TL;DR: Live stream Birrell vs. Pegula in the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There's more top seed action in the first round of the 2026 French Open, with women's No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula taking on Kimberly Birrell. American star Pegula is yet to win a Grand Slam title though the 32-year-old has some momentum in top-level competition after she reached the semi finals of the Australian Open.

Kimberly Birrell has never progressed from the first round at Roland-Garros, so the 28-year-old Australian is sure to give it her all on the court this time around.

If you want to watch Birrell vs. Pegula in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Birrell vs. Pegula for free

Birrell vs. Pegula in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Birrell vs. Pegula in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster Box on sale for $134.99, down from its default $143.95 price.

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Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster Box

$134.99 at Amazon
$143.95 Save $8.96

Get Deal

Magic: The Gathering’s return to Strixhaven is getting cheaper, and Amazon’s latest price puts the 30-pack Play Booster Box at an all-time low price on the site.

As of May 26, Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster Box available for $134.99, down from its usual $143.95 price. With this added 6% discount, you’re saving an extra $8.96 on a 30-pack box — now at its lowest-ever price on Amazon (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel). 

In terms of price per pack, this means you’ll only be paying $4.49 per booster.

This new low for Amazon also only puts it $2.26 over TCGplayer’s $132.73 market price. The dedicated trading card retailer is selling the MTG Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster Box for the same price of $134.99. 

Inside the box, you’re getting 30 Secrets of Strixhaven Play Boosters, each with 14 Magic cards. Each pack includes one to five cards of Rare rarity or higher, three to six Uncommons, five to eight Commons, one Land card, and one Traditional Foil card of any rarity. A Traditional Foil Land also replaces the Land in 20% of boosters. 

One of the best things about these Strixhaven boxes is, of course, the Mystical Archive card in every pack, bringing back an iconic Instant or Sorcery spell from Magic’s history with special art and a showcase frame. Plus, for those new to MTG, Play Boxes like these are perfect for draft nights with friends, building out new decks, or just cracking packs to build out your binder. 

If you’re catching up on other expansions, you can also buy MTG’s 30-pack Edge of Eternities Play Booster Box for just under $145. If you’re a beginner with Magic: The Gathering, you can also get the game’s Final Fantasy Starter Kit for around $20. 

If you’re a Pokémon TCG fan, the newly-announced Pitch Black expansion is available to pre-order at TCGplayer.

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: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box available from $79.99, down from its $93.99 list price.

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Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box

$79.99 at Amazon
$93.99 Save $14

 

Get Deal

As of May 26, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box available from $79.99, with a $14 price cut on its $93.99 list price. The lowest Amazon option we found is sold and shipped by DSTStore, with free delivery listed for June 1-3.

If you’re keen to get yours delivered as soon as possible, Amazon’s featured buying option is higher at $83.90 from BlueProton, with free delivery May 28-30. BlueProton only has one unit left at the time of writing, so another backup is the $83.50 listing from TODeals — which has fastest delivery for as soon as May 27 available. 

On the other hand, if your goal is to get one of these new and sealed ETBs for as cheap as possible, Walmart has the same Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box for $72.99. Over on TCGplayer, Perfect Order ETBs are listed from as low as $75, only slightly higher than its market price of $73.34 and lower than the listed median of $79.99.

No matter where you buy, you’re getting nine Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order booster packs, one full-art foil Tyrunt promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, a player’s guide, six damage-counter dice, one competition-legal coin-flip die, a plastic coin, a collector’s box with six dividers, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. 

Rare and valuable chase cards you can pull include the SIR Meowth ex, Mega Hyper Rare Zygarde ex, the SIR Mega Zygarde ex, Mega Clefable ex, and the SIR Rosa’s Encouragement. 

If it’s the ETB from the latest expansion you’re shopping for, you can still buy the new Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising ETB for under $110 on Amazon. To pay even less for each pack, you can also grab the Chaos Rising Booster Display Box for under $275.

SAVE OVER $40: As of May 26, select models of the Fitbit Versa 4 have been discounted to $154 at Amazon. This is $45.95 off their full price of $199.95.

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Credit: Fitbit

Fitbit Versa 4

$154 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $45.95

 

Get Deal

Memorial Day deals may be winding down, but there are still some offers floating around that are worth grabbing before they're gone for good. For those shopping for a fitness tracker to assist with workout goals this summer, the Fitbit Versa 4 is one deal that's still available at Amazon.

As of May 26, select models of the Fitbit Versa 4 are marked down to $154.

Usually the Fitbit Versa 4 is listed for $199.95, so this is a chance to save $45.95 on a model before its price goes back up. Again, this discount only applies to select models right now — the pink sand/copper rose and black/graphite — but if one of these has been on your radar, this is an excellent opportunity to save on them.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a tracker that writer Lois Mackenzie said is: "The model I recommend to anyone in need of something functional, but also simple and affordable." Not only is this because it has a nice design for showing off on your wrist, but it's also because "In terms of fitness features, the Versa 4 covers all the basics and then some. You get heart rate tracking, step counting, sleep tracking, SpO2 monitoring, stress tracking, and built-in GPS."

It also has a battery life that can keep up with your activities, or just day-to-day tracking, lasting up to six days. And on top of that, it even comes with lifestyle features like the ability to receive notifications, calls, and texts from your phone. Mackenzie says in her review: "When it comes to lifestyle, this is my top pick."

This deal on the Fitbit Versa 4 may not last long beyond Memorial Day. Act fast to save on it at Amazon while select models are still discounted.

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

TL;DR: Live stream Gauff vs. Townsend in the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It may be the 2026 French Open but this first-round matchup is an all-American affair, as U.S. stars Coco Gauff and Taylor Townsend take to the court.

Gauff is the No. 4 seed — not to mention the defending women's French Open champion following her stunning victory last year over Aryna Sabalenka. She's also coming off a loss in the Italian Open final and is now aiming to bounce back with a dominant win over the unseeded Townsend.

If you want to watch Gauff vs. Townsend in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Gauff vs. Townsend for free

Gauff vs. Townsend in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Gauff vs. Townsend in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Auger-Aliassime vs. Altmaier in the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

French-Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime takes to the court today for the 2026 French Open. The 25-year-old is the No. 4 seed following a semi-final at last year's U.S. Open — his best Grand Slam performance so far. Now he's looking to repeat — or improve on — that success at Roland-Garros.

But first he has to get past the unseeded German player Daniel Altmaier. And while Auger-Aliassime is the clear favorite in this first-round matchup, there's no such thing as an easy round when you're playing at this level. Auger-Aliassime will need to put in a top performance to prove he can match the likes of No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner, who bested him at last year's U.S. Open.

If you want to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Altmaier in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Altmaier for free

Auger-Aliassime vs. Altmaier in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Auger-Aliassime vs. Altmaier in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Bouzas in the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 French Open now serving up its first-round action, and Aryna Sabalenka is preparing to dazzle tennis fans with another world class campaign.

The 28-year-old Belarusian is coming off an incredible run, reaching the semi finals of last year's Wimbledon, winning the U.S. Open, and then making the final of this year's Australian Open. She also reached the final of last year's French Open, but the French title has eluded her so far in her career.

As the No. 1 seed, she's expected to power through this first-round contest against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and set her sights on the silverware. But don't count Bouzas out — the 23-year-old Spaniard has shown good form at Grand Slam tournaments and is battling for her first career victory over Sabalenka.

If you want to watch Sabalenka vs. Bouzas in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Bouzas for free

Sabalenka vs. Bouzas in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Sabalenka vs. Bouzas in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Tabur in the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The first round of the 2026 French Open sees Jannik Sinner face off against unseeded Frenchman Clement Tabur.

With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz missing the tournament due to an ongoing wrist injury, Sinner is the favorite to win the whole thing — not to mention the fact that the 24-year-old Italian is the world No. 1 following victories in the 2025 Australian Open and Wimbledon.

The French Open is the only Grand Slam title that Sinner is yet to win — he lost the final against Alcaraz last year — so expect him to bring his A-game this time around.

If you want to watch Sinner vs. Tabur in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sinner vs. Tabur for free

Sinner vs. Tabur in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Sinner vs. Tabur in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Maintaining fitness and health is a constant struggle, with a lazy morning in bed often much more alluring than a sweaty gym session. As such, anything which might help encourage you and keep you on track can make a significant difference.

Here are five fitness gadgets that may help set you up for success in reaching your health goals.

1. WalkingPad C2 foldable walking treadmill

Credit: WalkingPad

Incorporating enough movement into your day can be difficult when you work a desk job. As such, many health-conscious employees who work from home have turned to walking pads, grinding out their daily steps during their daily grind.

The WalkingPad C2 foldable treadmill is a good option to consider for this purpose, especially for anyone working with limited space. Its ability to fold in half means it can be neatly tucked away when not in use — albeit only under furniture that is significantly elevated off the ground. The walking pad measures over five inches (13 centimetres) thick when folded, so storing it under a table may be more realistic than sliding it under a couch. Wherever you position it, the C2's foldable design means it won't have a large footprint of your living space. It also has a set of wheels on one end, so you can move it in front of your TV while you binge The Bachelor.

With a top speed of six kilometres per hour, the WalkingPad C2 comes with a handy three-button remote control for adjusting the pace. It also has an auto mode which ostensibly detects your speed and adjusts accordingly, though Mashable's testing found it felt precarious and accelerated too quickly (which is particularly dangerous considering the C2 has no handlebars). Even so, manual mode is all you really need, and is enjoyable and easy to use. Combined with its ability to fold for storage, the WalkingPad C2 is a tempting choice for apartment dwellers.

WalkingPad C2 foldable walking treadmill

$399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon

2. Xenjoy Cube Cycle

Credit: Xenjoy

While walking pads are a popular option for exercising at your desk, the movement involved can make it difficult to use a mouse at the same time. They're also often louder than ideal if you were simply hoping to watch Netflix to distract you from your cardio.

The Xenjoy Cube Cycle is a compact under-desk exercise bike that addresses both these issues, running practically silently while also allowing for more stability in your upper body. With eight resistance settings, it can be adjusted according to whether you want a quick burst of exercise or a long, gentle session, and has a simple digital speed and distance counter to track your workout. 

In addition to its relatively unobtrusive size, the Xenjoy Cube Cycle's wood-look panelling makes it notably more aesthetically pleasing than other exercise equipment. The underside of its synthetic leather seat is roughly stapled in, which considerably detracts from the luxury feel Xenjoy is aiming for, but fortunately you don't usually see this unless you're moving the Cube Cycle. The bike can be easily relocated by tipping it onto its front wheels and rolling it into place, and doesn't need to be plugged in as its digital counter runs on AAA batteries.

If you're after a hardcore workout, the Xenjoy Cube Cycle may not be for you. But if you just want to get a little extra movement into your day, don't want a large machine clogging up your home, and are concerned about aesthetics, this may be one to consider.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Xenjoy

Xenjoy Cube Cycle

$599 at Xenjoy
$799 Save $200

 

Shop Now

3. Withings Body Scan smart scale

Credit: Withings

One of the keys to good health is consistency. Even so, it's easy to give up when the mirror doesn't seem to be reflecting any impact from your regular workouts. 

Withings' Body Scan smart scale helps address this challenge by measuring your body composition as well as your weight, showing you the progress that may otherwise be hard to see. Using handheld electrodes, the Body Scan utilises bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to determine your percentage of fat and muscle. This means that even if your weight seems stagnant, you can take heart in knowing that your hard work is still paying off in fat loss and muscle gains.

According to Withings, the Body Scan's handheld electrodes make it more accurate than the Body Comp smart scales, which measure body composition using the user's feet. Even so, either set of scales is suitable if you want to track trends in your muscle and fat percentage, which will be the most important data for many users. After all, fitness is a journey, not a destination.

Withings Body Scan smart scale

$399.95 at Amazon
$499.95 Save $100

 

Shop Now at Amazon

4. R.A.D One V2 gym shoe

Credit: R.A.D

Specialised gym shoes aren't technically a workout necessity. Countless people exercise in ratty old trainers every day. Even so, thoughtfully selected footwear can make exercise more comfortable, as well as lower your risk of injury. As such, the R.A.D One V2 shoe is worth your consideration if you're looking to upgrade your gym gear.

Designed specifically for the gym, the R.A.D One V2 has a wide toe box for stability when lifting yet still fits snugly around the heel, offering a secure fit even for those with broader feet. It also has a noticeably grippy sole, ensuring your feet aren’t shifting as you strain yourself under your weights. Such grip makes the R.A.D One V2 particularly suited for activities such as CrossFit, though it's also a decent gym all-rounder.

The R.A.D One V2's aesthetics may not be for everyone, with a contrasting coloured wave pattern along the sides of the shoe. However, choosing a colourway in which the wave is the same colour as the shoe makes this much less ostentatious.

Opens in a new window

Credit: R.A.D

R.A.D One V2 gym shoe

$150

 

Shop Now

5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Credit: Samsung

Fitness trackers have become ubiquitous gadgets for anyone interested in monitoring their health. Most measure data such as your heart rate and the number of steps you take per day, as well as track your exercise and sleep. 

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 does all this, but takes it a step further (no pun intended) by introducing an antioxidant index. This intriguing new feature measures users' carotenoids, which are pigments found in plants. Simply press your thumb to the back of the Watch 8, and its light-activated sensor will detect carotenoids in your skin, offering an indication of whether you're getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet. (Spoiler alert: you probably aren't.)

Skin carotenoids have a high correlation to carotenoids in blood, which is widely used as an indicator of a person's vegetable intake level. Carotenoids' strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects play an important part in slowing aging, as well as cancer and chronic diseases, so you're definitely going to want to make sure you're keeping those levels up.

Though diet is a crucial piece of the health puzzle, it's difficult for fitness trackers to gauge. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8's antioxidant index offers a handy reminder to add more veggies to your plate, and might help make you more mindful of what you eat.

Samsung Galaxy Watch8

$499.99 at Walmart
$793.81 Save $293.82

 

Shop Now at Walmart

UPDATE: May. 25, 2026, 1:46 p.m. AEST This article was originally published August 2025, and has since been updated in May 2026.

SAVE $60: As of May 26, the Jackery Explorer 300 is on sale for $199 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Jackery

Jackery Explorer 300

$199 at Amazon
$259 Save $60

 

Get Deal

The Jackery Explorer 300 is back on sale at Amazon, and this time you can get it for under $200. It's an ideal unit if you're looking for something reliable and portable, and it's great for camping. And as of May 26, it's down to $199.99. That's a saving of $60 on list price.

The Jackery Explorer 300 is a lightweight portable power station, weighing just 7.5 lbs. Despite the weight, it still offers an impressive 292Wh capacity. It also has a useful carry handle, so for on-the-go adventures it's easy to transport with you. It features multiple output options, including 2 AC outlets, a 100W USB-C PD port, 2 USB-A ports, and a 120W car port, with a 300W rated output and 600W surge capability to power devices like laptops and other small electronics.

It's also built with a LiFePO4 battery, so it should last for over 4,000 charge cycles. This translates to a lifespan of around 11 years. It also supports fast solar charging when paired with compatible Jackery panels (these are sold separately). With the unit, you'll get an AC adapter, a car charger cable, and a user guide.

Get this portable power station deal online at Amazon now.

SAVE $302: As of May 26, the Hisense 75-inch E6 Cinema Series is on sale for $497.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Hisense

Hisense 75-inch E6 Cinema Series TV

$497.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $302

 

Get Deal

If your TV is in desperate need of an upgrade, it's a great time to shop deals at Amazon.

As of May 26, the Hisense 75-inch E6 Cinema Series is on sale for over $300 off — buy now for the new price of $497.99. And it'll come well ahead of the World Cup.

As the name suggests, this TV makes everything appear in cinema quality. It has Hi-QLED Color technology that gives incredible visuals and accurate shading. It also supports formats like HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. For a well-rounded experience, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos work together to create a cinematic experience, combining high-quality HDR visuals with immersive audio that makes you feel like you're sitting in a movie theater.

And on the inside, the TV runs on Fire TV. With this you'll get easy access to apps and live channels on one easy-to-navigate home screen. There's also gaming options through the Luna app. And because it's an Amazon system, you'll also get Alexa voice control. The press and ask feature lets you use your voice to search for shows, check sports scores, or manage smart home devices.

Head to Amazon to get this smart TV deal.

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.

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Credit: Dyson

Dyson Supersonic Nural

$349 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.99

 

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Dyson's haircare range goes far beyond the beloved Airwrap. The brand now offers several styling tools aimed at different hair routines, and all with its signature airflow technology. One of these options is the Dyson Supersonic Nural, currently discounted at Amazon.

As of May 26, this hair drying tool is down from $449.99 to $349, saving you over $100. There are two colorways available, but only the amber silk option is discounted to this low price.

The Supersonic Nural is an intelligent hair dryer designed to automatically adjust airflow and temperature as you style. It uses built-in Nural sensors to help optimize the drying experience. It has clever built-in features like the Scalp Protect mode which monitors heat levels and automatically lowers the temperature near the scalp to help maintain a more comfortable drying temperature of 130°F.

It also has attachment learning, a feature which allows the device to remember your preferred heat and airflow settings for each styling attachment so they automatically adjust when next connected.

The dryer includes four heat settings and three airflow speeds, as well as a constant cool shot for setting styles, alongside attachments including the Wave+Curl diffuser, Flyaway attachment, Styling concentrator, Gentle Air attachment, and Wide-Tooth Comb.

You can find this Dyson deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $410: As of May 26, the EF EcoFlow Delta 3 Max is on sale for $789 at Amazon. That's a 34% discount on the list price.

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Credit: EcoFlow

EF EcoFlow Delta 3 Max

$798 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $401

 

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Amazon's Memorial Day sale has come to an end, but there are still some lingering deals hanging around.

The EF EcoFlow Delta 3 Max is one of the best of the bunch at over $400 off on Amazon. As of May 26, you can make it yours for $789, giving you a reliable whole-home power solution for under $800. This even includes a free solar panel with purchase

The Delta 3 Max is a portable power station designed for home backup and off-grid use. It's ready for use in no time at all, with EcoFlow’s X-Stream charging technology allowing it to recharge from 0–80% in just over an hour. It delivers up to 3,400W continuous output in X-Boost mode, so it's able to run high-demand appliances like fridges, or smaller, personal devices like laptops.

It uses a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery designed for up to 10 years of daily use, so it's a valuable investment and one that will last. It's also simple to use, with the assistance of the EcoFlow app. Here you can do things like monitor energy use and adjust charging and discharging settings.

Find this portable power station deal at Amazon now.

TL;DR: Invest wiser with this five-year subscription to Biyond AI-Powered Crypto Analyst, now just $39.99 (reg. $1,404).

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Credit: biyond

Biyond AI-Powered Crypto Analyst: 5-Year Subscription

$39.99
$1,404 Save $1,364.01

 

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Crypto moves fast. Whether you’re new to this world of investing or you just want to better keep up, Biyond can help. It offers AI-powered insights, trading indicators, and expert analysis to help you make smarter decisions.

Right now, you can lock in a five-year subscription to this helpful tool for only $39.99.

Made for both newbies and experienced traders, Biyond makes it easier to navigate the crypto market. From real-time insights and trading indicators to structured strategies, it’s a great tool for making smarter investment choices.

You can access Biyond through a web browser, which works on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices, or via the mobile application, which is coming soon. You’ll also get access to the Biyond Discord community, which provides daily market analysis, a quantitative framework, top trading opportunities, and altcoin coverage.

This five-year subscription to the Biyond Basic Plan lets you continuously improve your portfolio over time. Users are already loving its convenience, gaining insights on the Discord channel, and getting daily information on their favorite coins.

This deal is available to both new and existing users, and you can use it on an unlimited number of devices. You’ll also have access to updates as they happen.

Score this five-year subscription to Biyond AI-Powered Crypto Analyst for only $39.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Two's company, three's a crowd. And in this case, the third wheel in your relationship happens to be lurking in your back pocket. Yep, it's your phone.

We spend a great deal of time thinking about our relationship with our smartphones — our shame-inducing screen time, our inability to watch our favourite TV shows without second-screening, our over-reliance on AI to complete everyday tasks.

But, what about the role our phone plays in our relationships? Is your iPhone inadvertently creating friction in your once-harmonious union? Does your significant other secretly resent just how often you look at your phone when they're talking to you? Does your partner annoy you intensely when they lie in bed and scroll on their phone next to you?

It's no secret that we spend a lot of time on our phones. Research shows that couples spend over a quarter (27 percent) of their time together using their smartphones. Not only that: in the same study, researchers also found that when partners choose to interact with their phone instead of their significant other, it can decrease relationship satisfaction and wellbeing.

The impact of tech on our relationships is something we shouldn't ignore. 35 percent of people say that being on their phone makes them feel less willing to be intimate with a partner, according to research by sex toy brand Lovehoney. For millennials, that figure is even higher — 45 percent of whom feel this way.

I spoke to psychotherapists and couples counsellors to find out which of our phone habits could be damaging our relationships.

Reaching for your phone after sex

Reader: it happened to me. I was lying in bed with a man after getting intimate. We were both naked, our legs entwined. Usually, this is a time for deep chats, laughter, and softness. But, instead of enjoying this moment of tenderness, he reached for his phone and began scrolling. Any closeness that I'd felt in that moment immediately evaporated. The moment was gone.

My experience is not unique — 25 percent of people are reaching for their phone straight after sex, according to Lovehoney research.

Matthew Bernarda, licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) at Twelve South Recovery, advises against using your phone after intimacy. "This is the moment of greatest vulnerability between two partners. When one of them immediately reaches for the phone that moment does not end naturally," says Bernarda. "It is abruptly interrupted. The partner without the phone feels ignored and feels like that moment was less important than the notification that just arrived. Unfortunately, what I see in practice is that that feeling is remembered for a very long time."

Bernarda adds: "The most expensive thing you can give your partner costs nothing. It is your full presence. And ironically the thing that is stealing it fits in your pocket."

Phubbing

The term "phubbing" is a portmanteau of the words phone and snubbing and it refers to the act of ignoring your partner to scroll on your phone instead. Phubbing can show up in various forms: answering phone calls or scrolling on one's phone during a conversation, texting others while you're in the middle of quality time together, or checking social media. You might not even realise you're doing it, but it can leave your partner feeling unimportant, ignored, disconnected and even disrespected.

"Even the smallest distractions from communication can make another person feel ignored," says Bonnie Lambert, LMFT at Crestview Recovery.

Lambert says "partial attention" in relationships can cause problems even if it's unintentional. "It is possible to be physically in one place, but mentally somewhere else, which can slowly erode the emotional bond between people," she says.

Natasha Davalt, licensed associate marriage and family therapist, says "micro-disconnection" is a big problem in relationships. "It is not about a single event, but rather an ongoing one, where a person keeps checking the phone in the middle of a conversation, does not really listen, and responds slowly," says Davalt. "After a while, this will signal to the other person a competition for their attention, thus losing connection."

Checking your partner's phone without permission

Trust is foundational in relationships. Bernarda says reading your partner's messages without permission is the digital version of going through their pockets.

"It ruins trust in a relationship and it shows that the person going through the phone is looking for proof that everything is okay," he says. "But here is the thing. The act of going through the phone is proof itself that something is wrong. And that something has nothing to do with the phone."

Repeated monitoring of a person's online communication is a coercive control behaviour. If you feel unsafe and have been experiencing coercive control, call the National Domestic Violence Helpline (U.S.) 800.799.SAFE (7233). If you're based in the UK, call 0808 2000 247.

Parallel scrolling for hours on end

I happen to be a fan of spending time in companionable silence — that delicious shared quiet where neither person feels the need to talk because you're so comfortable with one another. And sometimes, that harmonious comfort can take the form of parallel scrolling, both of you dissociating as you have a bit of time on TikTok or Insta. In short bursts, it can be lovely.

But clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Glazer, co-founder of U.S. Therapy Rooms, advises against parallel scrolling for hours on end.

"The majority of couples I have worked with as a clinical psychologist did not start out with phone usage as an issue within their relationship; however, it is how many couples will allow themselves to use their phones that may ultimately be the downfall of their relationship," he says.

If parallel scrolling goes on for too long, it allows both individuals to "into separate digital world for hours."

"In psychological terms, parallel scrolling allows the partners to create the illusion of closeness while at the same time decreasing the emotional connection between them," he says. "Over time, many couples begin to stop sharing random thoughts, laughter, or brief periods of intimacy due to the lack of spontaneity created by digital distractions."

Using your phone to avoid conflict

It's not fun having difficult conversations. And for the conflict-avoidants in the room (hi!), our phones can become a crutch; a means to avoid getting into the nitty gritty of it all.

"The phone has also become a shield," says Kendall Maloof, who holds a PhD in clinical psychology and is clinical director at Eagle Creek Recovery. "When partners need to have an uncomfortable conversation, in most cases, one of them reaches for the phone."

Using your phone like this means you're physically present but emotionally unavailable. "What I find interesting as a therapist is that in most cases, the partner who does this is not even aware that they are doing it. It is simply a learned defense mechanism that activates every time the situation becomes uncomfortable," says Maloof.

What to do instead

Now that I've told you what NOT to do, with therapists' advice, it would only be fair to give you some alternatives. Here are a few small, achievable tweaks that can make all the difference in your relationship.

• If you and your partner enjoy parallel scrolling, consider giving yourself a finite window of time before stopping and doing something else.

• Lambert says "one of the healthiest things a couple could do is to find ways to set apart time each day without their phones." You could try not using phones at mealtimes, keeping phones out of the bedroom, or scheduling dedicated quality time sans phones. Davalt echoes this, recommending setting up phone-free periods, even if they're just short breaks.

• After sex, avoid reaching for the phone. Enjoy the closeness between you and your partner.

• If you notice that you've been on your phone a lot, don't beat yourself up. Instead: turn to your partner and ask them a question about your day.

• "When your partner talks to you, physically put your phone down, turn towards them and make eye contact," says Ruta Drungilaite, founder of A Twist of Date, which specialises in creative date night ideas.

• When your partner enters a room or returns home, acknowledge them or greet them instead of continuing to look at your screen, suggests Drungilaite.

• "Say good morning to your partner before you check your phone," Drungilaite adds.

JLo once sang "my love don't cost a thing" (banger). And she was right. Some of the most valuable things in a relationship are time and attention. Give them to your partner, not your phone.

It's so easy to fall in love with online dating. It makes it simple to meet prospective partners with the simple swipe of a finger, and has opened up many sex lives to new possibilities. But let's look on the negative side, too. It's also introduced new ways for bad actors to target and hurt us. As the web's premier adult dating site, AdultFriendFinder is unfortunately rife with various scams and scammers, and while it's easy to have a good time on the site, it's also easy to get into trouble if you're not super vigilant about your AFF activity.

Because AFF contains nudity and encourages its members to get frisky — hey, that's kinda the point of the whole site — it's an especially enticing target for malicious users. The worrying thing is that these attacks are on the up, with so-called "romance scams" now outranking all other types of scams in terms of total reported financial losses, according to figures reported by the Federal Trade Commission.

The first step towards staying safe is to first be aware of your vulnerabilities. Here's a rundown of the five most common AdultFriendFinder scams and how to avoid them.

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Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

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Phishing scams

If you've used the internet before, you've been the target of a phishing scam. That's just a fact. Think of those emails from Google asking you to click a link to reset your password, or the sob stories you get from an unknown email address claiming to be a relative — the ones who just need a little money to out of a fix. These are all examples of phishing attacks, where a bad faith actor pretends to be someone they're not to gain your trust and steal sensitive information for you — or rinse your bank account.

On AdultFriendFinder, bad actors will happily pose as interested singles, casually flirting with you until the moment they decide to ask for money or personal information, or try to get you to visit an off-site link.

Here are the five biggest red flags to help you identify a phishing attack:

• Someone rushes to get you to another off-site destination, which could be a website or a different chat platform like WhatsApp or Telegram.

• They attempt to create a sense of urgency or emergency, often with a sad personal story.

• They randomly request specific personal information about you, whether that's your date of birth or your home address.

• Their profile and/or behavior is "too good to be true," with professional-quality photos and an instantly flirtatious conversation style to win you over.

• They dodge or deny requests to meet in person or verify each other's identities through a video call, and therefore you've never actually seen them.

Identity theft

Unfortunately, between generative AI and the ease with which people can access our personal data, identity theft is now easier than it's ever been. 

On AdultFriendFinder, identity theft scams can work one of two ways: Either the bad actors operate with patience to steal your identity, gradually building a workable profile of you based on your personal details — name, age, location and employment history, and more — as well as the photos and videos they harvest from your profile, or they steal another person's identity to execute a more sophisticated phishing scam on you. 

Your first and best defence against identity theft scams is to strictly limit the amount of personal information you share on your public profile. It's a good idea to give the minimum necessary identifiable details about yourself; so, for example, you can share your first name but should not share your last name or even your initials, and you can mention that you're a lawyer or a doctor but should not share the name of the law firm or hospital that employs you. They can cleverly narrow down the specifics.

Follow these rules closely even in one-on-one conversations. And never assume that the person you're talking to is who they say they are until you have verified that yourself, and strictly ration what information you give out about yourself. 

Bots and self-promoters

The bots and self-promoters are simultaneously the most common scam on AdultFriendFinder and the most harmless. Because it's easy to create profiles on the site, webcam models, some OnlyFans creators and other sex workers use the site to promote their pages, usually via chat bots. These scams aren't particularly sophisticated: The person uses their real photos in their profile but engages AI to actually talk to other users, usually to send them to an outside link like an Instagram, OnlyFans or Telegram channel related to their business, and while they're typically harmless, they're also a major waste of your time. Just in case you're tempted to check their links, remember to do your due diligence before clicking on the link, as it's easy to hide malicious links inside shortened URLs. 

These self-promoting accounts are also typically easy to spot. Their photos are typically very airbrushed and professionally shot and staged, and their conversation rarely goes far beyond "hello" before they start plugging their side hustle. You're better off just ignoring these profiles entirely, but if you do take a shot on speaking to one, definitely end the engagement once they start sharing off-site links with you. 

Pay-to-play scams

There are plenty of legitimate online businesses that would be happy to exchange your money for kinky chats, webcam shows, or custom photos and videos, but be wary of anyone offering those services on AdultFriendFinder.

Even if you're willing to buy sexual content or tip a webcam model, AFF was not designed to be a sex work platform, and all of the buyer protections that exist on sites like OnlyFans or Chaturbate are absent from AdultFriendFinder, which means if the model or sex worker wants to take your money and run, you'll have no recourse to protect yourself. 

Blackmail aka "sextortion"

The worst, most pernicious and potentially most damaging scams run on AdultFriendFinder relate to blackmail, or what is colloquially known as "sextortion." This is possible because the site encourages nudity and other forms of sexually explicit content. This also leaves users vulnerable to blackmail attempts. For instance, are you using the site without your spouse's knowledge or consent? And how would your employer or your customers react if your private photos and videos were leaked? 

Bad actors know full well the damage this kind of thing can do to your reputation, your marriage or professional life, and they will seek to use any possible leverage to use this to blackmail you. 

Does this mean you can't use AdultFriendFinder or shouldn't engage in some of the more risqué activities it offers? Of course not! But we do encourage you to use it responsibly and maintain a constant awareness of what you're sharing and with whom you're sharing it. And don't forget: If you do experience any sort of sextortion, you should know that it's a crime and should be reported to law enforcement.

The European Union (EU) may be gearing up to hit Google with a massive multimillion-euro fine for antitrust violations. The tech giant could be facing a penalty in the high hundreds of millions of euros, according to sources speaking to the German newspaper Handelsblatt.

The final decision will reportedly rest with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and is expected to be announced before the European Commission's summer recess. The Commission typically goes on break in late July through to August, operating with a skeleton staff during this period.

Google's parent company, Alphabet, is accused of violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA), an EU law regulating large platforms that provide "core" services. This includes app stores such as Google Play as well as online search engines such as Google Search.

The European Commission initially opened an investigation into Alphabet in March 2024 and released its preliminary findings a year later. The investigation found that Google Search unfairly favors Alphabet's own services over those of rivals, and that Google Play prevents app developers from directing users to other platforms. As such, Alphabet failed to comply with DMA. 

The company was then given the opportunity to respond to these findings or face potential non-compliance proceedings.

"Let me be clear: Our main focus is creating a culture of compliance with the Digital Markets Act," the Commission's Teresa Ribera said in a statement at the time. "Non-compliance proceedings are reserved for situations where attempts at dialogue have not been successful."

Unfortunately, the solutions Google has proposed thus far have failed to address the issue to the Commission's satisfaction. The Commission did grant Google additional time to develop stronger proposals earlier this month. However, Handelsblatt's report suggests that the company still hasn't provided an adequate response. If the Commission does proceed with fining Google, it will reportedly be the largest penalty ever imposed for violating the DMA.

For its part, Google claims that the actions it has been forced to take in response to the Commission's findings have negatively impacted the product it offers in the EU.

"The changes we've already made to Search under the DMA represent the ​biggest downgrade in the product's history, creating a ​second-rate experience ⁠for Europeans to the benefit of a few self-interested complainants," a Google spokesperson told Reuters.

This is far from the first time Google has fallen afoul of the EU's antitrust laws. The tech giant has previously faced scrutiny from the EU on a plethora of matters, including its search engine, restrictions on other phone designers, advertising business, and AI overviews.

Electric vehicle fans, rejoice: Ferrari is now officially on board.

On Monday, the company announced its first-ever electric vehicle, the Ferrari Luce, and reader, this is not your typical Ferrari.

The Luce has been co-designed by Sir Jony Ive (the guy behind the design of at least a dozen iconic Apple gadgets, including the iPhone) and legendary industrial designer Marc Newson, the two heads of the LoveFrom creative collective.

It looks like a sports car from a certain angle, in a certain light. Credit: Ferrari

And it shows. The Ferrari Luce doesn't have the aggressive lines you'd typically see on a Ferrari; it's all rounded corners, soft edges and pastel colors, with only the massive yellow brake calipers and Ferrari badge betraying its true nature. Ferrari says the Luce has "by far" the lowest drag coefficient in the company's history, it's actually unusually tall for a Ferrari, somewhere between an SUV and a sedan. It's going to be a head-turner in more ways than one, and judging by some of the early reactions from Ferrari fans, not everyone will be happy about the design.

Well this is...pleasant. Credit: Ferrari

If you look at it from a certain angle, it can look a bit sporty from the outside. But step inside, and, frankly, it's tamer than a Kia. Again, rounded corners and soft edges dominate the interior, and the only thing that looks like it belongs in a sports car is the steering wheel. Ferrari calls this car a "new chapter" for the company, and it certainly is different. At least the trunk, at 597 liters of capacity, is big enough for a family of four.

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No need to worry about performance, though. This thing has 1,035 horsepower and it will go from 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 310 km/h, while still maintaining a very decent range of 530 kilometers or more.

The Luce is powered by a 122 kWh battery and four electric engines, one per each wheel, which enabled the company to do some things that can't be accomplished in a typical petrol-powered sports car. Ferrari said the car's development included more than 60 new patents, and some of the techy highlights include the ability to control each wheel's motion in every direction, an active suspension system that's derived from the Ferrari F80, and a new Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), a control centre that handles the powertrain and the driving dynamics.

The design includes lots of Corning Gorilla Glass. Credit: Ferrari

Ferrari also put great care into making the car sound authentic, though this is a bit hard to image from the press release alone. We're quoting Ferrari here: "A precision accelerometer at the centre of the axle captures the dynamic texture and vibration of the rotating components while the sound waves are moving. Developed in-house and patented, this system filters, equalises and amplifies the signal in a similar way to an electric guitar, but only when functional to the driving experience." Alrighty, then.

While the Ferrari Luce doesn't look like a raging speed demon, it does carry the price of one — starting at €550,000 (about $639,907) in Italy, though U.S. pricing hasn't been announced yet. Production should begin in late 2026, with deliveries starting in early 2027.

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, May 26, 2026:

Across

Unit of scissors, underwear or AirPods

• The answer is Pair.

Rabbit relative

• The answer is Hare.

The circled letters in this puzzle, e.g.

• The answer is Drops.

Justice Sotomayor

• The answer is Sonia.

Letters in a Big Apple address

• The answer is NY NY.

Down

High degrees, for short

• The answer is PHDs.

Quarterback Rodgers

• The answer is Aaron.

A hardware store with a broken doorknob is an example of it

• The answer is Irony.

Affix again, as the tail on the donkey

• The answer is Repin.

"Hey, I just thought of something ..."

• The answer is Say.

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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require knowledge of basketball.

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

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

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

What is Connections: Sports Edition?

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Poker essentials

• Green: Regionally specific

• Blue: Collegiate athletics leaders

• Purple: Almost legends

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Card suits

• Green: Chicago teams

• Blue: SEC men's basketball coaches

• Purple: Basketball hall of famers, minus a letter

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #610 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Card suits: CLUB, DIAMOND, HEART, SPADE

• Chicago teams: DEPAUL, FIRE, SKY, WHITE SOX

• SEC Men's basketball coaches: CALIPARI, OATS, PEARL, POPE

• Basketball hall of famers, minus a letter: DIVA, GARNET, WAD, WORTH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easy difficulty hints, answers for May 26 Pips

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

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for May 26 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for May 26 Pips

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.

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

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

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hurdle Word 1 hint

To write.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

DRAFT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A covering.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SHAWL

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

An idiot

Hurdle Word 3 answer

TWERP

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Wooly.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

HAIRY

Final Hurdle hint

Sour.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

TANGY

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 competitive.

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

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

What is Connections?

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

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

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Winnings

• Green: Topic

• Blue: Old-school films

• Purple: Same letters

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Championship awards

• Green: Matter at hand

• Blue: '80s comedies

• Purple: Anagrams

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 #1080 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Championship awards: CUP, MEDAL, PENNANT, RING

• Matter at hand: CONCERN, FOCUS, POINT, SUBJECT

• '80s comedies: AIRPLANE, BIG, CLUE, TWINS

• Anagrams: ENLIST, LISTEN, SILENT, TINSEL

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 outdoorsy.

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: On the nature trail

The words are related to the outdoors.

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Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe natural surroundings.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Scavenger Hunt.

NYT Strands word list for May 26

• Pawprint

• Feather

• Daisy

• Scavenger Hunt

• Puddle

• Moss

• Acorn

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 a homebody.

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:

Sofa.

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Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter C appears twice.

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...

COUCH

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Your search for an affordable laptop ends here with this ASUS Chromebook CM30, on sale now for just $149.99 (reg. $369.99).

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Credit: 203 Trading LLC

ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024) Detachable Touchscreen 8GB RAM 128GB eMMC (Refurbished)

$149.99
$369.99 Save $220

 

Get Deal

Some laptops are built to be workhorses. But if you’re looking for one that easily transitions from your work day to mindless scrolling, that’s the ASUS Chromebook CM30. This multi-tasking device goes from laptop to tablet in seconds thanks to a detachable touchscreen, and right now it’s on sale for just $149.99.

We could all use a break every now and then. The ASUS Chromebook makes it easy to sneak in a little “me time,” with a detachable touchscreen that makes it easy to switch from laptop to tablet.

Whether you’re sneaking in a Netflix session during a busy work day or you like to unwind with some mindless scrolling after hours, this Chromebook lets you knock it all out on one device.

Not only does this Chromebook make life more convenient, but it’s also power-packed, too. A MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor and 8GB of RAM provide smooth multitasking, while 128GB of eMMC storage gives you enough space to save your important files.

This Chromebook runs on Chrome OS, so you can download all your go-to apps. It’s also equipped with dual 5MP cameras on the front and rear, so you can snap pics or video chat with loved ones. And when you’re tired of using the touchscreen, a built-in push-pop stylus is available when you need it.

Made from a military-grade aluminum chassis, so you can rest easy knowing the ASUS Chromebook CM30 is durable. When fully charged, you can also enjoy an impressive 12-hour battery life.

You’re saving $220 thanks to this model’s Grade A refurbished rating, which means it will arrive in near-mint condition with minimal to zero scuffing while you enjoy the deep discount.

Act fast to snag your own ASUS Chromebook CM30 for only $149.99 while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Top Memorial Day Apple Deals at a glance:

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Best Overall

M5 MacBook Air, 13 inches (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$899 (save $200 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best AirPods Deal

Apple AirPods 4

$99 (save $30 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best AirPods Pro Deal

Apple AirPods Pro 3

$199 (save $50 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best Past-Gen Deal

Apple iPad Air, 11 inches (A16, 128GB)

$299 (save $50 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best Deal at Best Buy

Apple iPad Air, 11 inches (M4, 1TB)

$799 (save $300 at Best Buy)

Get Deal

---

Best Apple Watch Deal

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm)

$299 (save $100 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best Beats Deal

Beats Studio Pro Noise-Cancelling Headphones

$249.95 (save $100.04 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best MagSafe Accessory deal

Anker Nano MagSafe Portable Charger

$45.99 (save $9 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Honorable Mention

Belkin 3-in-1 MagSafe iPhone Charger

$66.49 (save $53.41 at Amazon)

Get Deal

I'm Mashable's Tech Editor, and I drew the short straw as the editor on call for Memorial Day. But I'm kind of glad I did, because we spotted an unexpected price drop on the new M5 MacBook Air.

In my review of the latest MacBook Air, I said that this is a pretty much perfect laptop, though I wasn't in love with the price. So, with the new record-low price of just $899 at Amazon, the MacBook Air just erased my one and only gripe. In the days of RAM-ageddon, this is a phenomenal price — and it's not the only Apple product on sale today.

At Best Buy, you can pick up previous-gen iPad Airs starting at $499, or save $300 on the M5 iPad Airs with 1TB of memory. At Woot, you can score a 4-pack of the original AirTags for only $59.99. And at Amazon, Prime Members can save $50 on iPads and AirPods.

Get your clicking and scrolling fingers ready as we break down the best Memorial Day Apple deals, with big savings on Apple AirPods, MacBooks, AirTags, iPads, and Beats headphones.

Best Apple Deal: M5 MacBook Air

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Credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Air, 13 inches (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$899.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $200

 

Get Deal

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Credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Air, 15 inches (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $200

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

As we mentioned above, we weren't expecting this one. We were excited when the newest MacBook Air dropped to $949, but as Memorial Day weekend draws to a close, this sleek Apple laptop just hit its lowest-ever price: $899. With the lightning-fast M5 chip, Apple's famous Liquid Retina display, powerful and well-balanced speakers, and a svelte form factor, I think this is the best laptop in the world for the money, full stop.

With a worldwide memory shortage causing tons of price hikes in the laptop space, I highly recommend jumping on this price while you still can!

More Memorial Day deals on Apple products:

• Anker Nano MagSafe Portable Charger — $45.99 $54.99 (save $9)

• Apple AirTag 4-pack (1st Gen) — $59.99 $99 (save $39.01 at Woot)

• Belkin 3-in-1 MagSafe iPhone Charger — $66.49 $119.99 (save $53.41)

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

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Beats Studio Pro Noise-Cancelling Headphones — $249.95 $349.99 (save $100.04)

• Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 42mm) — $299 $399 (save $100 at Amazon and Walmart)

• Apple iPad, 11 inches — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple Watch Ultra 2, Refurbished — $399 $799 (save $400)

• Apple iPad Air, 11 inches (M3, 128GB) — $499 $599 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Air, 11 inches (M4, 1TB) — $799 $1,099 (save $300 at Best Buy)

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inches (M5, 256GB) — $899 $999 (save $100)

Hyundai is recalling thousands of standard and hybrid vehicles after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) discovered a dangerous software glitch.

According to a May 19 safety recall report, software powering the vehicles' front cameras may inadvertently cause the forward collision-avoidance system to activate. In other words: The car could suddenly brake too early or without cause, leading to potentially serious crashes. The report documented 376 reports of unexpected braking between October 2024 and April 2026.

The software bug was found in more than 421,000 vehicles manufactured by the company since 2024, so Hyundai drivers who recently purchased a vehicle should see if their car is affected.

Which Hyundai cars are being recalled?

The recall applies to 2025-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and Tucson models, including both standard fuel and hybrid options. The list includes both the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid.

How do I know if my car has been recalled?

Owners of recalled vehicles will be notified by NHTSA mail by July 17. If you are uncertain if your vehicle is part of the recall, you can search the NHTSA recall database using your car's vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate.

Drivers can also take their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer to update their vehicle's software, the NHTSA says.

Are other vehicles affected?

The NHTSA issued 19 total recalls across Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, Tesla, Honda, and General Motors (as well as other manufacturers) for a variety of issues. Additional Hyundai models — including 2024-2026 Elantra Hybrid vehicles and Hyundai's 2025 Ioniq 5 and 2026 Ioniq 9 electric vehicles — also made the list.'

SAVE $120: As of May 25, you can buy the Bose QuietComfort headphones on sale at Amazon for $229. That's a 36% discount on its usual $359 price tag. You can also grab the limited-edition Cypress Green color for only $209.

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Credit: Bose

Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones

$229
$359 Save $130

 

Get Deal

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Credit: Bose

Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones (cypress green)

$209 at Amazon
$359 Save $150

 

Get Deal

While there's no denying that the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are some of the best (if not the best) noise-cancelling headphones on the market, their more basic sibling, the regular QuietComforts, are still pretty awesome. In fact, Mashable Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino said they're her "all-time favorite headphones," and she's tested a ton. They're also significantly cheaper than the Ultras — especially now that they're on sale for Memorial Day.

As of May 25, the Bose QuietComfort noise-cancelling headphones are just $229 at Amazon. That's $130 or nearly 40% off their list price of $359. While that's not the lowest price we've ever seen for these cozy cans, it's still an excellent deal on above-average noise-cancelling headphones that check all the right boxes. Not to mention, every color option is on sale for once. You can even grab the green pair pictured in this article for only $209.

The basic QuietComforts will still deliver impressive noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, rich audio, intuitive controls (which Mangino counts as a huge perk), and up to 24 hours of battery life. The only drawbacks are that you won't get spatial audio or more advanced AI features in the app. As Mangino writes in her review, "The average person will be more than satisfied with the headphone's full, rounded sound."

If you're looking to upgrade your headphones, but don't want to spend $400 or more, we can't recommend the $229 Bose QuietComfort headphones enough.

Find this Bose headphones deal at Amazon now.

The best Memorial Day 2026 deals at a glance:

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Best Apple Deal

Apple AirPods Pro 3

$199 (save $50 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best Amazon deal

Ninja Slushi

$259 (save $90.99)

Get Deal

---

Best TV deal

Toshiba 65-inch C350 LED 4K Fire TV

$264.99 (save $265)

Get Deal

---

Best tech deal

Bose QuietComfort headphones

$229 (save $120)

Get Deal

---

Best home deal

Ruggable

save up to 25% sitewide

Shop Now

---

Best Anker Deal

Anker USB-C Display Charger, 45W

$27.99 (save $12)

Get Deal

---

Best Outdoor Deal

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Power Station

$449 (save $350 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best Amazon Device Deal

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus

$29.99 (save $20 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best Memorial Day Deal Under $50

Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones

$36.95 (save $33.04)

Get Deal

---

Best Gaming Deal

Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor

$279.99 (save $120 at Amazon)

Get Deal

We're already on the final day of the long Memorial Day weekend, and that means it's time to shop for last-minute deals. If you've spent the weekend outside with friends, wind down by browsing some of the best deals we could find. It's possible we won't see prices like this again until Prime Day in June.

The final hours of Amazon's sale can save you up to 40%. And there are also plenty of savings from other online shopping destinations, with deals on products such as mattresses, TVs, furniture, and outdoor patio items. Plenty of brands are getting in on MDW action — you can grab the Dyson Airwrap i.d. for $150 off and the Bose QuietComfort headphones for $120 off.

We'll be updating all the best Memorial Day deals throughout the day, so be sure to keep checking back on this page for the biggest and best savings.

Best Memorial Day Amazon deals

Ninja Slushi

$259.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $90

 

Get Deal at Best Buy Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

What says start of the summer better than slushies on demand? When Mashable's Leah Stodart reviewed the Ninja Slushi, she pointed out the merits of the Slushi over a regular blender: no ice is required, and it keeps drinks frozen while in its cooling cylinder. From cola slushies to frosé, this might just be the ultimate summer drink machine. It has some downsides (sugar-free beverages are a no-go), but if you're a frozen drink enthusiast, this deal is worth a closer look.

More Amazon deals

• Nekteck Massage Gun — $19.95 $45.99 (save $26.04)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model) — $21.99 $34.99 (save $13)

• Stanley Quencher ProTour (40 ounces) — $33.75 $45 (save $11.25)

• Acer USB-C docking station — $34.98 $47.99 (save $13.01)

• Anker Zolo magnetic power bank — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• LifeStraw Personal Water Filter — $51.90 $59.95 (save $8.05)

• Shokz OpenMove — $54.95 $79.95 (save $25)

• Levoit Tower Fan for Bedroom — $54.96 $74.99 (save $20.03)

• Coop Original Adjustable pillow (queen size) — $71.20 $89 (save $17.80)

• TP-Link Deco 7 BE25 (3-pack) — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Bose QuietComfort headphones — $229 $349 (save $120)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248 $399.99 (save $151.99)

• Ninja Slushi — $259 $349.99 (save $90.99)

• Ninja FrostVault Cooler — $279.99 $349.99 (save $70)

• Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor — $279.99 $399.99 (save $120)

• Oakley Meta HSTN Smart AI Glasses — $383.20 $479 (save $95.80)

• Sonos Move 2 — $399 $499 (save $100)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station — $449 $799 (save $350)

• Anker SOLIX C1000 portable power station — $449.99 $499.99 (save $50)

• Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G6 Gaming Monitor — $479.99 $599.99 (save $120)

• Dyson Airwrap i.d. — $499.99 $649.99 (save $150)

• Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar — $899 $1,099 (save $200)

Best Memorial Day TV deals

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Credit: Toshiba

Toshiba 65-inch C350 LED 4K Fire TV

$264.99 at Best Buy
$529.99 Save $265

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

Best Buy and Amazon have been racing to match prices on this Fire TV. Best Buy was initially $75 cheaper than Amazon, so Amazon dropped its sale price to keep pace. But that's only a piece of the picture, demonstrating just how good this deal is. Our resident TV expert, Leah Stodart, pointed out that this $264.99 price point is so good that it's less than the sale price of the 43-inch version of Amazon's most basic Ember 4K Fire TV. In other words, if you're looking to score a solid deal on a smart TV this Memorial Day, this could be the one for you.

More TV deals

43-inch to 50-inch TVs

• Hisense 43-inch E6 Cinema QLED 4K TV — $209.99 $349.99 (save $140)

• Amazon 43-inch Ember 4-Series 4K TV — $269.99 $329.99 (save $60)

• Amazon 50-inch Ember QLED 4K TV — $419.99 $479.99 (save $60)

• Hisense 50-inch S7 Canvas QLED 4K TV — $798.99 $1,299.99 (save $501)

55-inch TVs

• Insignia 55-inch F50 LED 4K TV — $199.99 $349.99 (save $150)

• Hisense 55-inch E6 Cinema QLED 4K TV — $278.99 $429.99 (save $151)

• Hisense 55-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $399.99 $549.99 (save $150)

• TCL 55-inch QM6K Mini-LED 4K TV — $499.99 $799.99 (save $300)

• Hisense 55-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $599.99 $849.99 (save $250)

• LG 55-inch B5 OLED 4K TV — $799.99 $1,499.99 (save $700)

65-inch TVs

• Pioneer 65-inch 4K Roku TV — $249.99 $499.99 (save $250)

• LG 65-inch 70A QNED AI 4K TV — $429.99 $579.99 (save $150)

• Hisense 65-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $547.97 $679.90 (save $131.93)

• Samsung 65-inch Q8F QLED 4K TV — $597.99 $899.99 (save $302)

• TCL 65-inch QM6K Mini-LED 4K TV — $649.99 $999.99 (save $350)

• Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $949.99 $1,499.99 (save $550)

• Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas QLED 4K TV — $1,099.99 $1,999.99 (save $900)

• Samsung 65-inch S95F OLED 4K TV — $2,199.99 $2,599.99 (save $400)

• Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD-OLED 4K TV — $2,598 $3,299.99 (save $701.99)

70-inch TVs and up

• Pioneer 70-inch 4K Roku TV — $319.99 $509.99 (save $190)

• Insignia 75-inch QF QLED 4K TV — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)

• Hisense 75-inch E7 Mini-LED 4K TV — $749.99 $1,299 (save $549.01)

• TCL 75-inch QM6K Mini-LED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,299.99 (save $400)

• Hisense 85-inch U6 Mini‑LED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,999.99 (save $800)

• TCL 85-inch QM6K Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,999.99 (save $800)

• LG 77-inch B5 OLED 4K TV — $1,499.99 $2,399.99 (save $1,500)

• Sony Bravia 5 85-inch Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,798 $2,999.99 (save $601.99)

Best Memorial Day mattress deals

• Avocado: Get up to 20% off organic mattresses, bed toppers, and bedding.

• Amerisleep: Get up to $1,000 off all mattresses and 40% off bundles

• Bear: Get 35% off sitewide, plus $275 worth of free accessories

• Casper: Get up to 30% off select mattresses and 35% off bundles

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

• Purple: Get up to $900 off a mattress and a base

• Helix: Get 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY25

• Leesa: Get 30% off select mattresses

• Mattress Firm: Get up to 60% off select mattresses with queens starting at $189.99

• Nectar: Get up to 50% off select mattresses and 66% off bundles

• Saatva: Save up to $650 on mattresses, including the Saatva Classic and Memory Foam Hybrid mattresses

• Serta: Save up to $600 on select mattress and adjustable base sets

• Sleep Number: Save up to $1,200 on ClimateCool and ComfortNext mattresses, BOGO free Ultimate Shape Pillows, and BOGO 50% off sheets

• Tempur-Pedic: Save 40% on the Tempur-Cloud Mattress or up to $500 on adjustable mattress sets, plus free gifts

Best Memorial Day home deals

• Brooklinen: Refresh your bedding for summer with 25% off sitewide

• Buffy: Save up to 25% sitewide

• Caraway Home: Save up to 30% on cookware and bakeware

• Cozy Earth: Save 20% sitewide or 25% when you buy three or more items

• Crate & Barrel: Save up to 60% on rugs, 35% on kitchen brands, and 30% on furniture

• Cuisinart: Save 15% on $99.95+, 20% on $149.95+, and 25% on $249.95+

• Dyson: Save up to $290 on Dyson vacuums and floor cleaning appliances

• Home Depot: Save up to 40% on select appliances, 20% on select patio furniture, and up to $175 off on select tools now through May 27

• Joybird: Take up to 45% off on bestselling furniture and up to 35% off sitewide through May 25

• KitchenAid: Save up to 25% on select countertop appliances

• Kohl's: Save up to 50% sitewide on clothes, kitchen appliances, bedding, patio furniture, and more

• Lego: Spend $100 and get a free duck family Lego set

• Lovesac: Save 40% sitewide through May 31

• Lowe's: Save on appliances, grills, patio furniture, gardening supplies, and more through June 3

• Mellow Sleep: Get $20 off $100, $50 off $200, or $100 off $300

• Nest New York: Save 25% sitewide with code 25OFF

• Parachute: Save 25% sitewide plus 30% on bundles

• Pluto Pillow: Save 15% with code MEMDAY

• Ruggable: Save up to 25% sitewide

• Rugs Direct: Save up to 80% sitewide on brands like Safavieh, Chris Loves Julia, Loloi, Rifle Paper Co., and Rugs USA

• SharkNinja: Save up to 30% on Ninja kitchen appliances and Shark vacuums, hair tools, and fans

• Target: Target's Hello Summer Sale brings deals on summer favorites, including up to 20% off kids' outdoor toys and up to 45% off patio furniture and garden essentials

• Wayfair: Save up to 70% sitewide

Best Memorial Day tech deals

• Best Buy: Save on TVs, Apple products, laptops, monitors, Sony cameras, Bluetooth speakers, and more

• BJ’s Wholesale Club: Get up to 50% off TVs and electronics, 25% off mattresses, and 15% off home and kitchen

• Brick: Save 15% on one Brick and 20% on two Bricks

• HP: Save up to 72% on OmniBook laptops, Omen gaming PCs, All-in-One desktops, and more

• Lenovo: Save up to 30% on ThinkPad, Yoga, ThinkBook, IdeaPad, and Legion laptops

• LG: Save up to 44% on TVs, 40% on monitors, and up to 58% on appliances

• Tile: Save up to 40% on trackers

• Sonos: Save up to 25% on smart speakers, soundbars, and subwoofers at Sonos and Amazon.

• TP-Link: Save up to $220 on select products, including the Tapo C460 (4-Pack) + H500, plus get an additional 10% off sitewide with code USA10

Best Memorial Day beauty deals

• Dyson: Save up to $150 on the Dyson Airwrap i.d., Airstrait, and Supersonic Nural

• FabFitFun: Save 40% on your first box, plus get a free Vacation bonus box ($250 value) with an annual membership signup

• L'ange: Save up to 44% on select tools with code MEMORIAL, plus an extra 15% off your entire order with code EXTRA15

Best Memorial Day outdoor deals

• Bote: Save 15% sitewide

• Columbia: Save up to 40% on "almost everything"

• Dick's Sporting Goods: Save up to 50% on bikes, kayaks, tents, grills, and golf gear, save up to to 40% on Nike and adidas

• Huffy: Save 25% on select bikes

• Gozney: Take up to $100 off select ovens and up to 20% off accessories

• HOVERAir: Save up to 47%

• REI: Take up to 50% off during the REI Anniversary Sale

• Rumpl: Save 25% sitewide

• Shibumi: Spend $350 to get a free $50 gift card

• Solo Stove: Save 15% on select fire pits and pizza ovens

SAVE UP TO 20%: The Brick is on sale for $50.15, down from the normal price of $59. That's a 15% discount. Two Bricks are on sale for $94.40, down from $118, for a 20% discount.

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Credit: Brick

The Brick

$50.15 at Brick
$59 Save $8.85

 

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For those who are hoping to spend the summer outside with friends or indoors becoming an expert on a new hobby, spending hours scrolling on a phone isn't part of that plan. If you tend to spend hours unintentionally scrolling instead of doing the productive stuff, The Brick could help. Lucky for us, it's on sale for Memorial Day.

As of May 25, the Brick is on sale for $50.15, down from the normal price of $59. That's a 15% discount that takes $8.85 off the price. Save even more by buying two Bricks, which are on sale for $94.40, down from $118, for a 20% discount.

According to Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino, The Brick taught her how to be bored again. In her full review of the Brick, she said it's the only thing that's managed to cut her screen time in half.

The Brick works via its app. From there, you select which phone apps to lock by tapping your phone against the Brick. Those apps then unlock when you tap your phone to the Brick again. Mangino puts her Brick on the refrigerator, locking her out of apps she doesn't want to use unless she walks to the fridge to unlock them.

"That small physical element makes a world of difference," explained Mangino. "When I'm lounging on the couch in the evening and want to scroll through Instagram, even though I'm already watching a show, knowing I'd have to get up to un-Brick my phone is enough to deter me from scrolling."

Unlike many app-blocking controls, Brick requires no subscription fees. Once you have the Brick in hand, you won't need to pay anything extra to gain access to its features. Plus, a single Brick can be used on as many devices as you'd like. Brick your own phone and tablet, but also share access with any housemates.

Since the Brick is on sale for at least 15% off, make the commitment to a summer of less screen time. Your friends, family, hobbies, and that giant stack of books will thank you.

SAVE $30: As of May 25, the JBL Sense Lite open earbuds are on sale at Amazon for just $119.95. That's 20% off their list price of $149.95 and their best price ever.

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Credit: JBL

JBL Sense Lite open earbuds

$119.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $30.00

 

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Premium headphones and speakers brand JBL released five new pairs of open earbuds of all shapes and sizes earlier this year after debuting them at CES 2026. I find them all to be a little too expensive for my liking, TBH, so I've been eyeing them and waiting for a notable price drop. Finally, two months after their debut, the most affordable of the ear hook-style options, the Sense Lite, have their first ever discount.

As of Memorial Day on May 25, the JBL Sense Lite open earbuds are on sale for just $119.95 at Amazon. That's a $30 or 20% price drop from their $149.95 list price and the lowest price on record.

Part of JBL's new audio-first OpenSound Series, the Sense Lite are designed to maintain high-quality audio without obstructing the ear canal. They offer a more simplified design than the more advanced Sense Pro, but they'll also cost you $50 less. You'll get an Adaptive Bass Boost feature for powerful sound, a sleek and comfortable ear hook design, four mics for crisp calls, and customizable touch controls and 10-band EQ. They deliver eight hours of battery life, plus an extra 24 in the charging case.

While I haven't tested the Sense Lite earbuds myself, I can definitely vouch for JBL as a brand. I've owned the JBL Endurance Peak earhook-style earbuds for a few years now (as well as the JBL Clip and Flip speakers) and they're still going strong. If you've been curious about open earbuds or are simply looking for a new pair of earbuds for working out or commuting, give the JBL Sense Lite open earbuds a shot. At just $119.95, they're a pretty great value compared to other popular options.

Corporate execs are prepped and ready to cut their workforces down due to AI in the next two years, according to a new corporate survey of the job market.

Conducted by the Mercer consulting firm, the global report surveyed 12,000 respondents across upper-level management, human resources, and lower-level employees.

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More than 99 percent of executives surveyed for the report said they expect AI "to lead to at least some headcount reduction in the next two years." In addition, fully 98 percent of executives said they were "planning organization design changes in the next two years." And, when compared to other employees, C-Suite-level execs were much more focused on figuring out how to incorporate AI and automation.

So far this year, Amazon, Atlassian, Block, Fiverr, Pinterest, and Snap have announced layoffs related to AI, and an estimated 50,000 AI layoffs occurred in 2025.

Not every exec believes the shifting job market is cause for alarm. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon recently penned a New York Times opinion piece calling the "AI job apocalypse" overblown. "The United States has a long track record of creating new jobs in response to disruption," Solomon wrote. "The historical pattern is clear: The U.S. economy can and will adapt to major advances in technology."

A recent study conducted by the Harvard Business School found that generative AI is actually increasing demand for jobs in "augmentation-prone" roles in the short term, and that workforce reductions are primarily hitting finance and tech sectors.

But only a third of execs told the consulting firm they believe human and machine capabilities can be effectively combined in workforces at large. Employee satisfaction is still a concern, as well. Amid worsening workforce and economic anxiety, more than a third of employees said they would consider leaving their jobs if they felt disadvantaged when it came to AI, according to the trend report.

According to a September Pew Research Center survey, 21 percent of Americans said their work is partially done with AI. While the larger majority of American workers (65 percent) still say AI hasn't encroached on their jobs, AI integration is increasingly affecting younger, early-career employees and college graduates.

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Best Memorial Day Dyson deals at a glance:

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Best hair care deal

Dyson Airwrap i.d.

$499.99 (save $150)

Get Deal

---

Best air purifier deal

Dyson Hushjet

$297.48 (save $52.51)

Get Deal

---

Best vacuum deal

Dyson PencilVac

$449.99 (save $150)

Get Deal

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Best heavy-duty vacuum deal

Dyson Gen5outsize

$899.99 (save $250)

Get Deal

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Best handheld vacuum deal

Dyson Car+Boat Handheld Vacuum

$229 (save $70.99)

Get Deal

Now that we're wrapping up the long Memorial Day weekend, it's time to do some scrolling. If you're not in the mood to doomscroll, consider scrolling some deals. Memorial Day has proven to be a great time to score some savings across categories like tech, portable power stations, robot lawn mowers, and even mattresses.

If you're a fan of Dyson or have been shopping for a new vacuum or hair dryer, you're in luck. Dyson has some incredible deals on offer to finish out the long weekend. Check out some of our favorites below.

Best Dyson vacuum deal

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Credit: Dyson

Dyson PencilVac

$449.99 at Dyson
$599.99 Save $150

 

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Why we like it

Mashable's resident vacuum tester and Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart hasn't been this excited about a Dyson vacuum in years. In her initial review of the Dyson PencilVac, she notes it weighs under four pounds and measures less than 1.5 inches around, which is impressive considering the battery, motor, and dust bin are all housed in the wand. Its weight and size make it excellent for vacuuming awkward places like the corners of the ceiling where cobwebs love to accumulate.

"The PencilVac also has two of my favorite Dyson feature ever, the dust-illuminating laser: One that lights the cleaning path ahead and one that lights the trail directly behind the cleaning head," wrote Stodart.

For those looking to make summer floor cleaning easier, consider today's sale price on the Dyson PencilVac. It's down to $449.99 at Dyson and Amazon.

More Dyson deals

• Dyson V8 Absolute — $299.95 $589.99 (save $290)

• Dyson Supersonic Nural — $349 $449.99 (save $100.99)

• Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra — $399.98 $549.99 (save $150.01)

• Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)

The best Memorial Day deals to shop at Amazon:

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Best TV deal

Hisense 75-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV

$848.99 (save $551)

Get Deal

---

Best headphones deal

Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones

$229 (save $130 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best earbuds deal

Apple AirPods Pro 3

$199 (save $50)

Get Deal

---

Best portable power station deal

Anker Solix C1000

$449.99 (save $50)

Get Deal

---

Best kitchen deal

Ninja Slushi (88 ounce)

$259 (save $90.99)

Get Deal

---

Best early robot vacuum deal

Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo

$499.98 (save $300.01)

Get Deal

---

Best Sonos Deal

Sonos Move 2 speaker

$399 (save $100 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best Sony deal

Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones

$36.95 (save $33.04 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best Gaming Deal

Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor

$279.99 (save $120 at Amazon)

Get Deal

---

Best Deal Under $30

Anker Smart Display USB-C Charger, 45W

$27.99 (save $12 at Amazon)

Get Deal

Memorial Day has arrived, and like every other major calendar event, Amazon has jumped on the celebrations with a sale. And — as is often the case with Amazon sales events — the savings are steep and wide-ranging. They're also sending soon, so take advantage before the MDW ends tonight!

To keep the deals seasonal, Amazon's Memorial Day sale features price drops on summer-themed items, including portable power stations, TVs worthy of every MLB and World Cup game, and stacks of camping gear. There are also excellent deals for home upgrades, from the kitchen to the backyard — everything you need to get the summer party going.

As you enjoy some holiday R&R, here are the best Amazon Memorial Day deals to shop across all categories. Grab them now and leave the summer open for relaxation and fun.

Best TV deal

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Credit: Hisense

Hisense 75-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV

$848.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $551

 

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Why we like it

Upgraded TV models for 2026 have officially hit shelves this spring and you can already score a sweet deal on one of Hisense's new mid-range options: the U6 Pro.

It packs Mini-LED backlighting, quantum-dot color, a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, 2.1-channel Dolby Atmos audio, and a 144Hz refresh rate, all for a budget-friendly price. It's the perfect mashup of performance and value — particularly now that Amazon has slashed the cost of the 75-inch model by $551 during its Memorial Day sale. At $848.99, it's now a dollar cheaper than it was at the start of Memorial Day Weekend — and the cheapest it's been since launch.

More TV deals

• Hisense 55-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $397.99 $799.99 (save $402)

• Amazon 50-inch Ember QLED 4K TV — $419.99 $479.99 (save $60)

• Roku 65-inch Plus Mini-LED 4K TV — $479.99 $649.99 (save $170)

• Hisense 65-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $547.97 $999.99 (save $452.02)

• Amazon 55-inch Ember Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $559.99 $819.99 (save $260)

• Samsung 65-inch Q8F QLED 4K TV — $597.99 $899.99 (save $302)

• Hisense 55-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $599.99 $849.99 (save $250)

• Hisense 50-inch S7 Canvas QLED 4K TV — $798.99 $1,299.99 (save $501)

• Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $948.99 $1,499.99 (save $551)

• Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas QLED 4K TV — $1,098.99 $1,999.99 (save $901)

• Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $1,198.99 $1,999.99 (save $801)

• Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Mini‑LED 4K TV — $1,198.99 $1,999.99 (save $801)

Best portable power station deal

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Credit: Anker Solix

Anker Solix C1000

$449.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $50

 

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Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix C1000 portable power station here.

I've tested dozens of portable power stations, and the Anker Solix C1000 remains one of the best models for taking along to the campground. Sure, Anker has already launched the Solix C1000 Gen 2 but the original C1000 comes with some features that are excellent for camping. For one, the built-in LED lightbar is fantastic for using around the campsite, which is missing from the new Gen 2.

The Solix C1000 has six AC ports, an impressive amount for a power station with 1,056Wh capacity. There's also the dual USB-A and USB-C ports for plenty of options while camping.

More portable power station deals

• EcoFlow Trail 300 — $146.99 $249 (save $102.01)

• Anker Solix C300 — $169.99 $249.99 (save $80)

• EcoFlow River 3 — $195.99 $239 (save $43.01)

• EcoFlow River 2 Max — $289 $449 (save $160)

• Jackery Explorer 500 — $319 $449 (save $180)

• DJI Power 1000 V2 — $386.10 $429 (save $42.90

• Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 — $499.99 $799 (save $299.01)

• DJI Power 2000 — $719.99 $1,299 (save $579.01)

• Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 — $749 $1,499 (save $750)

• EcoFlow Delta 3 Max — $789 $1,199 (save $410)

Best headphones deal

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Credit: Bose

Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones

$139 at Amazon
$259 Save $120

 

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Why we like it

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Headphones here.

Our reviewer called Bose's famous QuietComfort Headphones her go-to everyday set for their well-balanced sound, noise-cancelling prowess, and extremely comfortable fit. There's no doubt that Bose makes the most comfortable headphones and earbuds, and these QuietComfort cans are a smart investment at their full retail price. For Memorial Day at Amazon, you can pick up these headphones for 36% less than usual.

• Anker Soundcore P20i earbuds — $19.99 $39.99 (save $20)

• Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones — $36.95 $69.99 (save $33.04)

• JBL Tune Flex earbuds — $49.95 $99.95 (save $50)

• Anker Soundcore Q30 headphones — $55.99 $79.99 (save $24)

• JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40 with on-page coupon)

• Sony WH-CH720N headphones — $98 $179.99 (save $81.99)

• Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — $149 $179 (save $30)

• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 — $189.99 $229 (save $39.01)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Bose Ultra Open earbuds — $229 $299 (save $70)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones — $248 $399.99 (save $151.99)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds — $249 $299 (save $50)

Best kitchen deal

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Credit: Ninja

Ninja Slushi (88 ounce)

$259 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $90.99

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Ninja Slushi here.

If you're ready to make this the summer, a slushy machine is bound to make that happen. While there haven't been too many machines that replicate that perfect summer treat we run to the corner store for, the Ninja Slushi is here to save us. Amazon must also recognize how perfect this is for summer because the pre-Memorial Day sale price of $259 matches the rarely-seen record low price at Amazon.

More kitchen deals

• Ninja Blast Portable Blender — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)

• Mueller Vegetable Chopper — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

• Chefman Air Fryer (4-quart) — $57.97 $99.99 (save $42.02)

• Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ — $99 $159.95 (save $59.96)

• Ninja XL Air Fryer (5.5-quart) — $99.99 $179.99 (save $80)

• Chefman Iceman Slush-Ease Max — $179.96 $349.99 (save $170.03)

• De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo — $499.95 $699.95 (save $200)

Best robot vacuum deal

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Credit: Eufy

Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo

$499.98 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300.01

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Eufy C28 here.

Unless you especially love vacuuming or mopping, there's not a whole lot of reason to do it manually anymore. We have great robot vacuums that can also take care of mopping and the budget-friendly Eufy C28 combo is already on sale ahead of Memorial Day. Mashable's robot vacuum expert Leah Stodart tested the new Eufy C28 and said, "When it comes to big spills and dried stains, the Eufy C28 is easily the most efficient robot mop in the $600 to $800 price range I've ever tested." Its compact size could also be a benefit for smaller homes or apartments.

More robot vacuum deals

• Roborock Q7 M5 Robot Vacuum and Mop — $149.98 $239.99 (save $90.01)

• Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum — $299.99 $549.99 (save $150)

• Roborock Qrevo S5V Robot Vacuum and Mop — $549.99 $899.99 (save $250)

• Dreame X50 Ultra Robot Vacuum — $899.98 $1,049.99 (save $150.01)

• Roborock Qrevo CurvX Robot Vacuum and Mop — $899.98 $1,499.99 (save $600.01)

More Memorial Day deals at Amazon

• Anker Smart Display USB-C Charger, 45W — $27.99 $39.99 (save $12)

• Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor — $279.99 $399.99 (save $120)

• Sonos Move 2 — $399 $499 (save $100)

• Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G6 Gaming Monitor — $479.99 $599.99 (save $120)

• Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 Curved Gaming Monitor — $849.99 $999.99 (save $150)

• Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar — $899 $1,099 (save $200)

SAVE $200: As of May 25, the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is down to $899.99 at Amazon. That's 18% off its list price and the first time it's dropped below the $900 mark.

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Credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$899.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $200

 

Get Deal

Just a few days ago, we were cheering about the Apple M5 MacBook Air dropping to $949 for Memorial Day Weekend. Now we're practically shouting because the almost perfect machine (according to Mashable's tech editor) just dipped below the $900 price barrier for the first time on Memorial Day itself.

As of May 25, the base model Apple M5 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of solid-state storage is on sale for just $899.99. That's 18% off its list price and its best price ever.

"There's no denying that this laptop justifies its price," Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth writes in his review of the latest MacBook Air, noting its impressive performance and speed, sizable storage, and support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6 technology. Still, he suggested waiting for it to go on sale for $899 to pull the trigger, calling it "irresistible" at that price.

The starting price for the M5 Air is technically higher than its predecessor, though you're getting more starting storage. So, when you do the math, you'll actually be saving even more by grabbing this deal. Not to mention, this discount puts the M5 Air within a $200 striking distance of Apple's budget laptop with the same amount of storage.

Aside from the speedier processor, more base storage, and new wireless chip, it's worth noting that the M5 Air is pretty dang similar to the M4 Air. So if you're already rocking an M4 or even an M3 model, it's not an essential upgrade. For those with older MacBooks or just joining the Apple world, however, this is the MacBook to get.

Pope Leo XIV has issued his first official piece of religious guidance to billions of Catholics. And it's all about AI.

It came in the form of a 42,300-word papal encyclical titled "Magnifica Humanitas" ("Magnificent Humanity"). Encyclicals aren't papal law, exactly, but act as authoritative guidance on social and moral issues for members of the Catholic Church. This one, the first since Leo was chosen, came with even more pomp and circumstance than usual, with the leader himself attending its presentation alongside Anthropic founder Chris Olah.

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The Pope has spoken previously about regulating AI, imploring industry leaders to more carefully consider the ethical implications of AI in their work. Last May, when explaining why he chose the name Leo, the pope specifically cited AI as one of his primary reasons.

"There are different reasons for this, but mainly because Pope Leo XIII in his historic Encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution. In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour."

The encyclical goes further, diving into AI's impact on jobs, education, and child safety in a message to leaders around the world.

"We need moral voices that the incentives cannot bend," Olah said. "Today is just the beginning — the start of a long collaboration between those of us who are building this and those who can see what we, from the inside, cannot."

Here are the main takeaways from the Holy See:

AI is a threat to workers

The Catholic Church is worried about AI taking over jobs, too. Tying "Magnifica Humanitas" to other labor-related encyclicals throughout the Church's history, Pope Leo calls the automation of jobs a threat to workers, citing widespread deskilling and greater labor surveillance with AI systems in place.

"Today, the convergence of automation, robotics and AI is rapidly transforming the very structure of work. It is said that this will bring great improvements for everyone. In reality, however, the 'new ways' of working are not necessarily better."

Don't believe the AI hype

The leader warned that current AI hype is akin to a modern Tower of Babel, comparing the pursuit of advanced technology to the biblical story of a group of humans trying to reach heaven. He called on leaders to temper their ambition and recenter humanity.

He also joined a growing number of child safety advocates and regulators who want to address screen time and its effect on children: "Psychological and psychiatric literature has documented with growing insistence how early and unsupervised exposure to digital devices and social media can negatively impact sleep, attention span, control of emotions and relationships, especially during the most vulnerable stages of life, at times with tragic consequences."

In addition, Leo called out AI's role in exacerbating misinformation and devaluing critical thinking, especially in schools, saying the technology has a dehumanizing force in the classroom.

Big Tech has created a "new form of slavery"

While simultaneously issuing the first formal condemnation of the transatlantic slave trade, Pope Leo called exploitative tech manufacturing processes and global AI training a "new form of slavery."

"In some regions of the world, children and adolescents work in dangerous conditions, crushing the materials from which rare earth elements are extracted...The bodies of these people are scarred, injured and worn down so that computational flow may continue uninterruptedly," he said. "This reality ​deeply challenges the moral conscience of our time."

The Pope also connected the rise of artificial intelligence to ongoing global warfare, calling out private incentives and warning against entrusting AI systems with "lethal decisions." He called for placing "the most rigorous ethical constraints" on weapons developed using AI.

"A subtle temptation may emerge, namely the thought that the problems are too big and we are too small, and that ​our choices, therefore, cannot make a difference," the Pope wrote. "Certainly, not everyone has the same power to make a difference. Yet, no one is without responsibility. We all have our own areas for action."

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A new report in Security Week warns about a cyberattack that infected 5,561 GitHub open-source repositories with malware.

Cybersecurity researchers at SafeDep detailed how the May 18 supply chain attack, dubbed Megalodon, took advantage of GitHub Actions workflows to ultimately harvest user credentials and other data. A full list of the compromised GitHub repositories is available in the SafeDep security report.

The report also details how the hackers pulled off the attack:

On May 18, 2026, an automated campaign codenamed megalodon pushed 5,718 malicious commits to 5,561 GitHub repositories in a six-hour window. Using throwaway accounts and forged author identities (build-bot, auto-ci, ci-bot, pipeline-bot), the attacker injected GitHub Actions workflows containing base64-encoded bash payloads that exfiltrate CI secrets, cloud credentials, SSH keys, OIDC tokens, and source code secrets to a C2 server at 216.126.225.129:8443.

A blog post at StepSecurity also documented the details of the attack.

"Megalodon is a textbook direct Poisoned Pipeline Execution (d-PPE) attack, a class of CI/CD attack where an adversary with write access to a repository injects malicious code directly into workflow definition files, causing the CI system to execute attacker-controlled commands on the next pipeline run," the blog post reads. (Emphasis in original.)

SafeDep researchers warned GitHub users affected by the attack to revert their repositories and audit all workflow files.

On May 20, GitHub published a blog post about unauthorized access to GitHub-owned repositories via a compromised employee device, but the company hasn't said anything about the alleged Megalodon attack.

However, on April 1, the company published a blog post detailing a new trend of cyberattacks on the open-source supply chain, which often begin by compromising GitHub Actions workflows, as in the Megalodon attack. The blog post includes tips for open-source projects on how "to secure your GitHub Actions workflows" to prevent exactly these types of attacks in the future.

Krispy Kreme employees affected by a Nov. 2024 company data breach can still claim their portion of a $1.6 million pie.

The class action lawsuit was brought forth by impacted individuals after their personal information — including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, biometric data, and financial account credentials — was exposed in a 2024 cyberattack targeting the company's employee data. Krispy Kreme disclosed the breach in December 2024 and settled the class action case in March.

But the June deadline to claim your money is fast approaching.

Who is eligible?

The data breach impacted 161,000 current and former Krispy Kreme employees; individuals whose information was exposed should have received a notice from the company via email.

If you believe you were affected but didn't receive an alert, you can contact the settlement administrator at (877) 239-1879.

How do I claim my money?

The deadline to file a claim online or by mail is June 22.

Settlement class members can either submit an itemized claim form for up to $3,500 in losses, or accept a $75 single time payment. If you want to opt out of the settlement, you have until June 6 to decline either online or by mail.

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

ITER is the world’s largest fusion reactor project, bringing together scientists from around the globe to pursue clean fusion energy. The goal is to recreate the same process that powers the sun and turn it into a usable energy source on Earth. Here’s a closer look inside one of the most ambitious scientific projects ever attempted.

SpaceX launched Flight Test 12 of its reusable Starship Version 3 rocket from Starbase in South Texas. The mission included deploying 22 Starlink satellite dummies, including one carrying a camera that captured views of Starship’s heat shield during flight. The test ended dramatically as SpaceX continued pushing development of the massive rocket system.

Following Memorial Day weekend, Focus Features is releasing Pressure, a World War II movie about a lesser-known — but nonetheless fascinating — hero of D-Day.

Andrew Scott stars as James Stagg, a "genius" meteorologist from Scotland, who became a crucial adviser to American General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser) ahead of the Allies' pivotal invasion against the Axis powers.

Now, this premise may sound a bit stiff, focusing on World War II and the weather. However, Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko found the film had surprising similarities to Focus's crackling Vatican thriller Conclave in its humor, and to HBO's The Pitt in terms of competency porn.

When she sat down with Scott and Fraser for an interview, she spoke with them about these similarities, how the actors approached this engaging movie adaptation of David Haig's play, and who they consider a genius.

Pressure opens in theaters on May 29.

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 May 25 Pips

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally.

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for May 25 Pips

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

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

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

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

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 6-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for May 25 Pips

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.

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

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 0-1, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally.

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

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 2-1, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 0-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

A one‑legged robot that jumps instead of rolls could help scientists explore the icy geysers on Saturn's moon Enceladus, sampling material from a hidden ocean that may be friendly to life.

The early mission concept, known as LEAP — short for Legged Exploration Across the Plain — imagines a robot about one-foot tall and weighing roughly 2 pounds. Rather than driving like a Mars rover, LEAP would use a spring‑driven leg, a pair of wheels, and internal spinning "reaction wheels" to roll, tip itself upright, and launch into long, arcing hops.

Funded by NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts program, the LEAP project builds on a real-world prototype, called SALTO. Though it looks like a little pogo stick — or Pixar's boinging lamp — its jumping action actually takes inspiration from squirrels. (If that's not cute enough, imagine scientists collecting data from squirrels with high-speed cameras while the critters traverse a homemade parkour course.) The researchers published their results in Science Robotics last year.

Whether the hopping robot ever reaches Saturn will depend on mission choices still years away. But you can watch the little robot do its thing in a new video just released by NASA further down in this story. 

Enceladus has become a prime target in the search for life beyond Earth. Beneath its bright ice crust lies a global ocean. Near the south pole, deep fractures nicknamed "tiger stripes" vent that water into space as plumes of ice grains and gas. Those jets give scientists a rare advantage in the outer solar system: They can sample ocean material without drilling through miles of ice.

Reaching those jets is not straightforward. The region around them looks fractured and uneven, with steep ridges, broken ice fields, and powdery material. Other options, like aircraft, have limits as well, said Justin Yim, a mechanical science and engineering assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

"Conventional rovers may struggle to navigate this rugged terrain. Flying poses its own challenges," said Yim at the 2025 NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts symposium. "Enceladus has no atmosphere, and the use of rocket-based propulsion [would risk] contaminating samples. It is in this context that we find jumping to be uniquely promising."

Because Enceladus has extremely weak gravity — about one-eightieth of Earth's — a relatively small push can send an object traveling far. Researchers estimate LEAP could travel roughly 560 feet — close to the length of two American football fields — in a single hop and rise about 300 feet into the air.

Each jump would play out in slow motion compared with Earth. That long airtime is central to the design. It would allow the robot to pass directly through a plume while in flight. A single hop could last close to a minute, with several seconds spent inside the icy spray.

During that time, onboard instruments could analyze ice particles, measure composition, and capture data on how the plume behaves. Contrary to popular belief, more legs wouldn't necessarily improve its jumping performance, Yim says.  

"One is a great number for jumping, particularly because it has this great advantage of allowing you to concentrate your actuation in one very powerful and simpler design," he said at the symposium last year. "Multiple legs give you a lot of benefits for doing things like sitting or standing on the ground, but you could do those equally well with wheels."

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LEAP's two wheels and one leg give it three points of contact, which makes the robot stable in that position as well, he said.

The robot would likely ride to Enceladus aboard a larger spacecraft that first orbits the moon and then lands, a setup often described as an Orbilander. From that base, LEAP could deploy, make repeated jumps between vents, and go beyond the landing zone.

But before any mission becomes real, engineers still need to demonstrate that the system can survive Enceladus' extreme cold, which reaches about minus -330 degrees Fahrenheit, and test how its foot behaves on unfamiliar ice. Most development will have to happen through simulations and lab testing.

"It's going to be difficult to get the same type of conditions we'll have on Enceladus," Yim said. "It's extremely, extremely cold, and the type of ice particles we'll encounter there are probably very different from what we'd see in natural environments on Earth."

You've done it! You've braved the tunnels and laboratories of The Boroughs, met Mother (Nancy Daly) and her spidery "kids," and watched Sam Cooper (Alfred Molina) and his friends free them in a daring escape.

It's a happy ending for almost everyone involved. Sorry to the villainous Blaine (Seth Numrich) and Anneliese (Alice Kremelberg), but they had it coming. However, there are still some major revelations to unpack, and a few more questions the show has yet to answer. Let's break it down.

What are the monsters in The Boroughs?

Credit: Netflix

The origin of the spider-like nightmares who lurk in the tunnels beneath the Boroughs is tied to the founding of the retirement community itself.

In 1949, Boroughs founder Marcus Shaw found an egg in a mine. It hatched a creature he called Mother. Drinking her blood holds your body in time. You won't age, get sick, or die, as long as you keep drinking the blood. Marcus has been drinking her blood for decades, but in order to keep his immortality a secret, he changed his name to Blaine and posed as Marcus' grandson.

While Blaine, Anneliese, and their co-conspirators feed on Mother's blood, she needs to feed on cerebrospinal fluid. To obtain it, Blaine sics Mother's kids on the Boroughs' inhabitants at night. They feed the fluid back to Mother, thus creating the golden, goopy lifeblood that keeps Blaine and Anneliese looking young.

Draining so much cerebrospinal fluid can lead to rare neurological diseases, like Maxwell's, which impacts Edward (Ed Begley Jr.). Maxwell's is fictional, likely a cover-up Blaine and his staff use to explain their residents' decline as a result of all the brain fluid siphoning. In trying to buy more time for themselves, they're robbing time from others. It's a sick, exploitative cycle, but not one the monster kids seem aware of beyond simply needing to feed.

Why does Mother look like a human in The Boroughs?

While the kids have spider-like legs and human-like torsos, Mother is extremely human in appearance. (Aside from the occasional extra limb and a large protuberance on her back, of course.) Why does she look so different?

In episode 7, Wally (Denis O'Hare) posits that Mother looks human because she's been eating a steady diet of human brain fluid. Yummy. It's a very literal interpretation of "You are what you eat," and it appears to go both ways. Just as Mother looks human after eating so much human brain fluid, so too can Blaine and Anneliese shift into monsters after drinking so much of her blood. The kids have their fair share of human characteristics as well, likely also because of all the brain fluid changing their bodily makeup. That raises the question: If these creatures are fundamentally altered by what they eat, then what do they look like before they eat anything? How did Mother look when she first hatched?

How could Mother communicate with Sam in The Boroughs?

Alfred Molina in "The Boroughs." Credit: Netflix

All throughout The Boroughs, Sam experienced traumatic flashbacks to the day his wife Lilly (Jane Kaczmarek) passed away. At first, they seemed like straightforward memories stirred up by external sensory triggers. As the season went on, though, they became stranger. Lilly would appear in the Boroughs, glitching like the monsters do in video footage and begging Sam for help.

Turns out, these weren't just memories. They were Mother trying to communicate.

As the oracular Manor resident known simply as the Duchess (Mary Mcdonnell) tells Sam in episode 7, Mother doesn't experience time in a linear fashion. Because of this, she communicates with people by looking like someone from their past. She mostly makes contact with the Manor's dementia patients, who are similarly unmoored in time. Sam is an exception. He's still grieving Lilly, and according to the Duchess, that loss "split" his mind.

"You've got one foot stuck with us now, and the other on the day she died," she reveals.

That connection allows Sam to find and rescue Mother with the help of the rest of his friends. He returns her to a cave in the old mine shaft, where she chooses to die in a glowing explosion alongside her kids (and Blaine).

Contrast Mother's embrace of death with Blaine's abject fear at the thought of aging and dying. No matter how long he tried to put it off (killing who knows how many Boroughs residents in the process), even he has to face the truth that everybody dies. As Sam puts it, "Join the club."

To thank Sam, Mother offers him the gift of a small bit of time with Lilly: not as a memory, but as herself. The two share a sweet dance, one that offers closure on Season 1's thoughtful examination of just how overwhelming grief can be. Have the tissues handy.

What was the deal with the cave and peach tree in The Boroughs?

Clarke Peters in "The Boroughs." Credit: Netflix

The cave where Mother dies is the same cave where Art (Clarke Peters) discovered the peach that briefly restored his health. Mother's kids had been preparing it for her eventual death, explaining why the tree was adorned with beautiful glass ornaments.

The peach gets less of an explanation, though. How did it have the same healing powers as Mother's blood if Mother was all the way in the Boroughs? And why did the tree immediately wither after Art picked it? Perhaps it all goes back to Mother's birth. Did the presence of her egg or the act of her hatching impact the tree's growth and any fruit it might produce?

Why was Sam glitching at the end of The Boroughs?

While Mother and her kids are gone by the end of The Boroughs, their supernatural impacts linger.

In the season's final scene, Sam goes to the bathroom to apply a new bandage to his head wound. As he does so, his reflection glitches in the mirror, similarly to how Mother's kids glitched in video footage. What's happened to Sam?

The Boroughs leaves that question open-ended. However, it's clear that his time with Mother left a supernatural mark on him. Perhaps this alteration stems from the time Mother gifted him with Lilly. (Sweet!) Or maybe he got a little Mother blood in his mouth when she exploded. (Gross, but I'm not ruling it out.) Mother was also adamant that only Sam accompany her to the cave, so she may have known he would be changed by her death. Whatever the case, Sam is still linked to these creatures, leaving the door open for more adventure.

Are The Boroughs' monsters aliens?

We've witnessed Mother's death, but The Boroughs doesn't really give us clarity on her origins. Sure, we know she hatched from an egg, but how did that egg get in the mines in the first place? Who is Mother's Mother?

My guess? There are some alien shenanigans afoot. The Boroughs draws serious inspiration from E.T., even casting star Dee Wallace as Grace in its opening scene. Could those references go beyond homage and hint at the series going beyond Earth? The show's setting of New Mexico, home to Roswell and its theorized UFO crash site, also feels intentional.

But the most compelling argument for alien involvement is the show's very last shot, which pans from the rooftops of the Boroughs up to the stars. Between that shot and John Paesano's swelling score, The Boroughs suggests that further adventures await in space. Could Mother and her kids' people be living out there, looking down on the Boroughs?

Is there going to be The Boroughs Season 2?

Alfred Molina and Denis O'Hare in "The Boroughs." Credit: Netflix

Between Sam's glitching and the very pointed look to the stars, The Boroughs has set up some juicy story threads to follow in a potential Season 2. As yet, Netflix has yet to renew the show for a second outing.

The Boroughs is now streaming on Netflix.

TL;DR: Create stunning AI images, videos, and avatars with this three-year subscription to the ARTA AI Premium Plan, now only $39.99 (reg. $119.99) with coupon code AI20.

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Credit: AIBY

ARTA AI Premium Plan: 3-Year Subscription

$40
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It may not seem like it at first glance, but AI can actually give you the tools to express your creativity. Turn an idea into a professional-grade image in seconds with some help from ARTA AI. This tool helps you create images, videos, avatars, and photo edits easily, even if you have no prior design experience.

Right now, you can secure a three-year subscription to ARTA AI’s Premium Plan for just $39.99 with coupon code AI20.

If you’re looking to create AI-generated images, your usual AI model probably leaves you hanging. That’s where ARTA AI comes in, offering an all-in-one content studio that lets your imagination run wild.

Whether you’re looking to create AI images and videos, avatars, or photo edits, ARTA can help you handle it all with no prior design or technical experience needed. All you have to do is grab your smartphone, provide an idea or a reference photo, and sit back and watch ARTA work. There are 45 art styles to choose from — from retro pop to anime — so there’s something for every aesthetic.

With ARTA, you can generate scroll-stopping content that you can use for social media posts, business reasons, or personal projects. It can make you everything from realistic, studio-quality portraits to AI-powered photoshoots and viral-ready videos, thanks to some help from top-performance AI models like Flux, GPT-4o, and Nano Banana.

You can edit whatever ARTA spits out — adding, removing, or replacing objects as you like. You can also enhance details and modify other visual elements right from your phone. ARTA also doubles as a platform for experimenting with AI fashion, makeup, and outfits.

Your subscription includes 500 credits every week to help you create whatever you’d like. Different creations take different amounts of credits, and your balance will automatically refresh at the end of each week.

There are over 15 million creators already taking advantage of ARTA’s tools. Join them all now with this three-year subscritpion to ARTA AI’s Premium Plan for just $39.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: If you need some help sending large files, take advantage of this one-year Transfr Pro Fast and Secure File Transfer subscription for just $39.99 (reg. $179).

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Credit: Drime

Transfr Pro Fast & Secure File Transfer Subscriptions

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Sending large files doesn’t have to be a headache. Transfr Pro Fast and Secure File Transfer keeps it easy, allowing you to send them quickly and professionally without sacrificing quality or control.

Right now, you can snag a one-year subscription and try out this service for just $39.99.

You deserve better than a basic file-sharing service. Transfr Pro Fast and Secure File Transfer provides an optimized global infrastructure for quickly uploading and sending large files.

When you’re sending large files, reliability and privacy are top of mind. Transfr was created to provide both, with end-to-end encryption for transferred files and GDPR-compliant hosting. You can rest easy knowing this tool was built by the team behind Drime, a well-trusted European cloud storage platform.

With an unlimited transfer size, there are no restrictions. There’s also unlimited file storage for up to 60 days. You also don’t have to worry about compatibility — Transfr works in modern browsers with no desktop installation needed.

Aside from making the sending process simple, you’ll also get to take advantage of features like send and track analytics, which provide real-time information on views, downloads, visitor locations, and transfer activity. You can also use address book integration to send files faster without re-entering recipient details. If you want a more professional aesthetic, Transfr also offers custom branding.

Grab a one-year Transfr Pro Fast and Secure File Transfer subscription for just $39.99 (reg. $179).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The best Memorial Day portable power station deals at a glance:

---

Best overall deal

Anker Solix C1000

$449.99 (save $50)

Get Deal

---

Best waterproof portable power station

Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra

$899.10 (save $99.90)

Get Deal

---

Best power station deal for creators

DJI Power 1000 V2

$386.10 (save $42.90)

Get Deal

If you go by the calendar, the official start of summer is June 21. But we won't hear anything of the sort. We prefer to celebrate the unofficial start, aka Memorial Day weekend. And as the season turns to outdoor activities and adventures, now's the time to think about upgrading any relevant tech and devices — the kinds of things to get the fun going all summer long.

If you've yet to jump on the portable power station bandwagon, this is the moment to do it. Camping season is very nearly here, so it's worth snagging a powerful model to stay fully charged. It'll keep your phone juiced up, along with Bluetooth speakers, laptops, and anything else you might need on that camping trip. You can also use the electric air pump for the inflatables before hitting the beach or pool.

The great news is that Memorial Day not only marks the unofficial start of summer, it also means a whole bunch of deals and discounts as retailers jump aboard the festivities with sales. We've rounded up all the best discounts we could find on power stations below.

Best overall deal

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Credit: Anker Solix

Anker Solix C1000

$449.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $50

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix C1000 here.

For weekends at the campground, it's impossible to go wrong with the Anker Solix C1000. It has 1,056Wh of capacity for keeping your phones charged up and for plugging in the string lights. If you're feeling like more of a glamping experience, pack along the coffee maker and air fryer for comforts from home and easy camping meals. Unlike plenty of models, the Anker Solix C1000 has a built-in LED light which is excellent for both visibility for getting your devices plugged into the ports but also for illuminating the campsite.

Best waterproof portable power station deal

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Credit: Jackery

Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra

$899.10 at Amazon
$999 Save $99.90

 

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Why we like it

If your summer camping trips might involve wet weather, head out with the waterproof Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra. Rare for portable power stations, it comes with an IP65 waterproof and dust-proof rating. That means it'll hold up to light splashes or sitting near a pile of sawdust in the work shed.

Best portable power station deal for creators

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Credit: DJI

DJI Power 1000 V2

$386.10 at Amazon
$429 Save $42.90

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the DJI Power 1000 V2 here.

We're all familiar with DJI cameras, drones, and mics, but the brand has been building its lineup of portable power stations in the recent years. The DJI Power 1000 V2 comes with great features for creators, especially those who use DJI drones. The quick-charging SDC ports means super quick recharging of drone batteries.

Even if you're not a creator, the sale price of $386.10 is excellent for a portable power station that offers 1,024Wh of capacity. It also focuses on quiet operation which is great if you'll be using this at home during an outage in a bedroom at night.

More Memorial Day power station deals

• EcoFlow Trail 300 — $146.99 $249 (save $102.01)

• Anker Solix C300 — $169.99 $249.99 (save $80)

• EcoFlow River 3 — $195.99 $239 (save $43.01)

• Bluetti Elite 30 V2 — $218.98 $299 (save $80.02)

• EcoFlow River 2 Max — $289 $449 (save $160)

• Jackery Explorer 500 — $339 $449 (save $160)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 — $428.99 $799 (save $370.01)

• Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 —  $499.99 $799 (save $299.01)

• DJI Power 2000 — $719.99 $1,299 (save $579.01)

• EcoFlow Delta 2 with Smart Extra Battery — $797.98 $1,099.99 (save $302.01)

• Jackery Explorer 2000 V2 — $798.99 $1,499 (save $700.01)

• Bluetti Elite 300 — $1,098.99 $1,449 (save $350.01)

• Jackery HomePower 3000 — $1,169 $2,499 (save $1,330)

• Anker Solix F3000 — $1,298.99 $1,699.99 (save $400.01)

• Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus — $1,619 $2,799 (save $1,180)

• Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus with 2x 200W solar panels — $2,148.99 $3,699 (save $1,550.01)

• Anker Solix F3800 Plus – $2,294.99 $2,699.99 (save $405)

The best Memorial Day mattress deals at a glance:

---

Best mattress deal overall

DreamCloud Classic Hybrid (Queen)

$649 (save $1,243)

Get Deal

---

Best mattress deal for people with back pain

Saatva Rx (Queen)

$2,799 (save $650)

Get Deal

---

Best organic mattress deal

Avocado Green Mattress (Queen)

$1,359 (save $240)

Get Deal

---

Best bedding deal

Quince Classic Organic Percale Deluxe Bedding Bundle (Standard)

$146.01 (save $48.69)

Get Deal

Memorial Day is one of the best times of the year to buy a new mattress — that's just a fact of life. Discounts during this extended holiday weekend, which marks the unofficial start of summer, typically drop prices by $400 (or more in some cases), and brands love to throw in free add-ons — things such as pillows, sheets, and bedding bundles. It's gentle on your bank balance — not to mention your back, neck, and sense of relaxation.

It's true that sleep is no place to place to cheap out. I recently upgraded to the Saatva Rx, which has been one the best decisions I've made all year. But while investing in a good bed is important, there's no reason to pay full price when with all these great a holiday discounts currently available. So, if your current mattress is sagging, overly springy, or you're just tired of waking up stiff as a board, now's the time to scope out the mattress deals and take advantage.

Best Memorial Day mattress deal

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Credit: DreamCloud

DreamCloud Classic Hybrid (Queen)

$649 at DreamCloud
$1,892 Save $1,243

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

The best deal you can get right now is on a DreamCloud. The brand's top-rated hybrid Queen mattress — which features six layers, a CloudQuilt quilted cover, cooling fiber technology, and 1 inch of "pressure-relieving" memory foam — is on sale for just $649 (!!) right now. Or, if you need a base and all, the company's basically giving away bundles. You can score a bundle that includes the mattress, an adjustable bed frame, and a full sheet set (pillows and all) for under $2K.

More Memorial Day mattress deals

• Amerisleep: Get up to $1,000 off all mattresses and 40% off bundles

• Bear: Get 35% off sitewide, plus $275 worth of free accessories

• Casper: Get up to 35% off select mattresses and 35% off bundles

• Coyuchi: Get 20% off sitewide

• Helix: Get 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY25

• Leesa: Get 30% off select mattresses

• Mattress Firm: Get up to 60% off select mattresses with Queens starting at $189.99

• Mattress Warehouse: Get up to 70% off select mattresses

• Nectar: Get up to 50% off select mattresses and 66% off bundles

• Nolah: Get up to 35% off select mattresses

• Plank: Get 30% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL30

• Purple: Get up to $900 off a mattress and a base

• Serta: Get up to $600 off select mattresses

• Siena: Get up to 60% off select mattresses

• Sleep Number: Get up to $1,200 off select mattresses

• Tempur-Pedic: Get 40% off the TEMPUR-Cloud mattress and Ease Power Base, plus a $200 instant gift, or save up to $500 on select adjustable mattress sets and get a $300 instant gift

• WinkBeds: Get up to 30% off select mattresses

Best Memorial Day mattress deal for people with back pain

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Credit: Saatva

Saatva Rx (Queen)

$3,074 at Saatva
$3,449 Save $375

 

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Why we like it

I'm only 32, but because I live with endometriosis and interstitial cystitis, I experience back pain on the reg. Like, chronic, can't sleep, going to rip my hair out, back pain. This month, I decided to switch from Purple (my former go-to mattress brand) to Saatva, and I couldn't be happier. For someone with chronic, debilitating back pain, the Saatva Rx is the mattress to get, and right now, you can get it (or any mattress on the Saatva site) for $375 off.

Best organic Memorial Day mattress deal

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Credit: Avocado

Avocado Green Mattress (Queen)

$2,039 at Avocado
$2,399 Save $360

 

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Why we like it

If you're trying to be a little greener, Avocado is offering up to 20% off select mattresses, including its luxury mattress collection, and 15% off its Avocado Green Mattress (a best-seller). The Avocado Green Mattress is the "most certified organic mattress" and has a 4.5 average star rating with around 19,439 reviews. It's formaldehyde-free (you'd be surprised how many products contain this nasty stuff!), OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, and is available in five comfort levels. Of course, the price will vary depending on the size you get, but a Queen with a "medium" top will cost you $2,039 with the discount.

More organic mattress deals

• Essentia: Get 25% off sitewide plus a free, luxury sheet set (worth $749) when you buy the Dormeuse REM9 Active or Classic REM5 Active

• Birch: Get up to 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY25

• Naturepedic: Get up to 20% off sitewide

• Plush Beds: Get up to 50% off select mattresses and free white-glove delivery, plus 25% off all toppers and bedding through May 18

Best bedding deal

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Credit: Quince

Quince Classic Organic Percale Deluxe Bedding Bundle (Standard)

$146.01 at Quince
$194.70 Save $48.69

 

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Why we like it

Quince is one of my all-time favorite bedding brands. I love, love, love my bamboo sheet set — it's ridiculously soft, cooling, and feels oh-so-good against your skin. But that hotel-like quality usually comes at a premium, which is why I only own the one set. So whenever the brand has a sale, I want to shout it from the rooftops. Right now, you can save up to 25% when bundling some of Quince’s best-selling bedding, including their European Linen, Bamboo, and Percale collections.

More Memorial Day bedding deals

• Breescape: Get 30% off sitewide, plus 50% off Ivory Comforters

• Brooklinen: Get 25% off sitewide

• Cozy Earth: Get 25% off sitewide or 30% off your entire order when you buy three or more items

• Litanika: Get up to 27% off select bedding, plus 10% off your first order with code SOFTLIVING

• Mellanni: Get up to 30% off select sheet sets through May 31

• Parachute: Get up to 70% off sale and 25% off everything else

• PeachSkinSheets: Get 25% off sitewide through May 25 with code PATRIOTIC

• Riley Home: Get up to 25% off select bundles with code MEMORIAL25

• Silk&Snow: Get 40% off sitewide

Memorial Day is an important moment to mourn and honor deceased service men and women.

To mark this occasion, a number of popular restaurants and retailers offer freebies, food deals, and discounts over Memorial Day weekend. Some of these offers are exclusive to active-duty members and veterans, but some are available to everyone.

We've checked out everything on offer from 7-Eleven, Dunkin’, Subway, Starbucks, and more popular names. We'll be updating this list with any new free food deals that drop over the weekend.

Memorial Day 2026 food deals

7-Eleven

On Memorial Day, customers can score $20 off $30+ delivery orders with the promo code MONDAY20.

Applebee’s

Score an All-You-Can-Eat meal for $15.99 at Applebee’s over Memorial Day weekend. This offer is valid for dine-in only.

Bojangles

Get a free strawberry cobbler with the purchase of a biscuit sandwich combo.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Save $10 on $50+ orders with the code MEMDAY85 online or in-app.

Dunkin’

Get 50 bonus points each day with purchases after 1 p.m. from May 25-31.

Fazoli’s

Get a complimentary whole pizza when you order a Fazoli’s Family Meal. To qualify, use the promo code Memorial26 on the online or in-app checkout. This offer is valid from May 22-27.

Firehouse Subs

Buy one sub and get another for 50% off at participating locations from May 22-25.

Grubhub

Grubhub+ members can score Memorial Day weekend deals from May 18-24:

• Starbucks: $10 off $20+ order

• Buffalo Wild Wings: BOGO Wings with $20+ order

• Wendy’s: Free Baconator with $20+ order

• Jack in the Box: BOGO 50% off Build Your Own Munchie Meal with $15+ order

IKEA

On Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25), IKEA is running free hands-on activities with complimentary snacks.

Kona Grill

Veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and first responders can get a complimentary entree with the purchase of an appetizer or starter from May 22-25.

Logan’s Roadhouse

From May 21-27, guests can purchase $50 in gift cards for $40 online.

Love’s

Get a free Chomps Original Beef on May 25.

Newk’s Eatery

Score a $20 meal deal with two pizzas and a salad from May 22-25.

Olive Garden

Get the delivery deal during Memorial Day weekend when you enter the promo code OGDELIVERS during online or in-app checkout.

Pokeworks

Get a free Spam Musubi with any Pokeworks entree when you use promo code MAYSPAM during online or in-app through May 25.

Potbelly

Through May 24, Perks Members can get their choice of a free bag of chips, a fresh-baked cookie, or a fountain drink with any entrée purchase.

Shake Shack

Get a free ShackBurger when you make an online, in-app, or in-store kiosk purchase of $10 or more with the promo code FREEBURGER at checkout. This offer is valid from May 25-31.

Smalls Sliders

Military members with valid ID can get 10% off on Memorial Day (May 25).

Subway

Get a Footlong for $6.99 with the code FOOTLONG699 through May 31.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Get two Signature Angus Burgers and fries for $26 from May 24-26. To qualify, order online for takeout or delivery.

TGI Fridays

VIP members can save 30% off Memorial Day orders from May 26-27.

White Castle

Craver Nation Rewards can get 20% off all orders in-app. This offer is valid from May 23-25.'

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

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

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

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

Hurdle Word 1 hint

Example.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

MODEL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A thick material.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

TWEED

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

Parent's sister.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

AUNTY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Australian dog.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

DINGO

Final Hurdle hint

Octo.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

EIGHT

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

The Moon is brighter again tonight, with most of its surface now illuminated as we head towards the Full Moon.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, May 25, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. Tonight, 69% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

When you look up tonight, without any visual aids, you'll be able to spot the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis, as well as the Tycho Crater. If you have binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, Apennine Mountains, and the Clavius Crater. Finally, with a telescope you'll see the Apollo 16 and 17 landing spots and the Rima Ariadaeus.

When is the next Full Moon?

There are two Full Moons in May, with the next due to take place on May 31.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth completely, passing through eight phases during that time. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the way sunlight hits its surface changes throughout its orbit, creating the familiar full, half, and crescent appearances we see in the night sky. Altogether, the lunar cycle consists of eight main phases:

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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love a good deal.

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

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

What is Connections?

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

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

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: On sale

• Green: Just a smidge

• Blue: Phone lingo

• Purple: I see you

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Common promo items

• Green: Tiny bit

• Blue: Texting abbreviations

• Purple: Eye___

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 #1079 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Common promo items: CAP, PIN, SHIRT, STICKER

• Tiny bit: JOT, SCRAP, SHRED, WHIT

• Texting abbreviations: ATM, CYA, LOL, TIA

• Eye___: BALL, BROW, LASH, LID

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 served your country.

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: Thank you

The words are related to a holiday.

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Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a military day of observation.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Memorial Day.

NYT Strands word list for May 25

• Service

• Virtue

• Protecton

• Sacrifice

• Memorial Day

• Honor

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 stop by.

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

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

To drop by.

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Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter I appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter V.

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...

VISIT

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Babbel through this exclusive StackSocial offer for $159 with promo code LEARN before the deal ends June 2.

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Credit: Babbel

Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages)

$159
$646.20 Save $487.20

 

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Maybe it’s for travel, maybe it’s for work, or maybe you’re just tired of staring blankly at subtitles — whatever the motivation, this Babbel deal makes it easier to finally commit to learning a new language. StackSocial is currently offering lifetime access to every Babbel language course for a one-time payment of $159 (reg. $299) with code LEARN, giving you permanent access without monthly subscription fees hanging over your head.

Unlike no-name apps that promise fluency without substance, Babbel takes a human approach and was developed by over 100 expert linguists and backed by researchers from Yale University. It’s designed to help you actually speak a new language with confidence — whether you’re prepping for a trip abroad, connecting with family, or hoping to boost your career.

You’ll get access to 14 languages and 10,000+ hours of high-quality content. Lessons are short and made to fit into even packed schedules — just 10 to 15 minutes — and available on desktop or mobile, with progress synced across devices. You can even download lessons to practice offline, whether that’s on a flight or in a Wi-Fi dead zone on the subway.

How Babbel can help you become fluent:

• Real conversations: Lessons focus on practical topics like dining, shopping, transportation, and more.

• Speech recognition: Built-in tools help you perfect pronunciation and avoid awkward slip-ups.

• Personalized learning: Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you’ll find lessons that match your level.

• Expert design: A proven method that emphasizes conversational skills over rote memorization.

And with lifetime access, you’re free to hone in on one language or explore all 14 — on your schedule, forever.

Pick up a lifetime Babbel Language Learning access for $159 (reg. $299) with this limited-time exclusive offer from StackSocial using code LEARN for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Though open earbuds share the common feature of sitting on the exterior of the ear, they come in many shapes and sizes, from clip models to ear hook models. Some are more geared toward working out, while others are better for everyday use. The Bose Ultra Open earbuds are an especially popular pick, thanks to their sound quality and many colorways, but at $299, they're far from your only (or most affordable) option.

Below, we've compiled some of the best open earbud models available in 2026, after testing out options from Soundcore, Sony, Shokz, Bose, and more budget-friendly options.

What are open earbuds?

Open earbuds allow you to get as close as you possibly can to the feeling of not wearing earbuds at all. Unlike in-ear earbuds which sit in your ear canal, open earbuds sit just outside your ears (as the name would suggest). Some models hold the speaker component in place with an ear hook while others opt for an ear cuff.

People generally opt for open earbuds for three main reasons:

1. They provide a private listening experience while leaving you almost completely aware of the world around you. It's like the best transparency mode you've ever used.

2. For some people, not having an earbud physically in their ear is generally more comfortable.

3. The hooks and cuffs (along with the general awareness of your surroundings) make them a great option for keeping them in place, and keeping you alert, while you're working out, working, or simply existing in the world.

What are the drawbacks of open earbuds?

As you may have gathered from the section above, open earbuds don't come with active noise cancellation. That's mostly thanks to how much sound they let in (by design) and the difficulty of cancelling out sound without having the device covering your actual ear canal.

Also thanks to the whole open ear-canal situation, these aren't going to be the earbuds for audiophiles. That's not to say open earbuds sound bad — if you've never tried them, we promise they sound much better than you're imagining — but you will lose out on some of the nuance of a song without having the earbud actually in your ear.

That said, many pairs still have equalizers on their companion apps to help you make them sound their best. Our best picks for sound, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds and Shokz OpenFit Pro earbuds, even have spatial audio features that work surprisingly well.

Most open earbuds will also boast some form of special technology that keeps them from leaking too much sound. While these pairs do pretty well in keeping the sound just to you, most pairs (including our picks) while be prone to some leakage, especially at higher volumes.

Finally, some open earbuds — mainly those with ear hooks — tend to have slightly bulkier cases. If you like to travel especially light, it's something to be aware of.

What about bone conduction headphones?

Bone conduction earbuds work exactly like the name implies they do — they use your skull to conduct sound waves, instead of projecting the sound into your ear, like most of the picks are on list. Typically, a band runs from either side of the users head to help hold the headphones in place.

Shokz, the brand behind our top pick, is a popular maker of these kinds of headphones. While we do consider them open earbuds, we have yet to test any bone conduction earbuds — look out in the future for that update. On that note:

What's next in our testing pipeline

The open earbuds market is rapidly expanding, so we'll be testing more as we can get our hands on them. We recently added the Sony LinkBuds Clip and Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro to this guide.

In addition to the earbuds that made our initial guide in May 2025, we tested out the Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds ($149), the Sony Linkbuds Open ($199.99), the Anker Soundcore AeroClip earbuds ($169.99), and the Shokz OpenFit Air ($119.95). While none of the above were bad earbuds by any means, we found our picks to outshine them in their comfort and sound quality, especially when considering their respective prices.

When college students seek out attorney Adrienne Hahn, they're often petrified and desperate: An instructor has accused them of using artificial intelligence to cheat. 

Suddenly, students are racing to successfully defend themselves or risk the implosion of their college career. In some cases, sanctions that result from an academic integrity violation, such as a semester-long suspension, have devastating implications. After all, graduate schools, prospective employers, licensing boards, and the government often consider cheating disqualifying.  

"Any of those consequences follow the student from that period on, unless you negotiate that away, somehow," said Hahn, founder of the education law firm Hahn Legal Group, APC.

While there's no tally of how many American college students have faced AI cheating accusations this academic year or previously, the legal firms that specialize in education law are very busy handling their cases. Some of their clients are wealthy, attend the nation's most prestigious universities, and can afford legal representation.

Others come from modest backgrounds, are enrolled at state colleges, and have few financial resources. Hahn said the fallout can be particularly devastating for students attending college on a scholarship.

What these students all share in common is the real fear that AI cheating accusations will destroy their future before it's even begun. 

AI cheating accusation at school: getting to the truth

Hahn's firm represents students across California. She said the volume of their inquiries has skyrocketed in the past two years.

Many students accused of cheating didn't actually use AI to complete an assignment or test, Hahn says, or they don't realize their use of AI violated a policy that may not have been clearly communicated.

Some students do use AI, but share extenuating circumstances. One student Hahn represented incorporated AI into their classwork at a moment of intense personal distress: They held down multiple jobs and both of their parents were experiencing health crises. The school administration was sympathetic to the situation and avoided an overly punitive consequence after Hahn lobbied against it.

But there are students who don't disclose unfavorable or damning information about their AI use, only for Hahn's team to discover it during the investigation process. 

"I can't give you the right advice unless I know the truth," she said. "I still have clients who lie to me. That's a waste of their money and time."

The cost for hiring representation varies based on the case, but it can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands when a student decides to involve the courts.

How a lawyer can help

At LLF National Law Firm, there are as many as 250 clients at any given time working with counsel on AI-related academic integrity violations, said Thomas Terrill, director of the firm's National Education Defense Practice Group.

Terrill said AI-related cheating cases now make up a substantial portion of LLF National Law Firm's caseload. Like clockwork, inquiries spike during midterm and final exams.

While lawyers can't represent students at their school's administrative hearings, Terrill said that legal expertise can "level" an uneven playing field in which administrators hold tremendous power over students' lives. 

In Terrill's experience, some schools try to fairly evaluate AI cheating accusations. Yet, he's also dealt with rushed investigations, limited access to evidence, and presumption of student fault based on a misunderstanding of how AI works.

"Many students feel they are in the position of proving their innocence rather than the institution meeting a clear burden of proof," Terrill said in an email.

The lawyers Mashable interviewed had strong opinions on this dynamic. Andrew Miltenberg, the senior litigation partner at the law firm Nesenoff & Miltenberg, observed that the balance of power tilts away from the student and toward the "faculty fiefdom." Some professors, he said, enjoy surprising leeway in making and adjudicating AI cheating charges.

Miltenberg characterized the AI programs they rely on to "check" for cheating or plagiarism as "primitive" and prone to false positives.

What lawyers recommend to accused students

Once a student is accused, they need a defense strategy.

LLF National Law Firm advises its clients to gather evidence of their authorship and work process, which can sometimes be substantiated by Google Docs or Microsoft Word history. Timestamps, outlines, notes, and research materials are also important.

Terrill said the firm reviews metadata, compares a student's writing samples, and looks over the instructor's communications about the assignment in question.

Other factors, like neurodivergence and being a non-native English speaker, matter too. AI detection tools, which faculty often rely on, may falsely flag those students' work more frequently than their neurotypical, English-speaking peers, according to Terrill.

If the charge is based on the finding of an AI detection tool, Terrill said it's crucial to know which program, because it may allow the student to challenge its reliability.

Preparing for a rapid timeline

Students don't have much time to collect the necessary evidence, said Miltenberg.

That's because, in his experience, academic integrity cases unfold much faster than other misconduct or integrity cases, which may take months to investigate because they involve sex discrimination, harassment, or sexual assault.

"It happens boom, boom, boom," Miltenberg said of AI cheating allegations.

A student could be accused on a Tuesday, meet with an administration official two days later, and be given an ultimatum that Friday. If they don't agree to a sanction, the charge will move to a hearing board, an institutional panel that reviews the case and decides the student's fate.

"It really moves very fast," Miltenberg said. "So it doesn't lend itself to someone getting their balance after what most students feel is a gut punch."

What resolution looks like

Hahn said administrators told students she later represented that they shouldn't hire a lawyer. She believes that's largely because university and college investigation offices are "completely buried" by AI cheating cases and want them resolved as soon as possible. Legal representation can, of course, extend the process with requests for evidence and so on.

Hahn described one case in which a student was accused of AI use in a math assignment because they didn't cite a specific formula. The professor failed the student as a consequence, an outcome that Hahn managed to get overturned.

In some instances of disclosed AI use, Hahn and her team know the administrators and can appeal to them for an alternative sanction before the hearing that won't jeopardize the student's future. That might stringent parameters for continuing their education, such as probation or a required medical leave of absence.

"The dismissal or failures — that will follow them for life," she said. "If they can get back in and finish their degree — it was a bad moment in their life, but they can overcome it. People have bad moments in their lives."

Leniency, however, is not much of an option if the student has a history of cheating or academic integrity violations.

Why suing is complicated

Lawsuits are a dicey strategy because courts will not grant students anonymity in these cases, Miltenberg said. So suing the school means a student must "out" themselves to "get justice," he added. The resulting court documents will be publicly searchable and include the student's name in association with an academic integrity violation.

Miltenberg said the way these cases are currently handled puts every student in a potential bind.

"There is no clear path at any institution right now," he said, noting that any appearance of cheating can trigger an investigation. At the same time, what that looks like is subjective to the faculty member or teaching assistant who made the allegation.

TL;DR: Get a near-mint condition refurbished MacBook Air for $269.99.

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Apple MacBook Air (2018) 13" i5 1.6GHz 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Gold (Refurbished)

$269.99
$1,399 Save $1,129.01

 

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New MacBooks are great, but not everyone needs the latest chip to get real work done. This MacBook Air refurb is a good computer for the basics, and it’s on sale for $269.99 right now (reg. $1,399).

This may be a refurbished model, but the Grade A rating means it arrives in near-mint condition with minimal to no visible scuffing.

Under the hood, you get a 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. That combination handles everyday tasks smoothly, including web browsing, document editing, photo editing, and light productivity work. The SSD keeps boot times and app launches fast, which goes a long way toward making an older machine feel snappier than the year suggests.

The 13.3-inch Retina display runs at 2560×1600, which keeps text sharp and photos looking good whether you’re editing in Lightroom or reading through a long document. At 2.75 pounds, it’s genuinely easy to carry, and the 12-hour battery life means you can get through a full workday without hunting for an outlet.

Two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports handle charging, DisplayPort, and data transfer up to 40Gbps. Bluetooth 4.2, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Touch ID, a 720p camera, stereo speakers, and a 3.5mm headphone jack are all built in.

This model supports macOS up to Sonoma 14, so it still has a few more years of software compatibility ahead of it. It won’t update to macOS 26, so keep that in mind if long-term support matters. A 40-day third-party parts and labor warranty is included, and a wall charger comes in the box.

For basic tasks like drafting documents or browsing the internet, a brand-new MacBook is expensive overkill.

If you want the right tool for a smart price, get a MacBook Air on sale for $269.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Through May 31, get lifetime access to Office 2024 Home & Business for $129.97 (reg. $249.99) and use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook with AI features and faster, more responsive performance.

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Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License

$129.97
$249.99 Save $120.02

 

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When basic free apps start hitting their limits, work tends to slow down with them. Office 2024 Home & Business is built for moments when reliability and full-feature tools matter most. Available as a lifetime license for $129.97 through May 31 (reg. $249.99), it delivers the core Microsoft apps professionals depend on without ongoing subscription costs.

This version of Office isn’t about bells and whistles — it’s about smarter workflows. You get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, redesigned with a unified interface that feels cleaner, faster, and more intuitive. Plus, you can use it whether you’re on a PC or a Mac.

Performance gets a noticeable lift, too. Excel handles large datasets more efficiently, PowerPoint lets you record full presentations with audio and video, and Outlook includes enhanced accessibility tools and improved search. Word introduces Focus Mode and Smart Compose, giving you a writing space that feels distraction-free and intelligently supportive.

Perhaps the biggest win? Offline access and a one-time purchase. Your license is tied to your Microsoft account — not your device — so you get continuous use without subscription fees. You also benefit from Microsoft’s built-in security improvements, including new protections against malicious add-ins.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer navigating multiple clients, or someone who simply prefers dependable offline tools, Office 2024 Home & Business delivers the streamlined experience free apps can’t match.

A modern suite for modern work — without monthly payments.

Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for your Mac or PC while it’s on sale for $129.97 (reg. $249.99) until May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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Credit: Amazon

Apple TV Prime Video Channel

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

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I don't care what anyone says — I've really enjoyed this season of F1. I know the new F1 regulations are not for everyone, not least the drivers. But I like the unpredictability of this season and I'm keen for more after a break post Miami.

Kimi Antonelli continues to lead the standings coming into the Canadian GP, but there's a feeling that McLaren are closing the gap to the Mercedes drivers. Could the tide finally turn this weekend and we get our first winner from another team? It's a Sprint weekend, so it always feels like there's a greater chance of upsetting the odds.

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

When is the Canadian GP?

The Canadian GP is the fifth race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve:

• Practice 1 — 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET on May 22

• Sprint Qualifying — 4:30-5:14 p.m. ET on May 22

• Sprint — 12-1 p.m. ET on May 23

• Qualifying — 4-5 p.m. ET on May 23

• Race — 4 p.m. ET on May 24

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

How to watch the Canadian GP for free

I subscribe to Amazon Prime. I very happily pay for the fast shipping, exclusive Prime Day deals, and access to Prime Video. The access to Prime Video is actually not all that important to me. I occasionally watch the Champions League and NBA, but that's about it. That was until this season of F1 came to Apple TV.

It is now possible to sign up for a seven-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. F1 is exclusive to Apple TV in the U.S., so by accessing this free trial, you can watch select races for free this season. The subscription costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel this automatic renewal at any time.

By cancelling ahead of the renewal, you can watch the Canadian GP this weekend without spending anything.

I already pay for Amazon Prime, so you could argue that this isn't really free. I get that, but Amazon Prime does offer a 30-day free trial period if you're new to the service. By signing up for this free trial and then gaining access to Apple TV through Prime Video Channels, you can truly watch select races for free this season.

Already used this hack to watch a race this season? It's not your only option.

I suggest you go direct to Apple TV. This popular steaming service comes with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. Alternatively, Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial.

The best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product. If you're planning on upgrading to something from the Apple lineup in Memorial Day sales, you could gain access to Apple TV for a pretty large chunk of this season. You will obviously need to buy something, but if you were already in the market for an upgrade, this method makes a lot of sense.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free in 2026

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Best Apple TV Deal

Apple TV

7-day free trial

Shop Now

---

Best Prime Video Deal

Apple TV Prime Video Channel

7-day free trial

Shop Now

---

Best Apple One Deal

Apple One

30-day free trial

Shop Now

The best Memorial Day tech deals of 2026:

---

Best headphone deal

Nothing Headphone (a)

$169 (save $30)

Get Deal

---

Best speaker deal

Sony SRS-XB100

$43 (save $21.99)

Get Deal

---

Best laptop deal

Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$940 (save $150)

Get Deal

---

Best TV deal

Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series with Fire TV (2025)

$309.99 (save $90)

Get Deal

---

Best smartwatch deal

CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro

$69 (save $30)

Get Deal

---

Best smart home deal

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select

$14.99 (save $25 with code SELCT4K)

Get Deal

Replacing a busted laptop or losing your favorite earbuds is painful enough without having to pay full retail price to replace them. Memorial Day is historically a great weekend to score discounts on big-ticket electronics (and mattresses!), but finding a real deal among all the manufactured holiday markdowns can be confusing, and a little insulting. (Looking at you, inflated list prices!)

To help you find the biggest discounts, I sifted through the sales to round up the best tech deals happening this weekend. I prioritized Mashable's favorite tech — so you get genuinely good, vetted gear, not just whatever inventory retailers are trying to clear out of their warehouses.

Best Memorial Day headphone deal

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Credit: Nothing

Nothing Headphone (a)

$169 at Amazon
$199 Save $30

 

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Why we like it

Read our full review of the Nothing Headphone (a).

Mashable's Lead Shopping Reporter is fresh off reviewing Nothing's new mid-range headphones, which she rated a 4.3/5. She thinks they're better than the flagship Nothing Headphone (1) because they offer the same app experience, comparable noise cancellation, and a comfier fit at a lower price. Moreover, they last for up to 135 hours on a single charge (!) without ANC, and their retro design is fun. Amazon has them on sale for a record-low price ahead of Memorial Day, saving you 15%.

More Memorial Day headphone deals

• SoundPEATS Cove Pro — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30)

• Sony ULT Wear — $148 $249.99 (save $101.99)

• Bose QuietComfort — $229 $349 (save $120)

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $229.79 $299.99 (save $70)

• Nothing Headphone (1) — $238.99 $299 (save $60.01)

• Marshall Monitor III — $248.99 $379.99 (save $131)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248 $399.99 (save $151.99)

• Sony WH-1000XM6 — $398 $459.99 (save $101.99)

Earbud deals

• Anker Soundcore P31i — $34.99 $59.99 (save $25)

• SoundPEATS Clip1 — $48.97 $69.99 (save $21.02)

• SoundPEATS Air5 Pro — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30)

• SoundPEATS H3 — $97.49 $129.99 (save $32.50)

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

• Anker Soundcore AeroClip — $109.99 $169.99 (save $60)

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $148.99 $179 (save $30.01)

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — $149 $179 (save $30)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds — $229 $299 (save $70)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) — $249 $299 (save $50)

Best Memorial Day speaker deal

Sony SRS-XB100

$43 at Amazon
$64.99 Save $21.99

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Read our full guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.

If you're looking for a portable speaker that you can just grab and throw in your bag, I couldn't recommend the Sony SRS-XB100 enough. I've had this exact one for years and it goes everywhere with me — I take it to the beach, hang it in the outside shower at my parents' OBX house, and set it up when I'm hanging with friends on the balcony. It has serious sound for how small it is, and right now you can get it for $43 (down from $64.99). That's a total steal for a speaker this good.

Want to pay even less? You can get a "renewed" Sony SRS-XB100 for $39.99.

More Memorial Day speaker deals

• Anker Soundcore 2 — $29.98 $44.99 (save $15.01)

• JBL FLIP 5 — $79.95 $99.95 (save $20)

• JBL Flip 6 — $89.95 $129.95 (save $40)

• Bose SoundLink Micro — $99 $129 (save $30)

• JBL Flip 7 — $99.95 $149.95 (save $50)

• Soundcore Boom 2 — $99.99 $139.99 (save $40)

• Marshall Emberton III — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)

• Bose SoundLink Plus — $209 $269 (save $60)

• Sonos Move 2 — $399 $499 (save $100)

Best Memorial Day laptop deal

Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$899.99 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $199.01

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Read our full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.

The MacBook Neo is only $10 off on Amazon right now, but the brand-new 13-inch MacBook Air is $100 off there — you can get the base model for just $949. This is the lowest price we've seen it go for since April 6. In our review, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth said the new MacBook Air "takes everything good about the MacBook Air and adds the faster M5 chip."

More Memorial Day laptop deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,499 $1,699 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,749 $1,899 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 15-core CPU/16-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,399.99 $2,599 (save $199.01)

Best Memorial Day TV deal

Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series with Fire TV

$309.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $90

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Right now, you can get last year's Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series with Fire TV for $309.99. (If you're a new Xbox GamePass customer, you'll also get a month of the subscription service for free.) That's a 23% discount and not too shabby of a deal for a 2025 TV.

More Memorial Day TV deals

• Hisense 55-inch E6 Cinema Hi-QLED 4K Fire TV — $278.99 $429.99 (save $151)

• Amazon Ember 55-inch Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $559.99 $819.99 (save $260)

• Samsung 65-inch Q7F QLED 4K TV — $427.99 $629.99 (save $202)

• Roku 65-inch Plus Series Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $479.99 $649.99 (save $170)

• Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $696.94 $1,499.99 (save $803.05)

• Hisense 65-inch Hi-QLED S7 CanvasTV 4K TV — $1,099.99 $1,999.99 (save $900)

• TCL 75-inch T7 QLED 4K TV — $629.99 $899.99 (save $270)

• Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Mini‑LED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,999.99 (save $800)

• Toshiba 100-inch Z670 Mini-LED 4K Fire TV — $2,299.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,700)

Best Memorial Day smartwatch deal

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Credit: Nothing

CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro

$69 at Amazon
$99 Save $30

 

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Why we like it

Read our full review of the CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro.

The Mashable Choice Award-winning CMF Watch 3 Pro features great health, fitness, and sleep tracking tools, and it lasts forever — it's rated at up to 13 days per charge with average use. It's not as sleek as other wearables, but it's an impeccable value at its $99 MSRP: "Please, no one tell Nothing they should be charging a lot more for this watch," writes Mashable Contributor and reviewer Lauren Allain. Right now, it's yours for 30% off.

More Memorial Day smartwatch deals

• Garmin Lily 2 — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch7 — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) — $299 $399 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS, Cellular, 49mm) — $549 $799 (save $250)

Best Memorial Day smart home deal

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Credit: Amazon

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select

$14.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $25

Enter code SELCT4K at checkout.

Get Deal

Why we like it

Amazon's budget 4K streaming stick has been going on sale regularly since its launch last fall, but it's never been this cheap before. (Be sure to enter the coupon code SELECT4K at checkout.) At 63% off, it's very difficult to see it getting any cheaper come Prime Day.

More Memorial Day streaming stick deals

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $17.99 $34.99 (save $17 with code SAVEHD)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25 with code 4KFTVSAVE)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30 with code MAX4KFTV)

Home security deals

• Blink Mini — $14.99 $24.99 (save $10)

• Blink Mini 2K+ — $25.99 $39.99 (save $14)

• Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera — $54.99 $99.99 (save $45)

• Blink Outdoor 2K+ — $64.99 $99.99 (save $35)

Most guys have a love-hate relationship with dating apps. But between work and life, meeting someone organically can feel nearly impossible. That's the promise of online dating — an unlimited number of meet-cutes right to your phone, no serendipity required. Of course, the reality of online dating is often quite different. But don't get discouraged. The Mashable Dating & Relationships team has spent years testing the most popular dating apps for men, and we can tell you which apps are most likely to connect you with the right person for you.

Do dating apps still work in 2026?

We get it, though. Dating as a man in 2026 is tough. It's not just the pressure to make or the fear of rejection if you do — it's the endless swiping through fake profiles, scammers, AI-generated thirst traps, bots posing as potential matches, relentless Instagram models trying to lure you into their OnlyFans scam, and matches with impossibly high expectations (yes, the "6-6-6 rule" is a real thing, and apps are actively trying to monetize your height preferences).

But despite the challenges, dating apps do work. A 2025 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus survey found that nearly 39 percent of all U.S. adults have used a dating app at some point, and men are actually more likely to be current users than women (57 percent vs. 38 percent). While the experience isn't always perfect, the odds are in your favor: 57 percent of men report positive experiences with online dating, compared to only 48 percent of women. The numbers are even higher for young people and the LGBTQ+ community.

The best dating apps for guys who know what they want

This guide is your cheat sheet for the best dating apps for men in 2026. We've done the research and found the apps that are actually worth your time. Whether you're looking for something casual or something serious, we have a dating app to recommend.

Pro tip: Don't be afraid to experiment. Try out a few different apps and see what works for you. And most importantly, don't get discouraged! Sometimes, the occasional bad date or disappointing flirtation is just the price you pay to meet the match of a lifetime.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free at a glance:

---

Best Apple TV Deal

Apple TV

7-day free trial

Shop Now

---

Best Prime Video Deal

Apple TV Prime Video Channel

7-day free trial

Shop Now

---

Best Apple One Deal

Apple One

30-day free trial

Shop Now

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

Lando Norris secured an incredible title victory on the final day of last season. Now the pressure is on McLaren to defend that title against a long list of talented drivers and motivated teams. Expect the likes of George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton to challenge for race wins this season. Mercedes look like the team to beat this season, but a lot can change.

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

What is F1?

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

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

When is F1 in 2026?

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

1. Australian Grand Prix — March 8

2. Chinese Grand Prix — March 15

3. Japanese Grand Prix — March 29

4. Miami Grand Prix — May 3

5. Canadian Grand Prix — May 24

6. Monaco Grand Prix — June 7

7. Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix — June 14

8. Austrian Grand Prix — June 28

9. British Grand Prix — July 5

10. Belgian Grand Prix — July 19

11. Hungarian Grand Prix — July 26

12. Dutch Grand Prix — Aug. 23

13. Italian Grand Prix — Sept. 6

14. Spanish Grand Prix — Sept. 13

15. Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sept. 26

16. Singapore Grand Prix — Oct. 11

17. United States Grand Prix — Oct. 25

18. Mexico City Grand Prix — Nov. 1

19. São Paulo Grand Prix — Nov. 8

20. Las Vegas Grand Prix — Nov. 21

21. Qatar Grand Prix — Nov. 29

22. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Dec. 6

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

How to watch F1 for free

In the U.S., F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV. An Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year, but it's possible to gain access to Apple TV without spending anything.

Apple TV

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Credit: Apple TV

Apple TV (7-day free trial)

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

Shop Now

Apple TV Prime Video Channel

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Credit: Amazon

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

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

Shop Now

Apple One

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Credit: Apple One

Apple One (30-day free trial)

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

Shop Now

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

One anxiety when you’re signing up for a dating site, especially one of the more spicy ones like AdultFriendFinder, is the digital paper trail. We get it, this kind of thing is personal and everyone deserves their privacy when it comes to online activity.

There are lots of reasons to feel cagey about the digital paper trail. Perhaps you’re married or in a relationship, or maybe you and your ex still haven’t separated your financial lives. It could be that you just don’t like the idea of your bank teller or financial advisor knowing about your online activities — whatever the reason, it’s your perogative.

It's perfectly natural to worry about what your dating app subscription will look like on your bank statement, especially if that subscription service contains the word “adult” — folks can be super judgy about this stuff.

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Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

Learn More

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

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

Do be aware that AdultFriendFinder subscriptions default to “auto renew,” so if you purchase a membership and want to cancel, you’ll have to actively disable the auto-renew function. Otherwise you risk having the mysterious FFNHelp.com*FRIENDF pop up on your statement month after month.

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

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

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

Online privacy comes at a premium — your personal information and internet habits are more valuable and more important than ever before. Everyone wants to know what you get up to, and where you're doing it online, whether it's businesses looking to target you with ads and mailing junk, or scammers who want to exploit you. That's why we recommend you do everything possible to protect yourself online. And if you watch porn, as so many of us do, you should be especially vigilant.

We're going to take a wild guess that you'd prefer to be protected from the prying eyes of advertisers, your internet service provider (ISP), and your roommates when you're engaged in the intimate business of visiting porn sites. If sounds right then we recommend investing in a VPN. These cybersecurity services provide everything you need to unblock porn sites and then stream anonymously.

What is a VPN?

VPNs offer a robust defense for both your data and identity on the internet. VPNs do this by creating a private network that can hide your IP address and connecting you to servers in other countries, which prevents unwanted eyes from spying on your digital and real world location. This ensures that all of your online activity is untraceable and secure.

If it sounds complicated, it's helpful to think of all your online traffic travelling through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected by an impenetrable wall, which holds back online threats such as viruses, hackers, malware, and scammers.

Do you need a VPN for porn?

There are two key reasons to get yourself a VPN for porn: Anonymity and access.

The first reason is perhaps the most important. If you're concerned about your ISP, housemates, landlord, or a more nefarious individual accessing your data, a VPN is a sensible choice. Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to anyone who knows how to access them.

Even a porn site can track your activity if you're unprotected, and bombard you with targeted ads and content. Pornhub tracks IP addresses for example, which means it can collect information about your site usage — something you might not want tracked and fired back at you. But a VPN will prevent that by keeping your IP address hidden.

Maintaining your privacy and anonymity is the primary reason for signing up to a VPN, but if you're in a location that blocks porn sites a VPN can also help access your favorite sites. A VPN can bypass these restrictions by connecting you to a server in another location, allowing you to circumnavigate firewalls and stream porn sites from anywhere in the world.

What features should you consider when selecting a VPN?

There are a number of different factors to consider before you pick a VPN for porn. Here are some of the VPN features and functions to know about:

• Connection speed — VPNs generally produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept any service that sees a major drop. Don't choose a VPN that impacts your connection speed to the point that you can't stream porn without disruption.

• Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and while it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best services will all offer powerful protection for your data. This is obviously vital when navigating porn sites because you need to know that your data is secure.

• Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account, while others limit you to a certain number or just a single device. Look for services that offer multiple simultaneous connections so you can stay secure on all your devices at the same time. You may wish to stream porn on a number of devices, so it's best to secure everything with the same account.

• Privacy policy — This is something that some users might take for granted, but you need to pay special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of a VPN. These practices should be clearly laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't, you should not subscribe. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. Your chosen VPN should not store these details under any circumstances, as that would negate the whole principle of anonymity.

• Server network — The top VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. This is useful because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming porn.

You also need to consider things like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start when selecting a particular VPN service. Once you've picked a VPN, look at its selection of subscription plans.

Should you use free VPNs?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Cybersecurity is no different. There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, and free trials of VPNs with full access to premium features. The catch is that free versions usually come with limited data usage, meaning you can't do much in the way of streaming or downloading — and the free trials don't last very long. But trials allow you to get a feel for a VPN service before you committing your cash. Overall, a paid subscription is your best option for porn. Sorry about that.

What is the best VPN for porn?

There are lots of services offering similar packages, which makes it difficult to choose the best VPN for you and your specific internet needs. We've made things easier by researching all the best offers and lining up the below selection of VPNs for porn. We have found something for everyone and every budget, with popular services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list.

These are the best VPNs for porn in 2026.

Whatever occasion has you looking for dad gifts (Father's Day, Christmas, Hanukkah), we recommend that you stay far away from clichés — unless your dad happens to be an avid sock collector, that is.

The best gifts for dads say, “I see your hobbies and I respect them." Which has been the basis for this list of unique ideas that you may not have seen before. (We have three words for you: "Ryan Gosling" and "knitting".) This list is sure to have something your old man will love, from the latest Apple and Sony tech to menswear and ingenious gadgets. And with Father's Day fast approaching on June 21, there's no better time to treat him.

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

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

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

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

Hurdle Word 1 hint

A grain.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

WHEAT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To cover.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SHADE

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

To dissect.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

PARSE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To take control.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SIEGE

Final Hurdle hint

A colored liquid.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

PAINT

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

The Moon is a little brighter tonight, with just over half its surface lit up as it keeps moving through the lunar cycle.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, May 24, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. Tonight, 59% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

You don't need visual aids to look at the Moon. In fact, when you look up you'll be able to spot the Mares Crisium, Tranquillitatis, and Fecunditatis. If you have binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, Apennine Mountains, and the Mare Nectaris. Finally, with a telescope you'll see the Apollo 16 landing spot, the Linne Crater, and the Rupes Altai.

When is the next Full Moon?

There are two Full Moons in May, with the next due to take place on May 31.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth completely, passing through eight phases during that time. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the way sunlight hits its surface changes throughout its orbit, creating the familiar full, half, and crescent appearances we see in the night sky. Altogether, the lunar cycle consists of eight main phases:

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.

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The world of tennis is focused on clay courts right now. Top players have already sharpened up in the Barcelona Open and Madrid Open, and now it's time for the main event: Roland-Garros.

Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz will not defend his title, but this year's tournament is not short of star names. Expect the likes of Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Świątek to be battling it out in the latter stages. It's always a special tournament filled with huge moments.

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

What is the French Open?

The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is a major tennis tournament held over two weeks at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. It's the only Grand Slam tournament held on a clay surface, and is the second of the four annual Grand Slam tournaments.

The current singles champions are Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff.

When is the 2026 French Open?

The 2026 French Open is the 131th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from May 18 to June 7.

How to watch the 2026 French Open for free

The 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world

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Credit: ExpressVPN

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

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

What is the best VPN for the French Open?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you spend time on the farm.

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

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

What is Connections?

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

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

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Barnyard dwellings

• Green: Fighting for a good cause

• Blue: Cultural props

• Purple: Belonging

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Farm fixtures

• Green: Labor protest actions

• Blue: Objects used in ritual performances

• Purple: Possessive adjectives plus a letter

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1078 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Farm fixtures: COOP, PEN, SHED, STABLE

• Labor protest actions: MARCH, PICKET, RALLY, STRIKE

• Objects used in ritual performances: DRUM, MASK, RATTLE, STAFF

• Possessive adjectives plus a letter: HERB, HISS, ITSY, MYA

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 always wound up.

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.