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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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:

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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 yesterday'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.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Turn, turn, turn

The words are related to loops.

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Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe winded things.

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 Try to Unwind.

NYT Strands word list for May 24

• Bobbin

• Scroll

• Reel

• Spool

• Winch

• Try to Unwind

• Coil

• Spindle

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 prioritize family.

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:

Sibling's child.

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Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter N.

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...

NIECE

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: Easily determine the best AI answer for the job with this 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription, on sale now for $69.97 (reg. $540) through May 31.

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One of the most common questions asked about AdultFriendFinder is understandable: Is AFF safe to use? Just one look at the dating site is enough to sound those alarm bells — the dated interface and design and the sheer volume of adult content. Prospective daters are right to question its legitimacy.

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

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Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

Learn More

Understanding the risks of online dating

First off, understand that there is a risk inherent to using any online service, and that even the most reputable websites have experienced major hacks or exploits. “Users should remember that any service can potentially encounter various cybersecurity issues,” Larkina told us, including “data leaks, attacks on third party contractors, or issues related to the human factor.” 

But the risks are undoubtedly higher for some websites than others. For example, with a typical merchant website, you’re only providing them with your credit card information, but on a dating site, you’re potentially providing your credit card details and crucial personal information, from your date of birth to your phone number, information that can prove very valuable to scammers.

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

What risks are specific to AdultFriendFinder?

The “adult content” angle

While there is absolutely no obligation for AFF users to share nude photos of themselves, or get naked on a webcam feed, many, many people opt to do so, and while we have no objection from a moral perspective — let your freak flag fly high and proud — it’s important that you know you risk more than an awkward conversation with coworkers and family members who stumble across your account.

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

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

AFF security breaches

While dating sites invest heavily in cybersecurity protections, online threats are constant and ever-evolving. Hackers who are eager to discover treasure troves of personal and financial information will often target online dating platforms — they can be easy pickings.

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

Phishing scams

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

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

Can your AFF account be found?

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

And as AFF has suffered two major hacks before, there’s always an outside chance of it happening again, which could result in your email address and information landing in a dodgy database.

How to protect your online identity when using AdultFriendFinder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After months of waiting, Trump Mobile's American smartphone (AKA the Trump Mobile T1 AKA the Trump Phone) is finally in the hands of consumers — or, at least, a select few journalist reviewers who spent their own hard earned money to procure one.

Trump Mobile CEO Pat O'Brien previously announced the devices would start shipping last week, and it appears the promise was at least partially kept, as tech journalists began receiving devices a few days ago.

Just a little recap: The Trump Phone was announced last June, marketed as a gold "Made In America" Android device that would run a user only $500. The company then opened up a $100 preorder for the device. Shortly after, users realized the "Made In America" label was too good to be true, and as the release deadline was pushed further and further, many believed it would all turn out to be a scam. The device's Terms & Conditions were an even bigger mystery, including a stipulation that Trump Mobile couldn't guarantee the device would ever be released. A totally normal thing to include.

The Verge then reported on an official FCC listing that seemed to confirm O'Brien's comments. A few days later, Trump Mobile execs confirmed to the press that customer data was leaking onto the open internet, due to a third-party platform provider.

At least the phone is here.

Unboxing the Trump Phone

Our colleagues over at CNET have done the full unboxing, and it is, contrary to popular belief, real: A golden smartphone complete with etched American flag logo (but only 11 stripes instead of 13).

It comes in a sleek black box emblazoned with the same minimalist flag motif — kind of like those baseball caps your uncle wears — and reads only "assembled in the USA," not made in the USA, so jury is still out on the phone's manufacturing origins. Inside the box is a wall plug, braided USB-C cord, and a SIM card tool, CNET reported.

The device's camera bump is marked with the Trump Mobile logo (that is, just the words "Trump Mobile"). It's longer than an iPhone 17, NBC News reported, and has a slim screen bezel with a camera cutout. It looks, to the trained eye, nearly identical to the 2024 HTC U24 Pro, similar to mockups released earlier this year.

The Trump Phone specs: Storage, performance, headphone jack?

The phone comes with 512 GB of storage and — wait a minute — a headphone jack?! That's right; as the public yearns for the days of analogue tech, Trump Mobile is bringing back the jack.

The device has a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen and a 50-megapixel front-facing camera. It runs off a 5,000-mAh battery and uses an unnamed Snapdragon mobile platform.

According to initial testing by CNET's Patrick Holland, the phone has an 8-core processor, which he theorizes is the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. He compares the Trump Mobile phone's performance on standard benchmark tests to 2020-2022 Android phones, like the Galaxy Z Fold 2.

The CNET team will be posting live reviews of the phone as they test it over the weekend. Said NBC's Brian Cheung: "It works like any other phone."

T1 comes with Truth Social preloaded. Duh.

Last but not least, the phone comes with the Truth Social app automatically downloaded to every user's home screen.

And that is fine, because there is absolutely nothing weird about the U.S. President creating his own social media platform for free speech and then having it preinstalled directly onto a communication device branded with his last name.

SAVE $80: The Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $129, down from the list price of $209. That's a 38% discount that matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

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Credit: Jackery

Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station

$129 at Amazon
$209 Save $80

 

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Now that we're unofficially in summer season, it's time to think about sunny outings and adventures. If you tend to deal with a dead phone battery long before you'll be home from summer activities, you might find a portable power station to be well worth the investment. Check out this compact model that's included in Amazon's Memorial Day sale.

As of May 23, the Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $129, marked down from the list price of $209. That's a 38% discount for a total savings of $80. Today's sale price matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

If you're not looking for a bulky or heavy portable power station, the Jackery Explorer 240D is an ideal option. With 256Wh of battery capacity, Jackery mentions this model can recharge a laptop three times or a phone 15 times. Pack this along for a weekend camping with friends and you might become the favorite, keeping everyone's phones charged up.

It weighs under five pounds and it comes with a USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying strap, making this model extra portable. You'll be able to recharge devices via four USB ports, including one USB-A. AC recharging the Jackery with USB-C will take about 2.5 hours while recharging with a 100W solar panel will take about three hours.

Before you head out on a summer outdoor adventure that'll take you off-grid, get equipped with the Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station. It's on sale at Amazon for under $130 and will give you peace of mind that you'll be able to stay connected.

Two men have been officially charged with a federal crime after they were caught generating and publishing AI deepfakes of female celebrities.

Federal prosecutors arrested two men in conjunction with a criminal complaint that both separately made sexually explicit AI content that was viewed by millions of users online. The content featured female politicians, musicians, singers, and private photos of women known to one of the accused.

The two men face up to two years in prison.

The men are being tried under President Donald Trump's Take It Down Act, which criminalizes publishing or threatening to publish nonconsensual intimate imagery including AI generated pornography featuring real individuals. The bill, backed by First Lady Melania Trump and several major organizations addressing sexual cyber crime and child sexual abuse, went into effect exactly one year ago.

At the time, many experts questioned how the act would actually be enforced under the Federal Trade Commission, specifically calling attention to removal procedures and redress for victims themselves. Others worried that the bill's broad guidelines would be contested on free speech grounds.

Last month, the Take It Down Act nabbed its first conviction, after an Ohio man pleaded guilty to harassing women with nonconsensual AI images and videos depicting them in sexual acts, as well as generating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) using the technology.

"This case makes clear that posting deepfake pornography is not a victimless crime," U.S. attorney Joseph Nocella said following the arrests.

SAVE $800: The Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower is on sale $1,799.99 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $2,599.99. That's a 31% discount.

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Credit: Husqvarna

Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower

$1,799.99 at Amazon
$2,599.99 Save $800.00

 

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It's Memorial Day weekend, and if you're spending the time off catching up on household chores, you probably have some yard maintenance tasks on the list. If mowing the lawn is a chore you tend to put off for as long as possible, consider the convenience of a robot lawn mower. Amazon has a handful of robot lawn mowers on sale this Memorial Day and this particular deal is a standout.

As of May 23, the Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower is on sale for $1,799.99 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $2,599.99. That works out to a savings of $800 thanks to a 31% discount.

Designed to tackle lawns of up to 0.5 acres, the Husqvarna 410iQ can mow grass to your preference between one and four inches in length. Compared to many robot lawn mowers, that's an impressive height range. It can also navigate on slopes of up to 45 degrees and you can designate an unlimited amount of zones in your yard.

For example, you can set the front yard to be mowed down to two inches every Monday morning while keeping the backyard shorter and cut more frequently during summer barbecue season. The Husqvarna also has several cutting patterns you can choose from including parallel, checkerboard, or triangle. Plus, this model is safe to clean with a hose.

Today's deal includes the Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower, the charging station, an EPOS reference station for GPS signal, and a year's worth of replacement cutting blades.

Before taking time out of your long weekend to mow the lawn, consider hopping on Amazon's sale price for the Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower. You'll be saving $800 while freeing up tons of weekend time this summer.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is pausing the release of previously public information related to its investigations, after individuals used AI to recreate the last words of deceased pilots.

The independent agency was informed that an AI-generated rendering depicting cockpit audio of UPS flight 2976 was created and circulated, using only written documents submitted during the recent hearing, CNN reported. The Nov. 4 crash resulted in the deaths of three crew members and 12 civilians on the ground.

"We show our work and we’ve been doing this type of thing for years. Nobody was aware that you can recreate audio from a picture," an NTSB spokesperson told CNN. "NTSB is looking to make sure there’s nothing else in the docket that could compromise anybody’s privacy… now that we understand the possibility of a digital recreation."

Under federal law, the NTSB does not release cockpit voice recordings to the public during investigations of deadly plane crashes. Instead, the agency will submit a transcript for the public record and — as was the case for flight 2976 — an audio spectrogram, which visually depicts sound frequencies, duration, and amplitude in a given clip.

Individuals were able to use the spectrogram, pulled from the public investigation docket, to digitally recreate the last 30 seconds of cockpit audio before the plane crashed, including the pilot's voices and background sounds. A second clip of recreated audio from an NTSB aircraft test was also circulated online.

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Citing privacy concerns, the agency released a public statement explaining their decision to pause access to investigation dockets, writing:

The NTSB is aware that advances in image recognition and computational methods have enabled individuals to reconstruct approximations of cockpit voice recorder audio from sound spectrum imagery released as part of NTSB investigations, including the ongoing investigation of the crash last year of UPS flight 2976 in Louisville, Kentucky.

The NTSB does not release cockpit audio recordings. Federal law prohibits such public release due to the highly sensitive nature of verbal communications inside the cockpit. The NTSB takes these privacy restrictions seriously.

SAVE $80: The Levoit Sprout air purifier is on sale at Amazon for $199.99, down from the list price of $279.99. That's a 29% discount.

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Credit: Levoit

Levoit Sprout air purifier

$199.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80

 

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We've arrived at the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer season each year, and that means it's an ideal weekend to head outside and enjoy some warm sunshine. However, some of the country is still swamped with spring pollen and other areas are dealing with wildfire smoke. If you fall into either camp or have simply been looking for a bedroom-worthy air purifier, check out this deal.

As of May 23, the Levoit Sprout air purifier is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $279.99. That's a 29% discount that takes a respectable $80 off the price.

I'll admit that $280 for a bedroom-sized air purifier is steep, which is why I'm thrilled to see it on sale during Amazon's Memorial Day sale. Last year, I tested tons of models to find the best air purifiers for wildfire smoke and fell in love with the features on the Levoit Sprout. I still use it everyday in my bedroom.

Like the name hints at, the Levoit Sprout is designed for a kids' room or a nursery, but I think it's awesome for all ages. Like you'd want with an air purifier, it uses HEPA filtration to capture irritants like dust, dander, pollen, and smoke. But what I love the most are the extra features.

For starters, the Levoit Sprout has a built-in light that's perfect for bedtime routines. I head into the Levoit app and turn the light on before I even walk into my bedroom. The light even has adjustable brightness levels, so you can set it to your preference from bright white to a chill amber hue. And don't worry about disrupting your sleep: Levoit mentions this light is blue-light safe.

While it's not the best quality, the Levoit Sprout also has a built-in speaker. Using the app or the top controls, you can play calming bedtime sounds like ocean waves or rain, a feature that could be excellent for using in a nursery.

For a numbers nerd, the air-quality tracking on the Sprout is a dream. Like almost every air purifier, it gives metrics like PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels, but the Levoit does so much more. It measures VOC, temperature, humidity, and even CO2 levels, a feature I've yet to see on another air purifier.

If you're looking for an air purifier to sit on your nightstand or you're thinking ahead to potential summer smoke from fires, hop on the Levoit Spout while it's on sale for under $200. Not only is it an air purifier; it's also a lamp, speaker, and air-quality monitor.

SAVE $900: The 65-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV is on sale at Amazon for $1,099.99, down from the list price of $1,999.99. That's a 45% discount and the best price we've ever spotted at Amazon. The 55-inch model is also on sale, selling for $849.99 instead of the list price of $1,499.99.

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Credit: Hisense

65-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV

$1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $900

 

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If you're hanging out at home this Memorial Day weekend, you might be noticing some home upgrades that are calling for attention this summer. If one of those happens to be getting a new TV, you're in luck. Amazon understands that some of us prefer to spend long weekends and sweaty summer months at home binging TV in the comfort of air conditioning. With that in mind, the retailer has great TV discounts this weekend. Check out this notable offer.

As of May 23, the 65-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV is on sale at Amazon for $1,099.99, marked down from the list price of $1,999.99. That's a 45% discount that shaves a massive $900 off the price. It's also the best price we've ever spotted at Amazon. If you prefer a smaller model, the 55-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV also got a discount to $849.99, down from the list price of $1,499.99.

Samsung was the first to the market with an art TV when the brand introduced us to The Frame. It launched with some eye-watering prices, but like almost all tech, we now have competitor options that are much more affordable. Hisense revamped the CanvasTV in 2026 with a Hi-QLED display with an AI RGB ambient light sensor. These upgrades are designed to get deeper color accuracy and even adjust based on the room's ambient light.

Of course, the star feature on the CanvasTV is the ability to tap into the Hisense library of artwork to display while you're not streaming summer shows. You can also display your own photos or rotate your favorites. The Hisense even comes with an ultra-slim wall mount, which makes the TV look like a framed piece of art rather than a TV.

Since several sizes of the Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV are on sale for record-low prices at Amazon during Memorial Day weekend, it's an ideal time to make the upgrade. Order soon and Amazon might even be able to deliver before the long weekend is over.

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

$849.99 (save $550)

Get Deal

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Best portable power station deal

Anker Solix C1000

$449.99 (save $50)

Get Deal

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Best earbuds deal

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

$149 (save $30)

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

The long Memorial Day weekend is here. 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.

To keep the deals seasonal, Amazon's Memorial Day sale has seen prices drop 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 we enjoy the holiday weekend, 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

$849.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $550

 

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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 $550 during its Memorial Day sale. At $849.99, its second price drop since its launch earlier this month, it's a total steal.

More TV deals

• Hisense 55-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $399.99 $799.99 (save $400)

• 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 — $949.99 $1,499.99 (save $550)

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

• Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,999.99 (save $800)

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

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 — $339 $449 (save $160)

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

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

• Bluetti Elite 100 V2 — $429 $569 (save $140)

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

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

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

• Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra — $899.10 $999 (save $99.90)

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

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

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

Best earbuds deal

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Credit: Bose

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

$149 at Amazon
$179 Save $30

 

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Why we like it

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort earbuds here.

Summer calls for endless playlists and great earbuds. The playlists are up to you, but we recommend the budget-friendly Bose QuietComfort Earbuds for jamming out. When it comes to the entire lineup of Bose headphones and earbuds, Mashable feels the QuietComfort earbuds have amazing sound quality, especially given their lower price point compared to other Bose earbuds. The noise cancellation is solid and the fit is both secure and comfortable.

Ahead of Memorial Day, Amazon has all colorway options on sale for $149, down from the list price of $179. Since this is the lowest price we've seen at Amazon all year, now's a great time to make the upgrade.

More earbuds deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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

 

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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) — $119.99 $179.99 (save $60)

• 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

 

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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)

Not quite a tablet and much more compact than a book, e-readers are basically a compact, digital library. And having tested a lot of e-readers and tablets for Mashable, I can tell you the Amazon Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices.

All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle and how to make the most of it. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don't have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.

Ready to buy? Here's our guide to the best Kindles.

2026 Kindle updates

As of May 20, 2026, Amazon will no longer lend software updates or provide web services to devices released in 2012 or earlier, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.

The affected Kindles include:

• Kindle (1st generation)

• Kindle (2nd generation)

• Kindle DX

• Kindle DX Graphite

• Kindle Keyboard

• Kindle 4

• Kindle Touch

• Kindle 5

• Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)

Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

How to get free e-books on Kindle

With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

• How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

• I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.

• What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

• What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month

• Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

• Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle
  

TL;DR: The official Casetify x Tamagotchi collection launches on May 29. The collection features phone cases, plush earbud pouches, phone straps, and customizable carry-on luggage, with prices starting at $36.

If you grew up in the '90s, it felt like every single person had a Tamagotchi clipped to their backpack. They were basically Sims, but cuter and pixelated; you had to feed them, clean up after them, and keep them happy 24/7, or they'd die. Everyone who was anyone had one, except me.

I was never allowed to have one. (The childhood trauma is real.) If your parents also denied you a virtual pet, it's time to pull out your wallet because we finally have adult money now.

Casetify just announced a collaboration with Bandai Namco for an actual Tamagotchi collection, and it drops on May 29. And it's not just phone cases — they're releasing an actual, functional Tamagotchi device with a custom Casetify shell.

They're also offering "Chase Cards" with seven different rarity tiers from "Common" up to "Supreme Ultra Rare." Oh, and you can get a 21-inch carry-on suitcase in pink or blue that you can personalize with your initials in the actual Tamagotchi font.

The customizable 21-inch Casetify Travel Tamagotchi carry-on suitcases are available in Cobalt Blue and Primrose Pink. Credit: Casetify | Bandai Namco

If you feel a little silly about buying toys as a fully grown adult, don't. The "kidult" economy is huge right now. According to a market research report from Circana, global toy sales rose 7 percent last year, and collectibles spiked by 32 percent.

The collection officially goes live on May 29 at casetify.com/colab.

SAVE $500: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 in Amazon's Memorial Day sale. That's $500 off the list price of $1,599.

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Credit: DJI

DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo

$1,099 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $500

 

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We're busy tracking all the best Memorial Day deals going live over the weekend. Picking our favorite deals isn't easy, but you know what is? Recommending the latest deal on the DJI Mini 5 Pro.

Capturing cinematic 4K landscape footage used to require an expensive commercial flight license and heavy equipment. DJI completely rewrote that rulebook with its ultra-lightweight premium series, and their flagship model is hard to ignore at a heavily discounted price.

Despite all the ongoing conversations surrounding DJI imports in the U.S., current retail stocks are completely clear for consumer purchase — and retailers are clearing shelves with massive incentives ahead of the summer travel rush. For a limited time, the DJI Mini 5 Pro is on sale for $1,099 in Amazon's Memorial Day sale. That's $500 off and really close to the lowest-ever price for this model.

This popular drone tips the scales at exactly 249 grams. Because it sits comfortably under the FAA's strict 250-gram regulatory threshold, you can take it from the box straight into the sky for recreational flights without registering with the government or sitting through a baseline safety course.

Save $500 on the DJI Mini 5 Pro this weekend at Amazon.

TL;DR: T-Mobile has dropped new deals on the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17 Pro. Score the latest iPhone lineup for free at T-Mobile.

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Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 17

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

Shop Now

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Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Shop Now

Mashable's shopping team is firmly focused on Memorial Day right now. We've lined up the best deals on TVs, power stations, mattresses, and so much more over the Memorial Day weekend.

Did we roundup the best deals on smartphones? No we did not, because T-Mobile is really hard to beat right now.

Whether you're looking to switch networks or simply upgrade a device you’ve been holding onto for years, T-Mobile has dropped a fresh batch of deals to help you take home a premium phone without a monthly charge:

• Apple iPhone 17e — free when you port your number over from a competitor and activate a new line on almost any T-Mobile postpaid service plan (no trade-in required).

• Apple iPhone 17 — free when you switch and trade in an eligible smartphone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro — free when you hand over an eligible smartphone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Before you rush to claim your new iPhone, it's important to note how T-Mobile structures these offers. T-Mobile won’t just hand you the goods and wish you well. Instead, the total retail cost of your chosen iPhone is offset by 24 consecutive monthly bill credits. Your monthly statement will show a charge for the financing of the phone, immediately followed by an equal credit balancing that charge to $0. That means you are entering a 24-month commitment with the network.

If you decide to cancel your service or jump to a different provider before those two years are up, the remaining unpaid cash balance on the phone will become due immediately.

You will need to pay taxes and a $35 activation charge at checkout to get the new line provisioned on the network, but that's a small price to pay for a new iPhone that offers a "great camera, beautiful display, 256GB of storage, fast performance, and long battery life."

Make the most of this opportunity to score the latest iPhone 17 lineup for free with T-Mobile.

TL;DR: Make your AI workflow less chaotic with this lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan, on sale now for $59.97 (reg. $619) through May 31.

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Credit: ChatPlayground AI

ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan)

$59.97
$619 Save $559.03

 

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AI is supposed to make life easier, but before you know it, your desktop is overrun with all the different models, and you’re more overwhelmed than you were in the first place. ChatPlayground AI aims to change that, offering a centralized hub for your AI needs.

Right now, you can score a lifetime subscription to the Unlimited Plan for only $59.97 until May 31.

Stop trying to keep up with all the strengths and weaknesses of your go-to AI choices. ChatPlayground AI lets you see responses from over 20 models, all side by side in one spot.

Enter your prompt and compare answers from ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini, Llama, Perplexity, and more with ChatPlayground AI. You can pick the best response for your needs, all without having to pay all the individual subscription fees.

From generating code and images to asking simple questions or coding, ChatPlayground AI can handle nearly everything. And if you don’t get the responses you’re looking for, it can even help you build better prompts with prompt engineering tools. Image and PDF chat features are also available to get speedier answers.

If you’re working on an ongoing project or just find yourself wanting to reference past conversations, ChatPlayground AI saves them all for your convenience. Your Unlimited Plan also provides unlimited monthly messages, priority customer service, and priority access to any new features and future models.

Secure your own lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan for only $59.97 now through May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: A new operating system modernizes your PC, and right now, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro can be yours for just $9.97 (reg. $199) through May 31.

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Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro

$9.97
$199 Save $189.03

 

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Is your dusty old PC feeling pretty stale? Upgrading your operating system breathes new life into your device, and Windows 11 Pro was built specifically for today’s workflow.

Right now, you can upgrade your current PC for just $9.97 with this license — on sale through May 31.

If you primarily use your PC for work, it’s time to make the switch to Windows 11 Pro. This OS was designed for today’s professionals, with a user-friendly interface, improved multitasking capabilities, and advanced security to keep your content secure.

If your PC cannot upgrade through Windows Update, you can use this license. The fresh, user-friendly interface is easy to use, while features like a more powerful search experience, easy redocking, snap layouts, and virtual desktops speed up your workflow.

This Windows 11 Pro license includes Microsoft Teams, which helps you stay connected to family, friends, and coworkers. It also gives you access to Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can help you complete tasks, change settings, summarize web pages, and open apps.

Enjoy improved cybersecurity with biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus protection that all help keep your data safe.

If you’re a gamer, you’ll love DirectX 12 Ultimate‘s impressive graphics, and professionals will appreciate access to Azure AD, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker.

Get a Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for less than the cost of lunch — only $9.97 now through May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

I had a Pokémon card addiction back in 1999.

I used to get £10 a month pocket money from my grandmother and, more often than not, that crisp note would be immediately exchanged for four crinkly blue and silver booster packs that I'd rip straight open. I paid £10 once for a shiny Charizard card to complete the Base set. It's still sat in the binder I placed it in a quarter of a century ago.

Pokémon has been in and out of my life ever since. It made a major comeback in 2016 when Pokémon Go launched, and then again more recently when my young son discovered the TV show. I often watch it with him. I don't recognise all the Pokémon, but I'm pleased to see Ash hasn't aged a day.

Then, a few weeks back, my son came home with some Pokémon cards. They were in a small pack that came free with a magazine. I recognised a couple of the newer ones, Rowlet and Dedenne, along with a Seel I remembered from back in the day. The nostalgia hit me hard, so I decided to buy some boosters that we could open together.

I fired up Amazon, thinking that would be the quickest way to find some — only to be slightly confused when I saw the site's yellow "Buy" button had been replaced with a button reading "Request an Invite". I clicked it, dug into exactly what it meant, and soon discovered Pokémon card collecting in 2026 is a very, very different hobby to what it was in the late nineties.

Amazon's "Request an Invite" option shows up instead of the "Buy" button for Pokémon cards. Credit: Amazon

The short version? It's currently extremely hard to buy Pokémon card packs for retail price. This probably won't come as a surprise to present-day collectors, but for someone who hasn't bought any since my teenage years, it was unexpected. I managed it in the end, but it took me two weeks, multiple supermarket visits, online lotteries, and a final stroke of luck.

The frustrating quest to find Pokémon cards in stores

Amazon's "Request an Invite" system essentially enters you into a lottery. A couple of times a week invites are sent out, enabling some lucky customers to buy the cards they requested (in two weeks I received no invites). Once I realised the process might be a slow one, I turned my attention to other IRL retailers. Pokemon Trading Card Game has an official site listing stores, and I learned through Reddit's r/PokemonDealsUK sub (I live in the UK) that other people were having some success in supermarkets like Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons and ASDA.

Over the course of about a week I visited 10 of these stores, varying from small Tesco Express shops to Sainbury's superstores. On some days I visited stores that people on Reddit were specifically flagging as having received fresh stock. The shelves were always empty. Every single time, without fail, the Pokémon card section in the toy aisle would look sad and abandoned.

A few times I asked staff about stock, and the answer always came back as some variation of the following: "We don't get them in very often. And when we do, one person normally just buys the whole box."

Why are Pokémon cards so hard to buy at retail prices?

The answer, as I learned, is pretty simple: Demand currently outstrips supply. The price people are willing to pay for Pokémon cards is higher than retail price.

I found this out by looking on second hand markets like eBay and Vinted, where packs and boxes of Pokémon cards are frequently sold for far more than the £4-£5 per 10-card booster pack you can buy in the shops. Some sets, like January's very popular Ascended Heroes, are actually selling for around double the retail price. The rarest cards in that set, like the Mega Gengar Ex Special Illustration Rare, go for over £1,000.

Suddenly, the reason why one person might be going into a store and buying up the entire stock started to make more sense: They're immediately in profit. Pokémon cards now, perhaps more than ever, have become a business.

As part of my research, I reached out to Asmodee and Smiths News, two of the UK's main Pokémon card distributors, as well as three major supermarket chains. Tesco had no on-the-record comment, but acknowledged the high demand while advising that its Express stores will be stocking the new Chaos Rising set and are expecting regular deliveries. Asmodee had no comment. At the time of writing, none of the others have responded (Mashable will update this article if we do hear back).

So how do you actually get Pokémon cards?

As I eventually found out, it is possible to buy Pokémon cards at retail price. It just takes a bit of time and luck. My search quickly took me from Reddit to the OakLabs Poké Alerts Discord server, which a moderator of r/PokemonDealsUK has set up to try and help buyers find stock. So far it's been the most useful resource out there. There are stock alert pings, people sharing successful finds in the wild, and links to lotteries (like the Amazon one) run by other independent shops. Although stock still sells quickly, the Discord is full of people who've managed to beat the odds and buy the packs they want.

My first bit of luck, however, came from somewhere a bit more traditional: a local card shop in South West England. Bath TCG came up when I searched for places to buy cards near me, and I gave them a call without really expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised. They told me that they'd have stock of the new set, Chaos Rising, in for release day, and because they limit pack purchases to two per customer, they were expecting to have enough for everyone.

I headed down for the launch and found that the system worked. As promised, rather than an empty shelf, the card packs were ready and waiting. I was finally able to pick some up.

Success at last! Credit: Sam Haysom

Before I left, I caught up with 35-year-old store owner, Ben Thyer, who described the current boom as a "perfect storm" created by a rise in Pokémon card streamers, flashy celebrity headlines like Logan Paul's $16 million Pikachu Illustrator record auction, and the fact that 2026 is the 30th anniversary of the card game.

"We're seeing the people that would buy trainers and stuff, to flip for profit, now coming over to Pokémon to do the same thing," Thyer told me. "It used to be you could buy Pokémon, everyone would buy it to open and enjoy, some people would keep it sealed but the return would be in four, five, six years. Currently, because of how the market is and how sparse it is, the return is instant."

Unlike many retailers, Bath TCG counters this with a tiered system. Players of the game are in Tier 1, loyal customers — who've already made several purchases — are in Tier 2, and everyone else is in Tier 3. All booster packs are limited to a certain number per customer, depending on the tier they fall into. Seals on booster boxes are broken to discourage resellers. All of this means that the stock doesn't immediately vanish when the doors open, and there are enough packs for everyone.

Seals are broken by staff to put off resellers. Credit: Sam Haysom

When I asked Thyer why distributors aren't simply supplying more cards to meet demand, he said that they are. But demand also means more retailers are ordering from distributors, including stores like Hobbycraft and The Entertainer that didn't used to sell Pokémon cards. This means the likes of Bath TCG aren't able to get any additional stock, despite stock levels in the UK being higher overall.

And as for whether or not this stock scarcity situation will change anytime soon? Thyer wasn't too hopeful.

"This is like a cyclical thing that we see sort of every three to four years, but it normally lasts six to nine months and it's not that intense," he said. "It's not really showing any signs of slowing down at the moment."

Too many AdultFriendFinder users restrict themselves to the more conventional aspects of this otherwise unconventional dating site. They create a profile, search through singles, and maybe browse a webcam or two. But the real meat of the site isn't actually in the one-on-one interactions; it's in the larger community, which exists in the forums, monthly contests, blogs and, perhaps most importantly, the Sex Stories section.

While you can obviously just browse these stories casually, the on-site culture actually encourages greater interaction than that, and many an AFF connection has been made by two adults bonding over their shared love of erotic fiction. 

Here's how you can use their literotica section to not only vet your next sexting partner but actually initiate the conversation. Full disclaimer: while you can absolutely enjoy aspects of the Sex Stories section without a paid membership, getting the most out of it and actually converting your literary admiration into a one-on-one chat will require a site subscription.

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Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

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Read the stories and find what resonates with you

AFF's Sex Stories section boasts more than a dozen distinct categories or genres, ranging from "first time" experiences to group sex scenes, fetish exploration and even stories with fantasy or sci-fi elements. The more creative writers even try their hand at erotic novels and poetry, and since a lot of effort has been put into these creations, the least you can do is read the stories in full and save those you like.

While even free users can save individual stories, only paid members can follow story writers, but if you discover that one particular author keeps catching your interest, following their work is a good way to indicate your interest. 

Leave a comment

What author doesn't appreciate positive feedback? If a story resonates with you, you can interact with it in one of two ways: by leaving a comment or by using the like button to indicate your approval. Because of the site's laidback culture, it's completely common for authors to respond to comments, so put some thought into what you say, shouting out specific aspects of the story or how it was written. Many a private sexting conversation began in the public comment section of an AFF story.

While free AFF users are able to both comment and like stories, paid members unlock even greater emoji reactions, including more salacious and flirty reactions, which helps you take your flirting game up a notch. 

Consider writing your own story

If you're having trouble getting storywriters to respond to you or if you just can't find a piece that really resonates with your needs, it might be time to take up the (digital) pen yourself. If you have a way with words, you can accrue a large following on the site, and even earn badges for your heightened on-site participation.

Best of all, by becoming the writer rather than the reader, you'll put yourself in the position of being able to select which comments (and therefore which commentators) catch your attention. 

Use the #tags feature

While every story written has to be placed into a specific category, each story can also contain multiple tags, and these are a lot more varied and a lot more specific than the story categories. Current "top tags" include #feet, #sub, #teasing and #watching, for example.

If you're looking for a particular type of sexting conversation, or if you have very specific turn-ons, the tag feature is the fastest way to find a like-minded person to explore with in a private conversation. 

By our estimation, Dropout is the best destination online for groundbreaking comedy. But if you're new to Dropout, it might be dizzying to decide where to dive in.

This subscription streaming platform is best-known for its hilarious game shows like Make Some Noise and Game Changer, as well as the tabletop role-playing game series Dimension 20, the kooky talk show parody Very Important People, and the daffy cooking competition series Gastronauts. But with so many seasons, guests, and shows, where to begin? 

Mashable's here to help. Around here, we're big fans of Dropout, but we're also aware that just leaping into these shows with the latest eps could be confusing with no context. So, we asked our own Dropout subscribers where they'd recommend you start watching — not just which shows, but which episodes. 

Here's a rundown on all you need to know to get into Dropout. 

Dimension 20

What's the show's deal?: Launched in 2018, this was one of Dropout's first series. Created by Brennan Lee Mulligan, it began with "Fantasy High," a campaign in which a band of comedians gathered around a table, playing a home-brewed version of Dungeons & Dragons set in a suburban high school straight out of a John Hughes movie. 

This series works kind of like an anthology, with successive seasons featuring new characters in settings like Game of Thrones meets Candyland, a magical New York City, or a high-flying steampunk adventure. Episodes of Dimension 20 regularly run over two hours long, with seasons ranging from four to 20 episodes. So, jumping in at the latest episode would be all kinds of bewildering, especially as some campaigns stretch across non-consecutive seasons. 

Suggested starting point: Dungeons & Drag Queens, Season 1, Episode 1, "Queens on a Quest"

Why you should watch: Technically, this is the 18th season of Dimension 20. But trust us, it's the easiest entry point — in part because it's full of first-time players who all happen to be hilarious drag queens. 

With Mulligan's guidance as Game Master, RuPaul's Drag Race stars Monét X Change, Alaska Thunderfuck, Bob the Drag Queen, and Jujubee created fierce fantasy heroines joining forces in the magical realm of Kelvorda. Together, this quartet sets forth on a quest of spells, battles, and family secrets. Ever adaptable to his players and their wild imaginations, Mulligan helps these questing queens build an adventure that's studded with bonkers pop culture references, outrageous turns, and side-splitting humor.

Plus, at just four episodes, Dungeons & Drag Queens is an easy commitment. 

What to watch next: If you love this season, you can dive into Dungeons & Drag Queens Season 2 for more. However, once you've learned how Dimension 20 rolls, you can scroll through Dropout to find which adventure — or cast of comedians — you'd like to see play next. Or if you're more inclined to board games, check out Parlor Room, hosted by Becca Scott. 

Game Changer 

What's the show's deal?: Dimension 20 and Game Changer are Dropout's most popular shows. And where the former is all about collaborative play, the latter is a competitive game show, where the game itself changes each week. 

Hosted by Dropout CEO Sam Reich, Game Changer sometimes does a unique parody of known shows like Shark Tank, The Bachelor, Survivor, or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Other times, the game revolves around a strange prop, like a giant foam mouth or a roulette wheel full of improvisational prompts. As Reich explains at the start of each episode, "The only way to learn is by playing. The only way to win is by learning." 

Now, this might sound like you can jump in anywhere for a good time. Actually, we'd advise against that, because while Season 7 of Game Changer offers some of the platform's most hilarious and heart-warming moments, they won't make sense without some context. 

Suggested starting point: Season 1, episode 2, "Make Some Noise"

Why you should watch: Sometimes a Game Changer concept becomes so popular that it gets a spin-off series, like Dirty Laundry and Crowd Control. This episode, which features Josh Ruben, Zac Oyama. and Brennan Lee Mulligan — three comedians with a deep arsenal of silly sounds and voices — not only inspired improvisational game show Make Some Noise, but also cemented their reputation as the "Noise Boys." 

This episode is a great intro to Game Changer, as well as to Make Some Noise. You don't need to know a single thing going in to enjoy the jokes. (And you can totally jump into any Make Some Noise ep from here.) 

What to watch next: To get a sense of the mischievousness of Reich in his role as Game Changer host, we'd recommend the "Sam Says" episodes (Season 4, episode 1; Season 5, episode 1; and Season 6, episode 3). It's like Simons Says, but diabolical. And after these, you can properly appreciate Season 7, episode 1, "One Year," featuring Sam Says 3's trio of contestants, Vic Michaelis, Jacob Wysocki, and Lou Wilson, reunited for a series of wild missions. Be warned: This episode will have you scream laughing. Alert your neighbors accordingly. 

Once you've gotten familiar with Game Changer, it's easy to slide into its spin-offs, or other game shows, like the playfully pedantic Um, Actually... and the daffy cooking competition Gastronauts.

Very Important People

What's the show's deal?: Vic Michaelis plays a comical version of themselves in this interview show, which offers a unique opportunity to improv comedians. As Michaelis explains at the top of each episode, a guest blindly submits themselves to a team of professional makeup artists and costumers, who will give them a radical makeover with no clues what it will be. Once they're fully done up, they get to look into a mirror, at which point they must craft a character who will be Vic's guest on their talk show. 

Zombies, aliens, living dolls, witches, worms, wrestlers, and demons have all sat down for an interview. But where should you start? 

Suggested starting point: Season 1, Episode 1, "Princess Emily"

Why you should watch: The debut episode of Very Important People is genuinely a superb place to start. Actress Anna Garcia is transformed into a demanding pop princess from "right in the smack of the dab" of Europe. Her all-over accent and Eurotrash attitude is at once outrageous and weirdly believable. Like, one might think she's not a comedy character but an actual Eurovision contender. (Okay. Me. I thought that based on a promo clip on TikTok.) 

What to watch next: You can certainly leap around to the characters or comedians who most entice you. But our picks for must-see VIP include mental health advocate Tommy Shriggly (Season 1, episode 6), doomsday prepper Pig #2 (Season 1, Episode 10), boy made of rocks Zeke Aaron McKinley (Season 2, episode 1), and randy ambassador Boris Tarshkokan (Season 3, episode 2). 

Now a warning: You will start quoting weird snippets of these interviews, like "my mom hates me because I'm rocks" and "we sucked each other down and talked about our parents." It's just what happens. 

Dimension 20: On a Bus

What's the show's deal?: This one is a deeper cut. But if watching hours of table top role playing seems too much for you, you can still enjoy this two-part parody of all things Dimension 20. 

Created by comedian Katie Marovitch, Dimension 20: On a Bus began as a short spoof of the popular franchise, in which she would purposely annoy Mulligan and his professional colleagues in Game Mastery, Aabria Iyengar, Jasmine Bhullar, and Matthew Mercer. 

Suggested starting point: Season 1 is a five-minute video. So you can marathon Season 1 and Season 2 in about an hour. 

Why you should watch: This began as a bit on the Game Changer episode "Fool's Gold." But the resulting video became such a hit on social media that for April Fool's Day 2026, Dropout released a "Season 2" — which is a full 55-minute-long episode of Marovitch playing the fool to perfection as Mulligan and the others battle to make any sense of her mayhem. It's wildly funny, whether or not you know what a "crit" or "home-brew hack" is. 

What to watch next: For fuller context, you can also check out the Game Changer ep or our interview with Marovitch. 

Demi Adejuyigbe: Is Going to Do One (1) Backflip

What's the show's deal?: Dropout also offers stand-up comedy specials, and this is my personal favorite. Demi Adejuyigbe's humor is a mix of cerebral and silly, but with a thread of vulnerability that transforms this special from straightforward stand-up to something stranger and more rewarding. And yes, that involves his promise to do a backflip. 

Why you should watch: Through a masterfully calibrated show, Adejuyigbe plays with audience expectation for punchlines and even his big promised climax. You'll laugh plenty at his audacious observations and clever turns. But by the end, this comedy special is about a performer revealing his failings and fears. Beyond being profound, Demi Adejuyigbe: Is Going to Do One (1) Backflip becomes a solid example of what makes Dropout special. The sensibility of this subscription service combines subversive comedy and goofy gags with a deeply embedded humanity. So, it's not just cheap laughs but rich wonder that's hitting here. 

What to watch next: Smarty Pants, Season 1, Episode 1

Hosted by Rekha Shankar, this Dropout show seems born from the trend of PowerPoint nights, where folks create slide shows about a personal passion to amuse or annoy their friends. A gaggle of comedians come together to hear out deeply silly speeches about rollercoasters, theater kids, and cryptids. But if you like Adejuyigbe's special, you must see his presentation, "Which Cartoon Characters Are Invited to the Cookout?"

TL;DR: Live stream Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

On paper, the Champions Cup final is going to be absolutely electric.

Leinster are meeting Bordeaux Bègles at the San Mamès Stadium. Bordeaux Bègles are looking to defend their title. Leinster are aiming to win this competition for the fifth time. It's going to be a fascinating battle between two teams laded with star names. Expect huge performances from the likes of Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Dan Sheehan in front of a passionate stadium. We can't wait.

If you want to watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles?

Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final kicks off at 9:45 a.m. ET on May 23. This fixture takes place at the San Mamès Stadium.

How to watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles for free

Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Live stream Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles for free from anywhere in the world

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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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the Champions Cup final before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Bayern Munich have dominated the domestic season in Germany.

They might have come up short in their quest to secure another Champions League victory, but they comfortably won the Bundesliga and they're in the final of the DFB-Pokal. They face VfB Stuttgart in the showpiece event at the Olympiastadion, a team that finished fourth in the Bundesliga standings. It's not going to be easy for the champions.

If you want to watch Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart?

Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on May 23. This fixture takes place at the Olympiastadion.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart for free

Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, 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 Austria, meaning you can unblock ServusTV to live stream the DFB-Pokal for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ServusTV

5. Watch Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the DFB-Pokal without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final for free with ExpressVPN.

The best Memorial Day TV deals at a glance:

---

Best TV deal overall

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

$849.99 (save $550)

Get Deal

---

Best art TV deal

Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas QLED 4K TV

$1,099.99 (save $900)

Get Deal

---

Best small TV deal

Hisense 43-inch E6 Cinema QLED 4K TV

$209.99 (save $140)

Get Deal

---

Best splurge

Samsung 65-inch S95F OLED 4K TV

$2,199.99 (save $400)

Get Deal

You probably expect great deals on mattresses and outdoor gear for Memorial Day, but it also happens to be a great time to upgrade your TV. Many of the new releases from CES 2026 are officially on shelves now, and some of those are actually already on sale. If you prefer an even more budget-friendly option, there's also a ton of last-generation models getting the deal treatment to make way for the newer models.

Regardless of your preference, you can bring home a TV from one of our favorite brands — Hisense, Samsung, LG, etc. — in all shapes and sizes for cheaper than usual. I'm tracking all of the best Memorial Day TV deals leading up to and throughout the holiday weekend below, and some of these discounts are massive.

Psst: If you're not sure what to do with your old TV, you can recycle it at most Best Buy stores for free.

Best Memorial Day TV deal

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Credit: Hisense

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

$849.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $550

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

The U6 Pro is one of Hisense's new mid-range models for 2026 and it's a perfect mashup of performance and value. It packs Mini-LED backlighting, quantum-dot color, AI-driven processing, a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 2.1-channel Dolby Atmos audio. Hisense markets it as an easy way to "step into a premium experience without moving into higher-priced tiers." And that's especially true now that the 75-inch model has received its second price drop since its launch earlier this month.

Best Memorial Day Art TV deal

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Credit: Hisense

Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas QLED 4K TV

$1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $900

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

Hisense also launched a new version of the extremely popular CanvasTV for 2026, which features a Hi-QLED display with an AI RGB ambient light sensor. Not only is the display upgraded with deeper color accuracy and richer hues, but it can also adjust brightness and color temperature based on the lighting in the room. A new motion detection feature will also wake your display when you enter the room and fade when you walk away in order to save some energy. It still packs the same 144Hz refresh rate, Hi-Matte design, teak frame, and free digital art library to turn your TV into fancy artwork. Amazon and Best Buy both have the 65-inch model for $900 off this Memorial Day.

More Memorial Day TV deals

43-inch to 50-inch TVs

• Insignia 43-inch F50 LED 4K TV — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Toshiba 43-inch C350 LED 4K TV — $159.99 $299.99 (save $140)

• 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 4-Series 4K TV — $309.99 $399.99 (save $90)

• 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 $799.99 (save $400)

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

• 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)

• Samsung 55-inch S95H OLED 4K TV — $2,299.99 $2,499 (save $200)

65-inch TVs

• Toshiba 65-inch C350 LED 4K TV — $264.99 $529.99 (save $265)

• Samsung 65-inch Class QLED Q7F 4K TV — $427.99 $499.99 (save $72)

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

• 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)

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

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

• Samsung 65-inch The Frame LS03FA QLED 4K TV — $999.99 $1,599.99 (save $600)

• Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K TV — $1,297.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,202)

• Sony 65-inch Bravia XR8B OLED 4K TV — $1,499.99 $1,899.99 (save $400)

• Samsung 65-inch R85H Micro RGB 4K TV — $1,899.99 $2,099.99 (save $200)

• Hisense 65-inch UR9 RGB Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,999.99 $2,199.99 (save $200)

• 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)

75-inch TVs and up

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

• TCL 75-inch T7 4K QLED TV — $629.99 $899.99 (save $270)

• Insignia 85-inch QF QLED 4K TV — $639.99 $1,099.99 (save $460)

• Hisense 75-inch S7N CanvasTV QLED 4K TV — $999.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,500)

• Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,999.99 (save $800)

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

• LG 77-inch B5 OLED 4K TV — $1,499.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,500)

• LG 77-inch C5 OLED 4K TV — $1,899.99 $3,699.99 (save $1,800)

• TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini LED 4K TV — $1,999.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,000)

• Hisense 100-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $2,299.99 $3,499.99 (save $1,200)

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

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

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

How to get the most out of hookup apps

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

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

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

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

Recent updates to this guide

• Hinge: Hinge just keeps getting better, so I’ve bumped it up higher on my list as of October 2025. Its user base is growing, and my own recent tests on the app have been surprisingly positive.

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

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

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

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

Why some popular hookup apps didn't make the cut

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

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

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

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

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

If you've set up an account and explored what AdultFriendFinder has to offer, you’ll get regular prompts to upgrade your account to a “Premium Gold Plan.” But before you enter your credit card details, it’s good to know and understand the actual benefits of signing up to a paid membership. 

Hey, we get it if you don't want to spend anything. Tight budgets are what they are. And you can absolutely still have fun using AdultFriendFinder's free version, but the site does throw up some annoying barriers that limits the experience for free users. And an awful lot of content and quality-of-life stuff is waiting for you once you upgrade. 

You can test the waters with a one-month membership that will only set you back $25.16. Or you can commit to three months for the price of $20.95 per month. If the trial run goes well, it might be worth committing to a more long-term membership. You can get a one-year membership for a monthly fee of just $14.95. Note, however, that you need to manually cancel your Gold account after each membership period ends, as it does automatically renew your subscription by default. 

Intrigued but still need to know more before you make a commitment? Here are three perks exclusive to paid users that will help justify the monthly cost:

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Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

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Discover vastly expanded chatting options

If you’re relying on a free membership, actual chatting options are limited. You can search for individual members based on some limited criteria (Man/Woman/Trans or Couple/Group, for example), and you apply some very limited filters (Online or Near Me), but if you try to click through the profile photo and learn more about the person who has caught your eye, you’re instantly prompted to upgrade your account.

Free members are limited to interacting with others in forums and group chat spaces, which is fun but simultaneously restrictive, since there’s no guarantee the people you chat with actually live anywhere nearby. And while free members can receive regular direct messages from premium users, they will need to upgrade to actually respond and get a back-and-forth DM convo going. 

Gold members, on the other hand, can send and respond to private messages, enter webcam shows, and speak to the host for free. They can also add people to a Friends list to make recurring contact easier, and unlock access to the site’s built-in instant messenger for real-time conversations. 

Unlock AdultFriendFinder’s even naughtier side

One quick visit to the homepage — where nudity filters are turned off by default — and you'll see that AdultFriendFinder doesn’t shy away from sexual content. But free members are missing out on a lot more than they might realize. With a premium membership, for example, you gain access to better quality photos, videos, and streams, so those tiny thumbnails and grainy, low-res webcam feeds — you know, the ones that look like they’re being downloaded straight from the ‘90s — will suddenly come to life in stunning HD. 

But more than that, Gold members can also view and comment on nude photos and videos on profiles that the uploader has restricted to paying members. And while standard members are allowed to watch member webcams, they can only watch one at a time. Gold members, meanwhile, can open multiple streams at once. 

Finally, Gold members can access AdultFriendFinder’s Sex Academy, a massive resource for anyone who wants to learn more about sex and sexual health — not to mention discover new techniques and become more skilled in the bedroom. Topics range from the basics — such as how to correctly put on a condom — to more advanced skills, such as oral sex techniques. Everything's covered in a way that's easy to follow and — in the case of practical sex skills — easy to replicate IRL.

Refine your search for the perfect match

We know that free members can’t really interact with their searches anyway, but we still have to admit that it's frustrating to discover how limited the basic search function is, especially when you consider how much information that users voluntarily provide about themselves.

Of course, it's no surprise that paid members get a far better experience. Signing up for a membership unlocks a more refined search that includes not just basics like gender, sexual orientation, and an age and distance range (Straight, Bisexual, Bicurious, Gay, and Prefer Not To Say are all options), but also marital status, ethnicity, and body type (Average, Slim/Petite, Athletic, Ample, A Little Extra Padding, and BBW/BBM are the options here).

Paid members can get super specific in AFF's My Kinks section, which is exactly what it sounds. Fill this out to let people know exactly what you're into — there's no shaming or judgment here. This will help to attract like-minded people and give you the ability to search through other users who share the same kinks. The list is pretty exhaustive and extremely kink-friendly.

Paid members can also build up a friends list, helping to track their favorite people and chat partners. That makes it easy to slip back into a steamy conversations or keep up with a particular streamer’s schedule. 

If you’re after a naughtier online dating experience, something that prioritises kinky fun and taboo-busting chats that other sites keep hidden behind innuendo and self-censorship, AdultFriendFinder’s paid membership experience is very much worth exploring. 

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

Handled.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

DEALT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

3D.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CUBIC

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

Household task.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

CHORE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Colorful flower.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

PANSY

Final Hurdle hint

One of the five senses.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

TASTE

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

Tonight marks the First Quarter Moon, when roughly half of the Moon’s visible face is illuminated.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Saturday, May 23, the Moon phase is First Quarter. Tonight, 48% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

Tonight, with just your naked eye 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 and Posidonius Craters, and finally, a telescope will reveal the Apollo 11, 16, and 17 landing spots.

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.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

It's 2026 and times are good for low-effort consumers. Yes, you can get pretty much anything you want by just tapping and swiping of your smartphone: Your shopping, your favourite takeaway, your high-ticket tech, even — our personal favourite — a hot date. And why shouldn't you? Online dating is nothing new. Apps and websites have dominated the dating world for the best part of 20 years. In fact, some sites go all the way back to the mid-1990s. But things are constantly evolving in the world of app-based dating.

According to our favourite sex-perts at Lovehoney — the progressive sex toy brand that sells everything from lingerie to lubricants and dildos — we're living in horny-but-wholesome times. Lovehoney has named 2026 "The Year of Pleasure."

That doesn’t mean quick-and-easy pleasure from one-night stands and flings. It may come as some surprise, but research says that one-night stands are on the out. Would-be daters are now cruising for "purposeful pleasure" and "meaningful connections." That means hookups with substance — flings that mean something. Yes, we're still hooking up, but we're getting more selective about who we hookup with and why. So, it's important to get the right dating app because each app offers something a little different. And you need the right tools to find the right date.

To help you get started, we’ve looked at the top apps and taken advice from sex and relationship experts.

What to know before you swipe

Before you start downloading apps, it’s good know just how to approach online dating. Our advice is to be 100 percent honest about who and what you’re up for. And maybe give a pass to the mainstream dating apps that are more about romance and happily ever afters (the likes of eharmony, in other words). The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the best free options will have features like profile verification to keep you safe.

Our main advice though is to stick to apps which are purpose-built for hookups, casual fun, and satisfying your kink (whatever that kink might be). It can be freeing, not to mention productive, to be open about specific desires. The ways in which we understand sex and relationships are changing all the time — just looking at fast-growing "heteroflexible" sexuality — and hookup apps allow you to explore curiosities with no judgement or social anxiety.

It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, whether it's the chance to explore a new sexual frontier, a friends-with-benefits situation on the reg, or an old school one-night stand (the one-night stand might be going out of fashion, but it’s still hella fun as long as it’s safe and on your terms).

Whatever your desire, we’re here to help make it happen. This guide to the best hookups apps is based on Mashable’s own real-world testing, expert input, and general experience. We’ve broken down each of the best hookup apps available right now, with an option for every type of dater and every dating desire.

These are the best hookup apps for 2026.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a Sci-Fi fan.

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: Salon styles

• Green: Available

• Blue: Comics

• Purple: Sci-Fi films

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Hairdos

• Green: More readily

• Blue: Marvel characters

• Purple: Words after "The" in "Star Wars" movie titles

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 #1077 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Hairdos: BEEHIVE, BOUFFANT, CHIGNON, POMPADOUR

• More readily: FIRST, PREFERABLY, RATHER, SOONER

• Marvel characters: DAREDEVIL, HAWKEYE, NIGHTCRAWLER, WOLVERINE

• Words after "The" in "Star Wars" movie titles: EMPIRE, FORCE, LAST, PHANTOM

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 can get by in the wild.

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: Staying alive

The words are related to tools.

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Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe outdoor necessities.

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 Survivalist.

NYT Strands word list for May 23

• Machete

• Flint

• Paracord

• Hatchet

• Survivalist

• Tarp

• Shovel

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 have a strong arm.

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

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

To throw.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

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...

CHUCK

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: Lock in major savings on a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows, now just $29.97 (reg. $219.99) until May 31.

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Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License

$29.97
$219.99 Save $190.02

 

Get Deal

Summer is almost here, which means longer days and even shorter attention spans. If you’re looking for tools to help you get things done despite all the distractions, this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows gives you not just one, but eight.

Right now, you can secure this license for just $29.97 — less than $4 an app — until May 31.

If you’ve been living without Microsoft Office, now is the perfect time to reintroduce yourself to these staples. This Microsoft Office Professional 2021 license equips your PC with eight powerful apps to help you get things done — with no subscription fees required.

This license includes both the old staples and new favorites. You’ll have Word for document creation, Excel for spreadsheet creation, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for email management.

OneNote is included to help you upgrade your note-taking. There’s also Teams for staying connected, Publisher for designing professional documents, and Access for managing large databases.

You can download these apps right to your computer, so you don’t have to worry about cloud connectivity. You can also work offline in peace as needed.

Don’t be worried about the year of this edition — all the apps have been redesigned. A ribbon-based user interface even makes it easier to access features, tools, and customizations.

Make sure your device is running Windows 10 or 11 before purchasing.

Score major savings on this lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows, now only $29.97 through May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

There are few sites that bring together more horny adults than AdultFriendFinder. The site is so kinky, so permissive of nudity, and so kink-friendly that it refuses to create an app for the Apple App Store, because that would force it to tone down its wild side to conform with Apple's app regulations. 

But with a major data breach in its past and a growing culture of online scams and sexploitation plaguing the internet, it's worth asking: is it safe to share nudes on AdultFriendFinder? And how does it compare to alternative sexting platforms like Snapchat and Confide? 

We took an honest look at AdultFriendFinder's pros and cons as a platform for exchanging nudes. Here's what you need to know:

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AdultFriendFinder

 

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Is AdultFriendFinder a safe site for exchanging nudes?

Verified memberships help

While it's true that anyone can create an account on AdultFriendFinder in mere minutes, there is an added layer of security that helps build trust between strangers: profile verification. AFF uses a service called ConfirmID, which grants those who pass the process a verification checkmark, helping alert others that they are who they say they are.

To proceed, you'll need to upload a piece of government-issued identification (think a driver's license, passport or healthcare card) and then undergo a face scan using your webcam to confirm that you are the person in the ID card.

Where are the disappearing messages?

From Snapchat to the late, great Confide, disappearing messages (messages that self-delete after a set amount of time, not only from the chat logs but from the servers) have become a privacy staple. Unfortunately, AFF doesn't offer them, even as an optional feature.

That isn't entirely a bad thing, since the entire site is structured around helping you make connections or meet like-minded people, even if only virtually, and it's nice to have a record of your conversations to come back to, especially if you happen to be talking to multiple people (and trust us, you will be talking to multiple people). 

Private photo albums

One way AdultFriendFinder provides enhanced privacy features is through a tiered security system. Your public-facing profile is mostly hidden from non-paying members, for example, so even a bad actor will still have to pay the site money to be able to read your list of kinks or click through your profile photos. But there's another privacy layer AFF leverages: private photo albums.

The default photo album every account begins with is the "Profile Photos" album, but once you've populated that, you can opt to create a new album entirely, this time with distinct privacy settings. Your options include Everyone (another public-facing album), Friends (visible only to people who are your mutual friends on the site), and Only Me (self-explanatory). 

If you want to restrict access to your more naughty photos to only people you know or trust, take advantage of the Friends privacy setting and be very selective about who you share your albums with. 

Screenshot protection is lacking

One definite con of using AdultFriendFinder to exchange nudes is that there is no way to control what the other person does with them once you've sent or uploaded one. The site has no screenshot protection or blocking software; in fact, it's trivially easy to save photos from profiles or private albums. 

On the one hand, this creates privacy concerns, but on the other hand, it also forces users to be more selective about what they show and under what conditions. There's lots of nudity in profile photos and albums, for example, but it's almost always anonymous, collar-bone down stuff, and when you do come across someone on the site showing off their nudes and their face, the odds are good they're a professional webcam model. 

The final verdict

First, we have to acknowledge an important truth about the nature of the internet: there is no such thing as 100% safety. You can take every precaution you like, use only the safest and most trusted sites, but the simple fact remains that if you send a nude photo of yourself, you are taking a risk. There are software workarounds for screenshot shields and even the toughest, most up-to-date cybersecurity has a vulnerability that will, eventually, be exposed.

In other words, the safest way to protect yourself is not to send nudes at all, and the next safest option is to omit your face or any identifiable marks (tattoos, birthmarks) from your photos. 

However, if you are committed to taking the risk, and especially if taking the risk is part of the fun, AdultFriendFinder offers a reasonably safe platform for you to exchange nudes with a stranger, especially if you commit yourself to following a few simple rules.

• Only interact with other verified accounts. AdultFriendFinder's ConfirmID system isn't 100% foolproof, but it adds an extra layer of security that will deter 99% of casual scammers.

• Never send nudes with your face in them. There's nothing wrong with focusing on a body part, or framing the shot in such a way that nobody can see or recognize your face, and doing so gives you plausible deniability in the event that your nudes are leaked. 

• Keep identifying information off your profile. Don't tell people where you went to school or when you graduated; don't mention your place of employment or your favorite local restaurant or bowling alley. AdultFriendFinder affords its users more anonymity than regular dating sites, so take advantage of that fact. 

TL;DR: Live stream Mexico vs. Ghana in a 2026 International Friendly for free on Canal 5 Televisa. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching.

This is the last chance for competing sides to sharpen up ahead of the main event, so fans can look forward to a string of high-profile friendlies over the next couple of weeks. That includes Mexico vs. Ghana, a tough game to call involving the World Cup co-hosts and a team with aspirations of making it through to the knockout rounds. This is going to be a valuable insight into what we can expect in a few weeks time.

If you want to watch Mexico vs. Ghana in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Mexico vs. Ghana?

Mexico vs. Ghana kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on May 22. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc.

How to watch Mexico vs. Ghana for free

Mexico vs. Ghana is available to live stream for free on Canal 5 Televisa.

Canal 5 Televisa is geo-restricted to Mexico, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Mexico, meaning you can access free live streams on Canal 5 Televisa from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream Mexico vs. Ghana for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Canal 5 Televisa

5. Stream Mexico vs. Ghana for free from anywhere in the world

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Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Mexico vs. Ghana without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for Canal 5 Televisa?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Canal 5 Televisa, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Mexico

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Mexico vs. Ghana for free with ExpressVPN.

When it comes to hookup sites and apps, reputation is everything. A company can buy all the advertising it wants, but if it doesn't deliver the goods, then word of mouth alone can spell the end for it. 

In the dating app world, lots of contenders have come and gone. Just a handful have stood the test of time, and those that have survived have done so because the word got out that they work. In other words, they deliver on the promise of a hookup and possibly a little more. 

If you're new to the world of online dating, or don't know which app to trust, here's a rundown of five hookup platforms that are extremely popular among their own users, along with a quick guide on what makes them so special:

Tinder

Tinder is obviously super popular. With some 75 million monthly users across 190 countries, Tinder is still the go-to app for swiping your way to a fun connection.

It's also well worth a premium subscription, since that unlocks unlimited likes, profile boosting, and the ability to swipe through singles across the world, which makes planning your future vacation or spring break fling that much easier.

And if you're one of the many people complaining that Tinder isn't working for you, do us all a favor: Spend some time and energy taking quality photos of yourself, in good lighting, rather than mirror selfies or grainy, low-res photos pulled from Facebook. That goes a long way to making Tinder "work" again. 

Grindr

The largest gay dating app in the world continues to improve, having recently achieved the milestone of 15 million active users. If you're in the LGBTQ community and looking for some short-term fun, Grindr should be your first foray into the world of app-based hookups.

Standout features for fun-seekers include a grid-based location system, which shows you exactly how far or close your potential hookup is, as well as the ability to drop a geo-tagged pin in the chat, sharing your location with your would-be fling. We're also a big fan of the Taps feature, which enables some suggestive, non-verbal flirting and makes breaking the ice easier than ever.

AdultFriendFinder

AFF has been around forever — 30 years to be precise — and there's power in longevity. It's arguably the horniest hookup site with mainstream appeal — all you have to do is spend a few minutes browsing the homepage, replete with naked photos and live webcam shows, to understand what we mean. 

Sure, it isn't perfect. You have to wade through a lot of inactive or fake profiles, for example, and some of the best features are locked behind a paywall, but if you spend some time exploring the site's free public areas, from the webcam shows to the discussion boards, you'll quickly see why it's endured for three decades.

As of 2026, it boasts about two million weekly active users, most of whom fall into the 30-38 age category, so if you're feeling a bit too old for Tinder but too young for SilverSingles — or you're just very horny right now — give AFF a try. 

Pure

If you haven't heard of Pure, you're not alone: The app is a darling of the younger crowd, having recently become the most-used app among Gen Z, and it's easily the most unconventional app on this list. 

Designed specifically for hookups, Pure features enhanced safety features, including both age and photo verification, as well as something they call Safety Signal, a feature that enables users to share the place and time of their meetup with a trusted third party, helping everyone involved feel more secure.  

When it comes to matchmaking, Pure users get three photos and a 350-word bio, as well as a dedicated Turn-Ons section, where you can list your kinks, including everything from types of communication to wax play. And if you really want to take a gamble on a fun time, you can test your luck with their Devil's Bones feature, which randomly connects you with another Pure user in a voice chat. 

Feeld

Feeld is beloved by its users for offering a safe space for queer, polyamorous, and kink-based dating and hookups. It's been around for over a decade, having been established in 2014, but it's undergone explosive growth in the last few years, as more people discover its charms every day. 

If you're looking for a nonjudgmental space to explore your kinks, and perhaps especially if you and a significant other are testing out ethical non-monogamy and want to find partners with similar interests, Feeld should be at the top of your list. Its Constellation feature, for example, links your profile with up to five other member profiles, allowing people to see your profile when they search for couples or groups.

And while Feeld does employ a carousel-style swiping system, the left and right swipes don't automatically like or dislike a profile. In fact, unless you actively hit the like or dislike button, the same profiles will continue to show up in your search, encouraging you to spend more than a few seconds evaluating prospective matches. It's a refreshing change from the usual mechanism that can lead to swipe fatigue.

As far as the many, many Tesla product recalls go, this is one of the more innocuous ones.

Reuters reported that the U.S. ​National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall for 14,575 Tesla Model Y SUVs in the country due to the lack of proper signage on the vehicles. Specifically, there is supposed to be a sticker labeling how much weight a Model Y can safely carry, but the SUVs somehow made it to the streets without one. Tesla will take back the recalled Model Y vehicles and install those weight certification labels, per Reuters.

The justification here, obviously, is that people could potentially load up their Model Ys with too much stuff, leading to accidents. It should be noted, however, that there were no reported incidents directly attributable to the stickers' absence before this recall. It seems to have been merely a precautionary measure.

Tesla has been the subject of several product recalls several times in the past. Earlier this month, the NHTSA recalled more than 200,000 Tesla vehicles due to a glitch with their rearview cameras. A separate recall, also this month, affected Cybertrucks due to faulty construction with wheel rotors. Teslas have a bit of a reputation among gearheads for not always being the most tightly constructed vehicles, and stories like this probably don't help that reputation.

Every big iOS update from Apple inevitably phases out support for some older iPhone model. It sounds like the iPhone 11 might be next.

That's not 100 percent confirmed yet, but a leak from tech tipster Instant Digital on Weibo suggests it might be the case, according to 9to5mac. Instant Digital published a list of every iPhone model that will support iOS 27 when it launches later this year, and four models stood out for their absence:

• iPhone 11

• iPhone 11 Pro

• iPhone 11 Pro Max

• iPhone SE (second generation)

That means if you have any of those iPhones, you might not be able to keep current when iOS 27 launches, presumably alongside the iPhone 18. That doesn't mean your iPhone 11 will be totally useless or anything; Apple continues to support older OS revisions with minor security updates and whatnot. But if you want all the newest iOS features, you'll probably need a newer iPhone.

The good news is that Apple very recently launched the budget-minded iPhone 17e, which will stay current with software updates for years to come without breaking the bank. If you don't feel like upgrading to a flagship phone, that might be the way to go.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free at a glance:

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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

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.

CNET’s Patrick Holland takes a closer look at Trump Mobile’s flagship phone during a live Q&A session. The discussion covers the device’s features, design, and overall experience while answering audience questions in real time.

Waymo's autonomous ride-share vehicles are becoming increasingly common across the United States, but they just became much less common in four southern U.S. cities.

Waymo has temporarily suspended service in Atlanta, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas due to the risk of inclement weather, after at least one Waymo vehicle was spotted driving headfirst into a flooded street in Atlanta, according to TechCrunch. A photo of the incident circulated on social media, drawing attention to the issue that may have prompted the decision to suspend service as the company figures out how to fix it.

“Safety is Waymo’s top priority, both for our riders and everyone we share the road with. During a period of intense rain yesterday in Atlanta, an unoccupied Waymo vehicle encountered a flooded road and stopped,” Waymo said in a statement, per TechCrunch.

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

Waymo had actually issued a software update to its fleet (numbering nearly 4,000) last week to address this issue. Still, the photo of the vehicle rushing into flooded waters was taken after that. A local news report stated that the car had been stuck in the water for about an hour before being removed. Waymo is still working on a final fix to the problem, but until then, people in those four southern cities will need to find another way to get around that doesn't involve robot cars.

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

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Best overall deal

Anker Solix C1000

$449.99 (save $50)

Get Deal

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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)

TL;DR: The 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is on sale for $949 in Amazon's Memorial Day sale. That's $150 off the list price and the record-low price.

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Credit: Apple

MacBook Air M5 (13-Inch

$999 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $100

 

Get Deal

We're doing our best to keep tabs on all the new Memorial Day deals dropping this weekend. It's a tough ask, because there are a lot. Between the deals on TVs, power stations, mattresses, and everything in-between, we can barely keep up.

But what we can always make time for is a deal on the latest MacBook Air, especially when that deal drops the price down to a record low.

The 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is on sale for $949 in Amazon's Memorial Day sale. That's $150 off the list price and the record-low price for this popular model. We can't guarantee anything at this point, but we don't expect this price to stick around for long. With Prime Day fast approaching, we wouldn't be surprised to see Amazon bump the price up to $999 (or more).

The MacBook Air M5 is a super portable laptop that delivers power in abundance. In Mashable's review of this popular machine, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth said the new MacBook Air "takes everything good about the MacBook Air and adds the faster M5 chip." Werth adds that it's "incredible" but wishes it was "$200 cheaper."

This is where a deal comes in handy. This Memorial Day discount brings it down to a level that's hard to ignore.

Pick up the MacBook Air M5 for its best-ever price at Amazon.

The best Memorial Day 2026 deals at a glance:

---

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

The unofficial start to summer is almost here, but you don't have to wait until Memorial Day itself on May 25 to find those Memorial Day deals.

There are already deals live at Amazon, where you'll find savings of up to 40%. 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 early 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 weekend, so be sure to keep checking back on this page for the biggest and best savings.

Best Memorial Day Amazon deals

Ninja Slushi

$259 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $90.99

 

Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy

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)

• 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)

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

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

• 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+

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• HOVERAir: Save up to 47%

• Rumpl: Save 25% sitewide

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

The best Memorial Day tech deals of 2026:

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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

Opens in a new window

Credit: Nothing

Nothing Headphone (a)

$169 at Amazon
$199 Save $30

 

Get Deal

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: Nothing

CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro

$69 at Amazon
$99 Save $30

 

Get Deal

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

Opens in a new window

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)

What's black and white and fun all over? Spider-Noir, a new superhero series led by Nicolas Cage.

The show has its roots in 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, in which Cage voiced the Spider-Man variant known as Spider-Man Noir. Appearing in black and white and always accompanied by a rain-scented wind, Spider-Man Noir managed to steal scenes in a film already overflowing with goodness. A large part of that comes down to the casting of Cage, who commits wholeheartedly to Spider-Man Noir's over-the-top slangy dialogue. ("You gonna fight or you just bumping gums, you hard-boiled turtle-slapper?") That Cage's work is much-memed adds an extra layer of hilarity to the role, a wink to the audience that yes, the film got the Nicolas Cage to channel old-timey film detectives.

As much of a scene stealer as he is, Spider-Man Noir is only onscreen for about five and a half minutes of Into the Spider-Verse. With Spider-Noir, Cage gets to take this Spider-Man variant to new heights in a technically dazzling thrill ride. Sure, it's familiar — it's a Spider-Man story, and we've seen plenty of those! — but Spider-Noir manages to find a new lease on spidey life with its loving embrace of film noir.

What's Spider-Noir about?

Nicolas Cage in "Spider-Noir." Credit: Prime

The superhero we meet in Spider-Noir is not the same one from Into the Spider-Verse. Cage plays Ben Reilly, a down-on-his-luck private investigator who once moonlighted as New York City's only hero, the Spider.

Like the Spider-Verse films, Spider-Noir knows we've seen enough Spider-Man origin stories to fill hundreds of comic books, so it wisely motors through the beats we're familiar with. In the first of the show's many stylish flairs, it overlays scenes from Ben's life on windows of a New York City skyscraper he's climbed, catching us up to speed on all things Spider. That includes him meeting, then losing, the love of his life, Ruby. Following her death, Ben hung up his mask and goggles for good.

However, just because Ben's retired the Spider doesn't mean he won't wind up trapped in dangerous webs of others' making. And Spider-Noir presents a fascinating web indeed, one involving crime lord Silvermane (Brendan Gleeson), lounge singer Cat Hardy (Li Jun Li), and a rogue's gallery of superpowered men, including well-known Spider-Man villains like Flint Marko (Jack Huston), aka Sandman, and Lonnie Lincoln (Abraham Popoola), aka Tombstone.

Spider-Noir is a gorgeous love letter to film noir.

Li Jun Li in "Spider-Noir." Credit: Prime

The way these threads converge isn't necessarily ground-breaking. Obviously, Ben will put on the mask and seek redemption, even if he doesn't think it's worth it. And obviously, the origins of these superpowered villains have ties to Ben's own genetic mutation. But the show's carefully calibrated style manages to make each familiar plot point feel like a new discovery.

Recent superhero shows have tried to set themselves apart by dabbling in genres beyond just "superhero." That's how you get gangster dramas like The Penguin, or a legal comedy like She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. But not since WandaVision has a show so thoroughly immersed itself in a different genre. Unlike WandaVision, Spider-Noir holds fast to its genre trappings throughout, and that steadfastness elevates it over every other superhero show's genre dabbling.

The visuals are the key here, starting with the show's unique presentation. Prime Video offers viewers the choice of watching in both black and white and color. While I recommend checking out the color version at least once to take in all the details on the show's costumes and set pieces, black and white is certainly the way to go here. Spider-Noir thrives in the contrast between light and dark, casting bold, inky shadows across city streets in pointed tribute to the film noir genre that inspired it. In a world where so many TV shows are underlit or visually flat, it's a joy to see a series take full advantage of lighting as a key way to build mood and atmosphere.

Elsewhere, Spider-Noir has a ball with stylistic staples of the film noir genre, from Dutch angles to a moody score, courtesy of Kris Bowers and Michael Dean Parsons. Don't think of Spider-Noir as being focused on style over substance, though. It's more style as substance, as the series engages seriously with film noir's thematic tropes. Ben is a classic world-weary antihero, while Li's enigmatic Cat falls squarely into the femme fatale archetype, going from crooner to double-crosser at the drop of a fedora.

Nicolas Cage was meant for Spider-Noir.

Nicolas Cage in "Spider-Noir." Credit: Aaron Epstein / Prime

Film noir — and '30s-era films in general — are key to Spider-Noir because they're key to Ben as well. As he reveals to Cat, in the wake of his mutation, he was overcome with arachnid instincts. He had to go to the movies to relearn how to be human from the actors.

That gives Cage free reign to channel film noir's leading men, and he does it with gusto. In Ben's scenes with his closest confidants, like his secretary Janet (Karen Rodriguez) or his reporter friend Robbie (Lamorne Morris), he carries himself more naturally, with a tinge of grumpiness. Once he's out in the field, though, he dials up the hard-boiled detective to a solid 11. He slings quips like they're webs, alternating between charming and brooding his way out of danger.

Ben's bag of tricks also includes disguising himself. He poses as everything from a plumber to a doctor in his efforts to crack his case, and Cage embraces a new outlandish persona in each role. Viewers may be tempted to add these moments to their "Nicolas Cage losing his shit"-style compilations, but these moments, on top of being extra fun, do remain motivated by the needs of the show. Rarely does Spider-Noir unleash a Cage crash out for memes' sake. (Although the show does play up the meme-iness a little bit, like when Morris unleashes a surprisingly solid Cage impression in the perfect context.)

Cage's dedication to a role as strange as "film noir detective Spider-Man" especially shines through when Ben succumbs to his spider instincts. His physicality is both mesmerizing and bizarre, whether he's contorting himself in strange ways or just lying, twitching, on his bed. While his voice acting in Into the Spider-Verse is delightful, it's moments like this, where you see Cage embodying Ben's uncanny physical experience, that made me truly understand why this show exists.

Between Cage's performance and distinct styling, Spider-Noir proves that there's still ways to freshen up superhero shows. The key is just commitment.

All episodes of Spider-Noir premiere May 27 on Prime Video.

SAVE UP TO 40%: From May 22-25, take up to 40% off MasterClass courses and MasterClass Certificates in the Memorial Day sale.

Opens in a new window

Credit: MasterClass

MasterClass and MasterClass Certificates: Save up to 40%

 

Get Deal

For anyone who's looking to do a bit of life enrichment over the summer, MasterClass offers a great option. The platform is full of courses taught by industry pros that are sure to prove insightful. To celebrate Memorial Day, MasterClass has a great sale on tap.

Between May 22 and May 25, save up to 40% on MasterClass lessons and professional MasterClass Certificates.

From cooking courses to personal styling lessons, MasterClass has something everyone will find worthwhile. With lessons in science, technology, writing, music, health, and plenty more, the platform gives access to exceptional learning activities.

MasterClass Certificates is designed to offer professional advancements through lessons that range from 15 to 20 hours. Taught by industry leaders, they're a great way to learn new in-demand skills that complement your career.

Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons or buy a class as a thoughtful graduation gift, jump on saving up to 40% off on MasterClass lessons this Memorial Day.

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

Shop Now

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 NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you always follow back up.

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

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

What is Connections?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Circle back

• Green: That's how it is

• Blue: They go round and round

• Purple: Women's names

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Reach back out

• Green: The way things are done

• Blue: Places with conveyor belts

• Purple: Starting with name homophones

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 #1076 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Reach back out: CHECK IN, FOLLOW UP, RECONNECT, TOUCH BASE

• The way things are done: CONVENTION, CUSTOM, SOCIAL NORM, UNWRITTEN RULE

• Places with conveyor belts: ASSEMBLY LINE, BAGGAGE CLAIM, CHECKOUT LANE, REVOLVING SUSHI BAR

• Starting with name homophones: CARRY-ON, EL NIÑO, LOOSEY-GOOSEY, TAILOR-MADE

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 go big or go home.

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: Put down your ruler

The words are related to size.

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Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe large things.

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 Its Big.

NYT Strands word list for May 22

• Boundless

• Epic

• Vast

• Immense

• Its Big

• Whopping

• Astronomic

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 don't like to venture out.

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:

Regional.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.

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.

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The solution to today's Wordle is...

VOCAL

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.

The best Memorial Day mattress deals at a glance:

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Best mattress deal overall

DreamCloud Classic Hybrid (Queen)

$649 (save $1,243)

Get Deal

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Best mattress deal for people with back pain

Saatva Rx (Queen)

$2,799 (save $650)

Get Deal

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Best organic mattress deal

Avocado Green Mattress (Queen)

$1,359 (save $240)

Get Deal

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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

Opens in a new window

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

Opens in a new window

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

 

Get Deal

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

Opens in a new window

Credit: Quince

Quince Classic Organic Percale Deluxe Bedding Bundle (Standard)

$146.01 at Quince
$194.70 Save $48.69

 

Get Deal

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

Comedian Josh Johnson sits down with Mashable Executive Producer Mark Stetson on Say More to talk about his upcoming HBO original comedy special, Symphony.

Josh reveals the frantic 4-day stretch where he filmed his HBO special, wrote and performed a completely new stand-up set (The Afroman Trial Explained: Cops vs Hip Hop), and then hosted The Daily Show. He also explains his rapid-fire approach to releasing a new special every week on YouTube, why he believes great comedy needs to focus on universal "systems" rather than temporary topical jokes, and why he'll always consider himself a writer and an artist first.

Symphony premieres on HBO Max May 22nd at 8:00pm ET.

(This interview is part 1 of a two part interview. Part 2 releases Sunday, May 24th at 8am EST)

The Late Show has aired its final episode, with Stephen Colbert taking a final bow among family and friends. While we'll miss the late night host handing it to those in power nightly, one of the segments we'll miss most of all is "Meanwhile..." in which Colbert and his Late Show writers revel in outlandish wordplay to deliver the strange news you might have missed.

For his last "Meanwhile..." Colbert ignored the strange green glow and humming noises affecting the Late Show stage and plunged into the segment's signature verbose address — and it's ship-themed.

"If you watch this show, you know I've spent a lot of my time right over there in the news shipyard assembling the most topical story hull using the finest graphics, flawless camera work, direction, sound, and lighting, all powered by a 2000-horsepower marine diesel engine of jokes for the honour of helming the blissfully steady fly bridge yacht of comedy that is my nightly monologue," said Colbert.

"But sometimes, just sometimes, folks, while wrapping up 11 years of gags about Doritos-flavored liquor, three-penis cadavers, and cocaine sharks, I strip the copper wire out of our control board and strap my love of my staff and crew to my overturned desk and slap on some fans ripped out of our laser printers, then climb inside and putter away in the unsinkable gratitude dinghy of news that is my segment, 'Meanwhile...'"

But the best part of all? Colbert included the news that the owner of the music from Peanuts TV specials including "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is suing multiple companies and the U.S. Department of the Interior for using the copyrighted songs without permission. Cue Louis Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine (The Late Show band) noodling away with a song that sounds legally familiar.

"Oh no!" said Colbert. "I hope this doesn't cost CBS any money!" Heh.

Who's the creator you tell everyone to follow? Vote for them in Mashable's Fan Fav.

Elon Musk, who has effectively admitted cheating at video games, may have found the ultimate cheat code that will turn him into the first trillionaire in the global game of capitalism.

That may well be the story of the SpaceX IPO, for which the company filed its SEC-mandated S1 form Thursday. The document was stuffed with eye-poppingly dubious claims about SpaceX's future as an AI company, as well as eye-wateringly embarrassing admissions about SpaceX, its new subsidiary xAI, and Grok.

And yet, none of these pokes in the eye seem to stop SpaceX from eyeing a record $1.75 trillion valuation.

What's in the SpaceX IPO?

SpaceX's Starship at Orbital Launch Pad 2 at Starbase, Texas, on May 21, 2026. Credit: Joe Marino / UPI / Shutterstock

To explain how bizarre the filing really is, and how deeply it might sink other offerings, let's first ignore the words Spacex xAI, Grok, Elon and Musk. Instead, just imagine you're telling your financial advisor you want shares in a new-to-market space launch company.

This company lost nearly $5 billion last year, on $18 billion of revenue. The revenue makes it look tiny, and its losses are increasing. But so is its revenue, so you have high hopes for its future.

OK, says your financial advisor, raising a quizzical eyebrow. A risky bet, but those can pay off big sometimes. What's the angle?

Well, you reply, the CEO is all in on AI. This space launch company is actually an AI company now, since it merged in a hurry earlier this year with one of the CEO's other companies, one he described as "the smallest" of the major AI players. The merger was a millstone, the cause of most of the combined company's losses.

Who's the creator you tell everyone to follow? Vote for them in Mashable's Fan Fav.

Still, AI's connection to the space launch business makes total sense. The CEO says he's going to launch AI data centers in space starting in 2028. And you totally believe that, despite this guy having a long history of making bold space-based predictions that don't come to pass.

Do space AI data centers even make sense? Who knows! "The conditions of space on such AI infrastructure have not been tested, by us or anyone else," notes the IPO. "Any component failures could result in permanent capacity loss" — since there are no IT guys up there to fix them.

But hey, what could make sensitive data center components fail in space? I mean, apart from the list in the company's S-1 filing: geomagnetic storms, solar flares, cosmic radiation, micrometeorites, orbital debris, as well as the vibration and thermal shock from launching them in the first place. Oh, and "the useful life of our satellites is inherently shorter than that of the information technology systems and infrastructure they host," the filing also says, but you're trying not to think about what that means in a data center business.

Eh, regulatory filings can be such Debbie Downers! What matters is this guy really believes in his AI product, right? So much so that SpaceX's IPO claims a $26.5 trillion addressable AI market (compared to the space launch and Starlink connectivity market, for which it only claims a total potential of $2 trillion). That AI product, by the way, comes in "Unhinged Voice mode" and "Spicy Imagine mode." The IPO notes its "heightened risks" of "reputational harm," not to mention regulatory and legal harm, thanks to "potentially explicit content ... misinformation ... exploitative imagery, intellectual property infringement," or "harmful, harassing, abusive, or discriminatory" content.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well, apart from the international investigations that have opened up into whether this company's product was used to make nonconsensual deepfakes of minors, as the IPO is also required to note. (You can almost hear the deep sighs of the lawyers who wrote this — but at least they didn't have to mention the whole MechaHitler thing.)

Speaking of legal harm, you also have no problem with the $3 billion in new data center gas turbine purchases revealed by the IPO, even though this is doubling down on harm for which the company already faces a huge lawsuit from environmental groups. After all, this guy has a history of winning most of his legal battles! Just pay no attention to the last one, where he flouted a court order by skipping off to China, and a jury found he had no right to bring the case in the first place.

Given all that information in the abstract, many financial advisors would advise you the company isn't worth the risk — if they don't advise you to get your head checked.

The cheat code at Tesla

Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg in Grünheide, Germany. Credit: Joko / imageBROKER / Shutterstock

In the case of SpaceX, however, your financial advisor may be rushing to invest before you do. The IPO sets 30 percent of shares aside for so-called "retail investors," an unusually high percentage; arguably they're more likely to bet on a name, a personality, a legend, than a company's fundamentals.

The reason, essentially, amounts to five words: "never bet against Elon Musk." First uttered by fellow Paypal billionaire and friend Peter Thiel, then SpaceX investor Peter Diamandis, this rallying cry has been taken up by the CEOs of Morgan Stanley and Breyer Capital. It is an article of faith — literally, in articles that use it to wave away Musk's more baffling moves, from the design of the Cybertruck to the overpriced Twitter purchase. (Which, given that Musk turned Twitter into the less popular X, then folded it into xAI, and then folded that into SpaceX, may go down as the most buried sunk cost in business history.)

Musk long ago mastered the razzle-dazzle of business showmanship. He has learned to dance on ever-higher tightropes of promised futures. At a crucial moment in the early days of Tesla, he offered preorders for the Model S when its prototype didn't even exist yet. That lesson has come in handy in Tesla's Cybertruck era, when the company has been saddled with an odd looking, low-selling EV that is becoming ever more of a joke with every wheels-could-fall-off recall and watery misdirection, dogged by cheaper Chinese rivals, and boycotted by much of Europe.

In response, Musk simply squeezed billions more out of the company for the honor of having him stay, then pivoted Tesla towards another, bigger promised future. That future — one filled with humanoid robots and robotaxis — is about as airy, as unproven, and as full of pitfalls (literally, the Optimus robots fall over) as AI data centers in space. But at this stage, Musk can simply insist it's going to happen, then sit back and dare Tesla investors to bet against him.

The Optimus robots, like the SpaceX data centers, "allow for near term demonstrations that look impressive but aren’t meaningfully revenue-generating, while allowing Musk to make long term projections of 'infinite' revenues that can be (nearly) infinitely postponed," noted Tim Farris, president of satellite and telecom industry research firm TMF Associates. The Rorschach test works for investors who want to believe in the "never bet against Musk" myth.

Never mind that "never bet against Musk" is far from literally true. In 2026, you can make money from short-selling (that is, betting against) Tesla stock, which is down just under 5 percent from where it was on Jan. 1. You could also have made a more than 30 percent return on the prediction markets in the past year, as one canny investor did, by predicting Musk's DOGE side quest would ultimately fail.

There are signs of cracks in Wall Street's wall of belief in Tesla. Last year was the company's first ever revenue decline on the books. Tesla investors are reportedly nervous that the SpaceX IPO is going to cost them — SpaceX, one major Tesla investor groused to Fortune, will become Musk's "new baby."

But Musk only has to dance ahead of the Tesla wave a little while longer. If all goes according to plan, and the AI bubble doesn't burst before he can bring his shiny new space AI baby to market next month, a Musk army of retail investors will help turn airy promises into a trillion dollars of net worth for their hero.

And then...we're boldly going where no economist has gone before. With access to that much capital and that much voting power — Musk will control 85 percent of the vote at SpaceX, making him virtually impossible to dislodge as CEO — there's no limit to the height of the tightrope he could dance on. It's not beyond the bounds of reason to imagine Musk folding a failing Tesla inside SpaceX, then dazzling investors by spinning ever more unproven plans for humanoid robots maintaining space data centers.

In the game of global capitalism, becoming a trillionaire may be the ultimate cheat code.

SAVE OVER $40: As of May 22, the Sonos Roam 2 has returned to its lowest-ever price of $134 at Amazon. This is $45 off its full price of $179.

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Credit: Sonos

Sonos Roam 2

$134 at Amazon
$179 Save $45

 

Get Deal

Sonos is featuring heavily in Memorial Day sales this year. One of our favorites deals is on the Sonos Roam 2 portable speaker, which has returned to its lowest-ever price at the retailer. If you've been searching for a solid waterproof speaker to join you at the beach or pool this summer, it's well worth checking out.

As of May 22, the Sonos Roam 2 (in both black and white) is on sale for $134 at Amazon. Compared to its full price of $179, this deal saves you $45 on this portable speaker.

Offering great sound quality in a compact design — plus a durable build that's IP67 waterproof and dustproof — the Sonos Roam 2 is a portable speaker that's worth bringing along with you on excursions this summer. Its battery can even last up to 10 hours, providing you with plenty of listening time before it needs a recharge. On top of that, it even earned a place on our roundup of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers as the smartest waterproof speaker.

Writer Alex Bracetti writes: "Not only does the Roam 2 connect to Bluetooth, so you can use it with a smartphone in any environment, but it can also automatically switch to WiFi and become part of your Sonos multiroom setup. Having it placed on your balcony or front porch lets you enjoy all interconnected perks, from app-based controls to voice assistance, which performs surprisingly well in loud settings."

The Sonos Roam 2 can help you keep the party going this summer. Don't miss out on this deal during Memorial Day sales.

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

SAVE $70: As of May 22, the Ninja FrostVault is on sale for $279.99 at Amazon, its lowest-ever price at the retailer. This is $70 off its list price of $349.99.

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Credit: Ninja

Ninja FrostVault

$279.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $70

 

Get Deal

Summer is creeping up on us, and if you're looking forward to camping trips or outdoor hangouts this year, a cooler is well worth picking up to keep your favorite drinks fresh and cold. Thankfully, the 65qt Ninja FrostVault is currently on sale at Amazon during Memorial Day sales, so now is a great time to buy.

The 65qt Ninja FrostVault has dropped to $279.99 at Amazon. This is a solid $70 in savings, and it marks the lowest-ever price for this cooler at the retailer. It may not last for long beyond Memorial Day, so if it has caught your eye, this is the time to grab it.

No matter what outdoor adventures you have planned for this summer, this Ninja FrostVault has plenty of space for drinks and food. It boasts a 65-quart capacity that can hold up to 97 cans without ice, or 54 cans if you want them kept cool with ice. It even has an extra container for snacks and food called the Dry Zone at the base, which is helpful so your food doesn't get crushed by cans or made soggy by ice in the upper compartment.

It also has a durable build, which is good news for campers or rugged adventurers. Its all-terrain wheels are ultra durable, puncture resistant, and capable of withstanding any kind of weather, and its handle makes moving it around feel nice and easy.

If the 65qt Ninja FrostVault is a must for your summertime plans — act fast to save at Amazon.

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

SAVE $90: As of May 22, the Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series TV has been discounted to $309.99 at Amazon. This is $90 off its list price of $399.99.

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Credit: Amazon

Amazon Ember 50-Inch 4-Series with Fire TV

$309.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $90

 

Get Deal

There are plenty of exciting discounts to check out in Amazon's Memorial Day sale, including some excellent offers on select TVs.

One of our top tech deals is actually on one of Amazon's own TVs, the Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series TV. This popular TV has had $90 slashed off its price tag during the sale.

As of May 22, this discount has dropped the price of the Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series TV from $399.99 to $309.99. On top of that, your purchase also comes with one month of Xbox Game Pass if you're a new user to the service, which is an excellent way to give Microsoft's game subscription a test run if you haven't yet. And on a new 4K TV, no less.

This Amazon Ember TV — which still comes with the Fire TV operating system and streaming app — is an excellent pick-up for those who love to stream. This smart TV makes jumping into your favorite streaming services simple and easy, and the quad-core processor ensures apps open and load quickly.

What you watch will look great as well, thanks to 4K Ultra HD resolution and HDR10+. It also features support for WiFi 6, which means the picture quality will come through smooth on your screen, no matter if you're streaming or playing games.

This is a great Memorial Day deal, so don't miss out on $90 off the Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series TV at Amazon.

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

SAVE $20: As of May 22, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Amazon

Amazon Fire Stick 4K Plus

$29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00

 

Get Deal

With Memorial Day sales already underway, now’s a great time to upgrade your streaming setup.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is back on sale right now at Amazon. For a limited time, it has dropped down to just $29.99. That's a saving of $20 and includes a one-month Xbox GamePass for free.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the refreshed name for the Fire TV Stick 4K we know and love, giving you the same 4K viewing experience without all the hassle. You'll get support for 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio for great picture quality and immersive sound.

For setup, simply plug the device into your HDMI port and power it via a wall outlet. When you turn on your TV, you'll be prompted to set it up and connect to the internet. And that's all you need to do. When the setup is complete, you'll have access to the Fire TV system which includes streaming platforms, apps, and live TV options.

You can even take it with you when traveling. When you plug it into a new TV or a laptop, you'll have all your accounts already logged in.

Head to Amazon to get this streaming deal.

SAVE $50: As of May 22, the Anker Solix C1000 is on sale for $449.99 at Amazon. That's a 10% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Anker

Anker Solix C1000

$397 at Amazon
$549 Save $152

 

Get Deal

Memorial Day takes place on May 25, but retailers like Amazon have already started rolling out their sales.

We've been keeping an eye on the best options you can already shop, and the Anker Solix C1000 is one of our favorite deals if you're shopping for a portable power station. As of May 22, it's down to $449.99, a saving of $50 on list price. This price is for the unit itself, but there are various upgrade options that include solar panels and chargers also discounted.

With this portable power station, you'll get up to 2,400W of output, helping to power a wide range of appliances through its 11 ports. On the Anker app, you can even adjust charging speeds and monitor power usage in real time for more control.

And this model is designed with portability in mind. According to Anker, it is 15% smaller than many comparable devices. This makes it an ideal choice for emergencies and camping trips.

It also has UltraFast recharging that can charge the battery to 80% in around 43 minutes and fully recharge it in under an hour when using AC power with the Anker app enabled. It uses a LiFePO4 battery rated for around 3,000 cycles, giving it an estimated lifespan of 10 years.

Head to Amazon to find this Anker deal.

SAVE OVER $100: As of May 22, the Hisense 65-inch U7 TV is on sale for $696.94 at Amazon. That's a 13% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Hisense

Hisense 65-inch U7 TV

$696.94 at Amazon
$798 Save $101.06

 

Get Deal

Memorial Day sales have come at just the right time if you're looking to upgrade your TV in time for the World Cup. There are plenty of TV deals live right now, but our top pick so far is the Hisense 65-inch U7 TV.

As of May 22, the Hisense 65-inch U7 TV is on sale for $696.94, its best-ever price and a saving of over $100 on list price.

With this TV, you'll get Mini-LED Pro backlighting with up to 3,000 local dimming zones and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, so every movie, TV show, or World Cup fixture will be in glorious quality.

It's a great choice for gamers too, thanks to the native 165Hz panel that supports a variable refresh rate from 48Hz to 165Hz. It also benefits from AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Low Latency MEMC to help reduce screen tearing. There's even an Enhanced Game Bar that lets you adjust settings and monitor performance directly on the screen while you're playing.

For streaming, you'll get all the benefits of Google TV. This means easy access to apps like Netflix, as well as many live channel options. And it's easy to navigate with a user-friendly home screen.

Get this TV deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $300: As of May 22, the Eufy C28 robot vacuum is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount on the list price.

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Credit: eufy

Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum

$499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300

 

Get Deal

Memorial Day is just around the corner, and we've started picking out our top deals for you to shop at retailers like Amazon.

There are deals on everything from TVs to earbuds, but if you're looking for a good robot vacuum deal, the Eufy C28 has caught our eye. As of May 22, this model is on sale for its lowest-ever price of $499.99. That's a saving of $300 list price.

This robot vacuum is also a mop, so it's designed for seriously thorough floor cleaning. It has a 15,000Pa turbo suction with a DuoSpiral Brush system that is designed for picking up hair. It helps to reduce hair tangles, handling strands up to 30cm long without wrapping around the roller, so if you have pets at home it's ideal.

The mop function is just as impressive. It uses a 28cm HydroJet roller mop with 24 water ports that spins at 270 RPM for continuous self-cleaning while mopping. A built-in scraper separates dirty water and debris into a separate tank, so the roller stays clean throughout the cycle.

It also comes with an all-in-one docking station where it completes maintenance. This includes emptying dust and dirt into the 3 liter bag, mop washing, and 50°C hot air drying.

Get this robot vacuum deal at Amazon now.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Sleeved Booster Pack available for $12.99 with free delivery.

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Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Sleeved Booster Pack

$12.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now

Just in time for Chaos Rising to join the Pokémon TCG’s Mega Evolution set, single-sleeved booster packs have dipped down to a more budget-friendly price at Amazon. 

As of May 22, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Sleeved Booster Pack available for $12.99 with free delivery between May 29 and June 2.

TCGplayer has some even cheaper options. Despite the Sleeved Booster’s market price sitting at $10.71, there are listings going as low as $10 each with shipping included. Alternatively, you can buy regular Chaos Rising Booster Packs for as low as $9.64 shipped — only going ever so slightly above their $9.45 market price.

Each sealed Chaos Rising Sleeved Booster Pack includes 10 random cards. The whole expansion features over 120, including plenty of Mega Evolutions featured in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game. Among the most valuable and popular chase cards are Mega Floette ex, Greninja ex, Mega Pyroar ex, and Mega Dragalge ex. 

If you’d like to stick with Amazon and you want to spend less on each pack, you can also grab the Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Booster Bundle for just over $60. The Chaos Rising Build and Battle Box is also on sale at $10 off.

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 Chaos Rising Booster Display Box available at $274.50 with free shipping.

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Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Box

$274.50 at Amazon

 

Get Deal

For anyone keen to jump into the Pokémon TCG’s new Chaos Rising expansion on launch day, the Booster Display Box is the best way to secure the lowest cost-per-pack in trading card collections.

As of May 22, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Display Box available to order for $274.50 with free shipping, sold by BetterShopping4You. The listing shows free delivery arriving June 1 at the time of writing. 

Each Chaos Rising Booster Display Box contains 36 booster packs from the trading card game’s new Mega Evolution expansion. At Amazon’s $274.50 price, that works out to roughly $7.63 per booster pack before tax — far lower than Amazon’s $12.99 price for single Chaos Rising Booster Packs.

If you’re willing to trade the convenience of Amazon for the lowest price possible, you can find better deals elsewhere. TCGplayer currently has unopened Chaos Rising Booster Box listings starting at $227 shipped, far lower than its market price of $247.90. Walmart is a nice backup if Amazon’s best offer runs out of stock, priced at $279.77 with free shipping.

Chaos Rising includes more than 120 cards to collect, more new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, more than 25 Trainer cards, and over 35 Pokémon and Trainer cards with special illustrations. The expansion puts Mega Floette ex at the center, while Mega Greninja ex, Mega Pyroar ex, and Mega Dragalge ex sit among Pokémon Legends: Z-A-featured Megas appearing among the most valuable and popular chase cards you can buy. 

Among other recent expansions, you can also score the Perfect Order Booster Bundle for just under $50. For more from this new expansion, you can buy the Chaos Rising Booster Bundle for slightly over $60. 

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Apple wants to put its smartphones to the test, with the company set to broadcast a Major League Soccer (MLS) match live and shot only on the iPhone 17 Pro.

Announced Thursday, Apple TV will team up with MLS to air the LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo FC match on Saturday, May 23, live from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

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The broadcast will be the first time iPhones have been the sole cameras used to film a major live pro sports broadcast. Apple used iPhone 17s for select moments of a live broadcast of the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers in September 2025, and has been regularly using iPhones to support Friday Night Baseball and MLS broadcasts since.

Only iPhone 17s with their three 48-megapixel Fusion cameras will be used to film Saturday's match. In Mashable's review of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Stan Schroeder praised them as "the best I’ve ever tried" on a smartphone, with particular praise for that 8x optical-quality zoom. According to Apple, the iPhones will be set up throughout the venue to "capture live footage throughout the match, including team warmups on the pitch, player introductions, in-net goal angles, and the atmosphere inside the stadium."

Apple's partnership with the MLS is the company's latest move to top streaming competitors, seizing a piece of the live sports space.

The LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo FC match will be streaming on Apple TV at 7:30 p.m. PT on May 23.

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 22 Pips

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for May 22 Pips

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

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed horizontally.

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for May 22 Pips

Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally.

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

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

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 3-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically.

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

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box available for $106.95, down from its typical $113.97 price. That saves you $7.02 on the newly released ETB.

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Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box

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The Pokémon TCG’s Chaos Rising expansion has finally been released, and you can now secure an ETB for a lower price than we've seen over recent weeks.

As of May 22, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box available for $106.95, down from its typical price of $113.97. This 6% discount saves you $7.02 on a nine-pack box with added extras. 

This not only beats the lowest price we saw across major retailers last week, but this particular box is sold and shipped directly by Amazon. Free delivery is currently scheduled for May 28, with the fastest delivery option listed for May 26 at the time of writing.

That being said, there are lower prices around if you’re chasing the absolute cheapest Chaos Rising ETB. Walmart currently has the same box listed for $106, while TCGplayer’s unopened listings start from $94.99 with shipping included — putting it even lower than the dedicated trading card selling website’s own market price of $101.22.

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

Chaos Rising brings the Mega Evolution era back into Lumiose City, where Mega evolutions featured in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game — with Mega Floette ex, Mega Greninja ex, Mega Pyroar ex, and Mega Dragalge ex featured among the expansion’s most popular and valuable chase cards.

To save even more on Pokémon cards, you can also score eight packs of the base Mega Evolution set for only $74.45. For extra Chaos Rising packs, you can grab the Chaos Rising Booster Bundle for just over $60. 

Although currently not available on Amazon, the Pokémon TCG’s newly-announced Pitch Black expansion is available to pre-order at TCGplayer.

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After 11 years, The Late Show ended on a musical note.

In the footage above, Stephen Colbert comes out of the other side of a giant late night-destroying wormhole to join in on a performance of "Jump Up" with Louis Cato, Jon Batiste and Elvis Costello, before Paul McCartney joins them for a rendition of The Beatles' "Hello, Goodbye".

As the song ends Colbert's family and the entire show staff come up to the stage, before we cut to Colbert in a corridor with McCartney, getting ready to pull a giant "Late Show" lever.

The lights go off in the building, the entire Ed Sullivan Theater is shrunk down to a tiny snow globe, and Colbert's dog Benny makes a final cameo as he gives it a sniff.

"Come on Benny, let's go," says Colbert off camera. Then we fade to black.

If you haven't watched Colbert's final Late Show monologue yet, you can catch up on Mashable.

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

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

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

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

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: Hurler tracking

• Green: Hockey clubs

• Blue: Same first word, potentially

• Purple: Baseball teammates

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Attributes for a baseball pitcher

• Green: NHL teams, familiarly

• Blue: Can follow the word "Texas"

• Purple: Members of the Cincinnati Reds

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 #606 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Attributes for a baseball pitcher: COMMAND, CONTROL, STAMINA, VELOCITY

• NHL teams, familiarly: AVS, CANES, HABS, ISLES

• Can follow the word "Texas": LEAGUER, LONGHORNS, RANGERS, TECH

• Members of the Cincinnatti Reds: BURNS, DE LA CRUZ, SINGER, STEER

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

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

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

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

Is this the death of late night television?

In one of the final Late Show skits above it certainly seems that way, with Stephen Colbert seeking help from Jon Stewart, John Oliver, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon after he's confronted with a gigantic wormhole that threatens to destroy late night TV.

"Why aren't you guys being pulled in too?" asked Colbert.

"You know what, actually one of these holes opened at my show last year, but it went away after about three days," says Kimmel.

"Is that what's going to happen to me too?" asks a hopeful Colbert, but the only response from the others is a group "Shhh" a handful of fingers placed on host's lips.

If you haven't yet seen Colbert's final Late Show monologue, you can watch it here.

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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 Friday, May 22, 2026:

Across

"___ Birds" (Hitchcock film that suggests this puzzle's theme)

• The answer is The.

Loudly brag

• The answer is Crow.

Stretch out one's neck

• The answer is Crane.

Advocate of war

• The answer is Hawk.

Test for fifth-year Hogwarts students

• The answer is Owl.

Down

Fish using a large net

• The answer is Trawl.

Call from a Canada goose

• The answer is Honk.

Female sheep

• The answer is Ewe.

Stick in one's ___ (bird-related idiom)

• The answer is Craw.

Comedian Margaret

• The answer is Cho.

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 the latest Mini Crossword.

How to watch 'Scream 7' at a glance (and a few ways to save):

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Buy or rent 'Scream 7' at Apple TV

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free 30-day trial, then $98/year

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It's been 30 years since the masked Ghostface killer's on-screen debut in the iconic slasher film that launched a franchise. Scream has veered in many directions since, but with Scream 7, it goes back to its roots: Final Girl Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) versus Ghostface.

The seventh installment also brings back Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers, Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding as twins Mindy and Chad Meeks-Martin, and the legendary Matthew Lillard as Stu Macher from the first film.

If a "hearty dose of nostalgia," as Mashable's entertainment editor puts it, is what you're after, Scream 7 serves it up on a platter. But there's also plenty of new ideas, reveals, and scares to keep it fresh.

If you missed it in theaters or can't wait to watch it again, Scream 7 starts streaming this spring. Here's what you need to know to watch it at home.

What is Scream 7 about?

"Scream 7 brings Campbell back to the center of the story, restoring some of the original concept's simplicity," as Mashable's Kristy Puchko writes. Sidney Prescott (Campbell) has left Woodsboro for good and has been living peacefully in Pine Grove, Indiana, with her husband Mark (Joel McHale) and daughter Tatum (Isabel May). But there's no real rest for Sidney in the Scream franchise, is there? Ghostface has set sights on her teenage daughter, and Sidney's forced to confront her past (again) to save Tatum.

Get a glimpse at the latest installment in the official trailer below:

Is Scream 7 worth watching?

A quick glance at Rotten Tomatoes shows a major divide between critics and audiences, with a 31 percent critic rating and 75 percent audience rating. In addition to delivering the biggest box office debut the decades-old horror series has ever seen, it's also become the highest-grossing film in the franchise. So, whether critics like it or not, audiences are showing up for Scream 7.

Mashable's own lead film critic is "elated" with the latest Scream film. "As someone who has long counted Scream as the best of the batch, I yearned for a sequel that recaptured that feeling of discovery but also shared in my affection for the first film. Scream 7 does that, paying homage without being beholden to audience expectation or constrictive lore. Incredibly, Williams gives us a hearty dose of nostalgia and Easter eggs while providing new ideas, weird reveals, and fresh chills," she writes.

Read Mashable's full review of Scream 7.

How to watch Scream 7

Credit: Paramount Pictures

There are a few different ways you can watch Scream 7 at home. You can buy it or rent it at digital-on-demand retailers for as low as $19.99, or you can stream it on Paramount+. See all the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

Scream 7 made its digital debut on March 31, 2026, which means you can officially buy or rent the movie from on-demand retailers. If you choose to rent, you'll get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it, then it's yours to keep and watch at your own leisure.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the film:

• Apple TV — $9.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home — $9.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

• Google Play — $9.99 to rent, $16.99 to buy

• Prime Video — $9.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

• YouTube — $9.99 to rent, $16.99 to buy

Stream it on Paramount+

Scream 7, a Paramount Pictures film, makes its streaming debut on Paramount+ on May 28, 2026. The slasher movie joins the six other franchise installments on the platform. You can also find behind-the-scenes extras in The Scream Collection on the streamer.

Paramount+ raised its prices in January 2026, so subscriptions now start at $8.99 per month. However, there are a few different ways you can save, including an annual subscription plan, a student plan, and a third-party partnership. We've rounded up the details below.

The best Paramount+ streaming deals

Best long-term deal: Save 17% on a Paramount+ annual subscription

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Paramount+ Premium annual subscription

$139.99/year (save $27.89)

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Paramount+ Essential annual subscription

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