Mashable https://mashable.com Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco. Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:54:30 +0000 en-us Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:54:30 +0000 ©2026 Mashable, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 15 <![CDATA[The Knicks historic comeback broke the internet]]> https://mashable.com/life/knicks-game-4-highlights-social-media-reacts 01p2ML5UlPJQAoX06zCxmtt Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:53:42 +0000

For roughly two hours Wednesday night, Knicks fans collectively prepared for heartbreak.

By halftime of Game 4, Madison Square Garden was on edge, social media was melting down, and the Spurs looked poised to even out the score of the NBA Finals.

Then the Knicks pulled off the largest comeback in NBA Finals history.

New York erased a 29-point deficit, beat San Antonio 107-106 on an OG Anunoby tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining, and moved one win away from its first championship since 1973.

The result transformed social media from a digital wake into a rolling highlight reel of celebration, as videos of Knicks fans screaming in bars and on city streets flooded timelines.

Here are some of the biggest moments from Game 4, both on the court and online.

OG Anunoby's game-winner instantly became the play of the night

For most of the fourth quarter, social media was busy trying to process how the Knicks had climbed back into the game. Then Anunoby gave everyone something else to talk about.

With seconds remaining, the Knicks forward tipped in the go-ahead basket, sending Madison Square Garden into a frenzy. Within minutes, timelines were full of every possible angle of the play, from television broadcasts and slow-motion replays to fan-shot footage captured from the upper deck — and Ben Stiller's courtside iPhone.

Celebrities had their own viral moments

The Knicks' playoff run has turned Madison Square Garden into one of the internet's recurring characters, and Wednesday night was no exception.

As the comeback gained momentum, cameras repeatedly cut to celebrity fans sitting courtside, including Timothée Chalamet, Taylor Swift, Spike Lee, and Mariska Hargitay, who collectively lifted Donald Trump's curse. Their reactions quickly became viral content in their own right, with clips spreading across social media almost as quickly as game highlights. Who will ever be able to forget Taylor Swift's white-girl dancing to Jalen Brunson's three-pointer? Or Larry David's near heart attack over Josh Hart's missed layup in the fourth?

Madison Square Garden completely lost its mind

MSG quickly became the center of the internet's attention. Fans posted videos from every level of the arena, capturing everything from the mounting stress before the Knicks' comeback to the chaos that followed Anunoby's game-winner. While television cameras focused on the court, fans documented the comeback from every imaginable angle, creating a crowdsourced record of the historic night.

The celebrations spilled out into New York City

The final buzzer marked the beginning of another wave of viral content.

Videos posted throughout the night showed fans — like New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani — erupting in joy inside bars, chanting in the streets, and celebrating well after the game ended. For a few hours, timelines became a live feed of New York City's collective joy.

The memes arrived almost immediately

No major sports moment is complete without memes, and Game 4 produced plenty. Social media users compared Anunoby's game-winner to everything from classical works of art to scenes from the viral thriller Obsession, while others turned Victor Wembanyama's reaction into an instant meme format. Knicks fans also resurfaced years-old posts from Josh Hart to spur up some momentum.

In the hours after the final buzzer, timelines became a mix of celebration, disbelief, and attempts to explain the inexplicable through increasingly absurd references.

The Knicks still need one more win to secure their first NBA championship in more than five decades. But regardless of what happens next, Game 4 already feels destined to live on as one of those rare internet moments that transcends sports.

]]> <![CDATA[Prime Day is less than 2 weeks away: Here are 20+ early deals to start shopping now]]> https://mashable.com/tech/best-amazon-prime-day-early-deals-2026 03Fu7QvLoRnEenOqdB1nLfV Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:39:38 +0000
Best early Prime Day deals
Best Apple Deal
Apple AirPods Pro 3
$179 (Save $70)
A pair of Apple AirPods Pro 3
Best headphone deal
Sony WH-CH720N
$87.95 at Amazon (Save $92.04)
A pair of Sony WH-CH720N
Best speaker deal
Sonos Era 300
$379 at Amazon (Save $100)
The Sonos Era 300
Best portable power station deal
Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station
$799.99 at Amazon (Save $699.01)
An Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station
Best TV deal
Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV
$1,297.99 (Save $400)
A Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV
Best robot vacuum deal
Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop
$529.99 (Save $270)
Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop
Best home and kitchen deal
Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer
$59.95 (Save $30)
Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer
Best Lego deal
Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box
$39.49 (Save $20.50)
Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box

No matter what type of shopper you are, whether you use sales to stock up on household essentials like dish soap and paper towels or as a time to splurge, the time is nigh because Prime Day is coming.

Usually taking place in early July, Amazon has decided to shake things up this year and run the sale in June. Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs from June 23 to 26, and while the timing may have changed, we're still expecting the same great savings.

Even though we still have about two weeks until the official start of Prime, the deals kicked off as soon as the sale was announced. Each day we get closer to the sale, more deals go live. Look for early savings on Amazon devices, toys and games, kitchen appliances, and gadgets from Sony, Sonos, and Apple.

So if you're eager to start saving, we rounded up the top early Prime Day deals to start shopping now — including the lowest price ever on the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

Best early Prime Day Apple deal

A pair of Apple AirPods Pro 3
Credit: Apple
Apple AirPods Pro 3
$179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70
 

Leading up to Prime Day, we're obviously hunting for the best Apple deals, and a major one just dropped. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to $179, which saves you $70 off its $249 price tag. According to Camelcamelcamel, this is the new lowest price ever on the earbuds.

This is the type of deal we normally see during Prime Day, so the fact that it's coming two weeks early is something to celebrate.

Apple Watch deals

AirPods deals

iPad deals

Best early Prime Day headphone deal

A pair of Sony WH-CH720N
Credit: Sony
Sony WH-CH720N
$87.95 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $92.04
 

When Prime Day actually starts, our attention will be on the big names in headphones: the Sony WH-1000XM6s and the Bose QuietComfort Ultras. But leading up to it, those big brands still have lots of savings to give. Right now, the best deal on headphones is on the Sony WH-CH720N, an affordable pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. Normally $179.99, the WH-CH720N just dropped under $100 ahead of Prime Day. Snag them now for as low as $87.95 and save $92.04.

More headphone deals

More earbud deals

Best early Prime Day speaker deal

The Sonos Era 300
Credit: Sonos
Sonos Era 300
$379 at Amazon
$479 Save $100
 

Whether you're hosting summer movie nights or dinner parties, if you want to upgrade your home's audio, early Prime Day deals are coming in clutch. The advanced Sonos Era 300 is equipped with Dolby Atmos and powered by six drivers for surround sound. Right now, grab it for just $379, saving you $100 off its $479 price tag.

More speaker deals

Best early Prime Day portable power station deal

An Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station
Credit: Anker
Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station
$799.99 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $699.01
 

Ready for summer adventures? If you're gearing up to pack the car and head into nature, don't forget to invest in a portable power station to keep your campsite powered. Plus, it can serve as an at-home power backup in an emergency.

Right now, there's an outstanding deal on the Anker Solix C2000, which is 50% off. That takes it from $1,499 all the way down to $749. Ahead of Prime Day, that saves you $750.

More portable power station deals

Best early Prime Day TV deal

A Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV
Credit: Samsung
Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV
$1,297.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $400
 

Getting ready for the World Cup? If you want to watch every heart-racing moment in 4K and your TV isn't up to par, then shop the early Prime Day deal on the Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV. Normally $1,697.99, it's down to $1,297.99, saving you $400. That also means it's just $50 away from its lowest price ever. It's an exceptionally crisp TV with deep contrast and built-in AI.

More TV deals

Best early Prime Day vacuum deal

Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop
Credit: Eufy
Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop
$529.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $270
 

Mashable in-house vacuum expert Leah Stodart named the Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop the best affordable vacuum-and-mop combo. Despite its budget price, Stodart says it's the most heavy-duty robot mop you'll find, and delivers spotless cleans. Ahead of Prime Day, get the Eufy C28 for just $529.99. That's just $30 above its lowest price ever, but still provides $270 in savings.

More robot vacuum deals

More vacuum deals

Best early Prime Day home and kitchen deal

Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer
Credit: Cuisinart
Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer
$59.95 at Amazon
$89.95 Save $30
 

Here's a summer hack to keep your house cool: Don't turn on the oven. That doesn't mean only eating cold salads all summer. What you really need is an air fryer. My air fryer has saved me countless times in the summer, letting me cook dinner without breaking a sweat. Ahead of Prime Day, grab the Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer for just $59.95 and save $30.

More home deals

More kitchen deals

Best early Prime Day Lego deal

Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box
Credit: Lego
Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box
$39.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.50
 

While novelty Lego sets are fun, there's something special about a set that gives you full creative control. The Lego Classic Large Brick Box has 790 pieces to build the neighborhood of your dreams. Just in time for summer break when kiddos need some entertainment, this box set is on sale for 34% off. Grab it now for under $40 ahead of Prime Day.

More Lego deals

]]> <![CDATA[FIFA World Cup schedule today: Games, kickoff times, livestream info for June 11]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/fifa-world-cup-schedule-today-kickoff-livestream-june-11 050qWuQz0776fTBf929ZBIJ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:27:47 +0000

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking over the airwaves this summer, and it all starts today, June 11. The 23rd and biggest edition of the global tournament to date is hosted by three different countries for the first time (United States, Mexico, Canada) and features more competing teams than ever (48 teams across 16 different host cities). It's going to be epic and you won't want to miss out on the action.

The first day of the tournament opens with live coverage of Group A starting at 1 p.m. ET today, as host country Mexico welcomes opponent South Africa. We've broken down everything you need to know to tune in live.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 11

How to livestream FIFA World Cup games today

Watch Mexico vs. South Africa

Mexico welcomes South Africa to Mexico City today to start the entire tournament. While the game doesn't officially kick off until 3 p.m. ET, live coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET on Fox and Fox One. Tubi will also be streaming the match for free, and Peacock will have the Spanish-language coverage.

Watch South Korea vs. Czechia

South Korea will take on Czechia in what could prove to be an early switch match in Group A on June 11. It kicks off at 10 p.m. ET at Guadalajara Stadium, and live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will also carry the Spanish-language coverage.

Fox One app logo
Credit: Fox One
Fox One (3-month subscription)
$39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99
only for a limited time
Tubi app logo
Credit: Tubi
Peacock app logo
Credit: Peacock

More live streaming options:

]]> <![CDATA[Visa is connecting with ChatGPT to let AI agents automatically make purchases]]> https://mashable.com/tech/visa-chatgpt-agents-automatic-purchases 05bEED5nCtbgYEqkLIzqPrB Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:23:30 +0000

Is it too time-consuming for you to search for and buy products you need on the internet? ChatGPT and Visa have a solution.

OpenAI and Visa, the world's largest non-Chinese payment network, have worked to integrate Visa into ChatGPT, per the Associated Press. Thanks to this integration, users can now have ChatGPT operate as a shopping agent of sorts, scouring the internet for products based on natural-language queries and making purchases on the user's behalf.

SEE ALSO: Florida becomes first state to sue OpenAI over ChatGPT's alleged links to violence

“As AI agents become active participants in the economy, Visa's focus is to ensure transactions are trusted, secure, and seamless,” said Visa executive Jack Forestell.

To get an idea of how this works, one example given involved asking ChatGPT to find a new pair of headphones under a certain price threshold. Ideally, the chatbot would quickly search the internet for one, present options to the user, and complete the purchase if the user asks it to. According to Visa, some of the guardrails in place to prevent fraud or out-of-control spending include spending limits and a list of approved merchants, in addition to the basic requirement of user approval.

If you trust AI to make purchases for you, this could be a godsend. If you don't, well, nobody is making you use it.

]]> <![CDATA[The AirPods Pro 3 are the cheapest theyve ever been ahead of Prime Day]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-11-apple-airpods-pro-3-deal 07bDPthhrnN5BFvJfrtaMJ0 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:19:48 +0000

SAVE $70: As of June 11, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 have dropped to a new best price ever of $179 at Amazon, Walmart, and Target — down from their usual $249. That's 28% or $70 in savings.

Apple AirPods Pro 3
Credit: Apple
Apple AirPods Pro 3
$179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70
 

Just the mere mention of Amazon Prime Day has sent prices into a tailspin. Though the shopping event of the season doesn't officially kick off until June 23, we've already got mad deals to shout about. The Apple AirPods Pro 3, in particular, have never been this cheap.

As of June 11, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to just $179 at Amazon, Walmart, and Target (mysteriously, Best Buy has them at full price). That's $70 or 28% off their list price of $249 and a new all-time low price.

"The AirPods Pro pop up on most best of lists, and though we've always been fans, the third generation takes these earbuds to a new level," writes Mashable's reviewer. The Pro 3's noise cancellation is twice as good as the Pro 2's. They have even better battery life at eight hours with ANC and 10 hours in transparency mode. Plus, they added the heart rate monitoring tech from the Powerbeats Pro 2 (our favorite workout earbuds), a live translation feature, and new foam-infused tips that come in various sizes for the right fit.

If you already own a pair of AirPods Pro 2, you probably don't need to upgrade to the 3s. But if you're buying AirPods for the first time or need to replace ones you lost, this price drop should seal the deal. There's always a chance they could get even cheaper for Prime Day, but $179 is already the cheapest they've ever been.

]]> <![CDATA[The biggest panels and events scheduled for VidCon 2026]]> https://mashable.com/life/vidcon-2026-events-and-panels 04WLqhMxb8MgAtxNVFmQJCq Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:42:39 +0000

VidCon 2026 kicks off in less than two weeks in Anaheim on Thursday, June 25, with three days of panels, events, creator meetups, and festivities.

While some sessions are open to all VidCon attendees, most are organized by a ticket holder's track and pass level: the Fan track (VidCon pass), the Creator track (Creator pass), and the Industry track (Pro pass).

SEE ALSO: Why VidCon still matters in 2026

The Fan track focuses on more interactive events and IRL meet-ups, while the Creator and Industry track passes are geared towards networking events and informative sessions for creators and industry professionals.

Think of this as your guide to the events you need to keep on your radar heading into this year's VidCon.

The VidCon Hall of Fame

VidCon's second annual Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled for 6 pm on Thursday, June 25, and is open to all attendees, regardless of ticket tier. 

The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees include Markiplier, Philip DeFranco, Michelle Phan, and Blogilates founder Cassey Ho. 

"The objective is to recognize legacy and impact with creators that have sustained high-performance over time and continuously innovated to set new creative standards in our industry," VidCon said on its website.

GorillaCon

VidCon attendees need to purchase a separate ticket to attend GorillaCon, described by VidCon as the "first-ever official live event celebrating the world’s largest virtual reality game, Gorilla Tag."

GorillaCon attendees will have the opportunity to meet their favorite Gorilla Tag creators, purchase limited-edition merchandise, enjoy concerts and trivia, and more. 

GorillaCon is set to take place throughout all three days of VidCon.

Mentorship Series

VidCon's Mentorship Series, described as a "fast-track to insider knowledge," is open to Creator and Pro pass holders.

Top digital creators and industry leaders — including Mashable! — will lead small-group sessions on specific topics, such as how to turn AI into a creator system, building a sustainable career as a creator, and turning views into revenue. 

The sessions, scheduled throughout all three days of VidCon, have a maximum capacity of 19 people and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Featured hosts include senior vice president of Shorthand Studios, Jared Naylor; co-head of Community at Fixated, Kai Plunk; Evan Frasca and Sean Henderson of the Spotify Content Partnerships team; YouTube audience development and optimization expert Jamie Rawsthorne; and former lead vertical editor at MrBeast, Spencer Hileman.

Creator pass holders also have access to other sessions hosted by companies like Kineto and YouTube. 

Think Tank 20 and VidCon Speed Networking

Pro pass holders have exclusive access to Think Tank 20 sessions, the VidCon networking app, and VidCon speed networking. 

Think Tank 20 sessions are similar to the Mentorship Series sessions but are focused more on topics affecting the creator economy. 

There are two Think Tank 20 sessions scheduled for Thursday: one focusing on the new rules of music licensing and one on what it takes to build a business that attracts buyers. The sessions are led by Soundstripe CEO Jeff Perkins and RockWater founder Chris Erwin, respectively.

VidCon is also holding speed networking sessions on Thursday, June 25, and Friday, June 26, during which Pro pass holders can meet with fellow industry executives.

Pro pass holders also have access to other sessions hosted by companies like Chartbeat, iFLYTEK, Soundstripe, and Dots.

Opening Day Keynote presented by POP.STORE

Creator pass and Pro pass holders also have access to the Opening Day Keynote on Thursday, presented by POP.STORE.

Creator and journalist Jon Youshaei and POP.STORE CEO Gautam Goswami will discuss ECHO-ME, a new AI business tool for creators, and the use of AI in the creator industry.

Other events open to all VidCon attendees

All VidCon attendees have access to Meet-and-Greets with featured creators, Expo Hall events, VidCon's inaugural Pickleball Creator Tour, the Live Podcast Studio, and VidCon After Dark.

The weekend will conclude on Saturday with Creator Xplosion, a live art crossover event between FAN EXPO comic creators and VidCon artists, and the VidCon Street Fest, a festival full of food trucks and booths.

The full schedule and session details are available on the VidCon website. Here's how to purchase tickets.

Mashable will be on the ground at VidCon 2026 from June 25-27, covering the creators, trends, and conversations driving internet culture, from breaking news and creator interviews to industry insights and live updates.

]]> <![CDATA[The Trump Phone is mostly a rebranded HTC phone]]> https://mashable.com/tech/trump-phone-rebranded-htc 05ccEePdzjtmozzfzE3ORYl Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:03:24 +0000

Now that the Trump Mobile T1 phone is available for purchase, we finally have a chance to see what's it really made of. And, as suspected, it's not a very original device.

The folks at iFixit have torn down the Trump Phone (as it's colloquially known), and found that it's very similar to HTC's U24 Pro phone. Very, very similar. OK, they're the same phone, with some very minor differences.

If you're unfamiliar with HTC, it's a Taiwanese consumer electronics company that used to be a big smartphone player, but these days it's a company with shrinking revenues that focuses on VR and niche Android phones. The HTC U24 Pro came out in 2024; it's a 6.8-inch smartphone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip, 12GB of RAM, 256/512GB of storage, a triple, 50/50/8-megapixel camera, and a 4,600mAh battery.

The similarities between HTC's phone from 2024 and the Trump Phone were apparent after the two devices were scanned with an industrial x-ray CT scanner (see image below).

Trump Phone vs HTC U24 Pro
They're the same picture. Credit: iFixit/Lumafield

Of course, the proper teardown, as well as the similarities between the two devices' specs confirmed the suspicions (the Trump Mobile T1's official specs are here). The visual changes between the two devices boil down to a slightly different chassis, the gold paint on the Trump Phone and the shape of the holes in the speaker grille.

Inside, the components are either the same or very similar, but there are certain differences, including a slightly larger battery on the Trump Phone. It also appears that several components of the Trump Phone were made in the Phillipines, in an apparent move to avoid components made in China (where phone batteries are typically made).

SEE ALSO: So, the Trump Phone is real

One of the key selling points of the Trump Phone was that it would be made in the U.S., though the wording was later changed to phrases including "designed with American values in mind," as well as "American teams helping guide design and quality." The fact that the phone was very likely made by HTC doesn't prove it wasn't at least partially assembled or designed in the U.S., but it's definitely not a phone that was made in the USA (the FTC standards on that are quite clear).

Oh, and by the way: the HTC U24 Pro was priced $469.99 when it launched two years ago. The Trump Mobile T1 is available now for $499.

]]> <![CDATA[How to tweak Instagrams algorithm to show you the content you really want]]> https://mashable.com/tech/instagram-ai-interest-choose 01fUGAtLGAX3wY4IegadZmc Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:10:39 +0000

Ever felt like social media sites don't really care about your interests anymore, instead showing you random stuff you don't even like? Instagram is taking some steps to change that.

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri announced the change on Threads on Wednesday, with Instagram adding a new feature called Your Algorithm.

"As software gets better at predicting what we want, our sense of agency gets smaller. The main feed on every major app is now mostly accounts you never decided to follow, surfaced by algorithms rather than your explicit choices," he wrote. No s***, Sherlock.

View on Threads

The way to remedy that is through the Your Algorithm tool, which allows you to choose which topics you want to see in your Instagram feed. While this sounds like the same thing you go through when signing up for a new social site, Your Algorithm is a welcome change as these topics previously weren't explicitly visible on Instagram. It also gives you the option to choose the topics you don't want to see.

When I checked my Instagram to see which topics the algorithm was serving me, I've found several that were off the mark. For example, a topic that was included for me was "Muay Thai," and while I have nothing against this type of content, it's not something I actively want to see more of in my feed.

SEE ALSO: Threads is adding a Grok-like AI search feature
Instagram Your algorithm
Drum solos? OK, I'll allow it. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

How to personalize your algorithm on Instagram

The Your Algorithm feature is easy to tweak, but it is buried pretty deep in Instagram's settings. Here's how to access it on your iPhone:

  1. Open the Instagram app and tap the profile icon in the lower right corner.

  2. Tap the three lines icon in the top right corner, scroll down, and tap on "Content preferences".

  3. From here, tap on Your Algorithm, and pick the topics you want or don't want to see.

  4. You'll notice that Instagram is surfacing several suggestions for you, but you're also free to tap "+ Add" and pick any topic you want.

Mosseri says that this is "the start of something bigger than a feature," and that more features are coming in the future, including setting moods, vibes, content types, and more.

]]> <![CDATA[Insta360 unveils cute Hello Kitty-themed action camera]]> https://mashable.com/tech/insta360-hello-kitty-go-ultra-action-camera-sanrio 01NMNB4rtRUHCE6N4T15nzd Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Insta360 has launched a Hello Kitty-themed action camera, collaborating with Sanrio to give the GO Ultra a cute new look.

The Insta360 GO Ultra x Hello Kitty Limited Edition's specifications are identical to the original GO Ultra action camera, boasting 1/1.28-inch sensor and 70-minute battery life (or 200 minutes when in its Action Pod), and weighing 53 grams (though the Action Pod adds another 109 grams). Its highest video resolution is 4K at 60fps, though its frame rate can reach 240fps at 1080p, and it uses microSD cards for storage. 

SEE ALSO: Insta360 unveils Luna Ultra, its Osmo Pocket competitor

Like the original GO Ultra, the Hello Kitty version is a versatile little camera that's easy to throw in your bag, with a magnetic backing that significantly expands your mounting options. Insta360 has also added an exclusive Hello Kitty watermark that owners of this limited edition camera can apply when exporting their footage.

However, the real attraction of the Insta360 GO Ultra x Hello Kitty Limited Edition is its aesthetics. 

Two Insta360 GO Ultra x Hello Kitty Limited Edition cameras on a white background. On the left, it's coming out of its Action Pod with the screen flipped up. On the right, it's showing the back of the Action Pod with the screen flipped up, with an illustration of Hello Kitty printed on it.
Credit: Insta360

While the Insta360 GO Ultra comes in either Midnight Black and Arctic White, the limited edition Hello Kitty collaboration gives it a pastel pink makeover. Miss Kitty White herself is printed on the camera's corner, peeking out curiously at whatever it is you're filming. She appears on the Action Pod as well, holding her own GO Ultra under the flippable screen, while the recording button is decorated with a picture of a pink spotted bow.

The Kitty-themed bundle comes with several Kitty-themed accessories as well. Insta360 has given its Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0 and its GO Ultra Quick Release Safety Cord exclusive pink colourways, with the latter sporting an adjustment buckle in the shape of a cute Sanrio bow. Also pinkified are the included GO Ultra Magnet Pendant, Magnetic Easy Clip, Quick Release Mount, and even the USB-C charging cable.

The Insta360 GO Ultra x Hello Kitty Limited Edition bundle with accessories.
Credit: Insta360

Despite these accessories, the Insta360 GO Ultra x Hello Kitty Limited Edition's most eye-catching inclusion is its pink padded Hello Kitty carry case. With its adjustable rope shoulder strap and magnetic flap covering its zip closure, the soft, structured case could almost double as a cute purse were it not for the collaboration's logo stamped on its front. Even with the logo, I'd still be tempted to use it for non-camera purposes anyway.

The Insta360 GO Ultra x Hello Kitty Limited Edition pink carry case on a woman's shoulder.
Credit: Insta360

Insta360 does introduce a few new features with the Hello Kitty camera, adding three new filters to its existing eight: Frosted CCD, Amber CCD, and Blue CCD. It also upgrades Portrait Mode to Portrait Mode 2.0, which lets users choose whether to minimise skin imperfections with the Smooth option or to Brighten their skin. 

However, these features aren't exclusive to the Hello Kitty collaboration, and will be available on all GO Ultra cameras. To get them, simply connect your GO Ultra to the Insta360 app and update its firmware.

The Insta360 GO Ultra x Hello Kitty Limited Edition is available now for $569.99. That's a $90 price bump compared to the un-Kittyfied version's $479.99 Snap & Shoot Bundle, which includes most of the same accessories but swaps out the carry case for three Sticky Tabs instead. 

Whether it's worth paying the extra for the Hello Kitty edition will depend on how much you value the aesthetic. For some, that cute pink bag may be more than enough.

]]> <![CDATA[Boox just launched its latest e-reader, the Go 6 (Gen 2)]]> https://mashable.com/tech/boox-go-6-gen-2-e-reader-launch 045qsRSXpnena8kbvBBhuhK Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Boox just dropped a new e-reader, and it looks pretty familiar, but not just because it's a second-generation model.

The Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) is here and available for preorder. Measuring six inches, the Go 6 is Boox's ideal travel e-reader, nearly pocket-sized but slightly larger than the brand's Palma 2. The Gen 2 comes in four new shades: custard, plum, shell, and stone. The Go 6 (Gen 2) is a familiar-looking e-reader, too, as it appears nearly identical to the Kindle Paperwhite.

On the left, a Boox Go Gen 2 and on the right, a Kindle Paperwhite.
The new Boox Go 6 (left) resembles the Kindle Paperwhite (right). Credit: Boox / Amazon

Both devices have screens flush to the exterior chassis, the main difference being that the Kindle comes in black while the Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) is white. The new Go 6 also has a ridged exterior for a suitcase-inspired look compared to the Kindle Paperwhite's smooth case.

The biggest upgrade coming to the Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) is its handwriting support. Now you can pair the e-reader with Boox's InkSense Plus stylus, and with a native notes app, you can mark up books, take notes, and journal. That definitely gives the Go 6 a leg up against the Paperwhite, which doesn't have notetaking abilities.

Supported by Android 11 with a built-in Google Play Store, the device has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of SSD. It has a front light with adjustable warmth and brightness and a max brightness of 300 ppi.

The Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) costs $199.99 and is now available for preorder and expected to ship on Wednesday, June 17.

A Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) in custard
Credit: Boox
Boox Go 6 (Gen 2)
$199.99 at Boox
 
]]> <![CDATA[Canada to ban social media for kids under 16]]> https://mashable.com/tech/canada-social-media-ban-children-under-16 05XRmr3oPS3TFu4MYXiLXVC Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:50:59 +0000

Canada is set to ban social media for children under 16, in a move similar to Australia's historic law.

Announced by the Canadian government on Wednesday, the proposed Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) aims to reduce online harms to children and hold social media and AI chatbot companies responsible for addressing such harms, citing child sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, self-harm, and the impact on mental health.

SEE ALSO: 'You're always on': Warnings from the front lines of the teen mental health crisis

The proposed law will see the Canadian government restricting users under 16 from holding social media accounts. This also means age verification for online services, and legally mandated safety requirements for social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, and companies with AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.

"We have seen the very serious consequences that online harms can have. As technologies evolve, we must ensure our laws keep pace, because parents cannot face these challenges alone," reads a statement by Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, who introduced the bill.

"The safety of children cannot be an afterthought. This legislation will introduce stronger responsibilities for online platforms to ensure their services are safe by design and include appropriate measures to keep children safe."

The bill comes months after Australia made history last year with its unprecedented Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which banned social media for kids under 16. Notably, Australian kids have found ways around it. In 2026, Brazil, Austria, and Indonesia have followed suit, with governments in the UK, France, Thailand, Spain, and more countries looking into their own initiatives.

Canada's proposed Safe Social Media Act will install a new digital safety commission that will require online services to "identify, mitigate and address the risks" on their platforms. They will also be required to take measures "to reduce children’s exposure to certain content and high-risk interactions," covering seven categories of "harmful content" identified as "content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, intimate content communicated without consent, content that induces a child to self-harm, content used to bully a child, content that foments hatred, content that incites violence, and terrorism or violent extremism content."

Social media companies will also be required by law to adequately label AI-generated content, "be transparent in terms of their reporting thresholds in crisis situations," and AI chatbot services will be required to "mitigate the risk of the chatbot communicating harmful content" or the risk of it "engag[ing] in harmful behaviour."

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Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, president of the Canadian Medical Association, supported the bill in a press statement, saying, "Time's up. It’s unacceptable for foreign-owned platforms to continue to get rich at the expense of our children’s mental health, privacy and personal safety. This legislation makes Canada a global leader in digital safety and ensures Canadians, especially young people, are protected online and out of harm’s way."

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection also publicly backed the bill. "For over 20 years, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has documented a steep and accelerating rise in online harms against children, including child sexual abuse and exploitation," said with executive director Lianna McDonald in a statement. "The tabling of the Digital Safety Act is a historic day that could turn the tide on this trajectory."

However, Canada's Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms noted Bill C-63 "goes far beyond targeting criminal conduct," and would "undermine freedom of expression, due process, and the rule of law in Canada."

"The Online Harms Act would dramatically expand government censorship powers, punish lawful expression online, and authorize preemptive restrictions on individual liberty," reads their statement. "In doing so, it would represent a fundamental departure from Canada’s long-standing commitment to freedom of expression and due process. Under Bill C-63, lawful speech could be subject to investigation, penalties, or removal based on vague and subjective standards. Individuals could face severe consequences not for committing crimes, but for expressing opinions that are later deemed unacceptable."

Notably, Canada's Safe Social Media Act will inside a larger legislative framework called the Digital Safety Act. This law will also cover "user-uploaded livestreaming and adult content services." This means minimum-age restrictions not only for social media services but also "for accessing pornographic content on regulated services."

The growing trend of age-verification bills, which require individuals to prove their age to access not only adult content but social media sites, has ramped over the last few years. That's despite, as Mashable's Anna Iovine has long reported, experts warning these bills pose threats to digital privacy and free speech.

]]> <![CDATA[The Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV set has dropped below $60 at Amazon before Prime Day]]> https://mashable.com/life/june-11-lego-star-wars-a-new-hope-tantive-iv-deal 05y9929exS0UV6BmBojdlyp Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:43:19 +0000

SAVE OVER $20: As of June 11, the Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV set (#75376) is on sale for $55.99 at Amazon. This is $24 off its full price of $79.99.

lego star wars: a new hope tantive iv set against a white background
Credit: Lego
LEGO Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV (#75376)
$55.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $24.00
 

If you're searching for some good Lego deals, Amazon is worth a look right now. Even before Prime Day, the retailer is offering some great early deals on a wide variety of items, Lego sets included. For Star Wars fans, the Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV set (#75376) is one build that's been marked down, dropping to $55.99 as of June 11.

Compared to the Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV set's full price of $79.99, this deal saves you $24 overall. It may not stay discounted for long, though. Considering it's marked as a 'limited time deal', you'll want to make your move quick on this set before its price shoots back up.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

This Lego Tantive IV set is recommended for adults aged 18 and over, as it's meant to be displayed as a model once you're done. It comes with 654 pieces in total that create the Tantive IV starship from A New Hope, including details like its 11 engines and turbolasers. It also comes with a buildable stand with a nameplate you can stick on the front alongside a Lego Star Wars 25th Anniversary brick.

If the Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV set is one you've had your eyes on, now is a great time to pick it up and save at Amazon.

If you're still in the shopping mood and looking for more Lego sets to buy, have a look at our breakdown of the 10 best Lego sets of 2026 so far to see some of our top picks.

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

]]> <![CDATA[Seth Meyers brutal montage proves that Trump has no idea how percentages work]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/seth-meyers-trump-percentages-math 01ebXc0ChQ0QllKeRSH2qfP Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:38:31 +0000

Despite constantly bragging about his cognitive test scores, Donald Trump appears to struggle with the concept of percentages.

"Trump creates and inhabits his own reality with his own rules," Seth Meyers explains in the Late Night monologue above. "He even has his own math. In our world, you can only reduce the price of something by 100 percent max. Once you've reduced it 100 percent it's free. But in Trump's world, numbers work very differently."

Cue a montage of Trump saying he wants to reduce various things by various percentages well over 100, ending with the president explaining that with numbers, "It's all about the phrasing of the question."

"No!" says Meyers. "It's not! Math is math. There's no math problem where the answer is '500 or 600 or 80 or 75.' I don't remember that from my AP algebra days."

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

]]> <![CDATA[The Google Pixel Watch 4 with a porcelain band is at its lowest-ever price before Prime Day]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-11-google-pixel-watch-4-deal 02SFGnHTHOLipLRjVMxGgI2 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:46:30 +0000

SAVE OVER $100: As of June 11, the Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm, LTE) with a porcelain band is back at its lowest-ever price on Amazon at $396. This is $103.99 off its full price of $499.99.

google pixel watch 4 against a white background
Credit: Google
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
$396 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $103.99
 

Amazon Prime Day is coming up fast, but before the sale starts, we've actually found quite a few early deals worth picking up from the retailer. If you're in the shopping mood and searching for a new smartwatch, the Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm, LTE) with a porcelain band is one item on sale that's caught our eye. As of June 11, it's dropped below $400.

Normally listed at $499.99, this Google Pixel Watch 4 model has dropped to $396 at Amazon. Not only is this a huge discount of just over $100, but it also marks a return to its lowest-ever price at the retailer, which is a nice bonus. Unfortunately, this offer applies only to the model with a porcelain band and a polished silver case, but if you've had your eye on this color, it's a great time to buy.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

Fitted with a battery that lasts up to 30 hours per charge or up to 48 hours in Battery Saver mode, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is a smartwatch that can help you keep an eye on everything from workouts to your health throughout the day. Some of its features include heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, a high-precision dual-frequency GPS, and over 40 exercise modes, but that's just the beginning.

It's a smartwatch we consider the 'Best Android Smartwatch' in our roundup of the best smartwatches. Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth says this is because, "it's elegant enough to wear to the office, but comfortable and smart enough to monitor workouts."

And speaking of workouts, Christianna Silva, who reviewed it for Mashable, called it a "true runners' watch" and added that, as a marathon runner, "I want a smartwatch that can do two things: tell me what time it is and track my workouts. The Google Pixel Watch 4 can do a lot more than that, and I was pleased with Fitbit's integration for workouts."

Think it's the right fit for you? Don't miss out on this great deal on the Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm, LTE) with a porcelain band 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.

]]> <![CDATA[YouTube brings back DMs after 6 years without them]]> https://mashable.com/tech/youtube-dms-return 06bnX3lmUyDRV6RpcZ4MFaH Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:19:10 +0000

Six years after YouTube kicked direct messages to the curb, the platform is bringing them back.

Announced Wednesday after six months of testing, YouTube now allows users to share videos through a rebooted messaging feature. In Nov. 2025, platform owner Google described DMs as a "top feature request."

SEE ALSO: YouTubers Dan and Phil built one of the internet's most loyal (and intense) fan communities

Direct messages will appear on YouTube's app as a new messaging icon, through which you can send an invite to friends to share videos. Users will be able to accept or decline the invite, in a move that'll hopefully tackle spam and creeps. The only catch is that you'll need to be over 18 with your age verified, and signed in to a personal YouTube channel with your Google Account to send them.

A phone shows the YouTube homepage on mobile with an arrow to the DMs icon next to the "Cast" icon.
The new DMs icon sits next to "Cast". Credit: YouTube / Mashable edit

YouTube removed direct messages from the platform in 2019, two years after launching them in 2017. At the time Google said it was "reevaluating our priorities" and instead focusing on updates to public conversations like comments and posts.

Direct messages will now be rolled out on YouTube in the U.S., UK, Brazil, and Singapore, having already been available from March across European countries including Spain, Ireland, Croatia, France, Bulgaria, Italy, Germany, Greece, Austria, Poland, Belgium, and more.

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In its announcement, YouTube said its Community Guidelines will apply to all shared content and messages. As Mashable's Matt Binder reported during YouTube's testing phase, YouTube "will uphold its moderation policies for content sent via direct message as it would with public content, and will review flagged material."

It's a long overdue reissue for YouTube, considering practically every other social media and video platform, from TikTok to Instagram to Threads, has a DM feature.

Want more tech news straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

]]> <![CDATA[Daily Shows Desi Lydic roasts Melania Trumps latest speech about AI]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/daily-show-desi-lydic-melania-trump-ai 07umAR5znSJ6bthMtDUAdmT Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:13:26 +0000

Melania Trump has been speaking about AI again, this time at a White House AI Challenge Awards event on Tuesday.

In the clip above, Daily Show host Desi Lydic plays a clip of Trump's speech, with the First Lady telling the audience to "use this chapter of your life to sail away with your dreams."

"What was the prompt to write that speech?" asks a confused Lydic. "ChatGPT, give me metaphor. No! Give me all metaphors."

Lydic goes on to play a compilation of Trump talking about AI and robots, finishing with the First Lady saying, "The robots are here."

"The robots are here, asking you to join us," says Lydic, in Melania impression mode. "I mean them. Them. Delete previous sentence."

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

]]> <![CDATA[NYT Strands hints, answers for June 11, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/strands-nyt-hint-june-11-2026 07wzgp7HxuSJuM4NRLKGO5v Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:45 +0000

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're good with computers.

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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 10, 2026

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Oozing

The words are related via rhymes.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words rhyme with ooze.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

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

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Rhymetime.

NYT Strands word list for June 11

  • Fuse

  • Blues

  • Brews

  • Rhymetime

  • Shoes

  • Choose

  • Schmooze

  • Cruise

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.

]]> <![CDATA[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 11, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-june-11-2026 02ghlivgXcvvRwtCxY9K3HH Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:37 +0000

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

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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

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.

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.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 10, 2026

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: Going to the gym

  • Green: Horns

  • Blue: Cars

  • Purple: Spelled like an app

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

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Parts of a Workout Routine

  • Green: Things with Horns

  • Blue: Homophones of SUVs

  • Purple: Payment Apps Minus A Letter

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 #1096 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Parts of a Workout Routine: BALANCE, CARDIO, STRETCHING, WEIGHTS

  • Things with Horns: BRASS BAND, DEVIL, RHINO, VIKING HELMET

  • Homophones of SUVs: BRONCHO, FORERUNNER, TROUPER, UCONN

  • Payment Apps Minus A Letter: ELLE, PAPAL, STRIP, VENO

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 10, 2026

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.

]]> <![CDATA[Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 11, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/wordle-today-answer-june-11-2026 02xh5ab4uRV6HxluAMLM207 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:29 +0000

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're easily annoyed.

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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 10, 2026

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 10, 2026

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

Easily annoyed.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter T appears twice.

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

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

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...

TESTY

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.

]]> <![CDATA[NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 11, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/nyt-connections-sports-edition-hint-answer-today-june-11-2026 05XoBQqemUmH1g8J12BpbGv Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:51:50 +0000

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require soccer knowledge.

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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

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.

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.

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

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: Game locations

  • Green: Other club names

  • Blue: Same player

  • Purple: Teammates

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: 2026 World Cup host cities

  • Green: Nicknames of World Cup Teams

  • Blue: Christian Pulisic Teams

  • Purple: Argentina World Cup Players

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 #626 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • 2026 World Cup host cities: ATLANTA, MEXICO CITY, PHILADELPHIA, TORONTO

  • Nicknames of World Cup teams: LES ÉLÉPHANTS, ORANJE, SOCCEROOS, THREE LIONS

  • Christian Pulisic: AC MILAN, BORUSSIA DORTMUND, CHELSEA, UNITED STATES

  • Argentina World Cup Players: LO CELSO, MAC ALLISTER, MESSI, PAZ

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.

]]> <![CDATA[Jimmy Kimmel has some blunt thoughts about Trump commemorative gold coin]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/jimmy-kimmel-trump-commemorative-gold-coin 02Swk9go9RtBWiR5feUveib Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:41:36 +0000

Another day, another piece of gold Trump merchandise for sale.

In the clip above Jimmy Kimmel talks about Donald Trump's commemorative gold coin, being sold for "the low, low price of only $11,999" to mark the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.

"You can see though it's a beautiful coin — Julius UFCaesar is pictured," says Kimmel. "This is one ounce of pure PF70-rated gold. Just for comparison, an ounce of PF70-rated gold in coin form without his head on it goes for about $4,500, so this is a deal."

Jimmy Kimmel then goes through the site's fine print, pointing out that the coin is not intended for "investment purposes", is not "legal tender", and has "no face value".

"You really have to hand it to Trump, it takes a special kind of con man to sell your supporters money they cannot spend any place," says Kimmel.

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

]]> <![CDATA[NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for June 11, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/nyt-mini-crossword-answers-hints-june-11-2026 07FrVSdLwTzmHc4LFvMiThB Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:35:37 +0000

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable
SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, June 11, 2026:

Across

Kindergarten basics

  • The answer is ABCS.

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

Santa's "present" for naughty kids

  • The answer is Coal.

With 2-Down, body parts that are a spoonerism of "bunny phones"

  • The answer is Funny.

Cookie with blue-and-white packaging

  • The answer is Oreo.

Acid's opposite

  • The answer is Base.

Down

High-end division of Honda

  • The answer is Acura.

See 6-Across

  • The answer is Bones.

Something to paddle across a lake

  • The answer is Canoe.

Sneaky

  • The answer is Sly.

Electronic key

  • The answer is Fob.

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

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

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

]]> <![CDATA[The best gay dating apps of 2026: Grindr is still king (even if we sometimes wish it wasnt)]]> https://mashable.com/roundup/best-gay-dating-apps-2026 04VbGQMnZvusWyp1fibLSvd Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:30:00 +0000

Online dating as a gay man is a rite of passage. From the Craigslist m4m era to today's endless scroll, it's been a part of gay culture since the early days of the web. But for all the high rewards, even the best dating apps come with a unique set of challenges for LGBTQ men: ghosting, catfishing, straight guys who shouldn't be in your feed, and even some not-so-subtle fetishization. It's a lot to take in when you're just trying to find a cute guy.

Yet, despite the BS, the best gay dating apps are still one of the main ways to meet new guys. In fact, a 2026 report by SSRS found that 63 percent of LGBTQ adults have used a dating app (and 14 percent are currently using one), compared to just 34 percent of non-LGBTQ adults. It makes sense when you consider that Pew Research found that about one in four lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults met their partner online — a significantly higher rate than straight couples.

We love to complain about the apps, but the reality is, we still need them.

We have to talk about Grindr

Of course, we can't talk about gay dating without talking about Grindr. It's still the undisputed king of gay dating apps, even if the user experience has been suffering of late. The free version of Grindr is now stuffed full of ads, leaving many guys longing for an alternative. Plus, because of its well-deserved reputation as a hookup app, it's not always the right place to make a love connection.

"Grindr is a tried and true app that many queer men gravitate toward to find partners or for relationships that require lesser commitment, so it’s easy to point to it as the No. 1 app," Michelle Herzog, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells Mashable. "However, like Tinder, it’s gained a reputation as a hookup app — but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t men looking for long-term commitments, either."

SEE ALSO: The great Grindr glossary: all terms and acronyms explained

The good news is that the gay dating app landscape is bigger than Grindr. Mainstream apps like Hinge and OkCupid have made huge strides in inclusivity, while niche apps like Scruff and Feeld cater to specific communities, kinks, and desires. We're also seeing a major resurgence in map-based dating websites like Sniffies and Squirt for those who want to skip the small talk entirely.

The key is figuring out which dating apps are worth your time. So, here's our in-depth guide to the best gay dating apps for men in summer 2026.

What happened to Archer?

For a long time, Archer has been our go-to recommendation as the best dating app for LGBTQ guys looking for serious relationships. But no longer. The Match Group is shutting down Archer on June 17, 2026. Mashable Associate Editor Anna Iovine reported on the mid-Pride Month shutdown and talked to the Match Group about the decision.

SEE ALSO: Gay dating app Archer is shutting down, but why?

Recent changes to this dating app guide include:

  • Archer: As of June 17, 2026, the Match Group is shutting down Archer. Previously, this was our favorite gay dating app for finding serious relationships, and it will be missed.

  • Feeld: As of October 2025, we've added Feeld to this guide as our top pick for "Best for Kink and Threesomes."

  • Hinge: As of October 2025, we've added Hinge as another alternative to Archer, as it's also great for finding serious relationships. We've also selected it as the best gay dating app for younger guys due to its popularity with Gen Z.

  • Squirt: As of early 2026, we've added Squirt to this guide. In an era of aggressive paywalls, Squirt makes a strong case for itself with a highly functional free tier that offers unlimited direct messaging to members worldwide.

Which gay dating apps didn't make the cut?

You'll notice a few well-known apps are missing from our main list. Here's why they didn't make our "best of" guide.

  • Taimi: While Taimi markets itself heavily as a queer community space, we've opted to leave it off the list. The feedback from real users is frankly brutal. Redditors say the free version is "completely unusable"; you need a premium subscription just to view a basic profile. Worse, users reported feeling unsafe, noting the app is filled with scammers, "obvious homophobes," and "more straight cis-men and creeps than even Tinder or Bumble." Skip it.

  • Raya: We know, Raya is the "celebrity dating app," but we're not recommending it. Why? Because, as our own Chance Townsend discovered, its exclusivity is "a bit overhyped." After shelling out $25 per month, he found the vibe "so Tinder-esque," and the user pool wasn't A-list celebs but "consultants, aspiring actors, medical professionals, recruiters, and even students." The consensus: Raya is basically "an expensive Tinder with a better PR team." Save your money.

  • Recon: Recon has a reputation as the app for the kink community, but we've opted to leave it off the list. User reviews on Reddit are brutal. One thread described the app as "really buggy" and "not much activity on there anymore." Users in that thread complained that the app is a "waste of time," full of flakes, "catfish," and "fake doms wanting you to be their slave or boy." Other users noted that "a lot of kink/fetish guys have moved on to Instagram, Twitter/X, [or] OnlyFans" or that mainstream apps like Scruff are now "more open and welcoming spaces" for the community.

  • Planet Romeo (now Romeo): Planet Romeo (which took over the old Guys4Men, or g4m, site ) is another legacy app we didn't include. While it was once a go-to for finding meaningful relationships, particularly in India and parts of Europe, it's now mostly seen as an app from a bygone era. Reddit threads on the topic are full of nostalgia for the "age of Planet Romeo" and the "slow communication" of the early 2000s.

]]> <![CDATA[The Insignia 65-inch Class QF LED 4K QLED TV is down to its best-ever price at Amazon ahead of Prime Day]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-11-insignia-65-inch-tv-deal 06kfbMdI9FKKiXZbW486xS8 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:27:27 +0000

SAVE $200: As of June 11, the Insignia 65-inch Class QF LED 4K QLED TV is back at its lowest-ever price on Amazon at $299.99. This is $200 off its full price of $499.99.

insignia 65-inch class qf led 4k qled tv against a white background
Credit: Insignia

Between the World Cup and exciting new additions to streaming services this summer, it's worth having a TV that can deliver a high-quality picture to enjoy it all on. If you think it's time for an upgrade, now is an excellent time to shop. Ahead of Prime Day, we've spotted some early TV deals worth taking advantage of at Amazon, including a stellar offer on the Insignia 65-inch Class QF LED 4K QLED TV.

As of June 11, this Insignia TV has returned to its lowest-ever price at Amazon of $299.99. Considering it's normally priced at $499.99, now is the time to swoop in and save $200. It's quite a nice offer to take advantage of ahead of Prime Day's official start date.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

Boasting a QLED display with 4K Ultra HD resolution, this Insignia TV will make the shows you're watching or the World Cup matches really shine with bright, detailed color. It also supports Dolby Atmos Audio, so you can enjoy spatial audio that makes you feel like you're at the center of the action as it unfolds, whether you're watching a movie or show or playing a game.

Plus, since it's a smart TV with Fire TV Smart OS, you can access your favorite streaming services directly from the home screen. With so many exciting shows to watch this summer, this is a great way to stay on top of them all.

Don't miss out on this great TV deal on the Insignia 65-inch Class QF LED 4K QLED TV 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.

]]> <![CDATA[The Insignia 32-inch Class F20 TV is under $70 for a limited time]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-11-insignia-fire-tv-32-inch-deal 06fgu7WQ9Wjqx2EEYwrrwHN Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:18:02 +0000

SAVE $60: As of June 11, the Insignia 32-inch Class F20 is on sale for $69.97. That's a 46% discount on the list price.

Insignia 32-inch Class F20
Credit: Insignia
Insignia 32-inch Class F20
$69.97 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $60.02
 

If you’re looking for a new TV for watching the World Cup, you don’t need to commit to spending hundreds of dollars. In fact, you don’t even need to spend one hundred dollars. As of June 11, the Insignia 32-inch Class F20 TV is on sale at Amazon for just $69.99. Normally $129.99, this deal saves you $60. 

It’s a great TV, too. It offers 720p HD resolution for watching movies, shows, and matches in high definition. It also has DTS Virtual-X audio that creates a more immersive sound experience through the TV’s built-in speakers. It's also wall-mountable, making it easy to set up and taking up less space.

It runs on Fire TV, which means you have access to many streaming options, including movies and TV episodes across apps like Prime Video and Netflix. Plus, the Alexa Voice Remote lets you use voice control to search for content or launch apps. 

Connectivity options include HDMI, composite AV, optical audio, USB, headphone jack, coaxial input, and WiFi.

Get this TV deal at Amazon now in time for the World Cup kickoff.

]]> <![CDATA[The Beats Solo 4 headphones are $70 off at Amazon for a limited time]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-11-beats-solo-4-deal 01xyhmqhxgT1DHzyOJGwryx Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:12:45 +0000

SAVE $70: As of June 11, the Beats Solo 4 are on sale for $129.95 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount on the list price.

Beats Solo 4
Credit: Beats
Beats Solo 4
$129.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $70
 

Prime Day is still a couple of weeks away, but you don't need to wait if you want to score a deal on headphones now. As of June 11, the Beats Solo 4 have dropped in price again, and they're currently $70 off at $129.95. This discount applies to all colorways so that you can choose from matte black, black and gold, cloud pink, metallic pink, and slate blue.

As you'd expect from any Beats product, these headphones promise a stellar listening experience. They have a custom acoustic architecture with updated drivers designed to deliver powerful Beats sound. Plus, you'll get up to 50 hours of battery life, and a 10-minute charge will give you five hours of playback.

The headphones also support dual compatibility with one-touch pairing for both Apple and Android devices, and include built-in microphones for great-sounding calls and voice notes.

Plus, the design is created to be comfortable for all-day wear. They're ultralight and feature a flex-grip headband, adjustable ear cups, and UltraPlush ear cushions.

Get this headphone deal online at Amazon now.

]]> <![CDATA[The Beats Fit Pro just got a $50 discount at Amazon for a limited time]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-11-beats-fit-pro-deal 00FMyd82hxQPhgQ5o1XAjgg Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:01:51 +0000

SAVE $50: As of June 11, Beats Fit Pro are on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Beats Fit Pro
Credit: Beats
Beats Fit Pro
$149.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $49.96
 

Looking for new earbuds? The Beats Fit Pro are back on sale at Amazon, and as of June 11, you can save $50. Normally priced at $199.95, you can currently buy the 1st generation model of these earbuds for $149.99, saving you $50.

With these earbuds, you'll get three listening modes: Active Noise Canceling, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive EQ. These let you choose the level of noise cancellation you want, with options to fully remove background noise or keep it "transparent" so you stay aware of your surroundings.

For battery life, you'll get up to six hours of listening time. This extends to 24 hours with the included charging case. They are IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance and feature built-in microphones for calls and voice note use.

And their standout design, the flexible wingtip, makes them an ideal choice for workouts. They give you a secure, comfortable fit that stays in place no matter the intensity of your exercise. They also come with three different ear tip sizes to ensure they fit perfectly.

Head to Amazon to score this Beats earbuds deal now.

]]> <![CDATA[Dyson V16 Piston Animal first impressions: A new apex Dyson vacuum has entered the villa]]> https://mashable.com/life/dyson-v16-piston-animal-vacuum-review 03LqOOqQEceuS2OanzasrYd Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:11 +0000

Dyson just dropped a new flagship cordless vacuum for the first time in forever. Launched in the U.S. on June 2, the Dyson V16 Piston Animal is the first new flagship Dyson in three years. Even then, the 2023 flagship Gen5absolute and Gen5outsize vacuums didn't feel overly innovative compared to the existing Dyson V15.

The Dyson V16 finally picks up where the Dyson V15 left off, and there's more than one upgrade to discuss. Does it automatically shake up my list of the best cordless stick vacuums? Here's how my first week with the V16 has gone.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal vacuum laying on hardwood floor near rug
The classic Dyson chrome has been replaced with black, but we didn't ditch the turquoise and orange. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable
Dyson V16 Piston Animal vacuum dust bin showing dust being compressed with lever
The new compressor lever creates room for 30 days' worth of dust before emptying. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

What's special about the Dyson V16 Piston?

People have been asking for years: Can a cordless vacuum replace a corded vacuum? I've always been a hard "yes" based on convenience alone. But with the V16, you wouldn't be settling for slightly weaker suction power just to free yourself from the wall. The V16 Piston Animal is the first cordless Dyson vacuum to surpass 300 AW (Air Watts) of suction power. This means that a cordless Dyson vacuum is finally the strongest Dyson vacuum across the board, even beating out the corded upright models that once felt unsurpassable. The reigning most powerful Dyson option, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra, maxes out at 290 AW.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal wand, cleaning heads, and attachments arranged on hardwood floor near rug
The V16 Piston Animal also comes with the Fluffy Optic head for hard floors and two handheld attachments. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable
Dyson V12 Detect Slim and Dyson V16 Piston Animal vacuums beside each other on hardwood floor near rug
The V16 Piston Animal (right) is significantly beefier than the V12 Detect Slim (left). Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Other big changes include a new compressing dustbin that can hold up to 30 days' worth of dust and a new anti-tangle conical cleaning head. It's more rounded than the previous Dyson Motorbar, featuring two side-by-side cone-shaped rollers that suck long hair up the middle to prevent wrapping. The V16's All Floor Cones Sense cleaner head uses alternating strips of stiff bristles and soft fibers to pick up debris and hair on hard and soft floors. I'm strictly focusing on this new cleaning head for my initial testing, as I'm already familiar with the Fluffy Optic cleaning head after three years with my Dyson V12 Detect Slim.

In auto mode, the V16 senses which type of floor it's cleaning and the level of debris it's dealing with, automatically adjusting suction and brush roll speed accordingly — you can hear this happen while you're cleaning. You can manually switch to eco or boost mode with a button on the handle that looks way too similar to the on/off button.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal on carpet: Super strong, a little bit stubborn

I don't have any fully carpeted rooms, but the V16 Piston Animal has been dishing out some potent suction on my area rugs and runners: a flat printed Ruggable with a pad underneath, a faux fur Tumble rug, and two medium pile tufted rugs that feel like traditional carpet.

I can really feel the brush rolls digging into the rug fibers, and the amount of cat hair and gray fluff that accumulated in the dustbin after the first day was proof enough. I particularly enjoyed watching the V16 snatch up stubborn fuzzies and little balls of shedded rug fibers from the tufted rug in my bedroom, considering most robot vacuums I test struggle with those.

Leah's hand cleaning patterned rug with Dyson V16 Piston vacuum
This pattern is really good at hiding cat hair, but the V16 found it. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable
Dyson V16 Piston vacuum cleaning white furry rug
I knew the V16 would ace its lint roller test when the rug lines were this crisp. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

For testing's sake, I also spilled panko bread crumbs and protein powder all over the flat kitchen runner and sprinkles on the plush fur rug. Almost all of the bread crumbs and sprinkles were picked up in a single forward pass. A few extra passes were needed to grab the breadcrumbs that the V16 blew out of its own cleaning path. The V16 only took a few passes to make the white powder spot disappear, which is impressive considering some of it probably fell down into the Ruggable's flatweave.

Going in, my biggest question about the V16's carpet cleaning wasn't even the pickup rate — it was whether or not it'd get stuck on rugs like the old Motorbar did. The V16 Piston Animal seems to get stuck less often than the previous four Dysons I've used. The new cleaning head must have an improved airflow system that better prevents the cyclonic power from creating that frustrating seal on the rug. The catch? This is only true if the V16 is in eco mode.

SEE ALSO: The Dreame FP10 air purifier cleans fur off its own filter. Just as crucially, it matches my living room aesthetic.

When I tried to vacuum a rug in auto or boost mode, the cone rollers almost immediately got jammed and stopped spinning. It's a bummer that you can't take full advantage of the 315 AW of suction power without running into this classic Dyson glitch. Even eco mode requires some elbow grease to push and pull the vac across a rug, though the glide is much smoother if I use my other hand to give the vacuum a bit of lift off the ground — this even went smoothly on my fluffy bath mats. Luckily, even the V16's weakest setting rarely leaves visible debris behind after the first pass or two.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal on hardwood: Highly efficient in a single pass

The V16 Piston Animal's performance on hardwood and tile has been pretty immaculate so far, specifically with the All Floor Cones Sense cleaning head. More times than not, the V16 Piston Animal's debris pickup on hard floors has been so thorough that a second pass after the first forward swipe technically isn't even necessary. I still do that back-and-forth motion out of habit, but it's usually not because the V16 keeps missing spots.

Dyson V16 Piston vacuum laser lighting up litter on hardwood floor in front of Litter-Robot
I dumped out more litter than my cats track out to really test the V16's power. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable
Dyson V16 Piston vacuum cleaning litter off hardwood floor in front of Litter-Robot
The trail behind the V16 was spotless after a single forward pass. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

On hard floors, you can really see what boost mode can do. It's been phenomenal for keeping up with different types of cat litter tracked out of two litter boxes, crumbs of all sorts lodged under the counter, and so much long hair that ends up on my bathroom floor every day. During the first week with the V16, someone in my household got a new fish tank and made a mess of aquarium substrate all over the hardwood kitchen floor. In boost mode, the V16 picked up the rocks so efficiently that cleanup took maybe a minute — that includes the tiny pieces that fell into the cracks of the hardwood.

I appreciate that Dyson added the green laser to the carpet-forward cleaning head. Basically every room in my apartment has both hard flooring and a rug, and my daily vacuuming routine is much faster without having to switch cleaning heads depending on floor type. With my Dyson V12 Detect Slim, I used the cleaning head with the laser 24/7 despite the fact that it's not ideal for deep rug cleaning. I didn't feel like digging the Motorbar out of the closet that badly, and emotionally, I needed access to LED dust detection at all times.

SEE ALSO: The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones weighs nothing and fits everywhere. Don't get me started on the double lasers.

But the new cleaning head design isn't completely bulletproof. It's kind of bulky and doesn't fit as far under low-hanging dressers or credenzas as the Fluffy Optic head does. I'm most confused about why the front edge subtly comes to a point instead of being completely flat. It prevents the head from fully squeezing into a corner or up against a wall, where dust famously loves to gather. The Fluffy Optic head is elite for this exact reason, so thank goodness Dyson threw that in the box.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal cleaning head trying to clean hardwood floor in corner near wall
Why? Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Dyson V16 Piston Animal in handheld mode: Powerful but heavy

In terms of going handheld, the V16 Piston Animal isn't the most comfortable or the least comfortable stick vacuum I've ever had to hold in one hand. It makes the Dyson Gen5outsize feel like a brick and the Dyson V12 Detect Slim feel light enough that a toddler could use it.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal vacuum in handheld mode cleaning cat tree cushion
The mini pet hair tool worked well on velvet upholstery and this fluffy material. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable
Dyson V16 Piston Animal vacuum in handheld mode cleaning cat tree base
I swear the base of the cat tree and nearby windowsill spawn new fur and dander every hour. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

In one session with the mini hair screw tool, I went over the whole couch and each cat tree level with a cushion. My arm got a little tired toward the end of those five minutes, but I was also pausing to take pictures for this review. The cat tree cushions aren't attached to the perches, but I was pleasantly surprised that the V16 could be gently dragged across without sucking them up. The thick layer of cat fur on the chaise of the couch was basically gone in one swipe.

Switching to the crevice tool, I used boost mode to pull kitty litter out from awkward spots behind the toilet and sticky air conditioner gunk right out of the vents. Though I wish the V16 were lighter in handheld mode, it does get tasks done super quickly.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal cordless vacuum and attachments
Dyson V16 Piston Animal
$979 at Amazon
 
]]> <![CDATA[Among Us is full of Crewmate butts. It used to have even more.]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/among-us-crewmate-butts 06k5E4cc2GHljRkj39aaoUq Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The Crewmates in Paramount+'s Among Us series spend half the show running from Impostors, and the other half showing off their surprisingly nice butts.

SEE ALSO: The 'Among Us' TV show is better than it has any right to be

According to series creator Owen Dennis, the deluge of butts in the show began with episode 1, appearing in a few shots of Crewmates walking out of the elevator, or a moment when Green (voiced by Elijah Wood) climbs into a chair.

"Butt was shown a few times," Dennis told Mashable in a video interview. "Because of this, what happened was that basically every artist on the show saw that I did not say no to the butt, and so from there on out they were like, 'Well, I'm gonna add some butt too.'"

(On Bluesky, Dennis posted: "Everyone agrees: We like them having little gumdrop booties.")

About midway through the season, the Among Us team received an email asking to tone down the number of butts in the show. (And looking at just how many butts are currently in the show, you can only imagine how many more were originally in it.)

"I was like, 'I'm not going to to be the one to say which butts to take out. I don't want to take them out!'" Dennis said.

Instead, he asked for a list of which butts could stay in the show and received a detailed, timestamped breakdown in return. From there, Dennis had to remove butts or find creative solutions to tone them down.

"There's one shot where it's a close up on Red's [(voiced by Randall Park)] butt as the camera zoomed out," Dennis explained. "In animation, you can't redo a shot. The shot exists as it exists, and we'd already gotten that shot back from animation. I couldn't redo the shot from the ground up, so instead what I did was I took out the butt, then I put the tiniest little upside-down V of the bottom of a butt cheek."

Upon seeing that solution, Dennis recalled Among Us co-executive producer and writer Madeline Queripel comparing Red's butt to another famed animated rear end: that of Hank Hill. So Among Us' Crewmates' butts (or lack thereof) are in good company.

Among Us is now streaming on Paramount+.

]]> <![CDATA[Heres why you should watch Among Us twice]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/why-you-should-watch-among-us-twice-owen-dennis-interview 06Gwa3S3iyIjEdLXdRvW6I1 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

You can never just watch a whodunnit once. You have to go back and pick out all the clues you may have missed along the way and analyze the killer's every move.

The same goes for the TV adaptation of Among Us, which presents a horrifying space-set murder mystery.

SEE ALSO: The 'Among Us' TV show is better than it has any right to be

For creator Owen Dennis, "pretty much everything" changes when you rewatch the show knowing that (spoiler!) the Impostors are none other than Green (voiced by Elijah Wood) and Orange (voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown).

"I have seen people online be like, 'I didn't see any foreshadowing on any of these characters,' and I'm just like, 'Watch it again!'" Dennis told Mashable in a video interview. "If you watch it again, you'll see that every single interaction that Green ever has has something upsetting behind it... Same with Orange, and I find that to be a joyful thing."

What Easter eggs can you spot when you rewatch Among Us?

Upon rewatch, viewers will be able to catch even the smallest of details that hint at how Orange and especially Green (because let's be real, he carried the Impostor team) pulled off their murders. Take a close look at where the pair sit. If they're on a vent, you'll spot a glimpse of parasitic alien tendrils creeping through the grates, revealing how the Impostors are able to pull off murders in different rooms.

"I was afraid nobody was ever gonna find that stuff, but they did," Dennis said of the vent tendrils. "I personally animated the tiniest little triangles of stuff in them, because I was like, 'It can't be that obvious.' I don't want anyone to see it on the first go, but I do want someone to see it on the second or third. That's what I was hoping."

Dennis notes that in the first episode, eagle-eyed viewers will also be able to see the exact moment Green and Orange get infected by the alien parasite. Later episodes feature further clues at the Impostors and their weaknesses.

"Somebody also found out that there's a shadow on a wall that shows up when Black [(voiced by Liv Hewson)] steps into a salt circle. When they do, the shadow disappears because it didn't want to deal with the salt," Dennis said. "I'm just very happy people are going through, frame by frame, and trying to find what the differences are. There's still a few that people haven't found yet, which I think is fun."

For Dennis, Among Us' rich rewatch factor is a testament to the larger team that built the show.

"I keep seeing people ask, 'How did you figure out all these little clues?' I'm like, 'I didn't!' I thought of a few of them, but I work on a crew with 30 to 100 people at any given moment," Dennis explained. "Because everybody else is working towards the same goal, everybody figures out how to make a billion different clues all over the show that no one catches until later."

Among Us is now streaming on Paramount+.

]]> <![CDATA[A Prime Day Apple deals primer: How low prices will go on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks]]> https://mashable.com/tech/best-early-prime-day-apple-deals-2026 00fNbIejgSY2pgk8WVu3ORL Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

It's Amazon Prime Day season again, aka the best time of year to score excellent deals on Apple gadgets (outside of Black Friday, at least). Amazon typically offers extra-low prices on Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks during its members-only sale, making it less painful to splurge on a new device.

Full disclosure: There are already tons of Apple deals available on Amazon ahead of the sale, which doesn't technically start until June 23, and a lot of them are tempting. Some devices, including the Apple Watch Series 11, are currently sitting at record-low prices.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is right around the corner: Here are 20+ early deals to start shopping now

Still, I wouldn't fill your cart just yet. Having covered Prime Day for Mashable for seven straight years now, I can tell you with 100 percent confidence that most of these offers will get even better in just a couple of weeks, once Prime Day formally begins. Amazon saves its very best deals for the main event.

I say "most of these offers," not "all," because there are two exceptional deals that I would in fact grab now. Based on past Prime Days, there's a very slim chance they'll get any cheaper in the coming weeks. Read on for my reasoning on both, plus the scoop on how low we expect prices to go on AirPods, MacBooks, iPads, and more Apple gadgets.

The only Apple deals I'd shop before Prime Day

the apple airpods pro 3
Credit: Apple
Apple AirPods Pro 3
$179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70
 

Why I like it

Apple's premium noise-canceling earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, only just went on sale for $179 (normally $249). That's a 28% savings and their lowest price to date. The older AirPods Pro 2 fell to $149 last Prime Day, or $100 off, but they were much further along in their life cycle at that point.

Read our full review of the AirPods Pro 3.

the 15-inch apple macbook air
Credit: Apple
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
$1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200
 

Why I like it

Last Prime Day, the M4 MacBook Airs only got discounts of $150 apiece. Ahead of this year's sale, the 15-inch M5 model is already a whopping $200 off. Its current record-low price of $1,099 (normally $1,299) is another seemingly unbeatable deal. The only reason you'd want to wait is if you prefer the sky blue, starlight, or silver finishes: This deal only applies to the midnight variant at the moment.

Read our full review of the M5 MacBook Air.

Prime Day AirPods deals to look for

  • Apple AirPods 4: Apple's cheapest earbuds are now on sale for $99 (usually $129), but we've seen them hit $69 before. Dirt-cheap AirPods are a classic Prime Day sighting, so I'm expecting Amazon to revive that deal in the near future.

  • Apple AirPods Max 2: These snazzy over-ear headphones have been hanging out at their record-low price of $499.99 since early June (normally $549). That's not bad, but the first-gen AirPods Max with USB-C charging were a full $100 off on their first Prime Day and $120 off last Black Friday. Let's see if Amazon can get these new ones down to around $449 at least.

Read our reviews of the AirPods 4 with ANC and the AirPods Max 2. Plus, see where they land on our guides to the best wireless earbuds and the best noise-canceling headphones.

The best early Prime Day AirPods deals for now:
Apple AirPods 4
$99 (save $30)
the apple airpods 4
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
$148.99 (save $30.01)
the apple airpods 4 with anc
Apple AirPods Pro 3
$179 (save $70)
the apple airpods pro 3
Apple AirPods Max 2
$499.99 (save $49.01)
the Apple AirPods Max 2

Prime Day Apple Watch deals to look for

  • Apple Watch Series 11: Apple's latest smartwatch is currently marked down to $299 (normally $399), which is its lowest price to date and a $100 savings. However, it's probably going to get even cheaper on Prime Day. Amazon has given flagship Apple Watches $120 discounts during past Prime events, so I can easily see it hitting $279 in the coming weeks.

  • Apple Watch SE 3: Apple's budget wearable has hit $199 before, and its predecessor dipped down to $169 during last October's Prime Big Deal Days sale. It was on sale for $219 at the time of writing (typically $249), or only $30 off, so don't add it to your cart just yet.

  • Apple Watch Ultra 3: This premium rugged smartwatch is only $20 off on Amazon right now, a measly discount that brings it down to $779 (normally $799). Wait for it to return or surpass its record-low Black Friday price of $679 come Prime Day.

Read our review of the Apple Watch Series 11. If you're not sure which model is right for you, check out our guide to the best smartwatches you can buy right now.

The best early Prime Day Apple Watch deals for now:
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm)
$299 (save $100)
the Apple Watch Series 11
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)
$219 (save $30)
the apple watch se 3
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm)
$779 (save $20)
the apple watch ultra 3

Prime Day iPad deals to look for

  • Apple iPad: Apple's entry-level tablet is on sale for $299 right now, down $50 from its usual sticker price of $349. I'm thinking Amazon will revive its Prime Day 2025 price of $279 later this month.

  • Apple iPad Air: The 11- and 13-inch M4 iPad Airs weren't around last Prime Day, but they've previously hit record lows of $519 and $699, respectively — a savings of up to $100. Ahead of this year's sale, they're $559 and $749 apiece (or just $40 and $50 off); hold out for better deals.

  • Apple iPad Pro: The 11- and 13-inch sizes of the ultralight M5 iPad Pro are both at least $27 away from their all-time lows right now. Don't hit the buy button until you see them drop to $799 and $1,149, respectively (or lower, ideally). Their regular retail prices are $999 and $1,299.

  • Apple iPad mini: The most compact Apple tablet is on sale for $474 in the lead-up to Prime Day (usually $499) — a hard skip. I'd be happy if it returned to last year's Prime Day price of $379, but hope Amazon can match its best-ever Black Friday price of $349.

Read our reviews of the M4 iPad Air, the M5 iPad Pro, and the iPad mini. Plus, find out which iPad you should buy.

The best early Prime Day iPad deals for now:
Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB)
$299 (save $50)
the apple ipad
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB)
$559 (save $40)
the 11-inch m4 apple ipad air
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB)
$749 (save $50)
the 13-inch apple ipad air
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB)
$937.76 (save $61.24)
the 11-inch apple ipad pro
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB)
$1,176 (save $123)
the 13-inch apple ipad pro
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB)
$474 (save $25)
the Apple iPad mini

Prime Day MacBook deals to look for

  • Apple MacBook Neo: Apple's new budget laptop has been enjoying a $9 discount on Amazon for a couple of months now (normally $599). It would be suuuper cool if the retailer managed to match Apple's $499 student pricing on Prime Day, but that's very wishful thinking. Realistically, it probably won't get any cheaper than $549, if it gets any cheaper at all. A sizable MacBook Neo discount is my white whale for Prime Day 2026.

  • Apple MacBook Air: The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air is only $949 right now (normally $1,099), its lowest price yet. However, I'm thinking Amazon will give it the same $200 discount as its 15-inch sibling come Prime Day: They usually get matching deals during such sales. Hold steady until it hits $899.

  • Apple MacBook Pro: The 14-inch base model with the vanilla M5 chip is going for $1,549 ahead of Prime Day (usually $1,699), but its record-low of $1,499 will probably return soon.

Read our reviews of the MacBook Neo, the M5 MacBook Air, and the M5 MacBook Pro. Plus, find out which MacBook is right for you.

The best early Prime Day MacBook deals for now:
Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
$589.99 (save $9.01)
the apple macbook neo
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
$949.99 (save $149.01)
the 13-inch apple macbook air
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
$1,099 (save $200)
the 15-inch apple macbook air
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
$1,549 (save $150)
the m5 apple macbook pro
]]> <![CDATA[Savage House review: Hosting an important dinner? Prepare for battle.]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/savage-house-review 042r4Hj8UIkTaBdHHHvLdeU Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The aristocratic art of hosting a dinner party becomes a bloody, pustulant battleground in Savage House, a riveting dark comedy so rich it'll make you sick.

An ostentatious political commentary on 18th-century English profligacy written and directed by Peter Glanz (Captain America: Brave New World), Savage House presents two households, both alike in dignity, living within one household. However, this is no fairytale of upstairs/downstairs benevolence like Downtown Abbey or Bridgerton. Instead, it's a brutal, bombastic tale of class and social climbing, in which extravagance and overindulgence can't cover the cracks forever.

SEE ALSO: 2026 Summer movie preview: Every film you need to know about now

With majestic performances from a theatrical Richard E. Grant and deadpan Claire Foy, pristine production design that literally and figuratively rots from within, and over-the-top direction from Glanz, Savage House is a hilarious cautionary tale, a testament to status-seeking by any means necessary.

Savage House makes a lavish meal of 18th-century class politics and paranoia.

Political suspicion and health paranoia hang heavy in Britain when we meet the Savages, a near disgraced family of nobility only plagued thus far by reckless spending. Smallpox is decimating the population, while the Jacobite uprising is in full swing, with the exiled House of Stuart attempting to overthrow the ruling House of Hanover in the background. Trust is scarce; pestilence abounds. 

With most of the aristocracy's travel plans abandoned, there's little opportunity for the histrionic Sir Chauncey Savage (Grant) and pragmatic Lady Savage (Foy) to reach higher on the coveted social ladder. However, in a moment of pure pox-related luck, the still-traveling Duke and Duchess of Devonshire find themselves in need of accommodation — and they want to dine with the Savages.

But this is no casual soirée; this is a production. And they've only 10 days to see this "march of folly" done by the evening of the impending solar eclipse.

Pooling every last resource and rallying their skeleton crew of a house staff, the Savages will host the Duke and Duchess, and they will savor the spoils of such a lofty connection. But a dinner such as this could also cost them everything, as debt collectors circle, servants plot, and hired professionals (from tailors to providores) know that having money doesn't mean you know how to spend it. 

Richard E. Grant and Claire Foy are shining comedy jewels in Savage House.

Opportunists united, the Savages feel simply made for each other. As the heads of this noble family, Grant and Foy's unique chemistry renders their long relationship one of utter frankness and admiration. Marriage being "hard work" lies at the core of many a film, and here, it reaches more match points than a Wimbledon final. But nothing, not even inflammatory arthritis or in-house adultery, seems to be able to rattle these two, both adorned in Alex Bovaird's exquisite period costumes.

As the magniloquent, simply pestilential Sir Chauncey, Grant is an outsider in the ruling class, more terrified of returning to his working class roots than losing a limb. In his cavalier "everything's fine" manner and an increasingly large powdered wig, he scorns the Jacobites as "seditious imbeciles masquerading as revolutionaries" while performing his own ruse as an aristocrat, rehearsing speeches of feigned hospitality. A maniacal smile plastered on his starchily decorated face, Grant's Chauncey crawls to the end of Savage House, a gangrenous, gout-ridden husk of a networker who refuses to say "when" — especially if you're pouring him another drink. "Like an undercooked soufflé," the film's narrator tells us, "he was collapsing into himself."

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Meanwhile, as Lady Savage, Foy is a formidably bemused force who flourishes in a rare comedic role for The Crown star. Having actually come from wealth, the lady of the house married for love rather than social ambition, her rogue romantic choice rewarded with an undeniably compelling but unfortunately spendthrift husband. Knowing the fiscal reality of the duke and duchess' visit and their lack of means to deliver such a production, Lady Savage salvages every last glimmer of possibility, with Foy's fierce performance one of determinedly keeping up appearances while secretly relishing in the madness of it all. 

Neither have much time for their sweet, astronomy-loving daughter Fanny (Kíla Lord Cassidy), whose obsession with the incoming lunar eclipse and her mouse mansion makes for a fitting parallel with the main storyline. However, they should really keep a closer eye on the marvelous Bel Powley and Jack Farthing as their long-suffering servants, maid Dorothy Neville and valet Reginald Halifax.

These are the imperturbable working class people who empty the Savages' stinking bedpans and catch their hungover projectile vomit while lavishing praise upon them and fantasising about their demise. Notably, they're also their employers' confidantes, assisting them in various scams. A thieving brigand borne of gambling addiction, Sir Chauncey requires Reginald's help in his casual chicanery to keep his purse full, with no respect awarded in turn. "I care for you like a son…or an affectionate dog," Sir Chauncey tells his valet. When Dorothy feeds Fanny's mice and hungrily feasts on their crumbs, it's clear these rodents live better than the servants. The Savages might regret that.

Savage House's production design is so opulent it'll make you sick.

Visually, Savage House is at once magnificent and horrific, a triumph of meticulous period detail and visceral juiciness that makes you feel like you can actually smell the film. Production designer Gary Williamson deploys overt visual metaphors of rotting fruit around the mansion, routinely rotated by servants to hide the decay. 

A pendulum of lush, symmetrical wide shots and unwelcome close-ups of beheaded fowl and chewing mouths by director of photography Adriano Goldman, the film brilliantly balances abundance with disgust. Glanz, who also edited the film, delivers furious montages and quick cuts to up the drama over seven parts. As the Savage purse empties and the opulence of the estate increases, the film's set decoration follows suit. Elaborate rehearsal dinner spreads, ludicrous family portraits, a stream of auditioning entertainers, and customised fashions appear edited alongside shots of bloody pheasant bodies, trodden piles of ambiguous shit, festering sores, and grisly 18th-century medical treatments.

It's a gruesome portrait of maintaining hierarchy and influence. And it's this constant contrast between pain and pleasure, effort and guise, that makes Savage House such a compelling depiction of class politics, with the film decrying "perception is everything, especially among the ruling class."

Savage House will inevitably find itself compared to Yorgos Lanthimos' The Favourite, as two 18th-century dark comedies featuring gout-ridden aristocrats and underlings jostling for a sliver of power. However, Glanz's film finds its own inflamed, leech-dotted footing, as a rambunctious cautionary tale of the cost and moral quandaries of "rattling the social ladder."

Savage House was reviewed out of SXSW London and is now showing in UK cinemas and U.S. theaters.

]]> <![CDATA[The 10 best Lego sets of 2026 so far, from F1 to Monet and Pokémon]]> https://mashable.com/life/best-legos-2026-so-far 02bVeluI4vUJsfvaDQ7Ak0k Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

As a toy company, Lego is simply built different.

Whether you're a kid or an adult, there's probably a Lego set that appeals to you. And with sets including everything from F1 race cars and Star Wars to house plants and classic art, there's more than a decent chance a Lego set exists that matches up with at least one of your interests. That kind of widespread appeal is what brought the company record profits in 2025, as well as high demand across a variety of audiences.

SEE ALSO: Our 15 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans

The brand also refuses to rest on its plastic brick laurels, and this year has been especially exciting. Lego introduced the Smart Brick and broke its record for the largest Lego set of all time with the 12,060-piece Sagrada Família set (since it doesn't come out until November, we haven't included it here). The company is always coming out with new product lines and collabs, and no matter your level of Lego knowledge, it's an overwhelming catalog. So, as someone who's been tracking the best Lego releases for the better part the past year, I decided to round up the best new Lego sets of 2026 so far.

To narrow down the pool, I only included sets that are currently available for purchase (so that means no preorders). Below, find my top nine picks in no particular order, plus one honorable mention.

Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader's TIE Fighter

Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader's TIE Fighter on table
Credit: Lego

Lego announced their first ever Smart Play series with three Star Wars sets at CES in January 2026. The sets brought a new level of interaction to Lego, working with smart bricks that prompt Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags to react to movement and positioning with sound and light. In other words, gone are the days of you having to create your own homegrown sound effects (though you can always add to the Smart Play symphony).

SEE ALSO: A parent's guide to Lego Smart Bricks
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter
Credit: Lego

Lego Art Claude Monet Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies

person hanging up Lego Art Claude Monet Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies on wall
Credit: Lego

The Lego Art series isn't a 2026 release, but the plastic brick rendition of Claude Monet's impressionist Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies is, and it is, in fact, stunning. Given that it was created in collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, that shouldn't be too much of a surprise.

Among the existing line of Lego paintings, which includes the Mona Lisa, van Gogh's Sunflowers, and Hokusai's Great Wave, it's the most expensive. That said, it's also the most impressive in size and scope, coming out to a whopping 3,179 pieces and 21 by 17 by two inches. The result is a burst of color that can be hung on your walls as legit art, which probably helped it earn its spot as one of the current bestsellers on Lego's website.

Lego Art Claude Monet Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies
Credit: Lego

Lego Botanicals Magnolia Branches

Lego Botanicals Magnolia Branches
Credit: Lego

The Lego Botanicals doesn't miss, and while it was a challenge to narrow down which 2026 release deserved a spot on this list (the peace lily is huge for cat owners everywhere), the Magnolia Branches set exemplifies the best Lego Botanicals has to offer.

Plastic flower that'll never die? Check. A tasteful design that provides a pop of color and personality to a space? Check. A 435-piece build that takes some effort, but not so much that it ruins an afternoon? Kind of specific, but check! To top it all off, I especially appreciate that (as the reviews of this set on the Lego website show) the branch design encourages the builder to find the vase that suits them best, allowing for a fun personal touch.

Lego Botanicals Magnolia Branches
Credit: Lego

Lego Pokémon Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise

Lego Pokémon Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise
Credit: Lego

How Lego made it to the big year of 2026 without a Pokémon collaboration is actually a mystery to me, but if it took the 30th anniversary of the trading card game to get this match made, then so be it.

Obviously, a $650 is nothing to scoff at — but then again, neither are the plastic brick replicas of three Kanto region icons. At 6,838 pieces, this set is a commitment, but I'm betting if you're committed enough to grind to build up a team in the games or buy the trading cards at retail price, these Legos should be no problem. If you're looking for something a little more lowkey, the Evee and Pikachu sets are also very cute.

Lego Pokémon Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise
Credit: Lego

Lego Ideas Floating Sea Otters

Lego Ideas Floating Sea Otters set on coffee table
This set unlocks my maternal instincts. Credit: Lego

When it comes to adorable animal sets, you really do get your pick of the lot with Lego, but even among the fantastic work the brand has already done, the Floating Sea Otters are a standout. If you're viewing the image above, you probably don't need me to describe why.

Still, I'll do my job and justify its place on this list. First, sea otters are probably one of the most adorable creatures on the planet, and this Lego set captures that. That's enough of a reason for me, but there's also something to be said for being able to pose the otter pup and mom, or swap in a clam with a pearl, to give you some options in how you display it. But ultimately — Lego otters. How can you not love it?

Lego Ideas Floating Sea Otters
Credit: Lego

Lego Icons Project Hail Mary

Lego Icons Project Hail Mary on shelf
Credit: Lego

Obviously, Project Hail Mary was delightful, and obviously, the appropriate reaction upon walking away from a viewing is knowing in your heart of hearts that you would die for Rocky.

What better way to hold on to that feeling of movie magic by recreating a model of the ship that serves as one of the major settings of the movie? Complete with a mini Ryland Grace and Rocky, this is a set that screams 2026 excellence.

Lego Icons Project Hail Mary
Credit: Lego
Lego Icons Project Hail Mary
$99.99 at Amazon
 

Lego Technic McLaren MCL39 F1

Lego Technic McLaren MCL39 F1
Credit: Lego

Calling all Lando Norris, Drive to Survive, F1, and fast cars doing cool things fans: this is your Lego set. Fans probably clocked it already, but this Lego models the exact car that Norris won the 2025 season in.

Along with being a great reminder of the feat, the classic Lego attention to detail comes through strong here. The removable engine cover lets you get a closer look at the V6 engine, or you can opt to check out the steering, or push-rod and pull-rod suspension.

Lego Technic McLaren MCL39 F1
Credit: Lego
Lego Technic McLaren MCL39 F1
$229.99 at Amazon
 

Lego Minecraft The Fox

Lego Minecraft The Fox on table
Credit: Lego

With the first Minecraft theme park in the works, clearly, there's an appetite for bringing one of the most popular games of all time into the real world. The virtual block world is a match made in heaven with the real blocks of Lego, and the design of The Fox set proves it.

Beyond this set looking like it came straight from the game, it has some pretty sweet functionality — the legs and head can move, so you can pose it however you prefer it, whether that be with a curious head tilt or fast asleep. At $39.99, it's one of the more affordable sets on this list and is sure to please any video game fan.

Lego Minecraft The Fox
Credit: Lego
Lego Minecraft The Fox
$39.99 at Amazon
 

Lego Icons The Lord of the Rings: Minas Tirith

person building Lego Icons The Lord of the Rings: Minas Tirth on their table
Credit: Lego

A quick glance at this set instantly tells you that it's not for casual fans of Lego or The Lord of the Rings. And that's before looking at the $649.99 price tag.

This set is one of the more recently released on this list, and as such, is currently sold out. LotR fans will want to set up that restock notification, though. With 10 minifigures and 8,278 pieces that make up the capital city of Gondor, this is one of the more jaw-dropping sets from J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic series.

Lego Icons The Lord of the Rings: Minas Tirth set
Credit: Lego

Honorable mention: Lego Pokémon Smart Play

lego pokemon smart play set on display in london
Credit: Shannon Connellan / Mashable

I know I said I wasn't going to include any Lego sets that weren't properly out yet, but it feels criminal to omit trainable Lego Pokémon. Hence, the Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets earned a spot as the somewhat unofficial, honorable mention, 10th best set of 2026 so far.

Lego announced the newest Smart Play line in early June at SXSW London, which includes 12 sets that allow you to battle IRL with Pokémon like Mewtwo, Garchomp, Bidoof, Gengar, and more. These sets are available for preorder now and will be available on August 1.

Lego Pokémon Smart Play pikachu set
Credit: Lego
Lego Pokémon Smart Play
Starting at $14.99 per set
]]> <![CDATA[Whats new to streaming this week? (June 12, 2026)]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/new-to-streaming-june-12-2026 02fW54smgitwRBjJ10oUIwk Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

10. Find Your Friends

Embedded within writer/director Izabel Pakzad's Find Your Friends is an intriguing probing of the problem around demanding a "perfect victim" in order to believe women. But it takes nearly an hour to get to that point, and then the film does nothing all that interesting with it.

Instead, this grisly thriller focuses on a group of party girls who are so thinly developed they barely have personalities as they exchange gross sex stories and indulge in party drugs and drunken hook-ups. The protagonist Amber (Helena Howard) is defined by a sexual assault in the first act. She can't bear to tell her friends about it, so as she's acting out of trauma, they're annoyed she's bringing down the vibe of their girls trip. Then come dangerous men who only Amber sees for what they are.

Earnest while gory but thin and messy, Find Your Friends is more infuriating than thought-provoking or entertaining. And it's far from fun. — K.P.

Starring: Helena Howard, Bella Thorne, Zión Moreno, Chloe Cherry, and Sophia Ali

How to watch: Find Your Friends debuts on Shudder on June 12.

9. Michael

Upon its release in theaters, critics thrashed this Michael Jackson biopic. But it was a big hit at the box office. And now it's on digital, making it easier than ever to see for yourself what director Antoine Fuqua has created.

The late King of Pop's nephew Jaafar Jackson stars as his eponymous uncle. And the film offers Jackson's fans a chance to relive the big musical moments of his life — up until 1988. That's right, Michael cuts off 21 years before the death of the world-famous singer, so there's no mention of the child molestation allegations that came later. For that, you can look to Netflix's Michael Jackson: The Verdict. — K.P.

Starring: Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo

How to watch: Michael is now available for rent or purchase on digital.

8. Sweet Magnolias, Season 5

Netflix drama Sweet Magnolias is leaving the Southern town of Serenity. Not for good, but for some of Season 5, which sees trio Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott), Helen (Heather Headley), and Maddie (Joanna Garcia Swisher) reuniting in New York City following Maddie's move there. A trip to the Big Apple isn't all that's on Season 5's docket. There's also Helen's wedding to Erik (Dion Johnstone) to look forward to. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, Heather Headley, Justin Bruening, Dion Johnstone, Brandon Quinn, Logan Allen, Anneliese Judge, and Jamie Lynn Spears

How to watch: Sweet Magnolias Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Every Year After

The Summer I Turned Pretty may be over (until the film, that is), but Prime Video is not giving up its hold on summer-tinged YA romances. Enter Every Year After, based on Carley Fortune's bestselling 2022 novel Every Summer After. The series introduces Persephone "Percy" Fraser (Sadie Soverall) and Sam Florek (Matt Cornett), two friends who spent six summers growing inseparable, falling in love, then falling apart. Now, it's been years since they've seen one another, but when a tragedy brings them crashing back together, will they be able to rekindle the love they once shared? — B.E.

Starring: Sadie Soverall, Matt Cornett, Aurora Perrineau, Abigail Cowen, Michael Bradway, and Joseph Chiu

How to watch: Every Year After is now streaming on Prime Video.

6. The Listeners

What would you do if you were plagued by a constant humming noise that few others could hear? That's the question at the heart of STARZ's thriller miniseries The Listeners, in which English teacher Claire (Rebecca Hall) struggles to understand her mysterious auditory woes. Originally airing on BBC One in 2024, The Listeners earned critical acclaim from UK critics for its unsettling atmosphere and Hall's lead performance. — B.E.

Starring: Rebecca Hall

How to watch: The Listeners debuts June 12 on STARZ.

5. It's Dorothy!

Dorothy Gale is a character who's seen a wide range of incarnations, from Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz to Diana Ross in The Wiz, Fairuza Balk in Return to Oz, Ashanti in The Muppets' Wizard of Oz, and many, many more. What is it about Dorothy that makes her adventure with the Tin Man, Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto get re-imagined again and again? What does she mean to us? What does it take to bring her to life onscreen? It's Dorothy! digs into that with a long list of celebrity interviews. — K.P.

Starring: Ashanti, Fairuza Balk, Danielle Hope, Nichelle Lewis, Shanice Shantay, Margaret Cho, Roxane Gay, Gregory Maguire, Walter Murch, Amber Ruffin, Lena Waithe, John Waters, and Rufus Wainwright

How to watch: It's Dorothy! comes to digital on June 12.

4. Maternal Instinct

This true crime documentary from director Jessica Dimmock is not for the faint of heart. It begins with a woman named Taylor Parker, who, when pulled over by police, claimed she'd given birth in her car and that the baby needed medical intervention. But something was off about her story: A doctor examined her and declared there was no way she'd given birth to the child. So what happened?

You could google to discover the heinous truth. Or you could watch Maternal Instinct, which begins with this question and then pulls back, talking to Parker's former friends, ex-boyfriend, and almost in-laws about who she was and what she did. This is a story of lies and manipulation that goes deep and deadly. And once it does, Dimmock gives space to the family of Parker's victims, to share who their loved one was beyond the shocking headlines.

In Netflix's library of true crime docs, Maternal Instinct is one with disturbing content that's respectfully uncovered. There'll be no "gotcha" twist, like in Don't F**k with Cats or Unknown Number: The High School Catfish. The story here is shocking enough without problematic theatrics. — K.P.

How to watch: Maternal Instinct debuts on Netflix on June 12.

3. I Am Frankelda

Looking for a dose of spooky stop-motion? Then check out the Mexican animated film I Am Frankelda, hitting Netflix this week. It tells the tale of aspiring Mexican horror writer Frankelda, who winds up as a nightmare maker in a world full of monsters. Based on the trailer alone, it's a feast for the eyes, bursting with lively, hand-crafted animation and a rogue's gallery of memorable creepy crawlies. — B.E.

Starring: Mireya Mendoza, Arturo Mercado Jr, Luis Leonardo Suárez, Fela Domínguez, Gabriela Cárdenas, and Beto Castillo

How to watch: I Am Frankelda is now streaming on Netflix.

2. My Adventures with Superman, Season 3

Sure, The Boys may have ended. But if you crave more super-powered action and comedy featuring Jack Quaid, you can take flight with My Adventures with Superman.

Now entering its third season, this animated series from Adult Swim follows the highs and lows of Clark Kent/Superman (voiced by Quaid). That includes his relationships with Lois Lane (Alice Lee), Jimmy Olsen (Ishmel Sahid), and Supergirl (Kiana Madeira) as well as his battles with villains like Primus Braniac, Lex Luthor, and more. We're not sure what's in store for Season 3. But ahead of the release of the Supergirl movie, it should satisfy your superhero craving. — K.P.

Starring: Jack Quaid, Alice Lee, Ishmel Sahid, Kiana Madeira

How to watch: My Adventures with Superman, Season 3 premieres June 13 at midnight on Toonami, then comes to HBO Max the next day.

Best of streaming this week: Alice and Steve

Brace yourselves for some sensational cringe comedy. Created by Sex Education's Sophie Goodhart and helmed by Tom Kingsley (UK's Ghosts), Alice and Steve asks what happens to 25 years of friendship when one friend starts sleeping with the other's daughter. ("Adult daughter!")

Nicola Walker stars as Alice, a 50-year-old mother of two. She may be married to a sweet younger fellow (Joel Fry), but her best friend has long been Steve (Jemaine Clement). A hair stylist to the stars, he's the person she can trust with her hottest takes and biggest secrets, and vice versa. That is, until Steve hooks up with Izzy (Yali Topol Margalith), Alice's 26-year-old daughter. From there, all bets are off. It's not enough to embarrass him in front of her daughter's Gen Z friends. Alice will burn Steve's life to the ground, and he'll do the same in exchange.

Over 6 episodes, this dark comedy plays like War of the Roses meets It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Which is to say that at first, the comedy might be so abrasive you cringe more than cackle. But by episode three, I assure you, you'll be hooked. By this season's fiery conclusion, you'll be giggling, aghast, and maybe thinking you need to call your bestie. Good news: It's all available now, so you can binge-watch in one go. But maybe have a glass of wine or a Xanax handy? Because Alice and Steve is anxiety-inducing. — K.P.

Starring: Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement

How to watch: Alice and Steve is now streaming on Hulu.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

]]> <![CDATA[Build apps and websites faster with this Microsoft secret weapon, now $35]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-11-microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2026 02EJyCZhO5i8fcqZrzbgPJJ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: If you’re just learning to code, you need Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026, on sale now for $34.97 (reg. $499.99).

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026
Credit: Microsoft
Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026
$34.97
$499.99 Save $465.02
 

Whether you’re new to coding or just looking for a more efficient way to get it done, Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 can help. This platform is a one-stop shop when it comes to coding, allowing you to build apps, create websites, and develop software in one spot.

Right now, you can get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 for just $34.97.

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Coding isn’t a walk in the park. If you’d like to avoid the headaches of snags and workflow bumps, it’s time to check out Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026. This tool comes packed with AI-powered features and advanced debugging tools that make coding more efficient and a whole lot easier.

From complicated projects to building a basic website, Visual Studio supports a range of languages and platforms so you can tackle your task. Build, debug, and test .NET and C++ apps targeting Windows, Linux, and containers. It also integrates with Azure, GitHub, and other DevOps workflows.

Visual Studio was built as a 64-bit IDE, too, so it’s ready to handle large solutions and complex workloads. Intellicode helps you type less and code more by understanding variable names, functions, and the type of code you’re trying to write.

As you type, Visual Studio surfaces ranked code suggestions, while AI-assisted refactoring tools help cut down on bugs and repetitive coding tasks.

Codelens lets you see recent changes, authors, tests, and history right in the editor, and you can see test status and references without ever having to leave your code. You can also collaborate more easily with real-time collab sessions that keep you and your coworkers on the same page.

Snag Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 for just $34.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

]]> <![CDATA[Looking for guilt-free screen time for kids? This $45 app can help]]> https://mashable.com/life/june-11-pok-pok-lifetime-subscription 05QwG1LhDI3kj4xoMqoFd8K Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Learning can be fun with this lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale now for just $44.97 (reg. $250) through June 14.

Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription
Credit: Pok Pok
Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription
$44.98
$250 Save $205.02
 

If you have a little one at home, you’re likely navigating the stresses of screen time. It’s a difficult topic to navigate, but Pok Pok makes it a little easier. This award-winning app provides educational games for kids ages 2 to 8, offering a guilt-free and ad-free option.

Right now, a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok is available for $44.97 (reg. $250) until June 14.

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Pok Pok offers parents and caregivers a safe screen-time option for kiddos. It’s a Montessori-inspired learning app that takes a child-centered approach, offering hands-on learning and independence while focusing on a child’s natural development. Early childhood experts also weighed in on the app’s design to ensure the experience is enriching and supportive.

With Pok Pok, kids are in charge. Just open the app, tap a toy, and hand it over — your child can take over from there. There’s no winning or losing, and no rules, levels, or objectives, as it offers curiosity-driven learning that kids can discover on their own.

There are no ads, and Pok Pok was intentionally designed to offer a low-stimulation experience. There are hand-drawn animations, and the sound effects and music are made in-house, so the app offers a calm and gentle environment.

Let your kiddos pick from a playroom of possibilities — from space and dinosaurs to numbers, shapes, and dress-up. The open-ended play setup grows with your child, offering endless learning options for years.

This lifetime subscription includes access to regular updates, so there’s always something new and exciting to explore. You’ll also get family access across your household’s devices with a single account, and a gift will be mailed directly to your door for a fun surprise.

Lock in a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok for just $44.97 (reg. $250) now until June 14.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

]]> <![CDATA[Dropouts Brennan Lee Mulligan knows he cant win. But could that be about to change?]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/brennan-lee-mulligan-dropout 05K1BkYLaHvakHfKzTdTMl4 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Brennan Lee Mulligan is a fascinating figure on Dropout because of the comical duality he's cultivated across the subscription streaming platform's shows.

On Dimension 20, a tabletop role-playing show he created, he's the mighty Game Master, in charge of dreaming up the fantasy worlds his intrepid heroes — or, in this case, a gaggle of improv comedians — traverse. In this role, he plays villains, love interests, gods, and an army of NPCs, all to build out the stories of his co-stars in collaborative play. There is no winning or losing. And through his many characters, Mulligan has shown incredible patience and empathy toward everyone, from an angst-ridden tiefling to a grief-stricken candy king to a vampire who sees himself as a superhero.

SEE ALSO: The 'Dimension 20' cast improvises a 'Dungeons and Dragons' character from scratch

However, on Game Changer, where the game changes every episode, Mulligan's competitive side shines like a sword's edge, ready to cut down his competition. As the series enters Season 8, Mashable interviewed Mulligan about his work at Dropout. And when it comes to his role on Game Changer, he explained his on-camera dynamic with host Sam Reich.

"The me I play in Game Changer is most often the Daffy Duck to Sam Reich's Bugs Bunny," Mulligan said. "I don't beat Sam, right? Sam beats me, even in the Brennan revenge episode. Spoilers: Sam wins, right? I know deep down, people, there is no hunger in the world for a Brennan Lee Mulligan victory."

How "Samalamadingdong" could bring a win for Mulligan.

Gif of Brennan Lee Mulligan
Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable

The "Brennan revenge episode" is officially titled "Samalamadingdong." The finale of Game Changer Season 7, this episode saw the contestants turn the tables on Reich, who was pranked with a fake photo shoot, then hauled off to a castle where a variety of puzzles awaited him. The episode featured scads of callbacks to past Game Changer gags, including those tied to Mulligan's wildest moments on the show.

For instance, the episode "Yes or No" from Season 2 had only one rule to discover: Brennan cannot win. Once Mulligan realized this, he unleashed a monologue that included this epic phrase, "The minotaur's escaped, and you're going to get the horns, buddy."

"Samalamadingdong" delivered on this promise, pitching Reich into a complicated labyrinth that culminates in him facing down Mulligan, dressed as a minotaur. And the only way out was for Reich to recall the declaration that Mulligan made in the very first episode of Game Changer, "Lie Detector." There, Mulligan gave a juicy personal confession, then declared, "There is no corner of my heart I would not turn over to the world for five points."

Of course, in the end of "Samalamadingdong," Reich wins, defeating the mighty minotaur that is Mulligan. But Reich, in a separate interview, joked that "Samalamadingdong" could give Mulligan an unexpected victory.

How could Brennan Lee Mulligan beat Sam Reich at his own game?

Sam Reich on the set of Dropout's "Game Changer."
Sam Reich on the set of Dropout's "Game Changer." Credit: Kate Elliott / Dropout

This Emmy season, Dropout has put forth several episodes of Game Changer and Very Important People for awards consideration. Reich spoke with Mashable about the difficulty of choosing which episodes to send to the nomination committee for consideration.

For Best Game Show, Reich was leaning toward "Rulette," where contestants had to improvise with ever-changing circumstances determined by a giant roulette wheel.

"'Rulette' is a pretty good bet," Reich said, "It's very funny, [a] very well-celebrated episode. It's very in the spirit of our show, despite even feeling a little bit basic for the show. It's like a great introduction to our show, and it's almost traditional enough that your average Emmy voter could look at it and go like, 'Oh, I understand how this is a game show like the game shows I'm used to, and how it's different.'"

In terms of production design, "Rulette" was considered, as was "Fool's Gold." For that Shark Tank parody, Dropout's team produced a string of aspiring viral videos that demanded a lot of creativity and craftsmanship, including the construction of tiny doll shoes for a video where Mulligan claims he's leaving the platform to become a cobbler for American Girl dolls.

"We did make those American Girl doll shoes," Reich noted, "Or is 'Rulette' [a better call] because, like, the big wheel and the Velcro costumes? The overall project feels a little bit more cohesive." 

Then, asked if "Samalamadingdong" might be submitted for consideration, Reich answered, "I think it's such a strong contender in so many categories. On the other hand, if Brennan gets nominated for this Emmy before I do, I am going to lose it. I am going to lose my mind."

Reich then clarified, "The truth is, he's an executive producer on the show as well. So when he wins, I win, and when I win, he wins. I'm just saying metaphorically, in terms of sheer symbolism: If the episode that I had nothing to do with before I showed up on set [wins]?"

Emmy nominations will be announced on July 8.

]]> <![CDATA[How to watch Mexico vs. South Africa online for free]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/mexico-south-africa-fifa-world-cup-2026-live-stream-for-free 04vENdyJ17cJf0ltIOs4dsC Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Live stream Mexico vs. South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

After years of patiently waiting for this day, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally here.

The most-watched sporting event in the world starts with an electric matchup between hosts Mexico and South Africa. The Estadio Azteca is going to be incredibly loud as Mexico aim to secure three points and take a step towards qualification from a tricky Group A. South Korea and Czechia will likely offer sterner tests than South Africa, so this opening game is abolutely vital for Javier Aguirre's side.

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

When is Mexico vs. South Africa?

Mexico vs. South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on June 11. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Azteca.

How to watch Mexico vs. South Africa for free

Mexico vs. South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Live stream Mexico vs. South Africa for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Watch Mexico vs. South Africa for free from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN logo
Credit: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)
$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

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

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Mexico vs. South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

]]> <![CDATA[How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup online for free]]> https://mashable.com/article/fifa-world-cup-2026-live-stream-for-free 077oUvXQjziKbbL6ypkXdaa Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, which recently announced it's an Official Tournament Supporter of the event in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

The world will stop this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada will welcome the best international sides from around the world as they compete for arguably the biggest prize in sport. Huge names like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lamine Yamal are likely to steal the spotlight, but new stars always shine brightly in this prestigious competition. It's going to be a wild ride.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the FIFA World Cup?

The World Cup is an international football competition between senior men's national teams. The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams will progress to the knockout rounds.

The defending champions are Argentina. They won their third title at the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in an epic final.

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of this famous competition. This year's tournament takes place from June 11 to July 19.

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free

A number of streaming platforms are offering free coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

These streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

If you're looking for the best VPN to stream the FIFA World Cup, ExpressVPN recently announced that it's an Official Tournament Supporter of the event in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. ExpressVPN was already our go-to recommendation for sports streaming, and now it's also the exclusive VPN supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

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

  2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)

  5. Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

fifa world cup and express vpn logos
Credit: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)
$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this tournament before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sports is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the FIFA World Cup?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for accessing live sports on free streaming platforms, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

]]> <![CDATA[The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt]]> https://mashable.com/roundup/best-hookup-apps-2026 03sRx1yuBDqh99mwiCwW8zu Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get "dates" (and I use that term loosely) with the tap of a button. Thanks to classic hookup apps like Tinder and newcomers like Pure, finding a sexy new friend can be as straightforward as ordering a pizza. As for the quality? That’s about the same as your pizza — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you're located, and how hungry you are.

Fortunately, you’ve got me, your resident dating app expert (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw), to guide you to the promised land, aka the best hookup apps.

I’ve spent the past three years (yes, years) researching, downloading, and testing dozens of the top dating apps to find the best ones for all kinds of daters, including the one-night-stand crowd. From discrete sexting apps to dating sites for serious relationships, I've swiped through them all. I also consulted a panel of sex and relationship experts to make sure my picks are solid.

How to get the most out of hookup apps

My number one rule is to be brutally honest about what you’re looking for. You’re here for a good time — so own it. That means staying in your lane; don't go looking for a one-night stand on an app like eharmony.

"Hookup apps help prevent situations where people are on mainstream dating sites with the intention of having a casual hookup but are unclear about these intentions," Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for Biird and author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject, tells Mashable. "They also give women a space to be openly sexual creatures without judgment."

And here's a little insider secret I picked up from Alexander Liebisch, the CEO and founder of TinderProfile.ai: Timing is everything. He found that people messaging on Tinder's "free tonight" feature after 10 p.m. on a weekend had a 45 percent higher chance of hooking up.

So, whether you're looking for a one-night stand, a regular FWB situation, or just a space to explore your sexuality, I've got you covered. Based on all my hands-on testing and expert consultations, I’ve broken down the best hookup app for every type of person and mood.

Recent updates to this guide

  • Hinge: Hinge just keeps getting better, so I’ve bumped it up higher on my list as of October 2025. In our most recent update in June 2026, it still earns the top spot. Its user base is growing, and my own recent tests on the app have been surprisingly positive.

  • Sniffies (added September 2025): I've added Sniffies, the map-based app for queer men, because it's been gaining a lot of traction. (It got a little too spicy for Apple and was pulled from the App Store, so it's now technically a dating site.) Don't say I didn't warn you about the NSFW content.

  • FetLife (added September 2025): FetLife is my new favorite "Honorable Mention." It's not your typical hookup app; it's more of a social network for the kink community (and, oddly enough, the best hookup app for gamers). Just remember: it's a community, so don't treat it like Tinder.

  • Plenty of Fish (removed January 2025): POF went through a rebrand recently, and honestly, I'm not impressed. My latest tests showed they got rid of key features like free messaging for non-matches, and I kept running into the same old profiles.

  • Match (removed August 2025): I know some people say they've found casual hookups on Match, but that's not what it's for. Match is where you go to find a serious, long-term relationship, and I still recommend it for that. But for a hookup? You're just fishing in the wrong pond.

Why some popular hookup apps didn't make the cut

You might notice a few apps that pop up in ads or other lists are missing here. That’s intentional. I swipe through the good, the bad, and the downright sketchy so you don’t have to. For an app to make my list, it has to be effective, safe, and worth your time.

Here's a shortlist of apps that didn't make the cut this year:

  • Wild: You’ve probably seen ads for this one. On paper, Wild sounds like the perfect casual dating app. In practice, the paywalls are aggressive, the distance filter doesn't work, and you have to pay for anything that's even remotely useful. Unless you're willing to spend serious cash upfront (and hope for the best), the experience feels limited compared to more open apps like Tinder.

  • DOWN: This app (formerly "Bang With Friends") is known for its simple "Get Down" vs. "Get Date" feature. It sounds clever, but in reality, the experience is messy at best. Many users report feeling scammed by subscriptions that don't deliver matches, or finding that the few real people on there are... let's say "odd." It’s hard to recommend an app when the main user complaint is "Is anyone real?" Hard pass.

  • Facebook Dating: Yes, Facebook has a dating section, and it’s surprisingly massive (and completely free, which is huge). While it's a decent option for casual dating, the vibe tends to be a bit more "friends of friends" and "relationship-focused" than the anonymous, no-strings energy you get from apps like Pure or Feeld. (For Mashable's Chance Townsend, signing up was "the most uneventful dating experience" of his life.) It's worth a shot if you're already on Facebook, but it didn't quite crack my top tier for hookups specifically.

]]> <![CDATA[The Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 has dropped to its best-ever price]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-11-braun-ipl-silk-expert-pro-5-deal 06J1MCsSN2LMqu6m8hgyrEl Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:53:47 +0000

SAVE $40.05: As of June 11, the Braun IPL Silk·Expert is on sale for $279.94 at Amazon. That's a 13% discount on the list price.

Braun IPL Silk·Expert
Credit: Braun
Braun IPL Silk·Expert
$279.94 at Amazon
$319.99 Save $40.05
 

Looking to spend less on beauty and salon appointments? An IPL device could be the answer. These at-home devices offer a long-term way to reduce unwanted hair, and a popular option is currently available at a discount on Amazon. As of June 11, it's currently down from its normal price of $319.99 to $279.94, saving you $40. And, with Prime Day around the corner, this has already dropped to its best-ever price.

IPL stands for intense pulsed light, and it uses flashes of light to target hair follicles and gradually reduce hair growth. While it's not the same as laser hair removal, it works similarly by targeting hair pigment. IPL is generally gentler than laser treatments, can be used at home, and offers a long-term solution for reducing unwanted hair.

With this model, you'll be able to use it on all parts of your body, thanks to the Smart Flex Head, which helps maintain coverage across different areas. The device also offers multiple intensity settings and attachments to tailor treatments to different body parts. It includes a skin-tone sensor that automatically adjusts light intensity for each flash.

Head to Amazon to grab this Braun deal.

]]> <![CDATA[How to watch South Korea vs. Czechia online for free]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/south-korea-czechia-fifa-world-cup-2026-live-stream-for-free 01jFtRfWmokcACatnOIVF5E Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Live stream South Korea vs. Czechia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is kicking off with a number of really interesting matchups, including South Korea vs. Czechia.

Group A is difficult to predict, with Mexico and South Africa also vying for a spot in the knockout rounds. There's not much to separate these sides on paper, so every team will be desperate to start with a positive result.

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

When is South Korea vs. Czechia?

South Korea vs. Czechia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on June 11. This fixture takes place at the Akron Stadium.

How to watch South Korea vs. Czechia for free

South Korea vs. Czechia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Live stream South Korea vs. Czechia for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Watch South Korea vs. Czechia for free from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN logo
Credit: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)
$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

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

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream South Korea vs. Czechia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

]]> <![CDATA[NYT Pips hints, answers for June 11, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/pips-nyt-games-hints-answers-easy-medium-hard-june-11-2026 02ocFV5HWJuzegQ6LuIcjjT Thu, 11 Jun 2026 02:00:00 +0000

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 11, 2026

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 11, 2026

Easy difficulty hints, answers for June 11 Pips

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

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

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for June 11 Pips

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

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically; 4-4, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for June 11 Pips

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 5-2, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.

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

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 5-5, 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Anthropic CEO says AI growth is exponential. Anthropic research says otherwise.]]> https://mashable.com/tech/anthropic-ceo-ai-growth-exponential-research 06nqZB0k25YhDqGhy4S4Ttu Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:06:35 +0000

Dario Amodei, CEO and founder of Anthropic, just published an online essay that starts out by comparing AI to the Hobbits in the Lord of the Rings. And that may not be the only piece of fiction in it, if the system card from Anthropic's own Claude Mythos model is to be believed.

"The intersection of AI and our political institutions feels a bit like the Hobbits and Treebeard," Amodei writes — that is, Treebeard the Ent moves so slow that he can't even understand the speedy Hobbits. But then Amodei pivots to a controversial assertion — one that, to continue the Lord of the Rings analogy, would mean that Hobbits are moving exponentially faster all the time.

"AI's scaling laws, which predict an exponential increase in general cognitive capabilities with increasing computing power, now have over a decade of empirical evidence behind them," Amodei claims. "If these scaling laws continue for only a year or two longer, we are likely to get what I've called Powerful AI."

It's hardly a one-off reference; Amodei, who is about to cash in on a bonanza Anthropic IPO, uses the word "exponential" six times in the essay. That includes the title, "Policy on the AI exponential." But is it true?

Let's leave for one moment the dubious 2020 OpenAI paper Amodei links to prove his assertion, or the abundant evidence from other AI experts that the "cognitive capabilities" of most Large Language Models are not growing that fast, if at all. Amodei's essay appears to contradict the word of ... well, Anthropic itself.

SEE ALSO: The AI vibe shift is real: Why the backlash is growing

On the system card for the preview of Claude Mythos [PDF], the model that Amodei hypes up in the essay for the cybersecurity concerns it has caused, you'll find the following statement: "The [intelligence] gains we can identify are confidently attributable to human research, not AI assistance ... early claims of large AI-attributable wins have not held up." [Emphasis ours.]

You might think it can't get more definitive than that — unless you read the system card for Anthropic's other new frontier model, Fable 5. Using a test called the Epoch Capabilities Index, Anthropic researchers specifically set out to see if there was evidence of a feedback loop that would lead to what AI experts have variously called AGI or Digital Superintelligence. And the result couldn't be clearer.

"We do not observe a sustained, AI-attributable 2× acceleration in the pace of our AI progress," the Fable system card [PDF] says.

So, where is Amodei getting his exponential information from? We've reached out to Anthropic for clarification, but the citation the CEO uses is for a 2020 paper called Scaling Laws for Neural Language models, co-authored by Jared Kaplan (then with OpenAI, now a co-founder of Anthropic). The conclusion of that paper has been called into question by another leading AI researcher, Gary Marcus, for the past four years.

"There are serious holes in the scaling argument," Marcus wrote in 2022. "Indeed, we may already be running into scaling limits in deep learning, perhaps already approaching a point of diminishing returns." He cited research on OpenAI's GPT-3 model, which has "shown that scaling starts to falter on some measures, such as toxicity, truthfulness, reasoning, and common sense."

Marcus was pilloried by AI true believers at the time, but has since been vindicated — especially since the release of GPT-5, which was not the Superintelligence some of its users hoped for.

Finding evidence for AI exponential growth since then may be harder than simply walking into Mordor.

Additional reporting provided by Timothy Werth

]]> <![CDATA[Mashable readers predicted some of WWDCs big moments. See how many guessed macOSs new name.]]> https://mashable.com/tech/mashable-big-guessing-game-apple-round-1-answers 03tNsG9dh0LL6pKvZ2nf21H Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:02:43 +0000

Apple's WWDC officially wraps on Friday, but we learned a lot from the opening keynote on Monday.

In 2026, Mashable and the rest of the CNET Group (ZDNET, PCMag, CNET, and Lifehacker) are hosting the Big Guessing Game: Apple Edition to give our readers a chance to predict the biggest Apple news from events like WWDC. Every correct answer earns you one chance to win the new Apple Watch announced in September. (Read the full content rules.) Round one of the game took place in the weeks leading up to WWDC. If you missed your chance to guess, round two will begin July 7, followed by round three before the September iPhone launch event.

In the meantime, we can tell you how many of our readers correctly guessed some of the biggest moments from the WWDC opening keynote. Incredibly, someone even correctly guessed the name of macOS 27 Golden Gate.

Question 1: Will Apple announce a standalone Siri app at WWDC 2026?

Apple finally announced Siri AI, which will be available as a standalone app in the next generation of Apple operating systems. For this warm-up question, 54 percent of Mashable readers said yes, answering correctly.

Question 2: The codename of MacOS 26 is Tahoe. What California landmark, city, or region will Apple choose for macOS 27?

When our tech editor first saw a Volkswagen bug and trippy visuals of California's psychedelic history appear on screen during the WWDC keynote, he wondered out loud if we were about to get macOS 27 Woodstock. Alas, the correct answer was macOS 27 Golden Gate.

One, and only one, Mashable reader correctly predicted macOS's new name. However, there were lots of other good guesses. The most popular wrong guesses were Redwood and Shasta. We also liked Venice, Big Bear, and Napa.

Question 3: WWDC is primarily a software show, but Apple loves a hardware surprise. Which of these devices will get a stage announcement during the keynote?

For this question, readers could guess from four multiple-choice options: Mac Studio M5 Ultra or Max, a redesigned Apple TV device, a foldable iPhone, or none of the above. Unfortunately, there were no hardware reveals at this particular event, and the 23 percent of our readers who guessed "none of the above" earned another entry for the chance to win an Apple Watch.

SEE ALSO: The latest iPhone Fold leaks, rumors, and renders: Everything we know

Question 4: To the nearest minute, how long will the main WWDC 2026 Monday keynote last?

Mashable readers were incredibly accurate in guessing the length of WWDC. The average guess was 75 minutes, and the median guess was 74 minutes. We had people guess 77 minutes as well. Oddly, no one predicted the correct answer to the minute: 76 minutes.

Sorry, folks.

Question 5: In the new watchOS, will ChatGPT be directly available in an app or widget, i.e. not a third-party app or Shortcut?

Mashable readers were pretty evenly split here, with 51 percent guessing in the affirmative and 49 percent in the negative. The pessimists were correct on this one. New watchOS 27 features were barely mentioned during the keynote, but direct ChatGPT access or a dedicated widget are not available.

As a reminder, the next round of Mashable's Big Guessing Game: Apple Edition begins on July 7. Every correct answer will get you another chance at winning the latest Apple Watch released in September. 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter or win the "CNET Group Big Guessing Game" Giveaway. Open to legal U.S. residents in the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+ yrs of age. Other restrictions apply. Begins May 19, 2026 at 12:01 pm ET and ends Sept. 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules: https://www.mashable.com/article/mashable-big-guessing-game-apple-edition-official-contest-rules/. Sponsor: Ziff Davis, LLC.

Apple is not a sponsor of, affiliated with, or endorser of this sweepstakes. Apple Watch is a trademark of Apple Inc.

]]> <![CDATA[Kai Cenat relaunches Streamer University — heres how to apply]]> https://mashable.com/life/kai-cenat-streamer-university-how-to-apply 01LKGr5PDpQlJ667lsjEg3p Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:27:14 +0000

Viral streamer and Mashable 101 pick Kai Cenat is returning to the Creatorverse with another round of Streamer University, a launchpad for streamers who want to follow in his footsteps.

SEE ALSO: The Mashable 101: The creators defining the internet in 2026

Cenat announced Streamer University 2026 with a two and half minute long trailer posted to his social media accounts, riffing on his extended streaming hiatus.

It shows Cenat striding through rolling green hills as he approaches what turns out to be an abandoned stone manor — the Streamer University itself, made in the image of an American Hogwarts. Cenat, dressed in burgundy and yellow, learns it's been taken over by owls, the animals tasked with delivering applications, which now sit collecting dust. But don't worry, Cenat is here now to send them himself. And that's where all of us come in.

What is Streamer University?

Streamer University is Cenat's free, multi-day networking, training, and social event designed to connect up and coming streamers with existing viral content creators. Cenat led the inaugural Streamer University event in May of last year, held at the University of Akron in Ohio.

How do I apply to Streamer University?

People who are interested can apply online now. The "University" is accepting applications for three different tracks: Student, Professor, and Club Director. Students will receive a crash course in being a digital creator, led by Professors with specific "expertise." Club Directors will facilitate event activities.

You must be at least 18 years old and have the ability to travel around the United States. As part of the application process, you must also provide at least one social media account for review and submit a short video showcasing "your personality, content style, and why you want to attend." As the FAQ reads: "Be authentic!"

What do I get if I am accepted into Streamer University?

If you are accepted, you will get free entry to the multi-day event, including classes, activities, and networking opportunities, according to the website. You may also be filmed for content on participant channels.

]]> <![CDATA[Is Gemini down? Google acknowledges something went wrong errors.]]> https://mashable.com/tech/google-gemini-down-google-acknowledges-problem 00EHiEJR7e4HUqdYsIaQUZg Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:48:44 +0000

UPDATE: Jun. 10, 2026, 3:18 p.m. UTC Google has provided a new status update indicating its engineering team has applied mitigations and is continuing to investigate the root cause of the outage. The company says it is seeing signs of recovery and will continue to monitor the situation. Google's next update is expected by 3:30 PM ET.

Google's Gemini AI assistant is currently down for a significant number of users, with outage reports on Downdetector beginning to spike around 6 a.m. ET on Wednesday morning and continuing to build into the early afternoon. Google first acknowledged the issue in an update on its official status page at 8:40 p.m. ET.

Google confirms the disruption began at 6:26 a.m. ET, affecting Gemini across all major platforms — web, macOS, iOS, and Android — as well as Gemini in Chrome. Users are reporting error codes 1099 and 1076, as well as an error message that reads, "Something went wrong."

Google's status page classifies the problem as a "Service disruption" rather than a "Service outage," but Gemini is functionally unavailable for many users.

According to Google, its engineering team has identified a potential mitigation that is currently being worked on, though no estimated resolution time has been provided. The company says it plans to share an update by 3:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

The status update also states that no workaround is available at this time for affected users.

We'll update this story as more information becomes available.

]]> <![CDATA[Only iPhone 17 Pro users will get some of iOS 27s AI tools]]> https://mashable.com/tech/iphone-17-and-other-m4-devices-will-get-advanced-ai-tools-ios-27 03SPbtylknKhl95JDcldvWg Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:30:32 +0000

iOS 27 may run on devices as far back as the iPhone 11, but Apple's most advanced AI features are reserved for a much shorter list of hardware, the company revealed.

Apple's Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, confirmed that a subset of advanced Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features will require more powerful silicon, and therefore won't be available on most iPhones. That means that even relatively new iPhones that do support Siri AI and Apple Intelligence, like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, won't get the full experience when iOS 27 launches this fall.

SEE ALSO: These 29 iPhones are getting iOS 27: Is yours on the list?

In a WWDC presentation (as reported by Macworld and other outlets), Federighi said, "Our most powerful on-device model and the features it enables, like expressive voices and more advanced dictation, will be coming to our most capable iPhone, iPad and Mac systems."

A slide displayed alongside these remarks stated that only a handful of phones will get the full feature set: the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. In addition, these advanced features will be restricted to iPad models with M4 or later (and at least 12GB of unified memory), Mac models with M3 or later (and at least 12GB of unified memory), and Apple Vision Pro with M5.

The features we know for certain are exclusive to that hardware tier include Siri AI's more expressive voices and the upgraded systemwide dictation, which Apple says captures speech as polished, accurately punctuated text with greater precision than before.

If you're on an iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 Pro, you'll still get a meaningfully upgraded Siri AI experience. That's the rebuilt assistant, the dedicated app, Visual Intelligence, writing tools, and more. But the voice customization sliders, dictation overhaul, and other unnamed features are staying on the newer hardware for now.

SEE ALSO: All the foldable iPhone Ultra hints in the iOS 27 beta

If the expressive voice and dictation upgrades are important to you, the iPhone 17 lineup is where those features live.

This isn't the only significant carveout Apple announced, either. Siri AI will launch in the fall as a public beta, but it won't be available in the European Union or China at launch.

]]> <![CDATA[See all with these early Prime Day deals on smart glasses]]> https://mashable.com/tech/best-early-prime-day-smart-glasses-deals-2026 06sQUxbMpo9043cynVNuKBa Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:07:16 +0000
The best early Prime Day smart glasses deal
Best Overall Early Prime Day Smart Glasses Deal
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) Smart Glasses
$277.69 (Save $21.31)
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) Smart Glasses on white background
Best Early Prime Day Splurge Smart Glasses Deal
Viture Beast XR/AR Glasses
$549 (Save $140)
Viture Beast XR/AR Glasses on white background
Best Early Prime Day Budget Smart Glasses Deal
BooaBei AI Smart Glasses
$169.99 (Save $80)
BooaBei AI Smart Glasses on white background

Smart glasses are one of the buzzier gadget categories going into Prime Day, so it's a good idea to start watching and tracking how low prices will go. Right now, in these early days of the sale, the discounts are still pretty modest, which is good news if you've been on the fence about buying in.

A few pairs, like the first-gen Ray-Ban Meta glasses, have dipped a little. So there are already discounts to shop if you're ready to buy. For everyone else, this is a great moment to lock in what you want now and pounce the second deeper discounts make their debut.

Mashable's team of shopping experts is keeping a close eye on the best early Prime Day smart glasses deals as they roll in. We'll keep updating this page with additional discounts as we find them.

Best overall smart glasses deal

Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) Smart Glasses on white background
Credit: Amazon
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) Smart Glasses
$277.69 at Amazon
$299 Save $21.31
 

Why we like it

If you're just now getting into the smart glasses game, you're in luck: the most popular pair is on sale right now. You can get a pair of first-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses to try out and see what all the fuss is about. They let you take photos and videos, listen to music, make calls, or even ask Meta AI questions while you're wearing them. They feature an ultra-wide 12MP camera with a five-mic system so you can also livestream what you're seeing, all hands-free. They even offer live translation, so you can take part in conversations even when Wi-Fi isn't available. It's all about convenience, and if you're dipping your toes in the world of smart glasses, this is the best place to start.

Best splurge smart glasses deal

Viture Beast XR/AR Glasses on white background
Credit: Amazon
Viture Beast XR/AR Glasses
$549 at Amazon
$689 Save $140
 

Why we like it

These glasses are all about giving you the biggest, brightest display you can get from a pair of XR/AR glasses. They offer a 174-inch display with a 58-inch FOV, with a brightness of 1250 nits and powered by Sony micro-OLED. You can pin, resize, and lock the massive screen as if you were standing in front of it, to make whatever you decide to watch, whether it's a meeting or a movie, feel larger than life. It has a 120Hz refresh rate, 9-level dimming, and auto-transparency as well, with deep, satisfying bass and the ability to turn any 2D content into 3D. These are the glasses you get if you're serious about what you're watching, and you can save a bit of cash on them thanks to Prime Day.

Best budget smart glasses deal

BooaBei AI Smart Glasses on white background
Credit: Amazon
BooaBei AI Smart Glasses
$169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80
 

Why we like it

These glasses may not come from Ray-Ban and Meta, but they're still worth a look. They offer an 8MP HD camera with 2K footage recording as well as connectivity with ChatGPT, so you can ask questions and get things done on the go. They also feature AI photo recognition and real-time translation as well as dual-mic noise cancellation and beamforming technology for taking calls or streaming on the go.

]]> <![CDATA[Physical Steam Gift Cards discontinued. Scammers are to blame.]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/valve-steam-gift-cards-discontinued-scammers 07HjkM9XJAceP5w7DqG0XYL Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:03:18 +0000

A matter of weeks after Steam Deck devices got a massive price increase, Valve is taking another difficult measure that will make things slightly less convenient for players.

The owner of the biggest digital storefront for PC games announced this week (via SteamDB) that it will no longer manufacture or sell physical Steam gift cards at retail stores. The reason, of course, is that scammers use these cards for all sorts of malicious behaviors, and Valve has admitted that it can't come up with a surefire, ironclad way to stop bad actors short of just ceasing gift card production altogether.

SEE ALSO: Steam Deck OLED gets huge price increase amid RAM shortage

"As we have continued to put more and more restrictions in place, scammers have adapted," Valve said. "They continue to have an impact on Steam customers and other unsuspecting individuals."

The good news is that digital gift cards, which can be purchased and gifted directly at the account level, will remain an option for Steam users. Valve noted that it added guest checkout as a feature last year, making it easier for people to buy one without having their own account.

Still, considering how long the little rack of video game marketplace gift cards has adorned retail checkout lines, this does feel like the beginning of the end of an era, to some extent.

]]> <![CDATA[The best early Prime Day air fryer deals you can shop right now]]> https://mashable.com/life/best-prime-day-airfryer-deals-2026 03RmgB2SwqZQKWwizd2s3F9 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:42:45 +0000
Best early Prime Day air fryer deals at a glance:
Best mini air fryer deal
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer (4QT)
$64.99 (save $65)
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer (4QT)
Best large air fryer deal
Chefman XL 6-in-1 Air Fryer (14QT)
$89.99 (save $60)
Chefman XL Air Fryer 6-in-1 (14QT)

Prime Day is almost here — and Amazon isn't waiting for the official start to roll out discounts. This year's sale kicks off on June 23, but early deals on small kitchen appliances are already live, and air fryers are among the standouts.

SEE ALSO: iRobot Roomba Max 705 drops to its best-ever price before Prime Day

Whether you're after a compact basket-style fryer for weeknight meals or a larger oven model that can roast a whole chicken, brands like Ninja, Instant Pot, and Chefman are already seeing price cuts. Here are the best early Prime Day air fryer deals worth grabbing now.

Best mini air fryer deal

Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 4qt Air Fryer
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer (4QT)
$64.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $65.00
 

Why we like it

If you live alone, like making apps or quick side dishes, or just want an air fryer that won't take up your entire counter, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer (4QT) is on sale for $64.99 at Amazon, down from $129.99. This little air fryer can bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, reheat, and air fry small meals in minutes. Just press the preset button, and it does the rest.

Best large air fryer deal

Chefman Air Fryer 6-in-1, XL 14-Quart Multifunctional Airfryer with Touchscreen Controls, Rotisserie, Food Dehydrator, Convection Oven, Bake, Broil, and Reheat Functions, Windowed Door – Black
Chefman XL 6-in-1 Air Fryer (14QT)
$89.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $60.00
 

Why we like it

For households with more mouths to feed, the Chefman XL 6-in-1 Air Fryer (14QT) can make family-sized meals in no time. (There's also a Hi-Fry button for those who prefer an extra crispy finish.) It comes with three removable wire racks, a rotisserie spit, a fetch tool to remove the rotisserie, and a dip tray/baking pan. And right now, you can get it for $89.99 — the lowest price we've tracked on this model to date!

More air fryer deals

]]> <![CDATA[Cordless power tool deals are already live at Amazon before Prime Day starts]]> https://mashable.com/tech/best-early-prime-day-cordless-tools-deals-2026 03zHjKzzhv8JuMbBSs5slok Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:32:57 +0000
Best early Prime Day deals on cordless power tools:
Best DeWalt deal
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
$169 at Amazon (save $80)
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
Best Craftsman deal
Craftsman V20 Power Tool Combo Kit
$299 at Amazon (save $70)
Craftsman V20 Power Tool Combo Kit
Best Hoto deal
Hoto SNAPBLOQ S-A01 3.7V Electric Screwdriver
$79.99 at Amazon (save $20)
Hoto SNAPBLOQ S-A01 3.7V Electric Screwdriver

Summer is the ideal time to tackle home DIY projects. The paint will dry quicker, there's more hours of daylight, and maybe some friends around to help out. If you have a list of home and yard projects to take care of this summer, make sure you have the necessary tools. Nothing sidelines a weekend project quite like realizing you need to run to the hardware store.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best portable power station deals I'd buy before Prime Day

Lucky for us, early Amazon Prime Day deals already have great discounts on cordless power tools. Of course, we expect to see more as we get closer to the June 23 official start of the sale. But for now, here are the top deals worth shopping.

Best DeWalt deal

DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
Credit: DeWalt

Why we like it

Perfect for anyone building a new tool collection, the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit is on sale for $80 off before Prime Day. The kit comes with the 20V compact drill/driver, 20V impact driver, two 20V batteries, a battery charger, and a durable carrying case. Both tools have a built-in LED light so you'll get a better view for optimal accuracy. The comfort grip with ergonomic design is also a major plus.

Best Craftsman deal

Craftsman V20 Power Tool Combo Kit
Credit: Craftsman
Craftsman V20 Power Tool Combo Kit
$299 at Amazon
$369 Save $70
 

Why we like it

Packing in seven tools, the Craftsman V20 Power Tool Combo Kit is an upgraded starter pack. It comes with a drill/driver, oscillating tool, impact driver, grinder, reciprocating saw, circular saw, and even more. You also get two 20V batteries and a battery charger.

Before Prime Day kicks off, the Craftsman Power Tool Combo Kit is on sale for $229, down from the normal price of $369.

Best Hoto deal

Hoto SNAPBLOQ S-A01 3.7V Electric Screwdriver
Credit: Hoto
Hoto SNAPBLOQ S-A01 3.7V Electric Screwdriver
$79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20
 

Why we like it

Hoto makes some excellent cordless tools that are useful to have around any home, even if you're not taking on DIY projects soon. The Hoto SNAPBLOQ S-A01 3.7V Electric Screwdriver is the perfect example given that it comes with 56 bits to cover every possible scenario. It also has three torque settings and an LED light. Use it to repair your glasses or sunglasses, get access to tiny screws in a watch or your laptop, while still having access to more standard bits.

Hoto says you'll get about 60 minutes of runtime before the cordless electric screwdriver needs to recharge its 800 mAh battery.

More cordless tool deals to shop before Prime Day

]]> <![CDATA[Upgrade your tech with the best early Prime Day Amazon Fire Tablet deals]]> https://mashable.com/tech/best-early-prime-day-fire-tablet-deals-2025 03NH2R7OsywWp3RmNwN0rqj Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:12:37 +0000
The best early Amazon Fire Tablet deals
Best Kids Amazon Fire Tablet Deal
Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet
$54.99 (Save $55)
Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet on white background
Best Midrange Amazon Fire Tablet Deal
Like-New Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet and Stylus Pen Creativity Bundle
$145.98 (Save $4)
Like-New Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet and Stylus Pen Creativity Bundle on white background
Best High-End Amazon Fire Tablet Deal
Like-New Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet Creativity Stylus Bundle
$229.98 (Save $7)
Like-New Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet Creativity Stylus Bundle on white background

Everyone knows that Amazon loves to discount its own devices during its Prime Day events. So far, though, the early Prime Day tablet deals are a little thin on the ground, at least where Amazon's Fire Tablet line is concerned. There's one excellent standout right now, and it's the Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet at 50% off, which is a solid drop on a family-friendly pick anyone could use.

Beyond that, most of what we're seeing on Fire tablets is bundle-based rather than straight markdowns, so the value you'll get per bundle depends on whether you actually want the extras. But you can expect the selection to widen dramatically as we get closer to the main event.

Mashable's team of shopping experts is tracking the best early Prime Day Fire tablet deals as they land. We'll likely see even more pop up in the next week or so, so keep an eye out for additional savings.

Best kids Amazon Fire tablet deal

Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet on white background
Credit: Amazon
Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet
$54.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $55.00
 

Why we like it

This model may be aimed toward kids, but the entire family can use it -- and no one would blame you at this price. This rugged tablet comes in three fun colors and features a year of Amazon Kids+ so you can give your little ones plenty of kid-friendly content to peruse. It also has on-board parental controls with the Parent Dashboard, so you can filter out content based on your kids' ages, set time limits, and give access to other apps to keep an eye on what your tots are up to. It also features a 10-hour battery so you don't have to keep recharging it. And if you want to use it yourself, it's still a great casual tablet that can do all you want it to do.

Best midrange Amazon Fire tablet deal

Like-New Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet and Stylus Pen Creativity Bundle on white background
Credit: Amazon

Why we like it

The 10-inch Fire HD 10 is a fantastic all-around pick. It's also a Mashable Choice Award winner, thanks to its excellent display, lengthy battery life, and lightweight frame. It's affordable and sturdy, with a zippy processor and "surprisingly decent' sound quality. This like-new bundle also nets you a Stylus Pen in addition to the tablet, which means you can take notes, doodle, and sketch within apps like OneNote and more. If you're on the market for an everyday tablet that you'll keep reaching for, this bundle is worth snapping up while it's still available.

Best high-end Amazon Fire tablet deal

Like-New Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet Creativity Stylus Bundle on white background
Credit: Amazon

Why we like it

This speedy tablet is all about the luxury experience when it comes to the Fire line. It has an 11-inch screen with 2 million pixels to give you the most crisp picture possible as well as an octa-core processor to handle everything you want to tackle at once. On top of that, it has 14 hours of battery life per charge and comes in a thin, lightweight frame that makes it a joy to tote around and use. This bundle also packs the Stylus Pen, so you can sketch, mark up PDFs, or jot down notes. If you're going to get a pricier Fire tablet that's still on sale, this one is the way to go right now.

]]> <![CDATA[20+ book deals Im sending to the group chat before Prime Day even begins]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/best-early-prime-day-book-deals-2026 010oNrmp06R0Fs59hnSgTzk Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:59:53 +0000
The best early Prime Day book deals at a glance:
Best hardcover book deal
"Crux" by Gabriel Tallent
$14.67 (save $15.33 with on-page coupon)
"Crux" by Gabriel Tallent
Best paperback deal
"The Girl Who Was Taken" by Charlie Donlea
$7.50 (save $12.45)
"The Girl Who Was Taken" by Charlie Donlea
Best Kindle book deal
"Kill For Me Kill For You" by Steve Cavanagh
$2.99 (save $16)
"Kill For Me Kill For You" by Steve Cavanagh

It's nearly Amazon Prime Day, which officially runs from June 23 through 26, but if you don't feel like waiting, there's already plenty of live deals to shop.

Besides offering three free months of both Kindle Unlimited and Audible to new subscribers, Amazon also has some pretty great discounts on books themselves. I'm not usually one to recommend purchasing physical books via Amazon (support local book stores!), but it's pretty hard to pass up a 50% price drop on a book you've had on your TBR.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Editors just dropped the 20 best books of 2026 (so far) — find out what made the list

I'm tracking some of the best deals on physical books and e-books at Amazon ahead of the official Prime Day kick off, but remember to check back for more once things start ramping up.

Best early Prime Day hardcover book deal

"Crux" by Gabriel Tallent
Credit: Riverhead Books
"Crux" by Gabriel Tallent
$14.67 at Amazon
$30 Save $15.33
with on-page coupon

Why we like it

Named one of the best books of 2026 so far by Amazon Book Editors, Crux is an "exhilarating, tender novel about an unlikely friendship forged through a shared love of rock climbing," according to Amazon Editor Abby Abell. Thanks to an on-page coupon at Amazon, you can add the hardcover version to your home library for less than half its usual cost.

More hardcover book deals

Best early Prime Day paperback book deal

"The Girl Who Was Taken" by Charlie Donlea
Credit: Kensington
"The Girl Who Was Taken" by Charlie Donlea
$7.50 at Amazon
$19.95 Save $12.45
 

Why we like it

A classic trope of two abducted girls, only one returns and one doesn't, The Girl Who Was Taken is a psychological thriller by Charlie Donlea where nothing is as it seems. Typically around $20, you can pick up the paperback version for only $7.50 at Amazon ahead of Prime Day. That's just a few cents away from its lowest price ever.

More paperback book deals

Best early Prime Day Kindle book deal

"Kill For Me Kill For You" by Steve Cavanagh
Credit: Atria Books
"Kill For Me Kill For You" by Steve Cavanagh
$2.99 at Amazon
$18.99 Save $16.00
 

Why we like it

I highly recommend grabbing this twisty psychological thriller from internationally best-selling author Steve Cavanagh while the Kindle version is only $2.99. Kill For Me Kill For You follows two women seeking revenge against the men who killed their daughters. Over drinks one night, they decide to swap murders, but things don't go exactly as planned.

More Kindle book deals

]]> <![CDATA[Tons of Fitbits are on sale ahead of Prime Day]]> https://mashable.com/life/best-prime-day-fitbit-deals-2026 06M7smaAYLPJoilNmkZxlnx Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:37:01 +0000
Best early Prime Day Fitbit deals at a glance:
Best deal overall
Fitbit Charge 6
$99.95 (save $60)
Fitbit Charge 6
Best runner-up deal
Fitbit Versa 4
$149.95 (save $50)
Fitbit Versa 4
Best budget deal
Fitbit Inspire 3
$79.95 (save $20)
Fitbit Inspire 3

Amazon's Prime Day sales event is right around the corner (I can't believe it's that time of year again!), and I'm genuinely shocked by the deals we're seeing this early in the game.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's early Prime Day deals include some great options for Father's Day

Usually, Amazon doesn't put Fitbits on sale until the very last minute, and then they're gone. (And some years, they don't go on sale at all.) But right now, we're seeing all-time lows on select Fitbit models, including the Charge 6.

Here are the best early Prime Day Fitbit deals you can shop right now:

Best deal overall

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker (Black)
Fitbit Charge 6
$99.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $60.00
 

Why we like it

The Fitbit Charge 6 isn't the newest Fitbit on the market, but it still has (almost) everything you'd need in a smart wearable. (I say almost because the Fitbit Charge 6 doesn't have an altimeter, but if you're not a trail runner, this probably isn't a deal breaker.)

The Charge 6 tracks your calories, steps, sleep, heart rate, and more. It also has built-in GPS, 40+ exercise modes, a seven-day battery life, and includes a three-month Google Health Premium (formerly Fitbit Premium) membership. Once the three months are up, you'll need to either cancel or renew for $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.

Right now, you can get the Fitbit Charge 6 for $99.95 at Amazon. This is the lowest price we've tracked on this model since its release in 2023.

Best runner-up deal

Fitbit Versa 4
Credit: Fitbit
Fitbit Versa 4
$149.95
$199.95 Save $50
 

Why we like it

If you're willing to spend a little bit more, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $149.95. This isn't the lowest price we've seen (it was $104.96 in April 2024), but it's still a pretty good deal.

Unlike the Charge 6, the Versa 4 has an altimeter and Bluetooth wrist calling. So, if you're looking for a wearable that acts more like a smartwatch, the Versa 4 might be the better buy. That said, it doesn't have the more "serious" health sensor that the Charge 6 does (e.g., ECG and EDA).

The Versa 4 also comes with three months of Google Health Premium.

Best budget deal

Fitbit Inspire 3 Health & Fitness Tracker (Midnight Zen/Black)
Fitbit Inspire 3
$79.95 at Walmart
$89.95 Save $10
 

Why we like it

If you're just looking for something that's affordable and efficient, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is your best option at $79.95.

It's a no-frills fitness tracker that'll give you the basic features you need to stay on top of your health. It can track your heart rate, steps, and stress levels. (It also offers menstrual health tracking, which is nice.)

You'll also get 10 full days of battery life and, like the other models mentioned above, three free months of Google Health Premium.

]]> <![CDATA[Using Claude Fable 5 means your data will be collected. It’s not optional.]]> https://mashable.com/tech/anthropic-claude-fable-5-mythos-ai-models-data-collection-policy-change 05nv09aqjor3Q7eqBXNbjGx Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:29:36 +0000

Anthropic just released its most powerful public model yet — Claude Fable 5. However, along with the model's release, the AI giant also made a significant update to its data retention policies.

Fable 5 was released to the public on Tuesday. Fable 5 is a "safe for general use" version of Anthropic's most powerful model, Mythos, which has been restricted from public use due to its potentially dangerous cybersecurity capabilities. Anthropic created a set of safety guardrails for Fable 5, and its benchmarks blow away much of the competition, per Anthropic.

But it looks like Anthropic has also blown away its data retention policies for Fable 5.

"To ensure we’re responsibly deploying Mythos-class models, we are requiring limited data retention and review as part of our safety work," reads an update on Anthropic's official Claude support page. "Prompts submitted to, and outputs generated by, Mythos-class models are retained for 30 days for trust and safety purposes, on every platform where these models are offered."

The update was first noticed by Jun Park, the CEO of AI training company hillclimb.

“New policy from Anthropic: if you use Fable/Mythos, they collect your data. No exceptions. Not even for enterprise partners," Park posted on X.

This change is significant for Anthropic's enterprise and API customers, says Jessica Eaves Mathews, a lawyer who specializes in copyright, trademark, and AI law.

In a post on Mathews' Substack (as highlighted by CyberNews), the lawyer explains how Anthropic already retains user data for 30 days under its free and paid consumer plans. However, Matthews says this change nullifies part of any agreement Anthropic has with its enterprise and API partners. 

"Every other Claude model available through the API, including Opus 4.8, Sonnet 4.6, and Haiku 4.5, can operate under Zero Data Retention (ZDR) agreements," Mathews writes. "Fable 5 cannot. If your organization previously had a ZDR agreement with Anthropic, that agreement does not apply to Fable 5 traffic. This is a policy change that overrides existing enterprise commitments for this specific model class."

Mathews says that any organization that believed that their data would not be stored by Anthropic should know that there is now a "mandatory exception" for Fable 5 and all future Mythos models.

While Mythos-class models seem to be quite powerful, companies should know about the change in Anthropic's data retention policies and make adjustments where necessary.

]]> <![CDATA[New safety rules for under-16 Snapchat users]]> https://mashable.com/tech/snapchat-teen-safety-for-under-16-users 03grlbQRtljqzzSz36zUGXI Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:28:29 +0000

Snapchat is rolling out new content-sharing protections for 13- to 15-year-old users.

The platform announced Wednesday that younger teens will get a "friends-only" experience for their Spotlight posts. That public feed consists of vertical videos short-form similar to Instagram Reels or TikTok.

SEE ALSO: Survey: Teens regularly see harmful content, messages on Snapchat

The new rules make Spotlight content posted by 13- to 15-year-olds visible only to the user's mutually accepted friends. Previously, under-16 users could post to Spotlight, without attribution to their profile.

"This allowed teens to participate, while helping to protect them from potentially unwanted contact that can come with public posting," the Snap Company said in its announcement.

Example of Snapchat's content-sharing protection for under-16 users.
Under-16 Snapchat users will have a dedicated profile space for certain content. Credit: Courtesy Snapchat

Now younger Snapchatters will get a space on their profile for creating, saving, and sharing Stories and Spotlight Videos with only their mutually accepted friends. Teens ages 16 and 17 can share content publicly with some safeguards.

"This new experience is designed to encourage creativity and self-expression within a trusted audience," the company said.

Age checking on Snapchat

Currently, Snapchat relies on self-attested age and age inference, but safety advocates generally say social media platforms need high-quality age assurance to ensure their safety measures are effective.

When Mashable tested Snapchat's age attestation prior to the announcement, we found that Snapchat defaulted user age to 18 years old.

With the new policy, if Snapchat determines a user is under 16, despite their stated age, that minor will be shifted into the friends-only sharing setting. That change will appear in the Snapchat app if they choose to post a Spotlight video.

Snapchat safety concerns

Last week, the advocacy groups Heat Initiative, Anxious Generation, ParentsTogether Action, and Design It 4 Us published the results of a survey of teen Snapchat users, alleging that the platform's safety measures aren't effective enough.

A third of the poll's 1,016 respondents said they'd seen or received unsafe content or messages in the past week. More than half said they'd had at least one such experience in the past year.

The top three types of dangerous experiences reported by up to a third of teens were unwanted contact, bullying, and sexually suggestive content and messages. More than 40 percent of respondents who'd received unwanted messages believed the sender was an adult.

A Snap Company spokesperson told Mashable that the report "does not fully reflect the significant investments Snap has made to help protect young people."

In the blog post Snap published Wednesday, the company noted that it works to prevent the delivery of friend requests from potential strangers, and that the platform doesn't allow teens to be messaged by anyone they haven't added as a friend or who's not in their phone contacts. Additionally, when teens accept a stranger as a friend, Snapchat is designed to send warnings when minors begin chatting with that user.

"After years of advocacy by parents, kids, and experts, it's encouraging that Snap is finally making some changes to try to prevent young children from posting in adult spaces, which has put kids in danger on the platform for years," Brooke Istook, president and chief strategy officer at Heat Initiative, said in a statement to Mashable.

Istook added, however, that "fundamental dangers for kids that are baked into Snapchat’s design" remain unaddressed, including the facilitation of unsafe connections between teens and adults and the algorithmic recommendation of unsafe content.

Snapchat has been the target of youth safety activism and the target of legal action, like many major social media platforms. In January, Snap settled a lawsuit brought by a teenager who claimed that Snapchat's design features, like algorithmic recommendations, led to addictive use and mental health harms. Soon after, Snap introduced new parental controls for teens.

UPDATE: Jun. 10, 2026, 8:27 a.m. PDT This story has been updated to include a statement from Heat Initiative.

]]> <![CDATA[The Roborock RockNeo Q110H robot lawn mower just landed at Amazon, and its on sale for just 1 week]]> https://mashable.com/life/roborock-rockneo-q110h-robot-lawn-mower-release 07Gzzd6tPdONW2SxSYpvmfk Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:25:18 +0000

Roborock makes some of Mashable's favorite robot vacuums that efficiently keep our floors clean indoors. But the brand knew some robots prefer a life spent outdoors. As of June 10, the Roborock lineup of robot lawn mowers has a new model, and it's one of the most affordable options available.

the Roborock RockNeo Q100H robot lawn mower
Credit: Roborock
Roborock RockNeo Q100H
$1,169 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $130
 
SEE ALSO: Amazon's early Prime Day deals include some great options for Father's Day

The Roborock RockNeo Q110H just landed in the U.S., and it's exclusively sold at Amazon. The normal list price is set at $1,299, but it's on sale from June 10 through June 16 for $1,169, which takes 10% off. Even at full price, the Roborock sits as one of the more budget-friendly models.

the The new Roborock RockNeo Q110H in grass
The new Roborock RockNeo Q110H is designed for yards with about 0.25 acres of grass. Credit: Roborock

Standout features of the Roborock RockNeo Q110H

The Roborock RockNeo is designed to mow lawns that measure about 0.25 acres, and it can handle slopes of up to 45 percent. Roborock also mentions this model excels at keeping the mow even when dealing with odd terrain, thanks to the floating cutting deck that adjusts automatically. Plus, Roborock found it's capable of climbing over obstacles like tree roots or paving stones that measure up to 1.57 inches tall. The large diameter wheels also help with its ability to handle any terrain.

the roborock RockNeo Q110H mowing the lawn while climbing over a stick.
Toys, sticks, and tree roots should be no issue for the RockNeo. Credit: Roborock

It also comes with real-time obstacle avoidance. If the kids leave toys in the yard or the dog prefers to take all tennis balls to a weird spot, the RockNeo Q110H will avoid mowing over any items left behind. You can also choose specific areas of your yard to create multi-zone management. Keep the front lawn cut short for looks while letting the back get a bit longer for a bit more cushion underfoot this summer. You can also select your desired cutting height.

The Roborock RockNeo Q110H comes with an IPX6 waterproof rating, so a bit of rain won't do damage. When the robot detects rain, it'll automatically return to the charging station, ready to resume mowing when the weather improves.

A worthy app companion

The Roborock app for robot vacuums is excellent, and the robot lawn mower follows suit. From the app, you can set a desired mowing schedule, set zones within your yard, and select cutting height. You can also take a glance at real-time mowing progress to see which areas have been completed and what the mower is currently cutting. This screen also shows remaining battery life.

a person sits near the roborock rockneo q110h while looking at a phone
Use the Roborock app to set mowing schedules and view real-time progress. Credit: Roborock

When it comes to mapping, the Roborock uses full‐band RTK and VSLAM. Together, the robot should be able to keep its navigation wits steady without getting lost while mowing under trees.

If you're considering making the upgrade to a robot lawn mower this summer, the new Roborock RockNeo Q110H could be an excellent pick. Grab it while it's on sale for its introductory launch in the U.S. through June 16. No need to wait for Prime Day on June 23 to get this one on sale.

]]> <![CDATA[The Social Reckoning teaser: Jeremy Strong nails Mark Zuckerbergs voice in Social Network sequel]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/the-social-reckoning-teaser-jeremy-strong-mark-zuckerberg 06vxP8qL5LxXImJHpuOemr4 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:14:25 +0000

A lot has changed since David Fincher's The Social Network hit theaters in 2010.

That film examined the founding and meteoric rise of Facebook, as well as CEO Mark Zuckerberg's (Jesse Eisenberg) tumultuous relationship with co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield). However, Facebook's trajectory since then, from its data breaches to Zuckerberg cozying up to President Donald Trump, has generated enough material for several more movies.

SEE ALSO: 'Whalefall' trailer dares to ask: But what if you got swallowed by a whale?

Enter The Social Reckoning. Touted as a "companion piece" to The Social Network, the highly anticipated drama is written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, who won an Academy Award for his Social Network screenplay.

The film dives into the collaboration between Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen (Anora Academy Award winner Mikey Madison) and Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz (The Bear Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White), which led to 2021's "The Facebook Files." That investigative series used internal documents to uncover Facebook's awareness of its harmful impacts, from teens' declining mental health to political misinformation.

The Social Reckoning finds a new Mark Zuckerberg in Succession's Jeremy Strong, who takes over from Eisenberg. The film's first teaser trailer sees Strong sporting Zuckerberg's unfortunate Caesar cut and nailing his distinctive voice to an uncanny degree.

The teaser also uses a few brief notes from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' Academy Award-winning Social Network score, but the pair, like Fincher and Eisenberg, are not returning for The Social Network's follow up. Alexandre Desplat will score the film instead.

The Social Reckoning also stars Wunmi Mosaku, Betty Gilpin, Billy Magnussen, and Bill Burr.

The Social Reckoning hits theaters Oct. 9.

]]> <![CDATA[AT&T launches $3 unlimited data day pass for summer travel. Is there a catch?]]> https://mashable.com/tech/att-unlimited-day-pass-for-ipad 02LryOCBlD2mNP09bXuJYqe Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:08:49 +0000

iPad users can now access the internet without WiFi, without worrying about data limits, and without the need for a wireless carrier subscription — at least for 24 hours.

AT&T just announced a new service on Wednesday called the Unlimited Day Pass. For just $3 per day, any eSIM-capable iPad can connect to the internet even without a WiFi connection. AT&T is also offering one complimentary Unlimited Day Pass for each iPad customer.

Furthermore, the day pass includes unlimited wireless data. Plus, there's no subscription, contract, or any sort of long-term commitment. Users can simply sign up for a one-time $3 Unlimited Day Pass anytime they like and as many times as they like, according to an AT&T press release. iPad users don't even need to be an AT&T customer, meaning T-Mobile, Verizon, and other customers can purchase the new pass as well.

AT&T says iPad users can activate an Unlimited Day Pass directly from their device's Settings app. An option to sign up for the Unlimited Day Pass will appear under the Cellular Data section.

Wireless carriers already offer international day passes, but AT&T is pitching the Unlimited Day Pass as a solution for domestic travelers. However, there are some caveats that we should note.

The Unlimited Day Pass is only for iPad users in the U.S. and only works with iPad models with eSIM capabilities. Basically, if the iPad is the "WiFI + Cellular" model, it should work. AT&T says it's planning to roll out the Unlimited Day Pass to other 5G-capable devices, such as Android tablets, smartwatches, laptops, and drones, in the near future. Interestingly, AT&T did not list smartphones as devices that will get Unlimited Day Pass access.

]]> <![CDATA[Watch: Taskmaster season finale challenge, the greatest pillow fight of all time]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/taskmaster-season-21-episode-10-clip-pillow-fight 02787N2iVSat4YLBq2hfB1o Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Taskmaster Season 21 is drawing to a close with episode 10. So, what challenge could Greg Davies and (little) Alex Horne have for celebrity contestants? Well, Mashable has an exclusive sneak peek with the clip above, featuring the challengers teaming up to capture on camera "the greatest pillow fight of all time."

SEE ALSO: Everything 'Taskmaster Live' taught us about the show

Armando Iannucci and Joanna Page make up one team, while Amy Gledhill, Joel Dommett, and Kumail Nanjiani make up the other. With just 20 minutes to prepare, Dommett is not scared but pumped, noting, "This is great! We've got a bona fide action star with us."

Cut to Eternals' star Nanjiani in a cowboy costume, facing off against Dommett in an escalating battle. It begins with a stare-down. Then, some eyebrow wiggling in a close-up known as a "cowboy." Then, they draw — not guns, but pillows. Blood will be spilled, as will teeth, and ... a leg. Meanwhile, Gledhill looks on while cleaning a margarita glass.

SEE ALSO: Taskmaster (Little) Alex Horne and Greg Davies reveal which iconic tasks they would never do

What could Iannucci and Page possibly do to compete? Will not having Gledhill get in on the action prove a pivotal error? We'll find out when episode 10 debuts.

Taskmaster airs on Channel 4 in the UK. In the U.S., you can watch Taskmasker on the Taskmaster YouTube Channel.

]]> <![CDATA[Amazon Editors just dropped the 20 best books of 2026 (so far) — find out what made the list]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/amazon-20-best-books-of-the-year-so-far 06MPUKbdJqvLALECyyQCZAM Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:15:00 +0000

This has been an incredible year to be a reader. Rather than my group chats popping off about the latest buzzy show, we're talking about books. And even if we are talking about TV shows, some of the most popular, like Heated Rivalry and Off Campus, are book adaptations. The new releases of 2026 have caused quite a stir, but where should you start? Well, Amazon Editors have some thoughts.

Amazon Book Editors just dropped their 20 best books of 2026 so far. This list of both fiction and non-fiction includes bestsellers and book club picks. Just in time for summer reading, find out what the best books of 2026 are, according to Amazon Editors. Plus, find out from the editors themselves exactly why they picked the top 10 books of the year.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is right around the corner: Here are 20+ early deals to start shopping now

20. Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

The cover of 'Lady Tremaine' by Rachel Hochhauser

A New York Times bestseller, Reese's Book Club Pick, and an IndieNext Pick, Lady Tremaine tells the story of twice-widowed Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley, caring for her two children, stepdaughter, and decaying manor. It's a reimagining of the evil stepmother myth, turning it into a celebration of women taking their fate into their own hands.

19. Homebound by Portia Elan

The cover of 'Homebound' by Portia Elan
'Homebound' by Portia Elan
$14.73 at Amazon
$28 Save $13.27
 

Portia Elan's Homebound spans the years 1983 to 2586, tracing three women across generations and a piece of technology that connects them all. A GMA Book Club pick, Homebound is described as, "a big, bold, ecstatic world — full of heart and wonder.”

18. The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

The cover of 'The Calamity Club' by Kathryn Stockett
'The Calamity Club' by Kathryn Stockett
$16.99 at Amazon
$35 Save $18.01
 

Seventeen years after her bestseller The Help was published, Kathryn Stockett is back with her second novel, The Calamity Club. In Oxford, Mississippi, three women on the verge of collapse come together to finally take back their lives in a place where women's freedom is fragile.

17. Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

The cover of 'Mad Mabel' by Sally Hepworth

In Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth, we find Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick in a Melbourne suburb. The grumpy, independent 81-year-old minds her own business — until a neighbor turns up dead. Eyes turn to Elsie, who wasn't always Elsie — once she was known as Mad Mabel Waller, Australia's youngest convicted murderer. But she was more than just a headline, as secrets buried for decades now come to light.

16. John of John by Douglas Stuart

The cover of 'John of John' by Douglas Stuart
'John of John' by Douglas Stuart
$14.99 at Amazon
$28 Save $13.01
 

From the author of Shuggie Bain, Douglas Stuart, comes a new novel, John of John. When John-Calum 'Cal' Macleod returns to his home on the Isle of Harris, it is not the place that has changed, but him. At odds with his father's expectations, Cal discovered the secrets within his home and what's truly holding the community together.

15. Into the Blue by Emma Brodie

The cover of 'Into the Blue' by Emma Brodie

Explosive chemistry and yearning are at the center of Emma Brodie's Into the Blue. AJ Graves dreams of a bigger life beyond her small Massachusetts town. But when Noah Drew appears, the two form a cosmic bond as friends and acting partners until Noah disappears. After seven years, AJ and Noah are thrust back together and forced to confront what happened all those years ago.

14. Five by Ilona Bannister

The cover of 'Five' by Ilona Bannister
'Five' by Ilona Bannister
$13.99 at Amazon
 

Five people wait on a train platform. When the next train to London arrives, one of them will die, but who will it be? That's the question at the center of Five by Ilona Bannister, a propulsive thriller that asks the reader to be judge, jury, and executioner.

13. A Far-flung Life by M.L. Stedman

'A Far-flung Life' by M.L. Stedman
Credit: Amazon

In the Australian outback, a tragedy strikes the MacBride family, which will change generations to come. Matt, the youngest of the MacBrides, will be sent on a journey for which there is no map. A Far-flung Map by M.L. Stedman is a story of family and belonging and who we reach for to weather the storm.

12. Famesick by Lena Dunham

The cover of 'Famesick' by Lena Dunham
'Famesick' by Lena Dunham
$13.99 at Amazon
 

At 24, Lena Dunham was thrust into fame with her HBO show Girls. But in the decade since, Dunham experienced the illness that seemingly accompanied her rise in fame. Famesick is a deeply personal memoir spanning the beginning of Girls and the decade of illness and addiction that followed.

11. Transcription by Ben Lerner

The cover of 'Transcription' by Ben Lerner

Ben Lerner has been called the voice of a generation, and in 2026 he's returned with his latest novel, Transcription. Taking place in Providence, Rhode Island, the narrator of the novel arrives to conduct an interview of Thomas, his 90-year-old mentor and the father of his college friend Max. The novel is dreamlike, devolving into an unforgettable story of three men, the narrator, Thomas, and Max.

10. Crux by Gabriel Tallent

The cover of 'Crux' by Gabriel Tallent
'Crux' by Gabriel Tallent
$14.99 at Amazon
 

From Abby Abell, Amazon Editor: “A new addition to the canon of exceptional friendship novels, Crux is an exhilarating, tender novel about an unlikely friendship forged through a shared love of rock climbing. Dan and Tamma’s bond is glorious to behold, and I feel lucky to have witnessed it.”

9. Nothing Tastes as Good by Luke Dumas

The cover of 'Nothing Tastes as Good' by Luke Dumas
'Nothing Tastes as Good' by Luke Dumas
$14.99 at Amazon
$29 Save $14.01
 

From Annabel Gutterman, Amazon Editor: “In his searing and very bloody page-turner, Luke Dumas holds a mirror up to our body image–obsessed world to reveal something quite unsavory in its reflection. This is body horror at its finest: uncomfortably vivid, often hilarious, and totally disturbing. My eyes have never been so glued to a book’s pages.”

8. Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell

The cover of 'Cherry Baby' by Rainbow Rowell

From Abell: “I adored this vulnerable, sexy love story about body image, second chances, and the bone-deep ache of loss. Rainbow Rowell creates characters who are beautiful in all their flaws and complexities, and this couldn’t be truer than with Cherry, who I love. This book is messy, hopeful, and so romantic.”

7. American Men by Jordan Ritter Conn

The cover of 'American Men' by Jordan Ritter Conn
'American Men' by Jordan Ritter Conn
$14.99 at Amazon
$30 Save $15.01
 

From Lindsay Powers, Amazon Editor: “This intimate yet enormous feat of storytelling sucked me in immediately. It’s a page-turning account of four very different men you will cheer for, and ache for; a refreshing reminder that there are many ways to thrive in a world where opportunities feel fleeting. I can’t stop thinking about it.”

6. Land by Maggie O'Farrell

The cover of 'Land' by Maggie O'Farrell
'Land' by Maggie O'Farrell
$14.99 at Amazon
 

From Al Woodworth, Amazon Editor: “Never before have a 19th-century mapmaker, a scruffy, loyal dog, and a mysterious copse of trees been more enchanting. Maggie O’Farrell delivers a soaring and bewitching tale of family and how the remote Irish peninsula where they live defines and shapes them, generation after generation.”

5. Night Objects by Eli Raphael

The cover of 'Night Objects' by Eli Raphael
'Night Objects' by Eli Raphael
$14.99 at Amazon
$29 Save $14.01
 

From Gutterman: “This mesmerizing suspense novel about a teenager’s desperate search for belonging at her elite boarding school — where secrets swirl and danger looms large — lived in my head for days. Eli Raphael introduces herself as a writer you don’t want to miss.”

4. Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden

The cover of 'Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage' by Belle Burden

From Sarah Gelman, Editorial Director: "Strangers is a divorce memoir, but it’s also a forensic examination of a love and a marriage gone wrong, seemingly without any warning. Burden puts words to many of our worst fears — that one day the person we love and trust the most will become an utter stranger to us.”

3. Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

The cover of 'Yesteryear' by Caro Claire Burke

From Gutterman: “When a tradwife influencer wakes up to discover it’s somehow the 19th century, her journey back to reality makes for a brilliant, biting novel about motherhood, fame, and faith. A reading experience like no other, this is the book I want to talk about with literally everyone I've ever met.”

2. London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth by Patrick Radden Keefe

The cover of 'London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth' by Patrick Radden Keefe

From Woodworth: “Illuminating and unforgettable, Patrick Radden Keefe’s latest delivers another knockout narrative nonfiction, this time telling the shocking story of how a young boy got caught up in the dangerous and powerful world of Russian oligarchs and landed at the bottom of the Thames.”

1. Kin by Tayari Jones

The cover of 'Kin' by Tayari Jones
'Kin' by Tayari Jones
$14.99 at Amazon
 

And the No. 1 book of the year according to Amazon editors is Kin by Tayari Jones.

From Erin Kodicek, Amazon Editor: “Kin is the story of two ‘cradle friends’ who are haunted by the loss of their mothers, and who, despite their diverging paths, continue to be each other’s comfort and salvation. A nuanced portrait of family, friendship, and race, the novel sings on every page.”

]]> <![CDATA[Insta360 unveils Luna Ultra, its Osmo Pocket competitor]]> https://mashable.com/tech/insta360-luna-ultra-launch-price-specs 03OSHonjnNH6RshRvhbAYXc Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Insta360 has officially launched the Luna Ultra, a direct competitor to DJI's upcoming Osmo Pocket 4P.

Co-engineered by Leica, the dual-lens handheld gimbal camera aims to distinguish itself via its detachable touchscreen, which enables users to operate the camera from a distance without their phone.

SEE ALSO: DJI just unveiled the dual-lens Osmo Pocket 4P cinematic camera at Cannes
A woman holding up an Insta360 Luna Ultra to film herself.
Credit: Insta360

The Insta360 Luna Ultra has been an open semi-secret for months, teased in displays and appearing in influencers' videos long before receiving any official announcement. Solid details about the camera have been scattered and piecemeal, but we knew Insta360 was mounting a challenge to DJI's dominance in handheld gimbals.

Now the company has finally brought the Luna Ultra out of this nebulous stage, releasing official imagery and specs for content creators to pore over. 

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The Luna Ultra will have a Leica Summicron lens with a 1-inch sensor, as well as a telephoto lens with a 1/1.3-inch sensor. With 6x lossless zoom and 12x zoom in total, the camera will offer a maximum video resolution of 8K at 30fps, and be able to record 1080p 240fps slow motion as well as 4K timelapse footage at 30fps. 

However, arguably the most intriguing feature distinguishing the Luna Ultra from its competition is its detachable touchscreen. The 2-inch OLED screen can be completely removed, allowing users to monitor and control the camera from a distance of up to 65 feet (20 metres). The Luna Ultra's screen can also be switched between portrait and landscape modes while attached to the camera's handle.

The Insta360 Luna Ultra with its screen detached.
Credit: Mashable edit: Insta360

Like the Osmo Pocket 4P, the Insta360 Luna Ultra targets professional filmmakers as well as the quality-conscious content creator. As such, it includes features intended to facilitate professional workflows, such as inbuilt timecodes for multi-camera synching and 10-bit I-Log capture for post-production colour grading.

Insta360 states that the Luna Ultra can run for up to four hours on one charge, with fast charging bringing it back up to 80 percent in around 23 minutes. While it already has 47GB of internal storage, it also uses microSD cards in case you need more space, and comes in two colourways: Cosmic Black and Stellar White. 

The Insta360 Luna Ultra in Cosmic Black and Stellar White.
Credit: Mashable edit: Insta360

Various accessories will also be available for the Luna Ultra, with pricing to be announced. These include a Wide-Angle Lens which expands the camera's field of view to 108-degrees, a Black Mist filter, an ND Filter Set, a Mini Fill Light, and a protective case.

The Insta360 Luna Ultra will set you back $769.99, and is available from today.

]]> <![CDATA[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 10, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-june-10-2026 02bAv7whDlDNDHT0B1R5qY5 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:05 +0000

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

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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

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.

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.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 10, 2026

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: Approach

  • Green: Found in a bathroom

  • Blue: Broadway buildings

  • Purple: Found in Word

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

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Technique

  • Green: Gross things that form on wet surfaces

  • Blue: Parts of a theater

  • Purple: Counted in document word counts

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 #1095 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Technique: FASHION, MANNER, METHOD, WAY

  • Gross things that form on wet surfaces: CRUST, FILM, SCUM, SKIN

  • Parts of a theater: CATWALK, PIT, STAGE, WINGS

  • Counted in document word counts: CHARACTER, LINE, PAGE, WORD

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 10, 2026

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.

]]> <![CDATA[My First Time at Apple Park: The Reality of WWDC26]]> https://mashable.com/tech/first-time-apple-park-wwdc26 02czTK7KWocnLJX8wy32XlM Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

There’s something different about visiting Apple Park to cover WWDC26. CNET’s Bridget Carey talks about her first visit to the developer’s conference as Apple reveals big Siri AI changes.

]]> <![CDATA[NYT Strands hints, answers for June 10, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/strands-nyt-hint-june-10-2026 048lA5WJK31qoICZiPZz8Jy Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:59:57 +0000

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're good with computers.

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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 10, 2026

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Something just clicked

The words are related to computers.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe computer saves.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

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

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Download.

NYT Strands word list for June 10

  • File

  • Software

  • Document

  • Download

  • Photo

  • Application

  • Song

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.

]]> <![CDATA[Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 10, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/wordle-today-answer-june-10-2026 070iA37eQyBoGGrlL1dafku Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:59:50 +0000

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you need a perfect match.

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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 10, 2026

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 10, 2026

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

Matches up.

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 A.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

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...

ALIGN

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.

]]> <![CDATA[Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection for under market price]]> https://mashable.com/life/june-10-pokemon-tcg-first-partner-illustration-collection-series-1-deal 06JiOt0R8RGTsOGzppQYlfG Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:45:48 +0000

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 available for $67.53, putting it below TCGplayer’s current $69.60 market price and its own $70 unopened listings.

The Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 on a white background
Credit: The Pokémon Company

The Pokémon TCG’s First Partner Illustration Collection has been hard to pin down anywhere near a sensible price since launch. Still, Amazon is now one of the more convenient places to grab Series 1 without paying above market value. 

As of June 10, Amazon is listing the Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection—Series 1 for as low as $67.53. In the current market for the trading card game, where prices for these boxes are expected to be quite high, this surprisingly undercuts its market price on TCGplayer, which is currently valued at $69.60, and has its own listings for at least $70. 

Although sold and shipped by third-party seller BlueProton, this Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection still comes with Amazon’s 30-day return policy, so you’ve got a safety net if you end up with any problems on delivery. 

If these boxes happen to sell out at this price on Amazon, or you want to save a few more cents, Walmart also has listings as low as $67.50, though returns aren’t an option.  

Inside the box, you’ll get one Pokémon TCG pack containing three of nine illustration rare-style promo trading cards, two additional Pokémon TCG booster packs (one Mega Evolution & one Phantasmal Flames), and one sticker sheet. 

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Series 1 focuses on first partner Pokémon from Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola — so Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup, Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio are the chase promo stars. 

The Kanto starters are especially collectible, with the single Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur cards going for as high as $39.99 each on TCGplayer — making the $67.53 charge for the whole box a great money-saving price if you manage to pull them. 

To save more on the latest Pokémon TCG releases, you can grab the six-pack Chaos Rising Booster Bundle for under $50 at Amazon, too. Preorders of the upcoming Mega Moonlit Mega Clefable Tin are also $12 off.

Despite not currently being available on Amazon, the Pokémon TCG’s newly announced Pitch Black expansion — Booster Packs, ETBs, Display Boxes, and Booster Bundles — is available to preorder at TCGplayer. 

]]> <![CDATA[Beats Studio Buds Plus are on sale for less than $100 at Amazon before Prime Day.]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-10-beats-studio-buds-plus-deal 00nNQLl5BxWwPsRDZwTKHM5 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:39:03 +0000

SAVE $70: As of June 10, the Beats Studio Buds + are on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. This is $70 off their full price of $169.95.

beats studio buds + earbuds against a white background
Credit: Beats
Beats Studio Buds +
$99.95 at Amazon
$169.95 Save $70.00
 

If you need new earbuds ahead of summer, Amazon's here to help. Ahead of its big Prime Day sale, the retailer is offering up some excellent early deals, particularly on headphones and earbuds. The Beats Studio Buds + are one pair that's received a big price cut at the retailer, that's dropped them below $100.

As of June 10, every available color of the Beats Studio Buds + has been marked down to $99.95. Normally, they cost $169.95, so this discount saves you $70. They're also very close to their lowest-ever price right now, too. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, it was $89.95, so the difference between the two is just $10.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

From busy commutes to trips to at-home hangouts, the Beats Studio Buds + can keep you company with high-quality sound and noise-canceling features. Want to block out noises around you entirely? They feature Active Noise Canceling so you can stay focused on what you're listening to. Or, if you prefer to be a bit more aware of what's going on around you, they also have Transparency mode to keep you more in tune with your environment.

Beats Studio Buds + even support spatial audio, which allows you to enjoy immersive sound that feels like it's coming from different points all around you. They even have a battery life that keeps up with all your activities and routines, lasting up to 36 hours with the charging case.

Why wait for Prime Day? Save big on the Beats Studio Buds + right now 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.

]]> <![CDATA[The Pokémon TCGs 36-pack Chaos Rising Booster Display Box is $15 off on Amazon]]> https://mashable.com/life/june-10-pokemon-tcg-chaos-rising-booster-box-deal 03qPlyawgoCeyEA6EQRmnG0 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:20:24 +0000

TL;DR: Amazon has put the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Chaos Rising Booster Display Box back on sale for $264.88, cutting its standard $279.99 list price. That takes $15.11 off the sealed 36-pack box, bringing each Chaos Rising Booster Pack to a low price of about $7.36 before tax.

The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution — Chaos Rising Booster Box on a white background
Credit: The Pokémon Company
Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Box
$264.88 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $15.11
 

Chaos Rising prices have been bouncing around since the Mega Evolution expansion landed in the Pokémon TCG. Still, the best way to get the lowest price per pack is to buy the largest box available, which is now on offer at Amazon. 

As of June 10, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Chaos Rising Booster Display Box is listed on Amazon for $264.88, with $15.11 taken off its current $279.99 list price. The current listing ships from Amazon and is sold by ACG ECOM, with free delivery set for June 16 to 17. At the time of writing, faster delivery on Monday, June 15, is also available. 

At this price, the 36-pack display breaks down to roughly $7.36 per booster before tax. Single Chaos Rising Booster Packs shipped by Amazon cost up to $12.95, meaning you’ll be saving as much as $5.59 each per pack by buying this box, or a total saving of $201.24 when considering all 36. 

On the other hand, you can save a lot more by shopping outside of Amazon this time. Walmart has the same Booster Box listed for $229.95 with free shipping, sold by Realgoodeal and fulfilled by Walmart. TCGplayer is lower still, with unopened English listings starting at $221.99 shipped; that’s even lower than the Chaos Rising Display Box’s market price of $224.55. 

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Each Chaos Rising Booster Display Box contains 36 booster packs from the Pokémon TCG’s titular Mega Evolution expansion. The set has more than 120 trading cards to collect, more new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, over 25 Trainer cards, and more than 35 Pokémon and Trainer cards with special illustrations.

Among your 36 packs, you’ll have the chance to pull rare and valuable chase cards, like Mega Greninja ex, Mega Floette ex, Mega Pyroar ex, and Mega Dragalge ex — which are all available to buy individually on TCGplayer, as well.

To save even more on this new expansion, you can score the Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box on sale, too, for just over $90. What’s more, preorders for the Mega Moonlit Mega Clefable ex Tin are also on offer at 21% off. 

Although currently not available on Amazon, the Pokémon TCG’s newly announced Pitch Black expansion — Booster Packs, ETBs, Display Boxes, and Booster Bundles — is available to preorder at TCGplayer.

]]> <![CDATA[Sonos Sub Mini gets a $100 discount at Amazon ahead of Prime Day]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-10-sonos-sub-mini-deal 03zLRUpplMlvrHqwze9PFrv Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:59:55 +0000

SAVE $100: As of June 10, the Sonos Sub Mini is on sale for $399 at Amazon. This is $100 off its full price of $499.

sonos sub mini against a white background
Credit: Sonos
Sonos Sub Mini
$399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100
 

While Prime Day doesn't officially start at Amazon until June 23, we've already spotted plenty of early deals worth checking out. Sonos speakers are among the items already discounted, and if you've been looking for a solid subwoofer to add to your audio setup, the Sonos Sub Mini has had $100 knocked off its price at the retailer.

As of June 10, this has brought the price of both the white and black Sonos Sub Mini down from $499 to $399. If you've had your eyes on it, this is a great opportunity to save on it before the Amazon Prime Day sale even begins. It's quite a nice addition to your sound system as well.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

From the outside to the inside, there's quite a lot to like about the Sonos Sub Mini. It has a compact, sleek design and is fitted with dual custom woofers that help bring out the bass in the sounds you're listening to, whether you're enjoying a movie or show or blasting music from your favorite album. The woofers face inward as well, which helps cancel out distortion.

It even comes with Trueplay tuning technology, which helps adapt the bass to your room so it sounds rich and full rather than flat or harsh. Pair it with other Sonos speakers - like the Era 100 or Arc Ultra, which are also on sale right now - and your ears are in for quite a treat.

This Sonos Sub Mini deal may not last long. Act fast to save on it 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.

]]> <![CDATA[How to watch the 2026 World Cup in the US]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/how-to-watch-2026-world-cup-us 07eoOsDtPT8L80SaSaWsQjF Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:25:12 +0000

Want to catch all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup without a traditional cable subscription? This quick guide breaks down the cheapest ways to stream the games in both English and Spanish using platforms like Fox One and Peacock.

]]> <![CDATA[The worlds first AI-designed vaccine, explained]]> https://mashable.com/science/worlds-first-ai-designed-vaccine-explained 01dYKRaG1YodGJVL7DI8vei Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:09:14 +0000

Artificial intelligence isn't just being used to optimise productivity or complete the annoying tasks that we'd rather not do. Scientists have developed what they describe as the world's first AI-designed vaccine. So, how does it work? And what does it mean? In an article originally published by The Conversation, Neil Mabbott, personal chair of immunopathology, University of Edinburgh, explains everything we need to know.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed what they describe as a fundamentally new type of vaccine using artificial intelligence (AI). The vaccine’s key component was designed entirely by AI and has now been tested in people for the first time.

The goal is ambitious: a single vaccine that works not just against all known human coronavirus variants, but against related bat viruses that could jump from animals to humans and cause future pandemics.

Traditional vaccines train our immune system to recognise one specific virus. The problem is that viruses mutate. When they change enough, the vaccine stops working, which is why we need a new flu shot every year and why COVID vaccines have been updated repeatedly since 2021.

AI offers a way around this. By analysing genetic data from thousands of related viruses, it can identify the parts that stay the same across different strains and that are unlikely to change over time. Target those stable features, and you have a vaccine that should work against the whole family, not just the strain you started with.

This is exactly what the Cambridge team did. They used AI to scan viruses from the sarbecovirus family, which includes the viruses that cause both SARS and COVID, as well as a range of animal coronaviruses – looking for shared features that evolution has left largely untouched. Those features became the basis of the vaccine.

SEE ALSO: It's official: OpenAI files IPO

DNA vaccines

While many people are familiar with the mRNA shots used during the pandemic, this new vaccine uses DNA. DNA vaccines are generally more stable than mRNA vaccines, making them easier to store and transport. A significant advantage in lower-income countries where “cold-chain” infrastructure is limited.

They can also be administered without needles. A high-pressure stream of liquid delivers the vaccine through the skin, making administration less painful and easier to scale up during an outbreak.

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Could it protect against future pandemics?

These practical advantages matter most if the vaccine itself can do something no existing jab can: protect against viruses we haven’t encountered yet.

Broad-spectrum vaccines could change the way the world responds to emerging infectious diseases. By offering much wider protection than traditional vaccines, they could provide rapid immunity against new and emerging viral threats. This would equip public health officials with tools to stop future outbreaks in their tracks before they have a chance to turn into global pandemics.

They could also transform our approach to more familiar diseases. Influenza is a prime target because it exists in many different strains and evolves so rapidly. Scientists have to predict which strains will dominate each flu season, and they guess wrong, vaccine effectiveness can suffer. A universal flu vaccine that targets features shared across multiple strains could eventually end the annual race to keep up with the virus.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at WWDC 2026, the start of the Siri AI era

And the Ebola virus shows why this matters right now. The recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is driven by the Bundibugyo strain, which bypasses existing vaccines. While researchers rush to create a new vaccine specifically for this strain, local communities remain at high risk. A broad-spectrum vaccine designed to cover an entire virus family could transform that picture.

What the trial found

This is the first human trial of an AI-designed vaccine. The results showed that this DNA vaccine was able to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that can recognise different types of sarbecoviruses. The technology was found to be safe and well tolerated.

This is an exciting advance because it demonstrates how AI has the potential to design variant-proof vaccines against future pandemic threats. The needle-free delivery system could also make the vaccine easier to administer and distribute worldwide.

However, there is more work to do. Although the results in this study are encouraging, the immune responses following vaccination were modest. It was also uncertain how long the protection lasts and whether further boosters will be required. Larger trials are also needed to determine whether the vaccine can prevent or reduce virus infections in the real world.

A universal vaccine remains a few years away. And any new vaccine must still pass larger trials to prove it is safe, effective and provides lasting protection. But this study shows the goal is getting closer – and AI may help us get there faster.

This article was originally published by The Conversation.

]]> <![CDATA[Daily Shows Desi Lydic roasts Trumps reaction to getting booed at NBA final]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/daily-show-desi-lydic-trump-booed-knicks-game 005KvdVJAlkuLJogO4Mrfds Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:08:04 +0000

Donald Trump made the questionable choice to attend the third game of the NBA finals on Monday, with the New York Knicks taking on the San Antonio Spurs. And on Tuesday night, Daily Show host Desi Lydic pointed out the "very New York welcome" the crowd gave the president at Madison Square Garden.

"Also in attendance last night was the only New Yorker who spends more time in court than the Knicks, President Donald 'Jumpshot' Trump," says Lydic, before the audience starts booing loudly. "Oh, you were there too?"

SEE ALSO: Jimmy Kimmel reacts to Trump appearing to sleep during NBA finals

Lydic goes on to play a clip of Trump speaking to a reporter about the crowd's reaction, with the president saying "it was mostly cheers."

"'Mostly cheers?'" asks Lydic. "I guess the DOJ redacted all the boos before they hit his ears."

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

]]> <![CDATA[Grab the Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Booster Bundle for under $50 on Amazon]]> https://mashable.com/life/june-10-pokemon-tcg-chaos-rising-booster-bundle-deal 060QzXWLxVjg56ekTFRq0gh Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:05:41 +0000

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG’s Mega Evolution — Chaos Rising Booster Bundle is on sale for $48.88 at Amazon, $11.11 down from its usual $59.99 price. That takes 19% off the six-pack box, with the listing currently shipped and sold by Amazon.

The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution — Chaos Rising Booster Bundle on a white background
Credit: The Pokémon Company
Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle
$48.88 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $11.11
 

Chaos Rising may be more expensive than Perfect Order in the Pokémon TCG. Still, prices are starting to settle far more quickly compared to Ascended Heroes — now letting you grab one of its most popular products in the expansion’s range below the $50 mark. 

As of June 10, the Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Booster Bundle is available at Amazon for $48.88. That’s 19% off the $59.99 list price, bringing the cost down to about $8.15 per booster pack before taxes.

Compared to buying Chaos Rising Booster Packs individually on Amazon for $12.95 standard, you’ll be saving up to $4.80 per pack for a total max saving of $28.80. What’s more, at the time of writing, this listing is shipped and sold by Amazon directly, with free delivery listed for June 15, or as soon as June 11 for Prime members.

For those just getting into the modern version of the trading card game, the six-pack bundle is a straightforward way to crack into the latest Mega Evolution expansion without paying up for a full Booster Display Box. Each Booster Bundle includes six Chaos Rising booster packs, with each pack containing 10 cards altogether, an Energy card, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live. 

As for what you can pull, the most valuable and popular chase cards (available to buy individually on TCGplayer) include Mega Floette ex, Greninja ex, Mega Pyroar ex, and Mega Dragalge ex.

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If Amazon’s new lowest price happens to sell out, Walmart is also selling its Chaos Rising Booster Bundles for $48.88 (sold via a third-party seller) — making it a budget-friendly backup. 

However, TCGplayer can get you an even better price, with unopened listings as low as $45.86, including shipping; this is only a very small amount higher than its $43.38 market price. 

Among other Pokémon TCG deals you can get right now, you can also score $12 off preorders for the Mega Clefable Mega Moonlit Tin. If it’s more of the latest expansion you’re after, though, the Pokémon TCG’s Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box is on sale for just over $90. 

Although currently not available on Amazon, the Pokémon TCG’s newly announced Pitch Black expansion — Booster Packs, ETBs, Display Boxes, and Booster Bundles — is available to preorder at TCGplayer.

]]> <![CDATA[EU orders Meta to restore free access to AI rivals in WhatsApp]]> https://mashable.com/tech/eu-meta-whatsapp-free-access-ai 0660HblkljYLKw0Ui2ws66b Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:01:59 +0000

WhatsApp will soon have to offer a choice of AI assistants to users, at least in Europe.

The European Commission (EC) has ordered platform owner Meta to restore free access to rival general purpose AI assistants in WhatsApp. This is an interim measure until the European Union's executive body finishes its antitrust investigation; though, drawing from previous similar cases, it's likely that the decision stays for good.

Meta started blocking third party AI assistants in WhatsApp back in Oct. 2025, prompting the EC to launch its investigation into the measure in Dec. 2025. "The Commission is concerned that such new policy may prevent third party AI providers from offering their services through WhatsApp," the cabinet said at the time.

SEE ALSO: Meta is building AI data centers in tents

The EC's position, in a nutshell, is that Meta has a dominant position in the realm of chat apps, and that it is abusing this position by preventing competing AI chatbots from running on its platform, favoring its own Meta AI chatbot instead.

If that sounds familiar, just remember previous investigations by the EC, including those into Alphabet and Google, as well as Apple and Meta. Many of these hinge on one point: a dominant platform on the market is stifling innovation and hurting competitors by favoring its own products or outright banning others from competing on the platform.

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The EC's interim measure requires Meta to reinstate access for third-party general purpose AI assistants to the WhatsApp for free, and it has to do so within five working days. The investigation remains ongoing.

Mashable has reached out to Meta and will update this article when we hear back.

Update: A Meta spokesperson got back to us with the following comment: "The European Commission has decided that OpenAI and some of the largest companies in the world can use the paid-for WhatsApp Business product for free. This is regulatory overreach subsidised by the many European companies that pay. We will appeal.”

]]> <![CDATA[Hisenses 75-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon before Prime Day]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-10-hisense-tv-deal 03Koquc0YucUtGsYbNQ927d Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:01:05 +0000

SAVE OVER $800: As of June 10, the Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV is on sale for $1,197.99 at Amazon, marking a return to its lowest-ever price at the retailer. This is $802 off its full price of $1,999.99.

hisense 75-inch u7 mini-led uled 4k tv against a white background
Credit: Hisense
Hisense 75" U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
$1,197.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $802
 

As we get closer to Amazon's Prime Day sale this year, we've been keeping an eye out for any exciting early deals that may pop up at the retailer. When it comes to TVs, we've already spotted some early offers that are well worth jumping on before the sale starts. This discount on the Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV caught our attention, as it has had just over $800 slashed off its price.

As of June 10, this Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV has plummeted to $1,197.99 from its list price of $1,999.99 at Amazon. That's a big discount for a TV released just this year, but to make it even better, price-tracking site camelcamelcamel notes it's a return to its lowest price there so far. What better time to grab it?

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

A TV like this is quite a nice upgrade for your home, too. Alongside a huge 75-inch screen, this Hisense boasts 4K resolution and Hi-QLED technology that bring out fine details and vivid colors in what you're watching. It also has a native 165Hz refresh rate, which is good news for gamers or those catching the World Cup soon who want a smooth, lag-free picture.

This Hisense TV also features an anti-reflection screen to help minimize glare, so you don't have to worry about sunlight or other light sources getting in the way of what you're watching. And on top of all that, it's also a smart television with Fire TV. Can't wait to catch new seasons of The Bear or House of the Dragon? You can easily access the streaming apps for them right from your home screen.

If a new TV has been on your mind, this deal on the Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV is worth taking advantage of ahead of Prime Day.

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

]]> <![CDATA[The Anker 3-in-1 charging station is 25 percent off at Amazon today]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-10-anker-3-in-1-charger-deal 04gjCPulAXZnHuNWKP8RXoQ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:51:07 +0000

SAVE $20.50: As of June 10, the Anker 3-in-1 charger is on sale for $67.49 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Anker 3-in-1 charging station
Credit: Anker

Want a clean, clutter-free way to power up all your Apple essentials at once? The Anker 3-in-1 charger does exactly that, letting you charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch from a single hub with no tangled cables. And as of June 10, it’s discounted by over $20, bringing the price down to $67.49.

It delivers up to 15W wireless charging power using MagSafe-compatible technology for fast charging of your essential devices. It is designed to charge up to three devices at once in the compact stand, which is suitable for desks and workspaces, helping reduce clutter while powering devices such as phones and watches. 

It is certified for fast charging of Apple Watch, capable of charging an Apple Watch Series 10 from 0 to 100% in around 1 hour and 13 minutes based on internal testing. The stand can also be adjusted vertically up to 45 degrees, allowing you to position devices at your preferred viewing angle and use StandBy mode in landscape orientation. 

Head to Amazon to grab this deal on the Anker charging station.

]]> <![CDATA[The Jackery Explorer 300 power station is less than $200 for a limited time]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-10-jackery-explorer-300-power-station-deal 05BU8HYNxDK01dN847bCqrD Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:46:14 +0000

SAVE $60: As of June 10, the Jackery Explorer 300 is on sale for $199 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

Jackery Explorer 300
Credit: Jackery
Jackery Explorer 300
$199 at Amazon
$259 Save $60
 

Can't wait until Prime Day to score a deal on a portable power station? No problem, as of June 10, the Jackery Explorer 300 is on sale for under $200. Normally priced at $249, it's now down to $199 for the unit only. There are various upgrade options on sale, including the addition of solar panels and cables.

The Explorer 300 is a compact yet powerful unit. It weighs just 7.5 pounds but still offers 292Wh of capacity, in a design that is 17% lighter than the industry average (according to Jackery). It includes an integrated handle for easy carrying, making it a suitable option for camping and off-grid use.

It can provide power for up to six devices, featuring 2 AC outlets, a 100W USB-C PD port, 2 USB-A ports, and a 120W car port, with a 300W rated output and 600W peak surge for devices such as laptops and phones. It uses LiFePO4 battery chemistry designed for over 4,000 charge cycles, which gives it an estimated lifespan of more than 11 years.

Head to Amazon to grab this portable power station deal.

]]> <![CDATA[Jimmy Kimmel reacts to Trump appearing to sleep during NBA finals]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/jimmy-kimmel-trump-sleeping-nba-finals 06m6vbS8GmOtJ2ENC0tqriw Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:43:29 +0000

Jimmy Kimmel has recapped Donald Trump's appearance at the third NBA finals game, breaking down everything from the intense booing he received to the president appearing to drift off during the action.

"He spent who knows how many millions of taxpayer dollars to get there, he goes out like a light," says Kimmel over footage of Trump with his eyes closed. "He slept for a long time. Who can fall asleep during the NBA finals at Madison Square Garden? Do you know how out of it you have to be? I hope Joe Biden was watching this and laughing his ass off last night."

SEE ALSO: Seth Meyers breaks down Trump's disastrous decision to attend NBA finals

Kimmel goes on to point out that Trump's appearance coincided with the New York Knicks ultimately losing to the San Antonio Spurs.

"Basically he did to the Knicks last night what he's going to do to Republicans in Congress come November," Kimmel says.

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

]]> <![CDATA[The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 just got a $50 discount right now on Amazon]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-10-beats-powerbeats-deal 003qyJGHKOhI7iqNIZ6NgUC Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:39:55 +0000

SAVE $50: As of June 10, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are on sale for $199.95 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Credit: Beats
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
$199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04
 

Looking for a great earbuds deal ahead of Amazon's Prime Day? Well, you're in luck, because as of June 10, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are back on sale with a $50 discount. Normally priced at $249.95, you can now get them for $199.95. There are four colors to choose from, too: black, orange, purple, and quick sand.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are wireless earbuds with secure-fit earhooks that stay in place during workouts. They include Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and Transparency mode, allowing you to either reduce external noise completely or remain aware of your surroundings.

But the biggest selling point for these earbuds is the built-in heart rate monitoring sensors that measure pulse data in real-time. They're also IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for training in a range of conditions.

Powered by the Apple H2 chip, the earbuds offer up to 45 hours of total battery life with the charging case, and they are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, with features such as one-touch pairing, device switching, Find My or Locate My Beats support, and customizable controls through the Beats app.

Get this earbuds deal at Amazon now.

]]> <![CDATA[The Anker Solix C2000 power station is $750 off right now]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-10-anker-solix-power-station-deal 00qh1ELNZJ4QpY3xqodTsRw Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:25:57 +0000

SAVE $750.01: As of June 10, the Anker Solix C2000 is on sale for $748.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount on the list price.

Anker Solix C2000
Credit: Anker
Anker Solix C2000
$749 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $750
 

The Anker Solix C2000 is back on sale at Amazon, with the portable power station now available for half its usual price. As of June 10, you can pick it up for $748.99 instead of its regular price of $1,499, saving $750.

The C2000 Gen 2 portable power station features a 2,400W rated output with up to 4,000W peak power so that it can run multiple appliances at once, including most window and RV air conditioners. It uses just 9W in standby mode and can power a dual-door refrigerator for up to 32 hours. You can also expand the battery to 4kWh with various add-ons.

The unit also supports six charging methods and can recharge from 0% to 100% in as little as 58 minutes using AC and solar input (solar panels sold separately). It also supports 800W alternator charging, reaching a full charge in around 3 hours when connected to a vehicle.

Weighing just 41.7 pounds and measuring 18.1 × 9.8 × 10.1 inches, this is also a great option for taking with you on the go (camping, etc), and Anker says it is designed to be lighter and more compact than many comparable power stations.

Head to Amazon to grab this deal.

]]> <![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: What we know so far]]> https://mashable.com/tech/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-everything-we-know 02RO47W56GvsX4EbCX9FrKX Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Last year, I said the ultra-thin Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 was the best foldable we've ever tested. That means the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 8 has big shoes to fill.

It's widely expected that Samsung will debut the Fold 8 alongside several other devices at a Galaxy Unpacked launch event in London in late July. While this means we haven't yet seen the Fold 8 in an official capacity, there's been enough reporting online to build a decent profile of the phone before its unveiling.

Here's everything we know about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 so far.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Health app gets big refresh ahead of Galaxy Watch 9 release

Latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 rumors: Price and release date

As mentioned previously, everyone expects Samsung to show off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in London on July 22. That means the phone will most likely launch shortly after that, as per usual. As for its price, last year Samsung charged $1,999 for the Z Fold 7, which was itself a $100 price increase over the previous model.

There haven't been any concrete reports about the price of the Z Fold 8 just yet, but based on the way things are going in the tech world, thanks to RAMageddon, it might be reasonable to expect an even higher price this year. If we're lucky, it might "only" be another $100 price hike. It's just hard to see it staying the same considering the market conditions right now.

Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold Wide, or Fold Ultra: Will the name change?

This is where things start getting a little confusing regarding the Z Fold 8.

At least one leak has suggested that the device will be called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, with the regular Z Fold 8 name going instead to a rumored third foldable that Samsung is allegedly going to announce at the show. More on that in a bit. For the purposes of this article, when I say "Z Fold 8" or anything like that, understand that I'm referring to the successor to the Z Fold 7, not the new "Wide Fold" model that could apparently get the name instead. Until Samsung explicitly confirms that is the case, we're going to operate as if the regular book-style foldable coming out this year will be called the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Design

There have been a bevy of leaks all but confirming the existence of the new "Wide Fold" phone, alongside the Z Fold 8 and the Z Flip 8. Prominent leaker Sonny Dickson, for example, posted photos of some dummy units that very clearly show a new device that looks a lot like the Z Fold 7 next to one that looks like the Z Flip 7, and one that doesn't look like any Samsung foldable we've seen before.

Last year, the Z Fold 7 had a 6.5-inch outer display and an 8-inch unfolded inner display, and all signs point to Samsung maintaining a size profile similar to that for the Z Fold 8. What differentiates it from the "Wide Fold" phone is that the latter would have a smaller 5.4-inch outer display alongside a 7.6-inch inner display with a 4:3 aspect ratio.

You might wonder why Samsung is doing that. Well, that would be because Apple is reportedly working on an iPhone Fold to launch late this year with a wider design than book-style foldables like the Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Thus, Samsung's "Wide Fold" device is clearly gearing up to compete with Apple's handset. There have been leaked images of an iPhone Fold dummy case, and it does look a lot like the wide phone in the earlier Samsung dummy image.

So, expect a head-to-head battle between the Z Fold 8 Wide and the iPhone Fold Ultra later this year.

The Z Fold 7 was impressive last year because of its incredibly svelte size for a foldable; it measured in at just 8.9mm when folded and merely 4.2mm when unfolded, with a light weight of 215g. We don't yet know how much smaller the Z Fold 8 will be, if at all, but one Korean news report suggested it could be even lighter, coming in at 200g. That would be very exciting, as the thinness of last year's model was a huge reason it stood (and continues to stand) above most of the competition.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Specs

We don't yet know a lot about what will be inside the Z Fold 8, unfortunately. But there is a little bit of info we can chew on for now.

Namely, the same Korean news report with the weight information also suggested Samsung could upgrade the battery cell from 4,400mAh to 5,000mAh. The battery life in the Z Fold 7 was really the only disappointing aspect of the device, so this would be a hugely welcome change. It could work in tandem with a new chipset, most likely a Snapdragon chip like the powerful ones seen in the Galaxy S26 line earlier this year.

That increased battery size might also come with up to 45W charging speeds, which would be lovely. Other than that, we don't know what to expect from the Z Fold 8 in terms of everyday performance. That said, the Z Fold 7 was quite a nice phone to use, so Samsung doesn't need to fix what isn't broken in that regard.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Cameras

camera array on galaxy z fold 7
The camera array on the Z Fold 7. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Lastly, an intriguing update from Dutch outlet Galaxy Club suggested that Samsung could somewhat dramatically improve the rear camera array on the Z Fold 8. For reference, the Z Fold 7 had a 200MP main shooter to go with a 12MP ultrawide lens and a 10MP telephoto lens.

If this report is to be believed, Samsung is keeping the 200MP lens, but upping the ultrawide lens from 12MP to 50MP, and the telephoto from 10MP to 12MP. It's hard to say without doing any testing how much of an effect that will have, but these new lenses should produce sharper images, at least in theory. You can probably also expect at least a few new AI image editing tricks this year, to go along with better hardware.

The reveal of the Z Fold 8 is still several weeks away, but at least now we have a basic idea of what to expect from the phone, even if we don't actually know what to call it right now.

]]> <![CDATA[Why VidCon still matters in 2026]]> https://mashable.com/life/why-vidcon-still-matters-2026 04CfjuTc4lnkhF4UGmfaBpm Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

When VidCon launched in 2010, being a full-time creator was still considered a novelty. The inaugural convention brought together some of the internet's earliest stars, including founders Hank Green and John Green of Vlogbrothers fame, alongside creators like Philip DeFranco, iJustine, Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, and Ryan Higa. At the time, many attendees were simply excited to meet people they had only seen on their computer screens.

Fifteen years later, creators host sold-out headlining tours, launch consumer brands, run production companies, and influence everything from entertainment to politics. What began as a gathering of YouTubers and fans has evolved into the annual meeting place for an industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

Which raises an obvious question: Why does VidCon still matter?

After all, creators can livestream from anywhere, where fans can interact with their favorite personalities in real time. Communities exist year-round in Discord servers, group chats, and comment sections. Some creators even host their own successful fan meetups and live events. By all accounts, the creator economy has developed plenty of ways to bring people together without a convention center in Anaheim.

And yet, VidCon remains one of the more important gatherings in creator culture. Why? Well, let's talk about it.

The internet is more fragmented than ever

One of the biggest misconceptions about the modern internet is that it's becoming more connected.

In reality, online culture has become increasingly fragmented. Audiences are spread across TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, podcasts, newsletters, Discord servers, and countless niche communities. Creators often operate across multiple platforms simultaneously, while fans may spend most of their time in entirely different corners of the internet.

SEE ALSO: YouTube turns 20: How one video at the zoo changed the internet forever

That's not necessarily a bad thing. A recent Mashable survey found that despite the visibility of internet megastars, only 3 percent of U.S. adults primarily follow creators with more than 1 million followers. Instead, many gravitate toward smaller creators and niche communities: 19 percent said they prefer creators with fewer than 50,000 followers, while 37 percent enjoy a mix of both large and small creators. Nearly half of respondents (48 percent) said they seek out creators who offer deep dives into specific hobbies and interests.

In other words, today's internet isn't dominated by a handful of creators everyone watches. It's increasingly defined by countless smaller communities built around shared interests.

VidCon remains one of the few places where those worlds intersect.

For a few days each year, gaming creators, lifestyle influencers, podcasters, educators, startup founders, platform executives, and fans all occupy the same physical space. The convention acts as a rare gathering point for an ecosystem that otherwise exists in separate silos.

Digital communities still crave physical spaces

Much of modern fandom happens online. Friendships form in comment sections and replies. Communities organize on Instagram. Livestream chats create a sense of connection between creators and audiences that would have been impossible a generation ago.

But digital connection doesn't entirely replace in-person experiences. In fact, there are signs that younger audiences are actively seeking them out. A 2025 Eventbrite survey of more than 4,000 adults in the U.S. and UK found growing interest in real-world experiences and opportunities for authentic connection, a reflection of how much social life now takes place online.

For many attendees, VidCon offers the chance to meet internet friends face-to-face for the first time, discover new creators, or simply spend a weekend surrounded by people who share their interests. It transforms communities that exist primarily through screens into something tangible.

The success of events like VidCon suggests something counterintuitive about internet culture: The more time people spend online, the more valuable in-person experiences can become. The internet may be where communities form, but people still want places where they can gather.

At the same time, VidCon is no longer exactly the event it was in 2010. Some of the nostalgia-driven criticism aimed at the convention stems from the simple reality that many early attendees have aged out of its core audience. The young people discovering creators today are participating in a different internet, shaped by different platforms, personalities, and communities. And for them, becoming a creator is no longer a fantasy; it's a legitimate career path. As money, brands, talent agencies, and startups poured into the space, VidCon has evolved alongside them.

That's why the event increasingly feels part fan convention, part industry conference. It reflects the reality of creator culture itself.

Creators have become businesses

The conversations now happening at VidCon look very different from the ones that dominated the convention's early years.

A decade ago, panels often focused on growing subscriber counts. Those topics still exist, but they're now joined by discussions about audience ownership, memberships, monetization strategies, creator infrastructure, AI, and long-term business growth. Many creators are no longer operating as individuals with a camera and an internet connection. They're running businesses.

The rise of creator-led brands, subscription communities, and direct-to-fan revenue models has fundamentally changed what it means to be a creator. Increasingly, VidCon serves not only as a fan convention but also as an industry gathering where creators learn how to build sustainable careers.

VidCon functions as a trend report

Part of VidCon's continued relevance comes from its role as a forecasting tool. The conversations happening on stage often provide clues about where the creator economy is heading next. The platforms competing for creator attention at VidCon signal broader shifts in digital culture.

This year, expect discussions around AI tools, audience ownership, creator infrastructure, and the growing emphasis on superfans and community-building. Collectively, those trends point toward an industry increasingly focused on sustainability rather than scale.

In many ways, VidCon functions as an annual snapshot of the internet's priorities. The platforms may change. New apps will emerge. Algorithms will evolve. The creator economy's favorite buzzwords will inevitably shift.

But 15 years after its debut, VidCon still fulfills a surprisingly simple purpose. It gives creators, fans, and industry leaders a place to come together in person and make sense of a rapidly changing internet. For all the ways online culture has evolved, that need hasn't disappeared.

Mashable will be on the ground at VidCon 2026 from June 25-27, covering the creators, trends, and conversations driving internet culture, from breaking news and creator interviews to industry insights and live updates.

]]> <![CDATA[How to watch England vs. Costa Rica online for free]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/england-costa-rica-international-friendly-2026-live-stream-for-free 048Ir0jpgpdi6hp1KWI4Pt5 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. Costa Rica in a 2026 International Friendly for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 World Cup is almost here. This is England's last chance to build some momentum and test new combinations before the tournament begins. Cost Rica are the opponents, a team that should give England a real test.

If you want to watch England vs. Costa Rica in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Costa Rica?

England vs. Costa Rica kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on June 10.

How to watch England vs. Costa Rica for free

England vs. Costa Rica is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Lve stream England vs. Costa Rica for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Stream England vs. Costa Rica for free from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN logo
Credit: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)
$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch England vs. Costa Rica without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream England vs. Costa Rica for free with ExpressVPN.

]]> <![CDATA[Mac users — this $50 app could replace a lot of typing]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-10-voibe-lifetime 02XH16bwxhwkSUSKs241Nqt Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Voibe is a Mac-only offline voice dictation app that turns speech into text up to 3x faster than typing for a one-time $49.99 payment (reg. $199).

Voibe Lifetime Subscription
Credit: Essence AI
Voibe Lifetime Subscription
$49.99
$199 Save $149.01
 

Typing is something we’ve seemingly always done. However, when you’re trying to keep up with your own thoughts, it can start to feel like a bottleneck. Voibe was created to change all of that.

Instead of typing everything out, you just hold a key, speak naturally, and your words appear on screen almost instantly. Right now, you can get lifetime access for $49.99 (regularly $199), which makes it an easy upgrade for anyone who writes a lot on a Mac.

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The standout feature is how it handles privacy. Unlike most dictation tools, Voibe runs entirely on your device. Your voice never gets sent to the cloud, which means faster results and no concerns about where your data is going.

It also works across basically everything. Emails, documents, notes, messaging apps—if there’s a cursor, Voibe works. That makes it less of a “tool you open” and more something that improves your entire workflow.

And because it’s optimized for Apple Silicon, it feels fast. No lag, no waiting, no breaking your train of thought.

Whether you’re drafting emails, writing content, or just trying to get ideas out quickly, this is one of those upgrades that feels small—but saves time every single day.

Get lifetime Voibe access for a one-time $49.99 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

]]> <![CDATA[NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for June 10, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/nyt-mini-crossword-answers-hints-june-10-2026 05vItYN6zJcZTQCIWD4uA5D Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:33:44 +0000

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable
SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, June 9, 2026:

Across

What the Louvre Pyramid is primarily made of

  • The answer is Glass.

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

All that and a bag of chips, perhaps?

  • The answer is Lunch.

😡

  • The answer is Angry.

Timbuktu's country

  • The answer is Mali.

Kitchen work before cooking

  • The answer is Prep.

Down

Enjoy an outdoor vacation with extra amenities

  • The answer is Glamp.

Moon-related

  • The answer is Lunar.

Something that can be "acute" or "obtuse"

  • The answer is Angle.

Medication order from a doctor, for short

  • The answer is Scrip.

Like many children when meeting their parents' friends

  • The answer is Shy.

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

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

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

]]> <![CDATA[Logitech introduces foldable mouse that has major flip phone vibes]]> https://mashable.com/tech/logitech-mobi-fold-mouse-launch-price-specs-first-impressions 05SV2zUgJNi85uqXL1CIavC Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:01:00 +0000

Since the work-from-home shift in 2020, Logitech has been releasing more products with a mobility focus. We love the Casa Pop-Up Desk that was released a couple of years ago. And now, the brand has introduced a computer mouse for modern work with a nod to nostalgic tech. The Logitech Mobi Fold is a pocket-sized mouse that folds up for incredibly easy transportation. It's also so fun to fold and unfold — reminiscent of snapping a flip phone shut.

Logitech Mobi Fold price and specs

The Mobi Fold retails for $79.99 and is available as of June 10. It features the following:

  • Size: 33 mm (21 mm when folded) H x 122 mm (66 mm when folded) D x 57 mm W

  • Weight: 79 grams

  • Colors: Graphite, off-white, lilac, sand

  • Battery: One-minute charge provides 22 hours of use, full charge provides one month of use

folded up Mobi Fold on floral mousepad
It folds down small enough to comfortably fit in your pocket. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Mobi Fold first impressions

I received a Mobi Fold ahead of its launch, and have been using it for a couple of weeks. It's not my go-to while working at my desk in my home office (that's Logitech's Signature Comfort Plus M850 L), but I do think it's a fun solution for people who don't work in one location.

The design doesn't scream comfort at first glance, but it's actually pretty ergonomic and comfortable to use. It tracks very well, even on different surfaces like a coffee shop table or even a pant leg. The touch controls are responsive as well — though I've found the scrolling to be a little sensitive, often scrolling the entire length of a page when I'm trying to go line by line.

As with other Logitech products, the Mobi Fold can pair with up to three devices, with a button to switch between them. You're also able to customize two buttons on the touch panel in the Logi Options+ app, which is pretty cool. They're defaulted to go backward and forward on a webpage, but you could program them, for example, to copy and paste text.

As someone who works from home and doesn't like to stray from my desk, I don't know that I'd buy the Mobi Fold. But for people who work during their commute or like to move around throughout the day, this is a great alternative to carrying a bulky mouse in their bag. Plus, it's just such a fun concept, and I find myself fidgeting with the mouse, folding and unfolding it while I work.

Where to buy the Mobi Fold

At launch in the U.S., Mobi Fold is exclusively available on Logitech.com and in the TikTok Shop through July 8. In Canada, it's available on Logitech.com and other retailers beginning June 10.

off-white mobi fold mouse
Credit: Logitech
Logitech Mobi Fold
$79.99 at Logitech
 
]]> <![CDATA[NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 10, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/nyt-connections-sports-edition-hint-answer-today-june-10-2026 00oZtSGiKNfgTgjE8w3CDm8 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:45:43 +0000

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require football knowledge.

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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

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.

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.

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

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: Play design

  • Green: Bikes

  • Blue: Seattle-based baseball

  • Purple: Spelled like a hockey team

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Develop (A Play)

  • Green: Bicycle Brands

  • Blue: Seattle Mariners

  • Purple: Starts with an NHL Team, In Singular Form

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 #625 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • Develop (A Play): DESIGN, DEVISE, DRAW UP, SCHEME

  • Bicycle Brands: GIANT, HUFFY, MONGOOSE, SCHWINN

  • Seattle Mariners: AROZARENA, KIRBY, RALEIGH, WOO

  • Starts with an NHL Team, In Singular Form: BLUEPRINT, DUCKTALES, KINGPIN, STARTER

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.

]]> <![CDATA[NYT Pips hints, answers for June 10, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/pips-nyt-games-hints-answers-easy-medium-hard-june-10-2026 077jCDvo22I5BgTCr0CG2HL Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:40:59 +0000

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 10, 2026

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 10, 2026

Easy difficulty hints, answers for June 10 Pips

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (8): Everything in this space must be greater than 8. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed horizontally.

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for June 10 Pips

Number (4): Everything in this red space must add up to 4. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

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

Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for June 10 Pips

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

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically; 4-4, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-6, 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Hurdle hints and answers for June 10, 2026]]> https://mashable.com/entertainment/hurdle-hints-answers-june-10-2026 065PorlcklUFzXBp4OkCzl8 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

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.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers

Hurdle Word 1 hint

Unraveled.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

UNDID

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Hungry Hungry ___.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 10, 2026

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

HIPPO

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A lizard.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 10
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 10, 2026

Hurdle Word 3 answer

GECKO

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Grants wishes.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

GENIE

Final Hurdle hint

Hunger.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable

Hurdle Word 5 answer

GREED

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

]]> <![CDATA[Liquids on a plane? New airport scanners make it possible.]]> https://mashable.com/tech/liquids-on-planes-ct-scanners 03Uphu29O9lmOA0VjpxHmxj Tue, 09 Jun 2026 23:34:41 +0000

For more than 20 years, air travelers have had to make sure they bring their liquid toiletries in 3 oz. bottles only, then chug their drinks before passing through airport security — a reaction to foiled terrorist plots that involved liquid explosives.

But those days are coming to an end, at least in Europe, where two large airports are installing new 3D Computed Tomography (CT) security scanners that can more accurately detect real threats.

Meanwhile, the U.S.'s Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) is "aggressively" adding the new scanners to airports, according to Scientific American, but any change to liquid rules does not appear imminent. Part of the reason for the delay is the patchwork implementation, with only about 255 of the country's 432 airports adding them.

The TSA estimates that all its airports will be equipped with 3D scanners by 2043.

Brussels and London enter the 21st century

Back in Europe, Brussels Airport in Belgium is the latest facility to announce the new CT scanners; construction is set to begin next year, and the first implementation in 2028. The technology will replace 2D X-ray scanners and ultimately screen passengers, via full-body scanners, and carry-on luggage via conveyor belt scanners.

When in place, fliers will be able to transport an unlimited amount of liquids in their carry-ons as long as the individual containers do not exceed 2 liters (about 68 fluid ounces); the EU currently limits liquids to 1 liter in containers no larger than 100 milliliters (about 3.4 fluid ounces) for those passing through 2D scanners. The new rules will apply to more than drinks, as most airports consider toiletries like lotions, toothpaste, and hair gel to be liquids.

SEE ALSO: Travel blogger on hantavirus-stricken cruise ship: 'we're people'

Laptops can stay in carry-ons

The CT scanners' ability to accurately identify objects through various angles also means travelers can leave their laptops in their carry-on luggage as they pass through security. The scanners use sophisticated algorithms to create high-resolution 3D models of bags, allowing security personnel to rotate objects and more accurately identify them as harmless or worth a closer look.

Brussels Airport officials tout the new scanners as a way to streamline the security process.

"With this new technology, we will not only continue to ensure safety, but also make security screening even smoother and easier for our passengers. With the new scanners, we will also increase capacity so that we are prepared for any growth in passenger numbers in the coming years," Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport, said in a statement.

Brussels follows London's Heathrow Airport, which installed the CT scanners earlier this year and is already allowing some fliers to drop the 100 milliliter liquid limit and keep their laptops in their bags.

]]> <![CDATA[I track TV prices year-round, so I know that these 15+ TV deals ahead of Prime Day are actually worth it]]> https://mashable.com/tech/best-early-prime-day-tv-deals-2026 00QwR7ptONLuu3iu76cLepS Tue, 09 Jun 2026 23:26:38 +0000
Best TV deals ahead of Prime Day
Best 55-inch TV deal
Insignia 55-inch QF QLED 4K Fire TV
$239.99 at Amazon (save $160 )
Insignia™ - 55" Class QF Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
Best 65-inch TV deal
Hisense 65-inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K Art TV
$997.99 at Best Buy (save $460)
65" Hisense CanvasTV Series 4K QLED Google Smart TV (2025 Model)
Best 75-inch TV deal
Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED 4K TV
$1,197.99 at Amazon (save $802)
Hisense 75" U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Best Premium Gaming Smart Fire TV (75U7SF, 2026 New) - Hi-QLED, Native 165Hz, VRR 330, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ · Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, Anti-Reflection, 2.1.2 Ch

Prime Day season is one of the best times of year to buy a TV on sale. That's been etched into our mental calendars in July for the past decade, but this year, hype for one of the year's biggest shopping events starts in June: Prime Day 2026 will run from June 23 to 26. As always, worthwhile TV deals are already popping up in the weeks preceding the event.

The good pre-Prime Day TV deals aren't just at Amazon. Half the time, the reason that TV deals during Prime Day go so hard is that competing retailers like Best Buy refuse to let Amazon get all the attention — and it has already started this year. If you don't want to wait until the end of the month to grab your new TV, here are 15+ of the best TV deals I've found at Amazon and Best Buy ahead of Prime Day. Most models in this list match or beat their all-time record-low price, according to Amazon price tracker camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup online for free

Best TV deal ahead of Prime Day overall

Hisense 75" U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Best Premium Gaming Smart Fire TV (75U7SF, 2026 New) - Hi-QLED, Native 165Hz, VRR 330, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ · Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, Anti-Reflection, 2.1.2 Ch
Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED 4K TV
$1,197.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $802
 

Why we like it

Hisense finally launched its highly-awaited RGB TVs on June 2. While both the UR8 and UR9 RGB TVs are on sale at Best Buy, there's another 2026 Hisense TV with a much wilder discount: The 75-inch Hisense U7 Mini LED TV is just $1,197.99 after a massive 40% price drop from its usual $1,999.99.

Just released in March, the Hisense U7 series has a pretty incredible lighting system for its price range. Its backlight benefits from full-array local dimming, which uses clusters of tiny LED bulbs that can fully turn themselves on or off for more precise contrast during any scene or livestream. Other impressive numbers include a peak brightness of 3,000 nits (great news for FIFA fans trying to watch a game during the daytime) and a native 165Hz refresh rate (great news for gamers on a budget).

Deals on 43-inch TVs and under

Deals on 50-inch to 55-inch TVs

Deals on 65-inch TVs

Deals on 75-inch to 77-inch TVs

Deals on 85-inch TVs

]]> <![CDATA[Get 1 year of VPN, antivirus, breach alerts, and Incogni for just $75]]> https://mashable.com/tech/june-9-surfshark-one-plan-1-year-subscription 00ZkaibLhPtUsXH0F0iavCG Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Surfshark One+ with Incogni combines VPN protection, antivirus, breach alerts, and automated personal-data removal for $74.99 (reg. $250.20).

Surfshark One+ Plan with Incogni: 1-Year VPN, Antivirus & Personal Data Removal
Credit: Surfshark

Most people understand the idea of protecting their devices online. Fewer people realize how much of their personal information is already floating around the internet long before a hacker or scammer ever gets involved.

That’s what Surfshark One+ with Incogni is trying to address. And one year is on sale for just for $74.99 (reg. $250.20).

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Instead of focusing only on VPN protection, the bundle tackles both sides of online privacy: protecting your devices in real time and reducing how much personal information is already circulating through data brokers and people-search databases.

The Surfshark side covers the familiar tools. You get a VPN for encrypted browsing across up to five devices, antivirus protection, private search, alternative identity tools for signups, and breach alerts that notify you if your email, passwords, IDs, or payment information show up somewhere sketchy.

Then there’s Incogni — the feature that makes this bundle feel more proactive than reactive.

Incogni automatically contacts more than 420 data brokers on your behalf and requests the removal of personal information like your name, address, phone number, and other identifying details. It also continues to monitor and re-request removals as your information reappears online.

On its own, Incogni normally costs about $95 per year, which makes its inclusion here especially notable.

This is an ideal opportunity for anyone increasingly uncomfortable with how exposed personal data has become online.

Get a 1-year subscription to Surfshark One+ with Incogni for a one-time payment of $74.99 (reg. $250.20).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

]]> <![CDATA[Apple WWDC 2026 event: Live updates on iOS 27 and Siri AI]]> https://mashable.com/tech/apple-wwdc-2026-keynote-live-updates 06XLLDMWqePQxZQ6Mc0kqMS Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:31:10 +0000

Every year, Apple hosts the Worldwide Developers Conference to reveal the latest updates to its operating systems (and occasionally drops some hardware surprises, too). And this year, Apple had a lot to cover.

WWDC 2026 is Tim Cook's last big event as CEO, and the tech world has been waiting for a torch-passing moment to CEO-in-waiting John Ternus. We also learned all about iOS 27, macOS 27, iPadOS 27, and a ton more Apple products, including the revamped AI version of Siri, during the opening keynote.

WWDC 2026 kicked off with a live "special event" at Apple Park at 10 a.m. PT on Monday, June 8. That keynote has now ended, but you can still watch the livestream and catch up on all the biggest announcements.

Keep checking back, as we'll be updating this page repeatedly throughout WWDC 2026, which officially runs through Friday, June 12.

]]> <![CDATA[All the foldable iPhone Ultra hints in the iOS 27 beta]]> https://mashable.com/tech/apple-ios-27-beta-hints-at-foldable-iphone 05rsecCLBjh6MKHeuuIBFnn Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:49:22 +0000

Apple unveiled a ton of new features and updates during this week's WWDC keynote. From the brand new Siri AI to Spatial Reframing, the internet is still talking about what's coming in the latest Apple operating systems like iOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate.

However, the biggest announcement may be what Apple didn't mention during the keynote. And while we didn't get any direct mentions of the iPhone Fold Ultra, the company seems to have shared the news unintentionally in its new iOS 27 developer beta.

Code found within the new iOS 27 beta appears to confirm the long-awaited foldable iPhone.

The foldable iPhone, which has been called iPhone Fold but may end up officially going by the name iPhone Ultra, seems to be referenced in iOS 27 code, according to developer Sam Henri Gold.

iOS 27's framework has new parameters that mention “foldState” and “angleDegrees.” These references were not in previous versions of iOS, and seem like pretty straightforward references to a foldable device.

"foldState" directly references a foldable device and “angleDegrees" can refer to the angle at which the foldable iPhone is opened at.

Gold posted his findings on the social media platform X. The developer also found that the new iOS 27 beta checks the device to get the total number of built-in displays. 

Every single iPhone that has ever been released up to this point has a grand total of one built-in display. If Apple is adding this to the latest iOS, that's yet another sign pointing to a new foldable device with more than one display. Based on early leaks and dummy units, the foldable iPhone will feature a large foldable display as well as an outer display that can be used when the device is closed.

After the iOS 27 developer beta went live, it didn't take long for the tech world to find other indirect references to the foldable. Journalist Mark Gurman and tech creator Marques Brownlee both shared these hints with their followers on social media, with Gurman noting, "LOL could they be any more blatant?"

Rumors and reports have strongly pointed to a September announcement and end-of-year release date for Apple's foldable iPhone. However, Apple has not yet officially announced the device. These findings within the code of the iOS 27 beta are the strongest direct indication yet that it exists and that Apple is indeed planning to drop a foldable iPhone sometime in the very near future.

]]> <![CDATA[The internet thinks Trump just cursed the Knicks]]> https://mashable.com/life/trump-knicks-curse-booed-at-msg 06PYVnBSydQDJWEDjqpPFtw Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:47:12 +0000

An orange and blue fever has been spreading through the city of New York, as hometown team the Knicks compete in the NBA finals for the first time in 27 years.

Donning jerseys and custom airbrushed Knicks merch bought outside their local corner store, residents have been flooding the streets, jumping on top of taxis, and partying in subway cars like they've already won.

SEE ALSO: The Mashable 101: The creators defining the internet in 2026

All in all, New Yorkers are getting hot, so what better way to starve out the fever than with the shocking ice bath that was President Donald Trump's arrival at Madison Square Garden (MSG), in attendance for what would become a devastating third match-up for the Knicks against the Spurs.

After the Knicks' Game 2 win, the nation's leader announced he would be the first sitting president to attend an NBA finals game, prompting online derision and city-wide concern that the unfavorable leader would bring bad luck to the famed arena. And, if you're a superstitious sports fan or prone to making connections with the universe, they may have been correct.

Ahead of the game, U.S. Secret Service barricaded sidewalks around the venue and cancelled a public watch party being held that night outside MSG. In response, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who was in attendance for the game, coordinated a separate viewing event at Manhattan's Bryant Park. Users online began preparing themselves for his appearance, including a viral tutorial on how to properly boo the President, with the caption "How to ward off the curse coming for the Knicks in game 3 of the finals."

So as the national anthem ushered in the start of the game and cameras panned to Trump in his private box, the crowd was ready and loud. Even the Brant Park watch party attendees joined in the chorus, which ricocheted across the city. But it wasn't enough to fend off the Spurs, who would go on to win the match up in a nail-biting game.

Speaking to reporters outside of Air Force One that night, Trump said, "I mean, I thought it was amazing, actually. You mean when they had the camera on me? I thought it was very good. Yeah. It was certainly amazing. It was, I think, mostly cheers. It was loud and it was very enthusiastic."

Trump has previously criticized the league for its "liberal" player politics, and continued the sentiment in his Game 3 comments: "It tends to be a little left wing, but it’s great entertainment. It’s great."

]]> <![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S26 FE leak shows a camera change. See what’s different.]]> https://mashable.com/tech/samsung-galaxy-s26-fe-leak-image 00D5auDRJeDxlEILQDlpWNt Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:57:28 +0000

Samsung's next big device announcement isn't until July, but to tide us over, there's a leak about an upcoming device that might have flown under your radar until now.

9to5Google spotted a Wireless Power Consortium listing for the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE (or Fan Edition), a new lower-priced version of the S26 that launched earlier this year. (Although, in the age of RAMageddon, lower-priced may be relative.) The listing contained an image that has seemingly since been removed, but persists on social media. In the image, you can get an idea of what the phone will look like when it launches sometime later this year.

Take a closer look at the camera bump.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Health app gets big refresh ahead of Galaxy Watch 9 release

If you've ever seen a Samsung phone before, it doesn't look too surprising. As 9to5Google pointed out, the camera bump has shifted a bit to be closer to the device's top left corner, so that's one change to note. As for other information, the listing doesn't contain much. A recent leak indicated the phone will use an Exynos 2500 chip rather than the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip powering the regular S26, to go along with 8GB of RAM in the S26 FE, as opposed to 12GB in the S26.

In other words, it will probably be a slightly downgraded device with some flagship flair and (hopefully) a reasonable price tag.

]]> <![CDATA[Claude Fable 5: Anthropic releases a safe version of Claude Mythos]]> https://mashable.com/tech/claude-fable-5-anthropic-releases-safe-public-version-of-mythos 06HyBPYEVEA6YaOvW48RDza Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:52:02 +0000

Anthropic has released Claude Fable 5, a publicly available version of its powerful but previously restricted Mythos model — complete with a new set of safety guardrails designed to keep its most dangerous capabilities out of the wrong hands. Along with this "safe for general use" model, Anthropic also released Claude Mythos 5, a version of Fable without the safety guardrails, to trusted testing partners.

Earlier this year, Anthropic announced a limited launch of Claude Mythos, a new model with advanced cybersecurity capabilities that Anthropic deemed too dangerous to release.

The company says Fable 5 is the most capable model it has ever made generally available, leading nearly all tested benchmarks across software engineering, knowledge work, vision, and scientific research. The more complex the task, Anthropic says, the wider Fable 5's edge over its previous models and competitors.

SEE ALSO: AI's ability to find major software bugs is growing 490% year on year

Fable 5 shares the same underlying architecture as Claude Mythos 5 — the restricted version shared with cybersecurity partners through Project Glasswing — but ships with classifiers that intercept sensitive queries and route them to Claude Opus 4.8 instead. The restricted categories include cybersecurity, biology, and chemistry, as well as attempts to distill the model's capabilities for use in competing systems.

Anthropic says fewer than five percent of sessions trigger a fallback, though it acknowledges the system is tuned conservatively and will occasionally flag benign requests.

How to try Claude Fable 5

Fable 5 is available today across all Claude plans and via the API using the model string claude-fable-5. It is priced at $10 per million input tokens and $50 per million output tokens — less than half the cost of Claude Mythos Preview. Subscription plan users get access at no extra cost through June 22, after which usage credits will be required.

Benchmarks

In agentic coding evaluations, Fable 5 outpaced GPT-5.5 and Claude Opus 4.8 by significant margins, according to Anthropic. The company's data shows that it even outperforms Claude Mythos on some key benchmarks.

table showing claude fable 5 performance on ai benchmarks
Credit: Anthropic

In a blog post, Anthropic wrote that fintech company Stripe, which had early access to Fable 5, reported that the model completed a full migration of a 50-million-line Ruby codebase in a single day. Anthropic estimated that this work would have taken a full engineering team more than two months.

Fable 5, Mythos 5, and safety

The safety story here is genuinely complicated. Anthropic spent months warning that Mythos-class models were too dangerous for general release. As recently as May, the company publicly acknowledged that adequate safeguards didn't yet exist, per prior Mashable reporting.

Fable 5 is its answer to that problem, but the company's own disclosures suggest the solution is still a work in progress. An external bug bounty ran more than 1,000 hours of testing without producing a universal jailbreak — but the UK AI Safety Institute made early inroads toward one in a brief initial window. Anthropic frames that as acceptable risk. Others may disagree.

The Fable 5 system card states that the model has similar performance to Claude Opus 4.8 and other recent models on misaligned behaviors such as hallucination, dishonesty, and sycophancy.

]]> <![CDATA[NASA picked its next Artemis crew. Heres what theyll do.]]> https://mashable.com/science/nasa-picks-artemis-iii-crew 03HHIuC2zVnRUP6youOGEOC Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:54:42 +0000

NASA has named four astronauts to the next Artemis mission that will practice new maneuvers in space — crucial demonstrations of hardware intended to return humans to the moon's surface.

U.S. astronauts Andre Douglas, Frank Rubio, and Commander Randy Bresnik will lead the Artemis III mission, along with European Space Agency pilot Luca Parmitano. The mission is expected to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, as early as mid-2027. 

Just since February, NASA has rebuilt the Artemis III mission plan from the ground up, after a sharp course change in the moon program early this year. The space agency, under NASA administrator Jared Isaacman, now treats the flight as a fast‑tracked test in Earth orbit, rather than the United States' triumphant return to the lunar surface.

The revamped mission serves as a high-stakes dress rehearsal that aims to prove NASA and its partners can connect the Orion spacecraft and landers together in space. For the first time, NASA will coordinate a launch campaign involving multiple spacecraft. This one mission, expected to last about two weeks, will involve three separate rocket launches, two dockings in orbit, and one high-speed splashdown. 

"Think about how many spacecraft, all of which will eventually carry human beings, will be in orbit at the same time, from Dragon, Shenzhou, Soyuz, possibly Starliner, Starship, and Blue Origin landers," said Isaacman during a news conference in Houston on Tuesday. "This seems like the beginning of the future that we imagined as children. This seems like the very beginning of Earth's first Starfleet to me." 

SEE ALSO: The Milky Way's black hole may have formed this curious tunnel in space

Artemis II, which successfully looped around the moon this spring with a crew, checked out Orion's life‑support systems, navigation, and heat shield in deep space. 

But Artemis III shifts the focus from the lunar environment to space much closer to home. The new concept involves NASA launching four astronauts from Florida on the Space Launch System rocket, sending them into low-Earth orbit and having Orion dock with new commercially built landing vehicles from SpaceX and Blue Origin. Those landers will eventually function as taxis: They will carry crews down to the moon from Orion on later missions.

NASA announcing the Artemis III crew
From left, Andre Douglas, European Space Agency pilot Luca Parmitano, Commander Randy Bresnik, and Frank Rubio will fly the Artemis III mission. Credit: NASA / Bill Stafford

Despite a massive setback for Blue Origin on May 28, NASA said both commercial partners will be part of the Artemis III mission. Blue Origin's 322-foot New Glenn rocket exploded in a fireball during a routine ground test. While the explosion ranked as one of the largest rocket test accidents in U.S. history, all personnel were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. 

But because the launchpad was completely destroyed, many speculated as to whether the company would be able to participate in the Artemis III orbital tests immediately after the disaster. 

"We recognize there are questions about how Blue Origin's recent anomaly impacts our plans," said Jeremy Parsons, Artemis' program manager. "NASA is stepping in and bringing all of our expertise and capabilities to bear. We are working hand-in-hand with them to meet our commitments to return our nation to the moon."

During Artemis III, engineers plan to run joint checks on air, power, propulsion, and communications, and study how the crew moves and works between vehicles. The flight will keep astronauts inside Orion longer than Artemis II, stress-test its life‑support systems more, try out new moon spacesuits, and use an upgraded heat shield on the capsule. 

The overhaul responds to two key pressures: time and complexity. Isaacman has previously argued that the agency spent years and large sums on overly ambitious plans, allowing China, a major rival, to close the gap in deep space. China may land its first crewed mission on the moon before the United States does with the Artemis program. 

NASA now wants a simpler, repeatable setup for the mega moon rocket and spacecraft, with a more frequent launch tempo. The entire sequence of Artemis flights are intended as a step-by-step approach to make progress without undertaking too many uncertain risks. 

"There are many parts that need to come together for a space launch, and you need a launch pad, and for me that launch pad is my country, Italy," Parmitano said. "The rocket, figuratively and literally, is NASA. I'm grateful that NASA has allowed me to be part of this incredible group of people, of this crew, and for letting me fly."   

Artemis III Commander Randy Bresnik talking to NASA about mission
Artemis III Commander Randy Bresnik speaks at the crew announcement event at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 9, 2026. Credit: Ronaldo Schemidt / AFP / Getty Images

Under the new plan, Artemis IV becomes the moon-landing mission, sending the first humans to the lunar south pole in 2028. Artemis V follows as a second surface mission that leans more toward routine stays and early moon-base construction. 

To support that shift, NASA has pressed SpaceX and Blue Origin to simplify their early lander flights, choose less demanding lunar orbits for the first landings, and fly at least one uncrewed touchdown before any astronaut steps onto the surface.        

As a symbolic gesture, Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman gave a baton to Artemis III Commander Bresnik at the announcement event. 

"While this may look like just a baton right now that's in my hand, it feels like this big, flaming Olympic torch that you — Reid, Christina, Victor, and Jeremy — lit, and the world was entranced by its flame," Bresnik said. "We, the Artemis III crew, are honored to be able to carry this torch forward, to be able to execute our mission, to make that flame burn brighter and pass it on." 

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