. Whatever the reason, it’s your prerogative — and it's your right to keep it all hush-hush.

It's perfectly natural to worry about what your dating app subscription will look like on your bank statement, especially if that subscription service contains loaded words such as “adult” — folks can be super judgy and conservative about this kind of thing.

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Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

Learn More

Thankfully, AdultFriendFinder has anticipated this exact issue. So, if you do decide to upgrade from a free membership to a paid one — whether you opt for their Gold or VIP subscription tiers, which boast their own features and benefits — your monthly billing statement will only show up as FFNHelp.com*FRIENDF.

It's a relatively cryptic and innocuous name that won’t arouse undue suspicion or unfair judgment (not that you should have to worry about that anyway — what you get up on consenting dating sites is your business).

Be aware that AdultFriendFinder subscriptions default to “auto-renew,” so if you purchase a membership and want to cancel, you’ll need to disable auto-renew. Otherwise, you risk having the mysterious FFNHelp.com*FRIENDF pop up on your statement month after month — and you'll continue paying, of course.

But what if even that isn’t good enough for you?

If you’re super cautious — or super paranoid — you can actually bypass bank statements entirely by paying with a gift card or a cash, check, or money order (available only to users in the U.S.). You can even use an e-wallet option like AirTM. Residents of the UK can opt to pay by SMS. AFF really has thought of everything with this particular issue.

If avoiding a digital paper trail is your top priority and privacy is paramount, you’re much better off using these payment options and not handing over your credit card details in the first place. Whatever you choose, AFF is safeguarding your anonymity.

How to choose a red light face mask: Look at wavelength first

There are some ways to tell that a red light face mask won't be effective before you buy it and use it for a few months.

Wavelength is the first factor anyone will tell you to consider. You want to find products that emit light within the therapeutic window, or the range of wavelengths that can be effective when treating common skin conditions. There is now an abundance of evidence that specific wavelengths of red light can be effective for:

• Reduction of fine lines, dark circles, and crow's feet

• Improving skin texture

• Fighting wrinkles

• Boosting collagen production

• Reducing inflammation and redness

To be effective, the light coming from the mask must penetrate different layers of your skin. There are optimal wavelengths for each type of light a face mask emits, and any reputable brand will put their mask's wavelengths front and center in the listing. These carefully chosen ranges are strong enough to penetrate your skin, but gentle enough to avoid over-activating delicate face skin.

Red light does its work in the middle layer (dermis) of your skin, requiring wavelengths between 630 and 633 nm to reach past the top layer. There, red light stimulates cells to produce rejuvenating proteins like collagen and elastin, evening out surface redness, and preventing scarring or post-pimple red spots.

The Shark CryoGlow's Better Aging routine combines red and near-infrared light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Shark CryoGlow's Skin Clearing routine uses a special sequence of red, near-infrared, and blue light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Most red light masks also use near-infrared red light therapy, which requires longer wavelengths to travel further than regular red light. Near-infrared light between 830 and 850 nm reaches into tissue under the dermis to further stimulate cell turnover, firm skin, and heal deep-seated spots or stubborn dark circles.

What about blue light therapy?

Blue light is often used to target acne, and some of the best red light masks use a combination of blue and red light therapy.

Blue light operates on the top layer (epidermis) of your skin, so its ideal wavelength is shorter than either red light standard. Blue light at 415nm has an antimicrobial effect, ideally killing the bacteria that cause acne before a breakout starts. If hellbent bacterial acne makes it past the blue light phase — or if you're also dealing with hormonal or cystic acne not caused by bacteria — red light swoops in to neutralize inflammation and speed up the healing process.

The thing is, most mainstream LED face masks hit those wavelength marks. So, how do you choose between masks if their wavelength numbers are all the same?

The importance of irradiance

Irradiance is another major element that determines whether or not a red light mask actually works. While wavelength refers to the length the light can travel, irradiance refers to the amount of light energy that's actually reaching your skin per session (not just the intensity of light being generated at the bulb). If wavelength numbers are correct but irradiance is low, the mask will still be kind of a dud.

Bulb placement is one of the key factors we considered in our test. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Comfort is another key factor, as consistent use is key to results. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Irradiance is officially expressed as milliwatts per square centimeter. The optimal irradiance range for a red light face mask is pretty wide (anywhere between 30 and 100 mW/cm²), though many brands don't directly provide that number.

Most brands do note the length of each session, which is one way to quickly gauge irradiance without getting into calculations. Dr. Mamina Turegano sums it up best on her YouTube account: "Higher irradiance means more effective energy delivery per minute of use." Longer sessions don't automatically mean that results will be more powerful — a mask with sessions that last for less than 10 minutes has higher irradiance than a mask with sessions that last for 20 to 30 minutes. Since a mask with lower irradiance needs to sit on your face for longer, you might be less likely to keep up with wearing it.

Are bulb count and bulb placement a big deal?

The number of bulbs and the placement of bulbs inside the mask can also impact efficacy, especially if you're expecting results on a specific area of your face. Masks with more bulbs packed evenly across the face will provide more even coverage across every inch of your face than masks with more sporadically-placed bulbs.

Some masks also provide more light sources overall by emitting both red and blue light simultaneously from every single bulb, like the Shark CryoGlow. This would be a better option for full-face acne prevention than masks with blue and red LEDs only concentrated in certain spots, like the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite.

What red light masks worked for us?

Of course, you probably didn't come here for a science lesson. You want to find the best red light masks Mashable's testers used and loved.

After trying out 11 different products, we ultimately found six that we can recommend. These masks delivered visible results for our product testers.

Remember: Consistency is essential for the best results (or any results)with LED face masks. You'll need to wear your mask consistently for at least 1-2 months.

The prospective merger between entertainment giants Paramount and Warner Bros. has been officially delayed, prolonging the drama over what is proving to be an extremely controversial business decision.

Twelve states, led by California, and the Writers' Guild of America have filed a lawsuit to block the $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. by Paramount Skydance, citing antitrust concerns, and a recent court order, voluntarily agreed to by Paramount, will see the merger delayed until either June 2027 or five days after the judge's ruling, whichever comes first. 

Amusingly, though, both sides of the case are claiming the delay as a victory. New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement on Friday describing the delay as a "critical victory in our efforts to uphold the law and protect the film and television industry." At the same time, California Attorney General Rob Bonta characterized the delay as a "tremendous win" and "great news for audiences, movie theaters, and the many people who write, build, and create the art, news, and entertainment so many of us enjoy." 

But a Paramount spokesperson told Variety that the company was also viewing the agreement as a victory: "Today’s agreement is a significant win because the result is exactly what we have sought from the outset: a direct path to a trial based on the evidence. This is the fastest and clearest way to prove that this transaction is good for competition, good for consumers, and good for creators, a conclusion dozens of competition authorities around the world have already reached."

Any time two massive corporate entities merge, antitrust concerns arise. After all, LAMagazine has estimated that the two companies combine for roughly 34 percent of combined streaming viewership, which would give them significant control over industry practices. Concerned critics, who have mobilized behind the hashtag #BlockTheMerger, allege that this acquisition jeopardizes everything from fair hiring and wage standards to the artistic freedoms of creators, and it will be the job of the courts to assess these claims. But there's another angle adding fuel to the fire: politics.

Paramount CEO David Ellison, son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is perceived to be sympathetic to President Donald Trump, whose own Justice Department approved the merger back in June. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery owns CNN, the media network most critical of the President, whom Trump has singled out for criticism and name-calling on numerous occasions.  

Since David Ellison took over Paramount, the company has been accused of purging unfriendly CBS staffers and skewing coverage of the President in a favorable direction, as well as "spineless capitulation" in agreeing to a $16-million settlement with the President in his lawsuit against 60 Minutes. 

In addition to the typical antitrust concerns, this merger also raises serious issues about freedom of the press, as more and more newsrooms end up in the hands of an ever-smaller number of media conglomerates. In other words, expect to hear a lot more about this deal in the near future.

One of the world's leading generative AI companies, with products licensed by tech powerhouses like Meta, has just announced its acquisition of one of the most popular astrology apps — and we didn't have that on our Bingo cards in 2026.

Banu Guler, founder and CEO of Co-Star Astrology, took to X recently to announce her company's acquisition by AI lab Midjourney, best known for making the generative AI tools used by popular services like Discord and Facebook. And because, on its surface, this is an odd acquisition to say the least, Guler went into some detail about the shared origins of these two companies:

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In a nod to the general public's fear of artificial intelligence (a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 71% of Americans worry that their job will be replaced by AI), Guler took pains to distinguish the Co-Star/Midjourney partnership by pointing to the shared interests she has with Midjourney founder David Holz as well as his lab's commitment to "beauty, imagination, and supporting human thriving with technology." 

And to further reassure Guler's users, most of whom are young and therefore no strangers to tech-induced anxiety, Midjourney used its announcement to reiterate that Guler would retain "complete control" of Co-Star. 

But what does a generative AI company want with an astrology app? 

Because of the company's forays into health, including the development of a full-body ultrasonic scanner, as well as Midjourney Medical, a novel concept that would see the AI company create a series of spas focused around combining older technology (saunas, hot tubs and cold plunges) with the aforementioned ultrasonic scanning technology, it's possible that this is just another step towards a more holistic approach to healthcare, a kind of mind-body-spirit gambit that would cover all our bases. 

As a result of the partnership, Banu Guler will also become Midjourney's new Chief Design Officer, so we should expect to see some of the seamless design touches that made Co-Star such a standout success incorporated into the Midjourney ecosystem.

I recently got to spend a couple hours of my workday playing with the new Lego Pokémon Smart Play Sets, and my inner 8-year-old is still screaming. So, I'll put this the way a child might: I love the new Lego Pokémon Smart Play Sets so much I want to marry them.

Seriously, though: These sets totally rule.

I'll admit that I was underwhelmed by the Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets released earlier this year. So I was a bit skeptical when Mashable got the chance to demo the new Lego Pokémon sets ahead of their Aug. 1 launch. However, my Pokémon-loving colleagues and I had an absolute blast playing and geeking out over these sets.

Lego Charizard and Mewtwo in Battle Mode. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

I'm excited to break down how they work, which sets are coming, and whether they're worth adding to your Lego collection.

What are the Lego Pokémon Smart Play Sets?

Charizard in all its glory. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

Mashable has been following the Lego Smart Play rollout closely. We were there for the Smart Brick's big debut at CES 2026 and on hand for the London launch event for the Pokémon Smart Play Sets this summer.

The Smart Brick enables interacitivity with the Mewtwo's Lab Break set. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The Smart Play system is built around a new Smart Brick, a modified 2x4 Lego piece. Lego crammed a lot of hardware into this brick, which features an accelerometer, microphones and speakers, LED lights, magnetic field sensors, a gyroscope, and a color sensor. The Smart Brick responds to Smart Tags included with the Smart Play sets, as well as various Smart Minifigures. An included wireless charger provides extra juice when the battery runs out.

Recharge your Smart Bricks with the included charging pad. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The end result is a Lego set that responds to your play. Now, your Lego Mini Figures can talk to each other. They also light up or make noises based on your movements.

Here's the Lego Jolteon with a Smart Brick. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The Lego Pokémon Smart Play Sets take this even further: Your favorite Pokémon not only make adorable little noises, but also enter into a battle mode. You can charge up special powers, level up your Pokémon, and pit them against each other.

The Smart Brick sits right in Charizard's tummy. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The Lego Pokémon Smart Play Sets make incredibly cute noises

The real secret sauce behind the new smart Lego Pokémon sets? Pikachu, Squirtle, Bidoof, Geodude, Charmander, and Eevee make adorable little noises. They squeak and chatter back and forth when you place them near each other. When you push Squirtle's buggy around, it makes little choo-choo engine noises.

Lego Smart Play Training House with Pikachu Set. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

And the pièce de résistance? The Pikachu Treehouse Set contains a hidden Murphy Bed. Place Pikachu or one of its smart friends on the bed, and they fall asleep and snore.

Lego Smart Play Pikachu takes a nap in the Training House. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

It's enough to make you squeal at the cuteness overload, which is exactly what we did as we played with these little monsters at the Mashable office.

The aforementioned battle mode is also really cool. Some of the sets come with training stations, where you can level up Pokémon for a better chance at winning a match-up. You can power up your Pokémon's special power (shake too hard, and the move fizzles out), dodge attacks, and generally just have fun.

These are just some of the primary interactive elements, and a lot of the fun here will be trying out new things. You can add the Smart Tags and Smart Bricks to different creatures to explore new ways to play.

Squirtle comes with a buggy and barbecue set, obviously. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

Again, I've never been a huge Pokémon guy (I'm an OG Harry Potter nerd), and even I had a blast playing with these cute little dudes.

The Lego Pokémon sets arrive Aug. 1

There is one thing I don't love about the Lego Smart Play sets: they don't all come with a smart brick. That's not as big of a deal here as it was with the pricey Star Wars sets, but check the product details carefully. You'll need to buy at least one set with a smart brick and charger. From there, you can build your own collection. I appreciate that the add-on sets start at $19.99, and you can get all-in-one sets for $69.99. Lego's prices aren't always so friendly.

The Lego Pokémon Smart Play: Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle set. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The adorable Training House with Pikachu and the Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle sets are all-in-one kits that include Smart Bricks.

Geodude rocks! Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

You can also buy interactive "Smart Play Compatible" sets, which include:

• Mewtwo's Lab Break

• Eevee and Lapras's Treasure Hunt

• Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof

• Trainer's Buggy Adventure with Squirtle

• Charmander and Geodude's Cavern Clash

• Cubone and Gengar's Spooky Showdown

Three of the sets are available on Amazon, and the rest are available for preorder at the Lego online store. Presumably, more smart Pokémon sets will be coming in the future.

Are the Lego Pokémon Smart Play Sets worth it?

Absolutely! We had a blast playing with these sets, and we appreciate that there are a lot of sets available for under $75. If you love Lego and Pokémon, we think this one will be fun for all ages.

The Lego Pokémon Smart Play collection

---

All-In-One SET

Lego Smart Play Pokémon Training House with Pikachu

$69.99 at Lego

Pre-Order Here

---

Lego Pokémon Smart Play: Mewtwo's Lab Break set

$69.99 at Amazon

Pre-Order Here

---

All-In-One Set

Lego Pokémon Smart Play: Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle set

$119.99 at Amazon

Pre-Order Here

---

Lego Pokémon Smart Play Trainer's Buggy Adventure with Squirtle

$29.99 at Lego

Pre-Order Here

---

Lego Pokémon Smart Play Charmander and Geodude's Cavern Clash set

$19.99 at Lego

Pre-Order Here

---

Lego Pokémon Smart Play Eevee and Lapras's Treasure Hunt set

$59.99 at Lego

Pre-Order Here

---

Lego Pokémon Smart Play Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof set

$19.99 at Lego

Pre-Order Here

---

Lego Pokémon Smart Play Cubone and Gengar's Spooky Showdown set

$89.99 at Amazon

Pre-Order Here

Is iRobot out of the bankruptcy hole?

When iRobot filed for bankruptcy in December 2025, the company insisted that a glow-up was in the works — but we didn't know when or if we'd actually see a new Roomba again. Well, it finally happened: In July 2026, iRobot released new Roombas in the U.S. for the first time under its new ownership. But are they smart enough cleaners at practical enough prices to outpace Shark, or serve as real competition with the rest of the best robot vacuum brands?

Let's break down why Roombas were considered the best for so long, where iRobot went wrong, and what the 2026 Roombas are doing to change the "overpriced and underwhelming" narrative.

Where Roomba wins: Small obstacle avoidance and more variety

Shark's family of robot vacuums is definitely growing. But the variety in the Roomba lineup offers slightly more flexibility for mixing and matching staple features like smart mapping, self-empty docks that also wash and dry the mopping pads, automatic cleaning boosts when a mess is detected, and most importantly, small obstacle avoidance technology.

Plus, there are just more Roombas to choose from than there are Shark robovacs. The last two Roomba drops haven't just introduced one or two new Roombas, as is the case with Shark announcements — we're used to getting at least five new Roombas at a time.

The 2025 Roombas all have LiDAR towers — a first for iRobot. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

You can still buy a few of the 2025 Roombas that were released pre-bankruptcy, and they often go on sale. The best Roombas that I've tested recently include the Roomba 105 (a standalone model with smart mapping) that has permanently dropped to $159 and the Roomba Plus 505 Combo (self-washing and -drying mopping pads, small obstacle avoidance) for as low as $499 on sale.

iRobot thankfully diverted from the traditional flat mopping pad with its 2025 overhaul. Now, several mopping Roombas use dual spinning mopping pads — a design that the majority of iRobot customers prefer, iRobot told me in a press briefing. The Roomba Max 705 Combo was actually one of the first mainstream roller mop robot vacuums, which debuted months before that became a major trend at CES 2026. Still, the Max 705 Combo wouldn't be a worthwhile purchase over better roller mop robot vacuums like the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow or the Eufy C28.

Not for nothing, iRobot heard the cries of the anti-mop crowd on Reddit and answered with a vacuum-only version of one of its more powerful models, the Roomba Max 715 Vac. A lot of people simply don't want to deal with water tanks or anything soggy at all, but finding a vacuum-only robot vacuum typically means settling for a super basic model — all of the most advanced robot vacuums are automatically hybrids nowadays. But since it's completely skipping such a main feature, I think the Roomba Max 715 should be a little cheaper than $699.99.

The Roomba Max 705 Combo has a paint roller-esque mop and a wooden dock. Credit: iRobot

The new Roomba Plus 405 Combo has two spinning mopping pads — a first for iRobot. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

iRobot's widespread application of small obstacle avoidance does provide some leverage over Shark. This staple feature is what keeps the vacuum from eating common floor items like cords, shoes, and toys — and that means less pre-tidying and less babysitting on the human's end.

The cheapest Roomba with front-facing obstacle avoidance cameras, the Roomba Plus 415 Combo, is now just $599.99. Only Shark's top three premium robot vacuums feature small obstacle avoidance cameras, and they're much more expensive than this.

Where iRobot loses: Forgettable vacuums, iffy finances

iRobot isn't exactly the pioneer it once was.

The self-emptying, smart mapping Roomba S9+ of 2019 and the 2021 Roomba j7+ that could avoid cords and pet waste were huge deals when they first hit the scene — they truly set the standard for the rest of the vacuum market. iRobot's star power was so influential that "Roomba" became the colloquial generic term for any robot vacuum.

But somewhere down the line, iRobot stopped innovating in the ways that once justified its steep price points. Roombas started costing way too much for the brainpower or cleaning performance they offered. The Roomba flop era was kind of inevitable.

The Roomba Plus 505 Combo isn't anything special, but it's fine if you find it on sale. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

iRobot has released new Roombas for the first time since filing for bankruptcy and handing ownership to its manufacturer, Picea. I'll give credit to iRobot for getting more practical with its prices, specifically in terms of expanding staple smart features like LiDAR, the self-washing mopping pad system, or small obstacle avoidance to more affordable models. But none of it is anything we haven't seen before.

At this point, iRobot is merely playing catch-up to budget-friendly behemoths like Dreame and Roborock. None of the 2026 Roombas have any overly exciting features that make them stand out in any given price range. Plus, we can't pretend like iRobot's recent financial blunder hasn't soured the trust of customers who heard about the bankruptcy news. Even though things are stable enough to continue manufacturing new products, that doesn't promise that iRobot's finances are in order. After all, iRobot filed for bankruptcy less than a year after releasing eight new Roombas in March of 2025.

Where Shark wins: Spot cleaning and the UV light

Shark robot vacuums haven't exactly been known for their innovation. Historically, it felt like the Sharks were several months to a year late on premium features that all of the other brands had. So the genius packed into the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 that dropped in March 2026 was a pleasant surprise. The UV Reveal uses a real UV light to detect invisible stains on the floor that a robot vacuum using AI cameras or plain LEDs may not see.

The Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

One memorable moment from my testing is the UV Reveal finding and mopping up dried cat puke that another premium robot vacuum mop combo didn't thoroughly scrub the week before. It's a game-changing feature for mopping hardwood floors.

In June 2026, Shark had the genius idea to release its two best vacuums in more colors than plain ol' black and white. The Shark UV Reveal is available in four chic earth tones that should better blend in with the room's decor: espresso, evergreen, deep harbor, and ivory. It wouldn't surprise me to hear that the aesthetic color options alone were enough to convince someone to buy a Shark over a Roomba.

The colors of the Shark Luxe collection. Credit: Shark

So yes, the Shark UV Reveal breathed life into an otherwise just OK lineup of Shark robovacs. But for everyone trying to spend less than $1,299.99 on a robot vacuum (or even $949.99, if it's on sale), are the other Shark robot vacuums worth it?

I've always found Shark to be in tune with what the average person is willing to spend on a robot vacuum. The brand consistently offers core capabilities like smart mapping and mopping at affordable price points, topped with a straightforward user experience that doesn't involve a million high-level app functions. It's a particularly enticing brand for first-time robot vacuum owners.

The Shark Matrix RV2310 is a reliable little vacuum. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Shark's approachable price points don't necessarily mean it skimps on cleaning performance, though. Shark Matrix vacuums clean in a grid pattern, approaching the area several times from multiple angles to grab anything it may have missed in the first pass or two. According to Shark, Matrix mode dishes out 30 percent better carpet cleaning than the older RV Shark models. For Shark 2-in-1 robot vacuums, a mop in Matrix mode vibrates 100 times per minute to scrub at stains that likely wouldn't budge from a single pass of a cheaper robot mop or a paper towel. Matrix mopping always comes in clutch for keeping up with the constant layer of shoe prints by my front door.

Shark even extends the Matrix cleaning mechanism to most of its super-affordable models, making any of the RV2310 or RV2300 models a solid choice for a budget robot vacuum. Shark's spot cleaning has been such a streamlined, reliable feature in every Shark robot vacuum I tried. My ultimate spot cleaning test is the area outside either of my cats' litter boxes — even the cheap Shark robot vacuums always got to the right spot and cleared the kitty litter before I walked in there with bare feet.

Every other big brand had at least one model with self-washing and -drying mopping pads far before the Shark PowerDetect Pro series hit the scene in September 2024. They originally cost between $999.99 and $1,199.99, which seemed reasonable (at the time) compared to the models that cost $1,599.99. Both Pro models can now be found on sale for around $699.99.

The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

For good measure, the PowerDetect models are also equipped with large wheels that hoist the vac over carpet to keep it dry during mopping mode. Those hydraulics put the PowerDetect robot vacuums in the small group of robot vacuums that have never gotten stuck on one of my rug corners or scrambled up my bath mats.

Where Shark loses: Small obstacle avoidance and slow releases

Shark's biggest shortcoming might just be that it takes forever to release new robot vacuums. Brands like Roborock and Dreame seem to drop new crops of robot vacuums twice in the time period that Shark introduces a single new model, making its lineup feel outdated quickly. The typical iRobot release introduces at least three new vacuums at once.

But there are smarter robot vacuums out there for that same $699.99 or less.

Overall, Shark's lineup outside of the UV Reveal feels a little basic compared to its competitors. For instance, the original PowerDetect line was in desperate need of a successor for a while. When Shark did finally "revamp" the series in fall 2025, the upgrades were criminally underwhelming. The major difference is heated mop washing and drying for improved sanitation between mopping sessions, hence "ThermaCharged" in the title. That's not exactly a front-page headline when the vacuum is still so far behind other brands' models in the same price range.

The purple lights indicate "Dirt Detect" mode. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Another lesser-known late 2025 model, the Shark Stratos NeverTouch robot vacuum, is similarly bland. Its description mentions "ultra-powerful suction" and states that the Stratos delivers twice the suction power of the Roomba i5 Combo. A $799.99 robot vacuum is more powerful than an entry-level Roomba that came out in 2023? Yeah, I would hope so.

Shark is the lone major robot vacuum brand that hasn't really invested in small obstacle avoidance past its fanciest model. Multiple models feature Shark's NeverStuck technology to some degree, but the UV Reveal is the only one I've tested that actually felt like it was really perceiving items lying in front of it. Meanwhile, brands like Eufy, Roborock, Dreame, and now even iRobot have prioritized small obstacle avoidance in robot vacuums at the $500 to $700 range.

The lack of agility around common items like cords, laundry, or pet toys seriously cramps the "premium" feel. This is such a staple feature in my life, as I'm sure it is for anyone whose floor might be cluttered lived in from time to time. In my testing, the Shark ThermaCharged was so inept at diverting obstacles (even large ones) that it gave up on cleaning missions instead of simply driving around a tote bag of groceries or a cordless Dyson vacuum attachment lying on the ground.

In the same vein of too-basic navigation, only the most premium Shark robot vacuums automatically stop mopping when carpet is sensed. This means vacuum and mop mode aren't possible at the same time with any of the 2-in-1 Shark Matrix models, and a person needs to manually attach the water tank to switch to mopping mode. That's enough of a pain to make someone want to skip mopping altogether. Even the cheap Roomba 105 Combo can detect carpet — the first time in recent memory where a base-tier Roomba outshines a base-tier Shark.

For the first time in forever, I think iRobot has stronger cheap robot vacuum options than Shark does. You'd be able to squeeze stronger suction power, better edge mopping, and smarter navigation out of $300 or $400 with a budget Roomba or Roborock vacuum than you would with the $449.99 Shark Navigator or $299.99 Shark IQ, which doesn't even self-empty.

It's the same story on the premium end of the spectrum: UV Reveal aside, the fanciest Sharks cost too much given their skills. They don't necessarily have any glaring flaws, but they're certainly not the most competent or most autonomous robot vacuums you could find for between $500 and $900.

Shark is still locked into a single style of mopping pad

Shark also has yet to grow out of the D-shaped mopping pad, while every other major brand has graduated to dual rotating mops or roller mops. The sonic vibrations of the PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro and PowerDetect ThermaCharged did a solid job of wiping up small spills and shoe stains on my apartment's hardwood, but they weren't able to scrub in corners and along edges as the Roomba 405 or 505 Combo's flexible spinning mops can.

Shark thankfully gave the PowerDetect UV Reveal's mopping pad some mobility. It can slide past the circular body of the vacuum to scrub against flat edges, much like the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic's design. I've personally witnessed the UV Reveal's extending mop pad scrub much closer to walls than other Sharks.

Unfortunately, the UV Reveal's mopping is only geared toward scrubbing dry stains or sticky droplets, not liquid spills. I'm still not 100 percent sold on the D-shaped pad design for that reason, and it's disappointing that Shark locks shoppers into that style of scrubbing. iRobot has branched out to spinning pads and even a roller mop, so people with different mopping needs have more options going with iRobot.

Shark doesn't do itself any favors by refusing to list its vacuums' suction power in Pascals (Pa). Almost every other major robot vacuum brand measures suction power in Pa (even iRobot now), which makes comparing options easy. Shark still insists on keeping an air of mystery by solely comparing suction power to other vacuums in its own family tree, or by making vague claims like "50% better suction than the best-selling iRobot."

Where iRobot and Shark both lose: Their apps suck

Ironically, two of the most longstanding names in the robot vacuum game have the two most outdated-feeling apps. The bare bones home maps in both the Roomba Home and Shark Clean apps are far less intricate than the color-coded maps that Roborock or Eufy offer. Pausing a clean or adding an extra room to the queue is similarly clunky on both.

Our winner: Shark

Neither Shark nor iRobot is in the running to be the best robot vacuum brand overall in 2026. But if you want to pit them against each other for old time's sake, Shark is the more reliable robot vacuum brand.

Revisiting the Shark vs. Roomba debate, my answer is pretty much, "Uh, is there a third option?" It's hard to get enthusiastic when one brand has a singular memorable robot vacuum and the other brand has... none. The Shark UV Reveal 2-in-1 is far more innovative than the latest Roomba 400, 500, and 700 Series Combo models that we have to choose from. Since the rest of the Shark and iRobot lineups are a wash, I think it's safe to give Shark the top spot based on the UV Reveal 2-in-1 alone.

The fact that Shark hasn't gone bankrupt is another bonus point by default, presumably putting it in a more cushioned financial position to keep putting out new products.

However, my mind could change once I'm able to test a majority of the newest Roombas at home.

There are other brands that deserve your attention

Overall, I still think that Dreame vs. Roborock is the new Shark vs. Roomba, and I highly recommend taking a look at all of the Dreame robot vacuums and Roborock robot vacuums within your budget. You're probably going to find an option that's smarter and more powerful than the Roomba and Shark vacuum cleaners in your cart.

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Roborock robot vacuums

 

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If you're a Woman on the Internet, you've probably seen the Hello Nancy Lem come across your feed in one form or another — either as a "wellness" ad or in a full-on TikTok review by a sex educator/influencer.

It's the toy of the season (IMO), and it's everywhere. I honestly haven't seen a vibrator get this much attention since the Rose (you know the one) came out. And, like the Rose, dupes are now flooding the internet, but we're interested in testing the real product.

That said, not all toys are as good as a company's marketing budget (that's an understatement). If you're wondering if the Hello Nancy Lem is as good as they say it is, I've done the research and hands-on testing to give you an honest review.

Why should you listen to me? I've been testing, reviewing, and covering sex tech for years. My office is basically a makeshift sex shop, I have a certificate from Sextech School, and probably most importantly, I have endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and occasional vaginismus spasms — so I am adamant about finding the best toys for people with pelvic pain in addition to my usual service journalism.

What is the Hello Nancy Lem?

If your algorithm hasn't served you the Lem on a carousel or 15-second hype video yet, let me introduce you.

The Lem is a clitoral massager that looks like a lemon (hence the name). It has 12 intensities and patterns, is made of medical-grade silicone (hallelujah), and has a noise level of Hello Nancy website, the Lem is slightly quieter than a refrigerator's hum at its lowest setting (~35–40 dB) and just a hair louder than "light rainfall" at max speed (

Credit: Tabitha Britt | Mashable

It's also IPX7-rated, which means it's waterproof, and it comes with either a magnetic charger or a Type-C port, depending on when you ordered. I actually have both versions; the one with the "flap" has a C-port charger, and the one without the "flap" has the magnetic charger. (Both are 100 percent waterproof!)

What's in the box?

You'll obviously get the Hello Nancy Lem Clitoral Massager, a satiny pink storage pouch, a little packet of helpful cards (a starter guide with a QR code to help you set up your toy, a 10 percent discount code that you can give to a friend, tips for getting in the mood, and a quick care guide), and of course, the charger. Note: You will not get a charging block, which isn't a dealbreaker but something to consider since the end of both the magnetic charger and the C-charger is a USB.

Your Lem may also come with a packet of lube and some toy cleaner (I believe my first Lem did; that was around the time it became popular).

How does the Hello Nancy Lem work?

The Lem is easy to use, and both versions only have one button. If you have the USB-C version of the toy, the button will actually look like a button; if your toy has a magnetic charger, the "button" will look like an "N."

Just hold the "N" (or button) down until the toy vibrates once to activate it, then press it to access the first setting. The only downside to having one intuitive control is that it's impossible to go back to a previous setting; you have to cycle through all of them to get back to the start.

The intensities range from a Level 1, which Hello Nancy describes as "gentle," and a level 7-8, which is "intense." Patterns 9-12 are rhythmic, so if you prefer some variety, those might be for you. I personally just like to keep it at a steady pace and slowly work my way towards climaxing.

It really is just a tiny, non-threatening lemon. Credit: Tabitha Britt | Mashable

Before your solo sesh, go ahead and charge your Lem to 100. It'll take about 90 minutes (or less, considering it comes with a little bit of juice right out of the box). Once it's fully charged, experiment! There's nothing worse than placing a literal sucker on your clitoris and just waiting to see what happens. Get familiar with the controls, cycle through the settings, and feel the suction on a non-sexual body part like your arm or stomach before touching your sweet bits.

You don't have to use lube, but lube does make everything better (despite the bad rep it gets on the streets; needing/wanting lube isn't a failure!). If you do decide to use lube, use a water-based one. Oil, silicone, and alcohol-based products will degrade your toy.

Start slow and gradually increase the intensity to see what works best for you. Again, the toy is waterproof, so if you have roommates or just like playing in the bath/shower (I definitely did this during college!), you can take it in there without worrying about breaking it.

Here's what I think about the Hello Nancy Lem Clitoral Massager

The Hello Nancy Lem is ideal for a few different scenarios: anyone who prefers clitoral stimulation over penetration, anyone who wants a powerful clit sucker that'll give them a run for their money while using a penetrative toy (dual-stimulation for the win), or anyone who experiences pelvic pain and just can't handle penetration.

The Lem will give you sweet, sweet butterfly kisses on your vulva until you turn it up, and then it's like ohhh. You could honestly play with it for hours if you can control yourself, or if you want to have multiple orgasms. It’s also great for foreplay if you have trouble getting wet before sex (I do, thanks to my many pelvic conditions and issues). Plus, if you've always wanted to squirt, I think this is a great toy to have in your kit.

In terms of ergonomics, I love how it fits in my hand; it's not too big or too small. It also fits over the clitoris in a way that isn't awkward or weird. (Sometimes clitoral suction toys just don't fit, no matter how you position them.) Because of the easy-to-hold shape, I think it'd also be a good pick for someone with arthritis or carpal tunnel (which I also have, LOL).

Personally, I've never not come after using the Lem. It can get me there in just a few minutes sans pelvic pain. That said, I think it's important to note that not having an orgasm doesn't mean the experience was a failure. As long as it feels good to you and you're satisfied, playtime doesn't always have to end in a climax.

Design-wise, it's completely unassuming and non-threatening. It's perfect for beginners, college students, or anyone with roommates who doesn't want a vibrator sitting out. This one is cute enough that you could totally forget it on a nightstand and leave people none the wiser. It's also TSA-friendly, has a convenient travel lock (just double-press the power button to unlock it), and the drawstring pouch makes it easy to just throw it into a carry-on and go.

What do the reviews say?

I'm obviously not the be-all and end-all, so here are a few "outside" reviews gathered from the Hello Nancy site itself (there are 15K+ reviews) and Reddit:

"GIRLS!!! 🍋🍋🍋🍋 This is THE best clit stim vibe hands down! I’m obsessed. I think about this little Lem way more than I should, and I am using it at least twice a day! The O’s this little baby gives are incredible! The suck is just insane. This Lem turns me into a puddle 🫠 💦"

"Omfg! I bought this thinking 'it's just going to be another generic vibrator and nothing much to write about.' BOY! How wrong was I!? This little piece of ingenuity is the absolute best purchase I've ever made. I have never squirted without penetration before, until this! 🫠 Ladies, make sure you put a towel down first! Protect that mattress 🤭"

"Wow… it was absolutely awesome!! I have not dated for a while and have had some health issues. Furthermore, taking muscle relaxants, it was difficult to attain some pleasure, I mean the big O. I did not have great expectations, but….The Lemon was very successful. I highly recommend, and I’m over 70ish!"

"I bought the Lem about two months ago, and I use it daily, sometimes twice a day. I've never been able to give myself a clitoral orgasm. Before the Lem, I had a wand, and it never got me there. Being able to actually give myself an orgasm has been life-changing to say the least! My husband jokingly said great..now you don't need me anymore."

So, is the Hello Nancy Lem worth it?

If you're new to sex toys, struggle with pelvic pain, are perimenopausal or menopausal, have had issues orgasming in the past, or cannot tolerate penetration, the Hello Nancy Lem is definitely worth trying. It's also really good for foreplay and getting warmed up.

But, if you're someone who's used to intense clitoral suction (e.g., you're an experienced user), you might want to try Satisfyer or Womanizer first. At $89 (that's with the on-page discount), the Lem's price point is also higher than the Satisfyer (currently retailing for around $55 on its website) and several versions of the Womanizer, including the new $59 "Peach Toy," though that's currently sold out. So keep that in mind when purchasing, too.

The Hello Nancy Lem, although I think it's intense, might not be strong enough for some power users, according to a few Redditors. But for me? A cute, whisper-quiet little lemon that guarantees an orgasm without triggering my endo is worth every single penny of that $89.

Where to pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy phones:

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Samsung

Galaxy Z Flip 8

$1,199.99 at Samsung

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Amazon

Galaxy Z Flip 8

$1,199.99 at Amazon (get a $200 Amazon gift card)

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T-Mobile

Galaxy Z Flip 8

$1,199.99 at T-Mobile (save up to $1,100 when you add a new line)

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Amazon

Galaxy Z Fold 8

$1,899.99 at Amazon (get a $350 Amazon gift card)

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Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 8

$1,899.99 at Samsung

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T-Mobile

Galaxy Z Fold 8

$1,899.99 at T-Mobile (get it for $0 with eligible trade-in)

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AT&T

Galaxy Z Fold 8

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Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

$2,099.99 at Samsung

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Amazon

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

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T-Mobile

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

$2,099.99 at T-Mobile (save up to $1,100 when you add a new line)

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New Samsung phones are here. At Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026, three new phones were announced: the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The new phones are successors to the Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7, so if you're ready for a new phone, get ready to pre-order these devices.

We've been anticipating the new models for weeks, vetting rumors of what's to come with the latest foldables. Now that we're here, we can finally confirm exactly which models are available and just how much each will cost.

Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra pricing breakdown

Here's the pricing breakdown:

• Galaxy Z Flip 8 (pink, graphite, cream, mint) — starting at $1,199

• Galaxy Z Fold 8 (lavender, graphite, cream, pistachio) — starting at $1,899.99

• Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (violet shadow, graphite, cream, green shadow) — starting at $2,099.99

Both the Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are $100 more than last year's models; no surprise in the face of the global memory crisis. All of the new models are up for pre-order as of July 22 and will be available Aug. 7.

If you've previously owned the Z Flip and Fold series, the successive models are slightly different. So here's what you need to know about the new Samsung smartphones.

About the Galaxy Z Flip 8

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the successor to the Z Flip 7. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the successor to the Z Flip 7. It folds down into a pocket-sized square, flipping open to a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display. The display is phenomenal and extremely impressive; the crease of the phone is indistinguishable when flipped open. It comes with a dual-lens camera with up to 10x zoom and 4K video at 60 fps. It has 12GB of RAM (more than some computers) and either 256GB or 512GB of storage space.

The Z Flip 8 comes in four different colors: pink, graphite, cream, and mint (online only). It starts at $1,199.99.

Galaxy Z Flip 8

$1,199.99 at Amazon

 

Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Samsung Pre-order Here at T-Mobile

About the Galaxy Z Fold 8

The dimensions of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are suspiciously close to the leaked foldable iPhone. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

Apple has yet to release a foldable iPhone, but Samsung has already come out with a phone destined to compete. Rumors were floating about this model, with some thinking it would be called the Galaxy Z Fold Wide. Now we know it's actually the Galaxy Z Fold 8, a new model with a fullscreen ratio of 4:3.

It's a midrange option between the Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, with a 5.5-inch folded screen and a 7.6-inch full-size screen. Like the Flip, it has a dual lens camera, but is able to film in up to 8K at 30 fps. You can go for models with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage, or a model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

The Z Fold 8 starts at $1,899.99. It comes in lavender, graphite, cream, and pistachio (online only).

Galaxy Z Fold 8

$1,899.99 at Samsung

 

Pre-order Here at Samsung Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at T-Mobile

About the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

The successor to the Z Fold 7 is the Z Fold 8 Ultra. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

If you've previously seen or used the Z Fold 7, its successor is the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. It's the largest phone among all of Samsung's foldables with a 6.5-inch cover screen and an 8-inch full screen. It's the only foldable with a three-lens camera, letting you film in up to 8K with 3x optical and 30x space zoom.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comes in violet shadow, graphite, cream, and green shadow (online only). It starts at $2,099.99.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

$2,099.99 at Amazon

 

Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Samsung Pre-order Here at T-Mobile

TL;DR: As of July 25, Hostinger's Website Builder starts at $2.69 per month (down from $11.99 per month), with plans available directly on Hostinger. You can build a full site by chatting with AI, plus get a free domain for the first year.

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Hostinger Website Builder

$2.69 per month (down from $11.99 per month)

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Building a website used to mean either paying someone else to do it or losing a weekend fighting with a clunky drag-and-drop editor that never quite matched what you had in your head. Hostinger has an easier approach: you just describe your site to their AI, and it builds a live, professional-looking site in seconds.

This weekend, you can get up to 82% off Hostinger, with prices starting at $2.69 per month.

There are two plans to pick from, and which one is right for you depends on what you're building. The Premium Website Builder is the more basic option at $2.69 per month (regularly $11.99 per month), letting you build up to three websites with 20GB of storage and a free domain for the first year. Here's what you get:

• Drag-and-drop website builder

• 300+ designer-made templates

• AI tools to write your copy and design your logo

• Free domain for 1 year

• Email campaigns with AI

• Mobile editing

That's solid if you're building something like a portfolio, a blog, or a simple business site. It's worth noting that you save the most with the 48-month plan, totaling $446.35. The 12-month plan saves less, at $100.79.

If you're planning to sell products, the Business Website Builder is the one for you. It's $3.41 per month (down from $18.99 per month), and on top of everything in Premium, you get the following:

• Sell up to 1,000 products with zero transaction fees

• Support for 100+ payment methods

• Live analytics

• Printful integration for custom merch

• AI blog post generator

• AI SEO assistant

• AI tools that write product descriptions for you

Just like with Premium, the 48-month plan saves you the most, with total savings of $747.79. The 12-month plan saves less, at $173.99.

This deal is worth considering if you're a new business owner who's been hesitant to explore website building. Between the discount and the 30-day money-back guarantee, it's a low-risk way to try it out — both plans include real hosting, a free domain, and 24/7 support.

Stop putting it off — build your dream site with Hostinger, with plans starting as low as $2.69 per month.

If a chatbot can insist it's right while being totally wrong, imagine the stakes when NASA starts leaning on artificial intelligence to help with life detection.

Could the rovers suddenly hallucinate aliens?

Michigan State University researchers wanted to know, so they trained an AI system to spot the difference between digital "organisms" that can copy themselves and others that can't, using a computer program called Avida. In test runs, the algorithm nailed the distinction, getting it right 99.97 percent of the time. 

Then, the team tried to fool it. They took nonliving chunks of code and made small changes over and over, nudging the AI to feel more confident that it was looking at something alive. Eventually, the system became almost 100 percent certain that many of the fakers were alive, even though they never exhibited the one behavior defined as "alive" in that virtual world: replication.

The work shows how AI can latch onto patterns in its training data without fundamentally understanding what makes something alive, said Ankit Gupta, a doctoral student in computer science and engineering. Gupta and his coauthor, Christoph Adami, a professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, physics, and astronomy, warn that this weakness could foil space missions that send smart instruments to Mars, icy moons, or other extraterrestrial environments to hunt for signs of life.

The team will present their findings in August at the 2026 Conference on Artificial Life in Waterloo, Canada.

"AI is highly accurate at classifying things that are 'usual,'" Gupta told Mashable. "The problem occurs when it is presented with examples that are unlike the common things, which AI will misclassify with confidence. This is much more likely with extraterrestrial life, for obvious reasons."

The Perseverance rover on Mars collected a rock sample with fossilized material that ancient alien microorganisms could have created. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU / MSSS

At the same time, NASA and its partners are pouring money into AI‑driven life‑detection projects, betting that machine learning can sift through huge, complex data sets that scientists could never fully analyze on their own. It's setting the stage for a future in which AI helps flag promising clues, with humans making the final call. 

In one NASA‑funded effort, a large team led by Carnegie Science's Michael L. Wong and NASA's Caleb Scharf is building machine‑learning tools to pick out patterns of life in complex chemical data. Their project, supported by a $5 million grant, aims to train AI on at least 1,000 samples — from meteorites and rocks to fossils and living organisms.

Some of the data comes from real instruments, including mass spectrometers like those already flying on NASA missions. The algorithm learns how a mix of molecules shifts when life has shaped that material versus when simple physics and chemistry have done the job.

While Wong welcomes the fresh scrutiny, he isn't sure the experiments exposed a serious vulnerability in AI approaches. In his view, the way the study actually created its fake life matters. The authors used a kind of selection process that kept refining the code until it looked increasingly lifelike.

"I don't think it's that bad, to be honest," he told Mashable. "To generate their life mimics — their spoofs — they actually had to perform natural selection, which is a living process. I don't know of any actual physical environment that performs that kind of selection, where it says, 'I will prefer entities that just look like life, but don't actually do lifelike things.'"

But the research did push Wong to think more about what kinds of examples he feeds into life‑detection models. His group wants to continue training AI not just on things that are alive, but also on the remains and byproducts of life — the fossils, goo, and waste. 

After all, if the models are only taught to identify living things, they won't be able to recognize the dead ones, he said. That could create a massive blind spot if Mars or another world hosts only the chemical leftovers of a long‑extinct biosphere. 

Some sea squirts host photosynthetic algae in their outer tissues. Credit: Hal Beral / Getty Images

"A fossil is evidence of life. So is the chair that I'm sitting on because those don't just magically pop into existence thanks to geology," he said. "A fossil and my chair are not alive, but I think they're part of life. They are a product of life."

Wong's team also spends a lot of time trying to deceive its models. In some cases, the algorithm has surprised the scientists by picking up on patterns the humans initially missed. In one test, the system kept insisting that a sea squirt sample looked photosynthetic, even though sea squirts don't make their own food from sunlight. What initially looked like an error was anything but, Wong said: Those creatures often host algae that do use sunlight, and the AI had spotted the chemical fingerprints. 

Despite the advances in technology, the Michigan State team is not convinced the tools are ready for spacecraft. The team's lab is also working on its own machine-learning methods to defend against this kind of trickery. 

"We can wait," Gupta said. "Clearly, we are not there yet." 

This week sees the release of The Dink, which — on top of being a hilarious underdog comedy about pickleball — is also the last film in which Lynne Marie Stewart appears.

Perhaps best known as the beautiful Miss Yvonne on Pee-wee's Playhouse or Charlie's mom on It's Always Sunny on Philadelphia, the American actress had a prolific career in comedy, appearing in more than 150 films and TV shows.

At the age of 78, she passed away on Feb. 21, 2025, not long after she was featured in the critically heralded Paul Reubens documentary Pee-wee as Himself. But before that, she was able to see a cut of The Dink, thanks to director Josh Greenbaum.

In The Dink, Stewart plays Judy, a seventy-something pickleball player who befriends recent divorcee Candace (Mary Steenburgen) and has-been tennis phenom Dusty (producer Jake Johnson). Flirty, joyful, and a fan of trash talk, Judy brings her own bounce to the pickleball comedy.

In an interview with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, Greenbaum shared how Stewart came to join The Dink, the unique improvisation she added, and how she got to see the movie before her passing.

Jake Johnson faces off against Lynne Marie Stewart in "The Dink." Credit: Apple TV

You have an amazing cast, but I want to talk about Lynne Marie Stewart, because I love her, and I think she's so, so funny in this. Can you tell me what it was like to work with her? She is such an icon of comedy.

Josh Greenbaum: She's the best. We auditioned people for that role for Judy, and you know, a lot of very, very funny women came into the room. So many so that I was like, well, this is a difficult decision. They're all really, really funny. I think at that age, there's not a lot of roles for older women. 

Which, also to interject, I love that in The Dink, the joke is never on these women for being older. They've got jokes. There are no jokes about treating their age as a cheap punchline, which is true in [Greenbaum's other films] Barb and Star and in Will & Harper too.

You don't stop being funny when you're 70. So, no, that was never the joke. And she came in the room — I remember Jake Johnson and I were in the audition room — and she walked in with this big smile on her face, and her arms out wide. And she shuffled in as though to say, "I'm here. Here's your Judy."

And before she said a word, we both looked at each other and we were just like, "Oh well, that's, it's clearly Lynne Marie." And then, of course, she crushed her audition. Felt funny that we even had to audition her, but I hadn't seen her in a little while. Obviously, I saw her on It's Always Sunny. But you know, [it had] been a few years. But she was just, like, such a joy.

I mean, one of my favorite lines in the whole film is is her whole run about the butter knife, and that is totally Lynne. I said, give me a long, overly explained run that's supposed to be trash talk, but it's about like, "Are you in the kitchen?" And she did this long run about forgetting the butter knife because you took your butter knife and a pat of butter, but you forgot the muffin — this long explanation about how you left the butter knife in the kitchen. And it just brings me such joy when she delivers that line, and so many other lines. Unfortunately, we didn't know she was terminally ill while we were filming.

[Editor's note: Matt Wolf, the director of Pee-wee as Himself, did not know Reubens was terminally ill while they were shooting footage for that documentary.]

She discovered that shortly after filming, and unfortunately passed shortly after that, which was heartbreaking. But her sister reached out and said, "Hey, is there any chance you could get us the film? She would love to watch it." And so I sent her sister and Lynne a copy of the film. They watched it together and sent me a beautiful note back that Lynne was dying laughing and full of joy watching what obviously became her last performance. So, that's really special.

I just love her. She was such a special woman. I was able to go to her her funeral and reception here in in L.A., and it was full of thousands of people who had she had worked with and who were her friends. She just put such warmth and love out into the world. I'm just very grateful she was with us, and that I had a chance to kind of work with her, even briefly.

The Dink is now streaming on Apple TV.