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TL;DR: Fly high this summer with the Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle PRO 4K and Blade K drone bundle, on sale for $159.97 through June 26.

Did you miss out on booking that European summer getaway like half of your Instagram feed? No worries! You can still take to the skies, but in a much cooler way. How about investing in a drone or even better, two drones?

This deal lets you take home two state-of-the-art 4K smart drones for the price of one. June 26 is your last chance to cop this bundle for just $159.97 — nearly 50% off its original retail price of $299.

Both of these drones boast 4K cameras. The Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle Pro packs a 4K electric adjustable camera that supports vertical and horizontal shooting, while the Blade K drone has a 4K front camera and bottom camera, capable of taking cinematic, crisp visuals no matter the angle. Even if you're not a professional photographer or videographer, you can expect to capture breathtaking shots.

Worried about crashing? Both drones are equipped with optical flow technology and advanced 4-way anti-collision systems, meaning they can detect obstacles in their path, ensuring a smooth and safe ride every time. They're also both beginner-friendly, have a one-key return function, and have four channels, allowing them to pull off all sorts of aerial stunts, including ascending, flying forward, backward, left, right, and even rolling 360 degrees. Plus, with the two of them having 1800 mAh battery built-in, they can deliver about 10 to 12 minutes of flying time on a single charge.

Dodge the FOMO and grab this drone bundle before it flies away for good.

Through June 26, you can grab the Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle Pro 4K with Blade K drone bundle on sale for only $159.97, no coupon necessary.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Onetify Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle PRO 4K with Blade K Drone Bundle $159.97 at The Mashable Shop
$299.99 Save $140.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Pay only $44.97 for a 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 through June 26.

The Microsoft 365 Suite is a power pack of staples that help you get through both the workday and your hobbies and home life.

The thing about these apps, however, is access to them isn't cheap, normally only available through your work-issued computer. But you can now install them on your personal devices without breaking the bank. This is your last chance to snag a 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 for just $44.97. Hurry, this deal ends at 11:59 p.m. PT tonight.

With this subscription, you can access Microsoft 365 apps on up to five devices at a time, including iOS, Android, PC, and Mac. Whether you're working online or offline, you'll have Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Editor, Clipchamp, OneNote, Teams, and more at your fingertips. Plus, there's a generous 1TB of cloud storage for all your files, photos, videos, emails, and other documents.

Collaborate with colleagues using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, or unleash your inner Spielberg with Clipchamp for video editing. Need to create greeting cards or marketing materials? Publisher has got you covered. You can also join group calls with up to 300 people for up to 30 hours on Teams.

And for the cherry on top, Microsoft Defender is included to keep online threats at bay with identity theft monitoring and advanced protection for your favorite devices. Plus, you'll always have access to the latest features and updates as soon as they're released. If you ever hit a snag, technical support is just a chat or phone call away.

Grab this last chance to score a discounted 1-year Microsoft 365 subscription on sale for $44.97 until June 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: RetailKing Microsoft 365: 1-Year Subscription $44.97 at The Mashable Shop
$69.99 Save $25.02 Get Deal

Remember when Google brought continuous scrolling to Search on desktop, back in December 2022? Well, now the company has reversed that decision, and ditched continuous scrolling in favor of pagination.

The news comes via Search Engine Land, who spoke to a Google spokesperson, reporting that continuous scrolling in search results will be gone starting June 25. The same thing will happen to mobile search results in the "coming months."

We can still see continuous scrolling on Google Search both on desktop and mobile at the time of writing, and we're guessing it just takes some time for changes to go live for everyone.

SEE ALSO: Google is working on generative AI soundtracks and dialogue for videos

According to Google, the change is about being able to serve results faster on more searches, instead of automatically loading results that haven't been requested. The company also said that continuous scrolling didn't lead to "significantly higher" user satisfaction with Google Search.

We'd add that Google Search results becoming noticeably worse (which Google disputes) likely also had something to do with user satisfaction, but don't mind us.

The pagination will apparently look just like it did before, with an elongated "Gooooooooogle" logo with pages from 1 to 10 listed below.

It's worth noting that the change might be bad news for some, as the pages which are on the second, third, and subsequent pages might get less clicks. For most users, faster loading of search results is an obvious benefit, though it would be nice if said search results had less ads and spam in them, too.

Many a celebrity have entered the fashion and beauty space with brands of their own, but there's nothing quite like this one: musician M.I.A has just launched a clothing company that claims to block 5G waves from entering your body.

And it includes a $100 "tin foil hat".

The brand, Ohmni, describes itself as "armour of the modern knight in the age of modern technological warfare", and "your last frontier at preserving your privacy, autonomy, and rights over your body and your data." Ohmni's lengthy introduction also outlines dangers of modern technology, citing the likes of indiscriminate tracking surveillance, mind data mining, social media overload, AI, and augmented reality.

"This is not your artist foray into fashion," the page reads. "This is a necessity."

SEE ALSO: Smart garments: Your next jacket might come with a futuristic tag

Available products on the website "designed to be protective, preventative, and precious" include a bucket hat described as a "tin foil hat" ($100), a "data protection" bag ($200), and a reversible "armour" T-shirt ($200), all lined with what M.I.A.'s company calls an "Original Silver Street Shield." Each is made with "pure Copper Nickel shielding fabric" which supposedly "offers exceptional electrical conductivity, deflecting electromagnetic waves such as Wi-Fi & 5G with up to 99.999% shielding effectiveness."

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Other examples? Ohmni's "potency boxer shorts" ($50) made from fabric containing 80 percent pure silver in order to "protect you and your future generations." Or the brand's poncho ($200) claiming to provide "full coverage of brain, gut, lungs, heart, and womb."

"Any reliance on the information provided on this website is at your own risk." - Ohmni T&Cs

Whether or not Ohmni's products are anywhere near scientifically sound is another thing. If you check the the company's T&Cs, there's a medical disclaimer reading, "While our products are designed to potentially mitigate exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), it is important to note that they are not medical devices and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment."

The company also stipulates that any information on Ohmni's website, including product descriptions, is "not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Any reliance on the information provided on this website is at your own risk." Notably, the company also says it "shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising from the use of our products."

So, essentially, rely on M.I.A.'s "tin foil hat" at your own peril.

"If the conspiracy theorists are wrong, good for you, you own some beautiful clothes made with pure silver and precious metals," reads the Ohmni website. "But, if they are right, you just might have saved the future of humanity."

Featured Video For You

M.I.A. herself has modeled for the brand, which is splashed all over her personal Instagram account. The artist introduced the brand while on Alex Jones' conspiracy-theory channel Infowars, a controversial show has just been forced to shut down in order to to pay off the $1.5 billion in defamation damages Jones owes to the families of Sandy Hook Massacre victims. M.I.A. previously attracted backlash after appearing on Jones' show in 2022, where she compared Jones' false claims about the Sandy Hook school shooting to "every celebrity pushing vaccines" — a comment she has since clarified.

The singer's criticisms of 5G — which seem to have prompted Ohmni's creation — date back to at least 2019. M.I.A. has posted several viral posts on X (formerly Twitter) about the dangers of 5G, including one in which she wrote: "In 10 years all of us will mutate Into radioactive cyborgs." In another post, from 2020, when conspiracy theories that linked 5G to the coronavirus were spreading fast on social media, she posited, "I don't think 5G gives you COVID19. I think it can confuse or slow the body down in healing process as body is learning to cope with new signals wavelength s frequency etc @ same time as Cov."

While there are health concerns over 5G, not all conclusions have been agreed upon by experts or confirmed as yet. Some theories, like the notion that 5G could cause COVID-19 and other health issues have been debunked, with the World Health Organization stating, "To date, and after much research performed, no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to wireless technologies."

In November 2023, a month after Hamas launched an attack on Israel and war was subsequently unleashed on the people of Palestine, the state of Israel took to Instagram with a widely-shared post. The first picture displays Israeli soldier Yoav Atzmoni posing in front of a tank, holding a rainbow-bordered Israel flag; the second shows the soldier standing amongst the ruins of war, holding a different rainbow flag emblazoned with the handwritten words "in the name of love."

"The first ever pride flag raised in Gaza 🏳️‍🌈," the post was captioned.

These words, and their sentiment, were condemned online for blatant "pinkwashing": a propaganda strategy that "cynically exploits LGBTQIA+ rights to project a progressive image while concealing Israel's occupation and apartheid policies oppressing Palestinians", according to Palestinian-led movement Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS).

This Pride Month, the subject of pinkwashing is being further centered for a reason. Amid the war on Gaza and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, pinkwashing has been spotlighted as a harmful tactic weaponized against LGBTQ Palestinians — and something for allies to recognize and resist.

SEE ALSO: AI-generated 'All Eyes on Rafah' online movement provokes debate The history of pinkwashing and Palestine

In this context, pinkwashing was arguably brought to widespread attention in 2011, when writer and activist Sarah Schulman wrote of its significance in a New York Times editorial that criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's framing of the Middle East as "a region where women are stoned, gays are hanged, Christians are persecuted." Schulman condemned the Israeli government's ongoing campaign that purports Israel as a haven for the queer community, while also "ignor[ing] the existence of Palestinian gay-rights organizations" and queer Palestinians.

Israel, which has played host to several Pride events, has been dubbed on a tourism site for the country as a "welcoming hub that starkly contrasts some of the more religious and restrictive areas in Israel and the surrounding region". Same-sex marriage cannot be legally performed in Israel, but civil unions and marriages performed outside the state are recognized. In Gaza, homosexuality has been outlawed since 1936, and conversations concerning the rights of Palestinian queer community and the need to create lasting social change have staunchly grown over decades.

Efforts to resist pinkwashing seemed to take flight in the 2000s, for several reasons including the launch of Israel's lengthy PR campaign "Brand Israel", which some one scholar described as a way to "portray Israel as a safe-haven for gays and lesbians and Palestine as a regressive, violent and homophobic place." Several op-eds, books, and academic papers have detailed the dangers of this narrative; campaigns to resist have launched over the years, including a prominent call to boycott European song contest Eurovision in 2019, which was based in Tel-Aviv.

"In its essence, pinkwashing is a hidden form of violence against queer Palestinians." - Elias Jahshan

Elias Jahshan, journalist, writer, and editor of This Arab Is Queer, describes pinkwashing as "reductive and racist."

"What it does is erase Palestinians stories and agency," Jahshan tells Mashable in an interview. "In its essence, pinkwashing is a hidden form of violence against queer Palestinians. It employs orientalist tropes to show Palestinians as uncivilised, backwards, and homophobic, and it also portrays us as victims of a patriarchal culture. It's dangerous."

Pro-Palestine advocates and organizations have long denounced pinkwashing not only for its underlying, PR-laden rhetoric, but its ability to distract and deflect from atrocities — including the ongoing war. For example, No Pride in Genocide, a coalition of activists, urges action against pinkwashing for its use "by a state or organization to deflect from or legitimize their violence imposed on other countries or communities." Groups like alQaws, BDS, and Jewish Voice for Peace have advocated for resisting the rhetoric that Palestinian and Arab societies are oppressive and archaic when it comes to LGBTQ rights in comparison to Western societies.

In the wake of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack and the escalation of the war on Gaza, pinkwashing has once again been steadily employed by Israel and its supporters as means of justification. Jahsan points to the aforementioned post showing Israeli soldier Atzmoni "holding the rainbow flag amongst the rubble" as a prime example of pinkwashing: "It was really awful. Since when was having a rainbow flag the litmus test for the queer community to be validated?" There are other prominent examples. One social media post by comedian Daniel-Ryan Spaulding went viral for comparing queer solidarity with Palestine to "chickens for KFC"; an Israeli comedy skit show called Eretz Nehederet posted a YouTube video satirizing pro-Palestine activists at Columbia University, waving rainbow-colored flags and supporting "LGBTQH" (in which the "H" stands for Hamas).

Resistance and recognition

This June, social media users, activists, and groups have amplified the subject of pinkwashing as the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 37,000.

On Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), several posts have raised the issue. Amongst these is Slow Factory, a digital nonprofit organization, which detailed examples of pinkwashing amid Pride Month and condemned the weaponization of this tactic. "We refuse this blatant exploitation of identity politics," one caption reads.

Most of these posts push for advocacy and awareness, challenging the purported notion of liberating queer Palestinians and marginalized people with war. As Sarah O’Neal wrote in The Nation, "People are being decapitated in Gaza, not for being queer but for being Palestinian." Many posts on X have denoted the same: that the narrative of pinkwashing should hold no legitimacy, and certainly none during war.

This digital movement, which Jahshan says is "ramping up this year", particularly on Instagram, is both educational and activating. People and organizations posting have asked to recognize the existence of queer love in Palestine, shared resources for resisting propaganda, and raised awareness of Pride events and rallies for a cause.

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"This amount of solidarity this year is very heartening," he says. "Queer Palestinians and allies are spreading the word on pinkwashing and how harmful it is, and how it erases us. People forget that queer Palestinians exist. There is a queer Palestinian community in Gaza – there always has been. They live their lives their own way."

"The Daily Show" host Michael Kosta has mocked Alex Jones' InfoWars, following news that the site is being shut down.

Your political beliefs may have more consequence on your love life than you think, as research is increasingly proving.

New research from dating app Tinder and British charity My Life My Say found that a third of UK singles (aged 18-25) think it's important for the person they're dating to be registered to vote. The study also found 21 percent of singles have ended a relationship or would do so if their significant other was not "politically engaged".

The study also found that 60 percent of young singles strongly feel that their partners should respect their personal views. When it comes to women, 65 percent agreed to this statement.

SEE ALSO: Men found a surprising new way to lie on dating apps

These statistics confirm a rise in politics entering the bedroom. Studies conducted in the last few years have shown that political beliefs, polarization, and even political apathy — or the refusal to participate in politics — mean a lot to young daters. In 2023, Bumble's dating predictions for the following year included the importance of political values: one in four people on Bumble believe that their partner should be engaged in political or social causes. Bumble additionally found that 33 percent of women said it's a turn off if someone they're dating isn't aware of current issues.

There's also a widening gap between the political views of young men and women. Research from Tinder, conducted in 2021, found that 71 percent of Gen-Z daters say dating someone with opposing political views is a dealbreaker. Separately, a recent Gallup poll found that only 25 percent of U.S. men between the ages of 18 and 29 identify as political liberal; meanwhile, 40 percent of women within that age range do. Another survey from 2023, conducted by Change Research, echoed this sentiment with its overarching findings: young women and transgender and nonbinary people lean much further left than men. This set of research took into consideration modern political issues in the U.S., including Donald Trump's presidency and the overturning of Roe v Wade.

While the issue of politics and dating is certainly more nuanced than numbers, the figures at hand do represent both an ideological divide and a growing conversation to be had.

Can artificial intelligence devise a bucket-list vacation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? Our reporter put three virtual assistants to the test.

Rattled by tech’s latest trend, businesses have turned to advisers at Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey and KPMG for guidance on adopting generative artificial intelligence.

Tech companies have been making subtle and not-so-subtle changes to their rules for better access to data for building A.I. We took a look at some of them.

Artificial intelligence is doing everything from helping landlords communicate with tenants to managing energy use.

China's robotic spacecraft has brought back rocks and dust from the lunar far side that may solve enduring mysteries about the interior composition of the moon. 

The uncrewed Chang'e-6 mission capsule landed in northern China's Inner Mongolia at 2:07 p.m. Beijing Time on Tuesday, according to China's State Council Information Office. Its journey to the moon about 250,000 miles away had lasted over 50 days. 

Though Apollo 8 astronauts were the first people to see the far side with their own eyes from a spacecraft — with William Anders describing it as a kids' sand pile — NASA has never landed there. This is the first time in history anyone has returned samples from the portion of the moon facing away from Earth.

That's in part because of how difficult it is. The moon itself blocks communication between people on Earth and the far side. But China put a communication relay satellite about 40,000 miles beyond the moon that could exchange the signals.

"The outstanding contributions you have made will always be remembered by the country and the people," said Chinese President Xi Jinping in a statement congratulating his military-controlled space program. State social media accounts shared video and images of the capsule plummeting through Earth's atmosphere.

SEE ALSO: China landed on the moon and found water in dirt and rocks Tweet may have been deleted

The achievement comes at a time when the world's space race has reignited, with China emerging as a strong spacefaring competitor, making gains in low-Earth orbit research at its own space station and becoming the third country to land an uncrewed spacecraft on Mars. China has completed several previous robotic moon missions, successfully detecting water molecules while on the near side and collecting samples. 

Though much of China's findings and research are published in peer-reviewed science journals, the space program is often secretive about the details of its rocket launches and missions before they occur. Chang'e-6 carried instruments from France, Italy, Pakistan, and the European Space Agency. The United States, on the other hand, has prohibited NASA by law from collaborating with China on space missions or having scientific exchanges. 

A researcher looks at samples brought back from the moon by China's previous Chang'e-5 spacecraft. Credit: VCG / VCG via Getty Images

Despite popular belief, the far side of the moon — sometimes referred to as the "dark side" — is not in perpetual darkness. It's the hemisphere that always faces space. In reality, it gets just as much light as the near side, which always faces Earth. 

What scientists have learned is the side humans can't see from this planet is quite different. China's moon rocks have the potential to reveal information about the moon's evolution and history of the solar system that the Apollo samples can't. 

Though the near side has large dark patches, the far side has few of these spots. The spots are called maria, dark areas formed when meteoroids slammed into the moon, erasing previous craters that recorded some of the moon's geological history. But the far side seems to have a more pristine record of earlier cosmic collisions.

China's Chang'e-6 spacecraft returned to Earth from a mission to the far side of the moon, the hemisphere unseen from Earth. Credit: NASA Goddard

The Chinese spacecraft landed at the enormous South Pole-Aitken basin, where scientists believe some of the moon's mantle — material between the core and the crust — could have been blasted to the surface during an ancient asteroid impact. That makes the samples potentially invaluable to understanding the inner workings of the moon.

During the earlier Chang'e-4 mission, which also touched down on the far side, China took measurements and discovered the soil went much deeper there than on the near side. But why the moon would have a sort of lopsided crust, with one side much thicker than the other, is unclear. 

Despite China's successes, NASA remains the leader in lunar exploration. Through future Artemis missions, the U.S. space agency intends to send astronauts to the moon's south pole region, where scientists believe water ice is buried. If the ice could be mined, the resource could literally fuel a burgeoning lunar economy. 

While Walmart+ Week (which ran from June 17 through 23) was largely underwhelming, Walmart is redeeming itself with a brand-new Prime Day-rivaling shopping event. Simply dubbed Walmart Deals, the big box store is marketing it as its "largest savings event ever" and it kicks off the week before Prime Day. Coincidence? Never. We knew Walmart wouldn't pass up the chance to compete with Mr. Bezos. Here's everything you need to know.

When is the Walmart Deals event?

Walmart Deals kicks off Monday, July 8 at 5 p.m. ET and runs through Thursday, July 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET on Walmart.com and the Walmart app. If you're a Walmart+ member, you can start shopping five hours before everyone else, beginning at noon ET. For those keeping track, that's just a little over a week prior to Prime Day's official kick off.

Can you shop Walmart Deals without being a Walmart+ member?

Unlike Walmart+ Week, which overlapped with Prime Day last year, Walmart Deals is not exclusive to Walmart+ members. Anyone can shop the deals on Walmart.com and the Walmart app beginning July 8 at 5 p.m. ET. However, being a Walmart+ member definitely has its perks. You'll get exclusive early access to deals five hours before everyone else. If you've got your eye on a specific deal and want to guarantee it comes home with you, shopping early as a Walmart+ member is probably worth it.

Best deals to look out for during the Walmart Deals event

As noted in the retailer's press release, Walmart Deals will cover a very similar list of categories to Prime Day — shocker. Those include electronics, home, toys, travel, and back-to-school must-haves. Big doorbusters mentioned in a Walmart sneak peek include the Dyson V12 Detect Slim for $449.99 (reg. $649.99) and an HP Victus gaming laptop for $599 (reg. $979). You can also expect up to $100 off TVs, up to $200 off fitness, up to 50% off floor care, and up to 30% off Lego.

Here's a preview of some of the best featured deals to look out for. We'll keep you updated with new deals that drop once the event officially begins.

Tech deals

• Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic (46mm, Bluetooth) — $99 $179.99 (save $80.99)

• TCL 65-inch QLED Google TV — $398 $498 (save $100)

• HP Victus 15.6-inch gaming laptop (AMD Ryzen 5-8645HS, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $599 $979 (save $380)

Home deals

• Rayovac High Energy 72-pack of AA batteries and AAA batteries — $19.97 $39.94 (save $19.97)

• TCL Air Purifier — $29.99 $69.99 (save $40)

• Keurig K-Slim + ICED single serve coffee maker — $49 $129 (save $80)

• Travelhouse 3-piece luggage set — $85 $119.99 (save $34.99)

• Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Special Edition toothbrush — $149.96 $199.96 (save $50)

• Shark IQ RV2302AE robot vacuum — $288 $499.99 (save $211.99)

• GE Profile Opal nugget ice maker — $397 $579 (save $182)

• Dyson V12 Detect Slim cordless vacuum — $449.99 $649.99 (save $200)

Outdoor deals

• Westin adirondack chair — $89.99 $119.99 (save $30)

• Ozark Trail 10-person cabin tent — $99 $170 (save $71)

Toy deals

• Lego Star Wars — $35 $49.99 (save $14.99)

• Super Mario Party + Red and Blue Joy-Con Bundle — $69 $99 (save $30)

• AovoPro Scooter — $219.99 $439 (save $219.01)

• Lifetime 50-inch adjustable basketball hoop — $249.99 $329.99 (save $80)

The best early Prime Day Echo deals at a glance: Best Echo smart speaker deal Echo Pop Kids $22.99 at Amazon with Prime (save $27) Get Deal Best Echo smart display deal Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) $54.99 at Amazon with Prime (save $45) Get Deal Best Echo Frames deal Echo Frames (3rd Gen) Prescription Ready + Echo Pop $169.99 at Amazon with Prime (save $139.99) Get Deal

Amazon loves to keep things in the family on Prime Day: Discounts on its in-house lines of gadgets are plentiful and steep during the retail giant's annual members-only sale. This is especially true for its Echo smart home devices, which frequently enjoy Prime Day deals exceeding the half-off mark. New year-round lows are not uncommon.

Echo devices also tend to be some of the first products Amazon puts on sale as official "Early Prime Day Deals" before the sale formally starts. As a case in point, the retail giant rolled out a handful of Echo offers alongside its Prime Day 2024 announcement Tuesday (which confirmed that it's scheduled for July 16 and 17). Let the games begin, as they say.

SEE ALSO: Amazon just announced the exact dates of Prime Day 2024

As things currently stand, two kid-friendly Echo speakers have returned to previous lows for Prime members, while all styles of the third-generation Echo Frames are now cheaper than ever before — again, only for Prime members. These will be joined by additional smart speaker and display deals as Prime Day gets closer, per Amazon's announcement, which teased up to 55% off the Echo Pop, up to 45% off the Echo, up to 44% off the Echo Show 5, and up to 45% off the Echo Show 8.

Read on for an overview of the best early Prime Day Echo deals that are worth adding to your cart already, according to Mashable's team of shopping experts. Check back often, as we'll be updating our picks constantly as Amazon releases more offers in the leadup to the 16th.

Note: Any device marked with a 🔥 is at a record-low price, according to the Amazon price tracking site CamelCamelCamel.

Best Echo smart speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Pop Kids 🔥 $22.99 at Amazon (with Prime)
$49.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The kid-friendly version of Amazon's pint-sized smart speaker from 2023 comes with built-in parental controls, a two-year worry-free guarantee, and six months' worth of Amazon Kids+. (That unlocks extra age-appropriate content, including Audible books, games, and a "Hey Disney!" custom assistant with the voices of 20-plus Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars characters.) It's available in two styles, Disney Princess or Marvel's Avengers, and both options come with a blue protective silicone sleeve.

The Echo Pop Kids is now on sale for $22.99 for Prime members, which is 54% off and a match of its all-time low price from last Black Friday. You've also got the option of bundling it with an Echo Glow smart lamp (worth $29.99) for just $10 more.

More Echo smart speaker deals

• Echo Dot Kids (5th Gen) — $27.99 $59.99 (save $32) with Prime 🔥

• Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) with Echo Glow — $64.99 $129.98 (save $64.99) with Prime

Best Echo smart display deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) $54.99 at Amazon (with Prime)
$99.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The third-generation Echo Show 5 is a 5.5-inch smart display from 2023 with speakers and a built-in camera. This kid-centric take on it has a fun Galaxy-patterned design, a two-year guarantee, and a built-in dashboard where parents can set usage limits and approve contacts for video calls. Amazon also throws in a year's worth of its Kids+ service.

Prime members can snag the Echo Show 5 Kids on sale for $54.99 ahead of Prime Day, which works out to a 45% savings. That's not a match of its all-time low — it was $44.99 last Black Friday (and $49.99 last Prime Day) — so if you don't desperately need it, consider waiting to see if it gets cheaper in the coming weeks. Note that you can add an Echo Glow for $10.

Best Echo Frames deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Frames (3rd Gen) Prescription Ready + Echo Pop 🔥 $169.99 at Amazon (with Prime)
$309.98 Save $139.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's third-generation Echo Frames are smart glasses that can play music, stream podcasts, and take calls hands-free. They're equipped with Alexa, so you can also use them to control compatible smart home devices. They offer up to 14 hours of battery life and come in up to five styles, depending on the lens type: Black Rectangle, Black Square, Gray Rectangle, Blue Round, and Brown Cat Eye.

All variants of the Echo Frames are currently on sale for a record-low of $169.99 for Prime members — that includes the Frames with prescription-ready lenses (normally $269.99), with sunglass lenses (normally $299.99), and with blue light-filtering lenses (normally $299.99). However, only the former come with a free Echo Pop smart speaker worth $39.99.

More Echo Frames deals

• Echo Frames (3rd Gen) Blue Light Filtering — $169.99 $299.99 (save $130) with Prime 🔥

• Echo Frames (3rd Gen) Sunglasses — $169.99 $299.99 (save $130) with Prime 🔥

TL;DR: Spice up your outdoor gatherings with a 2-pack of 80W outdoor Bluetooth RGB LED speakers for just $119.99 (reg. $199). 

Opens in a new window Credit: DbSoars 80W Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker with RGB LEDs (2-pack) $119.99 at The Mashable Shop
$199.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Summer is here, and so are the barbecues, pool days, and holiday parties. Bring the good vibes with a 2-pack of 80W outdoor Bluetooth RGB LED speakers and give your guests some bumpin’ tunes to groove to. 

As of June 25, you can get a 2-pack of 80W outdoor Bluetooth RGB LED speakers for just $119.99 (reg. $199). 

These luminous Bluetooth speakers let you connect up to 100 speakers at a time for a complete surround sound experience. You’ll love the crisp, 360-degree sound from the dual speakers, and you can turn on the optional bass boost for more immersive listening. Create a stereo pair for a broader sound stage and a more dynamic audio experience for your guests.

Once the sun starts to set, fire up the light show feature and enjoy a color-changing display from 24 RGB LEDs. Choose from four lighting modes: breathing rainbow light, solid colorful light, running colorful light, or a beat-driven light that syncs with your music. Level up the ambiance in your yard and program the lights to go with a particular theme or holiday, plus take advantage of the included timer. 

The speakers have a built-in rechargeable battery that gives you up to 20 hours of playtime and light displays on a single charge. Designed for outdoor use, the speakers are durable and IPX5 water-resistant to withstand spills, light drizzles of rain, splashes, etc. No matter the occasion, these versatile speakers bring the fun year-round. 

Cue up your favorite playlist with a 2-pack of 80W outdoor Bluetooth RGB LED speakers for just $119.99 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Access your files whenever with a slim, portable USB 3.0 external 1TB hard drive, on sale for just $59.99 (reg. $109.99) for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart Slim Portable USB 3.0 External Hard Drive — 1TB $59.99 at The Mashable Shop
$109.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Most of us have digital data that is constantly growing, so having a reliable and convenient storage solution is essential. Scrap the costly subscriptions with a handy external hard drive on sale today.

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One of the standout features of this external hard drive is its slim and lightweight design. At just a fraction of an inch thick, it’s easy to slip into your bag or pocket, making it ideal for those on the go. Whether you’re traveling for work or fun, heading to class, or simply moving between rooms or devices at home, this drive provides convenient, portable storage without the bulk.

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TL;DR: Get ready for action-packed adventure set to classic '80s hits when you purchase Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy game for Steam for just $23.99 (reg. $59.99).

If you’ve ever dreamed of joining Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Drax, and Groot on a cosmic adventure, now is the perfect time to make that dream a reality. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is available on Steam for just $23.99 – a significant drop from the regular price of $59.99.

This limited-time offer lets you save 60% on one of the most thrilling action-adventure games of 2021. Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan, a convert because of the Guardians ride in Magic Kingdom, or a newcomer to the franchise altogether, it's kind of a can't-miss price.

The Guardians of the Galaxy game brings the beloved misfit heroes to life in a way that’s both familiar and new. It offers an original story set in the Marvel Universe.

As Star-Lord, you’ll lead the Guardians through a series of epic battles and morally complex decisions that affect the outcome of the game. Each character — from the fierce Gamora to the tech-savvy Rocket — has its own unique abilities and personality, contributing to the dynamic and engaging team interactions.

Make good use of Element Blasters, tag-team beatdowns, engage in boot-powered dropkicks, and more. This third-person gameplay gets you up close and personal with new, powerful beings and offers interesting new twists on iconic characters. And the icing on the cake is that you get to save the galaxy to a killer '80s soundtrack.

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Get Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy game for Steam while it's on sale for just $23.99 (reg. $59.99).

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Opens in a new window Credit: Aspyr 'Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy' on Steam $23.99 at The Mashable Shop
$59.99 Save $36.00 Get Deal

Is there anything more romantic than cuddling on the couch?! Of course not. There’s a reason modern dating can be summarized with the phrase "Netflix and chill." Netflix is for lovers! 

With a deep catalog and a seemingly endless supply of rom-coms, the streaming giant has a lock on the love department. Whether you're looking for something to make you cry, make you sigh, or put you in the mood, Netflix has a movie for you.

Here are the best romantic movies on Netflix (in no particular order).

1. Carol

Based on Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt (republished as Carol in 1990), Todd Haynes' Carol stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara as two forbidden lovers in 1950s New York. Therese (Mara) is an aspiring photographer working at a department store one Christmas when she meets Carol (Blanchett), who is shopping for a present for her daughter. The sparks fly immediately, but their blossoming love has a few roadblocks, such as Carol's impending divorce from her crappy husband Harge (Kyle Chandler, no!), not to mention that era's attitude toward homosexuality.

If you're in the mood for queer yearning, a tense slow-burn, and one of the best sapphic love stories ever, Carol is the perfect watch. You will feel all the feelings. — Yasmeen Hamadeh, Freelance Contributor  

How to watch: Carol is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Lady Chatterley's Lover Credit: Netflix

This modern adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's scandalous 1928 novel will leave you absolutely swooning. Emma Corrin (The Crown) is spectacular as Connie Reid, the titular Lady Chatterley. Her marriage to Clifford Chatterley seemed like the perfect match before the war, but when he returns paralyzed, withdrawn, and uninterested in her happiness, Connie feels utterly alone and isolated in their empty countryside manor. She finds a refuge for her oppressive loneliness in the estate's gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors (Jack O'Connell). Very quickly the two begin a torrid affair that is both passionate and tender, exuberant and profound — and a threat to both of their lifestyles. 

Much like the source material, Lady Chatterley's Lover puts sex on full display. Their trysts are steamy and explicit, but thanks to the incredible vulnerability of Corrin and O'Connell, and the steady hand of director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, they never feel pornographic. The lovers' stolen moments are deeply intimate and personal. Together, in the sumptuous woods of the Chatterley estate, they explore each other's bodies and souls with unbridled joy. It's an elegant and sensual adaptation that makes an age-old story feel like a breath of fresh air. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Lady Chatterley's Lover is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' review: A steamy affair that makes room to examine class 3. Entergalactic

When street artist Jabari (Kid Cudi) moves into his new Manhattan apartment for a major job opportunity, he knows his life is about to change. But what he doesn’t anticipate is how mesmerized he will be by his charming photographer neighbor, Meadow (Jessica Williams). 

With a breathtaking animation style reminiscent of Into the Spiderverse and Arcane, Entergalactic is a fresh, captivating love story. Accompanied by the music of Kid Cudi’s 2022 album of the same name, the couple falls head over heels in a breathless, unbelievably lovely sequence — it’s hard not to fall with them. With epically imaginative visuals and a star-studded supporting voice cast featuring Ty Dolla Sign, Timothée Chalamet, and Vanessa Hudgens, Entergalactic is a one-of-a-kind romance for the modern audience. — K.G.

How to watch: Entergalactic is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Love at First Sight

Based on a hit novel by Jennifer E. Smith, Love at First Sight is a delightful romance with an airport at the center of its meet-cute. Haley Lu Richardson is a perpetually late, underprepared American student heading to London for her dad’s wedding, and Ben Hardy is a charismatic Brit who offers to lend her his phone charger at a crucial moment. They fall in love during the flight, but a mix-up at baggage claim prevents the star-crossed pair from sharing their contact information. Will they ever see each other again? Love at First Sight is a champion charmer, but it also packs a more weighty emotional punch than your standard rom-com. Gut-wrenching moments from a particularly unique costume party will stay with you for days.* — K.G.

How to watch: Love at First Sight is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 12 of the best movies by Black creators to watch on Netflix now 5. When We First Met Credit: Jami Saunders

Groundhog Day meets Some Kind of Wonderful in this delightful romantic comedy from director Ari Sandel. Adam Devine and Alexandra Daddario star as Noah and Avery, friends who could've worked as a couple but didn't get the timing right. So when the pining Noah discovers a magical photo booth that will transport him back to the night he and Avery first met, he's willing to do anything to get it right this time(s). Funny and surprisingly sweet, When We First Met is a hidden gem time-travel romp with spectacular supporting performances and a predictable ending you'll like all the same. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: When We First Met is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Karan Johar's directorial debut became an instant Bollywood classic when it hit theaters in 1998. Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Anjali (Kajol) are college besties until Rahul falls in love with Tina (Rani Mukerji) and Anjali realizes her true feelings for him. The friends become estranged before Tina dies, leaving behind a daughter, also named Anjali in honor of their old friend. Little Anjali grows up reading letters from her late mother, and she learns about her father's old friend — his first love. Tina tasks her daughter with tracking down Anjali and reuniting the friends as lovers, once and for all.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai remains Johar's best work to date, a film that made his name synonymous with pure power in the Hindi film industry. Khan and Kajol's chemistry captivates throughout, from their Gap-clad days of college teasing to the unfathomable sexual tension of the gazebo scene. Despite being famous for its love triangle, the movie never pits Anjali and Tina against each other, instead depicting a beautiful friendship between the two women as well as their respective relationships to Rahul. "Pyar dosti hai," Rahul declares early on: Love is friendship. And Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is nothing if not a timeless story about friends. — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Set It Up Credit: Netflix

Rom-coms are back, baby — and Set It Up, written by Katie Silberman (who also penned Booksmart) and directed by Claire Scanlon (The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), is one of the best entries of this new golden age! Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell are young assistants who hatch a plan to set up their high-strung, demanding bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs) so they can finally get a weekend off. What these two schemers never anticipated, of course, was that they might find themselves in their own romance in the process. Whoops!

Set It Up is a fun, hilarious romp that feels exponentially more real than your standard, candy-coated romantic comedy. The characters are charming because they're flawed, and they talk like people you know (Zoey uses insider nicknames like "Golf Guy" when chatting with her friends about her dating life). If you're looking for a romantic comedy that leaves you feeling like you just had the night out with your crew, this is the movie for you.* — K.G.

How to watch: Set It Up is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Why everyone you know is falling hard for 'Set It Up' 8. A Walk to Remember

Fantastically soapy and emotionally manipulative, A Walk to Remember is a Hall of Famer in the dying-teen-romance genre. Modern hits like The Fault in Our Stars owe a debt of gratitude to this 2002 classic based on Nicholas Sparks' novel. 

Shane West is high school bad boy Landon Carter, who gets the choice between being expelled or joining the school play. (High school theater is an equivalent punishment to being kicked out of school. Perfect premise. No notes!) Now forced to interact with the nerdy theater kids, he finally notices Mandy Moore’s radiant Jamie. Once her father (a REVEREND! Religious overtones! A Walk to Remember has it ALL!) finally agrees to let them date, Landon learns the reason why Jamie is able to live so fully in the present: She might not have much time left. — K.G. 

How to watch: A Walk to Remember is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Been So Long Credit: Netflix

Do you love musicals, romance, and Michaela Coel? Then Been So Long is the movie for you. This stylish musical epic follows Simone (Coel), a young, single mother in London completely wrapped up in caring for her differently abled daughter. After her friends and family tell her she's too uptight, she finally agrees to a night out and meets the handsome, complicated Raymond (Arinzé Kene). The two tentatively begin a flirtation, though they'll each have to contend with their own baggage before the relationship can thrive.

Directed by Tinge Krishnan and adapted from the successful stage show of the same name, Been So Long is a bright and buoyant musical for the modern era. The stories are grounded and complex, the characters are relatable, and — perhaps most importantly — the songs are absolute bops!* — K.G.

How to watch: Been So Long is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Plus One

Ben King (Jack Quaid) and Alice Mori (Maya Erskine) are old college friends who, in their late twenties, find themselves some of the few people in their circles left without partners. With a summer of endless weddings and awkward singles tables ahead of them, Ben and Alice decide to team up as each other’s plus ones and wingmen for the nuptial marathon, accidentally falling for each other along the way. 

With a cast full of indie comedy darlings and a funny, grounded script, Plus One is a top notch rom-com for the modern era. For outrageous hijinks and convenient romance, look elsewhere. This is a sweet, relatable winner that feels about as real as a rom-com can get.* — K.G.

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

11. To All the Boys I've Loved Before Credit: Netflix

Netflix's rom-com revival kicked off in 2018, a year whose slate included this criminally charming movie based on the novel by Jenny Han. Lara Jean (Lana Condor) is a hopeless romantic in the habit of writing letters to her most epic crushes — writing, not sending. When the letters are leaked, she starts pretending to date Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) to divert attention from her real crush on her sister's boyfriend.

SEE ALSO: Why 'XO, Kitty' has the best relationship in the 'To All the Boys...' franchise

With a bouncy pop soundtrack and visual style that is the envy of your entire Instagram feed, To All the Boys is the kind of movie you can return to again and again, a comfort watch as sweet as Lara Jean's baked goods. Will we ever tire of watching fictional characters fake love until it becomes real? If they're even half as adorable as these two, the answer is no. — P.K.

How to watch: To All the Boys I've Loved Before is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Our Souls at Night 

Quiet, sweet, and touching, Our Souls at Night is a beautiful meditation on companionship and love. Jane Fonda and Robert Redford are excellent as two widowed, long-time neighbors who decide to start spending the night in the same bed to stave off loneliness. The arrangement is purely platonic, a simple solution to a problem — but as they get to know each other, a deeper love begins to bloom. 

Fonda and Redford are truly mesmerizing here, completely self-assured in bringing this spare, sophisticated script to life. There aren't a ton of films about romance in our twilight years, but the poignancy of Our Souls at Night proves that the power of love will never get old. — K.G.

How to watch: Our Souls at Night is now streaming on Netflix.

13. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Though this 1940s-set title is a bit of a mouthful, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a straightforward tale of boy-meets-girl. Or boy in a book club meets lady author who is staying in town to do research on the German occupation and uncovers WWII secrets. Lily James (Rebecca, Downton Abbey) and Michiel Huisman (Game of Thrones) star as a bookish couple whose interest in history — and the author Charles Lamb — brings them together even as the world tries to move them away from each other. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter 

How to watch: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is now streaming on Netflix.

14. The Half of It Credit: Netflix

Director Alice Wu's The Half of It hinges on straight-A student Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) and her journey toward self-acceptance. It does wonders for the streaming service's rom-com catalog, not because it's especially new in its ideas, but because Wu executes them with a flair all her own.

A charming combination of unique subject matter and clichéd storytelling, The Half of It explores the perspectives of characters rare to the genre — namely, Ellie who is a queer, Chinese-American teenager — with some pretty predictable narrative turns. You haven't seen this story done with these characters anywhere else before, but you'll feel like you have. That's a victory for the genre in its own right.* — A.F.

How to watch: The Half of It is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Call Me by Your Name

Timothée Chalamet became a household name with his raw and passionate performance in Luca Guadagnino's Call Me by Your Name (2017). Chalamet plays Elio, a teenager living with his parents in 1980s Italy. When his father, a professor of archaeology, invites a grad student to live with them over the summer, sparks fly between the two young men. When so many LGBTQ romances are centered on repression, Call Me by Your Name is defined by joy. The romance between Elio and Oliver (Armie Hammer) is both tentative and ardent, and as Mashable’s Laura Prudom put it, “will make you believe in love again.” Though Armie Hammer’s multiple sexual harassment scandals have cast a shadow on his former work, there’s no denying that Call Me By Your Name is a hopeful, romantic triumph. — K.G.

How to watch: Call Me by Your Name is streaming on Netflix starting July 1.

16. Always Be My Maybe Credit: Ed Araquel / Netflix

The thrill of a new romance often lies in just that — the fact that it's new. But what if your truest love lies in one of your oldest relationships? Always Be My Maybe stars Ali Wong and Randall Park as a pair of childhood besties who lost touch in their teens but find their way back to each other as grownups. With a delightful supporting cast that also includes Daniel Dae Kim, James Saito, and Keanu Reeves, Always Be My Maybe is as deliciously cozy as a bowl of Mom's kimchi jjigae — and just as satisfying. — Angie Han, Deputy Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Always Be My Maybe is now streaming on Netflix.

17. The Last Letter From Your Lover

The sweeping, soapy melodrama The Last Letter From Your Lover spans half a century and checks off all the romance tropes: love letters, deceit, impeccable costumes, and ill-timed amnesia. It's The Notebook meets An Affair to Remember, with a dash of every period romance sprinkled in for good measure. Don't think about it too hard, and you'll be sure to enjoy the ride. 

SEE ALSO: 9 horny and romantic books that will completely consume you

It's the '60s, and Shailene Woodley is Jennifer Stirling, a woman putting the pieces of her life back together after a car accident damages her memories — and her connection to her husband, Laurence (Joe Alwyn). When she discovers a love letter between "J" and "Boot," she can't help but wonder what else she's forgotten. At the same time, we also follow Ellie (Felicity Jones), a present-day reporter who stumbles across the letter in her publication's archives and becomes determined to find out what happened to the mysterious, passionate pair. The Last Letter From Your Lover is moody, glamorous, and boasts a stellar cast — a cozy, stylish pick for movie night. — K.G.

How to watch: The Last Letter From Your Lover is now streaming on Netflix.

18. The Incredible Jessica James Credit: Netflix

Get a masterclass in self-confidence and healthy communication from The Incredible Jessica James. Jessica Williams stars opposite Chris O'Dowd, with a supporting performance from LaKeith Stanfield. This charming tale of a woman who will stop at nothing to be loved the way she deserves explores so much of what makes romance the sticky business that it is. But this rom-com boasts just the right amount of optimism to keep you invested until its stunningly grounded happily-ever-after.* — A.F.

How to watch: The Incredible Jessica James is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Falling Inn Love

As a genre, romance can offer us a deep exploration of human relationships and what they demand of us — vulnerability, bravery, emotional intelligence — or it can simply be delightfully mindless fluff. Falling Inn Love is a truly excellent example of the latter. Christina Milian is delightful as Gabriela, a city girl from San Francisco who somehow wins a rustic New Zealand inn. And who happens to be the only person qualified to help her fix up the ramshackle property? That’s right — the hunkiest guy in town, Jake (Adam Demos, who co-stars in Netflix's steamy series Sex/Life).

Look, you're not here for the plot. You're here to watch hot people fall in love in a beautiful location, and Falling Inn Love absolutely delivers, with charm to spare. — K.G.

How to watch: Falling Inn Love is now streaming on Netflix.

20. All the Bright Places Credit: Michele K. Short / Netflix

There's nothing like a good ol' YA love story to get the tears going, and All the Bright Places is a guaranteed tear-jerker. Adapted from Jennifer Niven's novel of the same name, All the Bright Places follows two lonely teenagers, Theodore Finch (Justice Smith) and Violet Markey (Elle Fanning), who serendipitously meet one day and become fast friends, then quickly fall in love. The two discover that they share many similarities despite never really talking to each other at school before, which All the Bright Places uses to navigate hefty themes like teen mental health, loss, and grief. The ending will make you cry. Theodore and Violet's relationship will make you cry. And in my book, that's a 10/10 romance movie. — Y.H. 

How to watch: All the Bright Places is now streaming on Netflix.

Asterisks (*) indicate the entry has been modified from a previous Mashable list.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Get Deal

UPDATE: Jun. 25, 2024, 3:09 p.m. EDT This article, previously published in February 2024, has been updated to reflect Netflix's current selection.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 26 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 26

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, June 26, 2024:

AcrossIt "puts you there where things are hollow," in a David Bowie hit

• The answer is Fame.

What QR codes at restaurants lead to

• The answer is elite.

Top of the top

• The answer is menus.

Subject of a marathoner's P.R.

• The answer is time.

Log chopper

• The answer is axe.

Down___ Felicis, potion in the Harry Potter books known as "Liquid Luck"

• The answer is Felix.

Japanese cartoon genre

• The answer is anime.

Zoom call button

• The answer is mute.

Suffix with Senegal or Sudan

• The answer is ese.

Parent company of Facebook

• The answer is Meta.

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

Imagine this: You're happily strolling through the park on a summer day, listening to Slayer's fifth album, "Seasons in the Abyss" on your AirPods, when someone abruptly replaces it with Taylor Swift's second effort, "Fearless."

Surely such an event would come as a shock, but that's exactly the sort of thing that could happen if a hacker took advantage of a recently disclosed vulnerability, mercifully fixed by Apple in a new firmware update for the AirPods (2nd gen and later). The same issue affects all versions of the AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Fit Pro.

In a support document, spotted by MacRumors, Apple described the vulnerability as follows: "When your headphones are seeking a connection request to one of your previously paired devices, an attacker in Bluetooth range might be able to spoof the intended source device and gain access to your headphones." Brrr.

SEE ALSO: How to turn on noise cancellation on your AirPods

Apple offers no way to manually update the firmware on your AirPods, meaning you cannot force the update and then save yourself from being forcefully exposed to music you don't want to hear. Instead, per Apple, "firmware updates are automatically delivered while your headphones are paired with and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac."

There is a way to check whether your buds or headphones are vulnerable, though. Open your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings – Bluetooth, and tap the info button next to your headphones. The software version you want to see in there is either 6A326 or 6F8.