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TL;DR: Score a grade-A refurbished Apple iPad (7th gen, 32GB, WiFi) with Beats Flex Headphones on sale for $199.97 (reg. $299.99) through July 21.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refrubished Apple iPad (7th gen, 32GB, WiFi) with Beats Flex Headphones $199.97 at The Mashable Shop
$299.99 Save $100.02 Get Deal

Apple might churn out new iPads every year, but the great thing about them is that no matter which version you snag, you can count on it to perform like a champ. If you're looking to invest in one but don't want to spend much, consider buying refurbished units, which typically cost at least a third less than the cost of brand-new products. You can snag a great deal on a refurbished iPad and headphones bundle on sale today.

Score a grade-A refurbished Apple iPad (7th gen, 32GB, WiFi) with Beats Flex Headphones on sale for $199.97 (reg. $299.99) through July 21. Instead of paying top dollar for an on-the-go entertainment system, you can grab both for $100 off through July 21.

Now, let's clear the air — just because these are refurbished units doesn't mean they're subpar. This iPad, in particular, has a refurbished rating of “A", which means it's in near-mint condition. A few minor exterior scuffs, maybe, but otherwise, it's as good as new.

This iPad has a 10.2-inch Retina display for a smooth, natural-looking display, an A10 Fusion chip for tackling both demanding and standard tasks, 32GB for storing your essential files and media, and two cameras — an 8-megapixel rear and 1.2-megapixel FaceTime camera —great for taking photos and videos on the go and hopping on Teams and Zoom calls. Plus, it lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge, so you're not chained to an outlet all day.

As for the Beats Flex headphones, they're no slouch either. The pair delivers great stereo with rich and precise bass thanks to the dual-chamber acoustic setup. It has an Apple W1 chip, easily pairs with any iOS and Mac device, and a battery life that lasts up to 12 hours. Plus, you can easily extend the battery life in a pinch with the 10-minute Fast Fuel charging that gives an extra 1.5 hours of playback. It also comes with a tangle-free Flex-Form cable for all-day comfort, four ear tip options for a more personalized fit, and magnetic earbuds that automatically play when worn and pause when attached around your neck.

Score a refurbished iPad and Beats headphones without breaking the bank. Normally $299, this bundle is on sale for $199.97 until July 21, 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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 July 7 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 7

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, July 7, 2024:

AcrossWeigh (down)

• The answer is bog.

Monk's hood

• The answer is cowl.

Country where the word for "lobster" translates literally to "dragon shrimp"

• The answer is China.

Fertile areas in a desert

• The answer is oases.

Walks on water?

• The answer is piers.

DownIdaho's capital

• The answer is Boise.

For whom a car manual is written

• The answer is owner.

Risky material to pack in a stuffed suitcase

• The answer is glass.

Spiced tea

• The answer is chai.

Character on "NYPD Blue" or "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

• The answer is cop.

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

TL;DR: Through July 21, give your cybersecurity career a boost with help from this expert-led training bundle on cybersecurity and IT fundamentals for only £23.40 (formerly £143.65).

With so much of our lives entangled online, companies of varying sizes and industries are constantly on the lookout for skilled individuals who can protect their respective systems and make them virtually impenetrable. The good news is if you're interested in venturing into this career, you don't necessarily have to go back to school to gain key IT certifications.

This Cybersecurity and IT Career Pathway Training Bundle offers ample training to get your foot in the door. It covers the basics of IT and helps you prepare for certification tests that employers typically look for in IT professionals. For a limited time, you can score the training for only £23.40. This course bundle helps beginners prepare for IT certifications like Cisco CCNA 200-301 Exam, CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification, CompTIA PenTest+. These courses cover everything from Cisco IT systems to ethical hacking and penetration testing.

Put together by Cisco Certified Systems Instructor David Bombal and CompTIA Certification Pro Mike Meyers and his team, this expert-led bundle packs eight courses and 169 hours of training on cybersecurity fundamentals. Through beginner friendly lectures, you can expect to get to grips with the fundamentals of ethical hacking, like cracking passwords and intercepting traffic, the ABCs of security, like risk management, risk mitigation, and threat management, and the building blocks of network management like designing and implementing functional networks and troubleshooting basic to advanced network problems.

In terms of certification prep, you can also expect to receive assistance with training for various certification exams, including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA CySA+, and more. You also have the option to take the courses at your own pace, at your own time, and using just about any device.

Formerly retailing for £143.65, you can grab this Cybersecurity and IT Career Pathway Training Bundle on sale for only £23.40 through July 21.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The Ultimate Cybersecurity & IT Career Certification Pathway Training Bundle £23.40 at the Mashable Shop
£143.65 Save £120.25 Get Deal

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: Transform at the molecular level

• Green: Pinch

• Blue: Nickname for your nine-to-five

• Purple: Certain singer's best-ofs

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: CHANGE STATES OF MATTER

• Green: REPLACEMENT

• Blue: SLANGY NAMES FOR PROFESSIONS

• Purple: MARIAH CAREY NUMBER ONE HITS

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• CHANGE STATES OF MATTER - CONDENSE, FREEZE, MELT, VAPORIZE

• REPLACEMENT - ALTERNATE, BACKUP, COVER, SUB

• SLANGY NAMES FOR PROFESSIONS - COPPER, HACK, SHRINK, SUIT

• MARIAH CAREY NUMBER ONE HITS - FANTASY, HERO, HONEY, SOMEDY

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:

Collected mythology.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

N appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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 today's Wordle is...

CANON.

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.

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 July 5 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 5

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, July 5, 2024:

Across"___ imagining things?"

• The answer is AMI.

Medical center for outpatients

• The answer is CLINIC.

Picture on a greeting card that says "I lava you very much"

• The answer is VOLCANO.

Abbr. after some business names

• The answer is INC.

"Holy moley!"

• The answer is WOW.

Peppers with pepper, say

• The answer is SEASONS.

Aim high

• The answer is ASPIRE.

Feeling low

• The answer is SAD.

DownWHAT THIS CLUE IS IN

• The answer is ALLCAPS.

The thing in "Is this thing on?"

• The answer is MIC.

Became visibly happy

• The answer is lit up (no space).

"To briefly summarize ..."

• The answer is INAWORD.

Supply at an ice cream parlor

• The answer is CONES.

"___ ear, out the other"

• The answer is INONE.

Nearly 15% of them in the U.S. live in Texas

• The answer is COWS.

Mastercard alternative

• The answer is VISA.

Singer known for performing in a face-covering wig

• The answer is SIA.

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

The Epic Games Store is coming to Apple devices in Europe, but as usual, it couldn't just happen without some minor fighting between Apple and Epic first.

Apple announced the EGS would get the green light in Europe on Friday, per Reuters. However, that only came after Epic took to X to publicly accuse Apple of slow-rolling the submission by rejecting the app for seemingly trivial reasons. For instance, Epic said Apple's regulations found that the EGS app's "Install" button was too similar to Apple's "Get" button.

SEE ALSO: How to play 'Fortnite' on iPhone Tweet may have been deleted

Eagle-eyed news readers will remember that Apple and Epic have been going at each other's throats for four years now. Epic took umbrage with Apple's practice of scraping 30 percent off in-app payments, which resulted in Fortnite being taken off the iOS App Store. Epic eventually won a partial legal victory related to the matter, and later unrelated legal developments in the European Union have guaranteed that Fortnite will return to iPhones there in short order.

That said, we're still waiting to find out when or if Fortnite will return to iPhones in the United States.

Despite the enthusiasm of actors in Swiffer commercials, few people are smiling at the workout that is manually mopping their floors.

If you experience similar dread when faced with vacuuming, the best robot vacuum and mop combos will cross those two chores off of your list (three, if you count digging your old mop out of the closet as a chore in itself).

Since 2020-ish, most robot vacuum companies have added at least one hybrid model to their lineup, with prices ranging from $200 to well over $1,000. You can generally expect the mopping technique to get a little more meticulous as price goes up, so the type of mess that you'll be expecting your 2-in-1 model to conquer becomes a big deciding factor. Are you mostly concerned with wiping up spur-of-the-moment spills, or will you be a stickler about dried-on stains that call for more heavy-duty scrubbing?

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

Fortunately, both ends of the pricing spectrum provide way more bang for their buck in 2024 than they did in the early 2020s. The past year or so has seen serious strides in the automated mopping department: Brands like iRobot, Roborock, Eufy, Shark, and Narwal are moving far past the bare minimum — the mere presence of mopping gear — with features that actually make autonomous mopping effective, like pressurized and/or spinning mopping pads (rather than lackadaisical, stationary ones), water tanks that refill themselves, and interior compatibility with cleaning solutions for better sanitization than cleaning with just water.

This shift is particularly exemplified in the fleet of new hybrid robot vacs released at CES 2024, where a new standard for the future of mopping robot vacuums was set: The best robot hybrids will also cross post-mopping maintenance off of your list by automatically washing and drying their own mopping pads, shifting the concept of a self-empty dock to a full self-cleaning station. With one of these self-cleaning models, your robovac will be ready to mop again almost immediately — a clutch change from older, more basic designs that required you to toss soggy mopping pads in the washing machine after every use..

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineups

The Mashable shopping team has tested 10+ of the highest-rated robot vacuum and mop combos on their own personal floors, narrowing down your options to the top six 2-in-1 cleaners on the market in the first half of 2024.

There's definitely something to be said for the crisp handheld control of a powerful cordless Dyson. But if you're not one to classify cleaning as cathartic, why not outsource that tedious task to one of the best robot vacuums?

The Mashable shopping team has put dozens of robot vacuum cleaners to the test in our own homes, and now we're here to help you find the right bot for yours.

Are Roombas the best robot vacuums?

Though Roombas are really good robot vacuums, they aren't the only good robot vacuums.

iRobot dominated the robot vacuum realm from the early 2000s up until a few years ago, so it's no surprise that much of the general public forgets that "Roomba" isn't simply a generic term for any robotic vacuum.

But Roombas officially aren't in a league of their own anymore: You can't even Google "Roomba" without a question involving Shark robot vacuums popping up, and other brands like Roborock and Eufy have entered the chat with a fury. And we're here to put some respect on their names.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

We're regularly testing robot vacuums at multiple price points and keeping a list of the top performers based on criteria like smart mapping, obstacle navigation, pet hair pickup, self emptying, suction power, and the bot's brushroll system. The theme of robot vacuum releases at CES 2024 and the surrounding slew of robovacs released this year also cement mopping capabilities as a standard feature — so on top of various dry vacuuming tests, we're simultaneously keeping tabs on scrubbing efficacy to find the best robot vacuum and mop.

Our evaluation goes down in our own homes on carpet, rugs, tile, and hardwood floors, complete with a watchful eye on how seamlessly each robot vacuum handles a change in floor type mid-cleaning.

We've managed to narrow your shopping list to six top options. Here are the top robot vacuums for every home and budget in the first half of 2024:

PRIME DAY 2024 IS COMING: If price is the barrier keeping you from justifying a robot vacuum purchase for your small space, Prime Day is one of the best times of year to buy a robot vacuum for way less than usual. Amazon already has a pretty solid list of robot vacuum deals live weeks ahead of the event's kickoff on July 16, including one of the Roombas we're recommending below for 50% off.

The 10 minutes it takes to manually vacuum a 700-square-foot apartment probably isn't enough to send someone over the edge as far as chores are concerned. While the time-saving factor may be a moot point here, it doesn't completely diminish the appeal of using a robot vacuum in a crowded home.

It's actually totally plausible that spaces with less square footage get dirty faster because virtually every spot is a high-traffic spot. With that logic, a robot vacuum is absolutely worth it in a small space.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineups

However, it is crucial to not automatically assume that less floor to cover means that the cheapest vacuum you can find will suffice. Cramped furniture arrangements and quick changes between floor types actually call for a vac on the more competent end navigation-wise, or you'll risk arriving home to a bot that got stuck in kitchen chair legs during the first five minutes of cleaning. Before getting into specific robovac recommendations, let's assess the features that would make this a smart purchase.

Do robot vacuums work in small apartments?

While some large, heavy-duty robot vacuums would probably be overkill in a tight space, there are several compact, quiet robot vacuums on the market that make a lot of sense in a small space.

One way to downsize the space a robot vac takes up is to forego the self-empty dock. While forgoing it automatic emptying o save yourself inches on the floor may not be ideal, it'll be a little less damning in a small space, as the vacuum isn't sucking up as much dirt on each cleaning run as it would in a big house. However, finding a super compact auto-empty dock nowadays isn't hard, and many robot vacuums offer the option to buy one separately later.

SEE ALSO: Roomba models, explained: The 2024 guide to deciding which Roomba to buy

If your small apartment has hard floors, a robot vacuum and mop combo is a genius way to downsize chores supplies. This'll save you not only the time it takes to mop manually but also the breath it takes to curse your Swiffer for hogging your scarce closet space. Multiple floor types also make smart mapping and zone labeling a crucial feature, despite the fact that your home may not have many specific rooms to select on a map in the first place.

We've hands-on tested the top contenders in our own modest abodes. Read on for the best robot vacuums for apartments, studios, and other one-story homes:

The best self-emptying robot vacuums have one huge perk past the obvious act of vacuuming the floor for you. (Hint: It's in the name.)

When you outsource vacuuming to a robot, your floors get cleaned way more often. The only downside of this extra attention? More debris off the floor means a dust bin that fills up faster, and emptying a vacuum's dust bin by hand is arguably the worst part of the chore.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

Enter self-emptying robot vacuums. These vacs do your vacuuming and emptying for you for a few weeks at a time, storing the debris the robot vacuum collects on each trip in a larger compartment that's located in the charging dock.

Are self-emptying robot vacuums worth it?

Not having to lift a finger when it comes to floor maintenance is well worth it for anyone who just doesn’t have the time — or the interest — in wrestling an upright vacuum out of the closet every few days. The next question is whether you want the true set-it-and-forget solution that only automatic emptying can provide, and if you're willing to pay more for it.

Automatic emptying quickly proves its worth in households where the layer of pet fur would otherwise have you dumping the vacuum's tiny dust bin after just a few rooms. The best self-emptying robot vacuum cleaners let you off the hook for months at a time. And when it actually is time to empty the bigger dust bin, most self-empty docks trap dust inside a disposable bag, meaning you won't have to see or touch the nasty stuff at all.

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

For people with allergies, auto-emptying also spares you from inhaling the inevitable puff of dust that emerges when dumping a dust bin into the trash.

Speaking of avoiding the grosser parts of the job, if you want a robot vacuum that mops, many self-emptying docks also take it upon themselves to deal with dirty mopping pads after the job is done. CES 2024 ushered in a new wave of flagship robot vacuums that self-wash and self-dry the soggy mopping pads in the same dock where debris is held.

While self emptying could add anywhere from $100 to $500 to a robot vac's overall price tag, automated mopping pad washing and drying is the automation that really kicks the price up over the $1,000 mark. Remember that both of these are optional in most cases, so if you're on a tight budget or tight on space, you can forgo the fancy dust bin and save significantly.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2024 is coming: Here are the best early deals you can already shop

Rather than giving up automatic emptying, we suggest you finesse by buying your robot vacuum during Prime Day. Prime Day season is one of the best times of year to find a robot vacuum on sale. This is your opportunity to score a robovac with that crucial automatic emptying dock without maxing out your budget. The event doesn't officially start until July 16, but Amazon already has a bunch of self-emptying vacuum deals to peruse, including $300 off the Narwal Freo X. Otherwise, we're hoping for new record discounts on our favorite CES 2024 models, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, both of which haven't seen much movement price-wise since release.

We've been testing the latest and greatest self-emptying robot vacuums released in 2024 against our old favorites from 2023 and 2022. Here are the best self-emptiers to consider for your home:

It would come as a surprise to more people than you think that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun rather than a generic trademark, though the Band-Aid level interchangeability really does exemplify just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of automated floor cleaners.

SEE ALSO: A ton of robot vacuums claim to mop, but these 5 hybrids actually do the job

That can be attributed to the fact that iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but tracking the best Roombas isn't so chaotic when you consider that only a handful of those models are actually relevant at the time of your shopping.

Right now is a particularly good time to keep your eye out for a discounted Roomba, because Amazon Prime Day 2024 is on the way. This year's big shopping event is on July 16 and 17, and we're already seeing early Prime Day deals on plenty of robot vacuums, including Roombas and self-emptying robovacs. There are certainly more robot vacuum deals to come, and we'll keep you updated on all things Prime Day leading up to the event and beyond.

How to tell the difference between the Roomba models

The arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but nothing that can't be told apart after learning a few super general classification themes.

When shopping for a Roomba, you'll really only be choosing from what we call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series that are actively sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter with a number (like j9+ or i5) is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 692).

The j Series is iRobot's most advanced right now, followed by the s Series, i Series, and then the 600 Series. A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock. Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title, and there are several Roombas that can be purchased with or without mopping abilities.

You won't need to memorize any nuances past these overarching rules. We'll cover the fine print, like which Roombas have smart mapping or small obstacle detection, in our deep dive below, noting the most important differences between each current Roomba.

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
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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.

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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.

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