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After a rough try in May and a scrubbed launch last week, SpaceX will attempt to launch Starship on its 13th test flight Thursday.
The launch follows a scrubbed attempt on July 16 — canceled because some of the engines didn't start, triggering an abort, company founder Elon Musk said in a post on X. SpaceX officials say they're ready to give it another go, but weather conditions could foul their plans.
As previously reported by Mashable, this test will seek to prove the rocket booster can separate cleanly from the ship in the air, swing around the right way, fire its engines again, and splash down in the Gulf of Mexico. They've changed how engines light and tweaked the landing sequence, which plops the ship into the Indian Ocean.
The modifications follow the 12th flight's botched flip and several engine restarting failures.
This launch marks the latest step in SpaceX's campaign to turn the most powerful rocket ever built into a reusable workhorse — one that can haul heavy cargo into space, survive the fiery return trip, support NASA's moon landings, and eventually execute Musk's personal Mars ambitions.
SEE ALSO: Astronomers think some asteroids have been comets all along. Here's why.SpaceX says it will stream the South Texas launch on its website and X, the social media platform owned by Musk. The broadcast is expected to start as early as 5:15 p.m. CT. If any delays occur, the company will provide updates on X.
Once it gets off the ground, Starship will try to deploy 20 satellites, then attempt to restart a single engine while coasting, a skill SpaceX says it will need for future missions that change course or head to the moon. The cargo includes Starlink V3 internet satellites.
"The thing that separates us from a lot of other companies is that we test fast and we test often, and that includes launches," said Tim Southerton, director of Starship launch engineering, in SpaceX's latest mini documentary. "We want to make sure the vehicle's all ready to go. We want to make sure the ground's all ready to go, but we also don't want to be caught in analysis paralysis."
While waiting for ignition, viewers can watch SpaceX's short documentary, called "Critical Path." The film follows engineers and pad crews through the final days leading up to the previous flight.
During the film, Musk doesn't say much.
"I personally have never felt any pressure from Elon of like, 'It doesn't matter, hell or high water, we're flying this rocket.' Like, absolutely not. That's not his style," said Justin Styer, the company's senior Starship launch director, in the film. "And, like I said, the critical path to Mars is not blowing up rockets."
Collectors, mark your calendars: Walmart Collector Con is back July 23-24 with a fresh lineup of collectibles to hunt down, including action figures, dolls, Funko POP! figures, Hot Wheels sets, Lego builds, and more from fan-favorite franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, DC, and beyond.
Below are some of our favorite Walmart Collector Con finds, including the collectibles we expect fans to grab quickly.
Star Wars Black Series Clone Troopers Dogma & Hardcase Opens in a new window Credit: Star Wars Star Wars Black Series Clone Troopers Dogma & Hardcase $55.97 at WalmartStar Wars: The Clone Wars fans can add two members of the 501st Legion to their shelves with the Star Wars Black Series Clone Trooper Dogma and Clone Trooper Hardcase 2-pack. Inspired by the animated series, the 6-inch figures feature detailed designs, multiple points of articulation, and character-specific touches that make them stand out from the rest of your clone collection.
Dogma and Hardcase come with animation-inspired face markings, removable helmets, and their own gear — including two blasters for Dogma and a rotary laser cannon for Hardcase.
Superman 2.0 Figure — Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Opens in a new window Credit: Beast Kingdom Superman 2.0 Figure — Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice $59.99 at WalmartSuperman fans can bring home a detailed recreation of the Man of Steel with the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Superman 2.0 figure. This collector piece features a highly detailed head sculpt that captures Superman’s determined expression, along with a premium fabric cape and textured suit design inspired by the film’s iconic armor.
With 22 points of articulation, collectors can pose Superman in everything from mid-flight displays to battle-ready stances. The figure also includes four interchangeable hand sets — fists, open hands, holding hands, and relaxed hands — making it easy to recreate different moments from the DC universe.
Marvel Spider-Man 1:10 Scale Collectible Opens in a new window Credit: McFarlane Toys Marvel Spider-Man 1:10 Scale Collectible $39.97 at WalmartSpider-Man fans and collectors will want to take a closer look at this Spider-Man 1:10 Scale Collectible, which brings the classic villain from Amazing Spider-Man issue #318 to life in 1:10 scale. The figure comes with an environmental base and backdrop scene that makes it easy to turn it into a proper display piece, plus a collectible art card signed by Todd McFarlane himself.
With Scorpion’s upgraded, deadlier tail and comic-inspired details, this collectible is hard to ignore if you’re building out a Marvel shelf or just have a soft spot for Spider-Man’s iconic villains. The Spider-Man 1:10 Scale Collectible goes live for sale on July 24 at 10 a.m. ET.
More Walmart Collector Con collectibles to buyHot Wheels Zamac — $20.99
Hot Wheels Legends — $21.99
Funko POP! Premium Godzilla Collectible Vinyl Figure — $24.95
Marvel Legends Doctor Doom Figure — $27.97
Street Fighter Ken Figure — $27.97
Marvel Scorpion 1:10 Scale Collectible (Metallic) Gold Label — $34.97
Hot Wheels Pantone — $35
Marvel The Incredible Hulk 1:6 Scale Collectible Gold Label — $49.97
Lego Gum Gum Fruit — $69.99
G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra Range Viper Action Figure (6 in) — $128.72
Hot Wheels Boulevard 25-Car Factory Set — $128.99
Ready to add something new to your shelf? Head to Walmart Collector Con to shop the full lineup.
I've been using PlayStation consoles for almost 30 years. So in this PS5 vs. PS5 Slim face off, I'll be helping you decide which console is best for you.
With the recent launch of the upgraded PS5 Pro console, now might be the perfect opportunity to snag a slightly older — yet still incredibly powerful — PS5.
With potential sweet deals, or even permanent price drops on the horizon, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re getting (and not getting) with the PS5 and PS5 Slim.
SEE ALSO: The price of Sony's PS5 Pro is 'brutal' and the internet hates it PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: priceFor context, the original, non-slim PS5 has two versions: a digital one (without a disc drive) and one with a disc drive. The same can be said for the PS5 Slim; it's got a digital version and a disc one.
For whatever reason, Sony decided to not drop the prices of the new PS5 Slim models. The PS5 Slim with a disc drive is still $499, while the PS5 Slim without a disc drive is $449 — or a $50 increase over the original PS5 digital-only console.
PS5 Slim (no disc drive) - $449
PS5 Slim (with disc drive) - $499
Original PS5 (no disc drive) - $399
Original PS5 (disc drive) - $499
With that in mind, yes, the digital-only PS5 Slim is a money-saver in comparison to the one with a disc drive, but not in comparison to the digital-only model that launched in 2020.
The new price also means that buying a digital model before purchasing the additional disc drive would cost more than just snagging the version with a built-in drive. I don't really have a good explanation for that.
My only advice is this: If you want a PS5 that only costs $399, you better get one now. This is an important note: Once the existing stock of both original models sells out, the new slim models will replace them on store shelves.
PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: sizeObviously, size is what many gamers are most concerned about here, so let's get right to it. Looking at Sony's stated dimensions, you can see that the new PS5 is indeed smaller than the original:
Original PS5 (disc version): 104mm (height) x 390mm (width) x 260mm (depth)
PS5 Slim (disc version): 96mm (height) x 358mm (width) x 216mm (depth)
Original PS5 (digital version): 92mm x 390mm x 260mm
PS5 Slim (digital version): 80mm x 358mm x 216mm
In other words, per Sony's announcement blog post, that's about a 30 percent reduction in total volume. That's definitely an improvement, but there's some important context missing in just those raw numbers. The Verge ran a digital size comparison and discovered that both new models are still substantially larger than the Xbox Series X.
In other words, this "slim" console is still pretty dang big.
For a visual comparison, check out this awesome PS5 Slim vs. Regular Reddit post.
PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: performance and storageAnother important aspect of the new PS5 models to get out of the way is that they have the exact same internal capabilities as the originals. This isn't a PS4 vs. PS4 Pro situation. Games will run exactly the same across the spectrum of PS5 consoles.
Credit: SonyOne little internal bonus that owners of the new PS5s get, however, comes in the form of expanded storage. For some reason, the original PS5 only had 825GB of onboard storage, with the option to expand via external SSDs. The new ones have a full 1TB of built-in space, so you can install a few extra games depending on how big they are.
PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: disc driveJust like at the PS5's launch in late 2020, there are two PS5 Slim models. One of them has a built-in disc drive and the other one is digital-only.
Credit: SonyWell, sort of, anyway. There's an optional detachable disc drive you can buy for $79.99. It's a little goofy looking, but it should do exactly what you think it does. For physical media collectors, the disc drive is a must-buy.
It's worth noting, however, that the PS5 Slim, unlike the OG PS5, does not come with a vertical stand in the box. However, seasoned gamers will tell you that you should keep your PS5 to be stationed horizontally anyway.
SAVE $800: The Mova Lidax Ultra 3000 robot lawn mower is on sale at Amazon for $2,199, down from the list price of $2,999. That's a 27% discount and the best price we've seen at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mova Mova Lidax Ultra 3000 $2,199 at AmazonWe wait all year for long summer nights spent outside. It's the best time of the year to gather friends and family in the yard for some relaxation or an outdoor movie night. It's also an ideal time to finally catch up on Kindle books reclined in a lawn chair. If you love being out in the yard, but don't love the maintenance that comes with it, check out this deal.
As of July 23, the Mova Lidax Ultra 3000 robot lawn mower is on sale at Amazon for $2,199, marked down from the normal price of $2,999. That's a 27% discount that takes $800 off the price. This marks the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.
Similar to how we use robot vacuums to keep the floors clean indoors, a robot lawn mower is willing to take over the chore of keeping the grass cut. The Mova Lidax Ultra 3000 is designed to tackle yards that have 0.75 acres of grass. It can handle mowing on slopes that measure up to 80 degrees, and it can get over obstacles that measure up to 2.4 inches tall, like rocks and tree roots.
SEE ALSO: The Eufy Omni C20 robot vacuum is down to its lowest-ever price — save $210 at AmazonThe Mova uses six blades on each of its two cutting disks, and its AI features include avoidance of over 300 common obstacles, such as lawn games, pots, and shrubs. From the app, you can set up to 150 mowing zones to keep the front yard mowed once a week and the back once every 10 days. You can also select cutting heights between 1.2 and 3.9 inches.
Since the Mova Lidax Ultra 3000 robot lawn mower is sitting at the lowest we've seen at Amazon, make the upgrade to automated lawn care. It's perfect for keeping a lawn well-manicured.
TL;DR: Laifen is expanding its P3 lineup with the P3-Blade Electric Shaver, featuring a twin linear motor at 12,000 x 2 cuts per minute and a 0.55mm ultra-thin foil. It launches Aug. 3 for $159.99 in four colorways.
Laifen is following up its popular P3 Pro Electric Razor with a new model: the P3-Blade Electric Shaver. It launches Aug. 3 for $159.99, and it's built to be more travel-friendly and lightweight than its predecessor, while packing some notable upgrades.
The biggest change is the motor — Laifen developed a twin high-speed linear motor that delivers 12,000 cuts per minute on each side, designed to give you a close shave without the buzzy vibration you'd normally feel.
Pair that with a 0.55mm ultra-thin foil and angled inner blades, and it's designed to cut through thick, coarse hair without much resistance. The shaving head itself also got wider — Laifen's calling it "ArcBlade," and it covers a 146.2-degree surface, which the brand says increases coverage by 54% compared to before.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you've got sensitive skin, this one's for you: the foil is precision-forged stainless steel with an ultra-low nickel release, making it hypoallergenic. The Travel Mode that locks the shaver so it doesn't accidentally turn on in your bag, which is a small but useful fix for anyone who's dealt with a razor draining its battery mid-flight.
Battery-wise, you're looking at 100 minutes of runtime on a full charge, and it charges via USB-C — a three-minute quick charge gets you seven minutes of shave time if you're in a hurry. The P3-Blade comes in four colorways: black, white, blue, and gray.
The P3-Blade launches Aug. 3 for $159.99 at Laifen — if you want a vibration-free shave in a shaver small enough to pack, this is the one to watch.
After months of rumors and leaks, Samsung finally told us everything we wanted to know about its new marquee foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra was officially announced during a Galaxy Unpacked showcase in London, where the company also debuted two more foldable phones and two new Galaxy smartwatches. In a twist to its usual naming convention, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is the successor to last year's excellent Z Fold 7. That means it's a new book-style foldable with some hardware and software improvements over the Z Fold 7. (The newly announced Z Fold 8 is an entirely new model with a wider body.)
Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra + $350 gift card $2,099.99 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra $2,099.99 at Samsung Pre-Order HereIn keeping with the Ultra name, and the general state of the tech industry, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is also the most expensive of the new foldables announced on Wednesday. It starts at a staggering $2,099.99, a $100 price increase over the Z Fold 7. Mashable got the chance to demo the new foldable smartphones ahead of their release, and we can finally share all the details and our first impressions.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: By the numbers An Ultra display. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET GroupThis year, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra rumors and leaks were pretty spot on. As expected, the new device features a new Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset (the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy), an improved battery, upgraded cameras, and some new AI features. Remarkably, it's even thinner than last year's model.
The specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra:
Inner display: 8-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
Outer display: 6.5-inches AMOLED display 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset
Colors: Violet shadow, graphite, cream, green shadow
Unfolded dimensions: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm
Folded dimensions: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm
RAM: 12GB to 16GB RAM
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage
Battery: 5,000mAh battery
Charging: 45W wired, 20W wireless
Cameras: 200MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie camera
The Z Fold 8 Ultra is not a huge upgrade over the Z Fold 7 in terms of hardware, but there are some enhancements worth covering.
First, Samsung managed to shave an additional millimeter off the thickness of the device, and it's a mere 4.1 mm when unfolded, though it weighs the same as last year's Z Fold 7.
The most noteworthy upgrade is probably the updated battery. Last year, the Z Fold 7 had a measly 4,400mAh cell, and the phone's mediocre battery life was really the one and only big knock we had against it. A new 5,000mAh battery is on the high side for most flagship smartphones, so hopefully the Z Fold 8 Ultra can hold a charge longer than its predecessor.
Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET GroupAnother big upgrade worth mentioning: the new 50MP ultrawide camera lens, up from just 12MP a year ago. We haven't had enough time to properly test this out yet, so we can't say if it's really a noticeable improvement or not. But it's basically the only other number on the spec sheet that's substantially bigger than it was a year ago. This brings the phone a lot closer to matching the Galaxy S26 Ultra's pro-level camera array. The Z Fold 8 Ultra can also shoot 8K video, so it's capable of supporting most creators' and professionals' workflow.
Finally, Samsung did make one big display change: the introduction of Flex Titanium, a new technology that allows for nearly invisible creases on foldable displays and a more durable hinge. Mashable got to get hands-on with the new Samsung devices, and we can confirm the crease is basically nonexistent now. That would've been unthinkable five years ago.
Our first impressions: An impressive — and expensive — new king of the hill Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET GroupAs of July 22, this is the most advanced foldable phone in the world. Not only that, but it probably still will be when Apple eventually announces its highly anticipated iPhone Fold Ultra in September. The foldable iPhone will be smaller and have fewer cameras (we think), which means the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will comfortably outrun it in key areas.
Samsung has also added some new AI and software features into the mix. Two that we're particularly excited about: My Fan Cam and Cine LUTs. My Fan Cam is an AI editing tool that uses Galaxy AI to automatically make vertical video edits from horizontal videos. In the example Samsung showed, it could even isolate the performance of a single dancer in a group performance. Cine LUTs give video makers four preset LUTs that give videos a more professional, cinematic appearance. We're excited to test them both out, and we'll have a full review of the new Galaxy foldables in the weeks ahead.
There's really just one problem with this phone that's immediately apparent to us: the price tag. The $2,099.99 price is going to be a tough sell for a lot of shoppers, and there's no way around it. The fact that Samsung launched a new Galaxy credit card to help people finance the phone doesn't bode well.
Where to buy the new Samsung Galaxy S26 UltraThe new smartphone is available for pre-order today, starting at $2,099.99 for 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone will be available starting Aug. 7.
Of course, you can pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra from Samsung, but you can also check out the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra launch offers from mobile carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon, where you can save up to $1,100 if you meet certain terms and conditions. Finally, you can get a $350 e-gift card if you purchase the phone from Amazon.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra $2,099.99 at SamsungTL;DR: Hulken has launched its first-ever Target-exclusive colorways: a Large Rolling Tote in Forest Green with Midnight Blue handles for $125, and a Medium Rolling Tote in Midnight Blue with Forest Green handles for $110.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hulken Medium Rolling Tote in Midnight Blue with Forest Green $110 at TargetHulken, the cult-favorite rolling tote brand, is rolling onto campus with its first-ever exclusive colorways for Target. The drop includes the Large Rolling Tote in Forest Green with Midnight Blue handles for $125 and the Medium Rolling Tote in Midnight Blue with Forest Green handles for $110.
These totes are made for the chaos of college life — move-in day, dorm runs, laundry hauls, and grocery trips. They fold flat and hold more than you'd expect, so you (or your kid) can stop lugging everything by hand and just roll with it instead.
SEE ALSO: Google's AI Search is a minefield for schoolsBoth totes are built around a patented design that keeps them stable and sturdy. They're made from durable, water-resistant polypropylene, so they can handle rain, spills, or general campus grime without falling apart.
The totes hold enough interior space (at least 3,840 cubic inches) to fit a large laundry haul or a Target run's worth of groceries. The oversized zip-secure top keeps everything contained instead of spilling out mid-roll, and side handles make it easy to lift up stairs or into a car trunk when your hands are full.
Bigger loads call for the Large Rolling Tote in Forest Green, and everyday errands can be covered by the Medium in Midnight Blue, both at Target.
The Apple Store app is soon getting an AI bot to help you with your shopping decisions.
MacRumors reported the news after noticing a change in Apple's privacy policy for the Apple Store app.
SEE ALSO: Apple prepares new MacBook Neo with more RAM and color options, report saysNow, the document has a paragraph related to a "Virtual Shopping Assistant," explaining that the company "collects and stores your account information, device identifiers, carrier information, chat information, and where enabled, location data to personalize the chat experience, provide relevant responses, and if you opt in, to improve the virtual shopping assistant."
The document also says that Apple removes personal identifiers from chats before sharing it with partners, and that the data is only being used so that the bot can provide a better conversational response. While it doesn't appear you can completely opt out of this, the part in which you allow Apple to use your chats to improve the experience can be opted in or out of by going to Account > Settings and tapping Chat Improvements within the Apple Store app.
The virtual assistant doesn't appear to be live in the Apple Store app yet.
This is not the first time Apple has added an AI bot to one of its apps; the Apple Support app has one as well, though the feature also isn't live for all users.
Featured Video For You Dua Lipa's lifestyle is building an internet empire.TL;DR: The Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 QD-OLED gaming monitor is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon, down from its typical $1,266 price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G93SC Series Curved Gaming Monitor $899.99 at AmazonTo give your gaming setup the ultimate upgrade in size, a 49-inch OLED ultrawide monitor usually costs well over $1,000. That is, until Amazon has brought one of Samsung’s most premium models down to a more budget-friendly level.
As of July 23, the Samsung Odyssey G9 QD-OLED gaming monitor (G93SC series) is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon, after a 29% discount that cuts $249.01 off its original price of $1,149.
With 5120 x 1440 Dual QHD resolution and a 32:9 aspect ratio, this 49-inch panel essentially gives you the same display size as two 27-inch QHD monitors placed side by side, without a bezel in the way. Plus, the 1,800R curve pulls the outer edges closer around your field of vision. This type of format works especially well for racing games like Forza Horizon 5, flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator, and sprawling action-adventure titles like Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!What’s more, this screen size is useful for running multiple apps, as the monitor’s Picture-by-Picture feature can split the display between two sources while also adding a smaller window for a stream, guide, chat, or work task.
The G93SC is also considerably faster than its size might suggest, supporting a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms GTG response time, backed by AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatibility to help keep motion smooth when frame rates fluctuate. Whether you’re running and gunning across the map in Fortnite or keeping track of fast-moving enemies in Marvel Rivals, the G9 promises to have you covered.
All the while, Samsung’s QD-OLED panel provides deep black levels, bright color, and DisplayHDR True Black 400 support for anything you’re playing or watching. Thermal modulation and static-image brightness controls are also handy add-ons to help manage heat and reduce the risk of burn-in during longer sessions — helping eliminate one of the biggest worries about OLEDs.
FREE $100 GIFT CARD: As of July 23, Amazon is offering a $100 gift card for free when you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. This offer lasts until Aug. 6.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 + $100 Gift Card $699.99 at AmazonSamsung's latest Unpacked event was full of exciting announcements, including the reveal of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. If you've got your eye on this smartwatch, it's worth considering pre-ordering it on Amazon.
You can get a $100 gift card for free when you pre-order the smartwatch at Amazon (priced at $699.99).
This bundle offer won't last for long. According to the Amazon store page, it's only running until Aug. 6 — a day before the watch's release on Aug. 7 — so the countdown has officially started.
SEE ALSO: How to preorder Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8: See preorder offersIn the announcement post for the Ultra 2, Mashable's Alex Perry wrote that Samsung "packed in a bunch of outdoor sports tracking features in the Ultra 2. Trail Run will track stats like terrain impact and elevation for hiking, while Nutrition Alert adds onto the old Sweat Loss tracker to tell you when to hydrate, and by how much."
If you're big into diving, the Ultra 2 is also EN13319-certified and features real-time indicators, including ascent and descent monitoring, depth limit notifications, and more. Plus, there's also a "slew of new AI health features", according to Perry's post, which will "use on-board trackers to deliver personalized insights".
If you're hoping to preorder the Ultra 2, don't miss out on this chance to get a $100 Amazon gift card for free.
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.
The Perseid meteor shower has returned to the skies this summer, giving stargazers the chance to see one of the year’s most popular celestial displays. Known for its bright streaks of light and high number of visible meteors, the Perseids are a highlight of the annual stargazing calendar.
Planning to head outside and look for shooting stars? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know, including when the meteor shower will peak and the best ways to improve your chances of seeing it.
What is the Perseid meteor shower?There’s a reason the Perseids are one of the most anticipated meteor showers of the year. The spectacular display is created by debris from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which leaves behind a trail of particles as it travels through space on its long journey around the Sun, according to NASA. Earth passes through this trail every year, giving us the chance to see the fragments light up the atmosphere.
The glowing streaks we spot in the sky are created when these tiny pieces of rock and dust enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds and burn up. The Perseids are also known for producing impressive fireballs, brighter, longer-lasting flashes caused by larger pieces of comet material entering the atmosphere, according to NASA.
When is the Perseid meteor shower?The Perseid meteor shower is already underway, with the shower active from July 17 until Aug. 24.
When will the Perseid meteor shower peak?The Perseids will be visible throughout their active period, but the peak is expected on Aug. 12–13, according to NASA.
How to see the Perseid meteor showerNASA recommends heading out after midnight and before dawn for the best chance of spotting the Perseids. For the clearest view, choose a dark spot away from city lights and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
The good news for 2026 is that the peak is around the time of the New Moon, meaning there will be minimal moonlight to compete with the meteor shower.
The Moon is still in its Waxing Gibbous phase, with more than half of its surface now lit up. This means we're getting closer to the Full Moon, which is now less than a week away.
What is today’s Moon phase?As of Thursday, July 23, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in Waxing Gibbous phase, with 58% of its surface visible.
You won't need any visual aids to be able to spot the Mares Crisium, Fecunditatis, and Tranquillitatis. Binoculars will also help you to see the Mare Nectaris, Alphonsus Crater, and the Alps Mountains. A telescope widens your view further, bringing the Apollo 17 landing spot, Caucasus Mountains, and Descartes Highlands into view.
When is the next Full Moon?The next Full Moon will take place on July 29.
What are Moon phases?The Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to complete its journey around Earth, passing through eight distinct phases during each lunar cycle, according to NASA. While the Moon’s same side is always visible from our planet, the portion of its surface lit by the Sun changes as it moves along its orbit. These shifting levels of illumination are what create the different appearances we see throughout the month, from a slender crescent shape to a half-lit Moon and finally a bright Full Moon, before the cycle begins once again.
The eight phases are:
New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
Tinder is expanding its in-app Events feature to nine cities beyond the original test case in Los Angeles, with more coming by the end of Sept. It sounds like Partiful or Facebook Events infused in the dating app.
Tinder piloted Events in Los Angeles earlier this year as a way for singles to get off the app and meet people IRL. It coincides with an influx of offline dating events and the trend of trying to find a date anywhere but on one's phone — say, a run club.
SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurtNow, in the U.S., Events is also available in New York City, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, and Phoenix. In Europe, it's launching in Berlin, Munich, Zurich, and Geneva. The app plans to launch Events in 26 more cities over the next couple of months. While Tinder isn't sharing the full list, it told Mashable that San Jose and Baltimore are among them.
Those in eligible cities can access the Events tab in your Tinder app, where you can browse local events, mark yourself interested, see who else is interested in attending, RSVP, purchase tickets, and check-in and receive an "Attended" badge on your profile. You can also match with other attendees.
During the Los Angeles pilot, Events drew engagement from 66 percent of all eligible active users in the market — meaning they opened the Events tab and interacted with the experience, such as browsing events. (Only Photo Verified users can fully access Events.)
Most adoption in the test was from Gen Z users; 71 percent of 18-24 year olds engaged with Events, which was more than users 25 and older (63 percent), according to Tinder.
More than half of users (53 percent) who interacted with the Events tab returned the following week, indicating they were interested in what it had to offer. Another indication was the success of at least one event: A 60-person candlelight ceramics class sold out within a day of the event partner promoting it, according to a press release shared with Mashable.
Users also wanted to attend DJ nights, game nights, creative classes, hikes, and group runs. More than 60 events were held in Los Angeles during the pilot.
Accessing the Events tab is free on Tinder. Individual events may be free or require a ticket purchase from the event organizer, depending on the event.
The Events tab comes at a time when Tinder and another major dating app, Bumble, are capitalizing on the IRL event craze while simultaneously boosting AI. When Tinder announced the Los Angeles Events pilot in March, it also launched its AI matchmaker, Chemistry.
Bumble, meanwhile, is throwing its own events in New York City this summer. But the app upset some users when founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd announced it was ditching the swipe and ushering in an AI experience.
TL;DR: De'Longhi has launched the Magnifica Duo, a $999.95 automatic espresso and coffee machine with two dedicated milk carafes for making hot and cold drinks from a single machine.
Opens in a new window Credit: De'Longhi De'Longhi Magnifica Duo Automatic Espresso Machine $999.95 at AmazonDe'Longhi just launched a new coffee machine, and it's built for people who can't decide between a hot cappuccino and an iced latte.
The Magnifica Duo is the newest addition to De'Longhi's Magnifica line, and it can whip up authentic espresso, drip coffee, cold brew, and both hot and iced milk drinks, all from one machine. It's available now for $999.95 at DeLonghi and Amazon.
Magnifica Duo comes with two separate milk carafes — one for hot and one for cold. That means it can make perfectly textured hot foam for your cappuccino and cold foam for your iced latte without you having to swap anything out between drinks. It's also got three separate brewing methods built in — one for espresso, one for regular drip coffee, and one specifically for cold brew.
Making the cold brew skips the usual 12-hour steep and delivers the same smooth flavor in under three minutes, according to De'Longhi. There's also a built-in grinder with 13 different grind settings, so you're getting freshly ground beans for every cup instead of relying on pre-ground beans.
You get 20 preset recipes covering everything from cappuccinos and flat whites to iced lattes and cold brew, and it supports three different user profiles, meaning everyone in the house can save their own preferred size, strength, and temperature settings, and there's a color touchscreen that makes picking a drink pretty much a one-tap process.
Credit: De'Longhi Credit: De'LonghiTwo milk carafes, zero decisions to make — grab the Magnifica Duo for $999.95 at Amazon.
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3 is available to pre-order at Amazon for $80.86, down from its typical $84.99 price.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3 $80.86 at AmazonThe Pokémon TCG’s popular Partner Collections are back with another Series, and you can already pre-order the third installment on sale.
As of July 23, the Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3 can be pre-ordered at Amazon for as low as $80.86 through third-party seller Collectors Expedition. Compared with Amazon’s usual $84.99 price, that removes $4.13 from the total and gives you a 5% discount before the box launches.
Free delivery is currently scheduled for Aug. 11-12, several days after its official Aug. 7 release. Amazon itself is not handling the order. If you want yours a day earlier, another preorder for $80.88 through Kings Games is set to arrive by Aug. 11 at the time of writing.
TCGplayer’s latest market price is $84.01. You can actually save even more money at TCGplayer, with the trading card selling platform offering listings for the Partner Illustration Collection Series 3 box for as low as $68.94.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Series 3 moves the collection’s 30th-anniversary celebration to partner Pokémon from Hoenn, Kalos, and Paldea. Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly make up the nine possible style special illustration rare promo cards.
Each box contains one special pack that holds three of those nine promos, so you will not receive the complete set from a single collection. Two standard Pokémon TCG booster packs are also included, with product imagery showing those packs to be Pitch Black and Chaos Rising, alongside a sticker sheet featuring first partner Pokémon.
Lego is releasing an exciting new set that's an absolute treat for retro gaming fans: the Donkey Kong Arcade (72051).
This incredible build, which comes with 1,367 pieces, is now available to pre-order from the Lego Store for $199.99. The release date is listed for Aug. 1. Not only is it an awesome display piece that's modeled after the original arcade cabinet game, but it's also very interactive.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Donkey Kong Arcade (72051) $199.99 at LegoThe coolest part about this set is that you can operate it like an actual arcade game once it's fully assembled. It features a lever you can pull that releases barrels, and then you can use the joystick and button to move Jumpman and have him hop over them, just like you would in an original Donkey Kong arcade level.
Alongside Jumpman, this set also features Donkey Kong, of course, and Lady. It's also full of fun extra details that really bring everything together, like scaffolds, ladders, and hammers.
Credit: LegoGiven these more mechanical elements that need to be constructed as part of the set, it makes sense that it's recommended for adult builders ages 18 and up. But as with every Lego build age recommendation, if you know someone younger who's interested, just work on it with them.
Credit: LegoPreorders are live right now at the Lego Store, so you can secure it for launch day (Aug. 1). There's every chance it could sell out, so it's worth making a move sooner rather than later.
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: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT gameHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, July 23, 2026:
AcrossInstrument in the bluegrass classic "Foggy Mountain Breakdown"The answer is Banjo.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
Smart ___ (wise guy)The answer is Aleck.
The answer is Stare.
The answer is Hated.
The answer is Row.
The answer is Bash.
The answer is Altar.
The answer is Neato.
The answer is J Crew.
The answer is OKed.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
Anyone on the hunt for online hookups will inevitably come across AdultFriendFinder. And for good reason: It's one of the longest-running, most popular adult dating sites around, with a massive three decades of experience when it comes to hooking up and adult content. AFF has over 80 million registered users across the globe, with some two million users active every week. It's essentially an adult site with a huge social network built in — a playground for horny adults everywhere who want to make a connection or quite simply get it on.
But once you're set up with your own account and profile, it doesn't take long to realize the free version is limited. The real fun is locked behind the paywall, so you'll need to upgrade your account to get the best out of the AFF experience. Here's a look at everything you should know about AdultFriendFinder's premium membership from a cost and billing perspective:
Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder Learn More AFF membership tiers and costsThe good news about AFF's premium membership is that it gives you access to a stack of useful features, many of which you won't find on other dating sites. These features include unlimited one-on-one messaging, more detailed search functionality, and higher-res photos and videos. AdultFriendFinder actually offers two premium memberships, Gold and VIP, but to become a VIP, you need to opt into a Gold membership first, so it's worth exploring the Gold tier before upgrading all the way.
SEE ALSO: Is Hinge really 'designed to be deleted'? I tested it to find out.A Gold membership will set you back $35.95 per month if you sign up for a single month, $26.95 per month if you commit to a three-month membership, or $19.95 per month if you commit to an entire year. VIP members don't gain any additional on-site functionality, but they do unlock exclusive perks that make them more visible to others, including a special VIP badge, access to a VIP lounge, and priority placement in search results.
Multiple payment optionsAdultFriendFinder offers a wide variety of payment methods, far more than the typical online dating site. You can, of course, opt to pay with credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover — sorry AmEX users), or with a bank transfer/direct debit payment, but you can also pay with a gift card or cash/check/money order (in the United States only), while residents of the United Kingdom can even pay via SMS order on their smartphones.
If you're especially cautious or privacy-minded, you might be interested in the gift card, money order, or SMS payment options. This withholds more of your personal data.
Watch out for the auto-renewal featureOne key thing to be aware of is that your premium AdultFriendFinder membership will automatically renew at the end of your billing cycle unless you disable this feature or use a one-time payment method, such as a gift card.
SEE ALSO: All your Tinder questions, answeredTo disable the auto-renewal feature and prevent unwanted credit card billing, navigate to the My Stuff tab, scroll down to My Account, and then click Billing History & Credit Card Info. Under the Subscription and Product Status menu, you will see your premium memberships and an On/Off toggle for the Auto-Renew feature. Note that if you have more than one paid membership, such as both the Gold and VIP tiers, you need to toggle off the auto-renewal button for both memberships to prevent further charges.
Billing statementBecause discretion matters, especially to a lot of AdultFriendFinder users, it's worth knowing that the AFF billing statement is reasonably anonymous. The only wording that will appear on your bank or credit card statement is "FFNHelp.com*FRIENDF."
TroubleshootingIf you have a question or concern about your bill that wasn't answered by any of the above, you can always reach out to the AdultFriendFinder support line toll-free at 888-575-8383.
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