The race for the largest self-driving taxi service area in Austin is on.
Shortly after Tesla increased the geofence for its Robotaxis in Austin to a larger, penis-shaped area, Alphabet's Waymo followed up with an area increase of its own.
The company's autonomous taxis now serve 90 square miles of the city, including new areas like Crestview, Windsor Park, Sunset Valley, Franklin Park, and more. With this increase, the company serves a significantly larger area than Tesla.
Waymo chose to keep this fight civil, though, so its new coverage area isn't shaped like genitalia. It is, as one would expect, bordered mainly by major roads and avenues, such as the MoPac Expressway on the west and Route 183 up north.
In a press release, Waymo pointed out that it's the "only fully autonomous, 24/7 experience for anyone in Austin," with "more than 100 Waymo vehicles" in the city. In comparison, Tesla's service is limited to a fairly small number of Model Y vehicles, and is only available to a handful of users who'd received invites from Tesla.
The company said it plans to expand to both new communities in existing markets and new cities from coast to coast. Waymo currently covers more than 700 square miles across the U.S.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently said the company's Robotaxi service will expand to the Bay Area (Waymo is already present there), pending regulatory approval.
Our favorite $849 MacBook Air deal is still live — score a $150 saving this weekendThe brand-new 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip is on sale for $849.99 at Amazon. That's $150 off the list price.
SAVE $150: As of July 18, the 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip is on sale for $849 at Amazon. That's $150 off the list price.
We were treated to some really special deals over Prime Day, with Apple deals making a real impression. There were so many live deals that it was difficult to find the real value, so it's always best to rely on an expert
Mashable's resident laptop expert hand-picked the $849 MacBook Air deal as the best of the bunch over Prime Day. "The Starlight colorway briefly fell to $829 on June 20, but I feel totally comfortable endorsing its slightly higher Prime Day price. Realistically, this laptop is a steal even at its full $999 MSRP. Amazon's decision to slash that by an extra $150 mere months after its release is kind of mind-boggling to me," said Haley Henschel.
The best thing about this deal is that it's still live way after Prime Day. As of July 18, the 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip is on sale for $849 at Amazon. The catch is that this deal is no longer available on all colorways, so we can't say for sure how long this price will stick around for.
The 2025 MacBook Air blends power and portability with Apple’s signature finesse. The M4 chip boosts performance across the board — whether you’re toggling between apps, editing content, or diving into graphics-heavy work. It's also built to take full advantage of Apple Intelligence, the new system designed to streamline writing, productivity, and multitasking with an assist from on-device AI.
With up to 18 hours of battery life, a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, and 16GB of unified memory, it’s more than equipped for everything you throw at it.
Score $150 off the 2025 MacBook Air M4 for a limited time.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
Tesla is reportedly working on a new variant of its Model 3 sedan, and this one might have the longest range of them all.
A new filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), spotted on Thursday by Electrek, is called the Tesla Model 3+. According to the filing, the new vehicle will be a single-motor, rear-wheel drive variant with a larger, 225kW motor.
While the currently available RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) version uses LFP battery cells, the new version uses LG's ternary lithium ion cells, which have a higher energy density. The other basic specs of the car — overall length, wheelbase length, and weight — are the same as those of the base Model 3 version.
Not all of the specs of the car are known, but what we know (along with the car's name, Model 3+) all points to this being a longer-range variant of the car.
Currently, the Tesla Model 3 with the longest range (that's the RWDe model) is listed as having 753 kilometers of range in China. The new variant could potentially exceed 800 kilometers (roughly 500 miles), which would be a first for Tesla.
In the U.S., the Model 3 with the most range can do 363 miles per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s estimates, though in China the range figures are based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) which is a bit more generous in its estimates.
The news comes shortly after a new variant of the Model Y was also filed with the MIIT. Called the Tesla Model YL, it has an extended wheelbase and three rows of seats with two seats in each, for a total of six.
There's no word on when (or if) the two new variants are coming to the U.S. and Tesla's other markets. Both are very interesting as they address two very important pain points for today's electric cars: interior space and range.
How to unblock porn for freeHow to unblock porn for free. Unblock and watch porn from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Unblock porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking free porn sites is ExpressVPN.
Your access to porn sites is restricted in many locations around the world, and we're not talking about far away places on dodgy networks. We're talking close to home.
A number of U.S. states have introduced laws that require visitors to upload ID before accessing pornography sites. As a result, Pornhub banned visitors from those states from accessing their website, and there's no guarantee that things will stop there. The same situation is now taking place in France, so where's next?
There are valid reasons for restricting access to porn, but there is also something to be said for protecting online freedom. When the time is right, you should be able to access all your favorite porn sites without hassle. Fortunately, there is a simple workaround for these online restrictions.
Want to unblock porn sites for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.
VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This quick and easy process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access your favorite porn sites from anywhere in the world.
Follow these simple steps to unblock porn sites:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to porn
Watch porn from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites in an unsupported location.
If you want to retain permanent access to all your favorite sites, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking porn sites, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy
Fast streaming speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Unblock porn for free with ExpressVPN.
How to unblock Pornhub for free in FranceHow to unblock porn for free in France. Unblock and watch Pornhub for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from France with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.
Another day, another Pornhub ban.
Earlier in 2025, more than a third of U.S. states introduced age verification laws for online adult content. After the introduction of these new requirements, Pornhub responded by blocking users from those locations. Now the same situation is taking place in France, with users in the country unable to access YouPorn, RedTube, and Pornhub.
There are complicated reasons for the blockade, but the workaround is actually very simple. If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from France, we have all the information you need.
VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.
Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub
Visit Pornhub
The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast streaming speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Unblock Pornhub for free in France with ExpressVPN.
Get moving! The Garmin Lily 2 Active is back to its best-ever price at Amazon.As of July 18, the Garmin Lily 2 Active is on sale at Amazon for $249.99. This is 17% off its list price of $299.99.
SAVE $50: As of July 18, the Garmin Lily 2 Active is on sale for $249.99 at Amazon. That's $50 off its list price of $299.99. This also marks a return to its lowest-ever price.
If you've been hoping to scoop up a smartwatch for your summertime activities, the good news is there are still some great deals available after Prime Day. Amazon is currently offering a very nice discount on the Garmin Lily 2 Active, which is an excellent pick if you want a smartwatch that combines style with plenty of helpful health and fitness stats.
The Garmin Lily 2 Active is currently marked down to $249.99. This is a 17% discount from its list price of $299.99, allowing you to save $50. It also marks a return to its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, so there's no better time than now to pick it up.
As mentioned before, the Garmin Lily 2 Active has a more stylish design compared to other smartwatches, but still boasts plenty of features to help you out. Some of these include a sleep score, respiration tracking, heart rate monitoring, hydration tracking, all-day stress tracking, and a Body Battery energy monitor that shows you what your energy levels are like throughout the day.
There's plenty for fitness-loving individuals to enjoy, too. From a built-in GPS to step counting, intensity minutes, and tracking your calories burned, the Garmin Lily 2 Active can help you stay on top of your goals.
Don't miss out on this excellent deal on the Garmin Lily 2 Active at Amazon.
This isn't the only smartwatch deal that's crossed our radar, either. Right now, you can still score an incredible discount on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 at Amazon, which is currently at a record-low price.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
SAVE $70: As of July 18, the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (refurbished) is down to $129.99 at Amazon — a 35% discount off its usual $199.99 price.
For those who’ve been dying for the latest Fire tablet for streaming, reading, and gaming, Amazon has a sweet deal on the Fire Max 11 (if you don’t mind a refurbished model). As of July 18, you can grab a refurbished Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet for $129.99 — 35% off its standard list price of $199.99. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, that’s the lowest price this tablet has dropped to in 2025.
This Fire Max 11 model has been tested and certified to look and function like new and even comes with the same warranty as a brand-new device.
With a whole $70 off the price tag, you’re getting a vibrant 11-inch display, a powerful octa-core processor, and 14 hours of battery life, making it a seriously capable all-around performer for the price.
The 2000x1200 resolution screen is built for watching shows, reading ebooks, and casual gaming — and it’s certified for low blue light, so your eyes won’t take a hit after hours of use. The aluminium build with reinforced glass also aims to add to its premium feel and durability. Amazon even claims it’s three times tougher than the 10.9-inch iPad in drop tests.
You’ll also get 64GB of storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD), WiFi 6 support for speedy connections, and access to Alexa features like smart home control and Show Mode.
You can easily download streaming services like Netflix to watch Stranger Things on the go, and be ready to watch the upcoming Wednesday Season 2 in style. Add on the optional keyboard and stylus (sold separately), and the Fire Max 11 starts to feel like a productivity tool, too.
If you’d also like an extra Kindle for reading, you can still score a like-new Kindle Paperwhite for $53 off at Amazon as well.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A slow-moving animal.
There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.
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...
LORIS.
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.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 18, 2025Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.
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.
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.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Pattern
Green: To notice
Blue: Stretches
Purple: Charged
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Sequence
Green: Pick up on
Blue: Yoga backbends
Purple: Electric ___
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 #768 is...
Sequence: RUN, SERIES, STREAK, STRING
Pick up on: CATCH, NOTE, SEE, SPOT
Yoga backbends: BRIDGE, COBRA, COW, WHEEL
Electric ___: BLANKET, EEL, GUITAR, SLIDE
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?
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.
NYT Strands hints, answers for July 18, 2025The NYT Strands hints and answers you need to make the most of your puzzling experience.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands 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 preferrined pace.
The words are magician-related.
These words are magic tricks.
Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
Today's spangram is Its Magic.
Escape
Its Magic
Multiply
Levitate
Transform
Disappear
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.
This rugged smartwatch is built for the outdoors — score the Amazfit T-Rex 3 for its best-ever priceSave 32% on the Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch — now $189.99 with GPS, offline maps, 27-day battery, and 170+ sport modes.
SAVE $90: As of July 18, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is on sale for $189.99 at Amazon — that’s 32% off its original price of $279.99.
Fitness fanatics seeking a smartwatch that’s a little cheaper than the big brands like Apple or Samsung have got a strong alternative on offer in the Amazfit T-Rex 3.
As of July 18, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Smartwatch is on sale for $189.99 at Amazon — a 32% reduction from its standard $279.99 — its lowest price ever since launching last year (according to the camelcamelcamel). If you’ve been looking for a smartwatch that’s as tough as your trail shoes, this deal might be what gets you off the fence.
This rugged-looking 48mm watch is designed for the outdoors, with a peak brightness of 2000 nits on its AMOLED display for clear map and workout visibility even under harsh sunlight. It’s also ready to handle some serious wear and tear, thanks to a 316L stainless steel bezel, freediving support up to 147 feet, and tested durability across extreme temperatures from -22 degrees farenheight to 158 degrees.
The battery life is another win here — the T-Rex 3 can go up to 27 days on a single charge with regular use or 180 hours in GPS mode. That’s a huge plus for anyone planning multi-day hikes or extended backcountry adventures. Speaking of GPS: with dual-band GPS, six satellite systems, and offline global maps, the T-Rex 3 offers precision location tracking even when you're off the grid. You’ll also get turn-by-turn navigation, a huge help when trails start to blur together.
For fitness junkies, this smartwatch covers a ton of ground with 170+ sport modes, AI-driven training plans, and real-time metrics across everything from hiking to surfing.
Alternatively, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is still on sale for $159.99 at Amazon.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
Murderbot and Dexter: Resurrection star David Dastmalchian wears many hats: actor, writer, host, and devoted Muppets fan.
The last item started from a very young age, Dastmalchian told Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards as part of Mashable's Say More interview series.
"When I was in kindergarten, having already become transported by the magic of The Muppet Movie and addicted to The Muppet Movie and so moved by all the themes and everything that matters about The Muppet Movie — which I still am, I think about that film every day, if not multiple times a day — I memorized the lyrics to 'The Rainbow Connection,'" Dastmalchian said. "I wanted to be Kermit the Frog. I did feel a little bit of an outcast and a loner and a little bit left behind because I was the baby of the family, and I had a difficult time at first just getting over the sads on a daily basis. And that song really lifted me up."
Dastmalchian would sing the song to his mother, and even dreamed of having a Muppet Movie–style road trip of his own. His love of The Muppet Movie led him to perform "The Rainbow Connection" at his kindergarten talent show, fake banjo and all. The only problem? Dastmalchian forgot the words.
"I completely fled the stage in abject terror, and I yelled out, 'I forgot!'" Dastmalchian recalled. "I was so ashamed, and I was so embarrassed, and I felt like I'd let everybody down. I went many years without ever wanting to get back in front of an audience."
Of course, audiences around the world now know Dastmalchian from his roles in everything from Late Night with the Devil to The Suicide Squad, so it's clear he found a way past that initial fear.
"I was always scared, but I learned to present and create something that wasn't," Dastmalchian said.
While Dastmalchian originally wanted to be Kermit the Frog, he realized around kindergarten that he actually felt a kinship with a different Muppet. "It's not Kermit who I was. It was his good friend Gonzo," Dastmalchian said. "Gonzo, having come from another planet, another galaxy, and very, very, very, very strongly connected to anything that's blue. I have a deep affinity for the color blue. I'll eat anything that's blue; I don't even care what it is. Could be rotten milk; I'll drink it."
Earlier in 2025, Dastmalchian got to live out his Muppets dream and performed as Gonzo in Dynasty Typewriter's live reading of The Muppet Movie script. Check out his moving performance of "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday."
For more Dastmalchian, check out Mashable's full Say More video on YouTube, where he breaks down the finale of Murderbot, his moving Mike Flanagan monologue from The Life of Chuck, and what to expect from his Dexter: Resurrection serial killer character.
Murderbot is now streaming on Apple TV+. Dexter: Resurrection is now streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime, with new episodes every Friday.
The Hisense Canvas TV is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save over $300Save 31% on the Hisense Canvas TV at Amazon.
SAVE OVER $300: As of July 18, the Hisense Canvas TV is on sale for $688.99 at Amazon. That's a 31% saving on the list price.
We love a TV discount here at Mashable, especially on something as impressive as the Hisense Canvas. And right now, there's an incredible deal at Amazon that you'll love almost as much as you love this TV.
As of July 18, you can find the 55-inch model of this TV priced at $688.99. Not only are you saving over $300 on list price, you're getting it for its lowest-ever price. If you want something a little bigger, you're in luck. There are discounts across all sizes.
There's so much to impress with this TV, just check out our review to see what we really thought. If you want the basics, it’s a 4K QLED that delivers rich, vibrant colors. But the real selling point is that when you’re not watching, the TV can be transformed into a digital gallery, displaying a single image or shuffling through a slideshow of your favorite photos or artwork. The hi-matte display makes the digital gallery look like the real thing, enough so that you'll be able to trick your friends and family into thinking it's the real thing.
Not only that, it's also a great option for gamers, boasting a 144Hz Game Mode PRO. This is designed with top gaming technology, with a Variable Refresh Rate of 48Hz to 144Hz.
This deal is not one to miss. Head to Amazon now to save.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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.
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. 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.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Baseball abbreviations
Green: Recent non-repeaters
Blue: Same first name
Purple: Comic connections
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: MLB teams, on scoreboards
Green: Teams to lose their respective championships in 2025
Blue: Famous Jackies
Purple: Teams and players who share nicknames with Marvel characters
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 #298 is...
MLB teams, on scoreboards - LAD, MIL, PIT, TEX
Teams to lose their respective championships in 2025 - EDMONTON, INDIANA, KANSAS CITY, NOTRE DAME
Famous Jackies - BRALDEY, JOYNER-KERSEE, ROBINSON, YOUNG
Teams and players who share nicknames with Marvel characters - IOWA, MICHIGAN, PULISIC, RIPKEN
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? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
My 4 favorite Nintendo Switch games that got upgrades for the Switch 2Plenty of Nintendo Switch games have received upgrades for the Nintendo Switch 2. Check out our breakdown of all the best titles, plus how to get them.
If you're holding off on getting a Nintendo Switch 2 because you think that Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are the only two games you can play right now, you're mistaken (although, you definitely need to play both of those games). In fact, there are a lot of games you can play on the new handheld, including the best titles from the original Nintendo Switch generation — and with better visuals than ever before. That's because Nintendo has released Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades for a slate of its most popular Switch games.
Can you upgrade your Switch 1 game for the Switch 2 for free? Yes and no. While you can upgrade some Switch games for free, others require you to purchase a Switch 2 upgrade pack, though these upgrades are much cheaper than a typical video game. Each upgrade brings new features, improvements, and in some cases, brand-new game modes and DLC packs that weren't included in their original releases.
As with most things Nintendo, upgrading your old Switch games can be confusing, and it requires a little bit of brain power to figure out exactly how it works. But, to keep things simple, it comes down to this: If you already own the original game on the old Nintendo Switch, you are eligible to either buy the upgrade pack (which costs much less than the full price of the game) or upgrade for free, depending on the title.
If you don't already own a particular game, you still need to buy the game at full price to enjoy those upgrades for the Switch 2. This also applies to the physical copies of each eligible game.
Below, we've put together a list of all the Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades you can get, as well as how to get them.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is considered to be one of the greatest Nintendo games ever made, so it's a no-brainer to either upgrade for just $9.99 or buy a new copy if you haven't yet played it. The Switch 2 edition of the game comes with Zelda Notes support (a "game-specific service via Nintendo Switch App"), better resolution and frame rates, faster load times, and HDR support.
Many of us grew up playing the Mario Party games with our loved ones, and Jamboree is the Mario Party formula perfected. The $19.99 upgrade includes new game modes that make use of the Switch 2's mouse controls and other accessories, CameraPlay support, GameShare compatibility, enhanced resolution and frame rates, as well as access to Jamboree TV — a new game show hosted by Toad himself.
To see a breakdown of new features included in each Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, check out Nintendo's helpful guide.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World — $79.99 or $19.99 to upgrade
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition — $69.99 or $9.99 to upgrade
PokémonLegends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition — $69.99 or $9.99 to upgrade
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Coming soon
Super Mario Odyssey is regarded as one of Nintendo's best-ever 3D platformers featuring the iconic Italian plumber, and its free upgrade comes with enhanced visuals, HDR support, GameShare features, and GameChat compatibility. It's the best way to play one of the best Nintendo Switch games, so don't skip over it.
An underrated gem from the original Nintendo Switch, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker's Switch 2 upgrade got all the same updates that Super Mario Odyssey did — better visuals, HDR support, and compatibility with the new GameShare and GameChat features. If you're looking for a fun, cute puzzle game to play through, look no further. If you already own Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, you can upgrade the title for Switch 2 for free.
To see a breakdown of new features included in each free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade, check out Nintendo's helpful guide. While you can upgrade these video games for the Switch 2 at no cost, if you don't already own the game, you'll still need to purchase the title.
Arms — $59.99
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain — $29.99
Game Builder Garage — $29.99
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe — $59.99
Pokémon Scarlet — $59.99
Pokémon Violet — $59.99
Splatoon 3 — $59.99
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury — $59.99
I’ve tested my fair share of smartwatches over the years, from Garmin to Fitbit, and even some no-name budget options that promised the world and delivered… not a whole lot. They all differ in terms of performance, design, and the kind of user they’re targeting.
I’ve tried a handful of Fitbits over the years, including the Versa 3 and the Charge 3, but one that has remained impressive over the years is the Fitbit Versa 4. It’s the model I keep recommending for anyone in need of something functional, but also simple and affordable.
So, what makes it the best Fitbit (in my opinion)?
First off, the Versa 4 looks and feels good on the wrist. It’s lightweight and slim, which is super important for a watch you're wearing on a daily basis. The silicon strap is soft and breathable, and the design is nifty, almost mimicking that of an Apple Watch. Controls are done both by a touchscreen and a command button, and the screen responsiveness is what you'd expect from a much pricier device. And the same goes for the bright, AMOLED display.
When it comes to lifestyle, this is my top pick. Get text notifications, Instagram likes, and voice calls direct through to your wrist. On Android phones, you can reply to texts directly from the watch using quick replies or voice dictation. However, if you’re an iPhone user, replying to texts isn’t supported, and you can only view notifications and dismiss them. For this feature, you'll need to look for an Apple Watch.
In terms of fitness features, the Versa 4 covers all the basics and then some. You get heart rate tracking, step counting, sleep tracking, SpO2 monitoring, stress tracking, and built-in GPS. The GPS isn’t the most accurate I’ve used, but if your aim is general fitness rather than long distance exercise with detailed tracking, it’s perfectly fine for casual use. I've found the battery life can last for runs just over 10k. And speaking of battery life, typically the watch lasts around five to six days, longer if you skip the GPS workout.
It's waterproof for swimming, and is water-resistant up to 50 meters. It can even track basic swim metrics like duration and calories burned.
Sleep tracking is one of the areas where Fitbit still does a great job. The Versa 4 gives you a sleep score each morning, along with breakdowns of time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep. It even gives you a “sleep animal” based on your patterns. Sleep tracking is very important to me on any smartwatch, regardless of price. So I've remained impressed that the Versa 4 offers such in-depth tracking.
One of the only downsides to this Fitbit is the subscription fee required to unlock some of the more in-depth tracking features. The Fitbit Premium subscription unlocks a stress management score, personalized workouts, and more.
The Fitbit Versa 4 is available at most retailers. At Amazon, you can find it listed for $199.95. At Walmart, it's $224.95. And at Best Buy, it is priced at $199.95. This model regularly goes on sale, so if you don't see it listed for less, remain patient.
It might come as a surprise that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun rather than a generic trademark. Roombas are just robot vacuums made by iRobot, and looking for the best Roombas is a much more specific task than looking for the best robot vacuums in general. However, Roomba's Band-Aid or Kleenex level fame really does prove just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of automated floor cleaners.
There's a good reason for that: Not only was iRobot first to the robot vacuum party, but the company has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but if you're looking for the best Roomba today, there are only a handful of models you need to know in 2025.
iRobot released four new Roomba series in March 2025, deviating from its (unofficial) summer release schedule. I think iRobot had two reasons to hurry: the spring release of the top robot vacuums from CES and the company's rocky financial situation. As someone who tests robot vacuums for a living, I'll be the first to tell you that Roombas were flopping in a sea of smarter, more fairly-priced robot vacs from the likes of Roborock and Shark.
The new Roomba 105, Roomba 205, Roomba Plus 405, and Roomba Plus 505 series are further broken down into eight total models, many with completely different physical designs that don't scream "classic Roomba."
iRobot is playing catch-up with its competition, and for the first time, you can buy Roombas that use LiDAR for smart mapping, Roombas with dual spinning mopping pads, and a Roomba that compacts its own dust rather than self-emptying. Despite such innovations, the new 2025 Roombas are surprisingly affordable, especially compared to the debut prices of past Roombas.
With all of these new Roombas thickening the plot, the same old question remains: "Which Roomba is the best?" I've tested nearly every Roomba released since 2019, and I'm regularly updating this guide as I test the 2025 models at home. After comparing suction, pet hair pickup, mopping, smart mapping, small obstacle detection, and price, I chose the Roombas that offer the best value for different types of households.
The iRobot Roomba 105. The Roomba Combo i5+. The Roomba Combo j7+ (not to be confused with the Roomba j7). The arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but we can teach you.
When shopping for a Roomba, you'll choose from what I call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter and a number (like j9+ or i5) or the word Max is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 105, 205, or 692) or just words (like Roomba Vac or Essential).
A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock, and Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title. "Max" is a new Roomba term introduced with the Roomba Combo 10 Max — it refers to the ability of a hybrid Roomba to wash and dry its own mopping pad within the self-empty dock. On the other end of the spectrum, "Essential" means "most basic" in the Roomba family, meaning no smart mapping.
I've tested several Roombas that are no longer main players in the Roomba guide for 2025. The Roomba Combo j9+ doesn't wash or dry its mopping pad, and is simply too expensive to be worth buying over its siblings like the Roomba Combo 10 Max, Roomba Plus 505. or Roomba Max 705. Plus, the j9's increasing obsoleteness has pretty much halted its ability to get a noteworthy discount nowadays.
I have also removed any 600 series Roombas from this guide for a similar reason: They just can't compete with the newer cheap Roombas that have stronger suction and smart mapping. When I tested the Roomba 694, it pissed me off more than it impressed. The Roomba 694 and Roomba 692 are hard to find in stock, anyway, and it's rarely for less than the Roomba 105 (my new top pick for the best cheap Roomba).
How to watch MLB live streams online for freeHow to watch MLB for free. Live stream MLB in 2025 for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream MLB for free on MLB.TV and The Roku Channel. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It's difficult to compete for airtime in the increasingly congested world of sports. How are dedicated followers of sport supposed to keep up with the NBA, NFL, MLB, and everything in-between? You make time, of course.
Following MLB takes a lot of dedication, but that's of no concern to fans. This greedy bunch just want more, and that's where we can help. If you are interested in watching MLB for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league in North America composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and one in Canada). Each team plays 162 games per regular season. Six teams in each league advance to a four-round postseason tournament in October, culminating in the World Series between the two league champions (National League and American League).
The defending champions are the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The MLB regular season runs from March 27 to Sept. 28.
MLB is available to live stream for free on MLB.TV and The Roku Channel.
MLB.TV live streams one game each week for free for anyone with a free or paid account. The Roku Channel broadcasts one Sunday afternoon game every week. These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of MLB from anywhere in the world.
Live stream MLB for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access
Visit MLB.TV or The Roku Channel
Watch MLB for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch MLB live streams without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch 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.
ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams to watch MLB, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Watch MLB for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays (July 18) online for freeHow to watch MLB for free. Live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays (July 18) for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays (July 18) for free on MLB.TV. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The new MLB season is finally here. The opening weekend of games includes some really interesting matchups, including San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays. And the best thing about this game is that you can follow all the action without spending anything.
If you want to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays starts at 7:07 p.m. ET on July 18. This fixture takes place at the Rogers Centre.
San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays is available to live stream for free on MLB.TV.
You can watch this free MLB game anywhere that MLB.TV is available, although local blackout restrictions apply in the U.S. and Canada. If you're unable to access this free live stream in your location, you can consider using a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays from anywhere in the world.
Live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access
Visit MLB.TV
Stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free from anywhere in the world
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 San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream a wide range of MLB 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.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for live streaming sport for free on platforms like MLB.TV, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free with ExpressVPN.
The AirPods Pro 2s noise-cancelation made my long flight way more comfortableThe AirPods Pro 2 are well worth investing in for their noise-cancelation features alone.
Recently, I had to hop on a very long eight-hour flight. And with a journey like that, it's always nice to have headphones or earbuds to keep you busy with music, podcasts, or the selection of in-flight movies and shows on offer. In my case, I don't go anywhere without my AirPods Pro 2. They're an absolute must-have on journeys of any length.
There's a couple of different reasons for this. Of course, one is the sound quality. These earbuds sound great, so I can enjoy whatever I'm listening to on a long journey with great quality. But my main reason for keeping these wireless earbuds with me at all times is their noise-canceling features. In my opinion, this is the best feature of the AirPods Pro 2, especially on a flight. People chatting a bit too loud? Doesn't bother me. Crying baby? Can't hear a thing. The drone of the engines? Gone. Personally, I think the noise-cancelation alone makes the AirPods Pro 2 a worthy investment.
The Active Noise Cancelation isn't the only noise-focused feature worth shouting about, either. The AirPods Pro 2 have multiple sound options to choose from. These include a Transparency mode that allows you to hear more of the outside world, which is helpful if you want to be a bit more aware of your surroundings while you're listening (for example, when walking on a road where you need to listen out for traffic.) Then there's an Adaptive Audio feature, which serves as a blend of the noise-canceling and transparency features, adapting to the sounds in your environment.
While we recently saw an absolutely stellar deal over Prime Day, you can still score the AirPods Pro 2 at a great discount right now of $169. But I'm a firm believer that these earbuds are worth picking up at full price if you're an Apple user.
As an Apple user, I've found the AirPods Pro 2 fit perfectly into my ecosystem of Apple devices. No matter if I'm using my iPhone, iPad, or MacBook, these earbuds switch between devices seamlessly. And alongside their noise-canceling features, they also offer a comfortable design with silicone tips that fit nicely in your ear and serve as an extra seal to keep sound out.
Getting set up with these noise-canceling features is very straightforward. If you're already a frequent user of Active Noise Cancelation, the AirPods Pro 2 will automatically select the mode when you've got them in your ears and use your connected device. But if you want to swap to Transparency mode or Adaptive Audio, simply follow these steps:
With your AirPods in your ears, go to 'Settings' on your iPhone or iPad
Go to the 'AirPods Pro' section just below your 'Apple Account'
From here, under 'Noise Control', you can swap between Transparency, Adaptive, and Noise Cancelation
Depending on where you are, each of these noise-canceling settings can be very helpful. In the case of a long flight, Noise Cancelation is great for keeping noisy sounds out while you're trying to relax or focus on the songs, podcasts, or audiobooks you're listening to without any interruptions. The AirPods Pro 2 helped my flight feel far more comfortable and less distracting.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 can be bought from a variety of retailers. We've included the Amazon listing below, where they're currently on sale for $169.
What's nice is that these AirPods can frequently be found discounted during sale events, too. Recently they dropped to a new low price during the Amazon Prime Day sale event, and even though they've started going back up in price, there's still plenty of opportunities to save this year. Black Friday is the next big sale event on the horizon, so it's worth marking your calendar for November if these earbuds have been on your radar.
TL;DR: New members can join Sam’s Club for just $25 (reg. $50) with 1-year access and auto-renew.
If your grocery bill has started to feel like a jump scare, or your holiday shopping list is looking a little too ambitious, here’s one simple solution: a Sam’s Club membership — on sale at the moment for just $25 for your first year (regularly $50).
From everyday staples to seasonal steals, Sam’s Club is where smart shoppers stock up without overspending. With this limited-time offer, new members get full access to an entire year of warehouse-size savings, whether you’re filling your fridge, refreshing your home office, or prepping for the holidays early.
It’s not just groceries either. You’ll have access to household items and a variety of seasonal goods. Think electronics, furniture, clothes, tools, toys, travel deals, and even discounted tickets to concerts and theme parks. Oh — and that rotisserie chicken? Still delicious and super budget-friendly.
This membership auto-renews, so once you’re in, you’re in. And with nationwide locations and online shopping options, it’s an easy way to streamline your shopping while stretching your dollar.
Just a heads up: this deal is only for new members in the U.S. If you’ve been a member in the past six months, you’ll need to wait before jumping back in.
But if you’re new to the warehouse game — or just finally ready to make the Sam’s Club leap — this is your sign. Grocery hauls, holiday prep, and everyday savings? All in one stop. You’ll wonder why you didn’t join sooner.
Get a 1-year Sam’s Club membership for just $25 (reg. $50) for a limited time only.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: For a one-time payment of $389.97, Internxt gives you lifetime access to 20TB of private, encrypted cloud storage across all your devices.
Running out of digital space is one of those slow-burn stressors no one wants to deal with. Whether you’re snapping endless videos of your dog, working with massive creative files, or storing years’ worth of family photos, it’s only a matter of time before that dreaded “storage full” message shows up. But what if you could mitigate all of that stress forever?
That’s exactly what you get with Internxt’s Lifetime 20TB Cloud Storage Plan. It’s serious storage, private by design, and available for life for one flat payment.
Unlike traditional cloud services that charge you forever (and slowly increase their fees), Internxt is refreshingly simple. You pay once — $389.97 through August 3 — and you’re done. That’s 20TB of encrypted, open-source, cross-platform storage that works seamlessly on every major device, including macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and even Linux.
But this isn’t just about space. It’s also about control (isn’t everything though?). Internxt is built for users who value security and privacy. It uses end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge file handling, and even post-quantum encryption, which sounds like science fiction but is very real — and pretty cool.
You can store anything: media files, documents, backups, you name it, and preview them with an intuitive UI that won’t make your brain hurt. Share files with clients, upload entire folders with a drag, and sync across devices without worrying who might be peeking into your stuff. Even better, everything’s hosted with open-source transparency and GDPR compliance, so your data belongs to you, not some vague third party.
Enjoy digital peace of mind for the rest of your life.
Get a lifetime of 20TB cloud storage from Internxt for just $389.97, hundreds off the regular cost, through August 3.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Convert, edit, protect, and organize your PDFs with this all-in-one editor — yours for life for just $23.99 with code SAVE20.
Working with PDFs shouldn’t feel like a time-consuming chore. And yet, here we are, fighting uneditable forms, locked text, missing fonts, and files that just won’t convert cleanly. But what if one tool could flip the script?
The PDF Converter & Editor (available for a one-time payment of $23.99 with code SAVE20) lets you take control of your documents in the easiest way possible. Whether you’re merging, splitting, converting, unlocking, protecting, or even editing scanned PDFs with OCR, this tool helps make the whole process fast, flexible, and frustration-free.
You can convert PDFs to Word, Excel, JPG, HTML, and more without blowing up the formatting. Need to go the other way? It’s great at turning images, PowerPoints, and text files into shareable, compressed PDFs. The built-in OCR makes it possible to extract and edit text from scanned documents, too, so it’s especially handy for anyone dealing with image-based reports, old contracts, or digitizing physical files.
More than just a converter, it’s more like a full-fledged PDF toolbox. Annotate, watermark, compress, unlock, build forms, and even pull every image out of a PDF in one click. You can batch process files to save time, protect documents with custom passwords, and even use it as your go-to PDF reader.
And maybe the best part of all is that it’s a lifetime license. No subscriptions. No recurring payments. Just simple, powerful PDF control for two devices — Windows or Mac.
While the Mac version currently offers conversion and creation tools, editing features are on the roadmap (updates to come). Windows users get the full suite today.
Don’t miss getting the PDF Converter & Editor for just $23.99 (reg. $99.99) with code SAVE20 for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: AdGuard Family Plan blocks ads, protects your privacy, and adds parental controls on nine devices — just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN.
Online life can be great. But the experience gets cluttered fast — pop-up banners, auto-play videos, data trackers, and sneaky malware links can turn everyday browsing into a bit of a mess. The AdGuard Family Plan offers a simple, one-time solution: block the noise, protect your data, and create a safer digital space for everyone in your home, for life.
What makes this deal stand out? You’ll pay just $15.97 once (using code FAMPLAN at checkout), and you’re covered for a lifetime across nine devices. That’s phones, tablets, laptops — whatever your household uses, AdGuard works across platforms and syncs quietly in the background to make everything run smoother.
But this isn’t just another ad blocker. AdGuard uses enterprise-grade filtering tools to remove everything from flashy banner ads to hidden video pre-rolls. It also offers advanced privacy protection, shielding your browsing activity from data collectors and trackers that follow you around the web. The result is faster load times, more peace of mind, and less junk cluttering your screen.
Parents will appreciate the built-in parental controls, which let you restrict access to inappropriate content without relying on complicated router settings or third-party software. It’s an easy, one-click setup that adds a layer of digital safety you don’t have to think twice about.
And for users who care about security (without diving deep into VPNs or overly technical setups), AdGuard provides malware and phishing protection by filtering out shady links and sites before they load.
Everything runs through a clean, intuitive interface, with frequent updates included in your one-time purchase. You’ll get the same quality protection and features as any premium ad-blocking app, minus the monthly bill.
This is one of the rare tools that quietly improves your online experience every day.
Get lifetime access to AdGuard’s Family Plan for the one-time price of $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
On tour across the UK, Panic Shack tried an online experiment for the hell of it.
"we’re gonna do this dance in every green room til we get really good, follow us on tiktok to see the progress xxxxx," the Cardiff punk band wrote on Instagram in May 2025, posting a video of members Sarah Harvey, Meg Fretwell, Romi Lawrence, and Emily Smith doing a dance to Janet Jackson's "Miss You Much."
Multiple renditions on TikTok, 100,000 followers, and 15.4 million views later, Panic Shack were all over FYPs. And they've just released their debut album.
Formed in 2018, Panic Shack emerged from "daydreaming whilst at work," according to Harvey, and a shared love of karaoke and going to friends' gigs. A rambunctious, jubilant, loud punk outfit from the Welsh capital, Panic Shack brings perpetual Thelma and Louise energy to bangers about ride-or-die friendship, telling jerks to GTFO, bullshit body image expectations, smoking rollies, meal deals, London dudes, and the dreaded ick.
Mashable sat down with lead vocalist Harvey and guitarist/vocalist Fretwell to chat through their viral success and what to expect from their very first, self-titled LP.
"everyone be quiet my show is on," wrote TikTok user Morgana on a Panic Shack video. "Why is this so addictive to watch? I think I watch each of these at least 10x," wrote welsh_witchery on another. "Do you do divorce parties x," added Eviebop.
Maybe you've discovered Panic Shack at one of their live shows. Or perhaps you're one of the thousands who have found them through their series of "Miss You Much" dances posted since May.
The dance was originally choreographed by Ohio-based dance instructor Jezebel Shuvani (@JezFever). Posting to TikTok in February, she described it as inspired by the final scene from Lorene Scafaria's Hustlers, in which Ramona (Jennifer Lopez), Destiny (Constance Wu), Mercedes (Keke Palmer), and Annabelle (Lili Reinhart) do their own choreography to Janet Jackson's 1989 banger. (The artist's original "Miss You Much" video itself is ablaze with moves.)
Fretwell had seen the dance JezFever had posted on TikTok and pitched it to her Panic Shack bandmates, Harvey, Lawrence, and Smith, who were all on board (who wouldn't be?). Finding tiny corners, sunny rooftops, and cramped corridors in venues across Manchester, Brighton, Norwich, Leeds, and more, Panic Shack carved out time to throw down moves without fail. They even dragged drummer Nick Doherty-Williams into one.
"I was like, girls, we should try that when we're on tour together. And we just did it, and did not expect it to take off," Fretwell tells Mashable. "It was so crazy, because so many people are, like, you're marketing geniuses! Who is running this? I think the combination of our stage outfits and the different locations and the consistency of doing it every day whilst we were on tour was really the secret combination. We absolutely did not expect it to go viral. JezFever and the troupe are so lush as well, we've got an online friendship with these women."
The dance boosted Panic Shack's online fanbase tenfold, with a cursory calculation of the band's "Miss You Much" videos sitting at 15.4 million views alone. The comments are full of old faithful and shiny new fans, the latter of whom have also found their way to Panic Shack's YouTube channel. "Anyone else here because they were mesmerized by their TikToks? Now I’m addicted to their music," writes one commenter, and they're not alone.
"You couldn't write it, like, it could not have come at a better time," says Fretwell. "Honestly, before the dance, we had like, 6,000 followers before we went on tour, and we came off tour with over 100,000 followers. It's quite literally mind-blowing."
"It's interesting, because we've had a big following for a long time just for our live shows and now it's really interesting deciphering who knows us from TikTok or from a live show," she adds.
Having experienced toxic trolls and hateful comments in the past, Panic Shack experienced the (unfortunately) rare wonder that is being women on the internet surrounded by positivity, fun, and empowerment — all while being their authentic selves.
"We almost couldn't believe that people were being so nice to us in the comments," says Fretwell."Some people have really emotional reactions to the dance as well. It absolutely, again, isn't our intention, but I'm just so glad that people have found so much joy from it."
"We're being ourselves and I think that gets lost in social media quite a lot," adds Harvey. "And our friendship, as well, probably shone through a little bit, as it always does with the band, and just when we're hanging out."
Alas, there are still dickheads online. In true punk form, Panic Shack often uses humour to call out misogynist comments on TikTok videos — including the tried and true TikTok strategy of highlighting heinous comments to name and shame them in new videos. In July, the band did send-ups of Robert Palmer's 1985 "Addicted to Love" video; Shania Twain famously gender-flipped the video in 1997 for "Man! I Feel Like a Woman." Panic Shack's own punk version sees the band pin troll comments and crush a lip-synch of Palmer's song.
"Sometimes we like to highlight some of the troll comments, just because it's just our way of dealing with it, really," says Fretwell. "We've received so many troll comments over time, haven't we, Sarz? Even back then, years ago, that's how we would deal with it."
"We don't want sympathy. We're doing it just to fight back and show show them up a little bit," says Harvey.
"We've had some really horrible stuff said about us over the years, and it's just all misogyny," adds Fretwell. "Essentially, it's like, whatever they want to disguise it as it, the root of it is misogyny. Don't think they like seeing women having fun, or not doing something for male attention, for the male gaze."
Sometimes artists see online moments as an accompaniment to their live shows — Charli XCX's "Apple" dance is the tip of the TikTok-to-stage iceberg. However, more often than not, there's a pretty solid line between what happens on an artist's online platforms and what happens on stage. For Panic Shack, it's the latter, especially when it comes to their viral dance — you will not see it on stage.
"People have asked. People have been like, can that be the encore? And I think we've always just said that's for the internet's eyes only, really," says Fretwell. "TikTok and online is like a separate entity, particularly the TikTok app. It's somewhere we can just try and test out different styles of like, content, I suppose. But yeah, the live show's nothing got nothing to do with it really."
"It's been thrown around a bit, but then I think we just thought it wouldn't feel authentic for us to do that on stage," says Harvey. "I guess part of the live show is the music and, yeah, fun and games. But I think the dance would just...if people were there, the gig, were there for music, and they saw us do that, they'd be like, what? To be fair they'd probably love it."
Panic Shack released their debut album on July 18, with a huge UK and European tour ahead of them. On Friday, Panic Shack is playing a launch day gig and running a pop-up merch shop in Cardiff's The Sustainable Studio. But first? Well-earned bevs. "Meg said she's got a bottle of Champagne for us to pop," says Harvey. "I've been reserving a special bottle of Champagne I got for my birthday that I've not found a reason to drink, so I can't wait to pop it with the girls," says Fretwell.
What can people expect from the self-titled release? "Lots more calling people out closer to home, lots of female friendship vibes, just to step into the Panic Shack world, really, just from start to finish," says Harvey.
"It's very much like, welcome to our universe, you know?" adds Fretwell. "We do want everyone to be a part of it. We want people to feel like they can be friends with us."
Eddington review: Ari Aster misfires as Pedro Pascal and Joaquin Phoenix face offAri Aster's "Eddington" is a COVID-era comedy with a mean streak, starring Pedro Pascal and Joaquin Phoenix. Review.
Comedy is tragedy plus time. There may be a day when critics look back on Ari Aster's COVID-19 comedy Eddington with kinder eyes. However, just five years after this virus threw the world into lockdown, we are still living in the brutal realities created not only by the pandemic that killed millions but also further polarized American politics to horrifying results. So, watching movie stars crack wise about face masks, conspiracy theories, and political rivalries? Right now, it's not funny. It's mostly irritating.
Props to Aster for his continued fearlessness. The writer/director broke through with his daring debut feature Hereditary, then cemented his reputation as an American filmmaker to watch with its chilling follow-up Midsommar, which in turn helped launch Florence Pugh to stardom. Then, he threw his fans (and critics) for a loop with Beau Is Afraid, which starred Academy Award–winner Joaquin Phoenix in a prolonged anxiety attack of a movie that skewed genre and concluded with the epic revelation of a giant penis monster.
For Eddington, Aster reteams with Phoenix, who once more plays an anti-hero gripped by his failings instead of his virtues. But this time, the punchline isn't one of mommy issues or social anxiety. Instead, the New Mexico-set Eddington pokes fun of both sides of the political divide. But far from being even-handed or even all that funny, the result is a movie that might be seen as a wild ride if it nailed the landing. Instead, it's a wonky head-scratcher that feels more smug than sharp.
At a glance, Joe Cross (Phoenix) is a familiar American archetype, with his white hat, cowboy boots, and sheriff's badge. He's a lawman who fights against the injustices of a wild world that knows no decency. In Westerns, he'd be the good guy, except Aster steadily undercuts this American icon, both visually and contextually in this Western/thriller/comedy. For instance, Joe is introduced patrolling an area that's outside his jurisdiction on tribal ground, sparking a confrontation with the Native American police, who chastise Joe for trespassing and for breaking the mandate by not wearing a face mask (both tribal officers are masked).
On one hand, Joe's sitting alone in a car. So, yeah, wearing a face mask is unnecessary, even absurd. But Joe will continue to push the masking issue, knowingly making his neighbors uncomfortable as he strides into a grocery store where everyone is masked and keeping a six-foot distance from each other. His frustration over what he sees as an attack on his freedom even sparks him to begin a haphazard campaign against the beloved Eddington mayor, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). But the more Aster reveals about Joe, the more it's clear the mask is not about freedom, but about Joe asserting dominance wherever he can, so he can feel like a man.
At home, Joe is emasculated by his vicious mother-in-law (Deirdre O'Connell) and barely acknowledged by his depressed wife, Louise (Emma Stone). At work, he cowers in the shadow of the admired sheriff who came before, who happens to have been his late father-in-law. Unable to live up to the ghost of the man who haunts him figuratively in his personal and professional life, Joe picks another target for his wrath: Ted Garcia.
Joe chooses Ted not only because the mayor is more well-liked than he, but also because Ted is Louise's ex. Joe burns with jealousy over their shared past, which he imagines as scandalous. All of this leads Joe down a path that feels vaguely Coen Bros.-esque in its rancid Americana and self-destruction. But whether he makes hasty campaign posters with embarrassing misspellings or dives into the violent fantasy of being an American action hero through bonkers and abrupt battle scenes, Joe is unquestionably a clown.
Though the protagonists of Hereditary, Midsommar, and Beau Is Afraid were deeply flawed, Aster also found room for us to relate to their heartache and anxieties. We were as scared as they were, or even more scared for them than they could be for themselves. Joe, however, is not richly developed or relatable. He's a vexing sketch of the anti-masker movement and all its toxic masculinity and privilege. Pushing this symbolism past its breaking point, Aster also wedges in subplots where Joe must deal with the online conspiracy theories about child exploitation and a flurry of Black Lives Matters protests organized by a local white girl (Amélie Hoeferle), who is often on the verge of tears.
In a Q&A for press following a screening of Eddington, Aster expressed his hope that the film would speak to both sides of the political divide. He further noted the final act — which features a prolonged shootout — could read totally differently depending on what side of the divide you're on. But frankly, he misreads his audience. The film is not that textured. The climax, chaotic and grisly, is shocking, but not awing.
Joe and his family offers plenty of opportunities to mock the right for their anti-masking attitudes, Pizzagate conspiracies, and general "fuck your feelings" MAGA attitude — though Aster tries to have it both ways by not using such explicit buzzwords. By contrast, Mayor Garcia is a gentle lampoon of liberal politicians. Where Joe is stern, speaking like he's spitting, Ted is determinedly soft-spoken, and listens to Katy Perry while entertaining. ("Firework," naturally.) In a promotional video for his campaign, Ted reenacts a tragic personal memory to win sympathy, then inexplicably plays piano in the middle of Eddington's dirt roads. It's a gentle ribbing of quirky political ads. But even as Aster mocks the virtue signaling of the left through a subplot about Ted's son (Matt Gomez Hidaka) using political patter to impress the aforementioned female protester, the barbs feel like a nudge instead of a punchline.
Perhaps this is because both sides of the argument, as Aster presents them here, just aren't equally worth mocking. Maybe that's because the foibles of one side lead to cringe moments, while the other might lead to death and disaster. But for a runtime of two hours and 28 minutes, Aster doesn't uncover anything all that deep or surprising about this divide beyond how dangerous it can be. Neither side will learn much new about themselves or their perceived opponents by watching Eddington. It's hard to say if more time would make a difference.
While the cast is committed to Aster's vision of this New Mexico town, the depth is lacking. That a cop has a thirst for control, that a smiling politician has a dark side, that a depressed woman has a hidden heartache — none of this is a surprise. Yet Eddington treats each reveal with a ghoulish giddiness, as if they're all deeply transgressive. The result is a movie that feels passionate, but is ultimately shallow and messy.
Far from the thriller its trailers suggest, Eddington is a cynical dark comedy that mistakes empathy for weakness, offering plenty to react to but little to provoke thought.
Eddington opens in theaters on July 18.
I tested the best Kindles to help you find the perfect e-readerTo find the best Kindle for you, Mashable tested and reviewed Amazon's latest e-readers. See how the Kindle, Paperwhite, Signature Edition, and Scribe compare.
In the Venn diagram of tablets and books, our favorite e-readers fall perfectly in the middle. They're thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet. The best Kindles and e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library, really — into their tiny frame.
And having tested a lot of e-readers for Mashable, I can tell you that Amazon's Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices. All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don't have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day lets you fill up your summer reading list. You can buy remote page-turners so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading. Even hardcore book collectors have been converted to the Kindle life.
A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2025, we're on the 12th generation of Kindles; the latest arrived in October 2024. Every model — the basic Kindle, the Paperwhite, Signature Edition, Scribe, and Kids models — all got upgrades. And unfortunately, the Kindle Oasis, a waterproof model with page-turning buttons, was discontinued.
Kindle's first color e-reader also arrived in late 2024, and it's the only model I haven't tested personally. I'm eager to see how it compares, especially with the Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Libra Colour. In general, color e-readers are a pretty niche product, and the Colorsoft is the most expensive option, which is why you won't find it in this guide.
The latest Kindles are lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can support your local library (and get free books, of course). Basically, it's hard to make a bad decision in this product category. So, what's the best Kindle for you? Let me help you decide.
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, you have some other choices. Your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.
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.
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 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 into 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 watch Love Island UK online for freeHow to watch Love Island UK for free. Live stream Love Island UK in 2025 for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the 12th season of Love Island UK for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Forget about sunning yourself on a picture-perfect beach this summer, because Love Island UK is back on our screens for the forseeable future.
Prepare yourself for weeks of cringey pickup lines, awkward breakups, and massive meltdowns. There's also a slim chance that contestants will find love, but that's not really what Love Island is about. It's all about the drama, and this season is delivering that in abundance. We honestly weren't expecting this level of spice, but there's something special about this season. We honestly think this could go down as one of the best seasons ever.
If you're interested in watching Love Island UK in 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
The 12th season of Love Island UK started on June 9. The 12th series is expected to run for eight weeks.
The 12th season of Love Island UK is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to watch Love Island UK from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Love Island UK for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Stream Love Island UK for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 12th season of Love Island UK without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to watch a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers
Strict no-logging policy
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 $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Live stream Love Island UK for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
My TV deal of the week — this massive 85-inch Hisense Mini-LED TV is over $1,000 offSave 37% on the Hisense U8 85-inch Mini-LED 4K TV — now $2,197.99 at Amazon with Dolby Vision, Atmos & 165Hz refresh
SAVE OVER $1,000: The 85-inch Hisense U8 Mini-LED 4K Smart TV is just $2,197.99 at Amazon — its lowest-ever price.
This latest price cut on a massive 4K TV is so big, you’d be forgiven for thinking Prime Day was still live.
As of July 18, the 85-inch Hisense U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K Google Smart TV (the 2025 model) is down to $2,197.99 at Amazon — that’s 37% off its original price of $3,498, and one of the best deals we’ve seen on a premium big-screen set this year. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, that’s its lowest price yet. In terms of size and specs, this TV brings serious firepower.
With Mini-LED Pro backlighting, up to 5,000 local dimming zones, and a blisteringly bright 5,000 nits peak, picture contrast and detail are dialled up to much higher levels compared to standard LED TVs — due to the much higher amount of LEDs at a smaller size.
The near-cinematic quality is great for bingeing blockbusters like Superman or Jurassic World Rebirth on home release, or tuning into any late-night football matches. The QLED panel supports over a billion colors, while the Anti-Reflection Pro screen means nothing washes out your view, even in bright rooms.
Gamers shouldn’t feel left out either. With a native 165Hz refresh rate, VRR up to 288, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, this TV is ready for smooth, responsive play on current-gen console games like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Donkey Kong Bananza. There's even a built-in Game Bar to tweak your settings on the fly.
The sound is just as impressive: a 4.1.2-channel system with eight built-in speakers, including up-firing drivers, aims to bring Dolby Atmos audio to life without the need for a separate soundbar.
Google TV is baked in as well, so you can stream, search, and customise your content hub with ease — which is great if you’re a smart TV-streaming purist who doesn’t like to use consoles or dedicated Blu-ray players.
If you want an even bigger display than 85 inches, you can save nearly $500 on this massive 100-inch Hisense TV, also at Amazon.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
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, July 18, 2025:
The answer is Half.
The answer is Emile.
The answer is MO.
The answer is On.
The answer is In fun.
The answer is Gere.
The answer is Half.
The answer is Among.
The answer is LI.
The answer is Flour
The answer is Enne.
The answer is Fe.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
Looking for the best deal on Apple? Save $30 on the Apple Pencil for a limited time.Save 23% on the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) at Amazon.
SAVE $30: As of July 18, the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is on sale for $99 at Amazon. This deal saves you 23% on list price.
The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is back on sale at Amazon, this time for $30 off. As of July 18, it's now priced at $99 — an absolute steal. So why this version over other Apple Pencil models?
This Apple stylus is noticeably better in design than the previous iteration, especially for those who love to sketch, take notes, or use their iPad for lots of heavy editing. The stylus has a magnetic attachment, so it's nice and easy to both store and charge. Double-tap gestures let you switch tools effortlessly, and performance-wise, it’s incredibly responsive with near-zero lag.
Whether you’re drawing fine lines, shading, or jotting down fast notes, it feels almost the same as writing with a real pen or pencil. And unlike the 1st Gen, these smart features make the 2nd Gen much more seamless to use day to day.
The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is compatible with the following iPad models: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation); iPad Air (4th and 5th generation); and iPad mini (6th generation).
Get this deal from Amazon now.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
FREE LEGO: On Aug. 10, build a Lego Boombox model at participating stores and take it home with you for free. Find participating stores here.
Lego has been hosting make and take events all year, but we've had to remain patient over the last month or so.
The break has been tough for the dedicated fans out there, but the good news is that the wait is almost over. Following on from the Steering Wheel, Valentine's Day Heart, Mother's Day Bouquet, and Grogu events, you can now build a Lego Boombox model at participating stores and take it home with you for free.
Visitors to select Lego Stores on Aug. 10 (from 12-2 p.m.) will have the chance to participate in this special event. This event is intended for participants aged 6+ years, and the model will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis while supplies last. You can check participating stores in the U.S. and Canada here.
This fun Boombox model is not available for purchase, so participants are getting their hands on an exclusive item for absolutely nothing. The only catch is that you can't stock up on these exclusive items. You are limited to one build per participant, but that seems fair. Leave some for the rest of us.
Build and take home an exclusive Lego Boombox model for free on Aug. 10.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
Late Show host Stephen Colbert made a shocking announcement on Thursday, revealing that the long-running talk show had been axed after more than 30 years on air. The news comes mere days after Colbert accused CBS' parent company Paramount of paying a "big fat bribe" to President Donald Trump.
"Next year will be our last season," said Colbert to his audience's dismay. "The network will be ending The Late Show in May."
The Late Show's first iteration premiered in 1993, with renowned host David Letterman behind the desk for 22 years. Colbert took the reins following Letterman's 2015 retirement and quickly made it his own, scoring multiple Emmy nominations in the decade since. The Late Show regularly tops the Nielsen ratings, outstripping competing talk shows, and it attracted over 2.4 million viewers across 41 episodes in Q2 alone this year. As such, few in his audience likely expected the popular show's untimely demise.
"It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of 'The Late Show' on CBS. I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away."
Colbert's announcement of The Late Show's cancellation on Thursday sparked a loud round of booing, to which the host responded that he shares such sentiments. The unhappy news is apparently still fresh to him, with Colbert stating that he'd just found out the previous night.
"It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS," Colbert continued. "I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away."
Despite the sudden cancellation, Colbert still thanked CBS and the Tiffany network, as well as his audience and the 200 people who work on the show.
"We get to do this show for each other every day all day, and I've had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years," said Colbert. "And let me tell you, it is a fantastic job. I wish somebody else was getting it. And it's a job that I'm looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months."
CBS issued a statement on Thursday night following Colbert's announcement, in which it confirmed its decision to end The Late Show.
"This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night," wrote CBS executives. "It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount."
Said "other matters" appears to reference the recent lawsuit Trump filed against Paramount in October. In it, Trump alleged that Paramount had deceptively edited a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris to be favourable to her ahead of the November presidential election. Paramount agreed to pay Trump $16 million to settle the suit earlier this month, a decision that has been lambasted by First Amendment and press freedom advocates.
Colbert has also been vocally critical of this settlement, labelling it a "big fat bribe" on Monday and stating that Paramount itself called the lawsuit "completely without merit." He further noted that Paramount has been trying to secure the Trump administration's approval of its proposed merger with Skydance Media — an effort that likely wouldn't be helped by an ongoing lawsuit with the president.
The Skydance-Paramount merger is yet to be approved by the FCC. However, on Wednesday, Trump appeared to support the merger and praised Skydance CEO David Ellison when speaking to reporters, the same day Colbert was informed of The Late Show's cancellation. The president then immediately began speaking about his lawsuit with Paramount.
Colbert has been a prominent critic of Trump for years, and on Monday acknowledged speculation that he may be pressured to lay off the president should Paramount's merger with Skydance go through. It now looks as though this won't be a concern any longer.
Of course, not everyone is buying CBS' explanation, particularly in light of Colbert's recent comments and The Late Show's steady success with viewers.
"CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump – a deal that looks like bribery," Senator Elizabeth Warren posted to X. "America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons."
"Just finished taping with Stephen Colbert who announced his show was cancelled," wrote Senator Adam Schiff. "If Paramount and CBS ended the Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better."
Stuff Your Kindle Day is live until July 18 — download 100s of free science fiction and dystopia booksHow to get free books on Stuff Your Kindle Day. Download free science fiction and dystopia books on the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day.
FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on July 14-18. Something Strange, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering science fiction and dystopia books for Kindle e-readers for free or $0.99.
Stuff Your Kindle Day is back with a bang for fans of science fiction and dystopia books. Something Strange, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering books from these popular genres for free. And the books that you download are yours to keep forever.
This is your chance to give your library a serious boost without spending anything.
Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.
Something Strange takes place from July 14-18. Unlike a lot of Stuff Your Kindle Days that take place over 24 hours, this event runs for five days. That gives you time to properly peruse the options and find exactly what you love to read.
Anyone can participate in Stuff Your Kindle Day. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone.
Finding all of these free science fiction and dystopia books is straightforward thanks to the helpful hub page on Indie Author Central. Everything is nicely presented with filters so you can head directly to the books you actually want to download.
Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time, so don't hold back.
These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Prices start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited absolutely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.
Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months at a time. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.
Learn piano with the help of AI-powered lessons for 50% off for lifeSkoove Premium Piano Lessons uses advanced AI to give you curated virtual piano lessons, and right now a lifetime subscription can be yours for just $149.99 (reg. $299).
TL;DR: Skoove Premium Piano Lessons uses advanced AI to give you curated virtual piano lessons, and right now a lifetime subscription can be yours for just $149.99 (reg. $299).
Whether you've dabbled in lessons as a kid or never sat on a piano bench, Skoove Premium Piano Lessons can help you master the keys from the comfort of home. All you'll need is a tablet, a keyboard, and this AI-powered app.
Right now, you can save 50% on a lifetime subscription and keep honing your craft for life for just $149.99 (reg. $299).
Skoove offers AI-powered piano lessons that let you tickle the ivories in your spare time. That means even people with the busiest schedules can pencil in time to pound the keys and elevate their skills, with Skoove providing curated feedback and useful resources as you learn.
These virtual piano lessons only require a piano or keyboard and your tablet, so you don't need to buy anything else to get started. And this lifetime subscription lets you work at your own pace.
You'll get access to 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos, but don't think you'll just be sitting back and repeating after the video. Thanks to AI, you play and Skoove listens, recognizing your notes and offering real-time feedback so you can continuously improve.
Learn what you love, thanks to Skoove's wide range of genres. Practice playing with tunes from Adele or John Legend, or go old school and work on some Bach or Beethoven. Monthly updates bring new song choices, so you never have to worry about running out of material.
While learning from the AI is interactive, there's also backup if needed. If you ever get stumped, Skoove's music instructors are available for one-on-one support.
Ready to join over one million people already mastering piano with Skoove?
Get a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for just $149.99 (reg. $299) right here.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Czechia online for freeHow to watch Czech MotoGP for free. Live stream the 2025 Grand Prix of Czechia for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Czechia for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2025 MotoGP season continues to entertain, but the big question is whether anyone can compete with Marc Márquez. The legendary rider is accelerating away at the top of the standings, but there is a long way to go. Everything could still change.
Will that trend continue in the next race? If you're interested in watching the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Czechia for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
The MotoGP Grand Prix of Czechia takes place at the Automotodrom Brno. The 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Czechia race starts at 8 a.m. ET on July 20.
The MotoGP Grand Prix of Czechia 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 bypass geo-restrictions to access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.
Unblock ServusTV by following this simple process:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria
Connect to ServusTV
Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Czechia 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 live streaming is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking 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 protected
Fast streaming speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Czechia for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Samoa vs. Scotland online for freeHow to watch live rugby for free. Live stream Samoa vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream Samoa vs. Scotland for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
We know that everyone is counting down the days until the first Lions vs. Australia game, but there are some really interesting international fixtures taking place elsewhere. And for the players who didn't make the Lions tour, this is a chance for retribution.
Samoa vs. Scotland is the first game taking place this weekend, and it looks set to be explosive.
If you want to watch Samoa vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Samoa vs. Scotland starts at 8:35 a.m. BST on July 18. This fixture takes place at Eden Park.
Samoa vs. Scotland is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Stream Samoa vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Samoa vs. Scotland before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Watch Samoa vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Spain vs. Switzerland online for freeHow to watch Women's Euro 2025 for free. Live stream Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Spain are the favorites to win the Women's Euro 2025, but next they face a tricky matchup with the hosts. On paper, Spain should win this one comfortably and book a spot in the semi finals. But you can never count out the host nation.
If you want to watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on July 18. This fixture takes place at the Wankdorf Stadium.
Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Stream Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Spain vs. Switzerland (plus the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.
Hurdle hints and answers for July 18, 2025Hints and answers to today's Hurdle all in one place.
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.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
To encourage.
CHEER
Showy.
GAUDY
Assertive.
PUSHY
A human.
WIGHT
Cruel.
HARSH
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
How to watch The Open 2025 online for freeHow to watch The Open for free. Live stream the 2025 Open Championship for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 Open Championship for free on R&A TV. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
We don't know what you've got planned for the next few days, but we suggest you cancel all your appointments.
Clear your schedule, turn off your phone, and get comfortable, because the 2025 Open Championship has got you covered. The best players in the world are set to compete over four days at the Royal Portrush Golf Club. The likes of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jon Rahm will be expected to compete for the top prize this year.
If you want to watch the 2025 Open Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The Open Championship (also known as the The Open or the British Open) is the oldest golf tournament in the world. The Open is one of the four men's major golf championships, alongside the Masters, PGA Championship, and the U.S. Open. The Open is the fourth and final major golf tournament of the year.
The defending champion is Xander Schauffele.
The 2025 Open Championship is the 153rd edition of the event. This year's tournament takes place on July 17–20 at the Royal Portrush Golf Club (Northern Ireland).
The 2025 Open Championship is available to live stream for free on R&A TV.
Fans can follow their favourite players and watch every shot through the Featured Group coverage (one group in the morning and one in the afternoon). Alternatively, two of the most famous holes at Royal Portrush will be featured on R&A TV's dedicated Par-3 Channel — watch all the action from the sixth and 16th holes throughout the tournament.
Not able to access these free live streams in your location? You may need to use a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location., meaning you can unblock free live streams on R&A TV from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2025 Open Championship by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit R&A TV
Live stream the 2025 Open Championship for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 Open Championship before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to the best 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.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live golf, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 only $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2025 Open Championship for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch the 2025 MotoGP World Championship online for freeLive stream the 2025 MotoGP World Championship for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Watch the 2025 MotoGP World Championship for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Are you looking for thrilling and unpredictable racing? No we're not talking about F1, unless you like regular pit stops, safety cars, and the same driver winning almost every week. We're talking about a form of two-wheel racing where anything could happen.
MotoGP is where the real action can be found. Every week you see the best riders in the world go wheel to wheel with their rivals, throwing their bikes into corners with absolutely no sense of self preservation. It's an awesome spectacle, and it doesn't need to cost you anything to watch.
Want to watch the 2025 MotoGP World Championship for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.
MotoGP is the oldest established motorsport world championship, with the inaugural season taking place in 1949. Races last approximately 45 minutes, without pitting for fuel or fresh tires.
The likes of Ducati, Honda, and Yamaha do battle for the constructors' championship. Jorge Martín is the defending champion.
The 2025 MotoGP World Championship features 22 races held all over the world between March and November:
Thai MotoGP — March 2
Argentine MotoGP — March 16
Americas MotoGP — March 30
Qatar MotoGP — April 13
Spanish MotoGP — April 27
French MotoGP — May 11
British MotoGP — May 25
Aragon MotoGP — June 8
Italian MotoGP — June 22
Dutch MotoGP — June 29
German MotoGP — July 13
Czech MotoGP — July 20
Austrian MotoGP — Aug. 17
Hungarian MotoGP — Aug. 24
Catalunya MotoGP — Sept. 7
San Marino MotoGP — Sept. 14
Japanese MotoGP — Sept. 28
Indonesian MotoGP — Oct. 5
Australian MotoGP — Oct. 19
Malaysian MotoGP — Oct. 26
Portuguese MotoGP — Nov. 9
Valencia MotoGP — Nov. 16
The good news for fans is that it's possible to live stream the MotoGP World Championship for free in 2025.
You can stream the 2025 MotoGP World Championship 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 access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.
Unblock ServusTV by following this quick and easy process:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria
Visit ServusTV
Watch MotoGP races for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees. By using these money-back guarantees, you can watch MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select races without actually spending anything.
ExpressVPN is tough to beat when it comes to streaming live sport, 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
Impressive streaming speeds without buffering
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream the 2025 MotoGP World Championship for free with ExpressVPN.
This stylish wall charger fixes my biggest problem with USB-C chargersThe Charger, a USB-C wall charger from under-the-radar brand Counterpart, solves my biggest problem with the entire product category.
As Mashable's Tech Editor, I have way too many charging cables, power blocks, and USB-C blocks in my apartment. But there aren't many that I actually like to use. While most chargers are simply necessary evils, only one of these products has earned permanent status in my bedside AC outlet.
The Charger, from under-the-radar brand Counterpart, solves the biggest problem with most USB-C wall chargers — it features a retractable cable that snakes up inside the device when it's not in use. That means no annoying cable cluttering up your desk, countertops, or bedroom. It's one of those ingenious product innovations that makes you wonder, "Why aren't all chargers like this?"
You have to be pretty confident in your charger to name it The Charger. And I think it's worthy of the name. Because on top of its innovative design, this puck-shaped charger also looks attractive, which isn't something I can say about any other charging product I own. (And, again, there are so many).
This 35W USB-C charger features a retractable four-foot ribbon cable. When not in use, simply press a button on the front of the device, and the cable retracts like a tape measure. As you can see in my video review, it's immensely satisfying. And as a GaN charger, it offers more efficient charging than the average device. While you can find some chargers with retractable cables for cars, this is one of the only options for the home.
Yes, the $44 price tag may give you pause, but it's well worth it for a product that's attractive, functional, and comes with a two-year warranty. These chargers also make great gifts, especially if you're looking for stocking stuffers or under-$50 gift ideas.
The Charger comes in five different color options and can be purchased at the Counterpart online store.
Pornhub blocks itself in France (again)The tube site blocked, restored, and now blocked itself again due to France's age-verification law.
Pornhub stopped operating in France last month in anticipation of the country's age-verification law going into effect. When the law was suspended weeks later, Pornhub restored itself in France. Now, Pornhub has blocked itself once again.
France's age-verification law requires porn sites to install a third-party system to check visitors' ages. This system must also be "double-blind," meaning the porn site doesn't know the visitor's age, and the verification system doesn't know which site they are accessing.
On June 16, the Administrative Court of Paris suspended the law, citing EU regulations. On July 15, the Council of State, the top French court, annulled the suspension. That same day, Aylo (which owns Pornhub and other adult sites like YouPorn and Redtube) released a statement that it will again stop operating in France.
"While important questions about the implementation of the law in France are still being considered, we maintain that French citizens deserve regulation that will prevent children from accessing adult content and that can be effectively enforced," Aylo states. "They also deserve that their privacy and sensitive data be protected. Again, we believe the current approach faces significant challenges in achieving these important goals."
The company goes on to state that verifying one's age every time one visits a site doesn't protect minors but instead endangers privacy through potential data breaches. It also said these laws put children at risk by driving them to websites that don't comply with the laws.
"To the French government and [France's communication regulator] Arcom we ask, how many minors have been protected in the six weeks since this law came into effect?" the statement says. "Provide the data on how this reduced access to age-inappropriate content."
These are the same concerns free speech advocates have expressed to Mashable: that age-verification sites won't work, are easily circumvented with VPNs, and have internet privacy and security concerns. In terms of the former, Proton VPN saw a 1,000 percent increase in sign-ups in France in the 30 minutes following the initial block.
Aylo advocates for device-level filters to prevent minors from accessing these websites.
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court deemed Texas's age-verification law constitutional, setting a precedent for similar laws. Pornhub has blocked itself in most states with such a law. The UK's own age-verification law goes into effect on July 25, and Pornhub will comply and operate within the region.
Dyson isnt your only choice for the best cordless vacuum, based on my home testingThe best cordless stick vacuums are more powerful than robot vacuums and reach spots other vacuums can't. See the top options I tested from Dyson and Shark.
Even if you're not sold on robotic vacuum cleaners, manual vacuuming still doesn't have to feel like a chore. Dare I say that the best cordless vacuums should ideally toe the line of fun? The sense of satisfaction that stems from visible pet hair pickup and crisp carpet lines, the lightweight freedom of sweeping wherever you want with one hand — our dopamine receptors can't resist.
Whether you should get a robot vacuum or a cordless vacuum boils down to one question: How picky are you about cleaning?
Everyone can probably acknowledge the appeal of not lifting a finger to clean their floors. But to some, that convenience may not be worth the cringe sparked by watching a robot vacuum ignore a crumb or eat a phone charger. Despite notable upgrades in navigational smarts and overall cleaning performance over the past half decade, even the best robot vacuums of 2025 can't match the precision of a cordless stick vacuum operated by, you know, an actual human with a brain.
Stick vacuums also just have the physical advantage in a lot of tricky spots. If you'd like to keep up with couch cushions, car seats, stairs, or the dusty abyss lying behind every door, a cordless vacuum is the only option with that flexibility.
But to be real, your willingness to do all the cleaning yourself also matters — if you dread manual vacuuming so much that you'll just put off doing it, your floors might actually be cleaner with a robot vacuum. I personally have both at the ready at all times and can argue for the value and practicality on either side, depending on the situation. And while I wouldn't want to completely live without the convenience robot vacuums provide when I'm frazzled, I haven't been able to shake the reflex to reach for a cordless stick vacuum in more cases than not.
After testing multiple top vacuum cleaners in my own apartment, I've settled on the select few that I'd recommend to anyone who asks. Here are the best cordless vacuums to buy in 2025 based on cleaning performance, vacuum maintenance, handheld flexibility, and more.
I've tested several other vacuum cleaners that didn't make the most recent cut for this list. Some, like the Shark Detect Pro with auto-empty station and LG All-in-One Cord Zero with auto-empty station, were a top recommendation at one point, but have since been overshadowed by newer, more powerful models that are a better bang for your buck.
There are also a few Dyson vacuums from years past that still garner substantial search interest, but that I no longer think are worth your money compared to what else is out there. The Dyson V8 and (seemingly discontinued) Dyson V10 that my parents have lying around have a tendency to push large debris like cat food and rocks around, and leave behind a layer of pet hair on many dark rugs. While these Dysons may have been powerhouses in the late 2010s, $300 could get you a more powerful option — maybe even automatic emptying, like with the Shark Detect Pro I just mentioned. The only upside would be that Dyson includes the motorized hair screw tool with the V8 and V10.
I also bumped the Dyson V15 Detect Submarine out of the list. The Roborock 2-in-1 cordless mop that took its place just offers a more seamless mopping system all around. The swappable wet roller head that turns the V15 Detect into a "mop" completely cuts off airflow to the dust bin of the vacuum, meaning there's no real wet suction going on. During my testing, this just pushed liquid around instead of soaking up spills, which then led to a soggy manual cleaning process that was super prone to leaks and weird smells. It just required way too much maintenance by hand, compared to the self-cleaning features of the Roborock F25 Ace Combo.
I also test a ton of robot vacuums at home, and have found that cordless vacuums are generally tougher on elusive debris like pet hair or fine powders, especially when they've been pressed down into rug fibers.
Cordless stick vacuums are generally more powerful than robot vacuums. The upright design is optimal for airflow and has the real estate to house larger motors and more complex cyclone systems that create extra force on top of suction power alone. A robot vacuum's motor can't exceed the three or four-inch clearance that the vac needs to scoot its whole body under furniture. The motor of an upright vacuum typically lives completely separately from the vacuum head and roller brush and is thus under fewer constraints.
Physics aside, you could argue that a cordless vacuum is less likely to leave debris behind because a person is actively assessing where the suction needs to be focused. This includes tricky spots that aren't even on a robot vacuum's radar, like staircases or cars.
There are some one-to-one comparisons where a robot vacuum could be as powerful or more powerful than a stick vacuum. For instance, I've tested both the Roborock Saros 10R robot vacuum and Roborock F25 Ace cordless vacuum, and both offer 20,000 Pa suction power. But robot vacuums with that kind of power typically reside in the $1,000+ category, while it's much more affordable to hit that number with a stick vacuum. Even with identical stats on paper, the cordless vacuum would probably have a higher pickup rate over time just because the person operating it can see when more passes are necessary.
This TikTok trend makes *anything* your CarPlay start-up sound (and heres how to do it)TikTok is loving that *any* sound can play over CarPlay when you start your car. Here's how to do it.
Did you know Apple's CarPlay will let you make anything — and I mean truly anything — the sound that plays when you start up your car? Well, TikTok found out, and now it's a quickly spreading trend.
It has almost become competitive at this point: How weird, funny, or esoteric can you make your start-up sound?
It's become a trend to start your car and begin filming as it slowly loads, then plays the sound. (The custom sound is played only when your phone connects to CarPlay, so that builds a natural bit of tension as the audience waits for the reveal.) Here are just a few we've spotted on TikTok.
This person used the race sound from Nintendo's Mario Kart.
This person gets greeted by Taylor Swift.
This driver gets a little motivation from the internet's new favorite character, Chit.
This person has a sound from the classic film Billy Madison.
This driver recycles an old meme sound.
It's a funny, silly trend that brings a little bit of whimsy each time you start up your car. I live in New York City and don't have a car, but if I did, I'd probably choose something from the Tim Robinson/I Think You Should Leave/Conner O'Malley extended universe.
Still, if you want to set up your own sound via CarPlay, we can show you how.
Per usual, TikTok itself is very helpful for this trend. This post from @cronloya does a really good job of breaking it down step-by-step.
Here's another quick tutorial from @JimKirkVO on Instagram.
I was able to recreate the process, though I could not test it out in my non-existent car. But here's how you do it, in seven steps.
Step 1: Go to the Shortcuts app.
It should already be installed on your iPhone.
Step 2: Create a CarPlay automation.
Navigate to the "automation" tab at the bottom of the screen, click "new automation," then scroll down and select CarPlay.
Step 3: Select "run immediately."
Then hit "next."
Step 4: Create a "new blank automation" and navigate to "files."
You may need to hit the button for "add action" to find the files tab, depending on your iOS.
Step 5: Select "file," then click the blue "file" to pick your sound.
You need to select "file" within the "files" tab... then click the blue word "file" to actually pick the sound. A bit confusing, but you've got this.
Step 6: Select your sound from within your files.
Once you see the file is uploaded, hit the "done" button. (For some reason, the only sound I could find on my phone was The Rock telling someone it doesn't matter what their name is.)
Step 7: Click into the automation, search for "play sound," and select that automation.
You'll have to search for "play sound" to find it. Once you click that option, hit done and your custom sound is complete.
Now, you'll need to download a sound file — an MP3, most likely — to do this trick. Luckily, Mashable has some tutorials on how to do just that. Typically speaking, you can also Google a popular sound and find a downloadable version.
So, with just a little bit of effort, you can add a pinch of whimsy to your daily commute.
ICE just got access to 79 million Americans Medicaid dataAccording to an internal agreement, deportation officials will now be able to access personal Medicaid data in order to "track down" undocumented residents on government benefits.
The Trump administration has struck an agreement to hand over the personal data of 79 million Medicaid users, part of the President's effort to "crack down" on undocumented communities across the country.
In documents obtained exclusively by the Associated Press, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) agreed to provide demographic and location data to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, including names, addresses, and ethnicities, in order to more efficiently track down undocumented individuals living in the U.S.
"ICE will use the CMS data to allow ICE to receive identity and location information on aliens identified by ICE," the agreement reads. In response to the Associated Press, Health and Human Services assistant secretary, Tricia McLaughlin, said the two agencies "are exploring an initiative to ensure that illegal aliens are not receiving Medicaid benefits that are meant for law-abiding Americans."
Officials have contended that the Medicaid data will be used as a cost-cutting measure to reduce health care costs. But, according to data from the U.S. Commission on Sentencing, more than 90 percent of individuals who commit entitlement fraud are U.S. citizens, and undocumented individuals are only able to enroll in emergency health insurance coverage, not standard policies.
The move to collect information on undocumented individuals through government agencies, anticipated by activists and experts, is fast becoming the largest effort to consolidate Americans' personal data. According to the agreement, officials cannot download any personal data from CMS's databases indefinitely. Instead, officials will be able to access information from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, until September 9.
In June, the administration attempted a mass data seizure of personal health information from citizens in states that allow undocumented residents to enroll in state-funded health care. State officials have since sued the administration for illegally exposing the personal information of residents, arguing that the move would have a "chilling" effect on those seeking medical attention and creating a culture of fear.
"By turning over some of our most sensitive healthcare data to ICE, Health and Human Services has fundamentally betrayed the trust of almost 80 million people. This jaw-dropping development proves that the Administration’s claim of using this information to prevent fraud is a Trojan horse that instead will primarily advance their goal of deporting millions of people," said Elizabeth Laird, director of equity in civic technology for the Center for Democracy and Technology.
"Over 90 percent of entitlement fraud is committed by U.S. citizens, underscoring the false pretense of sharing this information with ICE. The results of this decision will be devastating. It will sink trust in government even lower, force individuals to choose between life-saving care and turning over data to immigration authorities, and erode the quality and effectiveness of government services,” Laird said.
The Trump administration's One Big, Beautiful Bill, which Trump signed into law on July 4, includes a $1 trillion cut to Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding over the next 10 years — a move that will affect an estimated 11 million Americans and hundreds of rural hospitals. It strikes $186 billion from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, which benefits 5 million adults and children. And it allocates another $108 billion to immigration enforcement initiatives, including continued construction of a southern border wall, new immigrant detention centers, and logistic operations in the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice.
We tested the top fitness trackers of 2025: See our favorite wearables and smart ringsCheck out our favorite fitness trackers that you can buy in 2025, including popular picks from Fitbit, Whoop, Oura Ring, and more.
Sadly, you can't buy the motivation to get your butt in the gym. And fitness wearables alone won't make you healthier. But a great fitness tracker can help light a fire under your behind and motivate you to take more than 500 steps in a day. And hey, that's not nothing!
The conversation around fitness has changed quite a bit over the past few years (as made clear by Every Fashion Brand Ever releasing an athleisure line). We can thank the self-care revolution for this one. Actively monitoring your fitness, sleep, and overall health metrics isn't just for athletes or people training for marathons. It's a building block of wellness that people are baking into their daily groove, just like keeping up with a skincare routine or eating vegetables.
Whether you splurge on an Equinox membership or rely on home fitness and smart home gyms, the best fitness trackers do so much more than count steps and monitor your heart rate. The Apple Watch Series 10 lets you connect to a whole host of fitness apps, while also queuing up your Spotify workout playlist. Then there's the classic Fitbit, which keeps you focused on the most important metrics. And more recently, smart rings like the Samsung Galaxy Ring and Oura Ring give you round-the-clock health monitoring.
We tested a lot of different wearables for this guide, and a lot of Mashable team members use these devices on a daily basis.
When it comes to exercise, we think they're the next best thing to having a personal trainer — they suggest workouts, track your heart rate, and let you know when it's time for a breather — all on your own time. Whether your preferred form of exercise is the gym, a long run, a few laps in the pool, a 10-minute workout on YouTube, or a casual walk around the neighborhood, it'll be there to record all of your PRs and motivate you with new challenges.
In our testing, we found that the best fitness trackers don't just track your workout, but also help you optimize the rest of your day. Trackers that monitor your sleep (sometimes going as deep as times spent in each stage of sleep), body temperature, and blood-oxygen levels offer deep insights into your health. They'll even give you a heads up if you've been exercising too hard.
So, which fitness trackers do we rely on in our daily lives? You'll find our favorites below, but you can also see how popular products like the Apple Watch Series 10, Oura Ring 4, and Fitbit Charge 6 compare to each other.
In addition to the authors listed above, Mashable contributors such as Sam Stone, Kimberly Gedeon, and Samantha Mangino tested fitness trackers for this guide.
This AI image generator lets you create NSFW art, and it’s only A$45 for lifeGet a lifetime of Imagiyo AI Image generation for just A$45.
TL;DR: Create anything, even NSFW art, with a lifetime subscription to Imagiyo for only A$45 through July 20.
Digital creativity has never been more accessible, yet many of us remember the days when crafting a single image meant wrestling with layers and plugins for hours on end. Now there’s a way to generate stunning visuals in seconds simply by typing a description of what you have in mind.
Imagiyo uses Stable Diffusion AI alongside FLUX AI to turn text prompts into high-quality images ready for commercial use, and there aren’t many limits to what you can create. Here’s what that means.
What do you want to make first? It only takes a brief description to put Imagiyo’s advanced algorithms to work, and unlike other image generators, Imagiyo actually lets you really follow your creativity. Craft stunning landscapes, visualize characters from books, or go for something a little more daring. Imagiyo supports NSFW content creation. Just set your prompts to private and let your mind run wild.
Imagiyo’s commercial-use license means you can take some of the images you generate and incorporate them into client projects, social media campaigns, or personal portfolios without fear of copyright issues.
Each month, you receive 500 image-generation credits and can submit up to two prompts at once. Unused credits roll over, so you never lose access to your creative potential. Best of all, Imagiyo delivers your purchased engine updates and feature improvements automatically, ensuring you always work with the latest AI models.
You have two days to get an Imagiyo AI Image Generator lifetime subscription for A$45 (reg. A$756). This sale lasts through July 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
If you're in the market for a new pair of earbuds, we have good news: You have a lot of options. The bad news? You have a lot of options, and your decision can get overwhelming fast. Wasn't life easier when iPhones came with a free pair of earbuds?
While you can still find wired earbuds that plug in and go (you'll even find a pair on this list), the market is flooded with wireless options. Now, you'll find models with advanced noise cancellation to block out the sounds of busy coffee shops and commutes. Plus, a good pair should have a quality microphone so you can take calls on the go. And the good news is, you have a lot of options for quality earbuds.
Prices on earbuds range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you're going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that's the price of peace and quiet. And these days, you can get hyperspecialized models like sleep earbuds.
Our top picks for earbuds are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which provide outstanding sound quality — but keep in mind, both of these models cost $299. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending $300 on a pair of headphones is a lot to stomach.
Major shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day, are usually the best time to buy these gadgets; however, good deals pop up year-round, and we're particularly good at tracking them.
Ready to start shopping now? Here are our top earbud picks of 2025.
There are two types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.
Wireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don't require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.
While earbuds traditionally don't provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.
Wired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high tech, they're pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, and you won't find any on our list.
The biggest positive to wired headphones is that they don't need to be charged. They're a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.
After extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the best sleep earbuds. You can read her full guide, but as of May 2025, we've added the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people.
If you're just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We also included the Marshall Mode wired earbuds as an option for folks who don't want to worry about battery.) If you're looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, our most recent recommendation in 2025. Both of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise-cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear.
Still, this guide includes several other earbuds we stand behind. Apple users may prefer the AirPods Pro, while shoppers on a budget may prefer buds from Marshall or Anker Soundcore. If you need help picking the perfect pair, read on.
Our 6 favorite Ninja Swirl alternatives are a lot more affordableThe best Ninja Swirl alternatives for making ice cream at home. Shop Ice cream makers from Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Dash, and Ninja.
If we're all being honest with ourselves, ice cream is an essential part of life. Imagine a warm summer night without savoring a bowl for dessert? It just doesn't add up. Enjoying a banana split after a major accomplishment, adding a scoop to warm pie, or taking a spoon to a pint while standing in the chill of the freezer: they're all magical moments. But if you don't feel like dishing out top dollar at the local artisan ice cream shop or watching your ice cream melt on the drive home from the store, why not make it at home?
Adding an ice cream maker to your collection of kitchen appliances will never, ever disappoint. Making ice cream at home gives you unlimited flavor possibilities while also nailing any dietary restrictions. Go dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free while making your own personal flavor creations to the exact level of sweetness you prefer.
We absolutely love the Ninja Swirl (and the Ninja Creami, too). Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino's review of the Ninja Swirl awarded it a prestigious Mashable Choice honor. "There's nothing I love more than leaving the house on a late summer evening to indulge in a cone of soft serve. It's something you can't get at home, unlike a pint of ice cream you buy at the grocery store. But now, with the Ninja Swirl, I don't have to leave the house for soft serve," said Mangino in her review.
That said, we don't love the price, and the best Ninja Swirl alternatives offer a more affordable way to get your homemade ice cream fix.
While the Ninja Swirl serves up both soft serve and hard, scoopable ice cream, it's hard to get past the $348 price tag. The machine also tends to sell out and is super rare to find on sale. Mangino also notes the machine takes up some serious real estate on your kitchen counter.
Since National Ice Cream Day is just around the corner on Sunday, July 20, why not treat yourself to an ice cream maker that will supply endless joy and a refreshing dessert? Here are some of our favorite Ninja Swirl alternatives that might work better for your kitchen and your budget.
Consistently making excellent ice cream, the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine produces 1.5 quarts of perfection with each use. It's a versatile machine that can make ice cream, sorbet, gelato, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and even frozen drinks. All of that for under $90 feels like this is the ultimate summer treat-maker that sticks to a budget-friendly price. This model is currently on sale for under $70 at Amazon.
Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth says, "This is the ice cream maker my mom has been using for years, and it's awesome. I highly recommend finding a good chocolate malt recipe and making a pint with your mom." You can make ice cream in 20 minutes or less with this ice cream maker. Just pour ingredients into the feeding spout, press the "on" button, and the powerful motor and mixing paddle will take care of the churning. Cuisinart also includes a recipe book to help you get started, but a major benefit of making ice cream at home is coming up with your own creations.
Making four pints with each batch, the 2-quart Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine is perfect for feeding a crowd or a family who likes to have Friday night ice cream parties. It uses a simple on-off dial and a double-insulated freezer bowl to churn out perfect ice cream in under 30 minutes. If ice cream is not your thing, this machine can also whip up frozen drinks, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or gelato. All you'll need to do is all your favorite ingredients (or follow a recipe from the included book of inspiration) and turn the machine on. When it comes time for cleaning, you'll be in good hands — the freezer bowl easily lifts out. Plus, the brushed stainless steel design looks pretty great on a countertop.
If you already have a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, you can actually just grab some add-ons to transform your mixer into an ice-cream production factory. The KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment churns up to two quarts of your favorite frozen dessert, and is compatible with most KitchenAid mixers except Mini models. This set includes all three accessories to make ice cream, including the ice cream bowl, the dasher, and the hub assembly piece.
To make awesome ice cream with your KitchenAid, you'll need to stick the ice cream bowl in the freezer for at least 24 hours before use. After that, you'll be able to add in your desired ingredients, churn for under 30 minutes, and then enjoy. KitchenAid redesigned the dasher with this model to ensure your ingredients and add-ins are fully incorporated. After enjoying the best ice cream you've ever had, the KitchenAid bowl is easy to hand-wash once it's up to room temp.
The original Ninja ice cream maker is still a popular gift, though it's getting harder to find. While it's low in stock at both Amazon and Walmart, it's currently on sale at the latter, where you can pick it up for $169. Our reporter Samantha Mangino also enjoyed the Creami in her review for Mashable. "The Ninja Creami has taken over our social media feeds, and maybe for good reason. Besides the 24-hour freezing time, it creates creamy, smooth ice cream in just minutes with the press of a button (or two). But beware: it's loud as hell."
What happens if you want homemade ice cream but are short on kitchen space or really don't want another kitchen appliance? No need to cry over a lack of ice cream since you can go with the Cuisinart FastFreeze Ice Cream Maker. Its compact design is perfect for kitchens that don't have extra counter space for another appliance, and it can easily be stored in a drawer, cupboard, or the pantry. It whips up half a pint of ice cream in just three minutes. Although it's worth mentioning that you'll need to use pre-frozen ingredients, so some prep is necessary for the FastFreeze.
If you're craving a different type of chilled treat, the Cuisinart FastFreeze can also make milkshakes, slushies, and sorbets. You'll be able to select one of these options on the handle and then all you need to go is press "go" to be on your way to frozen delight. Did we mention the FastFreeze clocks in at under six pounds? Cuisinart includes three half-pint containers and lids with this model.
Dash makes some incredibly fun and functional kitchen appliances, and they're all offered at an affordable price. That's all true of the Dash Deluxe Gelato & Ice Cream Maker, which makes two quarts of your favorite flavors — that's the equivalent of four pints. Dash lists this model's MSRP at $59.99. Say a pint of Ben & Jerry's comes in at $6.99, you'll only need to make 8.5 pints in the Dash to break even, which is about two batches.
To use the Dash, you'll want to freeze the included bowl for at least 24 hours and get your desired ingredients into the freezer, too. Once you add those frozen ingredients into the bowl, switch the machine on, and watch it churn until it reaches your desired consistency.
OpenAI announces ChatGPT agent for web browsingOpenAI launched ChatGPT agent, a web browsing tool that can perform tasks on the user's behalf. Here are the details, including safety parameters.
Meet OpenAI's new web browsing agent.
On Thursday, OpenAI announced ChatGPT agent, a tool that's capable of navigating the web and performing tasks on your behalf. As teased in an X post before the livestream, ChatGPT agent combines the autonomous capabilities of its Operator agent and the reasoning intelligence of its Deep Research tool.
OpenAI's Operator, which launched in January as preview mode to ChatGPT Pro users, could scroll, click, and type on the web but had limitations and never saw a widespread release. Deep research is another type of agent that can search the web and compile information on the user's behalf, but it couldn't take actions beyond that. The launch of OpenAI's new web browsing agent effectively combines both tools.
"Operator couldn’t dive deep into analysis or write detailed reports, and deep research couldn’t interact with websites to refine results or access content requiring user authentication," said the OpenAI announcement. "We saw that many queries users attempted with Operator were actually better suited for deep research, so we brought the best of both together."
OpenAI's ChatGPT agent joins other agentic tools recently released that can perform tasks on the user's behalf. While not a full web browser, it acts similarly to Perplexity Comet's browser assistant. Anthropic also has a tool called "computer use" that can take over your cursor and write code. As models become more advanced, they are more capable of performing autonomous tasks. Web browsing is considered one of the next arenas for AI labs to compete in, with OpenAI, Anthropic, Perplexity already shipping features, and Google's Project Mariner research prototype.
When in agent mode, you can ask ChatGPT to perform tasks like "look at my calendar and brief me on upcoming client meetings based on recent news" or "plan and buy ingredients to make Japanese breakfast for four," according to an OpenAI spokesperson.
OpenAI said that users are always in control and ChatGPT requests permission before taking actions, such as submitting forms, making purchases, or handling personal info. OpenAI said users can easily interrupt or take over when needed. Certain tasks, like sending emails, require oversight called Watch Mode.
On the safety front, ChatGPT agent is not allowed to perform "high-risk" tasks like financial transactions or legal advice, and it is trained to recognize malicious or adversarial attacks from prompt injections or other manipulative tactics.
In terms of data gathering, OpenAI said ChatGPT can delete their browsing data and log out of websites with one click and does not collect data while the user is actively involved in tasks like entering passwords.
Given the advancements, there's also a considerably higher risk for things to go wrong. OpenAI has classified ChatGPT agent as high risk in its preparedness framework for biological and chemical capabilities.
There's good news for users who don't have the $200 a month ChatGPT Pro plan. It's available to Pro, Plus, and Team users. Pro users get access today, and Plus and Team users get access over the next few days. Pro users get 400 messages a month, while Plus, Team, and other paid users get 40 messages a month.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
The next Made By Google event is coming in August: All the devices and news we expectGoogle's next big product announcement will take place on Aug. 20, and we have a pretty good idea what's in store for the Pixel family.
The wait is nearly over, as we finally have a confirmed reveal date for the Google Pixel 10 lineup of smartphones.
Google nailed down Aug. 20 for its next Made by Google event, where it's widely expected that we'll see the Pixel 10 phones and perhaps more. You'll be able to watch the event live when it happens next month, but until then, we'll tide you over with what we expect to see at the event.
As always, this will probably be a phone-centric show, but that likely won't be all we see.
We have a full roundup of Pixel 10 lineup rumors and leaks for your perusal, but I'll also summarize the key findings here.
Starting with the base Pixel 10, it seems like the basic design of the phones won't change all that much from the Pixel 9 series. In other words, the Pixel 9a wasn't a template for the Pixel 10. Under the hood, expect all Pixel 10 phones to use the new in-house Tensor 5 chip, which ideally will deliver better performance than the Tensor 4 in last year's Pixel phones.
Screen brightness might also be improved, while the biggest change is undoubtedly in the rear camera array. This year's base Pixel model will allegedly have a third lens, bringing it more in line with previous Pixel Pro models. It might have a 50MP main lens with a 12MP ultrawide lens and a new 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. That would certainly give the Pixel 10 a leg up on other base model flagships, which typically only have two rear camera lenses.
It sounds like this year's Pro models will be incremental improvements over the versions Google launched a year ago.
Per Android Central, their display specs might be unchanged from last year, while they might get bumps in battery size. The Pixel 10 Pro XL, in particular, could have a 5,200mAh battery, which is enormous by contemporary smartphone standards. Google might also drop the 128GB storage option from the 10 Pro XL and bump the starting price of the unit up by $100 accordingly.
Aside from that, it doesn't seem like much will change in the Pro lineup, including the camera specs, which are rumored to be the same as a year ago. Google could prove us wrong here, of course, but we can only go by what's been leaked ahead of time.
Last year's Pixel 9 Pro Fold was my favorite foldable yet. However, Samsung brought the heat with the Galaxy Fold 7 just last week, so the competition is a little stiffer this year. (We should also get a foldable iPhone in the near future.)
It doesn't seem like there will be major design changes to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which might be disappointing for those who wished for something as razor-thin as the new Galaxy Fold 7. It'll have three rear camera lenses, just as it did a year ago, though the specs are rumored to be very similar to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google is said to have bumped the battery size up to at least 5,000mAh, which should hopefully give it some more endurance, as that's been a regular complaint from Pixel users.
The two biggest rumored changes are less flashy, but not any less important than big, sweeping design overhauls would be. For starters, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might be the first foldable with a full IP68 waterproof rating. Beyond that, Google is apparently dropping the starting price by $200, down to $1,600. It's still expensive, but it's cheaper than the competition.
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Much of what we know about the Pixel Watch 4 seems to be based on leaked renders from back in April, courtesy of OnLeaks.
Judging from the renders (which are not official, of course), the new Pixel Watch could have thinner bezels while sharing the same rounded look as before. It also appears to lack traditional charging pins, which means Google may be emphasizing wireless charging this time around. There's also the possibility of new buttons on the unit itself, though we have no idea what they would be for at this time, if they even exist.
As usual, the most important changes to the Pixel Watch 4 will largely involve what it can do in terms of health tracking, and it's hard to get an idea of any of those features based purely on leaked renders. We'll have to wait a month to find out more.
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If you hated how vague the Pixel Watch 4 section was, you might want to scroll past this part.
We truly don't know much about what Google will announce in terms of earbuds at this event, though there have been some very small leaks about the rumored Pixel Buds 2a ahead of time. Mainly, leaker Arsene Lupin published a list of possible colors for the device on X. That...doesn't really tell us much. We still don't know anything about their specs or even if they'll be included at Made by Google.
Still, don't be surprised if these show up in some form.
As always, leave some room in your mind for surprises. While Made by Google will almost certainly focus on the products listed above, there could be other teases, too.
Namely, Google could follow up on two of its biggest teases from Google I/O earlier this year. The company debuted a new pair of XR smart glasses at the event, and we could hear more about those at Made by Google. Google also gave time for Samsung's Project Moohan headset at I/O, and it was weirdly absent from Samsung's Unpacked event last week. Could we see more of Moohan at Made by Google? Maybe, but I wouldn't call it a certainty.
All will be revealed soon, I suppose.
Ditch your Apple AirPods — score $20 off the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds with ChatGPTAs of July 17, save $20 on the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds with ChatGPT at Amazon.
SAVE $20: As of July 17, get the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds for $89 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $109. That's a discount of 18%.
If you want a good pair of earbuds, there are tons you could choose from. Apple, Samsung, and Bose are some great options to name a few. But if you want something more innovative that has multiple uses while still delivering great sound, it might be time to try the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds, especially since you can get them for a discounted price right now.
As of July 17, get the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds for $89 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $109. That's $20 off and a discount of 18%.
These unique buds have one leg up on the competition already at first glance: they're transparent, which is a fun throwback to the days of clear tech many of us grew up with. Plus, they have special ChatGPT integration that lets you ask the AI platform questions while you're out and about. That alone makes them worth picking up for the price.
But of course they're worth it as earbuds as well, with solid audio and compact 11mm drivers for better base. And they handle noise cancellation fantastically as well, given that they can detect additional noise leakage between your ear and earbud, making it simpler to block out the noise you don't want to hear to help you focus.
These earbuds are unlike any you've tried before in a few unique ways, and the fact that you can get them for under $100 means you should go ahead and invest before they go back up in price. You'll never realize how useful on-the-go ChatGPT is when you're out in the world otherwise.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
Mortal Kombat fans, it's finally Round 2. (Well, it's technically the fourth Mortal Kombat film but get over here anyway.)
Warner Bros. dropped an action-packed trailer for the sequel to 2021's adaptation of the iconic Midway Games. This time, three iconic fighters will join the already star-studded returning ranks, with Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Tati Gabrielle as Jade, and Adeline Rudolp as Kitana.
Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid and producer James Wan both return with a script by Moon Knight's Jeremy Slater.
Mortal Kombat II hits cinemas Oct. 24, 2025.
Save nearly $500 on this massive 100-inch Hisense TV at AmazonAs of July 17, get a 100-inch Hisense TV for $498.01 off at Amazon.
SAVE $498.01: As of July 17, get the Hisense 100" Class U7 Series ULED 4K TV for $1,399.99, down from its usual price of $1,898 at Amazon. That's a discount of 26%.
If you're looking to turn watching TV or catching a movie into a more theater-like experience, you have options. Sure, you don't need a huge screen to enhance a great flick or an engrossing series, but it certainly does help. And if you're ready to take the plunge, Amazon has you covered with a fantastic deal on a Hisense TV that'll turn any room into a theater.
As of July 17, get the Hisense 100" Class U7 Series ULED 4K TV for $1,399.99, down from its usual price of $1,898 at Amazon. That's $498.01 off and a discount of 26%.
This room-dominating screen is a 4K ULED display with full array local dimming for better, more realistic lighting all over the screen. It serves over a billion individual shades of color as well with a 144Hz native refresh rate and smooth motion for less blurring. Plus, it has a gaming mode with low-latency to make your favorite games pop and perform even better than usual. You also get Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound to complete the package.
Google Assistant is built into the TV as well, so much like a Fire TV, you have voice control options to connect to a smart hub at home, turn on your lights, adjust your thermostat, or just change the channel or surf new content via Google TV. And of course, it huge screen size makes it the perfect candidate for pairing with a soundbar or other entertainment-related accessories to make it feel like you've headed to the theater without leaving your seat.
If you've been dreaming of a good way to make everything you watch or play feel more cinematic, snag this TV now while you can still save nearly $500 on it. You'll feel good about treating yourself.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
Taimi is an LGBTQ dating app, and though it's had its share of controversies on Reddit (mainly unicorn hunters, dead profiles, and cishet dudes posing as queer women), it's become popular in the last few years, with 28 million downloads according to its press release. On market intelligence service AppMagic, Taimi is a top 5 dating app to boot.
Still, in 2025, daters are wary of dating apps more than ever. Now, Taimi is encouraging users to get off the app and into real-world queer spaces. The company released two brand-new features to help facilitate meetups in real life.
The "First Move" feature allows users to set up pre-scheduled messages that will automatically send when a new connection is made. This is kind of similar to Hinge's "Match Note," except it's a little less personal and more of a conversation starter, like Bumble's current "Opening Moves."
The idea is that you can be away from your phone without having to worry about missing the window to connect with a new match, because you've already taken care of the first message. While some of the pre-written options like "How can I make you smile?" and the ever-simple "Hi, how are you doing?" might feel a bit lackluster, you do have the option to write your own custom message. (You can also opt out of using this feature entirely.)
That said, it seems to be working, at least a little. During a test run, Taimi found that this smart automation led to a 4.8 percent increase in matches moving into a "deep dialogue" and a 4.5 percent rise in the average time users spent online.
"Taimi In-Person" is exactly what it sounds like: a free promotional platform for real-life LGBTQ events. During its pilot phase, the feature has already been used to support 77 events.
This could be good news for queer people who might not know where to find a community in their area or for travelers looking for queer-friendly places to visit while on vacation.
If you're interested in hosting an event on Taimi, you can submit a request form on the company's website or email events@taimi.com.
In an email to Mashable, Taimi told us that these features were created in response to the shrinking number of safe and welcoming spaces for queer people across the United States. The company believes the LGBTQ community needs both digital tools and physical spaces to thrive, and it's betting on a hybrid approach where technology can enhance IRL connections.
The company's goal is to "[bridge] digital connections with real-life communities and [strengthen] the queer ecosystem,” says Taimi's CEO, Oleksiy Shevchenko.
Uber partners with Lucid to bring 20,000+ robotaxis to the streets, with a U.S. launch in 2026Uber announced that it's partnering with Lucid for an expansive robotaxi program. Uber says thousands of autonomous vehicles will be deployed starting next year.
Uber has announced a multi-million dollar partnership with U.S. electric vehicle maker Lucid and robotics company Nuro. The three companies plan to deploy at least 20,000 robotaxis "in dozens of markets around the world" over the next six years, starting in a major U.S. city in 2026.
The ride-share app announced the news on Thursday, saying that the Lucid vehicles will be owned and operated by Uber or its third-party fleet partners. The vehicles, which will be equipped with technology developed by Nuro, will be available to riders "exclusively" via the Uber platform, as per the company's press release.
As a part of the deal, Uber is investing $300 million in Lucid and an undisclosed — but "significant" — amount in Nuro, according to the Financial Times.
Uber said the collaboration between the three companies will "[deliver] a fully integrated robotaxi experience developed for comfort, safety, and scale."
"Autonomous vehicles have enormous potential to transform our cities for the better," said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. Khosrowshahi said the partnership will "safely bring the magic of autonomous driving to more people across the world."
Nuro will lead the safety efforts behind building the vehicle, using simulations, supervised on-road testing, and closed-course testing.
The move crystallizes Uber's intention to make its mark in the world of autonomous vehicles, which could have big implications for the thousands of gig workers who book rides through Uber. Just yesterday, the company announced a deal with Baidu, a company that runs one of the largest robotaxi fleets in China. The two are partnering up to deploy robotaxis across Asia and the Middle East, with a potential expansion to Europe.
Tesla has also been testing its own robotaxi service, most recently in Austin, Texas.
Elon Musk’s xAI is hiring someone to make anime girlsElon Musk's xAI is hiring a “Fullstack Engineer – Waifus.”
In a bit of news that is in no way indicative of the direction our culture is heading, Elon Musk's xAI is hiring an engineer dedicated to creating anime girls.
The company has a listing with the job title "Fullstack Engineer - Waifus." A waifu is word used by anime fans refer to a female character that people view romantically. It's basically a Japanese version of the English word "wife." The listing said xAI is "looking for exceptional multimedia engineers and product thinkers who want to make Grok's realtime avatar products the best in the world." The pay range: $180,000-$440,000 per year.
The job listing comes on the heels of Musk's Grok releasing its first avatars, which were an anime girl called Ani and a red panda called Rudi. As Mashable's Stan Schroeder wrote, Ani is, by default, very flirtatious with users and can go full NSFW.
If the job listing is any indication, we can only expect more of the same from xAI moving forward.
Netflix and Ubisofts Assassins Creed series is officially comingNetflix's "Assassin’s Creed" live-action series adaptation is officially coming, announced by Ubisoft on Thursday.
Netflix's Assassin’s Creed live-action series adaptation is officially coming, announced by Ubisoft on Thursday.
According to Ubisoft's blog post, Netflix has greenlit the TV adaptation of the historical action-adventure game series with Roberto Patino (DMZ, Westworld) and David Wiener (Halo, Homecoming) acting creators, showrunners, and executive producers.
Ubisoft and Netflix first announced the project's development in 2020.
"We've been fans of Assassin's Creed since its release in 2007. Every day we work on this show, we come away excited and humbled by the possibilities that Assassin's Creed opens to us," said Patino and Wiener in a joint press statement.
"Beneath the scope, the spectacle, the parkour and the thrills is a baseline for the most essential kind of human story — about people searching for purpose, struggling with questions of identity and destiny and faith. It is about power and violence and sex and greed and vengeance. But more than anything, this is a show about the value of human connection, across cultures, across time. And it's about what we stand to lose as a species, when those connections break. We've got an amazing team behind us with the folks at Ubisoft and our champions at Netflix, and we're committed to creating something undeniable for fans all over the planet."
The series will likely centre on the franchise's core opposition between two covert factions: the Assassins and the Templars, who wage war across time and historical periods, with the protagonist able to access and relive these ancestral memories through a machine called the Animus. However, there are no details on which time period the TV series will be set in or whether the narrative will begin with the game's original 12th century protagonist Altaïr. Justin Kurzel's awful 2016 Michael Fassbender-led film hinged around a new character, Aguilar, an assassin in 15th-century Spain. My two cents: let Kassandra, Evie Frye, or Fujibayashi Naoe lead this time.
All we do know? Nothing is true, everything is permitted.
Womens health app Flo launches perimenopause featuresFlo Health launches Flo for Perimenopause, features specifically for people going through the transitional period between menstruation and menopause.
Women's health app Flo will soon bring features specifically for perimenopause to its 76 million monthly active users.
Previously, Flo focused on reproductive health, and called itself a period and ovulation tracker, and a pregnancy app. Now, Flo is branching out to help people track symptoms of perimenopause, the transitional period between menstruation and menopause. The new in-app offering will be called "Flo for Perimenopause," and provide personalized guidance for those who are in, about to enter, or curious about this stage of life.
In a 2024 survey Flo conducted of 1,446 U.S. women aged 34-49, 54 percent said they don't feel adequately informed about perimenopause and its potential symptoms and effects on their health. Another, smaller survey from Flo (of 337 women in the U.S. aged 35-54 who said they were going through perimenopause), 72 percent said their symptoms limited their life experiences. Self-esteem, sex, and social lives were the top-affected areas.
Flo for Perimenopause will allow users to track and manage their symptoms, like cycle irregularities, hot flashes, mood changes, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. This is similar to how Flo already tracks and manages users' periods. Users can also receive a "Perimenopause Score," which is a tool to evaluate and help users understand the impact of perimenopause symptoms.
Flo users will also be able to get support from medical experts and OBGYNs and connect with other users in an anonymous in-app feature called Secret Chats. The app will also feature educational content made in collaboration with over 100 medical experts.
"A tool like Flo for Perimenopause could be truly transformative for the many women I see who arrive confused, overwhelmed, and unaware of what their bodies are going through — simply because no one ever taught them what to expect," said Dr. Sameena Rahman, a board-certified OBGYN, sex-med gynecologist, and menopause specialist, in Flo's press release.
Flo for Perimenopause will be available to all users starting July 21.
Scale AI cuts 200 employees on the heels of Meta investmentData-labeling company Scale AI is cutting 14 percent of its workforce, or 200 employees. The restructuring followed a dramatic month of Meta investing $14.3 billion in the company and hiring its CEO Alexandr Wang.
AI data-labeling company Scale AI is laying off 200 employees, following a dramatic month with Meta.
Scale AI is cutting 14 percent of its workforce, and will also end work with 500 global contractors, Bloomberg reported. This comes after Scale AI received $14.3 billion of investment from Meta and simultaneously lost its CEO Alexandr Wang to Meta's superintelligence group as part of the deal.
According to an internal memo from Scale AI's interim CEO Jason Droege viewed by Bloomberg, the layoffs are due to its data labeling business scaling too quickly, which led to bureaucracy and "unhelpful confusion about the team’s mission." The memo also cited "shifts in market demand."
Meta's poaching of top AI talent to gain a competitive edge over its rivals has had a strong orbital effect over the AI industry, including pulling Scale AI under its influence. Meta's investment in Scale AI gives it a 49 percent stake in the company, which has reportedly caused OpenAI and Google cut ties with the data-labeling company due to competing interests. Scale AI is known for labeling and annotating training data, which is a crucial part of developing AI models. Scale AI and OpenAI previously had a longstanding relationship, which goes back to when Wang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman were roommates during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mark Zuckerberg was reportedly disappointed with Meta's Llama models, which prompted him to personally recruit top AI leaders and researchers for an ambitious project to develop AI superintelligence. Employees from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Apple have left to join Meta's new team, shaking up the entire industry.
A Scale AI spokesperson told Bloomberg that the company's layoffs are part of a restructuring to focus on enterprise and government contracts. The company plans to hire hundreds of people later this year for these efforts.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
Alien: Earth trailer: What happens when Xenomorphs crash land on our planet?Noah Hawley's "Alien" prequel series fits FX August 12.
The Alien franchise has always been terrifying, but each horrific Xenomorph encounter comes with a silver lining: Hey, at least it didn't happen on Earth! (Aside from the Alien vs. Predator films, of course.)
However, FX's upcoming Alien: Earth does away with that silver lining entirely, asking what would happen if Xenomorphs arrived on Earth. The short answer: nothing good!
Created by Noah Hawley (Fargo), this prequel series kicks off when a Weyland-Yutani deep space research vessel crash lands in Earth's Prodigy City, named after the Prodigy Corporation, one of Weyland-Yutani's rivals. A space ship smashing into a major metropolis is already a catastrophe by itself, but things go from catastrophic to "oh no, the world is screwed" once it turns out the ship was carrying not one, not two, but five hostile alien life forms from the deepest reaches of space. Among them is the Xenormorph, along with new creatures guaranteed to give you nightmares.
While the crash is a disaster for the entire world, Prodigy CEO Boy Kavalier (Samuel Blenkin) views it as an opportunity for profit. He wants to take control of whatever Weyland-Yutani found, so he sends a squad of soldiers to investigate the ship.
But these soldiers aren't ordinary humans. They're hybrids: humanoid robots who've been implanted with the consciousness of sick human children. Yes, that's different from Alien's synthetics, which have artificial consciousness in addition to a robot body.
As the soldiers, led by Wendy (Sydney Chandler), close in on the crashed USCSS Maginot, the stage is set for an epic showdown between aliens and synthetics. For Earth's sake, let's hope the synthetics come out on top.
Produced by Alien director Ridley Scott, Alien: Earth also stars Timothy Olyphant, Alex Lawther, Babou Ceesay, Adrian Edmondson, David Rysdahl, Essie Davis, Lily Newmark, Erana James, Adarsh Gourav, Jonathan Ajayi, Kit Young, Diêm Camille, Moe Bar-El, and Sanda Yi Sencindiver.
Alien: Earth premieres Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. ET on Hulu and FX.
Why everyone on TikTok is shaking hands and asking is this illegal?TikTok's top trending sound is inspiring a viral "is this illegal?" trend where couples humorously highlight their lifestyle differences.
If you've been on TikTok the past few days, you probably have a very specific song by Pinkpantheress stuck in your head.
Pinkpantheress says the song is about buying illegal drugs or using a male escort, but you wouldn't know that by the way TikTok users have approached the viral trend. Instead, they're using "Illegal" by Pinkpantheress to talk about the intricacies of their relationships — as intricate as you can get in a 13-second video, at least.
It goes like this: One person records shaking hands with another while they lipsync the first line, "My name is Pink and I'm really glad to meet you," and overlay it with text like, "I grew up with strict parents."
The camera shifts, and the other person records shaking hands to, "You're recommended to me by some people" with more text overlayed that shows how the two people are different, like "I grew up with chill parents."
It shifts back to the first person, hands still shaking, to, "Hey! OoOooOooOooo is this illegal?" with an acknowledgment that they're dating now.
And then back to the other person who lipsyncs, "Hey! OoOooOooOooo it feels illegal." That's it. That's the whole trend.
The joke is: "is this illegal?" — meaning, "this feels so different it must be wrong." For instance, one by couple creators Taylor and Sophia that reads, "*raised in a water only family*," then "*raised in an appetizer and soda family*," followed by "is this illegal?" and "it feels illegal."
The sound has been used in over 841,000 TikTok videos, including a Huddy video with 37 million views, a video by Brooke Monk with over 21 million views, and even one with Pinkpantheress herself that has over 36 million views, among other viral videos with the sound.
According to TikTok's Creator Search Insights, it's one of the top trending videos on TikTok and has been steadily increasing reach since July 15. Some users are calling it the "illegal trend" which is predominately searched by women aged 18 to 24 years old, according to TikTok's Creator Search Insights.
Of course, some people are doing it completely independent of the trend and just... playing the song behind whatever b-roll they have on their camera, like this guy from Love Island.
Score $200 off this 75-inch Hisense smart TV at AmazonAs of July 17, get $200 off the Hisense 75" Class QD7 Series Mini-LED 4K TV at Amazon.
SAVE $200: As of July 17, get the Hisense 75" Class QD7 Series Mini-LED 4K TV for $599.99, down from its usual price of $799.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 25%.
Ready to bring a new TV home? Whether you're looking to enhance the way you watch your favorite movies and TV shows or you want a display to enjoy new video games on, you can't go wrong with a discounted screen. And right now you can get an especially sweet deal on a large TV that can take center stage in your home and shine wherever you put it.
As of July 17, get the Hisense 75" Class QD7 Series Mini-LED 4K TV for $599.99, down from its usual price of $799.99 at Amazon. That's $200 off and a discount of 25%.
This 4K smart TV boasts a native 144Hz refresh rate and a Mini LED screen with up to 500 nits of peak brightness. Its QLED hues blend together with quantum dots to give you high color accuracy with over a billion shades to make sure you get the most realistic picture possible. Further, it supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to enhance your experience, especially in the audio realm, even further.
It has Fire TV integrated with it so you can use both Alexa with its included remote to press and ask questions, find and launch content, and use all of your favorite streaming apps straight from the TV. Choose from all of your favorite platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and more that you can use straight from the TV itself without the need for a streaming stick.
If you've been looking for a new TV to change the way you enjoy content, this one is both affordable and a bargain at this price, though it likely won't be around forever. Better snag this one while it's still available.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
Animation legend Genndy Tartakovsky has captivated audiences of all ages with projects like Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack, the Hotel Transylvania series, and Primal. However, his upcoming film Fixed is decidedly for the older crowd.
That's because the entire movie hinges on dog Bull (voiced by Adam DeVine) realizing his owners are about to have him neutered, separating him from the balls he loves so much. And you'd better believe that Fixed animates Bull's testicles, along with other parts of his anatomy. Seriously, if you've ever yearned to see the famed "butthole cut" of 2019's Cats, then Fixed is the movie for you.
Panicking over his upcoming castration, Bull sets out for one last big night on the town with his doggy friends Rocco (Idris Elba), Fetch (Fred Armisen), and Lucky (Bobby Moynihan). Squirrel-killing rampages and trips to dog strip clubs (yes, really) ensue. But amid all the R-rated carnage, will Bull be able to accomplish his true goal: telling neighboring dog Honey (Kathryn Hahn) that he's in love with her?
Brazen in its crassness but still oddly sweet, Fixed was trapped in development hell for years. In 2024, it was shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery, a move the company pulled with other completed projects like Batgirl, Coyote vs. Acme, and Scoob! Holiday Haunt. That meant distribution for the project fell back on Sony Pictures Animation, which has collaborated with Netflix before on projects like The Mitchells vs. The Machines.
Fixed is now less than a month out from release after years of setbacks, and you can get a taste of its nasty madness in the trailer above.
How to watch Sweden vs. England online for freeHow to watch Women's Euro 2025 for free. Live stream Sweden vs. England in Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Watch Sweden vs. England in Women's Euro 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Women's Euro 2025 knockout rounds continue with Sweden vs. England. A lot of fans were expecting England to top their group, but their opening day defeat at the hands of France meant they had to progress via a second-place finish. That does mean they avoid Germany at the quarter-final stage, but it's not all good. Sweden just beat Germany 4-1, so they'll be coming into this game with a lot of confidence.
If you want to watch Sweden vs. England in Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Sweden vs. England in Women's Euro 2025 kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on July 17. This fixture takes place at the Letzigrund.
Sweden vs. England in Women's Euro 2025 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Stream Sweden vs. England in Women's Euro 2025 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Sweden vs. England (plus the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Watch Sweden vs. England in Women's Euro 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.
Apple Wallets Car Keys feature expands to 13 new auto brandsCar brands like Porsche and Chevrolet will soon support Apple's Car Key feature.
Apple Wallet's Car Key feature is expanding to include 13 new vehicle brands.
The car key feature enables people to access their cars using the Apple Wallet on their iPhone or Apple Watch. Car keys can unlock compatible vehicles at a distance or nearby, depending on the manufacturer.
The feature has already worked for models created by companies such as Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Lotus, Hyundai, BYD, Audi, and BMW.
Now, a slew of new auto manufacturers are joining the existing list, bringing the total number of supported brands to 33. The latest additions are:
Acura
Cadillac
Chery
Chevrolet
GMC
Hongqi
Lucid
Porsche
Rivian
Smart
Tata
Voyah
WEY
As of now, there is no timeline for when these companies will implement the Car Key feature. Apple has announced other updates to its vehicle-related products during WWDC 2025, including a new design for CarPlay and the introduction of the enhanced CarPlay Ultra.
10 fastest-growing fetishes of 2025 so farClips4Sale names 10 fetishes growing on its website this year so far.
Censorship of porn is increasing in the U.S. and elsewhere. Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that Texas's age-verification law was constitutional, for example. Age-verification laws typically require proof of age, like a government ID or facial recognition scan, to enter websites with explicit content. While free speech advocates told Mashable they won't work, as these checks can be circumvented with VPNs, they persist.
Free speech and adult industry advocates also say that such laws will chill the free speech of adults who want to watch this content. Censorship doesn't quell desires or sexual preferences, but it might make people fear being open about them.
"Online fetish content is a key way for people to enjoy fantasies they may not feel they have access to in their personal lives," said Avery Martin, spokesperson for adult clip site Clips4Sale, which just released the top 10 fetishes growing in 2025 so far.
These are the fetishes increasing in popularity according to year-over-year data:
Pegging (+46.4 percent)
Farting (+38 percent)
Sex fights (+36 percent)
Femdom (+33.5 percent)
Cuckolding (+26.1 percent)
Chastity (+24.5 percent)
Ballbusting (+22.5 percent)
Pantyhose (+15.2 percent)
Belly buttons (+14.9 percent)
Foot worship (+14.4 percent)
"We publish this data because we want more people to understand that there's a whole world like them," Martin continued.
Clips4Sale named chastity as its 2025 Fetish of the Year, corresponding with the current political climate. Meanwhile, the top one pegging, or anal penetration with a strap-on, was the site's 2023 Fetish of the Year. "No matter what they profess in public, men love being dominated by women in bed," Martin said in its press release. "Unfortunately, because of the cultural taboos surrounding sexual submission, men can have a hard time discussing these desires with their partners."
Pegging is fastest-growing in the U.S. and the UK; the UK's own age-verification law will soon be in effect. But there are many more on this list as well, including cuckolding, or watching one's partner engage in sexual acts with someone else. This also plays into societal taboos — but what fetish doesn't, really?
During a time when legislatures want to squash sexual expression, discussing fetishes can be seen as radical. But as Clips4Sale's map shows, people worldwide are discovering new pleasures regardless.
TikToks but there was once a time trend explores our wilder, younger daysA new TikTok trend looks back on our wilder or different days.
TikTokkers have jumped on a trend mostly used to show off their younger, wilder days.
Scrolling through your FYP on TikTok, you've likely seen the "there was a time" trend. The beats of the trend are consistent: 1) you show someone or something as they are now, 2) you say "...but there was a time," 3) you show how they were. For lots of folks, this means showing that while, yes, they are now a parent with a 9-5, they were once a partier (or something of that ilk). For others, the posts can take on a more melancholy tone, where they remember something they miss. And, of course, there are some TikToks following the trend that are just weird and silly.
Here are a few about being settled now, but people who hit the bars back in the day.
But there are other kinds of posts using the trend, often with different TikTok sounds. Here's one about missing playing hockey.
Or there are parents posting their kids growing up.
Or there are jokes about good dogs.
Or there are people posting their previous careers.
Or, as these posts hint at, there are some folks using it to post about relationships that ended or people they have lost.
In short, the trend explores all the ways time changes us. And for many folks, that means losing their wild side.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 17, 2025Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.
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.
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.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Found at a university
Green: Over the top
Blue: Excellent
Purple: Found in the ocean
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Meddle
Green: Words after "No" to mean "It's all good"
Blue: Super ___
Purple: Ending with fish
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 #767 is...
Meddle: NOSE AROUND, POKE, PRY, SNOOP
Words after "No" to mean "It's all good": BIGGIE, HARD FEELINGS, SWEAT, WORRIES
Super ___: GLUE, MARIO WORLD, PAC, POWER
Ending with fish: CAMISOLE, CAPE COD, DRUM AND BASS, WU-TANG
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?
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.
NYT Strands hints, answers for July 17The NYT Strands hints and answers you need to make the most of your puzzling experience.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands 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 preferrined pace.
The words are show-related.
These words are seating arrangements.
Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
Today's spangram is Theaters.
Theaters
Wings
Orchestra
Boxes
Lobby
Mezzanine
Balcony
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.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 17, 2025Here's the answer for "Wordle" #1489 on July 17 as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Average.
There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.
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...
MODAL.
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.
This expert-recommended speaker is down to its best-ever price at AmazonAs of July 17, the JBL Charge 6 is on sale at Amazon for $179.95. This is 10% off its list price of $199.95.
SAVE $20: As of July 17, the JBL Charge 6 portable speaker is on sale for $179.95 at Amazon. This is 10% off and marks its best-ever price.
The big summertime sale events may be winding down, but Amazon still has a few deals left up its sleeve after Prime Day. If you've been on the hunt for a solid portable speaker to take on your outdoor adventures this year, the JBL Charge 6 is currently discounted at the retailer for a limited time.
The JBL Charge 6 is normally listed for $199.95, but you can score it for $179.95 right now. This marks its best price yet according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, making now a great time to scoop it up. We even consider it the best Bluetooth speaker for most people in our roundup of the best Bluetooth speakers, so you can feel content knowing you're investing in something worthwhile.
If you've got trips to the beach or a camping trip planned for this summer, the JBL Charge 6 can help keep the party going while you're outside. It has a portable design — that's also IP68 waterproof and dustproof — and a removable handle strap so you can easily carry it around with you. It also boasts rich sound and a long battery life of up to 28 hours so you can keep enjoying your favorite songs the whole day through.
This limited-time deal may not last for long. Don't miss out on the JBL Charge 6 down to $179.95 at Amazon.
Even though Prime Day is over, there are still some great deals floating around. Check out our breakdown of Prime Day deals that are still live to see if anything that's caught your eye is still discounted.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
SAVE $90: As of July 17, the Ninja Foodi 10QT 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer is down to $159.99 at Amazon — that’s 36% off its usual $249.99 price tag.
If your air fryer has been starting to feel cramped — or worse, slowing you down — this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. As of July 17, the Ninja Foodi 10QT Smart XL Air Fryer is down to $159.99 at Amazon. That’s a sizzling $90 discount.
Unlike your average single-drawer air fryer, this one’s built to handle two dishes at once without breaking a sweat. Thanks to Ninja’s DualZone Technology, you get two independent 5-quart baskets — each with its own heating system — so you can air fry wings in one and roast veggies in the other at the same time. And with the Smart Finish feature, both sides can finish together for stress-free timing.
Alternatively, you can use Match Cook to copy settings across both zones and make the most of the full 10-quart capacity.
You’ll also find a Smart Cook thermometer built right in, so you can dial in doneness — from rare to well-done — with a promise for no guesswork. Whether you’re roasting a whole 6-pound chicken or meal-prepping a week’s worth of lunches, Ninja says this fryer can handle it all with six versatile functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Broil.
If you’ve been holding out for a big-capacity, smart air fryer that can actually keep up with the mealtime chaos that comes with large families or multiple guests, this deal is well worth grabbing while it lasts.
At nearly 40% off, the Ninja Foodi DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer brings serious flexibility and speed to your kitchen routine — at a price that’s hard to beat.
To make the most of our new Ninja Foodi, find out how to make your own homemade air fryer fries to wow your family. To complete your latest set of home upgrades, improve your cleaning with this Shark robot vacuum that's over 50% off in a limited-time deal.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
Roblox is a popular digital space for kids and teens to congregate while playing their favorite video game, or in the platform's parlance, experience.
Now teens ages 13 to 17 who want to access a special feature designed to make those hangouts even more fun will have to verify their age via a video selfie. Roblox announced the new requirement Thursday as part of a slate of safety and privacy measures.
Once Roblox estimates the user's age — via the AI-powered age verification product Persona — and assigns a qualifying age group to their account, it allows them to take advantage of the new feature, called "Trusted Connections." Teen users can add each other as Trusted Connections, which allows them to communicate via voice and chat without filters. Still, Roblox will monitor all conversations for "critical harm," such as grooming.
If a teen wants to add an adult aged 18 or older as a Trusted Connection, they can only do so in real life through a QR scan or contact importer. When the technology incorrectly estimates a user's age, or cannot confirm their age, teens will be able to verify it by providing identification. In the future, Roblox will allow parents to give their verified consent in order to confirm a user's age.
Prior to completing this process, teens will not have access to Trusted Connections. The feature is the latest move by Roblox to make the platform safer. Last year, the company restricted direct messaging for younger users and created new parental control tools.
Roblox has long faced criticism for the ease with which some predators could engage with young users. Bad actors have a history of encouraging victims to move off Roblox to communicate on other platforms, such as Discord.
In 2023, a group of families filed a class-action lawsuit against Roblox for exposing underage users to inappropriate or explicit content and allowing them to engage in inappropriate encounters. The company disputed the allegations, but political and legal pressure has mounted on all social media and gaming platforms to improve the safety of their products.
In a blog post outlining the new features, Roblox's chief safety officer Matt Kaufman said they were designed partly to protect young users from being lured off the platform.
"This additional freedom to chat more openly with trusted connections reduces the incentive for teens to move interactions off platform, where they may be exposed to greater risk," Kaufman wrote.
In a press briefing, Kaufman acknowledged that Roblox had been evaluating age verification for a long time. He said that the company decided to introduce it now because it could debut in conjunction with "features that we really believe are something that should be limited to an older audience, 13 and older."
Up until the launch of Trusted Connections, all private communication on Roblox has moved through its filtering system, which is designed to block profanity and personally identifiable information, amongst other types of potentially inappropriate content.
Other features introduced Thursday include tools for users to better manage notifications, screen time, and privacy. Users will have access to a do not disturb mode and will be able to set a daily limit on the platform, as well as decide who can see when they're online, with an option to appear invisible.
Teens can also grant permission to their parents to view both their Connections and Trusted Connections. Additionally, parents will be able to see how much time their teen spends on the platform and receive notifications and alerts for financial transactions.
The Eufy C10 robot vacuum is still at its lowest-ever price after Prime DayAs of July 17, the Eufy C10 robot vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $229.99, 52% off its list price of $479.99.
SAVE $250: As of July 17, the Eufy C10 robot vacuum is on sale for $229.99 at Amazon. This is 52% off its list price of $479.99 and marks its lowest-ever price.
If you're feeling like you may have missed your chance to score a robot vacuum on sale during Prime Day, Amazon thankfully still has a few models available sporting some excellent discounts. One of our favorites that has caught our eye is the Eufy C10 robot vacuum, which is still at its lowest-ever price.
The Eufy C10 robot vacuum is usually listed for $479.99, but it's currently marked down to $229.99. This deal saves you $250 on list price. It's currently listed as a limited-time deal, too, so act fast to pick it up at this price.
This robot vacuum can tackle dirt, hair, debris, and more that's dropped on your floor throughout the day thanks to 4,000 Pa suction. It even features an extendable side arm to reach tricky dirty corners. It can even map out your home to achieve a more effective clean as it works to avoid any obstacles in its way and is self-emptying, providing up to 60 days of cleaning before the dust bag needs a change.
Don't miss out on this excellent deal on the Eufy C10 robot vacuum at Amazon.
Looking for another great robot vacuum deal? Check out our roundup of the best self-emptying robot vacuums to see even more picks that have caught our eye.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
SAVE $140: As of July 17, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is down to $159.99 at Amazon — a 47% discount and the smartwatch's lowest-ever price.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has been announced, which means deals on older models. We were expecting some good discounts, but not this good. As of July 17, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has dropped to $159.99 at Amazon — a full $140 off its $299.99 list price.
That's the lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel. So if you're not concerned with having the brand-new model, this is your moment to buy.
Launched with a full suite of new Galaxy AI features, the Galaxy Watch 7 is more than a step counter. It gives you a daily Energy Score based on your activity and recovery from the day before, helping you understand how ready your body is for another round. Whether you’re biking, lifting, or logging miles, AI-backed performance tracking aims to helps you push smarter, as well as harder.
There’s also enhanced heart rate tracking that filters out motion for cleaner readings, plus sleep analysis that goes as far as detecting moderate to severe sleep apnea. Paired with Wellness Tips, the Galaxy Watch 7’s targeted appeal is to help improve your health instead of just recording it.
This comes in a slim, 40mm design with Samsung’s modern styling, a one-year manufacturer warranty, and full compatibility with Android phones.
If you’re after a companion that’s as focused on recovery and insights as it is on step counts and calories, the promise of the Galaxy Watch 7 smartwatch makes this deal hard to pass up at almost half off.
If you need a smartwatch for a larger wrist, the 44mm version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is also on sale. For those curious about other brands, check out our list of the best fitness trackers in 2025 to find out which smartwatch is right for you.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
Google has revealed the launch date for its Pixel 10 family of products.
The company sent out media invites for the Made by Google event on Wednesday, saying it would unveil new Pixel phones, Pixel buds, Pixel watches, and more on Aug. 20.
Given that the Pixel 10 lineup is one of the most heavily leaked launches ever, we have a pretty good idea of what's coming; we've collected all the recent rumors.
In short, we're likely to see Google Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold at the event — yes, that's a lot of phones. Pixel Watch 3, as well as Pixel Buds Pro 2 will likely make an appearance, too.
As for those other, unnamed devices, we could see some Pixelsnap magnetic accessories, which are rumored to be supported by the Pixel 10 phones.
Owen Wilson takes Stephen Colberts Questionert and its deeply wholesome"Stick" star Owen Wilson took Stephen Colbert's "Questionert" on "The Late Show."
Being truly known in a short late night interview is tough, but Stephen Colbert has long managed to get to the deep stuff with his "Questionert."
The latest guest? Owen Wilson, who tackles the big questions like "best sandwich" (both of Wilson's responses are deeply wholesome), "apples or oranges" ("you can't really compare them, can you?"), and a truly lovely answer to "what do you think happens when we die."
In the second part (the first part you can watch above), the Stick star unpacks his favourite action movies, whether he's a window or aisle person, and his earliest memories.
This powerful robot vacuum just dropped to an all-time low price — get the Shark AV2501AE for under $300Get the Shark AV2501AE robot vacuum for just $299.99 — 54% off and its lowest price yet for self-emptying, smart cleaning.
SAVE $350: As of July 17, the Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum is just $299.99 at Amazon — a massive 54% off its original $649.99 price tag.
When your floors are long overdue for a deep clean but you’d rather not be the one doing the dirty work, now’s the time to let this bargain robot vacuum handle the job.
As of July 17, the Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum is down to $299.99 at Amazon — that’s $350 off its regular price and the lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel.
This deal gets you Shark’s top-tier cleaning tech without the usual premium price. Built with Matrix Clean Navigation, this robot promises not just to pass over dirt — but tackle it head-on too, moving in a precise grid pattern and taking multiple passes to make sure no crumb is left behind. It has serious suction too, capable of lifting dust and debris off both carpets and hard floors with ease.
The real kicker is that it empties itself. The included XL HEPA self-empty base can hold up to 60 days of dust and dirt, filtering out 99.97% of allergens and pet dander. That’s two months of hands-free cleaning before you even think about emptying a bin.
Thanks to 360° LiDAR mapping, the Shark AV2501AE offers to learn the layout of your home quickly and adapts to changes in real time — whether it's navigating around furniture or dodging rogue socks. It’s Alexa- and Google Assistant-compatible, so you can set up schedules or start a clean with just your voice.
Perfect for homes with pets, this Shark is designed to handle fur, dust, and allergens without missing a beat. With up to 120 minutes of runtime and a recharge-and-resume feature, it won’t quit until the job is done.
If you’ve been eyeing a smart vacuum upgrade, this one’s a no-brainer. As is the usual case with these large, limited-time deals on Amazon, we don’t expect offers on models like these to last long.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)
On any given day, poking around for TVs on sale is all but guaranteed to turn up at least some decent steals.
Of course, retailers don't casually offer their best TV prices year-round, and tariffs have made tech deals in general feel more scarce than usual this year. Though TVs weren't affected as overtly as the Nintendo Switch 2 or Xbox consoles, a majority of the best TV brands do their manufacturing in countries facing steep import rates.
Aside from Black Friday, NFL playoffs season, spring, and Amazon Prime Day are three other times that you'll find a lot of TVs on sale (and at lower-than-usual sale prices), including premium flagship models that don't get much action otherwise.
It's easiest to think about the strategy as a cycle: Whichever of these big sale windows is coming up next will probably match, or even beat, most of the deals seen during whichever sale window came right before it. For instance, Prime Day 2025 just out-priced most of the best TV deals we saw during football season in February, but will probably be out-priced by Prime Day 2 in October and Black Friday.
At any rate, knowing when TVs are cheaper than usual is a good adult shopping skill to have. The selection of live TV deals fluctuates depending on the month, and understanding the peaks of the TV calendar is a crucial chapter in the unofficial TV buyer's guide. (If your search is a more straightforward "just tell me the best TV deals right now" vibe, check out Mashable's dedicated TV tab. If we find a noteworthy deal on a specific TV on any given day, it'll pop up here.)
Months: Late October, November, and early to mid-December
People may not be throwing down in a Best Buy parking lot at the crack of dawn anymore, but Black Friday TV deals are still unmatched — they just don't require you to wake up at 2 a.m. anymore.
Black Friday is trending toward a month-long affair at this point, with retailers shifting into Black Friday mode online as early as October. The extended time frame raises the question of whether TV sale prices will drop even further closer to Black Friday. Thankfully, most of the big retailers aren't trying to trick you — in fact, Best Buy and Samsung will straight-up tag a certain deal as a Black Friday deal if they drop it ahead of time, confirming to buyers that there's no need to hold out until the week of Thanksgiving.
This is an especially auspicious time for budget shoppers looking for the cheapest possible version of a 4K TV at a certain size. During Black Friday, basic budget-friendly 4K TVs are typically the doorbusters that sell out soon after they drop — and are much less likely to return in the next few months.
In-store or not, Best Buy TV deals during Black Friday include elite prices on top 65-inch TVs (or larger). You can save hundreds on high-end QLEDs, OLEDs, and big-screen cheap QLEDs at shockingly low prices. Budget-friendly TVs get even more. Walmart also stays in the mix with a handful of wild doorbuster deals on the best cheap TVs. Amazon mostly dabbles in the affordable TV crowd and focuses on its own Fire TVs, which often drop to record-low prices.
Post-holiday sales and New Year sales are absolutely a thing, but you can be confident that most TV prices are generally better before Christmas than after. We've seen firsthand how sale prices on TVs subtly go up by $100 or two (or three) during post-holiday sales. However, if you miss the Black Friday-Cyber Monday season, another chance to save soon follows...
Months: Mid-January to early February
The people want to know: Are TVs cheaper after the holidays? The answer is technically yes, but not in the "after-Christmas sales slash New Year's sales" way that you're thinking.
If you didn't snag your TV during Black Friday, your next best bet is to wait in the wings until the end of January for football-fueled deals, which kick off near the start of the NFL playoffs (sometime in mid to late January) and last until the big game (some in early to mid-February).
The month-long lead-up to the biggest football game of the year — one of the most-watched sporting events of the year — is prime time to find a TV on sale. In particular, these deals may focus more on TVs that are good for watching sports: i.e., big-screen QLEDs. The vibrant lighting supplied by a QLED panel is ideal for following small details like a ball or tiny score box, as well as the brightness of the team's colors and the field to make your experience feel as live and in-person as possible. It's not uncommon for most of these deals to be identical to what we saw during Black Friday, or in some cases, drop even lower in price due to proximity to CES. (See explanation below.)
There is one group of TVs that still may not be seeing their lowest possible sale price during football sales: If you're eyeing one of the most premium, most recent models from a certain brand and still aren't seeing a discount of more than $100 or two, you might consider pumping the breaks until spring.
Months: March and April
Flagship TVs don't go on sale that often. And even when we get deals, the discounts hardly feel like a deal. (Oh, wow: $200 off a $2,000 TV? You shouldn't have.)
Until CES happens, that is. CES is a Las Vegas-based tech trade show where the latest and greatest consumer tech is unveiled to gadget enthusiasts. The annual TV release cycle mostly revolves around CES, as it's where brands like Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense show off their new TV designs for the year. While these fresh releases aren't the ones going on sale, those splashy new TV releases do force last year's models to go on sale.
The key here is that the best deals start not when the TVs are announced at the event in January, but once they're officially up for grabs to the public in the spring. As of May 2025, most highly-awaited flagship TVs for the year are out, or at least have prices announced. For example, LG released the OLED C5 OLED in March, TCL released the QM6K Mini LED in March, and Samsung released the Frame Pro and unveiled prices for its S95F OLED in April. Funny enough, we caught some small discounts on those new models in their first weeks on the market. But the real hack is to look for deals on the predecessors (like the LG C4 OLED or older Samsung Frame models) right after the new models drop.
The one outlier here is Sony, which has been sitting CES out for the past few years in favor of its own release schedule — a very Apple and iRobot-coded tactic. In 2023 and 2025, Sony announced its new TV lines for the year in March, though it deviated in 2024 with a June launch. Sony's slightly differing release calendar doesn't change the fact that Black Friday and football season are the main times for discounts. Then, Sony's discounts throughout the year will simply depend on when its annual TV lineup launches. Its 2025 Bravia 8 II OLED and Bravia 5 and 2 LCD models should be revealed any day now.
Month: July
Amazon was historically pretty low on the list of best places to buy a TV. While it does sell most of the same brands of TVs as competing retailers do, its sale prices are more volatile and often plagued by inflated prices that make discounts look better than they are. (Pro tip: You can spot-check the prices of TVs at Amazon by pasting the listing URL into Camelcamelcamel, a free Amazon price tracking site.)
However, Amazon stands out as a TV destination during the shopping holidays it made up for itself: Prime Day and Prime Big Deal Days (basically a second Prime Day). Naturally, Fire TVs are the focal point during Prime events, and these deals go hard. For example, we've seen a 43-inch Amazon Omni 4K Fire TV drop to $99.99 during Prime Big Deal Days. The week before Prime Day 2025, a 65-inch Insignia QLED Fire TV dropped to $329.99, and an 85-inch Panasonic OLED Fire TV dropped to $997.99. These are wild screen size to price ratios that can only be rivaled by similar Walmart doorbusters on its TV brand, onn.
Past that, Amazon really upped its game on non-Fire TVs on sale during Prime Day 2025. The selection of cheap QLED TVs was massive, but more surprisingly, so was the selection of record-low prices on 2025 flagship TVs. That's usually Best Buy's forte. The timing for that makes sense: Prime Day is the first big sale event that strikes after the year's new TVs have had a few months on the market. Many were far too fresh to go on sale in the spring, but July? That's the sweet spot.
But Amazon isn't the only good place to buy a TV on sale during Prime Day. Amazon's self-titled events also trigger conveniently-timed competing sales from its biggest competitors, and as antithetical as it sounds, Best Buy and Walmart almost always beat Amazon at its own game during Prime Day — with TVs, at least. Unless Fire TV is already your comfort streaming platform, don't limit your TV search to Amazon during these events just because Amazon picked the dates.
How to watch the 2025 Copa América Femenina online for freeHow to watch Copa América Femenina for free. Live stream the 2025 Copa América Femenina for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Access free live streams of the 2025 Copa América Femenina from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Women's Euro 2025 isn't the only top-quality international football tournament taking place this summer. The 2025 Copa América Femenina is showcasing the best of the women's game from the other side of the Atlantic, with massive stars like Linda Caicedo and Marta competing for the trophy.
Brazil have won the last four editions of this competition, but many fans think Colombia could win the tournament for this first time this year. It's going to be fascinating to follow the action.
If you want to watch the 2025 Copa América Femenina for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The Copa América Femenina is the main competition in women's association football for national teams that are affiliated with CONMEBOL. It is the women's version of the Copa América.
The defending champions are Brazil.
The 2025 Copa América Femenina is the 10th edition of the tournament. This year's competition takes place from July 11 to Aug. 2 in Ecuador.
The 2025 Copa América Femenina is available to live stream for free on the following platforms:
Chile — TVN Play
Colombia — Caracol Play and RCN
Ecuador — Teleamazonas
These free streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2025 Copa América Femenina from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2025 Copa América Femenina by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Chile, Colombia, or Ecuador
Visit TVN Play, Caracol Play, RCN, or Teleamazonas
Watch the 2025 Copa América Femenina for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 Copa América Femenina before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
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Up to eight simultaneous connections
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A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Watch the 2025 Copa América Femenina for free with ExpressVPN.
I’m testing Perplexity’s new AI browser Comet. Here are 3 features I tried right away.Perplexity's new Comet browser has a built-in AI assistant for agentic shopping and summarization features. Here are the ways I'm trying it out.
What makes an AI browser better than a regular browser? With Perplexity's Comet, that's what I'm trying to find out.
Last week, AI search engine company Perplexity launched its highly anticipated browser, which uses the Perplexity search engine and comes with a built-in AI assistant. As AI models become more advanced with chain-of-thought reasoning for handling complex tasks, they're capable of more agentic, or autonomous, work. This is a natural fit for web browsers, which are essentially the gateway to our online lives. An AI web browser like Comet can theoretically do much more than a chatbot tied to a single page or app, enabling actions across multiple tabs and platforms.
Perplexity's Comet browser is an early entry, alongside Arc's Dia browser, that seeks to create a new paradigm for browsing and shopping with AI. (OpenAI is also reportedly about to launch its own AI browser). The ability to automate and summarize our experience online has become a major focal point for the AI industry, since it offers the ostensible purpose of speeding up tasks and easing our cognitive load.
And the timing for introducing a new browser to compete with Google Chrome and Apple Safari couldn’t be better. Google might be forced to sell Chrome after a huge antitrust loss. The ruling also impacts Apple, which received $20 billion a year to make Google the default search engine for Safari. Apple already seems to be making changes to its search offerings, including a potential partnership with Perplexity. That’s all to say there’s suddenly a lot more opportunity for newcomers like Perplexity to shake up the market.
Somewhat ironically, Comet runs on Chromium, Google's open-source browser service. So when I got access, switching over my extensions and settings was pretty seamless. With everything transferred and set up, I dug in to see what Comet can do. I should note that I do have some serious privacy concerns, which I'll explore in a follow-up article
Here are the first Comet features I tried out.
Perplexity touts making an Instacart grocery list as one of the main use cases for Comet's AI assistant. The search engine already offers the ability to buy products listed as search results within the chatbot with a Perplexity Pro account. But shopping with Comet is different since it actually finds the products and adds them to your cart.
To challenge Comet, I tried to think of something with a tedious variety of items. I tasked Comet with creating a shopping list for the iconic charcuterie board. That part was easy, since there's no shortage of articles about the artful arrangement of meats and cheeses. Next, I asked Comet to add the items to my Instacart account. Notably, I had to be logged into Instacart, but I didn't have to have the tab open.
Within the chat, I watched as the AI assistant shopped in real-time for the items on my list. It even shows a mini screen of what it's doing on the page, and if you click over to the Steps tab, you can watch as Perplexity reasons its way through the grocery store (ShopRite) site via Instacart. I didn't include any specific instructions on particular brands or specifications such as organic or local items, and I noticed that Perplexity defaulted to choosing the least expensive or bestselling item according to ShopRite.
This is probably a safe bet, but the inner cheese snob in me didn't like the AI assistant making these choices on my behalf. I would've preferred to obsessively compare various cheese brands. For a busy parent in a hurry, though, this could work pretty well. The process took about five minutes to add around 20 items to my cart. When it was done, I clicked to open the Instacart window and found all my items waiting for me. For privacy and security reasons, my AI assistant informed me it wouldn't complete the purchase, so you'd have to do that yourself (for now).
How did Comet do with my favorite pastime of ordering pizza? I thought this would be a much simpler task, but it struggled a bit. I have a gluten intolerance, so I asked it to order a gluten-free cheese pizza on Seamless from one of my favorite local spots. Here's where it ran into a roadblock.
I know from lots of experience that this particular restaurant lists the gluten-free option within its toppings selection instead of as a separate crust option. Despite spending several minutes scouring the site, Comet couldn't find the gluten-free option. Instead, it added a regular cheese pizza to the cart and included a note asking it to be gluten-free in the special instructions box. It also inexplicably requested extra cheese, even though I didn't ask for that. At this point, it would've been way easier to order the pizza myself.
A popular use case for generative AI in browsers is the ability to summarize the contents of a webpage or document. Various forms of this already exist with a Google Chrome extension and in Microsoft's Edge browser, but Perplexity's version feels a little more integrated into the experience. This is due to the AI assistant sidecar that you can open or close from the top right-hand corner of the browser.
I found it particularly useful for tackling the onerous task of summarizing my X feed, but was frustrated that it didn't link to the sources of each post. Same goes for summarizing lengthy pages. I wanted the ability to jump to specific sections of the page, but found myself having to read the page anyway just to find what Comet was summarizing.
Since it was a specific use case Perplexity promoted, I tried using Comet to summarize YouTube videos. As is the case with most AI-generated summaries, it felt like Comet struggled to highlight and prioritize the most salient information, instead giving equal amounts of explanation to information of varying importance, and glazing over some of the more noteworthy moments.
When I asked Comet to summarize a recent live episode of the Hard Fork podcast, the one where OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and COO Brad Lightcap surprised the hosts by making a dramatic early entrance, Comet didn't say anything about that. It also summarized too broadly at times.
Instead of highlighting specific jabs — Lightcap and Altman were asked if Mark Zuckerberg actually believes in superintelligence, and Lightcap said, "I think [Zuckerberg] believes he's super intelligent" — Comet watered down this interaction by describing it as "humorous commentary about Zuckerberg's approach."
One of my favorite features on Chrome is the ability to group the many, many tabs I have open. But this requires manually organizing tabs one-by-one. There are Chrome extensions that can automatically group tabs for you, but Comet has this function built in.
In a new Comet tab, I asked the assistant to group my open tabs by topic and watched in awe as they were thematically organized. It did go a little overboard by adding topic labels to individual tabs that didn't fit into any other topic, like my calendar, which ended up creating more visual clutter, but it's easy to ungroup as needed.
Comet can also access information from tabs of pages you're not actively looking at, which is useful for comparing products or finding a quick reference to something.
Comet is rolling out to users on a waitlist and for Perplexity Pro subscribers who pay $200 a month. So far, it's been a bit of a mixed bag. I could see myself using certain features, while others take more time than they're worth. Either they don't totally work, or I spend so long double-checking Comet's results that I actually end up losing time. And I still have some privacy concerns, but that's an entirely separate article (and coming soon, I promise).
So far, I'm undecided.
How to watch Womens Euro 2025 online for freeHow to watch Women's Euro 2025 for free. Live stream Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Access free live streams of Women's Euro 2025 from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
This has already been a special summer for sport. The schedule has been stacked with events including the Club World Cup, Lions Tour, and Wimbledon, and now Women's Euro 2025 is adding something new to the mix. We didn't really need more live sport this summer, but are we complaining? Absolutely not. We're greedy for more of the good stuff.
If you want to watch Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The European Women's Championship (Women's Euros) is the main competition in women's association football between national teams of the UEFA confederation. The competition is the women's equivalent of the UEFA European Championship, featuring 16 European women's national teams competing in a group stage followed by knockout fixtures.
The defending champions are England.
Women's Euro 2025 is the 14th edition of the tournament. This year's competition takes place from July 2-27.
There are a number of free streaming platforms offering coverage of Women's Euro 2025:
Austria — ORF
France — TF1
Italy — RAI
Netherlands — NOS
Spain — RTVE
UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)
These free streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access free live streams of Women's Euro 2025 from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of Women's Euro 2025 by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)
Watch Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Women's Euro 2025 before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
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A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Watch Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Titan’s methane lakes could foster an early step in the creation of lifeA new NASA study shows that Titan's methane lakes could form "vesicles," a crucial early step in the development of living cells on Earth.
Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, appears to have the right ingredients and conditions for a certain kind of tiny bubble to form that has the potential to lead to alien life.
These microscopic bubbles — called vesicles — could naturally occur in Titan's methane lakes, according to a new NASA study. On Earth, the structures are considered a crucial early step in the development of living cells. On Titan, a moon 880 million miles away in space, they could hint at chemistry capable of mimicking an Earth-like path to simple life-forms.
Titan is no ordinary moon. It’s the only place besides Earth in the solar system known to have a thick atmosphere, active weather, and liquid on its surface. But instead of water, Titan’s lakes and seas are filled with methane and ethane. They cycle through the atmosphere, forming clouds and oily rain that shape the landscape below, similar to Earth’s water cycle, but at temperatures hundreds of degrees below freezing.
Scientists have long wondered whether Titan’s liquids could also provide an environment for the chemical building blocks of life — or rather, the kind of life people know about.
"The existence of any vesicles on Titan would demonstrate an increase in order and complexity, which are conditions necessary for the origin of life," said NASA scientist Conor Nixon in a statement.
Scientists believe one of the most important steps in the origin of life on early Earth was the formation of vesicles. These protocells develop when certain molecules arrange themselves into spherical pockets encased in flexible membranes. Water and other substances can get trapped within them, thus serving as natural containers for complex reactions. Because of this, NASA researchers have wondered whether a similar process could take shape in those freezing lakes on Titan, one of Saturn's 274 known moons.
According to the new study, published in the International Journal of Astrobiology, it could. If a methane raindrop were to hit one of the moon's lakes, it could splash back a mist of droplets. These droplets, along with the lake’s surface, could become coated in certain molecules called amphiphiles. If the droplets were to then land back on the lake, their surfaces could fuse, creating a double-layer membrane droplet.
The result could be a vesicle floating in liquid methane — similar to how the first cell-like structures may have formed on Earth. Over time, these vesicles might float, interact, and evolve into the groundwork for primitive cells.
While there’s no direct evidence yet that vesicles actually do exist on Titan, the research shows it would be possible in the alien world's current conditions. NASA’s upcoming $3.35 billion Dragonfly mission won’t visit Titan’s lakes directly, but the new findings offer a reason to keep looking.
"We’re excited about these new ideas," Nixon said. "They can open up new directions in Titan research and may change how we search for life on Titan in the future."
Filmmaker Mode on the LG C4 TV changed the way I watch movies foreverLG C4 TV review. Not only a high-quality 4K OLED display, but comes with Filmmaker Mode that allows you to watch films as the director intended.
As someone who spends a lot of time in front of a TV, I want to make sure the screen I buy is a good one. If you, like me, play a lot of games or watch plenty of movies, I think it's worth investing in a nice model that'll provide you with a high quality display for your favorite activities.
Recently, I made the decision to upgrade to the LG C4 TV, and it's been a fantastic jump in quality. My movie nights, in particular, have never been better.
Sure, the newer LG C5 may already be out, but the LG C4 is a TV that's still worth every cent. I have the 55-inch model, and it's a great size for my apartment. It's also very slim, which makes it look nice and sleek when set up against the wall.
More importantly, the C4 boasts a wide variety of features that make it a worthy pickup. Its 4K OLED display offers up vibrant colors and contrasts alongside an incredible amount of detail, which is a treat for the eyes. And your ears can enjoy stellar sound quality thanks to Dolby Atmos audio as well, making for an enjoyably immersive experience. But for me, one of the best features this TV boasts is Filmmaker Mode.
I'm a big movie fan, and not only do I love to feel completely absorbed in what I'm watching, but it helps when I can watch a movie the way that the director intended for it to be seen. Filmmaker Mode does exactly that, and I think this is one of the standout features of the LG C4, something that certainly makes it worth picking up if you've been on the hunt for something that can elevate your movie nights.
Of course, it's not mandatory to watch movies in Filmmaker Mode. There are many picture settings available so you can tailor the image to your own personal preference. But I do think this special mode makes a difference. I recently used it while watching The Lord of the Rings movies and it certainly felt like a visual treat. When selected, or loaded automatically, it adjusts the aspect ratio, color, and frame rate to the settings that the filmmakers intended. It's as close as you can get to having the director sit with you and calibrate your TV to the correct settings.
Setting up Filmmaker Mode is incredibly easy to do. It only takes a few simple steps:
Once your LG C4 TV is on, head to your streaming platform of choice (or insert in a physical Blu-ray disc), then hit 'Settings' once you start up a show or movie.
In the Settings menu (press the cog button on your remote), go to 'Picture Mode' in the top left corner.
Scroll through the options to select 'Filmmaker Mode'.
If you'd like the TV to turn Filmmaker Mode on automatically when watching movies or shows:
Go to 'Picture Settings', then to 'Advanced Settings'.
Turn 'Filmmaker Mode Auto Start' on.
Once you've got it set up, you're ready to roll with a TV show or movie. And if you no longer want the mode active, it's very easy to turn off through the same 'Picture Mode' settings menu.
The LG C4 can be found at a wide variety of retailers, but we've included a link to the 55-inch model at Amazon. It's currently listed for $1,096.99, but if you're looking for a good discount, it can sometimes pop up during big sale events like Prime Day or Black Friday.
This $55 tool can help you pick smarter stocksGet an extra 20% off Sterling Stock Picker with code SAVE20.
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Get an iOS scanner app with a lifetime subscription for just $25iScanner is an iOS scanner app. Get a lifetime subscription on sale now for $24.99.
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Scanning a document shouldn’t be such a hassle. Most of the time, you’re either stuck searching for a printer-scanner combo that actually works or settling for a blurry phone photo that barely does the job.
That’s what makes iScanner such a lifesaver. It’s a smart little app for iPhone and iPad that turns your device into a surprisingly powerful scanner, and right now, a lifetime subscription is only $24.99 (reg. $199.90).
With a desktop scanner, you have to flatten out your page, connect your computer, and hope the scan comes out well. And you can’t exactly carry a physical scanner around with you.
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But the real magic is in the extras. You can solve math problems just by taking a photo of an equation, measure the size of a room by scanning your surroundings, or even count objects in an image for projects or inventory. There’s a built-in PDF editor too, so you can organize pages, protect files with a PIN, merge documents, or add watermarks without switching apps.
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Nobody tell Netflix one of their biggest competitors is only $150 for lifeCuriosity Stream is a documentary streaming service, and a lifetime subscription is now only $150.
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Streaming services have perfected the experience of having a million options and nothing to watch. The situation is especially dire if you love documentaries. Netflix and Hulu might put out a few good ones a year, but that’s nothing for a dedicated documentary fan.
If you’re hungry for content that actually teaches you something, Curiosity Stream is worth a look, and they don’t charge by the month. Right now, it’s only $149.97 (reg. $399.99) to get a Curiosity Stream lifetime subscription.
Curiosity Stream is a streaming platform built entirely around nonfiction. Instead of mixing in the occasional documentary, it focuses on them completely. Science, nature, history, tech, and space are all covered, and each documentary is packed with stunning visuals and clear storytelling. Titles like Planet of Treasures, Engineering the Future, and Into the Jungle are just the beginning, with new content added regularly.
You’ll also recognize some familiar voices along the way. David Attenborough, Nick Offerman, and other well-known narrators bring a human touch to stories about polar bears, black holes, and ancient civilizations. It’s the kind of content that makes you feel smarter just for watching.
The app is easy to use and available on nearly every device. Whether you’re on a tablet, desktop, phone, or even a game console, you can stream comfortably and download episodes for offline viewing. You can save favorites and pick up where you left off anytime.
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It all starts with an AI-powered website builder that can generate full websites, landing pages, and sales funnels in seconds. From there, you can sell products, manage inventory, and handle point-of-sale transactions. The built-in CRM tracks your clients and automates outreach through email and SMS. If you need to schedule appointments, launch a course, build a membership program, or run support through a help desk, Sellful has tools for that too.
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Whats new to streaming this week? (July 18, 2025)What's new to streaming for the week of July 18 on Netflix, HBO Max, Paramount+, Prime Video, and more?
Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!
Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand-new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.
Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're in the mood for dragon adventures, YA romance, or true crime documentaries, we've got something just for you.
Dating can be a nightmare, which I Love You Forever explores through the toxic romance between law student Mackenzie (Sofia Black-D’Elia) and her TV anchor boyfriend Finn (Ray Nicholson). Red flags abound as their relationship goes from love bombing to worryingly possessive to emotionally abusive.
While the performances are solid, the script by co-directors Elisa Kalani and Cazzie David (daughter of Larry David) feels achingly derivative, from the clutch of supporting bestie characters (one of whom is played by David) to the shallow insights about modern romance. On Talking Pictures with Neil Rosen, I admitted I hate this movie, saying, "I think there are interesting stories told about [toxic relationships]; I don't think this is one of them." But hey, if you want to gawk about how much of Mackenzie's story about dating a guy who works in live television might mirror David's past with Saturday Night Live's Pete Davidson, that's your business. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
Starring: Sofia Black-D'Elia, Ray Nicholson, Cazzie David, Raymond Cham Jr., and Jon Rudnitsky
How to watch: I Love You Forever hits HBO Max July 18.
Remember the Balloon Boy hoax? In 2009, Fort Collins–based Richard and Mayumi Heene sent the nation into a frenzy when they said their 6-year-old son Falcon was trapped in a helium balloon hurtling through the Colorado skies. Turns out he was hiding in their attic the whole time. Had the couple engineered the entire incident for attention, or did they truly believe they'd almost lost their son?
Netflix's Trainwreck: Balloon Boy revisits the balloon flight and its aftermath, complete with interviews from Richard, Mayumi, and Falcon themselves. However, the documentary doesn't cover much new ground, making it more of a rehash than a revelation. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Trainwreck: Balloon Boy is now streaming on Netflix.
The Amateur is based on a Robert Littell novel from 1981, and it feels like it. Rami Malek stars as a CIA analyst who blackmails his bosses to get into the field to get revenge on the terrorists who murdered his wife. It's a plot you've seen before with nothing new or all that thrilling to offer, besides a star-studded cast who are wildly underused across the board.
As I wrote in my review for Mashable, "Where Black Bag (also streaming) broke the rules of spy movies and married couples being boring, The Amateur flings audiences back into the tedious and maudlin tale of a man who will literally plot a globe-trekking assassination vacation instead of going to therapy."* — K.P.
Starring: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Laurence Fishburne
How to watch: The Amateur is now available for purchase on Prime Video.
Netflix loves true crime miniseries. Their latest is about the cold case of Amy Lynn Bradley, who went missing from a cruise ship on March 23, 1998. 27 years after that fateful morning, her parents, brother, and investigators go over the clues, the rumors, and the case, looking for new leads.
Did she fall (or jump) overboard? Was she carted off the ship in luggage, dead or alive? Was she abducted into sex trafficking? Documentarians Phil Lott and Ari Mark, who previously co-directed This Is the Zodiac Speaking, reteam to plunge the depths of this missing persons case, making it feel like a super-sized episode of Unsolved Mysteries. — K.P.
How to watch: Amy Bradley Is Missing debuts three episodes on Netflix on July 16.
One of the bigger cinematic disappointments of 2025, this sequel to the killer doll hit M3GAN ditches the horror genre almost completely. Instead, M3GAN 2.0 takes the plot of Terminator 2: Judgment Day and mixes it with espionage action, superhero schtick, and random jokes to make a Frankenstein's monster of movie that's anything but exquisite.
The deadly doll is rebooted to save her human family (Allison Williams and Violet McGraw) from the threat of an assassin AI named Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno). Along the way, there will be throwbacks to the scenes that had fans gagging over the first film, like M3GAN dancing and singing eerily and earnestly. But in my review of the film, I lamented that the genre-mash was a mess: "The result is a sequel that is a horrendous mishmash of ideas and influences. M3GAN 2.0 is occasionally outrageous, but mostly it's derivative, bewildering, and bland." — K.P.
Starring: Allison Williams, Jenna Davis, Violet McGraw, Timm Sharp, Aristotle Athari, Ivanna Sakhno, and Jemaine Clement
How to watch: M3GAN 2.0 is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.
Yosemite National Park becomes a crime scene in Netflix's Untamed. Created by Mark L. Smith (American Primeval) and Elle Smith (The Marsh King's Daughter), the series stars Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, a special agent for the National Parks Service. With the help of new park ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago), Kyle must solve the mysterious death of a young woman, all while confronting his own tragic past.
Thanks to its setting, Untamed boasts gorgeous scenery and a stomach-churning opening sequence set on the cliffs of Yosemite's Half Dome. (If you're afraid of heights, beware.) Still, the rest of the show feels like a fairly standard procedural, complete with a blossoming buddy cop dynamic in Kyle and Naya. — B.E.
Starring: Eric Bana, Sam Neill, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lily Santiago, and Wilson Bethel
How to watch: Untamed premieres this summer on Netflix.
Prime Video's teen drama The Summer I Turned Pretty comes to a close in its third and final season, and the question remains: Which of the Fisher brothers will be Belly's (Lola Tung) endgame?
For now, the answer appears to be Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), whom Belly chose over his brother, Conrad (Christopher Briney), at the end of Season 2. Season 3 picks up at the end of Belly's junior year of college — that's right, it's a time jump! — and she and Jeremiah are still happily together. But when a surprise turn of events brings Conrad back into her life, Belly will once again have to choose between brothers. We can't guarantee how faithfully The Summer I Turned Pretty will follow the end of Jenny Han's book series, but we can guarantee one thing: There will definitely be Taylor Swift on the soundtrack. It wouldn't be The Summer I Turned Pretty without it.* — B.E.
Starring: Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Sean Kaufman, Rain Spencer, and Jackie Chung
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars switched it up in its 10th season, delivering a bracket format that brought in more queens, more strategy, and way more drama.
This week, it all comes to a head in a lip-sync smackdown for the crown, one that I hope will see Aja topping her already iconic Ice Spice performance from earlier this season. But you can bet there are several more twists and turns up RuPaul's sparkly sleeves. Which wild card queen will return to the competition? Which bops will the queens battle it out to? And, of course, who will take the crown? You'll have to tune in to find out! — B.E.
Starring: RuPaul, Acid Betty, Aja, Alyssa Hunter, Bosco, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Daya Betty, DeJe Skye, Denali, Ginger Minj, Irene the Alien, Jorgeous, Kerri Colby, Lydia B. Kollins, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, Nicole Paige Brooks, Olivia Lux, Phoenix, and Tina Burner
How to watch: The finale of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 10 hits Paramount+ July 18.
After a major cliffhanger to cap off Season 2, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is back! The series follows the adventures of the U.S.S. Enterprise Captain Pike (Anson Mount) and young Spock (Ethan Peck) in the lead-up to Star Trek: The Original Series.
Earlier seasons of Strange New Worlds offered up musical episodes and crossovers with animated series Lower Decks, and Season 3 continues to play with genre. Brace yourself for a murder mystery and more as the Enterprise crew continue exploring the final frontier. — B.E.
Starring: Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun, Martin Quinn, Rhys Darby, Patton Oswalt, Cillian O’Sullivan, Melanie Scrofano, Carol Kane, and Paul Wesley
How to watch: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 premieres July 17 on Paramount+.
Billy Joel has been been an icon in music since the 1970s, thanks to unforgettable hit songs like "Piano Man," "Only the Good Die Young," and "We Didn't Start the Fire." (Just to name a few!) But what has his life been like behind the fame and acclaim?
Documentarians Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin reveal the man behind "Piano Man," with Billy Joel: And So It Goes, a two-part documentary that offers in-depth interviews with the eponymous singer/songwriter. Some of the bombshells from the doc became news stories following its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. But from the looks of the trailer, there's much more to delve into than scandals and tragedy. There'll also be praise from his peers and ultimately a tale of survival, fighting for his life and the music that's meant so much to millions.
Considering how amazing the last two-part artist doc HBO Max put out was (we're talking the phenomenal Pee-wee as Himself), we're seated for this one. — K.P.
How to watch: Billy Joel: And So It Goes: Part 1 premieres July 18 on HBO Max, with Part 2 debuting on July 25.
If you loved the animated adventures How to Train Your Dragon brought to theaters and televisions with its string of films and spinoff TV shows, you won't want to miss the live-action version, where the world of Berk feels more real than ever before.
The Black Phone's Mason Thames steps into the shivering shoes of Hiccup, a misfit Viking who is not interested in killing the flying creatures that his people battle. Instead, after wounding a charming dragon he names Toothless, Hiccup hopes to create a new understanding between the warring sides. But first, he'll have to get his peers — like warrior-in-training Astrid (The Last of Us' Nico Parker) — and the town's leaders — like his burly father, Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his role from the 2010 film), on his side. And that'll mean a lot of dragon shenanigans, and perhaps a sky-high battle or two!
In her review of the film, UK editor Shannon Connellan wrote, "How to Train Your Dragon sees [Dean] DeBlois sticking like glue to his original film, which exposes the franchise's timelessness in a way. If you've dreamed of seeing a version of Toothless living, breathing, and gobbling fish in a real world (on screen), the live-action adaptation is a treat." — K.P.
Starring: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gerard Butler, and Ruth Codd
How to watch: How to Train Your Dragon is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.
(*) means a blurb comes from a previous list.
988s crisis services for LGBTQ youth are now silentExperts say there's still hope and help available for LGBTQ youth in crisis.
Since 2022, the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has offered specialized crisis counseling to LGBTQ youth through a simple prompt.
Callers to the federally-funded hotline only needed to push 3; those who texted 988 or chatted could make the same selection by, respectively, texting PRIDE or checking a box to speak with an "LGBTQI trained crisis counselor."
Supporters have hailed the "press 3" option as a success. But it's suddenly slated to disappear, following an announcement in June by the Trump administration that it would "no longer silo" these counseling services, as of today, July 17. Observers noted that the announcement omitted the "T" for transgender when referring to "LGB+ youth services."
When asked directly by Mashable about ending the "press 3" offering, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said that it had run out of congressional funding. Continuing to operate it, the spokesperson said, could have led to massive reductions in service to the entire 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
A similar option for veterans, also offered by 988, was not shuttered, apparently because it's funded through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Both populations are at higher risk for suicide; LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers, due to factors like stigma and discrimination.
Mark Henson, interim vice president of advocacy and government affairs for LGBTQ nonprofit The Trevor Project, told Mashable that the federal government has the flexibility to provide the funds necessary to keep the line operational until the next fiscal year.
"Because the demand continues to rise, providing increased funding was previously — and remains today — in the best interest of supporting the 988 Lifeline's infrastructure. We need more resources, not fewer, to provide Americans with the life-saving crisis care they need and deserve," Henson said.
Suicide prevention advocates are alarmed by the administration's decision and the scant guidance and information they've received in the weeks since, said Henson. The Trevor Project is one of seven groups that have trained counselors to handle calls, chats, and texts through 988's specialized support for LGBTQ youth.
LGBTQ youth in distress could previously choose to be connected to counselors specifically trained to work with this population. Those counselors learn about the unique risk factors for suicide amongst LGBTQ youth, which include family rejection and estrangement, homelessness, bullying, and discrimination. Counselors could also refer youth to supportive local LGBTQ services including community centers.
"This has all the hallmarks of what we want government programs to do for us," Henson said. "This is what we want government to do to help save lives."
In the years since its introduction, the service made 1.5 million connections for LGBTQ youth who reached out for help. This year, the service was on track to exceed the number of people it served in 2024, when more than 600,000 people used the option.
Henson said there may be "life and death consequences" as a result of the administration's decision.
LGBTQ youth may see the change as a signal that their government "thinks their life might not be worth saving," said Mark Henson of The Trevor Project.
He is particularly worried that the service's shut-down could become a barrier to reaching out for some LGBTQ youth, who may feel newly skeptical of using 988. Henson added that LGBTQ youth may see the change as a signal that their government "thinks their life might not be worth saving," even though specialized crisis support services received bipartisan support and were adopted during the first Trump administration.
Bob Gebbia, CEO of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said that he didn't want to jump to conclusions about suicide risk amongst LGBTQ youth increasing as a result of the service ending.
Yet he noted that it might affect some youth: "We do know that when people sometimes feel discriminated against, or there's a bias against them, that could increase the potential to become despondent, anxious, depressed, and struggling with their mental health and overall well-being."
There are other concerns, too. Gebbia said that crisis line wait times may increase for everyone as counselors field calls, chats, and texts that would've otherwise been directed to press 3 option. Additionally, some local crisis centers have begun laying off staff, reportedly as a result of losing the federal funding meant to aid LGBTQ youth.
Both Henson and Gebbia said Congress could bring the specialized services back by including funding for them in the appropriations bill that will be finalized this fall. The Trevor Project has collected more than 50,000 signatures for a petition imploring President Trump and Congress to restore funding.
Still, a months-long lapse in the service before it's restored could be dangerous for vulnerable youth, Gebbia said. He emphasized that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will still be operational for anyone who needs support, including LGBTQ youth.
For those concerned that its services may no longer meet their needs, Henson recommends they directly contact the Trevor Project's crisis hotline; the Trans Lifeline; Crisis Text Line; or BlackLine, a crisis support service for youth who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color. Henson also advises any youth in crisis to talk to a trusted friend or adult.
Gebbia said that youth should continue to call 988 if they're struggling, and recommended they also consider resources like a guidance counselor or a workplace employee assistance program.
"I think the most important thing if you're [a] LGBTQ young person and you're having a hard time, [is that] there's help, there's hope, there's people who care," Gebbia said.
If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 17, 2025Connections: Sports Edition is a New York Times word game about finding common sports threads between words. How to solve the puzzle.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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.
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. 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.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Ohio squads
Green: Sea slang
Blue: Same team
Purple: Golf spots
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Cincinnati teams, minus the S
Green: Sailing terms
Blue: Members of the Indiana Fever
Purple: "Royal" Open Championship venues
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 #297 is...
Cincinnati teams, minus the S - BEARCAT, BENGAL, MUSKETEER, RED
Sailing terms - HULL, KEEL, MAST, RUDDER
Members of the Indiana Fever - BOSTON, CLARK, HOWARD, MITCHELL
"Royal" Open Championship venues - BIRKDALE, LIVERPOOL, PORTRUSH, ST. GEORGE'S
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? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.
How to watch the 2025 British and Irish Lions online for freeHow to watch Lions Tour for free. Live stream the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Watch every British and Irish Lions vs. Australia game for free on 9Now. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There really is something for every sports fan this summer, but we would make the case that the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour is the most unique event taking place over the next few weeks. This tour only takes place every four years and brings together the best rugby players from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. They are touring Australia in 2025.
If you're interested in watching the 2025 British and Irish Lions for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
The British and Irish Lions is a rugby union team selected from players eligible for the national teams of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The team tours every four years, rotating between Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa in order.
The 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia is scheduled to take place between June and August 2025.
The Lions are scheduled to play a three-match Test series against Australia, plus games against Australia's four Super Rugby franchises (Western Force, Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, and ACT Brumbies), an invitational side made up of players from Australia and New Zealand, and a team of players with First Nations and Pasifika origin. The Lions also played a warm-up match against Argentina in Ireland before departing.
The full schedule for the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour is as follows:
British and Irish Lions vs. Argentina — June 20
British and Irish Lions vs. Australia (1st test) — July 19
British and Irish Lions vs. First Nations & Pasifika XV — July 22
British and Irish Lions vs. Australia (2nd test) — July 26
British and Irish Lions vs. Australia (3rd test) — Aug. 2
The good news is that it's possible to live stream the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour without spending anything.
The 2025 British and Irish Lions tour is available to live stream for free on a number of platforms:
Australia — 9Now (Test matches)
USA — RugbyPass TV (non-Test matches)
These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can watch the British and Irish Lions for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to live stream the British and Irish Lions tour from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2025 British and Irish Lions for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access
Connect to 9Now or RugbyPass TV
Live stream the British and Irish Lions for free from anywhere in the world
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 the British and Irish Lions without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream every Test match 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.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour for free with ExpressVPN.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for July 17, 2025Answers to each clue for the July 17, 2025 edition of NYT's The Mini crossword puzzle.
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 Thursday, July 17, 2025:
The answer is Gyms.
The answer is Leak.
The answer is Jolly.
The answer is Able.
The answer is Mess.
The answer is Globe.
The answer is Yells.
The answer is Males.
The answer is Sky.
The answer is Jam.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.
Groks new male AI companion is based on Edward from TwilightElon Musk is seeking name suggestions for Grok's new male AI companion, stating that it is based on Edward Cullen from 'Twilight.'
Earlier this week, Grok unveiled two animated AI companions for users to interact with, one of which is a flirty anime girl who puts on lingerie if you compliment her enough. Now the AI chatbot is adding a third character to the mix, only this time it's apparently modelled on what xAI CEO Elon Musk thinks women find attractive.
Musk introduced Grok's new male AI companion in an X post on Tuesday, asking for suggestions in naming the character. Illustrating the request was a picture of the new companion: a stern-looking anime man wearing a black suit.
"His personality is inspired by Edward Cullen from Twilight and Christian Grey from 50 Shades [of Grey]," wrote Musk. Fifty Shades of Grey is a 2011 erotic BDSM novel which originated as a Twilight fanfiction, with the character of Christian Grey based on brooding vampire Edward Cullen.
Musk also hinted at more upcoming AI companions, responding to an X user's feedback by stating that Grok "will, of course, have another character inspired by [Pride and Prejudice's] Mr. Darcy."
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Though no official name for Grok's new Fifty Shades-inspired AI character has yet been announced, Musk responded positively to proposals such as Nyx, Taki, and Andrej. Andrej appears to be a reference to Andrej Karpathy, an OpenAI cofounder and Tesla's former senior director of AI.
"Grok could do some epic AI tutorials in Andrej’s voice," Musk wrote, responding to requests for such features. "Only if Andrej agrees."
"So what kind of revenue share are we talking about :D jk jk," Karpathy replied.
"$420.69," Musk responded. "Serious money."
It's unclear how serious Musk actually is about this offer. The billionaire has a history of making business offers of questionable authenticity, frequently posting them to X and using joke numbers such as 420 or 69.
Another popular name suggestion for Grok's male AI has been "Chad," a slang term for a man that other men consider attractive and appealing to women. Though the AI character was ostensibly designed to appeal to women, men appear far more excited about it thus far, and are largely receiving it as a bro. Further, while online discourse surrounding Grok's female AI character has been overwhelmingly sexual, its male counterpart seems to have primarily sparked speculation as to the impact his confirmed name will have on various cryptocurrencies.
Time will tell as to whether Nyx/Andrej/Chad will also have an unlockable lingerie look. Responding to an inquiry as to whether "xAI's chad bot" will be "another NSFW companion like the waifu [Grok's AI anime girl Ani], or will it be more like a contrarian 'sun your balls' health influencer," Musk stated that it would be "[w]hatever winds your clock."
Googles new Game Changer Easter egg farewells Brennan Lee MulliganGoogle's new Easter egg farewells Dropout fan-favourite Brennan Lee Mulligan in tie-in to "Game Changer" episode "Fool's Gold."
Dropout released the latest episode of its viral game show Game Changer on Monday, in which players tried to rack up the most social media views by choosing which ideas from their colleagues they'd fund. Now the video currently in the lead is getting a further boost, with Google adding an Easter egg specifically referencing the clip.
If you currently use Google to search for the name of popular cast member Brennan Lee Mulligan, the results page features a farewell message attached to an animated blue heart rising from the bottom of the screen.
"Good luck with your next venture," it reads. "We support you every step of the way."
A blue heart button will also appear at the bottom of the screen. Pressing it will cause shoe emojis to rain from on high, with more footwear appearing with every click.
This is a nod to a video created as part of Game Changer's "Fool's Gold" episode, in which Mulligan ostensibly revealed that he was leaving Dropout. In the clip posted to Game Changer's social media channels, Mulligan sat down to directly address the camera, replicating the sombre tone often seen in serious video messages from online personalities.
However, it soon became apparent that this was a prank once Mulligan explained why he and Dropout were supposedly parting ways.
"As of today, I have dedicated myself to the craft and profession of making custom shoes for American Girl dolls," said Mulligan. "This is me!"
Of course, such an apparently serious and unexpected announcement concerning a fan-favourite cast member was inevitably going to get a ton of views. As of writing, Mulligan's announcement has a combined 3.5 million views across TikTok and YouTube. Of the other competing videos, Katie Marovich's brilliant season premiere of Dimension 20: On a Bus has accumulated 1.9 million views, while Izzy Roland's animated butthole pitch has earned 1.1 million.
Dropout has acknowledged Google's Easter egg, posting a screen recording of it to their social media.
"A lovely send off to our former colleague on his new endeavour," wrote the official Game Changer TikTok account. The statement was accompanied by five shoe emojis.
Get 1TB of lifetime cloud storage for £149 with this iCloud alternativeEnjoy dependable, secure, and private data storage with a 1TB lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage, now £148.53.
TL;DR: Enjoy dependable, secure, and private data storage with a 1TB lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage, now just £148.53.
Deciding on a cloud storage service is almost like picking a life partner. Koofr checks all the right boxes—trustworthy, secure, incredibly easy to access, and, best of all, free from recurring fees.
Secure your important data with a real catch with Koofr. If you act fast, you can score 1TB of a lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage for just £148.53.
Storing your data with a big-name cloud provider feels like riding an endless carousel of monthly fees. If you want to get off the ride, Koofr Cloud Storage is an excellent alternative.
This trusted cloud storage option started back in 2013. It offers a lifetime subscription option that doesn't require monthly payments. Get 1TB of storage for life for a low one-time price, allowing you to house 250,000 12MP photos, 500 hours of HD video, or 6.5 million PDF files.
If you're already established with another service, Koofr offers unmatched accessibility. Easily access your files from Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, and OneDrive — making Koofr your all-in-one cloud storage hub.
Aside from making things easier and cheaper, Koofr offers unique features like the Koofr Duplicate Finder. It helps you find and remove duplicate files, saving you time and space on your account.
Unlike most cloud storage providers, Koofr doesn't track your data. Your files will be encrypted both in transfer and during rest, so you can rest easy knowing you have total privacy.
Let Koofr Cloud Storage save you money monthly with this 1TB lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage, now just £148.53.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
How to unblock Pornhub for free in North CarolinaHow to unblock porn for free in North Carolina. Unblock and watch Pornhub for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from North Carolina with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.
More than a third of U.S. states have introduced age verification laws for online adult content, including North Carolina. After the introduction of these new laws, millions of users in North Carolina are now unable to access popular sites like Pornhub. There are complicated reasons for the ban, but for those left in the dark, there is a simple workaround.
If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from North Carolina, we have all the information you need.
VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.
Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub
Visit Pornhub
The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast streaming speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Unblock Pornhub for free in North Carolina with ExpressVPN.
The best sex and dating apps for hooking upLooking for no strings attached sex? We've lined up a selection of sex apps for finding something casual.
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
In this age of on-demand everything, hookup apps are the go-to for casual dating. If we can stream movies (thank you, Netflix) and order a takeaway with a few quick taps, why shouldn't we be able to find a potential partner the same way?
Sometimes all you want is some fun, and fortunately there's an app for that.
It's still possible to find a connection in the real world. Meeting in bars, clubs, parks, and other real-life locations still happens, whether you believe it or not. You're simply shortening your odds by subscribing to a dating site.
Dating sites and sex apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before meeting up. We know that some dating apps can be expensive, but just think about all those wasted coffees you could avoid by chatting through an app first.
Using dating apps and sites is also a whole lot less intimidating than meeting someone face to face. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you dip your toe into the world of dating from the comfort of your own home.
The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are popular options with massive networks of users. Plus, most of the biggest and best dating sites have free versions with limitations on certain features. So yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with dating apps. And sometimes free apps just don't cut it.
For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up some cash. We're sorry to break it to you, but the best dating sites don't come cheap. It all comes down to access to advanced and premium features. You can still find a hookup with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading.
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hookup apps. What works for your friends might not work for you. Your best bet is to download a handful of options and see which one clicks with your vibe.
Skip the apps that are all about romance and happily ever afters (we're looking at you, eharmony). Instead, keep an eye out for apps that get straight to the point. The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the free ones should have features like profile verification to help keep you safe.
If you really want to pay for a premium membership, that's up to you. But we recommend starting with the free versions of cult faves like Tinder, Grindr, and Hinge. These popular dating apps give you just enough functionality to connect with potential partners for casual encounters — all without spending anything.
The good news is that there are absolutely loads of dating sites and sex apps out there for every type of dater and dating situation. The problem with this wealth of options is that deciding on the right site for you can be difficult. This is where we can help.
Whether you're looking to have a one-night stand, exchange nudes with strangers, or have some phone sex before you doze off, we've rounded up the most reliable hookup apps for every type of single. You can download them via Google Play or the App Store and start swiping in minutes.
These are the best hookup sites and apps in 2025.
