A well-known leaker in the gaming hardware space claimed this week that it costs Sony nearly $1,000 to make its upcoming PlayStation 6 console. If true, the console's eventual retail price could be significantly higher.

According to KeplerL2, a leaker known for accurate gaming hardware leaks, Sony's costs to manufacture its upcoming PlayStation 6 console recently went up by $200. Kepler2 reported earlier this year that, due to rising costs, the PlayStation 6's bill of materials was at $760. So, the leaker now says that ever-increasing costs have pushed the manufacturing cost of the PlayStation 6 to a whopping $960.

The AI boom continues to cause massive supply issues for computer chips, storage, and memory worldwide. That's led to a wave of price increases in the gaming world, with all of the big console makers raising prices. Most recently, Microsoft announced that it will raise prices on the current generation of Xbox consoles by as much as $150 starting in August.

Supply chain experts interviewed by Mashable say that the memory shortage known as RAMageddon could get worse before it gets better. That's bad news for gamers looking forward to the next generation of consoles, like the highly anticipated PlayStation 6. For instance, the soon-to-be-released Steam Machine console recently arrived with a whopping $1,049 price tag.

How much the Sony PlayStation 6 could cost

What does this report mean for gamers? Basically, it's highly unlikely that Sony would sell the PlayStation 6 for below cost. In fact, gaming news outlet Kotaku points to a recent Sony Q&A posted on its corporate website where the company says they're not looking to sell the console for less than it costs Sony.

“As for pricing, it is not realistic for us to absorb all the component cost increases, and we have already implemented some price increases outside of Japan," Sony said in reply to a question about pricing for its next generation video game consoles. “As a principle, we do not intend to sell hardware at significant losses.”

This means that consumers are likely looking at a $1,000 PlayStation 6 — and that's without Sony making any profit.

AI companies have only ramped up the supply and demand issues. Earlier this year, hard drive manufacturer Western Digital shared that it expects shortages to continue as the company has already sold out its storage supply for 2026 and AI companies are already buying up supply well into 2028.

Sony is reportedly still targeting a release date for the PlayStation 6 for the 2027 holiday season. However, there have been previous reports that suggested that the ongoing memory shortages could potentially push that launch date beyond next year.

Are gamers willing to buy the latest gaming console at exorbitant prices, or will it make more sense to wait out the supply issues and launch at a lower price? That's a calculation that Sony has to make.

Save 20%: As of June 29, grab the Owala FreeSip (24 ounces) for just $23.99 at Amazon. Typically, this bottle costs $6 more at $29.99.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Owala

Owala FreeSip

$23.66 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $6.33

 

Get Deal

We've made it no secret that we're fans of the Owala FreeSip.

At least half of Mashable's shopping team owns the water bottle, and for good reason. The FreeSip spout truly gives the best of both worlds experience, with a straw opening for sipping and a larger spout for swigging. Best of all, as of June 29, the 24 ounce version of the Owala FreeSip is back down to its Prime Day price of $23.99 in select colors, saving you 20% on the $29.99 list price.

Beyond having two different ways to use it, the Owala has a lot of smart design choices. There's the lockable cap that keeps the straw component covered when not in use, and the part of that lock that doubles as a handle for easy carrying on the go. There's the insulation that can easily keep water cold all day long, and the dishwasher-safe lid and straw. The main pain point with this water bottle is the base, which may not fit into every cupholder.

That said, at the time of writing you can also grab some colorways of the FreeSip Sway on sale, which has a cupholder-friendly base.

Best 4th of July mattress and bedding deals at a glance:

---

Best mattress deal

Bear Original Hybrid Mattress (queen)

$834.60 (save $449.40)

Get Deal

---

Best bedding deal

Brooklinen Classic Percale Hardcore Sheet Bundle (queen)

$352.87 (save $154.13)

Get Deal

Summer is a tough time to get sleep. The sun rises earlier, sets later, and it's hot. All of that on top of a schedule filled with trips, summer camps, and backyard gatherings is a recipe for a season of bad sleep. If you're not interested in sacrificing sleep this summer, the 4th of July is one of the best times to make bedroom upgrades.

Much like Memorial Day, mattresses and bedding essentials like sheets and pillows tend to see exceptional discounts around the 4th of July holiday. That's great news for keeping high-quality sleep a priority over the summer. Here are some of our favorite 4th of July mattress and bedding deals if you're in need of a refresh.

Best mattress deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Bear

Bear Original Hyrbid Mattress (queen)

$834.60 at Bear
$1,284 Save $449.40

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

By now you've probably heard that a hybrid mattress offers the comfort of an all-foam bed with the support of a coil mattress. The only problem is that hybrid mattresses tend to be expensive. That's not the case today thanks to the Bear 4th of July sale. The new Bear Original Hybrid is on sale for only $834.60 in a queen size, down from the normal price of $1,284.

Bear mentions that this mattress is ideal for those who like a medium-firm bed that can help regulate hot summer temps. It can also be nice for those who deal with joint pain, or side sleepers who struggle with pressure points while sleeping.

Bear has a 120-night sleep trial, so you can try out the bed at home for four months while still being eligible for a return if you don't love it.

More mattress deals

• Avocado: Save up to 15% on organic mattresses

• Brooklyn Bedding: Take to 30% off sitewide

• DreamCloud: Save up to 60% on mattresses and 66% on bundles

• Eight Sleep: Take up to $500 off Pods and accessories

• Tuft & Needle: Save 25% on all bundles

• Purple: Take up to $800 a mattress and base

• Saatva: Take up to $650 off mattresses or ip to $750 off bundles

• Zinus: Take up to 60% off plus an additional 20%

Best bedding deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Brooklinen

Brooklinen Classic Percale Hardcore Sheet Bundle (queen)

$352.87 at Brooklinen
$507 Save $154.13

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

Brooklinen has become one of the most trusted brands for those who want comfortable but durable sheets. The brand's 4th of July sale takes 30% off sheet bundles like the Classic Percale Hardcore Sheet Bundle. Percale is the perfect material for summer since it's made of a breathable and natural cotton fiber. The bundle includes the classic percale core sheet set (fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases), the percale duvet cover, and two extra pillowcases. Plus, it comes in a great range of colorway and print options.

More bedding deals

• Baloo: Save $30 on weighted throw blanket + cotton duvet cover bundle

• Coyuchi: Take up to 40% off

• Cozy Earth: Take 20% off bedding bundles

• Ettitude: Take up to 25% off sitewide and up to 70% off final sale

• Naturepedic: Take 20% off organic bedding + get a free muslin blanket

• Silk & Snow: Take 20% off all sheets

UPDATE: Jun. 29, 2026, 12:39 p.m. EDT This article has been updaded to add a statement from T-Mobile.

If you've been quietly riding out an old T-Mobile plan for the last decade or so, that ride is about to end.

T-Mobile is automatically migrating thousands of customers on legacy plans to its current lineup of plans, the company confirmed to CNET, with affected subscribers beginning to receive notification via text or the T-Life app today. The switch will take effect within the next few billing cycles and applies to both individual customers and some small businesses. (Disclosure: CNET and Mashable are both owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)

T-Mobile didn't specify which plans are being retired, but per CNET, a company representative said some stretch back 10 to 15 years, including Simple Choice, T-Mobile One, and grandfathered Sprint plans from the carrier's 2020 merger.

Customers will be moved to comparable options within T-Mobile's current lineup, including Essentials, Experience More, and Experience Beyond. For some, that means a price increase, though T-Mobile chief marketing officer Allan Samson told CNET the new rate will still typically be lower than what a new customer would pay for the same plan today.

A T-Mobile spokesperson gave Mashable the following statement:

We’re retiring our oldest plans, some of which were built nearly 15 years ago – in the 3G and 4G eras, and well before our 5G network was fully deployed. Customers will transition to modern plans that provide access to America’s best wireless technology, enhanced features and a 5-year price guarantee for peace of mind. Some customers will see no change to their monthly bill, while some will see a modest adjustment. Every customer moved to a new plan will keep their current benefits while gaining improvements in network and service experiences.

What makes this move notable isn't the migration itself. As CNET notes, AT&T added fees to legacy plans in May, and T-Mobile hiked prices in March 2025. Rather, it's the fact that the company will perform the switch automatically, requiring no action from the customer and no option to stay put. If you end up on a plan you don't want, your only choices are to switch to a different T-Mobile plan or switch to a new carrier.

Internally, T-Mobile framed the move as a systems cleanup, with CNET reporting the change eliminates over 1,100 legacy billing codes.

It's been six long years, but Starbucks is finally bringing back the beloved S'mores Frappuccino for a limited-time summer run.

The blended drink makes its temporary return to menus nationwide on July 1. But if you're a Starbucks Rewards member (I'm currently at Gold status myself), you can get early access starting tomorrow, June 30. All you have to do is order this caffeinated concoction through the Starbucks app.

In addition to bringing back the S'mores Frappuccino (which features marshmallow-infused whipped cream, milk chocolate sauce, and a graham cracker topping), Starbucks is introducing two brand-new drinks: S'mores Cold Brew topped with a marshmallow-flavored cold foam, chocolate drizzle, and graham cracker sprinkles, and an Iced S'mores Chai.

View this post on Instagram

Customers on Reddit are obviously thrilled (one user commented, "MY FAVOURITE (drink) CHILD IS BACK FROM THE WAR", while another gave it a "10/10," calling it "amazing, worth the hype"). That said, the Starbucks staffers are panicking.

Over on Instagram, baristas are pointing out that this surprise drop wasn't in their summer training. And since most stores only have two blenders, a sudden rush of complex Frappuccinos is going to be pretty tough to manage. On the r/starbucks subreddit, employees echo that sentiment, noting that while the special marshmallow whip is tasty, it's also "labor-intensive" and raising concerns about how they're supposed to keep up their drive-thru times with all the new recipes.

The Starbucks S'mores Frappuccino in all its glory. Credit: Starbucks

Mashable covered the original rollout of the S'mores frapp back in 2015. Starbucks says it's been on "hiatus" for the past six years, until now.

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

The Starbucks menu includes 170,000 possible drink combinations, creating challenges for its baristas. When you factor in sizes, pumps, and other personalization options, outside estimates have put the total Starbucks drink combinations at more than 300 billion. Now, with the S'mores Frappuccino and two related beverages joining the menu, there are even more.

So, just remember to be patient and tip your barista if you're ordering a complicated blended drink (making all that marshmallow whip is no joke).

The s'mores lineup is only available for a short window this summer.

As World Cup matches continue across North America, U.S. officials are targeting one of the tournament’s biggest unofficial channels: illegal streams.

On Friday, June 26, the Department of Justice announced that it had seized nearly 400 internet domains that were allegedly being used to illegally stream FIFA World Cup matches in real-time, which, according to the DOJ, is in violation of U.S. copyright law.

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

The seizures were part of "Operation Offsides," an international enforcement effort led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center with help from Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. prosecutors, foreign law enforcement partners, FIFA, and several major media companies (NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., and the UFC, to name a few).

So if someone clicks on one of the seized domains now, they will not see a World Cup stream; they will see a law enforcement notice explaining that the site has been taken offline — “THIS SITE HAS BEEN SEIZED,” to be specific.

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

The operation also extends outside the U.S. The DOJ said law enforcement actions were coordinated through the International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Network of U.S. prosecutors, with servers and domains linked to illegal World Cup streams targeted in Peru and Bulgaria. Additional disruption efforts took place in Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia.

In the statement, Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva added the DOJ seized the domains to disrupt international networks “that profit from the global popularity of the World Cup.” The department also framed the action as part of the United States’ responsibility as one of the tournament’s host nations, along with Canada and Mexico, to protect the event from illegal activity.

The DOJ’s argument was not only about copyright; officials also warned that illegal streaming sites can put viewers at "significant risk."

That warning is a big part of the government’s case against illegal sports streams. DOJ officials say unauthorized streaming sites can expose viewers to malware attacks and unsecured connections that may compromise personal or financial data. The risk is not just theoretical: a 2022 report from the U.K.-based anti-piracy group Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) found malicious content on all 50 illegal sports streaming sites it analyzed, including scam ads, banking trojans, and explicit pop-ups. Viewers also face deceptive ads, scams, and extensive tracking.

So while an illegal stream may look like a quick workaround when a match is hard to find, the malware is—apparently—not optional.

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

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

Friday's crackdown also lands in the middle of a much larger sports piracy fight. Just days before the DOJ announced the World Cup domain seizures, ACE, UEFA, UC3, and Mexican authorities said they had disrupted 44 domains linked to PirloTV, a major illegal sports streaming network focused largely on live soccer. Those domains generated more than 950 million visits worldwide each year, including about 230 million visits from Mexico alone.

After the PirloTV-linked domains were disrupted, new domains quickly appeared again. It's basically a version of pirate-wack-a-mole.

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

There is a reason watching illegal sports streams is so popular right now. Sports broadcasting rights are increasingly split across traditional broadcasters, streaming apps, cable packages, and geographic markets. For fans, especially during a global event like the World Cup, figuring out where to watch every match can be confusing and expensive. Some even say the quality is better on illegal sites.

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

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

Rights holders, meanwhile, argue that piracy pulls viewers away from licensed broadcasts, advertisers, and platforms that paid a ton of money for the rights to show the games.

Risks around the tournament go beyond illegal streams. On May 27, the FBI had warned fans about fake FIFA websites created ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Those spoofed sites were designed to impersonate FIFA and could be used to sell fake tickets or hospitality packages, collect personal information, and facilitate financial scams. Taken together, the warnings show how quickly the online ecosystem around a major tournament has been risky,

For now, hundreds of those World Cup streaming domains are offline. But sports piracy has a long history of moving from one domain to the next, especially during events with massive global demand. The latest seizure is a major enforcement action, but it is probably not the final whistle.

Grand Theft Auto VI found itself mired in a little bit of controversy regarding platform sales over the weekend.

On Saturday, IGN shared data indicating that IGN readers were pre-ordering the PlayStation 5 version of GTA VI substantially more than the Xbox Series version, by a ratio of 8-to-1. IGN's social post made it explicitly clear that this data was based on IGN's own affiliate link data, meaning it is not representative of the gaming community as a whole. For what it's worth, Mashable's own affiliate data shows a similarly stark split between PS5 and Xbox pre-orders.

(Disclosure: IGN and Mashable have the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)

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

Regardless, it became enough of a story that Microsoft felt the need to respond to it. A spokesperson told Windows Central that IGN's data should not be taken as a definitive account of what's happening with GTA VI pre-orders. By Monday morning, Microsoft's GTA VI pre-order rebuttal statement was a trending Google search term.

“This doesn’t represent pre-order data. We’ve had record orders," Microsoft told Windows Central in a statement. "People should wait for real data and not clicks on affiliate links."

There's a decent possibility that two things are true here. First, Microsoft is almost certainly seeing huge numbers of pre-orders for GTA VI because it is one of the most hyped video games in many, many years (if not in the history of gaming). Second, the PS5 version most likely is being pre-ordered more than the Xbox version (even if it's not by an 8-to-1 ratio) because the PS5 has been a significantly more successful console than the Xbox Series machines. Sony has confirmed more than 93 million lifetime unit sales for the PS5, and while Microsoft does not share official sales data anymore, recent estimates put the Xbox Series consoles in the neighborhood of 35 million units.

Sony and Rockstar have also entered into some kind of marketing partnership for the game, with the developer boasting that GTA VI "plays best" on PS5 earlier this month. It's safe to assume that millions of people will play the game on Xbox, as Microsoft suggested, but it's also safe to assume more people will play the title on PS5.

After years of anticipation and repeated delays, Rockstar Games officially opened Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders on June 25, ahead of a Nov. 19 release date.

Grand Theft Auto VI - PlayStation 5 (Code in Box)

$79.99 at Amazon

 

See It at Amazon

Grand Theft Auto VI - Xbox Series X (Code in Box)

$79.99 at Amazon

 

See It at Amazon

In The Bear Season 4, episode 1, Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) reaffirms his quest for The Bear to get a Michelin star. After all, if the restaurant earns one, the recognition could bring in more customers and save The Bear from financial ruin.

By the end of Season 4, The Bear has not heard whether they've earned the Michelin star. The lack of follow-through on this key plot point is just one of many ways in which Season 4 drops the ball on any kind of pacing and urgency, even though The Bear's crew are staring down a two-month doomsday clock reminding them of the restaurant's imminent closure. But every second counts, right?

Still, the Michelin star plotline wasn't entirely abandoned, because the show hints pretty hard that a Michelin inspector visited The Bear.

In Season 4, episode 3, after Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) gives a dining party the surprise of a sandwich from the Chicago Beef, he briefly connects with another impressed customer (Gary Janetti).

"You have a bunch of mind readers in here," the customer says, going on to praise Sydney's (Ayo Edebiri) new scallop dish and The Bear's "excellent vibe."

Later, he catches sight of Richie's other big surprise: turning the outside of the Beef sandwich window into a winter wonderland so that a recently cancer-free diner traveling in from Los Angeles can experience a Chicago snow in person. It's clear the customer Richie spoke to is touched by the display, which is a good thing, because he's definitely the Michelin inspector.

First, the show's outsize focus on an unnamed diner hints pretty hard that he's someone important. Second, the show drops a major, Chicago-specific hint about his role.

In Season 4, episode 2, The Bear's staff strategizes over how to spot a Michelin inspector. According to the former Ever staff and real-life Chicago restaurateur Donnie Madia (playing himself), no one knows who the inspectors are, but there are signs. Sometimes they fiddle with their reservation at the last second, or bring a celebrity as a distraction.

"You do hear things, though," Madia says. "Like they use a weird last name. Like a street in the city they're visiting."

What name does the mystery diner's driver call him as she comes to pick him up from the restaurant? None other than Mr. Clark — and Clark is a major street in Chicago! Case closed, Janetti's customer is the Michelin inspector Carmy and his team were so dreading serving.

The good news is that the inspector appeared impressed with his experience at The Bear. He enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, plus he got to witness some of Richie's surprises. Maybe he'll dock points for Richie securing him an extra sandwich from the Beef, since Madia advised staff not to pamper the Michelin inspector more than they would a usual guest. But it seems like Richie truly didn't know and was just providing a nice service, so maybe the inspector will let it slide.

The bad news? The inspector's visit has no bearing on the rest of the season. Instead, a late visit by a Food & Wine critic ends up having more of an impact.

I'm sure Michelin will come back into play in a potential Season 5. However, to front-load the season with mentions of it only never to circle back is a massive failure of pacing, as well as a sign that The Bear is confused about its own priorities. At least we'll always have that Clark Street Easter egg.

Season 5 confirms Peter Clark was the Michelin inspector.

The Bear Season 5 tries to throw viewers off the scent of the mysterious Mr. Clark. They introduce a new guest, played by Peter Grosz, who fits all the telltale signs of being the Michelin inspector. He fiddles with his reservation last-minute, switching to a two-top. He brings a celebrity guest with him, legendary Chicago weatherman Tom Skilling, playing himself. The last name on his reservation, Dearborn, is also the name of a Chicago street.

However, this man is a total red herring. Janetti's mystery diner, whose full name turns out to be Peter Clark, returns in The Bear's series finale, when he calls Carmy to congratulate him on the Bear restaurant earning two Michelin stars. (Maybe the Clark Street tie-in was just a happy coincidence?)

Whoever Mr. Dearborn truly is, I hope he enjoyed his meal at the Bear and gave it a Michelin star in his heart, even if he couldn't in real life.

All seasons of The Bear are now streaming on Hulu.

UPDATE: Jun. 29, 2026, 11:09 a.m. EDT This article was first published June 26, 2025, with the release of The Bear Season 4, and has been updated to reflect the events of Season 5.

If you survived the great Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup shortage of 2025, grab your emotional support water bottles, because we're about to do it all over again.

Starbucks just announced that it's bringing back the notoriously viral, instantly sold-out bear glass, but this time, it's getting a bright summer makeover. Enter: the Pink Bearista Glass Cold Cup.

Inspired by the Pink Drink, this limited-edition cup is pretty much destined to break the internet (though all the Gilmore Girlies were probs to blame for the beanie version selling out so quickly). The new glass features the bear wearing a little pink hat and comes with a strawberry straw topper. I fear the Stanley Stans will be to blame for this sell-out.

Starbucks is bringing back its viral bear glass with a bright, pink summer makeover starting July 13. Credit: Starbucks

The new Pink Drink-inspired Bearista cup features an adorable pink hat and a matching strawberry straw topper. Credit: Starbucks

If you don't want to pay ridiculous reseller markups on eBay this time around, here's a quick rundown on how and when to get one:

• Brick-and-mortar: You should be able to purchase one in-store at select Starbucks coffeehouses on July 13. (Starbucks is enforcing a strict two-item purchase limit per customer.) The cups will be available in the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

• Starbucks Shop: Starbucks Reserve members will get early access via the Starbucks Shop on July 9. Note: This is not the same thing as being a standard "Rewards member." Reserve members are the highest tier of the Rewards program. (I'm a Gold status member myself.) Reserve status members earn 2,500 stars in a single year.

May the odds be ever in your favor next month. Since I haven't hit that coveted Reserve status yet, I'll most likely be hitting up my local Starbucks until I can find one in stock.

Save 25%: Cadence's daily routine capsule set is on sale for $103 at Amazon as of June 29, knocking the price down $35 from $138.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Cadence

Cadence Daily Routine Capsule set (7 pieces)

$103 at Amazon
$138 Save $35

 

Get Deal

If you find yourself reliably scrambling for travel-size containers the night before a trip, investing in a dedicated set can help ease pre-travel stress.

That's one of the appeals of the Instagram-viral Cadence capsules, which are most recognizable as the magnetic little hexagons with the interchangeable lids for labeling your toiletries. With wide mouths for easy filling and capacities within TSA regulations, they're designed to be simple to use and to take anywhere. They're also the source of many cases of sticker shock — but as of June 29, you can grab the seven-piece Capsule daily routine set for $103, saving you 25% on the usually $138 set.

Yes, that's still a good deal more expensive than grabbing a set of a few plastic bottles at CVS. The idea behind the capsule set, though, is that you're much more likely to hang on to them than those plastic CVS bottles, due to how easy they are to fill, keep track of, and use until the very last drop. It's an upfront investment — not unlike a pair of sleep earbuds — but one that frequent travels would be likely to appreciate.

This specific set includes three small containers at 0.56 ounces, and four medium containers at 1.32 ounces. On Cadence's website, one small capsule runs for $15, while one medium capsule runs for $24. That would but the individual price of buying at $45 for three small capsules, and $96 for four medium capsules (aka, nearly the cost of this entire set), putting the total price of buying this set piecemeal at $141. At Amazon, you have your choice of five difference colorways, including eucalyptus, charcoal, pacific (blue), petal (light pink), and sand.

Tonight is the Full Moon, which as we all know, means the Moon shining at its fullest in the sky. This marks the peak of the lunar cycle before it gradually begins to wane again and head towards the New Moon.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, June 29, the Moon phase is Full Moon. Tonight, 99% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

You don't need any visual aids tonight to see features on the Moon's surface. In fact, without anything you'll see the Mare Fecunditatis, Mare Crisium, and the Kepler Crater. With binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Clavius Crater, Alps Mountains, and the Apennine Mountains. For keen astronomy fans with a telescope, you'll also be able to spot the Apollo 12 and 16 landing spots, as well as the Rima Hyginus.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on June 29.

What are Moon phases?

NASA explains that the Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to circle Earth once, passing through eight distinct phases during that time. Even though we always see the same side of the Moon, the portion illuminated by the Sun shifts as it moves in its orbit. This changing angle of sunlight is what makes the Moon look different throughout the month, from thin crescents to half-lit shapes and eventually a fully illuminated Full Moon. The continual progression through these stages is called the lunar cycle.

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

It's almost the Full Moon, and in June it's called the Strawberry Moon. Like many of the Moon's names, this doesn't have anything to do with the visuals of the Moon (kind of like how last month's moon wasn't actually blue), but more to do with the seasonal and cultural traditions associated with June.

Want to know more about the first Moon of the summer? Keep reading to find out more.

When is the June full moon?

The Full Moon will occur on Monday, June 29. Time and Date estimates it will peak at 7:56 p.m. ET.

What is the June full moon called?

The June Full Moon is known as the Strawberry Moon.

According to NASA, this name originated with the Algonquin tribes of the northeastern United States. It marked the time in June when strawberries were ripe and ready to harvest.

So, it's no surprise it ties in with peak strawberry season, when the fruit is at its best and you start seeing punnets everywhere. Another little reminder that summer is finally kicking in.

When is the next full moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on July 29.

What are the lunar phases?

The Moon completes a full cycle of eight phases as it orbits Earth in about 29 and a half days. As it moves around our planet, sunlight falls on different parts of it from our point of view, even though we always see the same side. This changing angle of light makes the illuminated portion appear to grow and shrink, moving from full brightness to a thin glow and back again. The phases are:

• New Moon — The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (so, we don't see anything).

• Waxing Crescent — A small sliver of light appears on the right side

• First Quarter — Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

• Waxing Gibbous — More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

• Full Moon — The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

• Waning Gibbous — The moon starts losing light on the right side

• Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) — Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

• Waning Crescent — A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Want more science and tech news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Light Speed newsletter today.

SAVE $294: As of June 29, the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G93SC OLED curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for just $854.99 instead of its list price of $1,149. That's 26% in savings.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Samsung

Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G93SC OLED curved gaming monitor

$854.99 at Amazon
$1,149 Save $294.01

 

Get Deal

If you've been wanting to upgrade to a premium gaming setup, now's a good time to make the jump, as the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 monitor is the cheapest it's ever been.

As of June 29, the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G93SC OLED curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $854.99. That's 26% or $294 off its recent list price of $1,149 (originally $1,599) and its lowest price on record. Most ultra-wide OLED curved gaming monitors of this size clock in at over $1,000, so while this still seems expensive, $854.99 is actually a pretty sweet deal.

Beyond a massive amount of screen real estate at 49 inches, the Odyssey G93SC also features a steep 1800R curve, which completely envelops you as a gamer. It is worth noting that its 32:9 aspect ratio isn't compatible with every game, so you may want to double check that your favorites will work on this display before pulling the trigger. As you can imagine, it also takes up quite a bit of desktop space and takes some getting used to. Still, many Redditors have boasted that once they jumped on board the OLED ultrawide train, they've never gone back.

The G93SC packs a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, DisplayHDR True Black 400, and G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility. There's also plenty of ports on board for connectivity, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and USB Hub.

If you're ready to invest in some unforgettable gaming experiences, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G93SC is definitely a fantastic first step. And if you add it to your cart ASAP, you'll save nearly $300.

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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered the knockout stage. Canada are already through to the next round after scoring a late winner against South Africa, and there's more to come through the week.

Next up, Brazil are facing Japan in a match that has all the makings of a classic. Brazil can beat any team on their best day — though we still haven't seen them hit top form in this tournament. Japan have performed brilliantly in some of their group games and come into this clash unbeaten.

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

When is Brazil vs. Japan?

Brazil vs. Japan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on June 29. This fixture takes place at Houston Stadium.

How to watch Brazil vs. Japan for free

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

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

Live stream Brazil vs. Japan for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Brazil vs. Japan for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

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

Live stream Brazil vs. Japan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

If you're dying to get your hands on Naomi Osaka's custom Wimbledon dress, I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that Nike has finally released it to the public, and for a brief, shining moment this morning, it was in stock. The bad news? By the time I sat down to write this, almost every size was sold out (right now, you can only get it in an extra small).

The dress, which Nike is charging $185 for, features seven little 3-D flowers as a nod to Kirigami (a timeless Japanese art form). It looks delicate, but it's built for actual tennis — the fabric is stretchy and sweat-wicking, and the floral details are "carefully placed" specifically so they "don't interfere with her play."

Opens in a new window

Credit: Nike

Naomi Osaka Slam Women's Dri-FIT Tennis Dress

$185 at Nike

 

Shop Now

Even Osaka herself was shocked by how fast the dress flew off the virtual shelves. "You guys selling out my Wimby dress before I even had the opportunity to wear it on court is really gagging me," she posted to Threads. "Okay fashionistas, I see you! (I got you for the walk on though)."

Osaka has been having a solid run leading up to the major, too. She just beat Elise Mertens in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals at the Bad Homburg Open. With Wimbledon officially kicking off today, we're going to see her wear this exact look on the grass courts very soon.

If you happen to wear an extra small, run over to Nike's site right now. For the rest of us, it's either wait and hope for another random restock, or bite the bullet and check resale sites like eBay (just prepare yourself for a markup).

Pokémon fans are some of the luckiest when it comes to fun merch, collectibles, and all-ages toys. Earlier this year, we got the first ever Pokémon Lego sets, and in celebration of the little studs turning 30, we have the Pokémon G-SHOCK watch from Casio.

The watch, case, and outer box are all collectible-level of goodness. Credit: Casio

Unlike some themed merch, G-SHOCK went with an excellent but subdued look with the new watch. That's pretty awesome if you're hoping for a fun watch that's also suitable to wear to work. Here's everything we know about the new collab that celebrates Pokémon's 30th birthday.

Features of the new Pokémon G-SHOCK GA110PKM

Let's start with the looks of the Pokémon G-SHOCK. In terms of celebrating the franchise, the watch has a handful of excellent details. There's the Poké Ball inspired inset dial sitting at 9 p.m. with a Pikachu indicator hand, engraving on the back of the watch face, and Pokémon adorned on the watch band.

Engraving on the back case. Credit: Casio

Pokémon adorn the watch band, including Mew, the Mythical Pokémon. Credit: Casio

As if we needed things to get even better, the watch comes in its own packing shaped like a Poké Ball that's well worth displaying on its own, and the outer box features all 30 Pokémon.

Specs of the Pokémon G-SHOCK GA110PKM

Pikachu on the inset dial is arguably the most adorable feature. Credit: Casio

The LED light is perfect for dark conditions. Credit: Casio

If you're interested in some technical information, G-SHOCK made this edition with the same quality and attention to detail we've come to rely on from the brand. It's both shock resistant and magnetic resistant. It's also safe to take in water up to 200 meters deep. Casio says expected battery life is about two years, and it uses a CR1220. In total, it comes in at a lightweight 72 grams.

How to pre-order the Pokémon G-SHOCK GA110PKM

Starting on Wednesday, July 1, you can pre-order the new Pokémon watch from Casio for $270. If you can't wait that long and you live in New York, you can snag the watch from the G-SHOCK SOHO flagship store. Casio also says the watch will be available at select jewelers.

Casio's press release doesn't indicate whether this is a limited edition watch. But given the brand's popularity and the fandom behind Pokémon, we wouldn't be surprised if stock sells out quickly. Be sure to set yourself an alarm for Wednesday if you're hoping to wear one of the best Pokémon collabs to ever drop.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Casio

Pokémon G-SHOCK (GA110PKM)

$270 at Casio

 

Learn More

The best Black+Decker cordless tool deals at a glance:

---

Best drill deal

Black+Decker 8V Lithium Ion Cordless Drill + 43-piece Home Decor Project Kit

$28.79 (save $19.20)

Get Deal

---

Best sander deal

Black+Decker Mouse Cordless Sheet Sander (20V Max)

$35 (save $52.99)

Get Deal

---

Best outdoor tool deal

Black+Decker PowerConnect Cordless Garden Tiller Kit

$47.99 (save $31.01)

Get Deal

If you missed your shot to stock up on power tools during Prime Day for all your summer DIY projects, I have some good news. Several cordless power tools, including drills, jig saws, and sanders from Black+Decker are on sale at Amazon for up to 60% off.

Whether you're new to the home improvement game or looking to replace some janky old tools, there's quite a few options for you to choose from that won't break the bank. We've rounded up the ones we think are worth adding to your cart below.

Best Black+Decker cordless power tool deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Black+Decker

Black+Decker Mouse Cordless Sheet Sander (20V Max)

$35 at Amazon
$87.99 Save $52.99

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

Ideal for anyone looking to give small projects an ultra-smooth finish, the Mouse cordless sheet sander is a compact option that allows you to work comfortably in tight spaces. A simple hook and loop system allows for quick sandpaper changes and 12K opm speed lifts various materials efficiently — like uneven wood, stain, or chipped paint. An attached dust bag also keeps your work surface visible and debris-free. Typically $87.99, it's down to only $35 at Amazon for a savings of 60%.

Best Black+Decker cordless drill deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Black+Decker

Black+Decker 8V Lithium Ion Cordless Drill + 43-piece Home Decor Project Kit

$28.79 at Amazon
$47.99 Save $19.20

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

New to DIY projects? This cordless drill kit packs 43 pieces to get you off to a great start, including 10 drill bits, 10 fastening bits, a magnetic bit holder, a level, and screws with anchors. Hang pictures, make quick repairs, or tackle a creative project with ease, even in cramped spaces. The full kit is usually $47.99, but you can snag it on sale at Amazon for under $30.

More Black+Decker cordless tools on sale

• Black+Decker Cordless Drill/Driver (12V Max) — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)

• Black+Decker Orbital Sander — $39.99 $52.98 (save $12.99)

• Black+Decker PowerConnect Cordless Garden Tiller Kit — $47.99 $79 (save $31.01)

• Black+Decker 5-Amp Electric Smart Select Jig Saw — $49.99 $59.99 (save $10)

• Black+Decker Matrix Cordless Drill/Driver (20V Max) — $59.99 $69.99 (save $10)

• Black+Decker Cordless Drill Driver Kit (20V Max) — $74.99 $89.99 (save $15)

• Black+Decker 10-inch Cordless Chain Saw — $99 $109 (save $10)

• Black+Decker Hedge Trimmer (40V Max) — $119.99 $139.99 (save $20)

Throughout his career, director Robert Eggers has put his spin on countless creatures from myth and legend: witches in The VVitch, vampires in Nosferatu, and even mermaids in The Lighthouse. In his next project, Werwulf, he moves on to yet another famed folkloric being: werewolves.

Written by Eggers and Sjón, who co-wrote The Northman, the film takes place in 13th-century England and stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as a farmer burdened by a terrible, beastly curse. (Spoiler alert! It's lycanthropy.) The film's first trailer offers up a glimpse at how he came by that curse. When he was young, he followed a man into a cave, and a devilish ritual ensued. Note to self: Don't follow strange men into caves, even if they're accompanied by an adorable bird like Werwulf's strange man is.

Now, the farmer is all grown up, and his curse is wreaking havoc on his village. Werwulf's trailer doesn't showcase too much of co-star Anya Taylor-Joy's transformation — what, and spoil all the fun? — but it does offer up frightening shots of writhing bodies, corpses, and blood splatters. Plus, this being an Eggers film, it's chock-full of what are sure to be historically accurate 13th-century farmhouses and naturalistic lighting. (Unfortunately for the farmer, I'm going to guess a good chunk of that lighting will be coming from the full moon.)

Werwulf also stars Eggers regulars Willem Dafoe, Lily Rose-Depp, and Ralph Ineson.

Werwulf hits theaters December 25.

TL;DR: The Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 gaming monitor is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon, down from its $249.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Samsung

Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G5 (G51F) Gaming Monitor

$149.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $100

Get Deal

Finding a gaming monitor for under $150 usually means cutting back on at least a couple of major features, but Amazon’s latest Samsung deal is a rare record-low exception. 

As of June 29, the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 (G51F) QHD gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for only $149.99, down from its usual $249.99 list price — now knocked down to its lowest-ever price (as confirmed with price tracker, camelcamelcamel).

That saves you $100 in total and knocks 40% off a Samsung display that covers the main things most PC and console players need: sharper resolution, fast refresh rates, and properly adjustable stand. 

For a cent under $150, the Odyssey G5 gives you a 27-inch QHD 2560x1440 display, which has 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD. That should make the latest games — like the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, or the recent 007: First Light — look much cleaner and more detailed without pushing you into the much higher prices attached to 4K monitors. 

The G51F also comes with an 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, giving you top-tier speed for the usual fast-paced multiplayer games, like Fortnite, Overwatch, or League of Legends.

AMD FreeSync is included to help reduce choppiness, screen lag, and image tearing when gameplay gets hectic with lots of images appearing and shifting at once, while HDR10 should add brighter highlights and more nuanced shadows.

Samsung has added a few extra gaming-focused features as well, including Black Equalizer for adjusting darker areas of the screen and Virtual Aim Point for another competitive-minded touch. Auto Source Switch+ is also included, which should make swapping between connected devices a little less annoying.

The height-adjustable stand is another useful bonus at this price, with tilt and pivot support helping you set up the screen more comfortably for longer sessions. 

If you’re a gamer who’s open to making the jump to OLED, the 49-inch Samsung OLED G9 gaming monitor is still on sale for $799.99. For those who want a slightly bigger display, the 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G5 (G50F) is on offer for $189.99 at Amazon. 

SAVE $50: As of June 29, Bose QuietComfort earbuds have returned to their lowest-ever price of $129 at Amazon. That's $50 off their list price of $179.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Bose

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

$129 at Amazon
$179 Save $50

 

Get Deal

Amazon's not slowing down, even though Prime Day is in the rear view mirror. If you're looking for good deals on earbuds, there are still some solid picks on sale at the retailer. Among them are the Bose QuietComfort earbuds, which are still sitting at their lowest-ever price.

As of June 29, Bose QuietComfort earbuds have had their price slashed to $129 at Amazon. That's $50 off, though this offer may not be available for much longer. Most models have a limited time deal tag right now, so be quick to take advantage of this awesome post-Prime Day discount.

Even if they weren't on sale right now, we think the Bose QuietComfort earbuds are worth buying. They sit on both our lists of the best wireless earbuds and best budget earbuds. In the former, we wrote that "these are a solid pair of headphones that, for $179, are an unbeatable value."

Our best wireless earbuds roundup adds that Bose QuietComfort earbuds sound quality is considered "phenomenal." Its battery life will last you through a commute, vacation, or solo listening party as well, lasting up to 8.5 hours on a single charge.

Our Bose QuietComfort earbuds review from Mashable's Bethany Allard also says, "They may not be perfect, but if the Bose QuietComfort earbuds fit your ears, you'll be hard pressed to find earbuds with better sound quality and battery life than these." So why not grab them on sale? Don't miss out on this deal on the Bose QuietComfort earbuds at Amazon.

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

SAVE $20: As of June 29, the Google TV Streamer 4K is on sale for $79.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Google

Google TV Streamer 4K

$79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20

 

Get Deal

Looking for a simple way to upgrade your streaming setup? Sounds like it's time to invest in a streaming stick.

These handy pieces of tech plug straight into your TV to give you easy and quick access to apps, streaming platforms, and live TV options. And as of June 29, the Google TV Streamer 4K is on sale for $20 off the list price, now down to $79.99.

This streaming device also gives you great quality. It supports up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and works with Dolby Atmos-compatible speakers for more immersive, 3D-style sound. Thanks to its powerful processor, it runs fast, and it has double the memory compared to the previous generation of this device. It also includes a redesigned remote with voice control and smart home control. You can even find the remote if lost by making it ring.

And of course, you'll have access to all the major streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and more. Plus, over 800 free live TV channels from apps like Pluto TV and Tubi are at your fingertips.

This Google Streamer deal is available at Amazon right now.

SAVE OVER $50: As of June 29, the Ninja FrostVault 45QT cooler is on sale for $249.93 at Amazon. That's $50.06 off its full price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Ninja

Ninja FrostVault 45QT

$249.93 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.06

 

Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Day is done and dusted, but that doesn't mean the deals are gone for good. The retailer still has a solid selection to look through, particularly on outdoor items. If you've been hoping to pick up a cooler for summertime picnics and adventures, the Ninja FrostVault 45QT cooler is still discounted, but not for long.

As of June 29, the Ninja FrostVault 45QT cooler has dropped to $249.93 at Amazon. That's just over $50 off its full price of $299.99. For a few cents extra, the lakeshore blue model is also on sale for $249.95, while both the daffodil daze and halocline green are marked down to $249.99. No matter which one you choose, you'll still score a great deal.

The Ninja FrostVault is perfect for keeping your favorite drinks, food, and snacks cool in the summer heat. This 45 quart model can hold up to 68 cans if you don't have ice packed in, or up to 40 cans if you do include ice. Its FrostVault Dry Zone is a real highlight — it's a separate section of the cooler that helps keep food cold and dry, preventing it from getting soggy or being crushed by the cans and ice.

The Ninja FrostVault can handle your most adventurous outings thanks to the durable and puncture resistant all-terrain wheels and sturdy build that provides up to three inches of insulation.

Amazon lists this as a limited time deal, so act fast to save on the Ninja FrostVault.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, June 29, 2026:

Across

Quiet, or a flower

• The answer is Mum.

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

N.Y.C. home of van Gogh's "The Starry Night"

• The answer is MOMA.

"Seriously? We're still doing this?"

• The answer is Again.

Pyramid inhabitant

• The answer is Mummy.

Top-tier, as celebrities

• The answer is A list

Down

Super-rich individual

• The answer is Mogul.

Savory flavor, as in kimchi and soy sauce

• The answer is Umami.

Seriously injures

• The answer is Maims.

Baby's first word, maybe

• The answer is Mama.

Parent company of The Athletic: Abbr.

• The answer is NYT.

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.

Doordash had a rough Sunday night dinner.

The delivery company experienced online issues on Sunday, with users reporting problems with the app, including ordering and checkout, according to Downdetector. Beginning around 6 p.m. ET in cities across the U.S., the core outage persisted for approximately two hours, with reports continuing until 10 p.m. ET.

Credit: Mashable screenshot / Downdetector

A DoorDash spokesperson told Mashable: "DoorDash has resolved a technical issue that temporarily impacted the ability to place orders on our mobile app. We apologize for the brief disruption and thank everyone for their patience."

The company's help account on X has been responding to tweets. Users affected can also get help through the DoorDash app by tapping the "contact support" tool to chat with a human agent; the option is also available on desktop.

As tends to happen during an internet platform disruption, users headed to social media to vent — it especially being a Love Island night.

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

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

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

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

DoorDash's issue follows a similar technical disruption that affected the app on June 16. And it's not the only service interruption that has had the internet abuzz this month, with Disney+ and Meta platforms Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp suffering global outages.

UPDATE: Jun. 29, 2026, 4:54 p.m. UTC Added DoorDash statement.

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

Wimbledon starts this week with a number of really interesting first-round matchups, including Wu vs. Djokovic.

Alcaraz continues to miss out, so the likes of Djokovic will see this as a real opportunity to lift the trophy. Of course, it's not going to be easy for the Serbia legend. He last won Wimbledon in 2022, and hasn't won a Grand Slam since 2023. Could this be his year? He'll want to start strongly against Wu before he contemplates matchups with Zverez or Sinner.

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

How to watch Wu vs. Djokovic for free

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for Wimbledon?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

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

For so many of us, Toy Story defined our childhoods. Do you have a favorite Toy Story? Is there one that stands out as the absolute best? Like me, have you had hours-long arguments with your friends about which is the definitive Toy Story? All of the Toy Story films are masterpieces in their own right. There’s not a single dud in the bunch, which is what makes them that much harder to rank. So we have to consider not only personal preference, but also overall quality, cultural impact and formula. Well, I am going to set all those arguments to rest and determine once and for all which Toy Story is the undisputed best film in the series!

Toy Story 5 is now in theaters.

TL;DR: All 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup are available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer/ITVX. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The world is watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are welcoming the best international sides from around the world as they compete for arguably the biggest prize in sport. Huge names like Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi are stealing the spotlight, but there's so much more to come from the knockout rounds. It's going to be a wild ride as top teams start to get dumped out of the competition.

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

What is the FIFA World Cup?

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

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

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free

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

• Australia — SBS

• Austria — ORF and ServusTV

• Belgium — RTBF and VRT

• France — M6

• Germany — ARD and ZDF

• Ireland — RTÉ

• Italy — RAI

• Norway — NRK

• Netherlands — NOS

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)

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

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

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for the FIFA World Cup?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

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

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

We know a lot of sports fans are firmly focused on the World Cup right now, but there's the small matter of a Grand Slam over the next few weeks. Yes, it's time for Wimbledon. This iconic tennis tournament is bringing together the best players in the world for a chance at glory on the grass courts.

All eyes will be on Sinner as he looks to bounce back after a disappointing French Open. He starts his campaign with a matchup against Kecmanović.

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

How to watch Mensik vs. Zverev for free

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for Wimbledon?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

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

The 2026 World Cup knockout rounds are up and running. Canada secured their spot in the next round after a last-minute winner against South Africa. Now things really heat up with some of the biggest matchups of the tournament. Is this the best day of the competition so far? We think so.

Today, June 29, features three huge knockout fixtures including top sides like Brazil, Germany, and Netherlands. Here's everything you need to know to watch live today.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 29

• Round of 32: Japan vs. Brazil (Houston Stadium) — kickoff at 1 p.m. ET

• Round of 32: Germany vs. Paraguay (Boston Stadium) — kickoff at 4:30 p.m. ET

• Round of 32: Netherlands vs. Morocco (Monterrey Stadium) — kickoff at 9 p.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup games today

Watch Japan vs. Brazil

Is this the most interesting game of the tournament so far? It's got to be up there. Brazil always come into these tournaments with hopes of lifting the trophy, but there are plenty of doubts about this squad. Japan are going to be very tough to beat. They're unbeaten and come into this matchup with a lot of confidence after matching Netherlands and Sweden in the group stage.

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

Watch Germany vs. Paraguay

Germany trounced Curaçao in their opening game and then beat Ivory Coast. That was a strong start, but they followed that up by losing to Ecuador. Do we now start doubting the Germans? They are still favorites to beat Paraguay and advance to the next round, but it's not going to be straightforward. Paraguay will make things difficult for Nagelsmann's team.

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

Watch Netherlands vs. Morocco

You've got to feel for Netherlands and Morocco. This is an exceptionally tough matchup for these sides. Both sides finished on seven points after the group stage. And their reward for remaining unbeaten? A fixture that you could easily imagine as a quarter final or semi final. We can't predict the winner here. It'll come down to a moment of quality or a mistake.

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: Fox One

Fox One (3-Month Subscription)

$39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99

 

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Peacock

Peacock (Spanish Language)

Starting at $10.99/month

Get Deal

More live streaming options

Live TV cable replacement

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

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

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

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

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

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

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

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpresVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

House Velaryon has been through it.

In House of the Dragon, the ancient noble house of Westeros has sat in the glow of royal power for generations, but over two seasons of the Game of Thrones sequel, we've seen patriarch Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) lose his children Laena (Nanna Blondell) and Laenor (John MacMillan), as well as his beloved wife Rhaenys (Eve Best).

But Season 3 reminds us that House Velaryon still has hope, with one shot in episode 2 that brings three generations together.

Following the bloody Battle of the Gullet, Corlys' fate is unsure. Plunged into the deep during Admiral Lohar's (Abigail Thorne) assault, the Sea Snake is nowhere to be found between Dragonstone and Driftmark. However, his sons Alyn (Abubakar Salim) and Addam (Clinton Liberty) and his granddaughter Baela (Bethany Antonia) refuse to give up hope, scouring the marine battlefield for him.

Thankfully, they're reunited, alive, and relatively well — unfortunately, they're not joined by Baela's sister Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) for Sheepstealer reasons — and it's one of the few times we've see three generations of Velaryon on screen together in House of the Dragon. (The only other time is Lady Laena Velaryon's funeral in Season 1, episode 7, which Corlys, Laenor, Baela, and Rhaena attend).

It's a remarkable sequence, wide shots of an estranged family finally united in the wreckage of war, and one Mashable asked the House of the Dragon stars to unpack.

"In a show full of such family dysfunction, to see this unit, it just brings hope. Hope in this incredibly dark, burning show," said Salim.

"It means everything to Addam, because his whole life, that's all he's ever wanted," Liberty told Mashable. "That one shot that you saw has been Addam's dream since birth. He's always wanted to belong to a family, he's always wanted to be recognized by his father and his peers as being someone worthy of taking notice of. Unfortunately it happens in a very chaotic time with a lot of adversity, but he finds his family and his people within that chaos."

"It was an amazing scene to film, and also just filming with Beth, Abu, and Steve was just a dream come true," he adds.

The moment is one of amends for Corlys and his sons, born bastards to Marilda of Hull. The Lord of Driftmark and the Queen's Hand decides in this moment to give his sons his Velaryon name, one Alyn describes as "worth more than a mountain of gold."

"For Corlys, at least, it's the culmination of a journey from the moment in Season 2 when his wife at the time said, he is your son and he needs to be raised up just like the others. From that moment to this point is an inexorable journey, he was always going to be here," says Toussaint. "When he finally says, I'm going to give you my name, I'm going to recognize you, that's such a big deal for him. Well, it certainly has a big impact on his sons."

Baela, meanwhile, whose sister (to her knowledge) lives far away in the Vale, has just lost her betrothed Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett) to the Battle of the Gullet. And though she's still a royal — her father is Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) — her sense of family is restored in this beautiful Velaryon moment.

"It was so nice, and it was also just a little bit like, finally! This kid has just been desperate for family and for people that she can see herself in, and I feel like every role model that she's had up until now has been taken away from her," said Antonia. "When we find that [Corlys] is still alive, and she's got this suddenly huge new family, and a side of herself that she can choose to go into, rather than feeling like she owes anyone anything, it was just beautiful, thinking about the prospect of her getting to know this side of herself, and her grandfather, who she loves so much.

"Obviously at the end of Season 2 we see her saying, 'I'm blood and fire, I'm not salt and sea.' I think this season she's like, 'I'm salt and sea! I'm salt and sea!'"

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

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

It's all very well and good battling for years to claim the Iron Throne, but then that just opens the door to a whole new set of problems.

This is very much the case for Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) in the trailer for House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 3, which shows Team Black's leader struggling to come to grips with the weight of the crown.

And the rats are back.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $89.45 at Amazon, down from its $118.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box

$89.45 at Amazon
$118.99 Save $29.54

 

Get Deal

Chaos Rising prices have been steadily dropping since its launch in the Pokémon TCG, and Amazon has now brought the trading card expansion’s Elite Trainer Box back under $90. That gives you more savings to put towards Pitch Black preorders.

As of June 29, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box is available at Amazon for only $89.45. Against its $118.99 list price, that works out to a 25% discount, saving you $29.54 on the nine-pack collector box. This listing is shipped by Amazon but sold by BetterShopping4You, with free delivery currently listed for July 5. Prime members can get free delivery as soon as June 30 (just keep in mind that this listing is marked as a final sale, with no returns). 

TCGplayer is still lower than Amazon. Unopened Chaos Rising ETB listings currently start from $75.66 with shipping included, just above its $75.11 market price. Walmart is also cheaper than Amazon, with the same box listed for $87.95 with free shipping through a third-party seller. 

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

Although the expansion has been out since late May, there are plenty of valuable cards in Chaos Rising that you can pull (or buy individually on TCGplayer) — including SIR Greninja, Mega Hyper Rare Greninja, SIR Cinccino ex, Mega Dragalge ex, and Mega Floette ex.

To save even more on Pokémon boosters, you can grab the 36-pack Chaos Rising Booster Display Box for $50 off. Plus, you can buy the six-pack Chaos Rising Booster Bundle for around $50. 

SAVE OVER $100: As of May 26, the Dyson Supersonic Nural is on sale for $349 at Amazon. That's a 22% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Dyson

Dyson Supersonic Nural

$349 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.99

 

Get Deal

Dyson still has a range of discounts at Amazon following Prime Day, and its hair styling deals are definitely stealing the show.

The Dyson Supersonic Nural is still on offer — the beloved hair dryer has dropped to its lowest-ever price. As of June 29, it's priced at $349. That's down by $100.99 from its normal list price of $449.99.

The Dyson Nural uses a network of Nural sensors to automatically optimize your styling routine. It has features like Scalp Protect mode, which automatically adjusts the air temperature to maintain a comfortable target temperature of 130°F at the scalp, so close-up drying is more comfortable and it protects your scalp from excessive heat.

Attachment learning also recognizes which styling attachment you're using and remembers your preferred airflow and heat settings, automatically adjusting to your saved preferences each time you use it. There's also Pause Detect, a feature that automatically reduces airflow and switches off the heater when the dryer is set down, before reactivating when picked up again.

This Dyson deal is still available at Amazon now, but only for a limited time.

SAVE $130.99: As of June 29, the Dyson Airwrap i.d. is on sale for $519 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Dyson

Dyson Airwrap i.d.

$519 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $130.99

 

Get Deal

Prime Day may have come to an end last week, but if you're still hoping to bag a bargain on the Dyson Airwrap i.d., you're in luck.

As of June 29, the beloved hair styling tool is still at its lowest-ever price of $519 at Amazon. This limited-time offer saves you over $100 on list price.

The Airwrap i.d. is a multi-styler tool designed for both straight and wavy hair. It can give you personalized styling at just the touch of a button thanks to its six styling functions that help you dry, curl, wave, shape, and smooth hair without exposing it to extreme heat.

It uses Bluetooth connectivity to connect with the MyDyson app where you can answer questions about your hair type and length to create a more personalized and targeted styling profile. Once connected, the styler automatically tailors its settings to suit your hair and stores your preferred wrap, style, and cold shot settings.

It's powered by the Dyson digital motor V9, which spins at up to 110,000rpm. It generates the airflow needed to create the Coanda effect for styling without excessive heat. Intelligent heat control also keeps temperatures below 302°F to help protect your hair from heat damage.

Get this Dyson deal at Amazon now.

SAVE OVER $70: As of June 29, Beats Fit Pro are on sale for $128.24 at Amazon. That's a 36% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Beats

Beats Fit Pro

$128.24 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $71.71

 

Get Deal

Prime Day officially came to an end last week, but Amazon hasn't dropped all the discounts quite yet.

If you missed out on picking up a bargain, you might just find a great deal still hanging about. If earbuds are what you're looking for, Beats Fit Pro are still on sale. In fact, they're at their best-ever price, down from $199.95 to $128.24. This price applies to the black and sage gray color options.

Beats audio doesn't disappoint, and these earbuds are no different. They come with three different listening modes for noise reduction: Active Noise Canceling, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive EQ. These let you choose the level of noise cancellation you want, either completely blocking out background noise or removing just enough that you can stay aware of what is happening around you.

These earbuds also have a signature flexible wingtip. It helps them stay secure inside your ear, making them a perfect choice for workouts of all intensities. They're comfortable too, and they come with several ear tip sizes so they won't cause any discomfort.

This deal might not be around for long, so head to Amazon now.

Samsung has been one of the first major smartphone makers to embrace foldable smartphones. Now, the company is reportedly looking to take the next step forward by launching a smartphone with a rollable screen.

Korea's Money Today (via SamMobile) claims that Samsung Display is in discussions to supply display panels for a rollable smartphone developed by Samsung Electronics (both companies are subsidiaries of the Samsung Group).

The details are slim; market research company Omdia reportedly predicts that the phone (with the possible name Z Slide) will have a 10-inch, rollable display, with a 16:9 aspect ration, and a 440.6 ppi resolution. According to Money Today, the phone could launch in the first half of 2028; a successor is already planned, and that one could hit the market in 2030.

We've seen rollable phone concepts before; LG was very close to launching one in 2021, but then the company shuttered its entire mobile phone division, and the phone never saw the light of day.

We've also seen several Samsung Display concepts of stretchy, bendy, and rollable phones, but most of those concepts never make it to actual phones you can buy. In the video below, you can see Samsung Display's "Rollable Flex" screen in action.

For a company of its size, Samsung has been quite adventurous when it comes to new phone form factors. Besides dominating the foldable phone market with its Z Fold and Z Flip phones, Samsung was the first major manufacturer to launch a tri-folding phone.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black 3-Booster Pack Blister is on sale for $39.93 at Amazon, down from its $45.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister

$39.93 at Amazon
$44.95 Save $5.02

 

Get Deal

The Pokémon TCG’s Pitch Black expansion is still a few weeks away from hitting the trading card market, but we’re finally seeing some preorder discounts drop.

As of June 29, the Pokémon TCG Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister (Binacle) is listed for $39.93 at Amazon. Against the current TCGplayer market price of $42.44, that puts Amazon $2.51 lower than market value. This is also the lowest price it's ever been at Amazon (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel). 

This blister comes with three sealed booster packs from the upcoming Pitch Black expansion, along with a special foil promo card featuring Binacle. Each booster pack includes 10 game cards, one Basic Energy card, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. 

At the time of writing, TCGplayer does have listings starting slightly lower. However, Amazon’s listings do include the 30-day refund/replacement option, which gives you a bit more flexibility..

Individual Pitch Black booster packs are currently selling for $19.95 on Amazon, costing $59.85 if you were to buy three. With this three-booster blister at $39.93, the cost-per pack comes down to $13.31 — saving you $6.64 each. 

Pitch Black is built around Mega Darkrai ex, with Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Chandelure ex, and Mega Excadrill ex also joining the expansion. The set includes more than 115 cards, more new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, over 20 Trainer cards, and plenty of Pokémon and Trainer cards with special illustrations. 

Other Pokémon TCG deals are live on Amazon. You can grab the Chaos Rising Booster Bundle for around $50 and the 36-pack Chaos Rising Booster Display Box is still $50 off. 

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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup showcases three huge games from the Round of 32 on June 29, including Netherlands vs. Morocco.

The Netherlands have had moments of looking really impressive in this tournament, but they've also shown some vulnerable flashes. Morocco, on the other hand, stunned Brazil with their quality in the group stage and notched up comfortable wins against Scotland and Haiti. All of which makes this an interesting matchup.

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

When is Netherlands vs. Morocco?

Netherlands vs. Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on June 29. This fixture takes place at Monterrey Stadium.

How to watch Netherlands vs. Morocco for free

Netherlands vs. Morocco 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 Netherlands vs. Morocco for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Netherlands vs. Morocco for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

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

Live stream Netherlands vs. Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage is now well underway. Next on the schedule is Germany vs. Paraguay — one of three big knockout fixtures taking place on June 29.

Germany looked good in their opening group game, dismantling Curacao 7-1. But the Germans — four-time World Cup winners — looked shaky against Ivory Coast then lost to Ecuador 2-1.

They'll be looking for a decisive win to prove the tough times are over (don't forget, they failed to get to this point at the last two World Cups). Paraguay are certainly beatable, but nothing is certain at this level and Paraguay looked solid in the group stage.

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

When is Germany vs. Paraguay?

Germany vs. Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 4.30 p.m. ET on June 29. This fixture takes place at Boston Stadium.

How to watch Germany vs. Paraguay for free

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

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

Live stream Germany vs. Paraguay for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Watch Germany vs. Paraguay for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

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

Live stream Germany vs. Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

TL;DR: Get a near-mint 2020 MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD for $429.97 (reg. $1,999) through July 1.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Pro 2020 (Refurbished)

$429.97
$1,999 Save $1,569.03

 

Get Deal

Looking for a laptop that can keep up with your storage demands? As we continue to accumulate more photos, videos, and important files, investing in a laptop with massive storage capacities is a smart move. And the only thing smarter would be making it one of Apple’s most powerful portable devices, the MacBook Pro.

Right now, you can grab a feature-packed 13-inch MacBook Pro, complete with 1TB of SSD, for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999), while supplies last.

There’s a reason the MacBook Pro has amassed such a massive fan base — this laptop has a lot to offer. A 13.3-inch Retina display features Apple’s True Tone Technology, which automatically adjusts depending on your lighting and helps reduce eye strain.

Everything you see on that vibrant screen is powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, which offers a 2GHz base speed that makes multitasking smooth and steady. With 1TB of storage, you can save all of your important files locally, without shelling out extra for cloud storage or hard drives.

A Magic Keyboard with Touch Bar offers a comfortable typing experience and easy access to shortcuts to save you time on this MacBook Pro. There’s Touch ID to keep your device safe, and four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Ports for easy connectivity. This model also offers 10 hours of battery life, so you don’t have to worry about frequent charging.

You’re securing a massive discount due to this model’s grade A refurbished rating. That means you’ll receive a device in near-mint condition, with minimal to zero amounts of scuffing on the case.

Bring home a MacBook Pro for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) through July 1 as part of this Extended Deal Days offer — while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get more done this summer and beyond with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus, on sale now for $54.99 (reg. $249.99).

Opens in a new window

Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus: Lifetime License

$54.99
$249.99 Save $195

 

Get Deal

When a piña colada poolside is calling, and it’s hard to get work done this summer, you may need to call in some reinforcements. Give your workflow a little productivity refresh with Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus.

The tools you used in the ’90s have been updated and come with some new friends with this Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus lifetime license, on sale now for $54.99.

If you need a little help tackling the old to-do list, let Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus get you back on track. This suite of apps gives you six new tools to handle both personal and professional tasks, and there are no subscription fees.

This license gives you permanent access to new favorites and old staples. You’ll have Word for documents, Excel for spreadsheets, and PowerPoint for presentations. Outlook can keep your emails organized, OneNote improves how you take notes, and Access makes it easy to manage large amounts of data.

These apps are equipped with advanced features, and your lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus includes frequent feature updates. You’ll enjoy a more modern, intuitive workspace with dark mode support. There’s also a boost in cybersecurity with features that support security and regulatory requirements.

This license is tied to your device, not your Microsoft account. You’ll receive instant access to a license key and a download link. Just make sure your device is running Windows 10 or 11 before purchase.

Lock in this lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for only $54.99 now.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $700: As of June 29, the Roborock Qrevo Slim robot vacuum and mop has been discounted to $699.99 at Amazon. This is $700 off its list price of $1,399.99.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Roborock

Roborock Qrevo Slim Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo

$699.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $700

 

Get Deal

Prime Day may be behind us now, but don't let the post-summer sale blues get you down. Amazon's still holding onto some amazing deals. Particularly if you're looking for a robot vacuum: The Roborock Qrevo Slim robot vacuum and mop is still 50% off, but only for a limited time.

As of June 29, the Roborock Qrevo Slim is on sale for $699.99 at Amazon. That's $700 off its original price of $1,399.99, and just a cent away from its lowest-ever price at the retailer. There's no telling how long it'll stay at this price, so now is your chance to save.

Now that summer has arrived and more time is being spent outside, the Roborock Qrevo Slim is a helpful pick-up to make sure your floors stay free of pet hair, crumbs, and dirt that may get tracked inside. This cleaner can scoot underneath furniture in your home to hit hard-to-reach areas. Its side brush and mop help cover corners, so every spot gets a good clean.

When it comes to vacuuming, it boasts 11,000Pa suction power with dual counter-rotating all-rubber brushes that help keep hair tangles from slowing it down mid-clean. And as for mopping, it comes with dual spinning mops that reach speeds of 200 rotations per minute to scrub up any stubborn stains. It can even lift the mop up as it moves across carpets so they don't get all wet.

Plus, with the help of a StarSight dual light solid-state LiDAR system, it maps out your home and keeps away from any items in its way as it cleans. If the Roborock Qrevo Slim robot vacuum and mop sounds like what you need, don't miss out on this deal at Amazon.

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

TL;DR: The iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, or iPhone 17 Pro are free right now with T-Mobile. Here's how to qualify for this promotion.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 17

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

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shop Now

If you've been keeping an eye on tech news this week, you probably saw the grim reality: Apple just jacked up prices across its iPad and Mac lineups due to soaring AI-driven chip costs. And with experts warning that smartphone price hikes are almost certainly next, this might be the time to get ahead and upgrade.

If you want to dodge the incoming price squeeze, T-Mobile has arrived with a stellar escape hatch.

T-Mobile has dropped a fresh batch of free iPhone deals. Here are our favorites this week:

• Apple iPhone Air — free when you trade in your eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

• Apple iPhone 17e — free when you port your number over from a competitor and activate a new line on almost any T-Mobile postpaid service plan.

• Apple iPhone 17 — free when you trade in your eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro — free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

T-Mobile isn't handing over these sleek devices out of the goodness of its heart. The retail cost of your new phone is offset by 24 consecutive monthly bill credits. Your monthly statement will show a standard charge for financing the phone, which is immediately balanced out by an equal credit to bring that charge to nothing.

You are signing up for a 24-month commitment with the network. If you decide to cancel your service, switch to another carrier, or try to upgrade to the iPhone 18 before those 24 months are up, the remaining unpaid balance on the phone's retail value will become due immediately.

You'll also have to cover the standard upfront taxes and a one-time $35 activation fee. But with Apple's prices actively trending upward, paying a small fee upfront to lock down the latest iPhone 17 for the next two years is one of the smartest financial moves you can make in the current tech landscape.

Score the latest iPhones for free with T-Mobile this week.

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

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

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

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

What is Wimbledon?

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

The defending singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek.

When is Wimbledon in 2026?

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

How to watch Wimbledon 2026 for free

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

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

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easy difficulty hints, answers for June 29 Pips

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

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

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally.

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 5-5, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for June 29 Pips

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for June 2 Pips

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

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

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

Number (16): Everything in this space must add up to 16. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 6-4, placed vertically.

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

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

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed vertically; 6-4, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Number (16): Everything in this space must add up to 16. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Megan Thee Stallion made a special appearance in Love Island USA Season 8, Episode 23, serving up some "Hot Girl Bakery" for the Islanders after a chaotic recoupling. 

Megan hosted a series of fun cake-filled challenges for the Islanders, which was much needed after Aniya was left heartbroken from giving up a connection with Carl in favor of staying loyal to KC. The Islanders, boys and girls alike, were asked to sit on cake, throw some cake (both literally and figuratively), ice some cake, and eat some cake.

As one can expect, Megan kept it real, and called out some of The Boys (KC, Caleb, Zach, Corbin, Bryce, and Sincere) for putting some of The Girls (Aniya, Jen, Kayda, Kenzie, Melanie, and Trinity) down while they were at Casa Amor — and the internet was here for it.

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

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

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

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

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

There were four challenges: the first was musical chairs, the second was a cake-throwing (a change from the usual Love Island pie-throwing), the third involved icing The Boys in a cake using a giant piping bag, and the fourth was a cake-eating challenge. The rounds got increasingly heated, with the Islanders taking out some of their frustrations from the recoupling on each other. 

KC and Corbin seemed to get the most cake and icing in the face from The Girls, and even a bit from the new Casa Amor addition, Parmida.

For the icing challenge, Megan saved the best bite for last, singing Aniya's praises before letting her go all in on KC. Specifically, Megan called Aniya "the thickest, the realest, the cutest, and the prettiest," before handing her the piping bag.

"I am choosing to cream this guy because I have never felt so disrespected, put to the side, not checked up on in my entire f***ing life, and I feel like he's going to see how that feels today," Aniya said before icing KC.

Social media users loved that Megan used her presence to uplift Aniya.

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

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

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

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

After announcing The Girls as the winners of "Hot Girl Bakery," Megan Thee Stallion revealed she had one more dessert on the menu for the Islanders: the results of the public vote that would determine which dumped Casa Amor bombshells would return to the island.

Since revenge is a dish best served cold, the newly returned bombshells made their entrances in giant cakes. These two bombshells were revealed to be Amora, who briefly explored a connection with Sincere at Casa Amor, and Carl, who had built a strong connection with Aniya in the villa.

Viewers were excited that Aniya might have a shot with Carl again.

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

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

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

However, Amora's arrival might stir some trouble for Sincere and Melanie, who were already in a tense spot after having a fight earlier that day about Sincere’s behavior at Casa Amor. The cake might be gone this episode, but the post-cake regret is just getting started.

New episodes of Love Island USA premiere daily except Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT on Peacock.

The "Casa Amor" portion of Love Island USA ended with a recoupling in Season 8, Episode 21, marking the ultimate test of faith for the Islanders when it comes to their partners. One couple in particular passed with flying colors, and social media users couldn't contain their excitement.

Things weren't looking too hopeful for The Girls (Aniya, Jen, Kayda, Kenzie, Melanie, and Trinity) when Casa Amor first aired in Season 8, Episode 17, kicking off with a dramatic livestream of The Boys (KC, Caleb, Zach, Corbin, Sincere, and Bryce) receiving lap dances from the Casa Amor bombshells (Amora, Parmida, Jaiden, Tierra, Alannah, and Sydney). Things got even more confusing for The Girls when they were given the opportunity to explore connections with a boatload (pun intended) of 12 new bombshells at the villa.

Both sides were forced to rethink their existing partnerships, and were given the opportunity to either stay in their couples or choose one of the bombshells to partner up with in Episode 21. Trinity and Bryce were one of three couples who chose to stay loyal to each other, and people were moved by the duo's tear-filled reunion. 

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

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

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

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

Some people are saying that the recoupling of Trinity and Bryce might give them a chance to be this season's winning couple.

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

Two other couples also had us biting our fingernails with uncertainty because both had explored other connections during Casa Amor: Kayda and Zach, and Melanie and Sincere. Kayda explored a connection with Chay while Zach briefly spoke to Alannah (who has since been removed from the rest of the season), and Melanie explored a connection with Corey while Sincere got to know Amora.

However, both duos ultimately decided to stay coupled within their existing connections. Melanie didn't let Sincere off the hook so easily for his behavior at Casa Amor though, and social media users had some conflicting thoughts about the situation.

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

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

While Kayda, Zach, Melanie, and Sincere reaffirmed their existing connections, Aniya did not have the same luck with KC. Aniya chose to stay local to KC, but KC walked in with Tierra — ending their connection and leaving Aniya single and vulnerable.

Aniya was devastated not only at KC's betrayal, but also because choosing KC meant that she had to give up a connection with Carl, the bombshell she had genuinely hit it off with during Casa Amor. Social media users were sympathetic to Aniya's heartbreak.

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

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

The Girls came to Aniya's defense, calling out KC for being dishonest with Aniya. Trinity and Tierra got into an argument, with Tierra calling Trinity a "little girl." Let’s just say there wasn't much amor in the casa that night.

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

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

The other Islanders chose to partner up with the new bombshells: Jen chose Gal, Caleb chose Jaiden, Kenzie chose Dylan, and Corbin chose Parmida (followed by a series of "boos" from The Girls).

The remaining bombshell men who did not get picked (Carl, Chay, Corey, and Ronnie) were asked to leave the villa. Bombshell women Amora and Sydney's exits were not shown on-screen.

Despite the episode ending on a heartbreaking note for Aniya, a call for a public vote on which dumped Islander (between Amora and Sydney for the bombshell women and Carl, Chay, Corey, and Ronnie for the bombshell men) should be allowed to return to the villa left viewers with some hope. 

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

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

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

New episodes of Love Island USA premiere daily except Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT on Peacock.

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

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

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

Hurdle Word 1 hint

Admission.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

ENTRY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Clear.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CRISP

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Smack.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

SPLAT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Discovered.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

FOUND

Final Hurdle hint

Crown.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

TIARA

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

"It's our house, man."

Matt Smith declares the Targaryen energy of House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 2, as Mashable tasked the cast with unpacking the episode's biggest moments. And there are many of them.

As Team Black march back into the Red Keep, and Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) finally stares down the Iron Throne, episode 2 sees the major players of Westeros making monumental moves. In the video above, House of the Dragon stars D'Arcy, Smith, Olivia Cooke, Fabien Frankel, Steve Toussaint, Abubakar Salim, Ewan Mitchell, Gayle Rankin, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Clinton Liberty, Tom Bennett, and Kieran Bew give us an insight into the chaos.

"The episode was just amazing on the page, and very, very electric, and so I certainly wanted to meet the bar that was set by Sara [Hess], Ryan [Condal], and the team," D'Arcy told Mashable. "But I think my instinct was that this is where a political family, one's personal and political lives being so enmeshed, can be so fruitful, because some of the personal/professional boundaries that [Rhaenyra] has to cross in order to take her her place and to take her crown are important identity thresholds.

"I wanted it to feel like a moment of personal reckoning, and I wanted to trouble the journey to the throne so much that by the time she gets there, the anticipated triumph is robbed in that moment, and that actually there's something very sparse about it, especially under the gaze of Alicent, her former friend."

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Team Black supporters, rejoice! Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) has the Iron Throne, and King's Landing with it.

The momentous victory comes at the end of House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 2, when Rhaenyra, Daemon (Matt Smith), and the rest of Team Black's dragonriders descend upon King's Landing. Thanks to her many dragons and Alicent Hightower's (Olivia Cooke) help from the inside, it's not long before Rhaenyra wins the world's bloodiest game of musical chairs and sits atop the Iron Throne.

The entire Fall of King's Landing sequence plays out similarly to how it does in George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood, with a few exceptions, of course. Among the biggest is Rhaenyra's first interaction with the Iron Throne during her coronation.

In the book, the Iron Throne slices and dices Rhaenyra when she sits on it for the first time. According to an eyewitness account from Septon Eustace, she leaves the throne room with blood running down her legs and palm. That can only mean one thing: The Iron Throne has rejected her, and her rule won't last long.

In House of the Dragon, though, Rhaenyra leaves the Iron Throne cut-free. (She is, however, traumatized by having to behead Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), so it's not a pleasant seating experience either way.) The omission of the cuts could come down to the show's source material. Fire and Blood is written as a historical account, so everything we're reading is filtered through biased, perhaps even unreliable sources. Septon Eustace is one such source. He supports Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) over Rhaenyra, and if anyone were going to embellish Rhaenyra's coronation in a way that delegitimizes her rule, it would be someone like him.

By ignoring Eustace's account, House of the Dragon firmly legitimizes Rhaenyra's rule instead, a choice that tracks with the its very sympathetic portrayal of her. (House of the Dragon has previously brought up the idea of the Iron Throne rejecting rulers in the past, though, as the throne did cut Viserys (Paddy Considine) during his reign.)

However, the series also alludes to book Rhaenyra's experience with the Iron Throne in a clever way. Her first moments on the Iron Throne are reflected in the pool of blood left over from Otto's execution, hinting at the bloodshed that led her to this moment, as well as all the bloodshed to come. After all, we're only on episode 2 of Season 3. There are so many more episodes left for things to go wrong; we don't need a cut from the Iron Throne to let us know things are only going to go south from here.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

No matter where you stand in the Game of Thrones versus House of the Dragon debate, there's one area where the prequel series trounces the original, and that's its treatment of sexual violence.

Onscreen sexual violence was a constant from Game of Thrones' very first episode, in which Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) raped Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) on their wedding night. From there on out, scenes of sexual assault became a disquieting norm. Several consensual encounters in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels were turned into non-consensual ones in the show, including Jaime Lannister's (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) rape of his twin sister, Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), in Season 4. At times, Game of Thrones even used a woman's assault as a vehicle for a male character's development. The show's depiction of Sansa Stark's (Sophie Turner) rape at the hands of Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) became less about her traumatic experience than about Theon Greyjoy's (Alfie Allen) reaction to it. (Sansa does not even cross paths with Ramsay in the novels.)

In showing these scenes of sexual violence in graphic detail, Game of Thrones hoped to hammer home the brutality of Westeros. But House of the Dragon proved that you don't need explicit scenes of assault to emphasize the harsh realities women face in the series (and by extension, the medieval period on which it was based). Aside from one upsetting but brief scene of marital rape between Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) and young Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey), House of the Dragon has shown far more restraint than its predecessor when it comes to portraying sexual violence. Instead, it focuses on the patriarchal systems that cast doubt and inferiority on women like Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Alicent (Olivia Cooke), which in turn foster violence.

However, a scene in House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 2 threatens to derail that restraint and launch the series down a slippery slope towards Game of Thrones' worst tendencies.

In the scene, Master of Laws Jasper Wylde (Paul Kennedy) accosts Alicent, believing her to be a traitor to the Iron Throne. He then attempts to rape her, falsely assuming she would be willing due to her prior sexual relationship with Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). Thankfully, Maester Orwyle (Kurt Egyiawan) intervenes not too long into the attack, and the scene is nowhere near as graphic as anything we've seen in Game of Thrones. Still, Alicent's extended struggle set off alarm bells that any Game of Thrones viewer is all too familiar with. For a moment, it looked like we were about to watch yet another unnecessary Westeros-set rape.

"Unnecessary" is truly the best way to describe the scene. Alicent's assault is not in House of the Dragon's source material, Martin's Fire and Blood. Nor does it wind up having any further bearing on the episode, besides terrifying Alicent as she tries to ensure Rhaenyra's safe passage to the Red Keep. You know what else could have established that fear? The simple fact that Jasper already suspects her plans! There was absolutely no need to escalate to threats of sexual violence. Possibly losing her head as a traitor to the crown should be frightening enough, yet House of the Dragon seems to believe that the only way it can truly raise the stakes for Alicent is by putting rape on the table. (The show has already put her through enough sexually, between her marital rape, Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) fetishizing her feet, and her own son, Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), giving her a non-consensual kiss.)

Alicent's assault isn't the only troubling moment of sexual violence to appear in House of the Dragon Season 3. In episode 1, Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) witnesses a frightened, half-dressed woman leaving a soldier's tent. He informs Criston that their troops are hurting women and should be punished for their crimes, to which Criston responds that they'll all be reduced to their base animal instincts soon enough thanks to the war. The scene is meant to establish their opposing outlooks: Gwayne hopes to hold fast to order and any last modicum of knightly honor, while Criston embraces apathy. Yet the show fails to consider the victim who sparked this conversation. She's a nameless entity whose trauma exists solely to fuel Gwayne and Criston's differences. Her rape is as good as window dressing for House of the Dragon's purposes, and that is a severe step back for a show that has previously not relied on sexual violence as a crutch for shock value.

Rape should not be a world-building tool. It took five seasons and a loud uproar over Sansa's assault for Game of Thrones to truly understand that. While the series scaled back its portrayals of sexual violence in Season 6 and beyond, that unfortunate legacy still lingers over the franchise, including in Game of Thrones spin-off A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. In the show's first few scenes, Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) rehearses being a knight by telling an imaginary assailant to "stop raping." In a vacuum, it's a funny moment, but it also feels like an acknowledgement of Game of Thrones' over-reliance on rape as a plot device. If only House of the Dragon would listen.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

If you have experienced sexual abuse, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.

You can see why people talk about Harrenhal being cursed.

Not only is the place a spooky, ruined husk of a castle, but it's now been invaded by both Team Black and Team Green since the Dance of the Dragons began.

Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) conquered it back in House of the Dragon Season 2, and now Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) has done the same thing. But what do their very comparable, but also very different, conquests of the castle reveal about them? Actually, quite a lot.

What happens in Harrenhal in Season 3, episode 2?

Fresh from kissing his own mother (heave), Aemond flies in to Harrenhal on the back of Vhagar and immediately starts burning soldiers. He dismounts, kills a few more people, then bursts in on poor old Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale) and his children eating supper.

"Draw your sword," hisses Aemond.

"Your grace, I have no sword," responds sweet Ser Simon.

"Then get one!" says Aemond.

Ser Simon, now in peak charm offensive mode, gets up from the table and slowly walks towards Aemond, telling him he does not wish to oppose him. But the minute he's face-to-face with Team Green's drama king, he gets a dagger in the belly.

Aemond then kills both of Ser Simon's sons, but not before he gets a knife in the back himself.

What does this second Harrenhal invasion tell us about Aemond?

The scene in episode 2 has multiple similarities to Daemon's invasion of Harrenhal back in Season 2, episode 3. Like Aemond, Daemon also flies in on his dragon and faces minimal opposition (even less, in fact — there's just one guard who he quickly knocks out cold before reaching the dining hall).

The difference? When Ser Simon Strong immediately surrenders, Daemon doesn't needlessly slaughter him. He accepts his offer and stays in the castle.

Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Aemond and Daemon are both undoubtedly fierce warriors. But their parallel Harrenhal sieges show a key weakness in Aemond's character: Either because of a deep mistrust of people, a ruthlessness, or some combination of the two, Aemond makes a mistake in killing Ser Simon. In return for his restraint, Daemon gets supper, while Aemond's aggression only gets him gravely injured.

House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres June 21 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, with a new episode every Sunday.

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

After 20 episodes, several bloody battles, and the death of two sons, Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) has finally done it. She's taken the Iron Throne of Westeros.

The victory comes at the end of House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 2, which sees Rhaenyra and Daemon (Matt Smith) crash King's Landing on dragonback and take the Red Keep by storm. It's a massive development in both the show and its source material, George R.R. Martin's Targaryen history Fire and Blood. However, just like with episode 1's gargantuan Battle of the Gullet, House of the Dragon makes several changes when translating Rhaenyra's triumph to the screen.

From Alicent Hightower's (Olivia Cooke) new involvement to her father Otto's (Rhys Ifans) demise, here are all the biggest differences between House of the Dragon and Fire and Blood's takes on the Fall of King's Landing.

Alicent is behind the Fall of King's Landing in House of the Dragon.

Olivia Cooke and Phia Saban in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

House of the Dragon's biggest change to the Fall of King's Landing has been in the works since the Season 2 finale, when Alicent came to Dragonstone to strike a deal with Rhaenyra. She told Rhaenyra that once Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) flew to Harrenhal, she would be free to take King's Landing, along with Aegon II's (Tom Glynn-Carney) head. Alicent would even tell the soldiers to stand down, and in return Rhaenyra would let her, Helaena (Phia Saban), and Jaehaera go free. This deal is all completely new to the show, and the same goes for the deal's execution in Season 3, episode 2, as Alicent keeps her word.

In the book, the end result is the same: Alicent surrenders the city. However, she does so under duress. Rhaenyra offers her the choice between giving up her life and giving up King's Landing, and obviously, Alicent chooses to stay alive.

Gwayne straight up dies in Fire and Blood.

Freddie Fox in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Theo Whiteman / HBO

Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) might not like slumming it in the Riverlands with Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), but he should be thankful he's not around for the Fall of King's Landing. If he were, he'd likely meet his Fire and Blood fate: death at the hands of City Watch commander Luthor Largent (Tom Cullen).

In the book, Gwayne is second in command of the gold cloaks, and he wants to sound the alarm on Rhaenyra's arrival. Luthor, still loyal to Daemon for creating the City Watch, puts an end to it by stabbing him. However, show Gwayne gets to live another day.

Otto Hightower's execution looks different in House of the Dragon.

Rhys Ifans in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

While Gwayne escapes his Fire and Blood death, his father Otto is not so lucky. Like in Fire and Blood, he is the first person to be beheaded during Rhaenyra's reign.

House of the Dragon does alter some elements of Otto Hightower's execution, though. For starters, it comes right after his release from the prison cells below King's Landing, which is where Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) has apparently been keeping him since halfway through Season 2. Otto avoids any prison time in Fire and Blood.

House of the Dragon also fleshes out Otto's death by having Daemon encourage Rhaenyra to take his head herself. (The book does not describe his execution in any detail.) It's a brutal moment that sees a still-grieving Rhaenyra continue the cycle of violence that has plagued Westeros since the start of the Dance of the Dragons. It also bodes very ill for her relationship with Alicent, who's escorted back to the Red Keep just in time to see her former friend standing over her dead father's body. Not quite how you imagined the day would end, right, Alicent?

Aegon II flees during Rhaenyra's invasion in Fire and Blood.

Matthew Needham and Tom Glynn-Carney in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Theo Whiteman / HBO

Part of Alicent and Rhaenyra's deal was that Rhaenyra would get to take Aegon's life. In the show, he's already far from King's Landing, but in Fire and Blood, he makes his escape during the Fall of King's Landing itself. He doesn't go alone: He takes his children Jaehaera and Maelor (who does not exist in the show), along with Kingsguard members Willis Fell and Rickard Thorne.

Rhaenyra doesn't get sliced by the Iron Throne in House of the Dragon.

Emma D'Arcy in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

While Rhaenyra winds up on the Iron Throne in both House of the Dragon and Fire and Blood, the show leaves out a pretty major detail about her first time on Westeros' most famous chair. In Fire and Blood, the Iron Throne cuts her legs and palm, suggesting that it has "spurned" her and that she won't sit atop it for long. House of the Dragon leaves this out entirely, perhaps choosing not to play into the legend of the Iron Throne rejecting unworthy rulers. (Or choosing to emphasize that Rhaenyra is truly worthy.) However, the show has set a precedent for the Iron Throne cutting people in the past, with Viserys' (Paddy Considine) many festering wounds throughout Season 1.

But just because House of the Dragon's Iron Throne didn't cut Rhaenyra doesn't mean she's in for a smooth reign. Based on the trailer for the rest of Season 3, she's going to face the challenge of winning the realm back to her side, as well as contend with the forces of Ormund Hightower (James Norton). She may officially be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, but there's still plenty of Season 3 left for things to go wrong.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

If you can hear the sound of screeching angst on the wind, that's no rogue dragon. That's me, after watching House of the Dragon's latest episode.

Season 3, episode 2 of the HBO series features the loss of one of my favourite characters in Westeros, at the hands of one of the most diabolical. We're used to character deaths by now — this is the Game of Thrones universe — but this death in particular need not have happened. Nay, should not.

I'm talking about Aemond Targaryen's (Ewan Mitchell) cold-blooded slaying of Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale). And yes, Mashable asked Mitchell about it.

What happens to Ser Simon Strong in House of the Dragon?

Vale, Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale). Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

The most patient man in the Seven Kingdoms and a stealth MVP of House of the Dragon Season 2, Ser Simon has been putting up with Targaryen bravado for an age. As Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) stomped through seized halls and tripped balls nightly last season, the Castellan of Harrenhal remained a paragon of diplomacy — even making sure Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) wasn't usurped by her own uncle-husband.

Strong pledged fealty to Rhaenyra in Season 2, so he's technically a direct enemy of Aemond's, who's next in line for his brother Aegon II's (Tom Glynn-Carney) throne. However, when Aemond strides into Harrenhal, with his dragon Vhagar happily barbecuing up the small number of soldiers stationed in the crumbling castle, Ser Simon is yet again hospitable to a gate-crashing Targaryen.

Called to duel for the castle by the prince regent, Ser Simon simply hands the keys over instead of taking up arms. "I do not wish to oppose you; I have not wielded a blade these many years," he says. Strong makes the unwise decision to try and reason with Aemond, even putting a hand on his shoulder to seal the peace deal. It doesn't work. Aemond murders the unarmed Ser Simon and his sons (but not before one of them gets a cheeky stab in).

Reader, I flipped the proverbial table. Not this delightful Harrenhal Santa, this provider of post-battle wine, this constant source of acquiescence to punk princes. Aemond's no stranger to eliminating those in his way — whether he intends to or not — but murdering my gracious Westeros grandfather at his own table is too far. Worse than pashing your own mother.

"I'm innocent, man," Mitchell told Mashable. "He came to me!"

Asked why Aemond demands Ser Simon pick up his sword, Mitchell said Aemond's aim is clear.

"It's just to give him a fair fight, or just be like, look, go out on your sword, as opposed to, you know..." he said. "Because I think Aemond goes into that room with the intention he's going to wipe out everyone in it, and he does until [Alys] shows up."

Who's even left in House Strong?

Aemond's Strongicide means big trouble for the Strong family's legacy. This noble Riverlands family's days are numbered. Ser Simon and his sons are now slain. Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr) and his father, Lord Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes), died in a fire. Harwin's bastard sons with Rhaenyra are both dead, so all we have left is... the diabolical master of whisperers, Larys Strong (Matthew Needham), who commissioned the fire that killed his father and brother. He's currently on the World's Worst Road Trip with Aegon II, in enemy territory where everyone seems to want their heads.

Now, my question for the room. Will Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), who showed up after the slaughter of the Strongs, help this murdering brigand, Aemond? Should she? I, for one, might leave him on the floor for a bit.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

House of the Dragon can't get enough of a good prophecy.

We've already had a number of these courtesy of Helaena (Phia Saban), but there's one big central prophecy that things keep coming back to. We're talking, of course, about the Song of Ice and Fire dream that Aegon the Conqueror himself had, and which Viserys (Paddy Considine) told young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) about back in the show's very first episode.

We're now a few seasons on from that moment, but the prophecy continues to hang over our central characters like a shadow. So, how did it rear its head in episode 3, and what does it mean? Let's recap.

How does the prophecy feature in Season 3, episode 2?

The prophecy is mentioned by Daemon (Matt Smith) when he returns to Dragonstone and finds adult Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) bedbound with grief over the death of her son, Jace (Harry Collett).

"I saw it, Rhaenyra. At Harrenhal," he says. "The darkness in the North. The Song of Ice and Fire. I saw a girl with silver hair in a desert far away, and there were dragons at her breast."

He's talking specifically about the visions he had during his time at Harrenhal in Season 2, during which he saw images from the prophecy, along with glimpses of his own role in the story.

For a moment, Rhaenyra remains unmoved. But then Daemon says something that clearly gets through to her.

"But if it is real, what my brother told you... if it were true... what, then, would you do?"

What prophecy is Daemon talking about?

Hang on a minute. What did Daemon's brother Viserys tell Rhaenyra again, exactly?

Here's a reminder of his speech, word for word, from episode 1:

"Just as Daenys foresaw the end of Valyria, Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men. 'Tis to begin with a terrible winter, gusting out of the distant North. Aegon saw absolute darkness riding on those wings, and whatever dwells within will destroy the world of the living. When this great winter comes, Rhaenyra, all of Westeros must stand against it. And if the world of men is to survive, a Targaryen must be seated on the Iron Throne. A king or queen, strong enough to unite the realm against the cold and the dark. Aegon called his dream the Song of Ice and Fire. This secret has been passed from king to heir since Aegon's time. Now you must promise to carry it and protect it. Promise me, dear Rhaenyra. Promise me."

Looking back on that, it's not hard to see why Daemon's mention of the prophecy — and the fact he's seen it himself in a vision — is enough to persuade Rhaenyra to push on to King's Landing. Back in Season 2, she tells Jace about the prophecy in a way that suggests she has come to believe it. And given that she also believes her father wanted her to be his heir, it follows that she needs to return to King's Landing to carry out Viserys' wishes.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

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

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

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

What is Connections?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Misbehave

• Green: Scarf down

• Blue: Boom boom

• Purple: Natural elements

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: Old timey troublemakers

• Green: Consume with gusto

• Blue: Parts of a speaker

• Purple: Ending in parts of a tree

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 #1114 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Old timey troublemakers: MISCREANT, ROGUE, RUFFIAN, SCOUNDREL

• Consume with gusto: CRUSH, GUZZLE, INHALE, SNARF

• Parts of a speaker: CABINET, CONE, MAGNET, WOOFER

• Ending in parts of a tree: EMBARK, GROOT, NUDIBRANCH, STRUNK

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.

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a musician.

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

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

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

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: The mark of a good composer

The words are related to music.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe musical terms.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Musical Staff.

NYT Strands word list for June 29

• Bracket

• Accidental

• Measure

• Musical Staff

• Rest

• Clef

• Note

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're all natural.

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

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

Raw.

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 C.

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...

CRUDE

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.

Warning: Contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 2.

It's always nice to see a familiar face in House of the Dragon, even if said face is rolling across the floor of the Great Hall minutes after reappearing on our screens.

We're talking, of course, about Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), the former Hand of the King who's had quite the spectacular fall from grace since Season 1.

But what exactly happened to him, and where has he been all this time? It's been a while since we last saw him, so let's recap.

What happens with Otto Hightower in Season 3, episode 2?

After Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Daemon (Matt Smith) stroll into King's Landing to seize control, the latter pays a visit to the dungeons.

"If you would, my prince," says a man holding a torch. "A gift for you, if you ever returned, from Lord Larys Strong."

Daemon follows him deep into the bowls of the Red Keep, then reappears in the Great Hall with a familiar face: Otto Hightower, looking very much the worse for wear.

Otto is brought to kneel before Rhaenyra, and Daemon advises her to behead him in the place of on-the-run Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney).

"If your father could see what it's come to," mutters Otto. "He would never have imagined it."

Otto's final words, before Rhaenyra starts hacking away at his neck? "I did my best..."

When did we last see Otto Hightower?

It's been a while, but we did briefly see Otto in the Season 2 finale. Back then, he was already in his jail cell, although at the time we didn't know where he was being held or why.

Prior to last season's finale, we last saw a very different Otto all the way back in Season 2, episode 2. After being fired as Hand by Aegon, Otto told his daughter Alicent (Olivia Cooke) that he planned to leave King's Landing to return to Oldtown. Alicent advised him to go to Highgarden instead so he could stop the Tyrells from "wavering" in their support for Team Green, but it looks like he was waylaid before he could get very far at all.

And finally, now, we know what happened to him: He was captured at the request of Larys Strong (Matthew Needham), who clearly planned to use him in order to buy favor with Team Black, should they ever reclaim power. Sneaky.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Australia's teen social media ban has been in effect since December, and the government's verdict on how it's going is pretty clear: not well enough.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this week that Australia will double the maximum penalty for violating its social media minimum age law, raising the fine ceiling from $AUD49.5 million ($US33 million) to $AUD99 million ($US68.2 million). The government is also moving to expand the eSafety Commissioner's powers to compel platforms to hand over evidence of what they're actually doing to keep under-16s off their services.

The news comes roughly six months after Australia's Online Safety Amendment Act took effect, banning platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, X, and YouTube from allowing users under 16 to hold accounts, as Mashable previously reported. More than five million accounts have been removed, deactivated, or restricted since Dec. 10 — but according to Albanese, that's not good enough.

"It is clear that social media platforms are adopting tricks straight out of the big tech playbook and doing the bare minimum to get by," said Minister for Communications Anika Wells in the government's statement.

The eSafety Commissioner is currently investigating potential non-compliance across five platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.

The new legislation would also extend the Commissioner's reach to third parties like age-verification and app-store providers — closing a loophole that let platforms point fingers elsewhere when their enforcement fell short.

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

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup group games now in the history books, all eyes are on the knockout stages. First up is South Africa vs. Canada in the Round of 32.

It's been a hugely eventful tournament for Canada. They picked up their first-ever World Cup point with a draw in the opener, then scored their first-ever World Cup win when they defeated Qatar 6-0. As co-hosts, they have big momentum despite taking a loss to Switzerland in the final group game.

South Africa, on the other hand, seemed unlikely to reach this point after losing their opener and having two players red-carded. But a subsequent draw and a win have got them to the knockout rounds.

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

When is South Africa vs. Canada?

South Africa vs. Canada in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on June 28. This fixture takes place at Los Angeles Stadium.

How to watch South Africa vs. Canada for free

South Africa vs. Canada 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 Africa vs. Canada for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

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

Live stream South Africa vs. Canada in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

Earlier this year, we reported on the disturbing trend of AI chatbots actually helping individuals plan out violent attacks, and Florida prosecutors have already investigated ChatGPT for its purported role in a deadly shooting, but there's another, even more famous incident that might have been planned out with the help of AI: the Pacific Palisades fire of 2025.

According to California prosecutors, suspected arsonist Jonathan Rinderknecht "used ChatGPT like a diary," not only building up a fascination with fire but generating images of cities burning, reports the BBC. In one prompt pulled from Rinderknecht's ChatGPT history, he asked the AI whether he could be held responsible for a fire caused by his fallen cigarette, according to ABC News. 

Rinderknecht was arrested in October of 2025 and charged with one count of destruction of property and one count of arson, with prosecutors seeking up to 45 years of prison time for his alleged role in sparking the fire that destroyed over 6,000 buildings and claimed 12 lives. 

"The evidence is strong that Jonathan Rinderknecht is responsible for igniting the fire on January 1, 2025, which eventually became the Palisades fire," alleged US attorney Bill Essayli on an X social post. 

But when the trial of the United States v. Jonathan Rinderknecht concluded last Thursday, jurors were not persuaded. After two days of deliberation, the jurors informed the judge that they were unable to reach a decision, and a mistrial was declared. "There’s just not enough proof," one juror told a CNN reporter. "A lot of holes."

The drama is far from over, however. The judge has already scheduled a retrial for October of this year, with Rinderknecht to remain in custody until then.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Jessica McCabe started posting on YouTube because she knew she couldn't lose it.

McCabe lost notebooks and phones and was even capable of losing "her own head," according to her mother. So whenever she wanted to revisit helpful articles, research, or her own notes on strategies for living with her ADHD, McCabe didn't have an organizational system that made it easier for her to find (or actually remember) the information. Then, she realized one already existed.

"Anytime I wanted to show people this one really funny video on YouTube, I could find it. So I was like, YouTube. I won't lose YouTube," she told Mashable.

Thus, How to ADHD was born. Now, about 10 years later, the mental health creator has 1.94 million subscribers on YouTube, 100,000 followers on TikTok, a book she wrote called How to ADHD, and a second book in progress. The day before we spoke at VidCon, she gave two presentations at the World Confederation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists Congress alongside experts, including doctors and research fellows, in the fields of psychology and psychiatry.

So yes, McCabe is a mental health creator, but she's also a verifiable force in the global mental health community. Mashable sat down with her to learn how her channel transitioned from a place to catalog her findings for herself to a full-fledged business, how she stays organized as a neurodivergent creator and mother, how she can care for yourself while connecting with her audience, and her hopes for the online mental health content creation space.

Tell us about the research process that goes into your videos, both when you first started and how it has evolved over time.

The research process has definitely evolved. It started out as me Googling things, like, "I have ADD. What does that mean?" And I was like, oh, a lot of articles say it's not called ADD anymore. It's apparently all ADHD now. And oh, it doesn't just impact focus. It impacts executive function, too. I didn't know that. Over time, as I was posting this information on the channel, people in the comments would be like, "Do you know about Google Scholar? Do you know about PubMed?" Or eventually it was, "Hey, I'm an ADHD researcher. Would you like help? I see you're trying to disseminate good scientific information about ADHD."

So I started working with researchers. And even then, it took a little bit. The first researcher that I worked with was very pedantic and wanted to use very technical language. And I was like, I'm trying to disseminate to a lay public. I need to simplify a bit. I need to do that without losing important nuance, but I do need to be able to restate it in words that anybody can understand.

The current researcher I work with is Dr. Patrick LaCount. He's now our chief science officer, and he reviews everything on our channel. So if you see that we have the little badge on our channel that says, "We're on the Health Shelf", it means it's a channel from a trusted provider. That's because Dr. Patrick LaCount reviews everything that I put out before I put it out.

That's not a given on every mental health channel. It's amazing that you guys have that.

It's really important to me to ensure the information we're putting out is accurate. Especially the fast pace that you have to go to as a content creator, where you're posting every week or maybe sometimes more often than that. It's really easy for things to slip through the cracks. So it's really important to me to have that review process of, is this accurate? Because if it's not accurate, then what am I doing?

Before you had researchers working with you, how did you handle that while maintaining a consistent posting schedule?

I did have a consistent posting schedule, and I am a recovering perfectionist, but I gave my perfectionism a different target. I was like, "OK, you can get as perfectionistic about this as you want. You can read as many articles to make sure that everybody's agreeing with you and that you're getting the right information as you want, as long as you can get that video out on Tuesday. And that was non-negotiable for me. For a while, I was able to do that, but then, as the amount of information I was trying to include grew, the scripts and videos got longer, and it became harder and harder to hit that mark.

So we're still trying to figure it out. What that means for me now is that I'm not researching a brand-new topic every week like I did in the beginning. I've played around with different ways of doing it. One was like, "For this month, I'm learning about this topic, and all the content will be about it." Now it's a lot of, "Oh, I already know this stuff. I've already researched this stuff. I can make another video about the same topic." But at first, I was killing myself because it was a new topic every single week, and I had to research from scratch.

That's intense.

I don't recommend it, but I did learn a lot. And now I have a book as a result.

So tell me a little bit more about the workflow you developed and how it came about.

So the workflow evolved quite a bit, too. When I first started, I was planning to do it by trial and error, like, OK, I struggle with organization or cleaning my house, so I'm going to try this strategy for a week. I'm going to film it and then edit it. Then I quickly realized that's not actually doable in a week. You can't figure out the strategy once a week, try it for a week, then edit it.

Instead, what I did was, OK, let me learn about this thing. I had a format that I used every single time: introduce the problem, explain the problem, introduce the solution, and explain the solution. I just did it on a blue wall and added graphics afterward. That worked really well. What didn't work well was me trying to do it off the cuff because I learned really quickly I'm very hard to edit. I've gotten better. Hopefully, this is not terrible.

So, quickly, my process went from "let me try and speak off the cuff about what I've learned" to "that's not going to work, that's going to be impossible to edit" to "what if I outline?" But then I would look at the outline, and my mind would go blank because there would be all this pressure to like say whatever it was that I meant when I had that bullet point written down. So then I was like, I need to script. I just need to script.

The problem is that as an actor, I didn't do very well, partly because I had such a hard time memorizing lines. So very early in the process, I had a giant whiteboard, and I printed out every single word in giant, like 36-point font, and I just taped it to this whiteboard. I used what was my strength, which was I got really good at cold reading, but really bad at memorizing lines. Anytime I went into an audition as an actor, I was like, "Let me cold-read." So I'd glance down, glance up, and say the line, glance down, glance up, and say the line. So some of it was happy accidents. Like our punch-in, punch-out style was to cover the fact that I had to look down between the lines.

For the part of your workflow that involves other people, at what point did you decide you needed to build out your team, and how did you approach that process?

That evolved over many, many years. At first, it was my boyfriend at the time, like, "Hey, you're an editor. Can you throw a couple of graphics on this?" Once I edited it, I was like, here you go, make it pretty, and he would take like a few hours to punch it up.

Over time, it became clear that what I was doing was really meaningful to people and could turn into something, right? More than just a personal project. So he did more and more until I was like, OK, I've got to pay this guy. I actually ended up hiring him full-time before I was full-time.

I was still waiting tables, but I was like, I need an editor. I will work for free 24/7. He will not, understandably. Eventually, I was able to go full-time as well. Then, when that marriage fell apart, I had to hire a team. There were a couple of people that I actually met at VidCon who were like, "Oh yeah, we can do some editing for you, and we can do some animations."

Digital organization was such a big struggle for me as someone with ADHD that I ended up hiring somebody literally to organize my shit. Our community manager had been volunteering on our Discord for a long time, and finally, after a couple of years, I was like, "We should hire you, though." Basically, my whole strategy was that whenever I wanted to hire a new person, I brought one on. Now I have a pretty robust team.

What's having a team like? Because content creation and running a team are very different skill sets.

It is a very different skill set. Also, moving from "I'm going to have people I know help me with this thing" to "oh, I am hiring for a position, and I need to vet that person" was interesting.

An ADHD creator friend of mine, Dani Donovan, recommended a recruiter that she had worked with because she was also in the same boat of hiring friends. So for the first time, we used a recruiter who found us our current producer, and I was like, this person is amazing.

If I could go back in time, I'd work with a recruiter. It's really important as a creator to work with people. I made the mistake early on of prioritizing the hard skills. How good are you at animating? How good are you at editing? How good are you at these skills? And I didn't prioritize the soft skills — how are you collaborating with the rest of the team? Are you an easy person to work with? Can you take feedback? Now I really prioritize soft skills.

I would love to talk about your relationship with your audience. I imagine it has grown, but I feel like, especially being a mental health creator, there's an extra weight to that, and people come a lot with their personal experiences. So how do you navigate that?

It's tough because I started out as a peer in my community. I was somebody who was learning about my ADHD for the first time; they were learning about theirs. We kind of came up together, and that was a really cool experience.

It also meant that if someone was struggling, it was almost like I was struggling too. We were in the same boat. And my boat was starting to float, and I didn't want to let their's to sink. I wanted to respond to every comment. I wanted to help everybody. As the channel grew, I couldn't anymore. I would get to the point where I would be overwhelmed with taking on a lot of people's pain and needs. I would need to step away for a little bit, but then I would come back, and there would be so many messages.

Facebook was really the first place where this was overwhelming for me, all of the direct messages that you would get. One day, I went to respond to a message, and by the time I got through like five messages, that person had already responded, so I was in a conversation with them. And I went — it's not just that I'm procrastinating or avoiding or like not doing the right thing by not responding. I can no longer respond to people.

So that's when I had to evolve it to let me read the comments and hear what people are saying. Then I need to make content that speaks to that struggle, content that will be for more than just that one person. That was a tough evolution for me in moving away from that one-to-one relationship.

I imagine there could have been some guilt there. Like, you're letting a version of a relationship go.

It was painful moving into this parasocial space where I don't know everybody in my community anymore. We don't have regular conversations, but I still very much care and want to be there for people. I just can't in the same way. So one of the things we're doing now that I'm really excited about is that I'm going to start coaching people one-on-one.

I can get the one-on-one I really value, but then we put that content online so other people can benefit, too.

Since becoming a mom, do you feel that the way you approach the content itself, or the way you approach the work of creating the content, has changed?

It has changed. The first change is obviously having to take a break. As a content creator, you're producing content week after week after week, maybe day after day after day. But maternity leave is a thing that is apparently important! So I had to figure out how to keep putting out content while I'm away and set my team up for success to do that.

Even then, it was really rough that first year to create content, because it felt like my brain had been hijacked by this new passion, this new child. My brain had literally been rewired. It also coincided with finishing my book and putting that out into the world. I finished my project of learning everything I could about my ADHD brain, putting it somewhere I could find it again, and making it available to other people, and I was embarking on a new one: motherhood.

And suddenly, my entire hyperfocus was on being a mom, and I did not have a channel for it. I don't want a channel about being a mom. So most of what I was learning no longer made sense to share with my community. That was a big, big shift for me because I had to figure out how to keep making content for this community when that's not where my head is at. So we changed up how we were doing content. I was no longer just a talking head on a blue wall. We also hired the wonderful new producer I was telling you about, and he's local, so we were able to start filming skits in my house and doing wild projects like having Cas from Clutterbug come down and help me reorganize my entire house. We were able to do different kinds of content.

But it was very much an exploration of what kinds of content my brain can focus on. What kind of content do I want to make?

What are your hopes for the mental health content creation space going forward? And as a second part, who are the creators in that space now that you think more people should be watching?

Therapy in a Nutshell is great. Dr. Tracey Marks is great. Also, Daniel from The Aspie World. He's great for anybody who's dealing with autism. A lot of people who watch my channel are like, can you do this, but for autism? And I'm like, I don't have autism. But my friend does!

There are a lot of great mental health creators. But what I'm hoping for in this space is that we get more people with lived experience connecting with people who have research-backed, evidence-based information, and then we disseminate that. There are many academic researchers speaking to it, and many speaking from personal experience. But I would love to see more people doing what I'm doing, which is speaking about their personal experience as a vehicle to share evidence-based information, so it's not just, "This one thing worked for me." It's, "This is what works for a lot of people, and it worked for me. Maybe it would work for you, too."

Sony will revoke access to digital downloads from Studio Canal in certain European countries, the company announced this past weekend.

"From September 1, 2026, due to our content licensing agreements, you will no longer be able to access your previously purchased content from Studio Canal, and it will be removed from your video library," the blog post reads.

Following that unfortunate news is a list of hundreds of movies and television shows that will soon be disappeared not only from the PlayStation Store but your own video library, including both small-budget sensations like Attack The Block and Hot Fuzz, beloved rom-coms like Bridget Jones' Diary and iconic action movies like Rambo and Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

Sony's announcement also did not include any word about refunds or compensation for the millions of people who thought they were purchasing a product when it turned out they were only leasing it. 

This isn't the first time a major media company has abruptly discontinued access to digital downloads. Hell, it's not even the first time Sony has done it; in fact, irate gamers have been pushing back against this trend for years, crying foul not only about the sneaky practice of retroactively removing purchased products from digital stores but also about the downstream effect of killing the second-hand market. Obviously, if all downloads are digitized, there will be no rifling through bargain bins of DVDs, Blu-rays, or game disks.

And while most games are still sold in both physical and digital formats, the most anticipated game of the year, Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, recently announced it will be sold digitally only. Customers who purchase the game in-store will instead receive a physical box containing a download code.

Unsurprisingly, fans across the internet are reacting negatively to the news, especially because they understand a simple concept: when the biggest, best-selling, and most popular game does something, every other game is likely to follow suit.

The 2026 World Cup knockout rounds are finally here, following two weeks of exciting — and sometimes unpredictable – soccer action. That excitement now continues as qualifying teams now face each other in single elimination games.

Today, June 28, features just one game: South Africa play co-hosts Canada for a spot in the last 16. Here's everything you need to know to watch live today.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 28

• Round of 32: South Africa vs. Canada (Los Angeles Stadium) — kickoff at 3 p.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup games today

Watch South Africa vs. Canada

South Africa made it through to the knockouts with a last ditch win against South Korea, finishing second in Group A. Now they face Group B runners-up Canada. The Canadians will see this as a winnable fixture and will back themselves to reach the next round. South Africa would almost certainly say the same thing.

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: Fox One

Fox One (3-Month Subscription)

$39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99

 

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Peacock

Peacock (Spanish Language)

Starting at $10.99/month

Get Deal

More live streaming options

Live TV cable replacement

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

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

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

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

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

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

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

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpresVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

TL;DR: Banish ads for good with this lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan, on sale for just $14.97 (reg. $169.99) during Deal Days, our answer to Prime Day, through tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window

Credit: AdGuard

AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription

$14.97
$169.99 Save $155.02

 

Get Deal

Ever feel like the internet is a crowded mall with people popping out of nowhere trying to sell you something? That’s exactly how pop-up, banner, and video ads appear, but now there’s a way to stop them. AdGuard puts an end to endless ads, and the Family Plan even lets you share a more peaceful online experience with your loved ones.

Right now, you can snag a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan for only $14.97 during Deal Days, our version of Prime Day, until tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Ads aren’t just annoying; they can also be dangerous. Many are powered by trackers that follow your online activity, but AdGuard puts an end to all of them, so you can browse the web the way it was intended.

This AdGuard Family Plan lets you and your family enjoy a calmer internet experience. It works on both Android and iOS devices, so you can cover tablets, smartphones, and computers. This plan lets you safeguard up to nine of them.

The AdGuard advanced ad-blocking module kicks ads to the curb, while doubling as a security upgrade. It hides your data from hackers, blocks trackers, and protects you from malware, phishing sites, and cyberattacks.

If you have kids, you’ll appreciate AdGuard’s parental control features. This can help restrict their access to inappropriate or adult content, serving as another set of eyes while your children are online.

This lifetime subscription lets you dodge ads forever. You’ll also receive future updates and new features as they’re added.

Lock in a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan for only $14.97 during Deal Days, our version of Prime Day, until tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Today is the last day to get a Babbel Lifetime Subscription for $134.99 (reg. $299) with the StackSocial code LEARN and unlock access to all 14 languages (created by linguists) for life.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Babbel

Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages)

$134.99
$299 Save $164.01

 

Get Deal

Have you been telling yourself you’ll learn a new language someday? Consider this your reminder that someday is running out. As part of our Deal Days sale — our answer to Prime Day — the Babbel Lifetime Subscription is available for a one-time $134.99 (reg. $299) through the end of today.

Babbel has earned a loyal following by focusing on something many language apps overlook: helping people actually have conversations. Instead of endless vocabulary drills, lessons are designed around real-life situations like ordering food, asking for directions, making travel plans, and navigating everyday interactions.

A Babbel Lifetime Subscription gives new users access to all 14 available languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Swedish, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Polish, Turkish, Indonesian, Russian, and English. With more than 10,000 hours of content available, it’s a resource you can return to again and again — whether you’re preparing for a trip, expanding your professional skills, or simply learning for fun.

The platform was developed by more than 100 expert linguists and incorporates speech recognition technology, personalized review sessions, and an AI Conversation Partner to help learners practice speaking naturally and confidently.

One of Babbel’s biggest advantages is flexibility. Lessons typically take just 10 to 15 minutes, making it easy to fit learning into a busy schedule. Your progress syncs across devices, and offline access lets you keep studying even when Wi-Fi isn’t available.

For travelers, professionals, and lifelong learners alike, time is of the essence here,

This is the last chance to secure lifetime access to Babbel for a one-time $134.99 (reg. $299) with the StackSocial code LEARN through June 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get prepped for coding with some help from the Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 and the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle, on sale now for just $44.97 (MSRP $1,999.99) through tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 + The Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle

$44.97
$1,999.99 Save $1,955.02

 

Get Deal

Learning anything new can be intimidating, so when it comes to coding, taking the first step can be tough. The Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 and the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle can make it a lot more manageable by providing lessons and professional software to get you started.

If you want this bundle for just $44.97, you need to act fast. It’s only on sale through tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Whether you’re learning to code for work or you just want to pick up a new hobby and start automating your tasks or building a personal project, this bundle gives you everything you need to take the first step. The Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 and the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle give you the education and gear you need, and no prior knowledge is required.

Start your coding education with the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle. Each course is taught by Joseph Delgadillo, who teaches you how to work with different programming languages. Learn C++, Python, and Java in hours, and then get hands-on experience by using Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026.

Microsoft Visual Studio includes AI integration that lets you type less and still write high-quality code. From Intellicode, which lets you type less and code more, to a complete ranked list of the best suggestions as you code, this software makes it easier to tackle projects.

If you’re working with others, you’ll appreciate Codelens. It shows you important information about your code, like recent changes, authors, and test status, so you can stay up to date.

Start coding easier with the Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 and the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle, on sale now for just $44.97 until 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The AI revolution we're all living through has shaken up the labor market, supercharged the stock market, and flooded the internet with memes, but you may not have noticed that it's quietly rewriting the rules of online dating. 

Large language models (LLMs) have put the power of sophisticated chatbots into the hands of ordinary people, including ordinary scammers, leading to a massive surge in fake profiles and bots taking over dating sites. Now, online dating isn't just about being witty or taking a great selfie; it's also about spotting AI-generated writing or photographs to avoid being scammed every other match. 

These same AI tools have made it much easier and more affordable for dating apps and sites to enforce their moderation policies, and some of the apps have even harnessed AI to improve quality of life for their users, either by refining the matchmaking or by acting like a digital wingman, suggesting which of your photos to showcase or picking out new profiles for you based on your past matchmaking preferences. That being said, AI has also led to more sophisticated trust and safety features from dating apps, like how Bumble uses AI to weed out spammers and scammers. These apps are also using AI in user-facing features, including acting like a "digital wingman" and helping you improve your profile.

Suspicious of AI, or just want a break from our digital overlords? Here are three hookup apps that haven't yet succumbed to the AI revolution.

3 hookup apps without AI features

Feeld

Billed as a "dating app for the curious" and the place "where curiosity meets connection," Feeld is easily the most open-minded app in the hookup sphere, a place where you can find anything you're looking for and even things you didn't know to look for. From the beginning, Feeld rejected the algorithm-based swiping frenzy that became the standard on so many other apps, preferring to treat its digital space like an online house party where you might talk to anyone who catches your fancy. 

As of this writing, Feeld has not yet embraced AI, and if its CEO is to be believed, they don't have any plans to, either. 

Pure

Pure, the "open-minded dating app," is definitely built around short-term fun, with an emphasis on anonymity and prominent displays of "turn-ons" and kinks, but it also bucked the carousel-style matchmaking trend made popular by Tinder.

There are two main ways to connect with strangers: you'll either be shown one profile at a time, forcing you to properly assess each person for compatibility, or you can opt for the "Devil's Bones" gamble, which puts you into an anonymous voice or text chat with a total stranger.

If you're sick of the indirect approach of most dating apps and want to avoid AI's influence in the algorithms, Pure is a great, straightforward alternative.

AdultFriendFinder

If you're really anti-AI, you're probably safest sticking with AdultFriendFinder, not because it has any ethical or philosophical objections to artificial intelligence, but because its site architecture has hardly changed in the 25+ years since its founding. 

Even better, AFF doesn't have an algorithm-based matchmaking system. Instead, it allows you to search for people based on criteria like their location, gender, age, or favorite kinks, or else it creates online communities and discussion boards where you can meet like-minded people to start conversations organically.

If you don't like the idea of artificial intelligence impacting your future hookup options, the above three apps and sites are a great way to resist the tide.

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

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

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

Hurdle Word 1 hint

Slide.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

CHUTE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Cheer.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CHANT

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Performing.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

DOING

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Parade.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

RALLY

Final Hurdle hint

A link.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

NEXUS

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

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

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

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

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

What is Connections: Sports Edition?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Drip

• Green: Stat sheet

• Blue: Les Bleus

• Purple: Basketball courts

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Style

• Green: Basketball Stats, Abbreviated

• Blue: Members of France's World Cup Squad

• Purple: NBA Arenas

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 #643 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Style: FLAIR, PANACHE, PIZZAZZ, SWAGGER

• Basketball Stats, Abbreviated: FG, FT, PF, TO

• Members of France's World Cup Squad: BARCOLA, GUSTO, MBAPPE, OLISE

• NBA Arenas: BARCLAYS, KIA, MODA, TD

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 the latest Connections.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easy difficulty hints, answers for June 28 Pips

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 6-3, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for June 28 Pips

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for June 28 Pips

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

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

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

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically.

Number (14): Everything in this space must add up to 14. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.

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

Number (14): Everything in this space must add up to 14. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 4-4, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

Number (17): Everything in this space must add up to 17. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

What is Connections?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Top-tier

• Green: Initiation

• Blue: Musical essentials

• Purple: Skater's best friend

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: High-quality

• Green: Signals to commence

• Blue: Accessories for a guitarist

• Purple: They have boards

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 #1113 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• High-quality: CHOICE, FINE, PRIME, SELECT

• Signals to commence: BEGIN, GO, NOW, START

• Accessories for a guitarist: CAPO, PICK, SLIDE, STRAP

• They have boards: CHESS, CORPORATION, DARTS, SURFER

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.

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're an ally.

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

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

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

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: March in June

The words are related to commemoration.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe an LGBTQ observance.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Pride Month.

NYT Strands word list for June 28

• Rally

• Flags

• Drag

• Pride Month

• Rainbow

• Parade

• Celebration

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you like to get the party started.

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

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

Host.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears three times.

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 E.

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...

EMCEE

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.

Much of the talk at VidCon 2026 focused on how long-form horizontal content is at the forefront of rewiring the traditional Hollywood model. On a panel about convergence, Pocketwatch CEO Chris H. Williams declared, "If it works on YouTube, it'll work anywhere," pointing to The Besties' crossover success on Hulu and, soon, Amazon Fire TV Stick.

A recurring topic across panels was how streamers like Hulu, Amazon, and Tubi are recruiting creators, acquiring their YouTube libraries, or funding original content. But what does it take to make a video go viral on YouTube in 2026?

That was the question Vidcon attendees had in mind as they sat down for the panel titled Decoding the Algorithm: What Your Audience Actually Wants on YouTube. Presented by YouTube, this three-person panel featured YouTube Creator Liaison and Head of Editorial Rene Ritchie, YouTuber Katarina Mogus, and YouTube Senior Director of Growth and Discovery Todd Beaupré.

However, rather than offering a guideline on how to make the algorithm work for you, Beaupré rebuffed assumptions that creators have about it. Chief among them, Beaupré dismissed the idea that YouTube's algorithm punishes users for infrequent posting and says creators are not punished for trying new things.

"It really depends on what you come back with, and whether it's interesting or not." Beaupré said of gaps in posting, "We did a really deep study of millions of channels and looked at the time spent between uploads to see if there was a correlation at all between how long it was between your uploads and what the difference in views was before and after the break. We found virtually no relationship. And if anything, the longer the break, the more likely it was that somebody could come back with even more views."

No slides and few figures were presented at the panel. But Beaupré did present a provocative notion.

'Your core audience maybe isn't as important as you thought.'

Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable

"Almost every channel has a click-through rate of less than 10% in their subscriptions. These are people who hit the red button when you ask them to subscribe," Beaupré said. "And yet, 90% of the time, they see your video, they're not going to click on [it]. This is normal."

He went on, "Some of your subscribers are going to see your video in the first few hours, and 90% of them aren't going to watch it. YouTube understands that. That's the same for many channels. So if you're thinking, like, 'Oh, my first 100 people, if they're not the right people that see it, is my video gonna die?' No, because we know that even among your biggest fans, it may not be the right time."

Beaupré's advice was ultimately that creators should worry more about appealing to their audience than to YouTube's algorithm. He said, "When you have a question about the algorithm, I encourage you to replace the word 'algorithm' in your question with 'audience.' How that's relevant here is that if you take a break, the algorithm isn't going to punish you. But the audience may have different feelings when you come back. If you've been gone for six months, maybe they've moved on to discover some new channels, right? They're still on YouTube. And so you may not be as top-of-mind for them as you were before. So, audience reactions do influence your distribution."

Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.

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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup puts the spotlight on GOAT contender Lionel Messi in this next group match, as Argentina face Jordan. Argentina are defending champions and are fully expected to secure the win over Jordan, which would see Messi's squad go three-for-three in Group J.

It's a case of a how many goals can Messi get this time out? He's already netted five goals in two games this tournament and broken the all-time World Cup goal record. Can he take one more step toward immortality with another hattrick?

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

When is Jordan vs. Argentina?

Jordan vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on June 27. This fixture takes place at Dallas Stadium.

How to watch Jordan vs. Argentina for free

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

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

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

Audrey Hopkins (aka Audity or AudityDraws) has grown a fan following by chasing her love of character design and not taking her art too seriously.

Her 13.2 million followers on TikTok revel over her imaginative mash-ups, like re-imagining Disney villains as Disney princesses or turning Bluey characters into human incarnations. But her greatest muse has been her husband, Richard Conley. She's drawn him as a merman, Sailor Moon, Handsome Squidward, and many more creative characters. All to the delight of her audience and Conley himself, who collaborated with her on an inspiration app, called Wanna Draw, which generates mash-up ideas for artists of all sorts.

As someone who has enjoyed Audity's art, mischievous sense of fun, and high-energy online persona, I was elated to sit down with her at VidCon 2026 to discuss her journey from character designer to a thriving content creator.

Audity next to her illustrated self portrait. Credit: Zooey Liao/Mashable/Audity/Google Images

How did being a content creator start for you? Because you are an animator, you are a character designer. What made you be like, "I'm gonna take this independently online"?

So it's a weird story. Back in the day, when TikTok was first starting, they had these agencies that would go out, and they would find people to post more. 

They would do a thing where they would pay you like 100 bucks a month to post every single day. Most people that were doing the program were just putting out kind of whatever. At the time, I was in between character design jobs. Before that, I had worked on different stuff, or like NBC, or things like that. I basically felt bad that my husband was the only one bringing in money. And I was like, "You know what, 100 bucks a month, that's a bit of groceries — that's something." So I started the program, but I took it more seriously. I was like, I'm actually gonna post my work and do like more fun stuff...  

And also build your portfolio. 

Yeah, exactly, exactly. And I never expected — it was like four months later, I'd hit a million followers. And I remember I got a call from somebody that was like, "Hey," — I'd done a comic book a while back, and they were like, — "We would love you to do a second one." I had to sit there and make a decision, like, "Do I go back to an actual job-job, or do I try to do this?" 

I never thought I could do this. And seven years later, I'm still doing it. 

And your husband's very involved too. How did he come into it?

Basically, my husband and I are constantly around each other because he works from home. Back when I first started filming, I remember he would say stuff sometimes, and I'd be like, "Oh no, don't talk, I'm filming something." 

After a while, I was just like I'm not gonna keep telling him to stop, and I started just turning the camera [to him], whenever he would say something weird, which is often. And he's just been so supportive. When I started doing more art stuff in college, before even looking at TikTok, I was working at Pier One at the same time. And I remember I was so stressed out. He was like, "You know what, quit [Pier One]. I got this, I got us."  And he's taken so much care of me and allowed me to do so much stuff. 

How has imagining him in all these illustrated incarnations impacted how you view him, and how he views himself? 

Actually, when we first started dating, he was like, "I always wondered if you draw me." And I'm like, "Oh, how you regret thinking that now!" But honestly, he's, I mean, is it weird to call him my muse? He really is!

Looking back, what was the first video that really took off that made you think, maybe I can do this full-time?

It might have been when I was doing my 50 states series, or my first time doing one of the fusion videos. Because my whole thing with art is I really firmly believe that art doesn't have to be taken so seriously. 

When I was in college, I started out as a studio painter and a traditional artist. So like, your girl can do still lifes. But everyone else would be like, "My work represents the darkness of society and stuff." And I'd be like, "I drew this really, really hot lady — she's super cool!" 

I kind of leaned into that with that kind of stuff. And with the fusion thing, I liked being able to just take like weird stuff and make this weird creature that was really cool, but didn't serve like a purpose. 

So I think I think those types of videos, and that first one was like the first time it was like, "Whoa, okay." And I think that's why actually, [my husband] ended up building the [Wanna Draw] app that we have, which was so sweet. He literally never had done anything like that in his life before, and just went in like three months sitting at our kitchen table, learning and building that app. Yeah, he's still the only one that runs it.

That's very cool.  So, what do you love about content creation?

Honestly, I think it's the fact that so many people who do art, like you make something cool, and you get to show it to, like, a few people, like your friends, or things like that, and then that's it. 

I get to be like, "Hey, world, look at this weird thing I made!" And, it's so amazing to see so many other people out there who also like that. I think that's my favorite part,  just getting to connect to so many different people and seeing how many different people are alike. 

We all get so trapped in our little bubbles, and it's also great to have like close-knit community. But it's also just so wonderful to have like this wide network of people that are also just so similar, right?

It's also interesting because when people think about big animated shows, they know the people who created the show. But they don't necessarily know all the nuts and bolts people and all the creativity they're bringing to it. So it must be exciting to be able to be like, "I don't need someone else's project to be seen."

I will say there are times when I miss working on things with other people. There's another content creator, a friend of mine, he runs D&D campaigns and everything. His name is Sir Feffers, and I become like his primary character design stuff. So it is nice, I get a little taste of being able to still work like for somebody else.

Is there a big fish dream project that would make you step away for this from content creation for a little bit? 

God, there are so many. It's too many. I really want to do character design work for a video game or something. Honestly, my real dream is to — do you know Dropout?

Yes! I've interviewed a lot of that team!

They're so cool. I love them so much, but Dimension 20, particularly. I want to draw the characters for a season of theirs. 

Honestly, I've told them before, I'll do it for free. I'll do all the work for free, just let me do it. That's really the big thing. But at the same time, there are so many people who want to work for them, so I get it…Getting to meet Brennan Lee Mulligan for like a moment once was just like — 

He's so lovely. 

Oh my god, he's one of the coolest people. 

Agreed. Where do you find the differences in working in more traditional spaces and working for the internet? 

I think working for the internet is just — it's so chaotic. Because no Disney studio or anything out there is gonna be like, "You know, we really love it if you mix like Pennywise with Tinkerbell." But the internet's like, "We really want more of that, give us that." 

It's like having the most chaotic boss in the world. Because the weirder I get, the happier they are. That's I think the biggest difference is like that, and being able to just freely do what you want. 

I love that. So, a lot of people here at VidCon have been giving tips on what to do when you run out of ideas. What do you do when you hit, a creativity drought? When you're like, "I want to draw, but I don't know where to start."

For dealing with art block and burnout, I usually have like exercises that I do, like drawing the random shapes into faces, stuff that I like. I actually, eventually want to release a book that I make that's called Dealing with Art Block When You're a Character Designer. Because there's so much stuff that I've accumulated throughout the years that I do; tips and tricks. In my videos I can show a little bit of it, but I love to go more in depth. 

But stuff like that, like just finding a new way to do something you're already doing, is like the best way to get past something like that. Because if you're doing the same thing constantly, constantly, constantly, it's gonna get stale, it's gonna get like you're not gonna want to do it, you're like, "I can't keep thinking of ideas for this." If you challenge yourself, you're like, "I'm gonna draw with my left hand or I'm only allowed to draw mice today," or something weird like that. You're gonna make more fun, interesting things, because sometimes having that barrier helps, you know? 

It gives you a starting point to launch from.   

Yeah, exactly. 

Was there a point where you feel that you like made it as a content creator?

I'm still waiting for that point. I literally been talking to the other animators this entire VidCon, and it's funny. They'll all talk about, 'Yeah, back in the old days, like a few years ago." And I'm still feel like I'm new to this. I still feel like I'm making my way. 

What advice would you give to following you starting out in content creation? 

There's no one way to do it. Everybody's gonna have different advice and everything, but my whole thing is make stuff and do stuff that you like. Because you're just as much a viewer as everyone else out there. And if you like something and you enjoy something, I guarantee there are other people out there that like it as well, and enjoy it as well. And also just finding a fun way to do stuff.

Let's say you're somebody who really likes gaming, but you're like, "I wish there was somebody who did it like this." You'll be the person that does it like that. Go do it! Just try it! 

Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.

The interview above was edited for length and clarity.

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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come down to the final day of group games. And while England have already qualified to the knockout stage, they're feeling the frustration of drawing 0-0 with Ghana in their last game. Now facing Panama to decide the group, England are expected to make some changes to the starting XI and come out all guns blazing. But can Panama surprise them?

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

When is Panama vs. England?

Panama vs. England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 5 p.m. ET on June 27. This fixture takes place at New York New Jersey Stadium.

How to watch Panama vs. England for free

Panama vs. England 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 Panama vs. England for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Panama vs. England for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

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

Live stream Panama vs. England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

Pressured by recent lawsuits claiming Uber didn't do enough to prevent sexual assault, the ride-sharing company has announced stricter background check requirements for drivers.

"After listening to a wide range of feedback, we’ve broadened the criteria for convictions that permanently disqualify someone from driving or delivering with Uber," the company wrote in a recent blog post. "Our goal is to build the safest platform."

The new review process expands on existing driver requirements, permanently banning drivers with convictions that "may be sexual in nature." The new rules also disqualify drivers with misdemeanor or felony stalking and strangulation-related offenses because they "can be predictors of future violence," Uber explains. The company says the changes were influenced by recommendations from domestic violence prevention experts and civil rights groups.

In addition, background checks will be run for the driver's entire lifetime (technically 99 years). Previously, Uber's third-party background checks providers only ran Social Security Number (SSN) traces for the previous seven years.

The company stated the new requirements will not retroactively apply to existing driver accounts "with no serious interpersonal safety-related complaints of any kind," and if their conviction is "more than 15 years old and was not sexual in nature." The checks are still rolling out to drivers nationwide.

Multiple New York Times investigations have revealed an industry-wide prevalence of violent altercations with ride-share drivers, perpetrated primarily against female riders. A December exposé alleged Uber's background check protocols still approved drivers with violent felony convictions.

In February, Uber was deemed partially liable for the rape and assault of a ride-share passenger, who alleged the company failed to implement safety provisions that could have prevented the assault. The case included internal documents showing her ride was flagged as a safety concern, but the app did not notify her or authorities. Uber was ordered to pay $8.5 million instead of the requested $144 million in damages.

California is weighing new child-safety legislation that could fine social media companies millions of dollars — and Meta is attempting to dodge the astronomical fees from hundreds of pending lawsuits, anonymous insiders told Politico.

Meta lobbyists have approached lawmakers with suggested amendments that would carve out exceptions for social media platforms before the bill goes into a hearing set for Tuesday. The amendments include a pathway to avoid fines if companies implement a series of default child-safety settings, such as tools to disable autoplay, direct messaging restrictions, and explicit content moderation.

Many social media companies have already launched said features under minor accounts. Child safety advocates argue they don't do enough to protect children.

Meta's suggested changes include another safe harbor trade-off: Social media companies could avoid fines if their platforms include parental controls that let parents restrict screen time and monitor their kids' activity. Many experts argue that parental controls are equally ineffective at reducing childhood exposure to harmful content.

Without these amendments, the bill, known as AB 2, could result in fines of up to $1 million per child if a company is found liable for endangering young users through negligent product design.

In March, Meta lost a court case that ruled the platform, as well as its competitor Google, failed to fix platform design features that resulted in harm to minor mental health. Meta was separately ordered to pay $375 million by a New Mexico jury that ruled the platform was deceptively advertising its platform as safe for children.

Meta recently revamped its minor safety tools, including automatic age detection and global Teen Accounts with stricter content and communication controls.

Amid ongoing litigation, the company has denied all claims that its youth safety features are ineffective.

"Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously as every case is different, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online," Meta said in a statement following the March ruling.

The best Prime Day Apple deals that are still live:

---

Best Apple Watch deal

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm)

$279 (save $120)

Get Deal

---

Best iPad deal

Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB)

$299 (save $150)

Get Deal

---

Best MacBook deal

Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$1,149 (save $350)

Get Deal

---

Best AirTag deal

Apple AirTag (2nd Generation), 4-pack

$89 (save $10)

Get Deal

---

Best AirPods deal

Apple AirPods Max 2

$399 (save $150)

Get Deal

---

Best Apple Accessories deal

Apple MagSafe Charger

$28 (save $21)

Get Deal

---

Best iPhone Deal

iPhone 17 (256GB or 512GB)

Free with T-Mobile (save up to $1,029.99)

Get Deal

If you're shopping for some new Apple gadgets after Prime Day, you're still in luck. While some of Amazon's deals have sold out, we still have plentiful Apple deals at Walmart. And the timing couldn't be better because earlier this week, Apple raised some of its prices on account of the global RAM shortage. AirPods and Apple Watches are unaffected (for now), but all MacBooks and iPads are now at least $100 more expensive than they were before — even the budget MacBook Neo.

Some MacBooks and iPads are now sold out at Amazon (and other major retailers) following the price hikes. However, many models are still available there at steep discounts. They're not labeled as on sale anymore, but they're significantly cheaper than what the Apple Store is now charging. See: the entry-level iPad, the 11-inch M4 iPad Air, the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air, and the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro.

That ordeal aside, I'm happy (relieved?) to say that the best Prime Day deals on Apple Watches, AirPods, and Apple accessories like AirTags are still holding pretty steady even after the sale. Keep in mind that they probably won't hang around for much longer. Procrastinate at your own risk.

Note: Products marked with a 🔥 are at their lowest-ever price.

Best Prime Day AirPods deal still live

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple AirPods Max 2 🔥

$399 at Walmart
$549 Save $150

 

Get Deal

Apple's stylish over-ear headphones were updated in April with the H2 chip, bringing better noise cancellation and support for software features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Live Translation. They dropped down to just $399 — a 27% savings and their lowest price ever (by a lot). Amazon's stock has sold out at this price, but they're still holding on at Walmart in blue and purple. This is a shockingly good deal, considering the original AirPods Max took several years to hit the same price.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Max 2.

More AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods 4 (pre-owned) — $65 $98 (save $33) at Walmart

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

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $148.99 $179 (save $30.01)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $179 $249 (save $70)

Best Prime Day Apple Watch deal still live

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) 🔥

$279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120

 

Get Deal

The Apple Watch Series 11 dropped to a new record-low price for Prime Day, and the deal is still live. Amazon marked it down to just $279, which is 30% off its usual $399 MSRP. (It was $20 more expensive during Amazon's Big Spring Sale a couple of months ago.) Apple's latest flagship wearable supports features like hypertension notifications and Sleep Score. Compared to its predecessor, it has a more scratch-resistant display and a longer battery life. Choose from two different case and band combinations, but we're sorry to say the new space gray finish is not part of the $279 deal.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 11.

Another Apple Watch deal

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + cellluar, 49mm) — $649 $799 (save $150) 🔥

Best post Prime Day iPad deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB)

$299 at Walmart
$449 Save $150

 

Get Deal

The regular iPad is our favorite Apple tablet for budget buyers and kids. It's got a pretty screen and a six-hour battery life, and it performs on par with some premium Chromebooks we've tested. The base model with 128GB of storage is sitting at $299 at Walmart after Prime Day, which is 33% off its new MSRP of $449. (Pick up an on-sale Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard Folio while you're at it, too.) This deal is sold out at Amazon.

Another iPad deal

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,199.99 $1,499 (save $299.01)

Best Prime Day MacBook deal still live

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $349.01

 

Get Deal

If you need a new laptop that's sleek, portable, and powerful, the latest MacBook Air is sooo easy to recommend. Its thin all-aluminum design (available in four colors) features a haptic touchpad, a 12MP webcam, and a punchy Liquid Retina display. Its M5 chip makes it faster than most Windows laptops in just about any scenario. Most models are out of stock on Amazon in the wake of Apple's price increases, but the starlight 15-inch base model is still in stock at its Prime Day price of $1,149.99 the day after the sale. That's $350 off its newly higher MSRP of $1,499, and $50 away from its record-low price from Memorial Day. You can snag the same deal at Costco sans membership.

Read Mashable's full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.

Another MacBook deal

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $949 $1,299 (save $349.01) at Costco, no membership required

Best after Prime Day AirTag deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple AirTag (2nd Generation), 4-pack 🔥

$89 at Amazon
$99 Save $10

 

Get Deal

Here's our first-ever discount on the second-generation AirTag, Apple's recently updated Bluetooth tracker. It doesn't look any different from the original version that launched in 2021, but it has a louder speaker and a much wider range. Grab an $89 four-pack for the best value (normally $99) — that works out to $22.25 per AirTag. If you only need one or two, you'll pay $24 for them individually after Prime Day (typically $29). Best Buy and Walmart were matching both of those deals, FYI.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirTag 2.

More Apple accessory deals

• Apple AirTag 2 — $24 $29 (save $5) 🔥

• Apple MagSafe Charger — $28 $49 (save $21) 🔥

• Apple Pencil USB-C — $59 $79 (save $20)

• Apple AirTag 1 (4-Pack) — $69.99 $99 (save $29.01)

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

SAVE $100: The Bose Ultra Open earbuds are on sale at Amazon after Prime Day for $199, down from the normal price of $299. Matching the record low price, that works out to a 33% discount.

Bose Ultra Open earbuds

$199 at Walmart
$299 Save $100

 

See It at Walmart See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy

We're officially past Prime Day now. But if you know Amazon, then you know some of the best deals are still live. So, if you're in need of fresh earbuds, you're in luck.

As of June 27, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are still on sale at Amazon for $199, a cool $100 discount from their usual price of $299. This matches the earbuds' record-low price at Amazon. Multiple Mashable reporters have tested these buds, and they've received a unanimous recommendation so far. In fact, this innovative product helped push open earbuds into the mainstream, inspiring a host of imitators. Like bone-conduction products, they also keep you in tune with your surroundings, which makes them popular with runners and athletes.

Open earbuds are a bit of a hybrid design. They're great for people who don't like the feel of something plugging their ears up but also don't like the feel of headphones. Instead, open earbuds sit on the outside of the ear, and according to Mashable's guide to the best open earbuds, the Bose Ultra Open are the best choice if you value comfort and sound.

RJ Andersen's review of the Bose Ultra Open earbuds explains that some of the highlights include excellent battery life, comfort, and sound quality that's better than expected.

Before this Prime Day price expires, snag the Bose Ultra Open earbuds for $199. They're the perfect fit for hot summer days.

The top post-Prime Day headphones deals:

---

Best headphones deal

Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

$378 (save $81.99)

Get Deal

---

Best Headphones Under $200

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

$179.55 (save $120.44)

Get Deal

---

Best Bose headphones deal

Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones

$179 (save $180)

Get Deal

---

Best open earbuds deal

Sony LinkBuds Clip

$178 (save $51.99)

Get Deal

---

Best Headphones Under $100

Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

$99.95 (save $100)

Get Deal

---

Most fashionable headphones

Marshall Major V On-Ear Headphones

$89.99 (save $80)

Get Deal

---

Best Earbuds Deal

Apple AirPods Pro 3

$179 (save $70)

Get Deal

Amazon's twelfth annual Prime Day sale ended on Friday, June 16, but a surprising amount of deals on headphones are still available as of this writing. So, as we head deeper into the post-Prime Day weekend, you still have some time to save on popular headphones from Sony, Bose, Beats, Sennheiser, and more top audio brands. Unfortunately, the popular $399 deal on the Apple AirPods Max 2 headphones is completely sold out — womp, womp.

If you procrastinated on your Prime Day shopping, you can still find tons of our favorite headphones on sale at Amazon, including the latest flagship noise-cancelling headphones. Both the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) headphones are still on sale, as are the mid-range Bose QuietComfort headphones and Sennheiser Momentum 4.

Looking for deals on wireless earbuds? We've included some earbuds (including a lingering deal on the Apple AirPods Pro 3) in this shopping guide, but we also have an in-depth guide to the best Prime Day earbuds deals that are still live.

Please note: Products marked with a ✅ have been tested by a member of the Mashable team.

Best headphones deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Bose

Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones ✅

$179 at Amazon
$359 Save $180

 

Get Deal

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort headphones.

If we had to recommend just one post-Prime Day headphones deal, this would be it. The popular mid-range Bose QuietComfort headphones offer impressive active noise cancellation. On top of that, they have Bose's signature comfortable fit, with a battery life and comfy design that support all-day wear. Down to an all-time low price of $179, you can pick up these cans in a variety of colors.

More headphones deals

• Sony WH-CH520 — $29.99 $69.99 (save $40) ✅

• Soundcore Space One — $66 $99.99 (save $33.99)

• Sony WH-CH720N — $83 $179.99 (save $96.99) ✅

• Marshall Major V — $89.99 $169.99 (save $80) ✅

• Sony ULT Wear — $144.95 $249.99 (save $105.04) ✅

• Beats Studio Pro — $149.95 $199.95 (save $50)

• Nothing Headphone (a) — $151.05 $199 (save $47.95) ✅

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $177.95 $299.99 (save $122.04)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — $198 $399.99 (save $201.99) ✅

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 1) — $269 $429 (save $160) ✅

• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e — $304 $399 (save $95)

• Sony WH-1000XM6 — $378 $459.99 (save $81.99) ✅

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra, 2nd gen — $379 $449 (save $70) ✅

• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 — $429 $479 (save $50)

• Bowers & Wilkins Px8 — $464 $749 (save $285)

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $479 $549 (save $70) ✅

• Bowers & Wilkins Limited Edition Px8 — $479 $749 (save $300)

Best earbuds deal

Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) ✅

$249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) earbuds.

The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds are some of the best I've tried, but even at their sale price, they're a hefty investment. While the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds don't quite match up in sound quality, they still have some of the best noise cancellation available, and are the most comfortable earbuds I've ever tried. For $249 (normally $299), or roughly $17 less, they're the deal to beat this Prime Day.

More earbuds deals

• Anker Soundcore P30i — $23.69 $39.99 (save $16.30) ✅

• SoundPEATS C30 — $27.34 $39.99 (save $12.65)

• SoundPEATS Air5 Pro — $47.49 $79.99 (save $32.50)

• JBL Tune Buds — $39.95 $99.95 (save $60)

• JBL Vibe Beam 2 — $41.99 $64.95 (save $22.96)

• Skullcandy Method 360 — $75.99 $129.99 (save $54)

• Marshall Minor IV — $89.99 $159.99 (save $70) ✅

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

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — $129 $179 (save $50) ✅

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $148.99 $179 (save $30.01) ✅

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $179 $249 (save $70) ✅

• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — $179.95 $249.99 (save $70.04) ✅

• Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 HiFi Earbuds — $219.99 $299.99 (save $80) ✅

• Sony WF-1000XM6 — $265.99 $329.99 (save $64) ✅

• Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 — $449 $499 (save $50)

Best open earbuds deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Sony

Sony LinkBuds Clip ✅

$179 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $50.99

 

Get Deal

Read our full review of the Sony LinkBuds Clip.

Bose was the near-undisputed champion of open earbuds with top-notch sound — that is, until the Sony LinkBuds Clip came along. In my head-to-head testing of the earbuds, I found that while the Bose Ultra Open buds can get louder (an important feature in open earbuds), the clarity and detail of the sound in the Sony buds surpassed that of the Bose. Even though their price discrepancy is only $20 this Prime Day, the sub-$200 price point on the Sony earbuds is hard to pass up.

More open earbuds deals

• Soundcore C50i — $37.98 $69.99 (save $32.01)

• SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro — $39.89 $59.99 (save $20.10)

• SoundPEATS Clip1 — $45.19 $69.99 (save $24.80)

• Baseus Bowie MC2 — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30) ✅

• EarFun Clip 2 — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• JVC Nearphones — $74.09 $119.95 (save $45.86)

• SHOKZ OpenDots One — $139.95 $199.95 (save $60) ✅

• Bose Ultra Open earbuds — $199 $299 (save $100) ✅

The best Prime Day earbud deals that are still live:

---

Best Apple Deal

Apple AirPods Pro 3

$179 (save $70)

Get Deal

---

Best Bose Deal

Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)

$249 (save $50)

Get Deal

---

Best workout deal

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

$179.95 (save $70.04)

Get Deal

---

Best Sony deal

Sony LinkBuds Clip

$178 (save $51.99)

Get Deal

---

Best Budget Earbuds

Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

$39 at Amazon (save $10)

Get Deal

---

Best Mid-Range Earbuds

Apple AirPods 4

$99 (save $30)

Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is over (it officially ended on Friday, June 26), but some of the best wireless earbuds are still on sale for a little while longer. If you're still searching for the perfect pair of noise-cancelling earbuds for your next flight, open earbuds for training this summer, or just a cheap pair of buds to replace your lost AirPods, there's definitely a leftover deal waiting for you.

We've combed through the best Prime Day earbuds deals still live, tracking prices across retailers. As we head into the post-Prime Day weekend, we're still seeing discounts on the Apple AirPods Pro 3, the Sony XM6 noise-cancelling earbuds, as well as budget options like the Soundcore P30i earbuds. Once again, Prime Day (and the days after) is proving to be one of the best — if not the best — times to pick up a new pair of earbuds.

Below, we've rounded up all the best Prime Day wireless earbud deals you can still grab even though the sale is over.

Looking for over-ear headphones? Check out our guide to the best still-live Prime Day headphones deals. And be sure to follow along with all other categories and deals in Mashable's Prime Day hub as we track the best leftover sales.

Best Prime Day earbuds deal still live

Apple AirPods Pro 3

$199 at Walmart
$249 Save $50

 

Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Amazon

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 dropped down to a record low price of $179 ahead of Prime Day, but then the price dropped even lower before the sale's official start. According to the price tracker camelcamelcamel, the Pro 3 buds got down to $169 at Amazon, but in the final hours of the sale, that specific deal left. You can still find them for $179 and in stock at Amazon.

More Prime Day earbuds deals

• SoundPEATS C30 — $27.34 $39.99 (save $12.65)

• Anker Soundcore P31i Earbuds — $36.99 $59.99 (save $23)

• Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds — $39 $49 (save $10)

• SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro — $39.89 $59.99 (save $20.10)

• JBL Tune Buds — $39.95 $99.95 (save $60)

• JBL Endurance Peak 4 — $79.95 $129.95 (save $50)

• Beats Studio Buds + — $89.95 $169.95 (save $80)

• Marshall Minor IV — $89.99 $159.99 (save $70)

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

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — $129 $179 (save $50)

• Nothing Ear (3) Wireless Earbuds — $135 $179 (save $44)

• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — $179.95 $249.99 (save $70.04)

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro — $199.49 $249.99 (save $50.50)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) — $249 $299 (save $50)

• Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 — $449 $499 (save $50)

Best open earbuds deal after Prime Day

Sony LinkBuds Clip

$178 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $51.99

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Read our full review of the Sony LinkBuds Clip.

The Sony LinkBuds Clip give the ultra-popular Bose Ultra Open earbuds a run for their money. In my head-to-head testing of the two pairs of earbuds, I found that while the Bose buds generally lean louder, the Sony earbuds have a more detailed sound profile, making for an overall superior listening experience. They also have a longer battery life, delivering nine hours per charge, while the Bose earbuds deliver seven.

More open earbuds deals

• JBL Soundgear Clips — $94.95 $149.95 (save $55)

• JBL Endurance Zone — $119.95 $179.95 (save $60)

• Bose Ultra Open — $199 $299 (save $100)

A quick look at the best Prime Day deals still live:

---

Best Apple deal

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm)

$279 at Amazon (save $120)

Get Deal

---

Best headphones deal

Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

$198 at Amazon (save $201.99)

Get Deal

---

Best earbuds deal

Apple AirPods Pro 3

$179 at Amazon (save $70)

Get Deal

---

Best Competitor Deal

Ninja Slushi Frozen Drink Maker

$179 at Walmart (save $120)

Get Deal

---

New price drop!

LG C5 Series 65-inch OLED 4K Smart TV

$1,099.99 at Amazon (save $297)

Get Deal

---

Best Deal Under $10

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select

$19.99 with code FTVSELECT (save $20)

Get Deal

---

Best Power Station Deal

Anker Solix C1000 Portable Power Station, 1,800W

$399.99 at Amazon (save $100)

Get Deal

---

Best Open Earbuds Deal

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

$199 at Amazon (save $100)

Get Deal

---

Best post-Prime Day Gaming Deal

Nintendo Switch 2 'Choose Your Game' bundle

$499 at Amazon (1 game included with purchase)

Get Deal

Prime Day 2026 is officially in the rearview mirror, folks. The sale wrapped up at 2:59 a.m. ET on Friday, June 26, but if you thought you missed your chance, you're in luck. A surprising number of discounts are still live for the weekend, including price drops on Apple, Bose, DJI, Dyson, and Samsung products. As of this writing, even the top Prime Day deals on 65-inch OLED TVs are still live.

Note that Apple recently announced price increases on MacBooks and iPads, so taking advantage of these lingering lower prices is a smart move while you still can. (MacBooks are almost completely sold out at Amazon already.)

We're also tracking prices at alternative Prime Day sales from Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and beyond, so we'll be sure to point you toward the lowest possible price, even if it's not at Amazon. And as per usual, we're using price-tracking tools like camelcamelcamel to separate the great deals from the great pretenders. Finally, you can follow our live blog for the most up-to-date price drops, news, and stock alerts, or check out our Prime Day hub for all of our coverage.

Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable editor favorites, and deals marked with a 🔥 are at an all-time low price.

Best Prime Day Apple deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) ✅ 🔥

$279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120

 

Get Deal

We're obviously still hunting for the best lingering Apple deals this weekend, and right now, the entire Apple Watch lineup is sitting at some of its lowest prices. That means you can save $120 on the Apple Watch Series 11, a Mashable Choice product. In his review, Mashable's Stan Schroeder said, "the Apple Watch Series 11 isn't all that different from last year's model, but it has a significantly longer battery life, and that's a huge deal." It's never been cheaper before.

• Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 44mm) — $229 $279 (save $50) ✅ 🔥

• Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) — $279 $399 (save $120) ✅ 🔥

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular) — $649 $799 (save $150) ✅

AirPods deals

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

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $179 $249 (save $70) ✅

iPad deals

Please note: Apple increased iPad prices on June 25. As a result, many Prime Day iPad deals are sold out.

• Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $299 $449 (save $150) — Almost sold out!

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) — $769.99 $899 (save $130) — Almost sold out!

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,199 $1,299 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,319 $1,499 (save $180)

MacBook deals

Please note: Apple increased MacBook prices on June 25. As a result, most MacBooks are now sold out at Amazon; however, you can still find select configurations of the MacBook Neo at Best Buy and Walmart.

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $949.99 $1,299 (save $349.01 at Costco, no membership required)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512B SSD) — $1,149 $1,499 (save $350) — Almost sold out!

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,549 $1,999 (save $450) — Almost sold out!

Best Prime Day headphones deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones ✅ 🔥

$198 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $201.99

 

Get Deal

The best lingering deal on headphones goes to the Sony WH-1000XM5s, an older pair of flagship cans that we still love and recommend. "They [have] unbeatable ANC and sound for the money, and even in 2026, they sound shockingly good," writes Bethany Allard, our resident headphones expert. Normally $399.99, they're still available for $198 — 50% off, and their lowest price ever.

More headphones deals

• Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones — $33 $69.99 (save $36) ✅

• Sony WH-CH720N — $81.95 $179.99 (save $98.04) 🔥

• Beats Solo 4 Wireless Headphones — $99.95 $199.95 (save $100)

• Beats Studio Pro Headphones — $132.05 at Walmart $349.99 (save $217.94) 🔥

• Bose QuietComfort Headphones — $179 $359 (save $180) ✅

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $177.95 $299.99 (save $122.04) 🔥

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 1) — $365 $429 (save $64) ✅

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) — $369 $449 (save $80)

• Sony WH-1000XM6 — $378 $459.99 (save $81.99) ✅ 🔥

More earbuds deals

• Sony WF-C510 — $48 $69.99 (save $21.99)

• Beats Studio Buds + — $89.95 $169.95 (save $80) 🔥

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — $129 $179 (save $50) ✅

• Beats Powerbeats Fit — $159.95 $199.95 (save $40)

• Soundcore Sleep A30 Special — $168.99 $229.99 (save $61) ✅

• Sony LinkBuds Clip Open Earbuds — $178 $229.99 (save $51.99) ✅ 🔥

• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — $179.95 $249.99 (save $70.04) 🔥

• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds — $199 $299 (save $100) 🔥

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50) 🔥

• Panasonic Technics AZ100 — $234.99 $299.99 (save $65) ✅

Best Prime Day DJI deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: DJI

DJI Mini 3 🔥

$269 at Amazon
$419 Save $150

 

Get Deal

DJI's entire fleet of gadgets is still on sale, and this deal on its DJI Mini 3 is a standout. Amazon has it discounted to $269, or 36% off — its lowest price ever. (It was $30 more expensive during Amazon's Big Spring Sale in March.) This lightweight entry-level drone can shoot 4K video and fly for almost 40 minutes on a single charge.

Keep in mind that, thanks to the U.S. drone ban and DJI's problems with the FCC, the company's drones and new releases are sold through third-party sellers on Amazon. Not only that, but now that we're mostly through Prime Day, many DJI drones are out of stock.

More DJI drone deals

• DJI Neo — $139 $199 (save $60) 🔥

• DJI Mini 4K — $209 $299 (save $90)

• DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo — $293.55 $449 (save $155.45)

• DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC) — $339 $549 (save $210)

• DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC) — $449 $719 (save $270)

DJI camera deals

• DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo — $169 $229 (save $60) 🔥

• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Essential Combo — $288 $339 (save $51)

• DJI Osmo 360 Camera — $357.47 $467 (save $109.53) 🔥

• DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo — $512 $629 (save $117) ✅

DJI creator tools on sale

• DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) — $79 $99 (save $20) ✅ 🔥

• DJI Osmo 7P Gimbal Stabilizer — $99 $129 (save $30) ✅

• DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) — $199 $269 (save $70)

• DJI Mic 3 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) — $219 $329 (save $110) 🔥

Best Prime Day kitchen deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Ninja

Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker

$190.07 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $29.92

 

Get Deal

The Ninja Creami ice cream maker is a cult favorite, and also a personal favorite of our shopping team. Mashable reporter Samantha Mangino called this appliance a lot of fun in her review, and a sweltering hot summer is exactly the right time to try it. Grab one while it's on sale and discover why TikTok is still obsessed with this device.

More kitchen deals

• Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer — $59.95 $89.95 (save $30)

• Ninja Blast Max Portable Blender — $69.95 $99.99 (save $30.04)

• Nutribullet Pro+ Personal Blender, 1,200W — $74.99 $134.99 (save $60) ✅

• Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker — $107 $179.95 (save $72.95)

• Ninja Pod and Grounds Single Serve Coffee Maker — $99.98 $129.99 (save $30.01)

• Black+Decker Ice Cream Maker — $169.99 $219.99 (save $50)

• Breville Joule Turbo Sous Vide Machine — $142.45 $249.95 (save $107.70) 🔥

• Ninja Foodi 10-Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer — $169.99 $249.99 (save $80) ✅

• Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker, Oven, and Air Fryer — $179.95 $249.99 (save $70.04)

• Ninja Slushi Frozen Drink Maker — $179 at Walmart $299 (save $120) ✅ 🔥

• Ninja Crispi Pro 6-in-1 Glass Air Fryer — $249.95 $299.99 (save $50.04) ✅

• Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender, 1,500W — $449.95 $629.95 (save $180) ✅

• GE Profile Opal Ultra Nugget Ice Maker — $417.99 $549 (save $131.01)

• Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Outdoor Grill and Smoker — $399.98 $499.99 (save $100.01)

• Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine — $499.95 $692.99 (save $193.04)

Best Prime Day home deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Aiper

Aiper Scuba S1 Robotic Smart Pool Cleaner 🔥

$549 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $350.99

New release

Get Deal

Aiper's new S1 is a smart robot pool cleaner, and it is currently the No. 1 new release in its category at Amazon. That might have something to do with its extended weekend discount. For a little while longer, you can save 39% on this device, which is designed to keep your pool clean. This home robot features 11 different sensors, and you can control it directly via the Aiper app.

More Prime Day home deals

• Waterdrop PT-07B Water Filter Pitcher — $17.99 $19.99 (save $2)

• X-Sense Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo (SC07) — $35.99 $39.99 (save $4)

• Solo Stove Mesa XL — $81.99 $99.99 (save $18)

• Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Personal Fan — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20) ✅ 🔥

• Birdbuddy PRO Solar smart bird feeder — $239 $299 (save $60) ✅

• Shark NeverChange HP152 Air Purifier — $169.99 $249.99 (save $80)

• Kiwibit Smart Bird Feeder with Camera — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium — $209.99 $259.99 (save $50)

• Waterdrop C1H Countertop Reverse Osmosis System — $249 $279 (save $50)

Best Prime Day speaker deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Bose

Bose Soundlink Flex Bluetooth Speaker 🔥

$99 at Amazon
$149 Save $50

 

Get Deal

Bose offered some seriously solid price drops during the main event, and luckily, a few of those discounts are still hanging around for the weekend. You can still grab up to 50% off select headphones and 34% off Bluetooth speakers — including the Soundlink Flex. We've actually reviewed the Soundlink lineup here at Mashable, and the Flex is a waterproof, portable speaker that delivers clear, loud sound without hogging space in your bag. It's a very practical plus-one for whatever summer plans you've got left.

More speaker deals

• JBL Go 4 — $39.95 $49.95 (save $10)

• Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 — $74 $99.99 (save $25.99) ✅

• Ultimate Ears Miniroll Ultra — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30) 🔥

• Sony ULT Field 1 — $78 $139.99 ($61.99)

• Bose Soundlink Plus — $179 $269 (save $90) ✅ 🔥

• Marshall Acton III — $179.99 $299.99 (save $120)

• Sonos Era 100 — $179 $219 (save $40)

• Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable — $248 $348 (save $100) ✅ 🔥

• Bose SoundLink Max — $279 $399 (save $120) 🔥

Best Prime Day TV deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: LG

LG C5 Series 65-inch OLED 4K Smart TV ✅ 🔥

$1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,396.99 Save $297

New price drop!

Get Deal

During the actual Prime Day event, we were pointing folks toward the discount on the Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED TV. But thanks to an extra $100 price drop on the LG C5 Series OLED TV that carried over into the weekend, we have a new top TV pick. LG's C Series models feature bright, crisp displays, and this 65-inch version is currently sitting at its lowest recorded price.

More TV deals

• Hisense 43-inch S5 DécoTV Series — $299.99 $349.99 (save $50) 🔥

• Insignia 50-inch LED 4K Smart Fire TV — $159.99 $299.99 (save $140)

• Samsung The Frame 55-inch QLED Art TV — $697.99 $1,097.99 (save $400) ✅ 🔥

• Roku 65-inch QLED 4K TV — $349.99 $449.99 (save $100) 🔥

• Hisense 65-inch E6 Series QLED 4K Fire TV — $379.99 $478 (save $98.01)

• Hisense 65-inch S7 CanvasTV — $849.99 $1,299.99 (save $400) ✅ 🔥

• Hisense 65-inch U7 ULED 4K Google TV — $849.99 $1,499.99 (save $650) 🔥

• Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K TV — $1,197.99 $1,697.99 (save $500) ✅ 🔥

• TCL QM64L Series 75-inch QLED 4K TV — $749.99 $999.99 (save $250) 🔥 — Almost sold out!

Soundbar deals

• TCL S55H 2.1 Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer — $99.99 $159.99 (save $60) 🔥

• Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar — $198 $299.99 (save $101.99)

• Yamaha True X Bar 50A Dolby Atmos Soundbar — $284.95 $299.95(save $15)

• Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar — $399 $549 (save $150)

• Samsung Q990F 11.1.4ch Q Series Subwoofer + Rear Speaker — $997.99 $1,997.99 (save $250) 🔥

Projector deals

• XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser Portable Projector — $569 $709 (save $140)

• XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser Projector Outdoor Collection — $636 $779 (save $143)

• XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K Projector — $698.97 $899 (save $200.03) 🔥

Best Prime Day robot vacuum deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Eufy

Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop 🔥

$449.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $350

 

Get Deal

Mashable's resident vacuum guru, 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, delivering spotless cleans. Get the Eufy C28 for just $449.99. That's the vacuum's lowest price ever, offering $350 in savings.

More robot vacuum and mop combo deals

• 3i G10+ — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50) ✅

• Dreame L10s Ultra Gen 2 — $399.99 $589.99 (save $190)

• Roborock Qrevo S Pro — $449.99 $699.99 (save $250)

• Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni — $549.99 $899.99 (save $350)

• Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete — $1,344.99 $1,699.99 (save $355) ✅ 🔥

More vacuum deals

• Shark IZ363HT Cordless Vacuum — $199.99 $349.99 (save $150)

• Shark PowerDetect Ultra-Light Corded Stick Vacuum — $229.99 $329.99 (save $100)

• Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Stick Vacuum — $479.99 at Dyson $729.99 (save $250) ✅

Best Prime Day Lego deal

Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon

$67.99 at Walmart
$84.99 Save $17

 

Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Amazon

No guide to the best Prime Day deals would be complete without some great offers on Lego. And according to our biggest Lego nerds, this is the top discount of the sale so far.

We love Star Wars Lego sets, and the Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon is down to $67.99, down from $84.99. That's a 20% discount! And if you're looking for more Lego sets, check out our complete guide to the best Prime Day Lego deals.

More Lego deals

• Lego Lotus Flower — $7.79 $14.99 (save $7.20) 🔥

• Lego Botanicals Happy Plants — $18.39 $22.99 (save $4.60)

• Lego Botanicals Mini Orchid — $23.95 $29.99 (save $6.04) 🔥

• Lego Botanicals Plum Blossom — $23.99 $29.99 (save $60)

• Lego Creator 3-in-1 Colorful Hummingbird — $23.99 $29.99 (save $6)

• Lego Botanicals Flowering Cactus — $24.40 $34.99 (save $10.59) ✅

• Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box — $33.49 $49.99 (save $15.51) ✅

• Lego Botanicals Bonsai Tree — $39.98 $49.99 (save $10.01)

• Lego Botanicals Tiny Plants — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)