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SAVE UP TO $150: The best outdoor deals at Amazon ahead of Prime Day include up to $150 off tents, sleeping bags, mosquito repellents, and more.

Best outdoor deals at Amazon ahead of Prime Day Best tent deal Coleman Skylodge 12-person Camping Tent $209.99 (Save $180 at Amazon) Get Deal Best sleeping bag deal Coleman Kompact Lightweight Sleeping Bag for Adults $34.23 (Save $50.76 at Amazon) Get Deal Best mosquito repellent deal Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent $29.89 (Save $10.10 at Amazon) Get Deal

We're inching ever closer to Prime Day on July 16 and 17, and the deals are already piling up. Summer is truly upon us, and it's the perfect time to grab warm-weather savings on tents, sleeping bags, mosquito repellent, and more outdoor and camping gear.

Check out our favorite outdoor finds so far, and keep checking back as we update this list with more deals heading into Prime Day.

Best tent deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Our pick: Coleman Skylodge 12-Person Camping Tent with Convertible Screen Room $209.99 at Amazon
$389.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If your camping trips often involve a big group, or you just like extra space to stow your gear, this is the tent for you. Take 45% off this tent that will sleep up to 12 people, has floor-to-ceiling windows for better views and ventilation, and includes a convertible screen room if you want to divide off an area. This roomy tent is 14 x 10 feet, 6.6 feet high in the center, and can fit four queen-size airbeds. Plus, it's built to withstand weather. Spread out and stake your claim on your next camping trip.

Best sleeping bag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Our pick: Coleman Kompact Lightweight Sleeping Bag for Adults $34.23 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $50.76 Get Deal Why we like it

It's summer, and the last thing you want is to be sweating all night long inside a too-hot sleeping bag. Grab this one meant for warmer temps (though it will still protect you at 30 degrees) for 60% off. It's lightweight and comes with a compressible sack for easy transportation. And if night temps are still high, you can always just use it as an extra sleeping pad as you snooze on top.

Best mosquito repellent deal Opens in a new window Credit: Thermacell Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent $29.89 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.10 Get Deal Why we like it

The most annoying part of the outdoors? The bugs. Zap the problem with Thermacell's unscented solution that should protect a 20-foot area. Repellent cartridges last 12 hours, and the device is rechargeable with a 5.5-hour battery life. Plus, it's portable, so you can bring it from the pool to the campsite. This bundle comes with one refill cartridge and a charging cable.

More early Prime Day outdoor deals:

• Collapsible LED Camping Lantern 4-pack — $19.59 $29.99 (save 35%)

• Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock — $18.84 $25.37 (save 26%)

• Aqua Plus Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board — $169.99 $249.99 (save $32%)

• UNP 6-Person Waterproof Tent — $115.90 $169.90 (save 32%)

• HiiPeak Sleeping Pad — $27.99 $34.99 (save 20%)

• Maelstrom 35-Can Cooler Backpack — $35.97 $39.99 (save 10%)

When NASA's Juno orbiter swooped close to a Jupiter moon, it saw a pair of volcanic plumes spurting material into space, something the robotic spacecraft hadn't captured before. 

The plumes rise high above Io, Jupiter's third-largest moon. It's the most volcanically active world in our solar system, where astronomers believe hundreds of volcanoes spew fountains that reach dozens of miles high. The spacecraft took the snapshot in February, its final closeup tour of Io at a range of 2,400 miles away. 

This last hurrah didn't disappoint. Scientists are just beginning to pore over the close encounter's data, revealing new information about the moon's volcanic processes, said Scott Bolton, Juno's principal investigator at the Southwest Research Institute in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Another world in our solar system has lapping seas, scientists say The plumes seen here along Io's limb are either blasting out of two vents from one enormous volcano or two separate-but-snug volcanoes.  Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / Andrea Luck

Andrea Luck, based in Scotland, processed the raw data to enhance its clarity (shown above). The plumes, visible along Io's limb, are either blasting out of two vents from one enormous volcano or two separate-but-snug volcanoes. 

Juno has been orbiting Jupiter for more than seven years. During its primary mission, the spacecraft collected data on the gas giant's atmosphere and interior. Among its discoveries was a finding that the planet's atmospheric weather layer extends way beyond its clouds. 

After completing 35 orbits, the spacecraft transitioned to studying the entire system around Jupiter, including its dust rings and many moons. This extended mission will continue for another year or until the spacecraft dies. Juno will eventually burn up in Jupiter's atmosphere as its trajectory around the planet erodes. Relax, though: NASA says the orbiter is not at risk of crashing into and contaminating Jupiter's moons, some of which may be habitable worlds. 

Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / Andrea Luck

The spacecraft has an instrument, dubbed JunoCam, designed to take closeup photos of Jupiter and engage the public. The science team invites amateur astronomers to process the camera's raw data and crowdsources what to focus on next. 

JunoCam isn't the only instrument giving scientists fresh insights into Io's volcanoes. The Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper, or JIRAM, has also been observing the moon in infrared light. Researchers just published a new paper based on the Italian instrument's findings in the journal Nature Communications Earth and Environment.

Galileo Galilei discovered Io in 1610, but it took many centuries before NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft first spotted a volcanic eruption on it. With the help of Juno, scientists are beginning to understand the mechanisms driving that activity. 

The whole surface of Io, about the size of Earth's moon, is covered in molten silicate lava lakes. These lakes are contained in caldera-like features — large basins formed when volcanoes erupt and collapse, said Alessandro Mura, the paper's lead author, in a statement.

The researchers think the moon teems with vast lakes of lava, wherein magma rises and recedes. The lava crust breaks against the lake's steep walls, forming a ring similar to what happens in Hawaiian lava lakes. The tall barriers may be what's preventing the magma from spilling all over Io's surface.

But there's another idea that can't be ruled out: Magma could be welling up in the middle of the lake, spreading out, then forming a crust that sinks along the lake's rim, exposing lava.

Growth in electric vehicle sales has been slowing, but the Italian luxury carmaker is stepping up investment and setting ambitious targets.

Seventh and eighth graders in Malvern, Pa., impersonating their teachers posted disparaging, lewd, racist and homophobic videos in the first known mass attack of its kind in the U.S.

Rapman, also known as Andrew Onwubolu, is no stranger to producing quality films that depict areas of the Black British experience, as evidenced by his hit films Blue Story and Shiro’s List. He's now ventured into television with Netflix series Supacell. Using sickle cell disease as the origin of superpowers, the show is an innovative approach to the science fiction and superhero genre. Through this unique concept, Supacell also challenges long-standing stereotypes associated with the Black community.

Across six episodes, we see the story of five seemingly ordinary Black people from South London, all linked by a genetic history of sickle cell disease and the sudden emergence of superpowers. But things get tricky when courier and new time-traveller Michael (Tosin Cole) teleports into the future and discovers his fiancée Dionne's (Adelayo Adedayo) life is in danger. To save her, he must find four others with newfound superpowers: Sabrina (Nadine Mills), Rodney (Calvin Demba), Andre (Eric Kofi Abrefa), and Tazer (Josh Tedeku). 

SEE ALSO: ‘Supacell’ cast tell origin stories for their superpowers

Despite the instantly opportunistic nature of getting superpowers, Supacell's characters are not trying to use their newfound talents to conquer the world. As Rodney, newly equipped with super speed, says, "This ain't a fucking comic book, this is real life." They grapple with personal dilemmas, be it Andre paying child support, Tazer dealing with gang rivalry, or Sabrina protecting her sister from harm. They don't have time to focus on helping someone save their fiancée or dealing with mysterious figures trying to capture them. They're already just trying to survive the day.

Supacell fosters a broader social dialogue Sabrina (Nadine Mills). Credit: Netflix

One of the most remarkable aspects of Supacell is its exploration of a story that has traditionally only existed in white spaces. While characters like Miles Morales as Spider-Man, Storm in X-Men, Luke Cage, and Black Panther's T’Challa, Captain Marvel's Monica Rambeau, and Blade are some exceptions, Rapman's show seizes the opportunity to highlight how science fiction and superhero stories have rightly faced criticism for their long-standing lack of racial representation.

Mainstream media seldom portrays the intricacies of Black life, instead perpetuating stereotypes without challenging or exploring them. But this issue isn't new; the #OscarsSoWhite movement rose in 2015 and, more recently, in 2022, a report revealed a 16.7 percent decrease in the number of films with Black stories at the forefront. The challenge with science fiction is that when a genre that thrives on endless possibility, and struggles to recognise the value of including people of colour, those communities' critical issues go unheard. Never hearing from underrepresented communities can't lead to the kind of awareness that results in 46 percent more people registering as new blood donors because a show like Call the Midwife educated people on sickle cell disease.

This is where Supacell shines through, as its exploration of the sci-fi world from the viewpoint of marginalised communities fosters a broader societal dialogue. The title, Supacell, is a clever play on words, linking the word 'sickle cell' and its negative associations with a genetic blood disease that affects 17,000 people living in the UK to create characters with superpowers resulting from mutated genes linked to the sickle cell gene. 

Featured Video For You 'Supcacell' cast on why superhero stories need realism

In Supacell's first episodes, we witness the characters unlocking their powers. Michael learns he can time travel when he is stabbed during a delivery job. Sabrina finds out about her telekinetic abilities after learning that her boyfriend is cheating on her. Tazer realises he has the gift of invisibility when lured into a trap by a rival gang. Rodney discovers that he can run like the Flash when he accidentally runs all the way to Scotland while trying to make it to a drug deal on time. Andre's super strength is revealed when he breaks an ATM in frustration over his financial struggles that make him unable to provide for his son. These powers are not just part of the plot but a reflection of the character's core essence, strengths, and struggles.

Michael (Tosin Cole). Credit: Netflix

The series delves into various themes such as job insecurity for ex-convicts, poverty, the exploitation of Black bodies, being Black in predominantly white spaces, violence against women, and the pervasive inequality that impacts Black lives in every aspect. These themes add a layer of realism to the genre. If the characters can't afford to eat or, like Michael, can't save their loved ones, what's the point of having superpowers? This portrayal serves as a metaphor for the resilience of these communities in the face of adversity due to societal and institutional failings.

Supacell challenges stereotypes used to define Black lives Andre (Eric Kofi Abrefa) and his son AJ (Ky-Mani Carty). Credit: Ana Blumenkron / Netflix

Supacell boldly confronts how societal failings have led to the stereotypes often used to define Black lives. It challenges the labels society may expect us to associate with certain characters, such as gang leaders, drug dealers, ex-convicts, angry Black women, and damsels in distress. Instead, it aims to shatter narrow portrayals of Black life shaped by these stereotypes by revealing the true depth of what lies underneath.

At first glance, Andre might seem like the typical absent father. However, as we learn more about his story, we understand that his absence wasn't a choice but a consequence of society failing him. This continues as he struggles to find employment due to his criminal record. The final episode reveals his vulnerability despite his super strength, highlighting that superpowers haven't solved his problems.

Rodney (Calvin Demba). Credit: Netflix

Supacell also presents a striking contrast between Rodney and Tazer, both involved in selling drugs to make ends meet, both having turbulent home lives. Initially seen as comic relief as he tries to get by with his best friend, Spud (Giacomo Mancini), we learn that Rodney's involvement in dealing is a result of the racism he experiences at home. Despite his mother leading a comfortable life in a nice house with her partner, Rodney's mixed race background is a point of contention with his stepfather, leading him to leave home and find a means of income. 

Contrastingly, the show tempts us to see Tazer as a hardened gang leader seeking to incite more bloodshed with rival gangs. However, when we witness his interactions at home with his grandmother and friends, our perception shifts, and we begin to empathise with him as a tragic figure haunted by abandonment issues related to his mother. The show strategically reveals details about the characters, and we later learn that Tazer's mother was the woman brutally killed in the show's opening scene, echoing the tragic real-life killing of Black women. Despite Tazer being initially unaware of this, his sense of abandonment and unknowing link to violence lets us understand how he was drawn into a life of crime under the influence of Krazy (Ghetts). Supacell presents this as a cycle resulting from societal structure, as illustrated when Andre's son, AJ (Ky-Mani Carty), becomes enticed by the same world simply by growing up in the area. The series refrains from romanticising gang leadership or violence and instead emphasises their devastating impact as a result of life circumstances.

Tazer (Josh Tedeku). Credit: Netflix

Additionally, Tazer's circle of friends further imbue his character with suppressed vulnerability. His friends are loyal, supportive, and unafraid to admit when they're scared, as Tiny (Akai Coleman) does when Tazer goes to visit him in the hospital after he's shot by Krazy. It's a moving scene. Tazer wants revenge, as is common in street culture, but his friend says, "You don’t have to. Just keep coming to see me." Their aim isn't to be gang members but to succeed in a challenging environment where feeling safe is hard. Tazer's worst moments are led by emotion, driven by the fact that he loves deeply. It's why he is upset by his mum's absence and why he changes his mind about stabbing Michael a second time. It's with this Supacell allows us to understand the complexity behind the gang stereotypes. 

Sabrina (Nadine Mills). Credit: Netflix

While the female characters do need more dimension in the show, they still play a significant role in Supacell’s messaging. Despite appearances, Sabrina defies the angry Black woman stereotype by revealing herself rather as a woman disheartened by life. She’s a Black woman with a tumultuous love life and she'll do anything to protect her supportive older sister Sharleen (Rayxia Ojo) who lacks support herself. Sabrina struggles to find success at her job not because she's not qualified but because it's harder to progress professionally as a Black woman. Black women are 6.1 percentage points less likely than white women to be in the top 10 percent of income. In this way, Sabrina begins to challenge this cliche as a woman who is, at her core, dealing with being underpaid, overworked, and seeking to protect those closest to her. Sabrina's story sheds light on individuals' underlying difficult circumstances that drive them to their limits.

Dionne (Adelayo Adedayo) and Michael (Tosin Cole). Credit: Ana Blumenkron / Netflix

Michael often treats Dionne as a damsel in distress, attempting to shield his fiancé from the knowledge that she dies in the near future. However, Dionne subverts this role by using her position as a social worker to actively investigate the disappearances of Black people that have been overlooked. Dionne's refusal to remain passive and her unwavering dedication to uncovering the reasons behind the disproportionate number of missing Black individuals is powerful. It reflects the alarming real-life situation in the UK, where Black people often do not receive the same treatment and media coverage as their white counterparts. It’s a reminder that despite her impending peril, Dionne was never a damsel. Every choice she made with purpose. 

Supacell challenges the notion that Black British shows primarily dwell on the negative aspects of Black British life. Despite its flaws, the show's commitment to portraying the complexities of Black life in a leading role within a genre where Black individuals are frequently overlooked is a powerful message that urges us to move beyond initial judgments and stereotypes. Hopefully, other creators will take note of what Rapman has accomplished with Supacell and strive to achieve the same.

How to watch: Supacell is now streaming on Netflix.

TL;DR: Get your work life in line with the Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro bundle, price-dropped to $45.97 (reg. $428) through July 21.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $45.97 at The Mashable Shop
$428.00 Save $382.03 Get Deal

Whether you’re a student, professional, or an at-home user, we all need a system to keep our lives in order. This lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro bundle will help you increase productivity and deliver higher-quality documents, and it’s only $45.97.

Microsoft 2019 Professional Plus has all of the latest features and improved cloud connectivity so you can achieve more quickly. With a one-time purchase, you’ll get lifetime access (for one PC) to the most popular apps in the business world. Update your resume in Word, explore new presentation tools in PowerPoint, or connect with coworkers through Outlook — the opportunities are myriad. 

The Office 2019 Pro Suite includes:

• Word 2019

• Excel 2019

• PowerPoint 2019

• Outlook 2019

• Access 2019

• OneNote 2019

• Publisher 2019

If your current OS is starting to lag, it may be time for an upgrade. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is a powerful operating system designed to optimize performance for professionals and creatives alike. The interface is easy to navigate and comes with exciting new updates including snap layouts, desktops, seamless redocking, and improved voice typing, 

With this lifetime MS Windows 11 Pro license, you’ll get access to unique professional features such as Windows Sandbox, Azure AD, Hyper-V, BitLocker device encryption, and more. Rest easy knowing your data is secure because MS Windows 11 Pro has encrypted authentication and advanced antivirus defenses to prevent unwanted infringement on your personal information.

Get the Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro bundle for just $45.97 (reg. $428) until July 21. No coupon is needed to grab this deal. 

Want to shop even more productivity software? Check out more Microsoft product deals here.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Pay only $14.97 for 12 expert-led guitar courses with this guitar lessons training bundle, on sale through July 21.

Many of the world's greatest artists love to boast about teaching themselves how to play the guitar. But for us normies who weren't blessed with an innate musical genius, a bit of guidance can go a long way. If you're tired of sifting through random YouTube tutorials from self-proclaimed guitar gods, you ought to get some structured learning with this guitar lessons bundle.

Sure, there's nothing inherently wrong with those internet gurus, but if you actually want to get good at playing, structured learning is the way to go. This 12-pronged bundle introduces you to your virtual guitar teacher, Dan Dresnok, who has over three decades of experience as a performer, recording studio session guitarist, and moderator of countless group guitar clinics.

Your training kicks off with a beginner crash course, in which you'll master open chords, strum with various patterns, play along with backing tracks, and even name every note on the fretboard. Next, you'll dive into the basics of songwriting, learning to write and arrange your own songs, create chord progressions, discover harmonious chords, and craft great-sounding melodies.

Once you've nailed the basics, you'll venture into advanced techniques and ear training. You'll also explore various genres, from jazz and blues to children's and Christmas songs. The cherry on top? All courses are completely beginner-friendly, so you won't feel overwhelmed even if you've never touched a guitar in your life.

Jam out with this guitar lessons bundle on sale for $14.97 until July 21, 11:59 p.m PT — no coupon necessary.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The 2024 Guitar Lessons Training Bundle $14.97 at The Mashable Shop
$480.00 Save $465.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Study AI on your own and learn from the pros with this ChatGPT and Gemini AI training bundle, on sale for only $24.97 through July 21. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Eduonix Learning Solutions The 2024 Complete ChatGPT & Gemini AI Advanced E-Degree $24.97 at The Mashable Shop
$790.00 Save $765.03 Get Deal

AI tools are common enough that you may be able to master them through trial and error, but it might be a lot of error depending on your experience level. If you want guided learning about ChatGPT, Gemini AI, Dall-E, and more, here's where you start. 

The 2024 Complete ChatGPT & Gemini AI Advanced E-Degree package is a comprehensive introduction to generative AI. There are 65 lectures and 10 courses, and you get a lifetime to study them at the pace that works best for you. You don't need any experience to start studying, and the bundle itself has actually been marked down for a short time. Get it for only $24.97 through July 21. 

Why is this AI training bundle worth studying?

This bundle is a great starting point for professionals who want to learn more about using AI to generate content, but it's not the same as formal training. The certificate you get when you finish each course is only for completion, but that's still an accomplishment. And it doesn't mean you can't show future employers what you've learned. 

And you may have a lot to show off. This bundle breaks down major AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard, and it even gives you some practical projects to work through. Don't just learn the theory; actually get to work automating tasks with AI tools, generating text, creating images, and a lot more. 

Take your time and access all course materials for life. 

Study AI basics

Learn how to use major AI tools for less. You have through July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get this Complete ChatGPT and Gemini AI course package for just $24.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

TL;DR: Create and share data-driven diagrams and other templates with Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows, on sale through July 21.

In the business environment we live in today, having efficient tools at our disposal is vital for success. Fortunately, there is software for your computer that's designed to help you visualize, communicate, and innovate.

Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows is the go-to solution for anyone needing to create detailed, data-driven diagrams. It’s currently price-dropped from $299.99 to $19.97 until July 21 at 11:59PM, no coupon needed. 

From flowcharts to organizational charts, floor plans, and network diagrams, Visio 2021 makes it easy to turn complex information into understandable visuals. Creating diagrams with this software is straightforward, thanks to its vast library of ready-made, customizable templates. You can simply transform numbers and data into eye-catching visuals that help drive decision-making. The ability to connect diagrams to real-time data ensures your content is always current, ensuring accuracy.

Visio 2021 Professional integrates without a hitch along with Microsoft’s security features, keeping your data safe while you create and share diagrams across your organization. This means you can focus on your work without worrying about data security.

Whether you’re designing a new office layout, mapping out a network, or other important work tasks, Visio’s accurate, scalable templates and tools provide the precision you need for succeeding! With smart tools for creating flowcharts, organizational charts, and network diagrams, it simplifies complex tasks and helps you communicate ideas effectively.

Get Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows while it’s price-dropped to $19.97 (no coupon needed) until July 21.

Check out this deal along with others for a low price, including other Microsoft deals.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows $19.97 at The Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $230.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Enhance your productivity with ChatGPT and Midjourney by enrolling in an introduction to AI course on sale for just $49.99 (reg. $149.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce Introduction to AI: ChatGPT & Midjourney Overview Bundle $49.99 at The Mashable Shop
$149.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you want AI to be your new productivity sidekick, you've got to know how to make the most out of it to make it work for you and your goals. If you're ready to learn, there's an educational course bundle on sale to help you study up on some of the most-used AI products today.

Introduction to AI is a three-pronged course bundle designed to help you navigate ChatGPT and Midjourney, two of the most popular generative AI tools out there. For a limited time, you can grab it on sale for only $49.99 (reg. $149.99).

This training collection begins with an extensive course on ChatGPT, in which you'll learn how to execute all sorts of tasks using the advanced language model. You'll basically learn how to make it your personal assistant. You can expect to discover how to feed it with information and have all your questions answered, create your desired documents, eliminate code bugs, summarize complex concepts, and more. Plus, discover unconventional uses to truly unleash its potential.

You'll then jump into mastering Midjourney, in which you'll learn more about AI art and everything that the tool can do. You'll get to grips with its AI art creation abilities to develop your own AI-driven art pieces that showcase your artistic flair. Wrapping up the course bundle is a breakdown of how to monetize both ChatGPT and Midjourney. Learn how to harness their power to enhance your sales process and explore various monetization techniques.

Boost your productivity with AI. The Introduction to this ChatGPT and Midjourney Overview Bundle normally retails for $149, but you can grab it on sale for $49.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Young professionals in Los Angeles are queuing up — not to access an exclusive concert or the drop of a new Supreme sneaker, but simply to meet other single people. They piled into a recent comedy show that promised to match people based on "vibes'' (assessed by three stand-up comedians) instead of dating app algorithms. But they're also going retro with three-minute speed dates in bars. They're even sitting down in front of a blank canvas with a glass of wine and trying to make conversation with strangers.

While these events vary widely, the attendees agreed on one thing: they were ready to try something — anything, really — to avoid one more online date. Singles are sick of dating apps, so they're turning to a growing number of offline events to find love.

SEE ALSO: Men found a surprising new way to lie on dating apps Dating app fatigue and frustration 

Though mobile dating apps have only been mainstream for a little over a decade — a mere blink in the long history of romance — their ubiquity in dating culture has left many singles feeling frustrated.  

Perhaps that's why the cracks in profitability are starting to show. Over the last three years, sales growth at Bumble has slowed from 31 percent in 2021 to only 9 percent today. To say that Bumble's latest marketing push failed to reverse this trend is an understatement. The ad campaign included billboards with phrases like, "A vow of celibacy is not the answer." That unleashed palpable anger from women online that prompted an apology from Bumble this May. The same month,  Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd painted an even more disturbing picture: a future where your AI avatar (trained to know your personality and preferences) will go on dates with someone else's avatar to determine your compatibility. Reactions online were overwhelmingly negative.

Bumble previously told Mashable, "We will stay relevant through our fundamental belief that by making the world better for women, we are making the world better for everyone, and that includes continuing to empower women in every aspect of their life."

Disaffection with the apps may also be attributed to new fees for previously free services. Although most have a free membership option, dating apps have basically dropped the pretense that this will lead to a love connection. Hinge, for example, has a new way to monetize love: only the highest tier membership (HingeX, available at $149.99 for 6 months as of publication) promises "access to your type." In other words, the Hinge algorithm has found the people with whom you would be most compatible. Without paying up, however, you'll only be allowed to access the less-than-ideal matches. If you use the basic model or Hinge+, you'll receive only one "rose" per week to contact your "standout" matches. If you want to reach out to more than one, it'll cost you about $1.50 for each additional person. Unless you're willing to shell out some cash, these magical, ideal partners sit in what TikTok users have dubbed "Rose Jail."

"Hinge is intentionally designed with one goal: to help all daters find each other and get out on great dates. Every feature is designed to help daters be more intentional about who they are, who they like, and why they like them. Our free membership and cost-effective subscriptions offer daters one of the most valuable experiences in the industry," a Hinge spokesperson told Mashable. "Hinge's intentional app design makes it easier for daters to express themselves and more quickly connect with people they’re compatible with through detailed profiles built around Prompts (short questions that allow people to showcase who they are). And it's working. Currently, we're setting up a date every two seconds."

An ongoing lawsuit alleges that Match Group, which owns Hinge, Tinder, and others, aims to turn users into "addicts" instead of helping them find a love match.

The surge of IRL dating events

With so much dating app dissatisfaction,  it's no wonder that people are looking for alternatives — and event planners are responding with creativity. Mackenzie Zoppi and Stephanie Scheele, for example, created LA Singles Only Social Club (or LA SOSO CLUB) after hearing about their friends' dating app fatigue. People weren't meeting suitable partners, were getting tired of trying, and the pandemic had only heightened their loneliness.

Scheele and Zoppi partner with local brands to throw mixers, organize speed dating, and host events like happy hours, beach tennis tournaments, or backgammon nights. Before long, "exclusive" dating app The League started sharing SOSO events with members; that's when they knew they were really onto something. The League "knew that people wanted in-person meetups, but they didn't have the bandwidth to host them," said Zoppi. After operating for one year, SOSO Club already boasts five committed relationships and countless first dates that have resulted from their soirees. 

Megan Weks, a dating and relationship coach, sees the rise of in-person dating options as a signal that the culture around dating is changing. "There is so much hope for commitment-minded singles, as motivated entrepreneurs are inspired to create opportunities for single people to meet the one," she said. Unfortunately, online dating has lessened our collective comfort with striking up conversations. "People are shy, unskilled, and even afraid of approaching others in real life."

Mike Falzone, creator of the aforementioned Human Romance comedy show, noticed that viewers of his advice-driven YouTube channel often asked about dating (or even about making friends as adults). Like Weks, he's seen how people are hesitant to startsingl IRL conversations. "We're all so insular now," he said. "The pandemic has made people unable to communicate with each other." 

Falzone's solution? A comedy show where three comedians interview audience members, match the ones who seem compatible, and then watch them go on a ten-minute date, live on stage. "Comedians can read people," Falzone said, and their ability to assess an audience via "crowdwork" gives them insight into who might have a spark.

The show's crowd skewed towards single women in their late 20s, many of whom said that they were, "unfortunately," using dating apps. Eleni*, a 28-year-old architect, said of digital dating, "In the beginning it's kind of fun and exciting, but after a while you're like, 'I could just be out with my friends right now. Why am I here with this man?'" Neither Eleni nor her friend Meghan (a 29-year-old content creator) had attended any singles' events before. Bri, 28, a retired athlete-turned-data analytics student, likes that dating apps provide a way to meet people. But she said "the desperation to find companionship," both from herself and from others, made things uncomfortable.

Bri was picked out of the crowd and paired with Bridget, a 29-year-old TV production secretary. During the show, Falzone and his fellow hosts Rachel Scanlon and Luke Mones posed such questions as, "If you went on a road trip, who would drive and who would handle the aux cord?" (Bridget prefers to take the wheel, so Bri would be happy to DJ.) "If this were a real date, who would be paying?" (Bri would definitely pay, but she'd be annoyed if Bridget didn't try to fight for the check.)

Based on audience applause, Bri and Bridget won the prize for best couple — $50 out of Falzone's own pocket to pay for their second date. Undeterred by the distance between them (Bri lives in Riverside, an hour-and-a-half drive from Bridget's place in central LA), the two were excited to have a real meet-up. "We've exchanged Instagrams, and… We'll see what happens," said Bridget with a flirtatious smile.

My journey into the jungle of offline dating events

Fueled by my own app burnout, I unsubscribed from Hinge+ a few months ago and decided to spend my money on in-person events. The first was an LA SOSO cold plunge singles' mixer in Venice Beach. Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised to see that most of the attendees, who'd shown up in bathing suits and flitted from ice cold baths to saunas and sweat lodges, seemed inhumanly fit and gorgeous. I had great conversations with many of the women, but my "average"-to-"curvy" body seemed to prevent me from even registering as female on the radars of these muscled SoCal Adonises. I chatted with a lot of them, but none asked for my number.

SEE ALSO: The major dating apps are collapsing into each other

I had more luck at speed dating, where I made a few connections. Maybe it was because the hopeful romantics at these events seemed a bit sheepish about trying this twentieth-century dating method, but found strength in numbers. The men and women I met at CitySwoon's algorithm-based speed dating night (you receive texts telling you which of the attendees you should talk to next based on compatibility) shared a sense of vulnerability and openness — after all, we were all there for the same reason. Many of the people I spoke to said speed dating seemed more "humane" than swiping on an app. 

A singles' Paint and Sip event, organized by event space and podcast studio BSPOKE/LA, wine brand Besa Mi Vino, and app First Round's On Me, drew a crowd, but many of the attendees weren't aware the event was directed at singles at all. Teresa, a 29-year-old production manager, is in a relationship, but thought the Paint and Sip would be a good way to make friends. Selena Sevenler and Natalie Drelles, creative director and assistant creative director of BSPOKE/LA respectively, agreed that people are starved for connection, both romantic and platonic. "All we want is to make sure that the people around us actually have a heartbeat," said Drelles, who added that online communities feel disconnected from reality.

First Round's On Me (FROME) is a dating app, but it's one that encourages users to get together in-person by giving them only one match per day and 12 hours to plan a date with them. (The concept is not too dissimilar from HowAboutWe, a now-defunct dating app that emphasized meet-ups.) The 22-year-old painting instructor, Fredo Gillis, said that he'd noticed people coming solo to Paint and Sips that he'd facilitated before. It seemed like a natural "collaborative, social singles event." (Fredo is single and has Tinder, but said he meets most of his potential partners at modeling casting calls.) Besa Mi Vino head of events Jessie Goodall, who also works part time for FROME, wasn't surprised that all the painters were laughing and joking about their painting skills (or lack thereof.) "All it really takes is something to break the ice," she said. 

Shockingly, I turned out to be one of the only straight single women at the FROME Paint and Sip. I left with a mediocre painting of an LA skyline, Instagram accounts of two cute guys, and budding friendships with other artistically-challenged women.

When it comes to choosing events, Weks said that the hardest part can be making sure they attract potential partners who meet your qualifications. She advised daters to look for event companies that are a little more niche, rather than casting a wide net. "Whether it's people who value their careers, have a certain level of success, or love dogs, you'll save time by attending events that match your interests." If you get stuck in a conversation you're not enjoying, Weks also reminded us that, "It's okay to gently excuse yourself. You can always pick up the conversation later or let them approach you again if they are motivated." 

If you're afraid of approaching strangers in-person, Weks said it might help to not focus too much on romantic potential at the beginning of an interaction. "The basis of flirting can stem from genuine curiosity about others," she said. "Cultivate the habit of growing curiosity about others and practice chit-chatting for no other reason than to express curiosity or create a shared feel-good moment." 

As for me, I haven't deleted "the apps," but meeting people in the wild felt like a nice change from mindless (and fruitless) swiping. Only time will tell if this trend will last, or if our Whitney Wolfe Herd AI avatars will soon be handling all our dating for us in the Metaverse. For now, I'll probably just skip the events that require bathing suits. 

* Daters requested to go by their first-names only for privacy reasons.

Interested in anime? Then Netflix is the perfect place to dive in, boasting a massive library of terrific titles. The sheer quantity of these offerings can be daunting when looking for something to start watching, but have no fear! We've put together a list of the best anime currently on Netflix in order to satisfy any and all of your streaming desires.

The following anime selections cover several different genres. Some are classics; some are newer; all are bound to get you hooked. Featuring everything from pirates to bounty hunters, karaoke lovers to demons, here are the 20 best anime series on Netflix streaming now.

1. Aggretsuko Credit: Netflix

Aggretsuko is a down-to-earth anime that primarily takes place in an office and follows the life of Retsuko, an unassuming twentysomething red panda, who has to deal with a shitty boss, navigate relationships with coworkers, and let off steam by growling to death metal songs at karaoke bars. It's an adorable, lighthearted little series.* — Kellen Beck, Science Reporter

How to watch: Aggretsuko is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Death Note

Death Note is a pretty intense show that revolves around a demonic book that can be used for murder by entering a person's name in it, visualizing them in your head when you do it, and writing how they die. The book falls in the hands of teenager Light Yagami, who begins using it for what he perceives as the greater good, utilizing the complicated rules that come along with the book to avoid being found out by investigators and fellow genius L. It's hard not to binge right through it.* — K.B.

How to watch: Death Note is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

When Tanjiro Kamado's family is killed and his little sister Nezuko turns into a demon, he sets off on a quest to become a demon slayer in the Demon Slayer Corps. As he strives for vengeance and seeks to cure his sister, he meets other demon slayers and encounters sinister forces. Demon Slayer is immediately engrossing, helped along by compelling leads and an atmospheric setting. To top it all off, the fight scenes are incredible, with top-notch animation and fight choreography. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Credit: Netflix

A remixed anime version of Bryan Lee O'Malley's beloved graphic novels that brings back the actors from Edgar Wright's 2010 live-action adaptation Scott Pilgrim vs. the World to voice a totally different series of adventures for Scott, Knives, and Ramona with her league of evil exes? Heck yes, please. 

The first episode of the eight episode series — co-run and co-written with O'Malley's Are You Afraid of the Dark? partner BenDavid Grabinski — follows closely in the movie's footsteps. Dopey ne'er-do-well Scott Pilgrim falls for dream delivery girl Ramona Flowers, only to find out he must fight her seven former partners to the death in order to win her heart. But by that first episode's surprising end, you'll see that this series has a very different story to tell. 

With the superstar bunch of Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Evans, Aubrey Plaza, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, Mae Whitman, Jason Schwartzman, Kieran Culkin, Alison Pill, and Ellen Wong all back on hand, this whole thing lands like a dream. If only every "reenvisioning" of popular I.P. could be this creative. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Castlevania

Video game adaptations are notoriously hard to get right, but Castlevania more than sticks the landing. Darkly atmospheric and full of rich lore, Castlevania tells the story of Trevor Belmont, a monster hunter from the disgraced Belmont family. He and his companions, Sypha and Alucard, seek to protect the land of Wallachia from Dracula and his horde of demons. Get ready for dazzling magic, horrifying monsters, and high-intensity fights. Best of all, you don't need any prior knowledge of the Castlevania games to enjoy the anime — you'll get sucked in right away. — B.E.

How to watch: Castlevania is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Hunter x Hunter (2011)

Gon Freecss is a young boy who dreams of becoming a legendary Hunter like his father, who left him in order to pursue his career. Gon undertakes the strenuous Hunter Exam alongside other strong candidates, like Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua. Every stage of the test contains exciting puzzles and trials, as well as a cast of vibrant supporting characters. This series is so much fun. Everything from Hunter x Hunter's vibrant characters to its exciting monster encounters combines to create a massively entertaining adventure. — B.E.

How to watch: Hunter x Hunter is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Pluto Credit: Netflix

The character of "Astro Boy," whose history stretches back into the 1950s, is iconic enough to be familiar to people who've never read a manga in their lives. He's basically the Mickey Mouse of manga. So when legendary artist Naoki Urasawa teamed up with the grandson of Astro Boy's creator to craft an updated story for the character in the aughts, it was kind of a big deal. So big a deal, it took another decade and a half for them to translate that manga, which was titled Pluto, into an anime series.

The futuristic world of Pluto is one of happy coexistence between humans and robots — until a serial killer comes along and starts murdering the world's top robots one by one, that is. As we tag along with a robot detective named Gesicht, we meet the next victim-to-be on the killer's list: a boy robot named Atom, who's incredibly powerful but in danger all the same. What follows from there in Pluto's eight hour-long episodes is one of the great reworkings of an iconic character, told with true emotional depth and no shortage of astonishing visuals. — J.A.

How to watch: Pluto is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Neon Genesis Evangelion

One of the greatest and most influential anime series of all time, Neon Genesis Evangelion is wildly ambitious, emotionally complex, and beautifully animated. In the future, the city of Tokyo-3 is under attack from monstrous Angels. Humanity's last defense are giant mechas known as Evangelions, or Evas. When 14-year-old Shinji Ikari's estranged father recruits him to be an Eva pilot, he finds himself at the forefront of the battle to save mankind. What follows is a series of incredible fights between Angels and Evas, as well as an in-depth exploration of trauma. — B.E.

How to watch: Neon Genesis Evangelion is now streaming on Netflix.

9. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Credit: Viz Media

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is an off-the-wall series full of ridiculous characters, beefy dudes, wild plotlines, and bright colors. The series follows various members of the Joestar family as they go on their individual, supernatural journeys, make friends, and ultimately defeat over-the-top villains. It's really weird and a great way to just completely disconnect from reality.* — K.B.

How to watch: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Jujutsu Kaisen

Based on Gege Akutami's manga, one of the best-selling series of all time, Jujutsu Kaisen (which counts among its fans Bruno Mars and Megan Thee Stallion) is set in a world where people's unrestrained emotions can externalize and turn into Curses. Think David Cronenberg's film The Brood, only instead of deformed rage babies who wear snowsuits and kill people, these curses are spiritual beings, a la ghosts and demons, called Noroi, which translates straight to "Curses." The curses will attach themselves to people and do what curses do — fuck shit up. To battle these Curses, there are Sorcerers — people who, unlike most humans, can channel their "Curse Energy" to fight the monsters. 

The lead character is a high school kid and sorcerer-in-training named Yuji Itadori, who becomes host to one of the scariest curses around by, uhh, eating a cursed finger. (If you ask me, Yuji had it coming. Who eats a finger?) Anyway the cursed finger belonged to Ryomen Sukuna, an ancient sorcerer known as the greatest who ever lived, who went on to become King of the Curses himself — dude never did anything halfway. Probably not the best finger to eat, if one has to eat a finger. Which one doesn't! — J.A.

How to watch: Jujutsu Kaisen is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden has been used as a tool of war for her whole life. After the war ends, she adjusts to non-military life and works as an Auto Memory Doll, someone who composes letters for those who can't write. Throughout all of this, she grapples with her past, including the last words her army major ever said to her. Violet Evergarden is a touching exploration of memory and human emotion centered around a compelling heroine. — B.E.

How to watch: Violet Evergarden is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Yasuke Credit: Netflix

LeSean Thomas' miniseries follows the life and legend of its title character, a Black samurai who served daimyō Oda Nobunaga. Years after Nobunaga's death, Yasuke lives as Yassan, a boatsman who shuttles villagers along the water and speaks little of his past. But a young girl with awesome power undoes Yassan’s quiet life and alias, thrusting him back into a world of warriors, magic and more. The show blends together sci-fi, fantasy, and history as only anime can, with LaKeith Stanfield at the mic bringing Yasuke sublimely to life. — Proma Khosla, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Yasuke is now streaming on Netflix.

13. One Piece

Looking for adventure on the high seas? One Piece is the anime for you. Follow along with Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of Straw Hat Pirates as they search for the One Piece — the great treasure found by the last Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. One Piece is literal boatloads of fun, with zany characters and storylines. Netflix does not have the entire series (which is very, very long and still ongoing) in its library, but it does have the East Blue and Alabasta story arcs, which serve as great introductions to this classic anime. — B.E.

How to watch: One Piece is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Monster

Based on the massively successful and award-winning manga from artist Naoki Urusawa (yup, the same dude behind Pluto), Monster is widely considered a masterpiece. It tells the story of a genius surgeon named Dr. Kenzo Tenma who makes the mistake of saving a child's life. 

Not something that's usually a mistake, right? Well, this show is basically an inverse of that old moral quandary, "Would you go back in time to kill baby Hitler?" Because the kid that the good doc saves grows up to be a world-class sociopath named Johan. (And yes, Johan is German and blond, and eugenics is an explicit part of the plot. So the Hitler reference isn't out of nowhere.) 

The series follows Doc Kenzo for a full 74 episodes of hunting down Johan via the madman's ever-widening trail of destruction — 74 half-hour episodes that originally aired between 2004 and 2005, an extraordinary output that makes every other series on television seem awfully lazy. But this doesn't make the series doesn't feel rushed. It feels propulsive and desperate and all-consuming. — J.A.

How to watch: Monster is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Eden Credit: Netflix

A sweet fable about two maintenance robots in a humanless future who accidentally wake a human child named Sara Grace out of stasis. (Turns out there are humans, but they're all crated up for the time being.) And since their robot overlords don't look kindly upon humans (indeed, they're considering letting all of sleeping humanity go extinct), the two robots take the little girl out into the countryside to raise her safely. 

Eden is just four 25-minute episodes long, following Sarah Grace to her teen years, where she begins to explore and uncover her place in the world — not just her own, but all of humanity's. As teenagers are prone to do. Still, Sarah Grace's is a special case, you could say, and Eden probes at it with lovely (and gorgeously animated) curiosity. — J.A.

How to watch: Eden is now streaming on Netflix.

16. 7SEEDS

Similar to Eden, 7SEEDS is also about human beings being awoken from suspended animation into a distant future that's nothing like the one they came from. But this is the not-so-friendly version. In the before times, a meteorite is headed straight for Earth, so a group of Japanese scientists cryogenically freeze five pods of seven people (who notably aren't told what's happening to them beforehand). Each group is named after a season (with a Summer A and a Summer B) and scattered out to different areas of Japan. A computer is set to wake them up when it measures the world fit for human life again. 

When that fateful moment does arrive, our survivors (including a shy girl named Natsu who is basically our main character) stumble out into a world that has changed greatly. Not just the landscape, which has been altered drastically by climate change, but the lifeforms that survived the meteorite evolved and mutated in all kinds of terrifying ways. There are giant lizards reminiscent of velociraptors, swarms of carnivorous white cockroaches, and beetles the size of boats among the many horrors our humans encounter. Basically it's Land of the Lost but way yuckier. If evolutionary biology is your jam, this one kicks! — J.A.

How to watch: 7SEEDS is now streaming on Netflix. 

17. High-Rise Invasion Credit: Netflix

Grindhouse trash to be sure, but grindhouse trash that is great fun and super ridiculous, High-Rise Invasion is about a schoolgirl named Yuri Honjo who finds herself suddenly transported into a surreal world of mile-high rooftops connected by rope bridges where she's hunted by masked killers. Vacillating wildly between helplessness and being a savage gun-toting maniac, Yuri's character makes very little sense. But she eventually gets a girlfriend named Mayuko and the series becomes about two lesbians graphically murdering pervy dudes, and I can find no wrong with that. Oh, and it's also about this death game that they've been forced into playing about the creation of God? It's way weird, y'all. — J.A.

How to watch: High-Rise Invasion is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Mononoke

With a stunningly singular animation style that looks like classical Edo-era art filtered through Aeon Flux, Mononoke tells the tale of a nameless medicine man who every episode hunts down and fights a different "mononoke" — unnatural spirits that attach themselves to and feed off of bad vibes, basically. Our main character rolls into town, figures out what the baddie is, and how to fight them. It's a standalone series; think Murder She Wrote with monsters.

As a spin-off of the previous series, Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, Mononoke and its many demons often make for a very scary show, with the true strangeness of the animation only making its mood feel even more surreal. And the 12 episodes produced way back in 2007 have remained so popular that 15 years on, the series is getting a new movie called Mononoke: Karakasa . — J.A.

How to watch: Mononoke is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Onimusha

Onimusha is a series about a ronin named Miyamoto Musashi fighting a zombie plague during the historical Edo period (which ran from the 1600s to the 1800s). Miyamoto is based on Japan's most legendary movie star, Toshiro Mifune (of Rashomon, Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, The Hidden Fortress, Yojimbo, etc.), which means that Miyamoto is hella hot. You know. For an animated character. Anyway, that's reason enough right there to watch. It's why I have watched every season of Archer!

In all seriousness, the show, which is based on the old 2001 Capcom video game of the same name, blends 2D animation with computer graphics in a spectacular fashion, making the many fights truly something wondrous to behold. And it's got a surprising amount of heart, as our sexy hero wields a weapon called the Oni Gauntlet, which eats some of his soul every time he uses it. He's basically destroying himself to save the world. And he's doing it while looking like Toshiro Mifune! What's not to love? — J.A.

How to watch: Onimusha is now streaming on Netflix. 

20. Akuma Kun Credit: Netflix

If you dug the vibe of the 2010 Sherlock series with Benedict Cumberbatch, then Akuma Kun might just be the anime for you. It's about a boy genius named Akuma Kun and his sidekick, a half-demon named Mephisto, solving paranormal mysteries. Akuma Kun has no social skills and seems very much on the spectrum in the way he sorts out the world, while Mephisto is the friendlier, funnier Martin Freeman type of the pair. 

Far less interested in big battle sequences than most anime tends to be, this series is more concerned with wading through philosophical puzzles. Akuma Kun and Mephisto spend a lot time wittily debating their at-odds instincts as they solve each episode's riddle. And that, along with the fine hand-drawn animation, really makes this series (which is technically a sequel to a 1989 series of the same name) stand out from the pack. — J.A.

How to watch: Akuma Kun is now streaming on Netflix.

Asterisks (*) indicate the entry is slightly modified from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Jul. 3, 2024, 3:24 p.m. EDT This article was originally published on Feb. 18, 2022. It has been updated to reflect the current streaming options on Netflix.

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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 July 1'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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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: The stuff of life

• Green: Certain shower gifts

• Blue: Noisemakers

• Purple: Words before a word that rhymes with "hag"

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: BIOLOGICAL BUILDING BLOCKS

• Green: PURCHASES FOR A BABY

• Blue: OBJECTS PLAYED AS INSTRUMENTS

• Purple: ___ TAG

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 #388 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• BIOLOGICAL BUILDING BLOCKS - ATOM, CELL, MOLECULE, PROTEIN

• PURCHASES FOR A BABY - BOTTLE, CRIB, MOBILE, RATTLE

• OBJECTS PLAYED AS INSTRUMENTS - JUG, SAW, SPOONS, WASHBOARD

• ___ TAG - DOG, FREEZE, PHONE, PRICE 

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.

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 29'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:

Pffft.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

F appears twice in today's word.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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 #1113 is...

SCOFF.

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.

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

Euro 2024 is slowly coming to its conclusion, which means only the very best sides can survive. There is only one semi final spot still up for grabs, so we're expecting a real battle between two strong teams. And you can watch how things unfold without spending anything.

The Netherlands have looked good so far though the group stage was a bumpy road. Turkey, meanwhile, have been surprisingly strong. They showed real fire in their round of 16 game against Austria, in which Turkish goalkeeper Mert Gunok made an all-timer last minute save — a save that will go down in Euros history.

Can Turkey pull off one more classic performance and reach the Euro semi-finals for the first time? The Netherlands will certainly put up a fight in this can't-miss game.

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

When is Netherlands vs. Turkey?

Netherlands vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on July 6. This fixture takes place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.

How to watch Netherlands vs. Turkey for free

Netherlands vs. Turkey 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 — no matter where you are around the globe. VPNs are handy tools that can obscure your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK. That means you can bypass any geo-restrictions and access streaming platforms such as 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 Netherlands vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services usually offer free trial periods or money-back guarantees. Simply sign up to leverage these offers and gain access to ITVX — all without actually spending anything in the long run. This is obviously not a permanent solution, but it will give you more than 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 top choice for streaming live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

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X, formerly known as Twitter, is looking to integrate its flawed AI chatbot even more deeply into the platform.

App researcher Nima Owji has recently uncovered code written within the X website that shows the company's upcoming plans for its AI chatbot Grok. While the features haven't publicly launched yet, Owji's discovery gives users a sneak peek into how much Elon Musk is looking to depend on AI for his social media platform.

It's important to note that these upcoming Grok-related features will likely be paywalled, similar to how Grok AI is currently structured. While users originally needed to pay for the $16 per month Premium+ plan, X has since rolled Grok out to those paying for the $8 X Premium plan.

X's upcoming Grok features

According to Owji's findings, X is planning to launch at least three new features across the platform that are powered by Grok.

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X will reportedly allow X Premium and Premium+ subscribers to highlight text on the platform — and then ask Grok about the selection via a pop-up without needing to head off the page. Owji found code in X which deploys an "Ask Grok" prompt pop-up message when text is highlighted.

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Another upcoming X feature that lets users access Grok without moving off-page is the "More about this account" prompt. Based on Owji's research, it appears X will soon let paying users ask Grok for background information about a specific X account via a Grok button that appears on an X user's profile card.

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There is a clear pattern here where X is trying to promote Grok use throughout the entire social media platform – and this final recently discovered upcoming feature makes that fully possible. X is looking to allow its subscribers to access Grok anywhere on X via a "Grok drawer." This basically enables an AI chatbot window to float over the X platform and remain accessible — no matter where the user goes on the site.

Grok is the first product from Musk's AI company xAI, which recently raised billions of dollars. Musk has been looking to prioritize his entrance into the AI race and Grok's deep integration into X at the AI chatbot's launch gave it a built-in user base.

Grok's stumbles

However, Grok has had its struggles. 

In April, X relaunched its Explore tab and made the feature dependent on Grok, which now creates news headlines and summaries based on what's trending on the platform. As Mashable previously reported, Musk's AI chatbot has already spread dangerous misinformation such as creating a fake news story about Iran striking Tel Aviv, Israel with missiles. In another example of Grok's failings, the AI chatbot took jokes posted by users on X and created a fake story about the NYPD being sent into NYC subways to have a "showdown" with an earthquake. 

That same month, Fortune reported that Musk was actually looking to further integrate Grok throughout X, going as far as wanting the AI chatbot to create posts for users. So, while these three upcoming Grok features aren't quite that, it's clear that X is going forward with pushing Grok onto users all throughout the platform.

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

Euro 2024 has been a joy to watch. The tournament has been full of spectacular goals, late drama, and passionate fans. What more could you want?

England entered the tournament as favorites, which isn't surprising with the strength of the English squad. But it's been a patchy start for the Three Lions. Though late drama in their win against Slovakia might give them a boost to go all the way.

England will face exceptionally tough competition from the in-form Switzerland, though. The Swiss have been one of the big surprises of the tournament so far, with world class mentality and dynamism on the ball. But, of course, only one of these teams can advance to the semi finals. It's all to play for.

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

When is England vs. Switzerland?

England vs. Switzerland in Euro 2024 kicks off at 12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST on July 6. This fixture takes place at the Düsseldorf Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.

How to watch England vs. Switzerland for free

England vs. Switzerland in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by BBC, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer 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 BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. All you need is a decent enough internet connection to stream the action.

Access BBC iPlayer 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 BBC iPlayer

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

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The best VPNs for streaming are not actually free to use, but leading services usually offer attractive deals such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. Using these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer 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 BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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