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TL;DR: Finally clear out those old DVDs and keep watching your favorite films with the MacX DVD Ripper Pro, on sale for $24.97 (reg. $67.95) through July 21.

Opens in a new window Credit: Digiarty Software MacX DVD Ripper Pro: Lifetime Single License $24.97 at The Mashable Shop
$67.95 Save $42.98 Get Deal

As digital media rapidly replaces physical formats, keeping your DVD collection accessible and in good shape can be a challenge. But you don't have to hold on to your favorite movies or home movies in that format forever.

MacX DVD Ripper Pro presents a solid solution for digitizing, preserving, and enjoying your DVDs on any device. And for a limited time, you can get a lifetime single license for just $24.97 (reg. $67.95) when you order by July 21.

This software allows you to watch your favorite DVDs on your mobile devices without having to purchase another copy. Designed to be superfast, it also allows you to batch convert multiple videos at the same time. 

MacX is able to rip an entire DVD in as little as five minutes. Convert them to popular digital formats to watch whenever you want. In addition to damaged or previously unplayable DVDs, the ripper supports newly released film DVDs, homemade DVDs, 99-title DVDs, and TV series and workout DVDs.

You can even use it to edit DVDs, including trim, merge, crop, cut video clip segments, and more. And if you have your own YouTube channel, you can upload DVD videos or segments straight to it.

This is for Mac OS X 10.5 or later and is only for use on one device. Minor and major updates are included with this lifetime license.

Whether you want to digitize new releases, protect old favorites, or convert unplayable discs, this software can be of service. Get the MacX DVD Ripper Pro on sale for $24.97 (reg. $67.95) until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Seeking kid-friendly entertainment that is sure to satisfy? Netflix has a ton of options, but frankly, they can be overwhelming. We've made things simple by highlighting 10 excellent films that'll delight children — or those who are still children at heart.

Whether you want a stellar movie musical, a madcap adventure, a spooky treat, or something to get you in the holiday spirit, we've got you covered.

Here are the 10 best kids' movies now streaming on Netflix.

1. Over the Moon (2020) Credit: Netflix

Young Fei Fei is enchanted by the story of the moon goddess Chang'e and the legend of her lover. Still mourning the death of her mother, Fei Fei takes unkindly to her father finding new love and decides to build a rocket to the moon to find Chang'e. She finds a magical world beyond her imagining and must reconcile the fantasy of the moon with the life that awaits her on Earth. Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong, John Cho, Ruthie Ann Miles, Margaret Cho, and Sandra Oh star, so yes, Over the Moon is a powerhouse lineup of Asian American acting talent. — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Over the Moon is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Chang'e's elaborate character design is the superstar of Netflix's 'Over the Moon' 2. Nimona (2023)

Set in a world that madly mixes the medieval with pop futurism, Nimona tells the story of the good-hearted knight named Ballister Boldheart (voiced by Riz Ahmed), who pulled himself up by his commoner bootstraps to become a valiant protector of the Kingdom. Unfortunately, somebody with old-school ideas of the class system doesn't much like the look of all that upward mobility, and Ballister finds himself framed for the murder of the realm's much beloved Queen Vaerlin (Lorraine Toussaint). 

Enter Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a rascally teenage outcast with the magical ability to shape-shift, who's embraced everyone's fear of her powers to play at being the bad-ass. Seeing Ballister's downfall, Nimona thinks she's found a partner in her little league of villainy. Claiming his innocence, Ballister vehemently disagrees. But he needs her help, and the two end up hitting it off despite their differences as they dodge the law. 

Queer as all get out — Ballister's got himself a boyfriend, and Nimona's shape-shifting is Trans Representation 101 – this wondrously exciting and funny adventure from directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (based on ND Stevenson's 2015 graphic novel) had a tortured path to the screen, all because of its big, beautiful rainbow-colored heart. But this is one that will withstand the test of time and bigotry, because it's simply a rippingly awesome yarn, told with masterful panache and deep wells of emotion. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Nimona is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Klaus (2019) Credit: Netflix

It might be a Christmas movie, but Netflix's own original about spoiled postman-in-training Jesper (Jason Schwartzman), who happens upon an old toymaker, is a lovely and rewatchable film year-round. He becomes the go-between for the toymaker, Klaus (J.K. Simmons), and the local children who write him letters hoping for toys. The story spins out to become the origin of Santa Claus and a humbling journey for Jesper. — P.K.

How to watch: Klaus is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016)

Speaking as a person whose sense of humor and entire life outlook were profoundly shaped in childhood by Paul Reubens (RIP king) via his iconic character of Pee-wee Herman in the 1980s, I pray that parents are still gifting their children with the same unfettered joy and madcap lunacy that I got. And while Reubens' last spin in the gray suit and red bow-tie isn't quite as universally beloved as his earlier Big Adventure or Playhouse antics, 2016's Pee-wee's Big Holiday is way underrated and a heaping helping of fun.

A road-trip movie much in the vein of Pee-wee's first transcontinental outing in search of his stolen bicycle, Pee-wee's Big Holiday sends our favorite boy-man on a much happier kind of adventure — he's got to get to his new best friend Joe Manganiello's birthday party in New York City! Yes, Joe Manganiello of True Blood and the Magic Mike movies, here playing a world-class goofball version of himself. And the big muscly lunk is a natural comedian. Who knew? 

Along the way, Pee-wee must overcome all sorts of madcap roadblocks, including Farmer Brown and his nine daughters, a trio of Russ-Meyer-flavored bad-girl car-thieves, and a layover in an Amish community that involves the world's most hilarious balloon gag ever. It's the silliest bunch of nonsense and an absolute blast for kids of all ages. — J.A.

How to watch: Pee-wee's Big Holiday is now streaming on Netflix.

5. The Willoughbys (2020) Credit: Netflix

Based on an outlandish book by Lois Lowry, this Netflix original centers on a deeply dysfunctional family in need of some wild changes. Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby have four adorable, eager, and talented children, whom they utterly despise. Thus, life is very hard for eldest Tim (Will Forte), dreamer Jane (Alessia Cara), and oddball twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B (Seán Cullen). That is, until they concoct a wacky scheme that sends their parents off on a perilous vacation, from which they may not return! However, the siblings' deadly plan for independence is challenged when a plucky nanny (Maya Rudolph) arrives at their door. Soon, agonies and antics give way to the jubilant adventure of a lifetime.

Director Kris Pearn's sharp design style and a snarling narration from Ricky Gervais pairs with Lowry's dark plot line to give this outrageous animated feature a cheeky yet charming edge.* — Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor

How to watch: The Willoughbys is streaming on Netflix.

6. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021) Credit: Netflix

Sony Pictures Animation has given audiences such daring and dynamic animated movies as Surf's Up, Hotel Transylvania, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This zany 2021 release centers on a family who's battling back the robo-apocalypse with togetherness, internet savviness, and a walleyed pug named Monchi (voiced by social media icon Doug the Pug).

The Mitchells’ adventure into chaos begins when daughter Katie (Abbi Jacobson) is poised to go off to college. Desperate for one last family-unifying road trip, her dad (Danny McBride) piles the whole family into his beater of a vehicle, unknowingly charting a fateful route into heroics. Director Mike Rianda infuses Katie's excitable perspective throughout the film by working in internet memes, social media-style reactions, and blitz of bonkers visuals. It’s a bold move that might alienate some viewers but has largely won the acclaim of critics and kiddos.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Mitchells vs. the Machines is streaming on Netflix.

7. Paddington (2014)

Inspired by Michael Bond's beloved children's books, Paddington is a critically heralded romp that blends a crackerjack live-action cast (Hugh Bonneville! Sally Hawkins! Julie Walters! Peter Capaldi!) with an adorable CGI bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw), who wears a blue coat and cherishes marmalade. Traveling from the jungles of Peru to London, the titular bear is reluctantly taken in by the Brown family. But as cultures collide, Paddington's freedom —indeed, his very life! — are threatened by an overzealous taxidermist (a gamely over-the-top Nicole Kidman), who is ruthlessly determined to make him her next specimen! Full of whimsy, wit, and warmth, Paddington is a jolly delight that demands rewatching. — K.P.

How to watch: Paddington is streaming on Netflix.

8. Nightbooks (2021) Credit: Netflix

From David Yarovesky, the director of Brightburn, comes a spooky tale that'll thrill on family night. Based on the horror-fantasy novel of the same name by J. A. White, Nightbooks centers on a Brooklyn bookworm (Winslow Fegley) who is kidnapped by a wicked witch (Krysten Ritter). Held captive in her magical apartment, he's forced to tell her a new scary story each night in exchange for his survival. Thankfully, he's not alone. A hard-nosed fellow prisoner (Lidya Jewett) not only helps him avoid the pitfalls of this precarious prison, but also helps him unlock the secrets that could get them both out!

Peppered with PG-level scares and plenty of style (we'd die for Ritter's witch wardrobe), Nightbooks is a rollicking good time for kiddos (and grown-ups) who appreciate a good bump in the night.* — K.P.

How to watch: Nightbooks is streaming on Netflix.

9. The Lego Movie (2014)

Hard to believe this one is a decade old at this point! But before directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller could make animated magic with their two (to date) Spider-Verse films (the second of which is also streaming on Netflix), they turned their scrappy eyes toward Legoland in 2014 and made this wickedly fun and pop-referential adventure about a lowly builder named Emmet Brickowski (Chris Pratt) who somehow manages to save the day. 

And what about that animation? The herky-jerky movement of all the Lego people, which remains true to their stiff plastic origins, never fails to amuse. And, it doesn't seem to come up much, but this movie definitely laid the groundwork for what Greta Gerwig accomplished with Barbie – turning a corporate property into sly movie magic. But even though the Lego-verse has expanded exponentially over the past decade, what with the Lego Batman and Ninjago movies all battling for our attention, the best remains the first because it remains the simplest. Pure playtime fun. — J.A.

How to watch: The Lego Movie is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Finding 'Ohana (2021) Credit: Netflix

If you grew up watching The Goonies, then you'll treasure sharing this gem with your kiddos. Director Jude Weng channels Spielberg's brand of awe for an exciting tale of Hawaiian legend and childhood heroics. Raised in New York City, siblings Pili (Kea Peahu) and Ioane (Alex Aiono) feel like fish out of water when their mother brings them to Oahu. But soon enough, they're making friends and setting forth on a quest for a legendary lost treasure. Along the way, there'll also be teen romance, family drama, and local lore come to life. Seeking something fun and thrilling? Look no further. — K.P.

How to watch: Finding 'Ohana is streaming on Netflix.

UPDATE: Jun. 28, 2024, 5:09 p.m. EDT This article was originally published on June 25, 2022. It has been updated to reflect the current steaming options on Netflix.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 30 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 30

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, June 30, 2024:

AcrossPurchase at the pump

• The answer is gas.

"Not gonna happen"

• The answer is nope.

Big name in watches

• The answer is timex.

Former "Jeopardy!" host Trebek

• The answer is Alex.

Candy that comes in collectible dispensers

• The answer is Pez.

DownPop star Selena

• The answer is Gomez.

Highest point

• The answer is apex.

Uncomfortable topic in middle school health class

• The answer is sex.

River past the Pyramids

• The answer is Nile.

Alternative to sparkling, for water

• The answer is tap.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

TL;DR: Through July 21, master the beloved Microsoft app with this Microsoft Excel training bundle. It's on sale for just £23.69 for a limited time.

In many different types of business environments, proficiency in Microsoft Excel is more than just a skill on your CV; it’s a necessity. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or a more experienced user hoping to refine your knowledge professionally, this Excel online learning bundle aims to provide comprehensive training to boost your abilities and confidence in this essential tool. You can get it on sale for £23.69 through July 21.

This bundle includes 16 courses totaling almost 99 hours of learning content. Beginners can start with the Microsoft Excel 2021 & 365: Beginners Course, which has 100 lessons to get newbies up to speed on these versions of Excel. There are also multi-lesson intermediate and advanced courses on Excel 2021 & 365 as well.

Tap into Excel with ground-up learning that shows you how to create and navigate workbooks. You'll also learn to work with dates, enter text and numbers, and understand essential functions and formulas. The advanced Excel 2019 course takes things a bit further, showing you how to use detailed formatting tools, understand advanced charting and graphing, and connect to other databases outside of Excel.

Other courses cover a wide range of topics, including MS Excel 2019 for Mac, Pivot tables (both beginner and advanced), using the software for business and data analysis, advanced formulas, VBA, and more.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your professional skills from the comfort of your own flat.

Until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, check out The 2024 Ultimate Microsoft Excel Training Bundle on sale for just £23.69.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StreamSkill The 2024 Ultimate Microsoft Excel Training Bundle £23.69 at the Mashable Shop
£315.44 Save £291.75 Get Deal

TL;DR: Live stream Jakob Ingebrigtsen at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are a number of exceptional athletes performing at Paris 2024, but Jakob Ingebrigtsen might be the most talented. The Norwegian is seriously fast, and will be looking to secure a gold medal in both the 1,500m and 5,000m events at Paris 2024. That will be a big ask, but Ingebrigtsen is a confident guy.

If you want to watch Jakob Ingebrigtsen at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ingebrigtsen competing at Paris 2024?

Jakob Ingebrigtsen is set to compete in two events at Paris 2024:

Men's 1,500m

• Men's 1,500m Round 1 — 5:05 a.m. ET on Aug. 2

• Men's 1,500m Semi-Final — 3:15 p.m. ET on Aug. 4

• Men's 1,500m Final — 2:50 p.m. ET on Aug. 6

Men's 5,000m

• Men's 5,000m Round 1 — 5:10 a.m. ET on Aug. 7

• Men's 5,000m Final — 2 p.m. ET on Aug. 10

How to watch Ingebrigtsen at Paris 2024 for free

The Men's 1,500m and 5,000m events at Paris 2024 are available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream the Men's 1,500m and 5,000m events at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

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 unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the Men's 1,500m and 5,000m events at Paris 2024 (plus all the other events) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 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.

Live stream the Men's 1,500m and 5,000m events at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Spain vs. Georgia in Euro 2024 for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Euro 2024 group stage is done and dusted, with some teams really impressing over the first three fixtures. One of those sides was Spain, with an attacking approach spearheaded by some talented young wingers. Can anyone stop Spain from progressing through the knockout rounds?

Georgia stand in their way. And whilst it has already been an incredible tournament for the newcomers, they won't want things to end here.

If you want to watch Spain vs. Georgia in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Spain vs. Georgia?

Spain vs. Georgia in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on June 30. This fixture takes place at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany.

How to watch Spain vs. Georgia for free

Spain vs. Georgia in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by ITV, with free live streaming available on ITVX.

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

Access ITVX by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Stream Spain vs. Georgia in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to stream every remaining Euro 2024 fixture for free from anywhere in the world.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A 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.

Live stream Spain vs. Georgia in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch England vs. Slovakia in Euro 2024 for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Euro 2024 group stage delivered more than any fan could have reasonably expected, so we're all expecting fireworks during the knockout rounds. After all, everything is on the line at this point. There is no room for anything less than perfection.

That being said, England weren't exactly electric in their first three games. It can only get better, right?

If you want to watch England vs. Slovakia in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Slovakia ?

England vs. Slovakia in Euro 2024 kicks off at 12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST on June 30. This fixture takes place at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

How to watch England vs. Slovakia for free

England vs. Slovakia in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by ITV, with free live streaming available on ITVX.

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

Access ITVX by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Stream England vs. Slovakia in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to stream every remaining Euro 2024 fixture for free from anywhere in the world.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A 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.

Live stream England vs. Slovakia in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Jamaica vs. Venezuela in the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2024 Copa America group stage is almost over, which means the quarter finals are now just days away. Every team wants to grab its place in the knockout stage — even underdogs like Jamaica and Venezuela.

Jamaica are in the tournament for only the third time, but the Reggae Boyz have got heavyweight striking power in the form of the Premier League's Michail Antonio. Venezuela meanwhile can fire back with experienced goalscorer Salomon Rondon. And despite a patchy record over the years, Venezuela is a team that's on the up. The big question is whether these Group B sides can do enough to advance to the quarter finals.

If you want to watch Jamaica vs. Venezuela in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Jamaica vs. Venezuela?

Jamaica vs. Venezuela in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on June 30. This fixture takes place at the Q2 Stadium, Austin.

How to watch Jamaica vs. Venezuela for free

Jamaica vs. Venezuela in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.

Sportitalia is a free streaming platform in Italy. While it's technically geo-blocked, meaning viewers outside Italy shouldn't be able to access it, you can get around these restrictions by using a VPN. VPNs are useful tools that can obscure your IP address and connect you with secure servers in other countries, in this case Italy. By doing this you can access Sportitalia's free streams no matter where you are around the globe.

Access free live streams of Copa America by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Sportitalia

5. Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming aren't actually free to use. So how can you watch the 2024 Copa America at no cost? Thankfully, there's a money-saving workaround as top VPN providers offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. Just sign up and take advantage of these trial periods. That way you won't spend anything in the long-term, but you'll have enough time to watch every 2024 Copa America fixture for free.

What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Italy

• 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 for a limited time — an overall saving of 49%. That deal includes an extra three months for free, plus a whole year of unlimited data backup via the cloud, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Jamaica vs. Venezuela for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Mexico vs. Ecuador in the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Mexico have returned to the 2024 Copa America for the first time since 2016, when they reached the quarter finals. They've played in two World Cups since then and always have the potential to surprise opponents on the international stage. Ecuador meanwhile are looking to improve on their performance at the 2021 Copa America, where they dropped out at the quarter-final stage.

It's almost time for the quarter finals again, with the knockout stages of the 2024 Copa America just days away. Some teams have already advanced. But where will Mexico and Ecuador stand in Group B after this deciding fixture?

If you want to watch Mexico vs. Ecuador in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Mexico vs. Ecuador?

Mexico vs. Ecuador in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on June 30. This fixture takes place at the State Farm Stadium, Phoenix.

How to watch Mexico vs. Ecuador for free

Mexico vs. Ecuador in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.

Sportitalia is a free streaming platform. Based it Italy, it's technically geo-blocked, which means viewers outside Italy can't access it. There's a way around the geo-restrictions, however, if you use a VPN. VPNs are handy tools that allow you to hide your IP address and connect with a secure server in Italy. By doing this you'll be able to watch the 2024 Copa America on Sportitalia wherever you are around the world.

Access free live streams of Copa America by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Sportitalia

5. Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming aren't actually free to use. So how can you watch the 2024 Copa America at no cost? There's a handy workaround. VPN providers offer deals that include free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. All you need to do is sign up and take advantage of these trial periods. That way you won't spend anything in the long-term, but you'll have enough time to watch every 2024 Copa America fixture.

What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Italy

• 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 for a limited time — that's an overall saving of 49% off the standard price. That deal includes an extra three months with no additional cost, plus an entire year of unlimited data backup via the cloud, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Mexico vs. Ecuador for free with ExpressVPN.

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 June 30's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

Will Ferrell's character in the 2003 film Elf.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter D appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

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

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1107 is...

BUDDY.

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.

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

Connections is the latest New York Times word game 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 June 30's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Truism

• Green: Ways to heat the grill

• Blue: Types of trees

• Purple: Putting together a hot tub

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Old Saying

• Green: Grill Fuel Sources

• Blue: Trees

• Purple: Hot Tub Components

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 Connections #385 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Old Saying: ADAGE, CHESTNUT, MAXIM, SAW

• Grill Fuel Sources: CHARCOAL, ELECTRIC, GAS, WOOD

• Trees: ASH, CHERRY, EBONY, GUM

• Hot Tub Components: FILTER, HEATER, JET, PUMP

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.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Twitch streamers, will you be receiving a Bleed Purple Statue?

Among YouTube creators, one surefire way to show you've made it is if you've received a YouTube Creator Award. These are physical plaques that YouTube sends to channel owners who've hit certain subscriber milestones.

At Twitchcon Europe 2024 in Rotterdam on Saturday, Twitch announced its own version of these physical awards: Twitch Streamer Achievement Awards.

SEE ALSO: YouTube demonetized Dr Disrespect over allegations from earlier Twitch ban

The awards will be given out under Twitch's Streamer Achievement Program. Unlike YouTube, which bases awards on subscriber milestones, Twitch is focusing on rewarding creators for viewership milestones. 

Twitch streamer award eligibility

Twitch streamers who hit certain viewership numbers based on hours watched will receive a Bleed Purple Statue. 

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Like YouTube's version of the program, there will be three different milestone tiers that Twitch streamers can hit which will reward them with three different versions of the Bleed Purple Statue.

Let's compare the two programs:

Over on YouTube, channels that hit 100,000 subscribers receive a Silver Creator Award. Once a channel hits 1 million subscribers, they are eligible for the Gold Creator Award. The final award is the Diamond Creator Award, which YouTubers receive when their channel hits 10 million subscribers. (YouTube also did create a special edition award that they gave to MrBeast when his channel hit 200 million subscribers.)

In order to receive a Bleed Purple Statue, Twitch streamers must hit 5 million hours watched on their channel. If they hit 50 million hours watched on their channel, there is a Marble version of the award. Hitting a whopping 250 million hours watched on their channel nets them a Chrome version of the award. 

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Twitch streamer LittleBigWhale was the first to receive a statue live at Twitchcon Europe, where Twitch first unveiled all three versions of the award.

According to Twitch, eligible creators will receive invitations to accept their Bleed Purple Statue later this summer.

Since being banned from Twitch four years ago, streamer Dr Disrespect has amassed millions of subscribers at his new home on YouTube. 

However, now that the reason behind his Twitch ban has become public, Dr Disrespect may have to find yet another new platform to stream on.

YouTube has confirmed that it has suspended Dr Disrespect, whose real name is Herschel "Guy" Beahm, from its Partner Program, effectively demonetizing his channel.

SEE ALSO: The Dr Disrespect allegations and fallout, explained

"We have suspended DrDisrespect’s channel from the YouTube Partner Program following serious allegations against the creator," reads a statement provided to news outlets by a YouTube spokesperson. "This action means the channel is no longer able to monetize on YouTube."

What did Dr Disrespect do?

Beahm aka Dr Disrespect was a popular Twitch streamer until he was banned from the platform in 2020. For years, the reason for his ban was unknown to the public.

Then on June 21, a former Twitch employee seemingly confirmed why Dr Disrespect was exiled from the platform where he had millions of followers: The streamer had allegedly been exchanging inappropriate messages via Twitch with a minor.

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The potential reason behind Dr Disrespect's 2020 Twitch ban quickly became a trending story online. Forced to address the issue, Beahm first attempted to brush off the allegations before issuing a second statement confirming that he did exchange "inappropriate" messages with a minor via a since-shuttered Twitch messaging feature.

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"Were there twitch whisper messages with an individual minor back in 2017?  The answer is yes," Beahm posted on his @DrDisrespect account on Elon Musk's X. "Were there real intentions behind these messages, the answer is absolutely not. These were casual, mutual conversations that sometimes leaned too much in the direction of being inappropriate."

Why was Dr Disrespect demonetized on YouTube?

Even though Beahm's inappropriate conduct with a minor occurred on Twitch, his confirmation of the allegations meant that YouTube now had a legitimate reason to suspend him from the company's own monetization program.

"Our Creator Responsibility Guidelines are clear that if a creator’s off-platform behavior harms our users, employees, or ecosystem, we may take action to protect our community, including by suspending monetization," reads YouTube's statement on the demonetization of Dr Disrespect's YouTube channel. "While these behaviors are rare, they can cause widespread harm to the YouTube community, and potentially damage the trust among creators, users, and advertisers.”

It's unclear just how much Beahm will lose due to his Dr Disrespect channel being demonetized. Estimates from YouTube analytics platform SocialBlade place the channel's revenue at as much as six figures per year. However, these estimates don't account for Beahm's losses as a result of losing exclusive partnership deals. 

While Beahm says Twitch ended up paying him out for the partnership deal that the two parties had as part of the settlement, a Rolling Stone report found that Beahm lost out on a potential similar deal with YouTube. 

Former YouTube head of gaming partnerships, Ryan Wyatt, told the news outlet that the company couldn't independently confirm the allegations years ago. But, the rumors YouTube had heard concerning Beahm's inappropriate interactions with a minor resulted in the company dropping any pursuit of a partnership deal with the streamer.

Now, we know that those rumors were true. As a result, Beahm not only lost any sort of exclusive deal with YouTube, but also basic creator monetization on the Dr Disrespect YouTube channel.

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (64GB) $239.90 at Amazon (save $90.09) Get Deal BEST HOME SECURITY DEAL Blink Video Doorbell + 3 Outdoor 4 smart security cameras (4th gen) with Sync Module 2 $119.99 at Amazon for Prime members (save $199.99) Get Deal BEST GRILL DEAL Traeger Grills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker $474.99 at Amazon (save $225) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL INSIGNIA 50-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote $189.99 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal

It's finally the weekend — time to treat yourself with some deals.

Between Amazon's 4th of July deals and early Prime Day savings, there are plenty of great deals to be had — and even more are on the way as we head toward the holiday and the mega sale event. If you want to avoid actual Prime Day chaos at all costs, you'll be happy to know there are plenty of live deals to shop already. And we've rounded up the best of the best.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on June 29. Be sure to check out our selections from June 27 and June 28 as well — many of those are still live and worth adding to your cart.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (64GB) $239.90 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $90.09 Get Deal

If you need a tablet to take on the go for gaming, streaming, and maybe getting some work done, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite could be a great fit for you — especially at $90 off. This convenient tablet only weighs 1.03 pounds, yet it has a large 10.4-inch screen and a 14-hour battery life. It's got a crustal-clear screen, Dolby Atmos surround sound, and even comes with an included S Pen so you can take notes or sketch to your heart's content. Right now, it's only $10 above its lowest price ever, so you know it's a good buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Video Doorbell + 3 Outdoor 4 smart security cameras (4th gen) with Sync Module 2 $119.99 at Amazon
$319.98 Save $199.99 Prime-exclusive deal Get Deal

Prime members, this special deal is for you. Grab a Blink video doorbell plus three Outdoor 4 security cameras for under $120, this security bundle's lowest price ever by far. See who's at your door even when you're not home with a 1080p HD live view and two-way audio, plus infrared night vision after the sun goes down. The Outdoor 4 cameras can automatically alert you when they detect motion, and the included AA batteries will keep the cameras going for two years. In a season of a lot of travel and time away from home, there's no price on peace of mind.

Opens in a new window Credit: Traeger Traeger Grills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker $474.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $225.00 Get Deal

Sun's out means hamburger buns out. Become the grill master you've always wanted to be this summer with am electric Traeger wood pellet grill and smoker on sale for its lowest price ever. Leave messy charcoal behind for good and get that barbecue taste that only wood grilling provides. Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbecue food on 884 square inches (that's eight chickens or 40 burgers) at up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Your stomach will thank you.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia INSIGNIA 50-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote $189.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

Grab this 50-inch smart Fire TV at its lowest price yet. It has a 4K Ultra HD resolution display, DTS Studio Sound with two-speaker playback technology to immerse you in the action, and easy access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and more. Alexa comes built-in, so you never have to type in a pesky password again.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

YouTube has really been pushing its users to join YouTube Premium lately. The main selling point for most is the ad-free YouTube experience — ad-free without having to use an ad blocker, that is, and the company has recently been cracking down on ad blocker use.

But YouTube seems to realize it's not just the ad-free experience that will attract potential paying Premium subscribers.

SEE ALSO: YouTube is reportedly talking to major labels for AI music deals

YouTube announced a slew of new features this week for its YouTube Premium subscribers. Those updates include a jump ahead feature, a new picture-in-picture option, as well as a number of "experimental" features. Plus, YouTube also hinted at some upcoming updates too, such as new subscription plan options. Let's break it down.

Jump ahead

YouTube has always allowed users to skip to any part of a video in the YouTube player. Now, YouTube Premium subscribers will have an even easier time skipping to the parts of a video that are popular among the broader YouTube audience.

With jump ahead, YouTube Premium subscribers just need to double tap the right side of a YouTube video and then click the "jump ahead" button that shows up. After that, YouTube will automatically bring the user to the part of the video most commonly skipped to. YouTube says the feature is powered by its internal watch data and AI. Heads up, though. According to YouTube, not all videos will display this feature.

Picture-in-picture YouTube Shorts

Picture-in-picture video is not new to YouTube. But, apparently, users previously couldn't use the picture-in-picture option with YouTube Shorts.

Now, shortform video on YouTube can be viewed via picture-in-picture while users multitask within other apps. Unfortunately, it does seem like this new YouTube Premium feature is only available on Android devices.

Why would someone want to watch a YouTube Short, which is less than one minute long, with picture-in-picture? Well, this new feature appears to autoplay YouTube Shorts while users use other apps on their Android device. For the passive consumption video addicts out there, this could be a killer feature.

New "experimental" features

For the month of July, YouTube is letting YouTube Premium subscribers exclusively try out three upcoming YouTube updates before everyone else.

Until July 15, YouTube Premium users can opt-in to test out Shorts Smart Downloads, which automatically downloads recommended YouTube Shorts videos to their device for offline viewing. This test feature is currently only available on Android devices.

YouTube is also testing another Android exclusive feature within the YouTube for Android app called Conversational AI. Premium users can "ask" AI questions about certain videos they're watching. Based on the users' prompts, Conversational AI will provide answers and recommend content while the video plays. YouTube Premium subscribers can try this feature out until July 31 and YouTube is asking users to provide feedback as to whether the AI provides helpful information.

For non-Android owning YouTube Premium users, YouTube has a redesigned watch page to test out. The new watch page brings a YouTube video title and description as well as the comments left on it over to a new sidebar on the right-hand side. The focus of the new watch page is now on the video content as well as a selection of recommended video content that now appears directly under the video player. Premium subscribers can try out the new watch page until July 8.

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By going to youtube.com/new, YouTube Premium users can opt-in to test these features out now.

More YouTube Premium updates coming

In a separate post about the YouTube Premium updates in the YouTube Help forums, the company hinted at some upcoming updates. These updates include more Premium controls and download options. 

YouTube also mentioned that the company is also exploring adding additional Premium plan options for users. YouTube said it would expand "existing offers to more regions" as well as introduce entirely new plans. Plus. the post also mentioned "exploring ways" for Premium subscribers to share "benefits" with friends. 

YouTube could be exploring family plans or multi-member options. Or the company could be talking about something completely different. With YouTube's newfound focus on YouTube Premium, it seems we could be finding out exactly what they're talking about very soon.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 28 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 28

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, June 29, 2024:

AcrossThermometer reading, for short

• The answer is TEMP.

What the letters of ROY G. BIV stand for

• The answer is COLORS.

Totally rad

• The answer is AWESOME.

Equivalent of 165 bottles of beer

• The answer is KEG.

Spanish for "aunt"

• The answer is TIA.

Pink Pearls are classic ones

• The answer is ERASERS.

Devious

• The answer is SNEAKY.

Male cats or turkeys

• The answer is TOMS.

Down"The Two ___," second volume of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy

• The answer is TOWERS.

Gracefully stylish

• The answer is ELEGANT.

Jun., Jul., Aug., etc.

• The answer is MOS.

The 76ers or the 49ers

• The answer is PROTEAM.

Serving at a birthday party

• The answer is CAKE.

Self-satisfied smiles

• The answer is SMIRKS.

"Piece of 5-Down!"

• The answer is EASY.

Improvement of a web page's visibility, for short

• The answer is SEO.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Scientists analyzing samples NASA brought back from an asteroid got a surprise detection that may mean the space rock was once part of a long-gone ocean world. 

What the team found was water-soluble magnesium-sodium phosphate in mottled stones — a mineral no one expected because it didn't show up in any of the data the spacecraft collected when it was at the asteroid Bennu. Phosphate compounds are key for all known life, forming the backbone of DNA.

The new study's findings, published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science, are part and parcel with the "trickster asteroid," nicknamed as such for baffling scientists every step of the OSIRIS-Rex mission. 

"The presence and state of phosphates, along with other elements and compounds on Bennu, suggest a watery past for the asteroid,” said principal investigator Dante Lauretta in a statement. 

SEE ALSO: What does a meteorite taste like? Someone found out and bottled it. This Bennu particle, about a millimeter wide, reveals a bright crust of phosphate under a microscope. Credit: Lauretta & Connolly et al. (2024) Meteoritics & Planetary Science

NASA's $800 million OSIRIS-Rex mission, short for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security Regolith Explorer, launched in 2016. The robotic spacecraft completed its 4-billion-mile trip when it dropped the capsule from 63,000 miles above Earth onto a patch of Utah desert last year. It's the first U.S. mission to grab a sample of an asteroid. These are the most significant space souvenirs NASA has obtained since the Apollo moon rocks, gathered between 1969 and 1972.

NASA selected Bennu for the mission because it has a very remote chance of hitting Earth in the coming centuries. Learning about the asteroid could be helpful in future efforts to redirect it. 

But the team also chose Bennu because it is chock-full of carbon, meaning it might contain the chemical origins of life. Some of its mineral fragments could be older than the 4.5 billion-year-old solar system. These grains of stardust could have come from dying stars or supernovas that eventually led to the formation of the sun and planets.

NASA has made the asteroid Bennu samples collected during the OSIRIS-Rex mission available to scientists around the world for research. Credit: NASA / Erika Blumenfeld and Joseph Aebersold

All forms of Earth life have specific chemicals in their makeup, such as amino acids and sugars. Scientists have known that asteroids hold molecules believed to be the precursors to these chemicals. That's why many suspect space rocks were responsible for bringing them to the planet through collisions in ancient cosmic history. By studying the Bennu samples, they hope to gain more insight into how these ingredients could have evolved. 

"What I want to know is how do you go from a simple carbon molecule, like methane, which is a natural gas, to something like amino acids, which make our proteins, or nucleic acid, which makes up our genetic material," Lauretta said last year.

His dream discovery would be evidence of amino acids starting to link together through chemical bonds to form a chain, known as a peptide, signaling protein evolution.

Bennu is the shape of a droplet and made of gravel and boulders barely held together by their own microgravity. Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / University of Arizona

The mission succeeded in bringing home about a half-cup of crushed rocks and dirt. So far researchers haven't been disappointed with their bounty. 

The sample is rich in nitrogen and carbon, essential ingredients for life. The team's early analysis has found lots of clay minerals, particularly serpentine. This is similar to the type of rocks found at mid-ocean ridges on Earth, where geologists think the recipe for life may have begun for our planet.

The magnesium–sodium phosphate in the Bennu sample resembles sodium phosphates on Enceladus. This Saturn moon is wrapped in a saltwater ocean under ice and known to shoot enormous geysers into space. Similar phosphate-enriched fluids are found in Earth's soda lakes, such as Last Chance and Goodenough in Canada.

The OSIRIS-Rex sample return capsule after it landed on Earth. Credit: NASA / Keegan Barber

In the new OSIRIS-Rex paper, scientists suggest a "possible link" between Bennu and Enceladus, but this idea would require more investigation to prove. The research on the sample has only begun to scratch the surface.

"These findings underscore the importance of collecting and studying material from asteroids like Bennu," Lauretta said, "especially low-density material that would typically burn up (if it were to enter) Earth’s atmosphere."

Watch out, Martians.

Meteorites slam into Mars five times more than planetary scientists thought, a finding published in the journal Nature Astronomy. This makes impacts on the Red Planet about a daily occurrence. A 26-foot-wide (8-meter) crater forms almost each day, and a nearly 100-foot (30-meter) crater is created once a month.

Previous estimates of these Martian impacts largely came from studying crater imagery on the moon and from Mars-orbiting craft. But unprecedented seismic data — detected by NASA's now-defunct InSight lander — showed objects regularly impacting the surface.

"This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone," Géraldine Zenhäusern, a seismologist at ETH Zurich in Switzerland who co-led the research, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

"While new craters can best be seen on flat and dusty terrain where they really stand out, this type of terrain covers less than half of the surface of Mars," Zenhäusern added. "The sensitive InSight seismometer, however, could hear every single impact within the landers’ range."

(And much, much larger rocks have, over millions of years, slammed into Mars: NASA estimates there are over a quarter-million impact craters about the size of Arizona's famous Barringer Crater, which is some 4,000 feet across. And there are over 43,000 Martian craters larger than three miles wide.)

NASA’s InSight lander detected the marsquake created by this impact in December 2021. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of Arizona The Insight lander's seismometer seen on the Martian surface. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

The InSight lander's sensitive seismometer was designed to detect Martian temblors, called "marsquakes," and it succeeded in detecting over 1,300 such quakes, including a "monster" temblor. But when a meteorite strikes Mars' surface, the signal is distinct. "Where a normal magnitude 3-quake on Mars takes several seconds, an impact-generated event of the same size takes only 0.2 seconds or less, due to the hypervelocity of the collision," ETH Zurich explained. "By analyzing marsquake spectra, a further 80 marsquakes were identified that are now thought to be caused by meteoroid strikes."

Mars is far more susceptible to meteorite impacts than Earth. When objects do collide with Mars, the Martian atmosphere is just 1 percent the volume of Earth's, meaning these space rocks are less likely to heat up and disintegrate. What's more, the Red Planet is much closer to our solar system's asteroid belt, a region teeming with millions of asteroids.

Understanding how impacts affect Mars is crucial for future human and robotic exploration. Impacts leave new Martian craters about every day. But that's not the whole story. The greater "blast zones" are some 100 times bigger in diameter, which poses a risk to any potential colonists or infrastructure.

Mars is an inhospitable world today, beyond the regular meteorite strikes. The planet is 1,000 times drier than the driest desert on Earth. It has an elevated radiation environment ("about two and one-half times that in the International Space Station," according to NASA), and provides little radiation protection from solar storms.

But we know Mars wasn't always this way. A protective atmosphere once shielded the planet, and it harbored vigorously gushing rivers, and expansive lakes.

UPDATE: May. 11, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT Two top picks in this story have shifted after senior shopping reporter Leah Stodart was able to hands-on test CES 2024 releases from Roborock and Eufy in her own home.

Nearly any robot vacuum can sufficiently clear a tile or hardwood floor of the hair and crumbs blowing across it like tumbleweeds. But for a robot vacuum to work on carpet, much more suction power and concentrated airflow is required to uproot the debris embedded in those fibers.

Do robot vacuums work on carpet?

Yes, several robot vacuum cleaners do a pretty phenomenal job on carpet and rugs. In fact, the best robot vacuum brands like iRobot, Roborock, Eufy, and Shark have been mastering the art for several years, particularly honing in on pet hair pickup and combatting hair tangling in the brush.

For homes with varying floor types and a notable amount of foot traffic, buying the cheapest robot vacuum you can find will likely create more hassle than it's worth. Every time that bot gets stuck on a rug corner or welcomes you home to pet hair still visibly clinging to the living room carpet, you'd probably rather just do the job yourself — but rest assured that that's not an inevitable experience with every robot vacuum.

SEE ALSO: How to choose a robot vacuum in 2024: Consider these 5 features before buying

The best robot vacuums for carpet have powerful suction, of course, aided by brush roll systems designed to dig into multiple pile heights to pinch hair and large chunks while simultaneously inhaling fine debris that a weaker robot vac would pass right over. A majority of our top picks also use automatic suction adjustment to customize cleaning based on floor type, and all current picks either come with a self-emptying dock (or at least offer the option) to mitigate the frequency of trips to the trash bin.

And if a robot vacuum has mastered carpet — the hardest floor type to tackle — these models will undoubtedly ace the hard floors in your home. In 2024, most of the robot vacuums with market-leading carpet cleaning are just as advanced at mopping.

The Mashable team is on a continuous mission to narrow down those options for you. We've hands-on tested dozens of robot vacuums on several pile lengths of carpets, rugs, and bath mats in a variety of home layouts. Here are our favorites for every carpeted situation in 2024.

Apple's iPads dominate the market. Even with the plethora of tablets from other retailers, iPads are still our favorite. With the 2024 release of the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air, it's clear that Apple is positioning its tablets as a laptop alternative.

Sure, they're great for streaming or reading on the go, but at this point, you can do anything on your computer on an iPad. Whether you want to illustrate or edit videos, iPads will help you do it. Recent developments in the Pro and Air models are also setting them up to be gaming devices.

But since there's not just one iPad to choose from, finding the right tablet isn't so straightforward. Mashable's reporters have hands-on testing experience with the best iPads, so you can figure out which one is for you.

Which iPad model should I buy?

Which iPad model is best for you purely depends on your needs. Do you want something that has enough storage and speed for streaming? Do you want to use it to read? Do you want it as your primary workstation? All of that should factor into your decision.

The best iPad for most people is the iPad Air 2024. It has the latest tech and solid performance, but is also in the middle of the range in both price and capability. You can find iPads that are even more advanced or some pared down. Read on for Mashable's list of the best iPads for 2024: