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5 fitness gadgets to help improve your health

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 05:22

Maintaining fitness and health is a constant struggle, with a lazy morning in bed often much more alluring than a sweaty gym session. As such, anything which might help encourage you and keep you on track can make a significant difference.

Here are five fitness gadgets that may help set you up for success in reaching your health goals.

SEE ALSO: Withings Body Comp smart scale review: For better or worse, I'm obsessed 1. WalkingPad C2 foldable walking treadmill Credit: WalkingPad

Incorporating enough movement into your day can be difficult when you work a desk job. As such, many health-conscious employees who work from home have turned to walking pads, grinding out their daily steps during their daily grind.

The WalkingPad C2 foldable treadmill is a good option to consider for this purpose, especially for anyone working with limited space. Its ability to fold in half means it can be neatly tucked away when not in use — albeit only under furniture that is significantly elevated off the ground. The walking pad measures over five inches (13 centimetres) thick when folded, so storing it under a table may be more realistic than sliding it under a couch. Wherever you position it, the C2's foldable design means it won't have a large footprint of your living space. It also has a set of wheels on one end, so you can move it in front of your TV while you binge The Bachelor.

With a top speed of six kilometres per hour, the WalkingPad C2 comes with a handy three-button remote control for adjusting the pace. It also has an auto mode which ostensibly detects your speed and adjusts accordingly, though Mashable's testing found it felt precarious and accelerated too quickly (which is particularly dangerous considering the C2 has no handlebars). Even so, manual mode is all you really need, and is enjoyable and easy to use. Combined with its ability to fold for storage, the WalkingPad C2 is a tempting choice for apartment dwellers.

WalkingPad C2 foldable walking treadmill $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Featured Video For You How F1 became a global obsession 2. Xenjoy Cube Cycle Credit: Xenjoy

While walking pads are a popular option for exercising at your desk, the movement involved can make it difficult to use a mouse at the same time. They're also often louder than ideal if you were simply hoping to watch Netflix to distract you from your cardio.

The Xenjoy Cube Cycle is a compact under-desk exercise bike that addresses both these issues, running practically silently while also allowing for more stability in your upper body. With eight resistance settings, it can be adjusted according to whether you want a quick burst of exercise or a long, gentle session, and has a simple digital speed and distance counter to track your workout. 

In addition to its relatively unobtrusive size, the Xenjoy Cube Cycle's wood-look panelling makes it notably more aesthetically pleasing than other exercise equipment. The underside of its synthetic leather seat is roughly stapled in, which considerably detracts from the luxury feel Xenjoy is aiming for, but fortunately you don't usually see this unless you're moving the Cube Cycle. The bike can be easily relocated by tipping it onto its front wheels and rolling it into place, and doesn't need to be plugged in as its digital counter runs on AAA batteries.

If you're after a hardcore workout, the Xenjoy Cube Cycle may not be for you. But if you just want to get a little extra movement into your day, don't want a large machine clogging up your home, and are concerned about aesthetics, this may be one to consider.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xenjoy Xenjoy Cube Cycle $599 at Xenjoy
$799 Save $200   Shop Now 3. Withings Body Scan smart scale Credit: Withings

One of the keys to good health is consistency. Even so, it's easy to give up when the mirror doesn't seem to be reflecting any impact from your regular workouts. 

Withings' Body Scan smart scale helps address this challenge by measuring your body composition as well as your weight, showing you the progress that may otherwise be hard to see. Using handheld electrodes, the Body Scan utilises bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to determine your percentage of fat and muscle. This means that even if your weight seems stagnant, you can take heart in knowing that your hard work is still paying off in fat loss and muscle gains.

According to Withings, the Body Scan's handheld electrodes make it more accurate than the Body Comp smart scales, which measure body composition using the user's feet. Even so, either set of scales is suitable if you want to track trends in your muscle and fat percentage, which will be the most important data for many users. After all, fitness is a journey, not a destination.

Withings Body Scan smart scale $399.95 at Amazon
$499.95 Save $100   Shop Now at Amazon 4. R.A.D One V2 gym shoe Credit: R.A.D

Specialised gym shoes aren't technically a workout necessity. Countless people exercise in ratty old trainers every day. Even so, thoughtfully selected footwear can make exercise more comfortable, as well as lower your risk of injury. As such, the R.A.D One V2 shoe is worth your consideration if you're looking to upgrade your gym gear.

Designed specifically for the gym, the R.A.D One V2 has a wide toe box for stability when lifting yet still fits snugly around the heel, offering a secure fit even for those with broader feet. It also has a noticeably grippy sole, ensuring your feet aren’t shifting as you strain yourself under your weights. Such grip makes the R.A.D One V2 particularly suited for activities such as CrossFit, though it's also a decent gym all-rounder.

The R.A.D One V2's aesthetics may not be for everyone, with a contrasting coloured wave pattern along the sides of the shoe. However, choosing a colourway in which the wave is the same colour as the shoe makes this much less ostentatious.

Opens in a new window Credit: R.A.D R.A.D One V2 gym shoe $150
  Shop Now 5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Credit: Samsung

Fitness trackers have become ubiquitous gadgets for anyone interested in monitoring their health. Most measure data such as your heart rate and the number of steps you take per day, as well as track your exercise and sleep. 

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 does all this, but takes it a step further (no pun intended) by introducing an antioxidant index. This intriguing new feature measures users' carotenoids, which are pigments found in plants. Simply press your thumb to the back of the Watch 8, and its light-activated sensor will detect carotenoids in your skin, offering an indication of whether you're getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet. (Spoiler alert: you probably aren't.)

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 review: Hey, I like the Squircle design

Skin carotenoids have a high correlation to carotenoids in blood, which is widely used as an indicator of a person's vegetable intake level. Carotenoids' strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects play an important part in slowing aging, as well as cancer and chronic diseases, so you're definitely going to want to make sure you're keeping those levels up.

Though diet is a crucial piece of the health puzzle, it's difficult for fitness trackers to gauge. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8's antioxidant index offers a handy reminder to add more veggies to your plate, and might help make you more mindful of what you eat.

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 $499.99 at Walmart
$793.81 Save $293.82   Shop Now at Walmart

UPDATE: May. 25, 2026, 1:46 p.m. AEST This article was originally published August 2025, and has since been updated in May 2026.

The Jackery Explorer 300 power station is under $200 for a limited time — save $60 at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 05:13

SAVE $60: As of May 26, the Jackery Explorer 300 is on sale for $199 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 $199 at Amazon
$259 Save $60   Get Deal

The Jackery Explorer 300 is back on sale at Amazon, and this time you can get it for under $200. It's an ideal unit if you're looking for something reliable and portable, and it's great for camping. And as of May 26, it's down to $199.99. That's a saving of $60 on list price.

The Jackery Explorer 300 is a lightweight portable power station, weighing just 7.5 lbs. Despite the weight, it still offers an impressive 292Wh capacity. It also has a useful carry handle, so for on-the-go adventures it's easy to transport with you. It features multiple output options, including 2 AC outlets, a 100W USB-C PD port, 2 USB-A ports, and a 120W car port, with a 300W rated output and 600W surge capability to power devices like laptops and other small electronics.

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It's also built with a LiFePO4 battery, so it should last for over 4,000 charge cycles. This translates to a lifespan of around 11 years. It also supports fast solar charging when paired with compatible Jackery panels (these are sold separately). With the unit, you'll get an AC adapter, a car charger cable, and a user guide.

Get this portable power station deal online at Amazon now.

The Hisense 75-inch E6 Cinema Series TV is under $500 at Amazon — save over $300

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 05:11

SAVE $302: As of May 26, the Hisense 75-inch E6 Cinema Series is on sale for $497.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch E6 Cinema Series TV $497.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $302   Get Deal

If your TV is in desperate need of an upgrade, it's a great time to shop deals at Amazon.

As of May 26, the Hisense 75-inch E6 Cinema Series is on sale for over $300 off — buy now for the new price of $497.99. And it'll come well ahead of the World Cup.

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As the name suggests, this TV makes everything appear in cinema quality. It has Hi-QLED Color technology that gives incredible visuals and accurate shading. It also supports formats like HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. For a well-rounded experience, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos work together to create a cinematic experience, combining high-quality HDR visuals with immersive audio that makes you feel like you're sitting in a movie theater.

And on the inside, the TV runs on Fire TV. With this you'll get easy access to apps and live channels on one easy-to-navigate home screen. There's also gaming options through the Luna app. And because it's an Amazon system, you'll also get Alexa voice control. The press and ask feature lets you use your voice to search for shows, check sports scores, or manage smart home devices.

Head to Amazon to get this smart TV deal.

The Dyson Supersonic Nural is down to its lowest-ever price — save over $100 at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 05:04

SAVE OVER $100: As of May 26, the Dyson Supersonic Nural is on sale for $349 at Amazon. That's a 22% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Nural $349 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.99   Get Deal

Dyson's haircare range goes far beyond the beloved Airwrap. The brand now offers several styling tools aimed at different hair routines, and all with its signature airflow technology. One of these options is the Dyson Supersonic Nural, currently discounted at Amazon.

As of May 26, this hair drying tool is down from $449.99 to $349, saving you over $100. There are two colorways available, but only the amber silk option is discounted to this low price.

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The Supersonic Nural is an intelligent hair dryer designed to automatically adjust airflow and temperature as you style. It uses built-in Nural sensors to help optimize the drying experience. It has clever built-in features like the Scalp Protect mode which monitors heat levels and automatically lowers the temperature near the scalp to help maintain a more comfortable drying temperature of 130°F.

It also has attachment learning, a feature which allows the device to remember your preferred heat and airflow settings for each styling attachment so they automatically adjust when next connected.

The dryer includes four heat settings and three airflow speeds, as well as a constant cool shot for setting styles, alongside attachments including the Wave+Curl diffuser, Flyaway attachment, Styling concentrator, Gentle Air attachment, and Wide-Tooth Comb.

You can find this Dyson deal at Amazon now.

‘The Maids,’ With Yerin Ha, Asks: Has Life Become One Big Performance?

NYT Technology - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 05:02
In his rethinking of Jean Genet’s classic work about class and power, Kip Williams ponders “a world that gives you every opportunity not to be yourself.”

The EF EcoFlow Delta 3 Max power station is over $400 off at Amazon — score a free solar panel with purchase

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 05:01

SAVE $410: As of May 26, the EF EcoFlow Delta 3 Max is on sale for $789 at Amazon. That's a 34% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EF EcoFlow Delta 3 Max $798 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $401   Get Deal

Amazon's Memorial Day sale has come to an end, but there are still some lingering deals hanging around.

The EF EcoFlow Delta 3 Max is one of the best of the bunch at over $400 off on Amazon. As of May 26, you can make it yours for $789, giving you a reliable whole-home power solution for under $800. This even includes a free solar panel with purchase

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The Delta 3 Max is a portable power station designed for home backup and off-grid use. It's ready for use in no time at all, with EcoFlow’s X-Stream charging technology allowing it to recharge from 0–80% in just over an hour. It delivers up to 3,400W continuous output in X-Boost mode, so it's able to run high-demand appliances like fridges, or smaller, personal devices like laptops.

It uses a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery designed for up to 10 years of daily use, so it's a valuable investment and one that will last. It's also simple to use, with the assistance of the EcoFlow app. Here you can do things like monitor energy use and adjust charging and discharging settings.

Find this portable power station deal at Amazon now.

This $40 AI tool gives crypto traders five years of real-time market signals

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 05:00

TL;DR: Invest wiser with this five-year subscription to Biyond AI-Powered Crypto Analyst, now just $39.99 (reg. $1,404).

Opens in a new window Credit: biyond Biyond AI-Powered Crypto Analyst: 5-Year Subscription $39.99
$1,404 Save $1,364.01   Get Deal

Crypto moves fast. Whether you’re new to this world of investing or you just want to better keep up, Biyond can help. It offers AI-powered insights, trading indicators, and expert analysis to help you make smarter decisions.

Right now, you can lock in a five-year subscription to this helpful tool for only $39.99.

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Made for both newbies and experienced traders, Biyond makes it easier to navigate the crypto market. From real-time insights and trading indicators to structured strategies, it’s a great tool for making smarter investment choices.

You can access Biyond through a web browser, which works on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices, or via the mobile application, which is coming soon. You’ll also get access to the Biyond Discord community, which provides daily market analysis, a quantitative framework, top trading opportunities, and altcoin coverage.

This five-year subscription to the Biyond Basic Plan lets you continuously improve your portfolio over time. Users are already loving its convenience, gaining insights on the Discord channel, and getting daily information on their favorite coins.

This deal is available to both new and existing users, and you can use it on an unlimited number of devices. You’ll also have access to updates as they happen.

Score this five-year subscription to Biyond AI-Powered Crypto Analyst for only $39.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

EU may hit Google with record-breaking fine for antitrust violations

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 04:50

The European Union (EU) may be gearing up to hit Google with a massive multimillion-euro fine for antitrust violations. The tech giant could be facing a penalty in the high hundreds of millions of euros, according to sources speaking to the German newspaper Handelsblatt.

The final decision will reportedly rest with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and is expected to be announced before the European Commission's summer recess. The Commission typically goes on break in late July through to August, operating with a skeleton staff during this period.

Google's parent company, Alphabet, is accused of violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA), an EU law regulating large platforms that provide "core" services. This includes app stores such as Google Play as well as online search engines such as Google Search.

SEE ALSO: Google AI Overviews sparks antitrust probe for using publisher content

The European Commission initially opened an investigation into Alphabet in March 2024 and released its preliminary findings a year later. The investigation found that Google Search unfairly favors Alphabet's own services over those of rivals, and that Google Play prevents app developers from directing users to other platforms. As such, Alphabet failed to comply with DMA. 

The company was then given the opportunity to respond to these findings or face potential non-compliance proceedings.

"Let me be clear: Our main focus is creating a culture of compliance with the Digital Markets Act," the Commission's Teresa Ribera said in a statement at the time. "Non-compliance proceedings are reserved for situations where attempts at dialogue have not been successful."

Unfortunately, the solutions Google has proposed thus far have failed to address the issue to the Commission's satisfaction. The Commission did grant Google additional time to develop stronger proposals earlier this month. However, Handelsblatt's report suggests that the company still hasn't provided an adequate response. If the Commission does proceed with fining Google, it will reportedly be the largest penalty ever imposed for violating the DMA.

For its part, Google claims that the actions it has been forced to take in response to the Commission's findings have negatively impacted the product it offers in the EU.

"The changes we've already made to Search under the DMA represent the ​biggest downgrade in the product's history, creating a ​second-rate experience ⁠for Europeans to the benefit of a few self-interested complainants," a Google spokesperson told Reuters.

This is far from the first time Google has fallen afoul of the EU's antitrust laws. The tech giant has previously faced scrutiny from the EU on a plethora of matters, including its search engine, restrictions on other phone designers, advertising business, and AI overviews.

This is Ferraris first electric car

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 04:47

Electric vehicle fans, rejoice: Ferrari is now officially on board.

On Monday, the company announced its first-ever electric vehicle, the Ferrari Luce, and reader, this is not your typical Ferrari.

SEE ALSO: 'Ferrari' review: Michael Mann returns with a scattered but impactful biopic

The Luce has been co-designed by Sir Jony Ive (the guy behind the design of at least a dozen iconic Apple gadgets, including the iPhone) and legendary industrial designer Marc Newson, the two heads of the LoveFrom creative collective.

It looks like a sports car from a certain angle, in a certain light. Credit: Ferrari

And it shows. The Ferrari Luce doesn't have the aggressive lines you'd typically see on a Ferrari; it's all rounded corners, soft edges and pastel colors, with only the massive yellow brake calipers and Ferrari badge betraying its true nature. Ferrari says the Luce has "by far" the lowest drag coefficient in the company's history, it's actually unusually tall for a Ferrari, somewhere between an SUV and a sedan. It's going to be a head-turner in more ways than one, and judging by some of the early reactions from Ferrari fans, not everyone will be happy about the design.

Well this is...pleasant. Credit: Ferrari

If you look at it from a certain angle, it can look a bit sporty from the outside. But step inside, and, frankly, it's tamer than a Kia. Again, rounded corners and soft edges dominate the interior, and the only thing that looks like it belongs in a sports car is the steering wheel. Ferrari calls this car a "new chapter" for the company, and it certainly is different. At least the trunk, at 597 liters of capacity, is big enough for a family of four.

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No need to worry about performance, though. This thing has 1,035 horsepower and it will go from 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 310 km/h, while still maintaining a very decent range of 530 kilometers or more.

The Luce is powered by a 122 kWh battery and four electric engines, one per each wheel, which enabled the company to do some things that can't be accomplished in a typical petrol-powered sports car. Ferrari said the car's development included more than 60 new patents, and some of the techy highlights include the ability to control each wheel's motion in every direction, an active suspension system that's derived from the Ferrari F80, and a new Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), a control centre that handles the powertrain and the driving dynamics.

The design includes lots of Corning Gorilla Glass. Credit: Ferrari

Ferrari also put great care into making the car sound authentic, though this is a bit hard to image from the press release alone. We're quoting Ferrari here: "A precision accelerometer at the centre of the axle captures the dynamic texture and vibration of the rotating components while the sound waves are moving. Developed in-house and patented, this system filters, equalises and amplifies the signal in a similar way to an electric guitar, but only when functional to the driving experience." Alrighty, then.

While the Ferrari Luce doesn't look like a raging speed demon, it does carry the price of one — starting at €550,000 (about $639,907) in Italy, though U.S. pricing hasn't been announced yet. Production should begin in late 2026, with deliveries starting in early 2027.

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for May 26, 2026

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 04:06

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 game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, May 26, 2026:

AcrossUnit of scissors, underwear or AirPods
  • The answer is Pair.

Rabbit relative
  • The answer is Hare.

The circled letters in this puzzle, e.g.
  • The answer is Drops.

Justice Sotomayor
  • The answer is Sonia.

Letters in a Big Apple address
  • The answer is NY NY.

DownHigh degrees, for short
  • The answer is PHDs.

Quarterback Rodgers
  • The answer is Aaron.

A hardware store with a broken doorknob is an example of it
  • The answer is Irony.

Affix again, as the tail on the donkey
  • The answer is Repin.

"Hey, I just thought of something ..."
  • The answer is Say.

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.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 26, 2026

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 04:02

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require knowledge of basketball.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Poker essentials

  • Green: Regionally specific

  • Blue: Collegiate athletics leaders

  • Purple: Almost legends

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Card suits

  • Green: Chicago teams

  • Blue: SEC men's basketball coaches

  • Purple: Basketball hall of famers, minus a letter

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #610 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • Card suits: CLUB, DIAMOND, HEART, SPADE

  • Chicago teams: DEPAUL, FIRE, SKY, WHITE SOX

  • SEC Men's basketball coaches: CALIPARI, OATS, PEARL, POPE

  • Basketball hall of famers, minus a letter: DIVA, GARNET, WAD, WORTH

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

NYT Pips hints, answers for May 26, 2026

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 03:00

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 26, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

  • Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

  • Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

  • Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

  • Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

  • Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 26, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for May 26 Pips

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 2-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 2-1, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed vertically.

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for May 26 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for May 26 Pips

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Hurdle hints and answers for May 26, 2026

Mashable - Tue, 05/26/2026 - 00:00

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

To write.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

DRAFT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A covering.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 25, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SHAWL

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

An idiot

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 25 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 25, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

TWERP

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Wooly.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

HAIRY

Final Hurdle hint

Sour.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

TANGY

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 26, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 05/25/2026 - 22:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're competitive.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 26, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Winnings

  • Green: Topic

  • Blue: Old-school films

  • Purple: Same letters

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Championship awards

  • Green: Matter at hand

  • Blue: '80s comedies

  • Purple: Anagrams

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1080 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Championship awards: CUP, MEDAL, PENNANT, RING

  • Matter at hand: CONCERN, FOCUS, POINT, SUBJECT

  • '80s comedies: AIRPLANE, BIG, CLUE, TWINS

  • Anagrams: ENLIST, LISTEN, SILENT, TINSEL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 26, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

NYT Strands hints, answers for May 26, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 05/25/2026 - 22:00

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're outdoorsy.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 26, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: On the nature trail

The words are related to the outdoors.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe natural surroundings.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Scavenger Hunt.

NYT Strands word list for May 26
  • Pawprint

  • Feather

  • Daisy

  • Scavenger Hunt

  • Puddle

  • Moss

  • Acorn

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 26, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 05/25/2026 - 22:00

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a homebody.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 26, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 26, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Sofa.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter C appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

COUCH

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

This $150 refurbished ASUS Chromebook has iPad-style versatility

Mashable - Mon, 05/25/2026 - 18:00

TL;DR: Your search for an affordable laptop ends here with this ASUS Chromebook CM30, on sale now for just $149.99 (reg. $369.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: 203 Trading LLC ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024) Detachable Touchscreen 8GB RAM 128GB eMMC (Refurbished) $149.99
$369.99 Save $220   Get Deal

Some laptops are built to be workhorses. But if you’re looking for one that easily transitions from your work day to mindless scrolling, that’s the ASUS Chromebook CM30. This multi-tasking device goes from laptop to tablet in seconds thanks to a detachable touchscreen, and right now it’s on sale for just $149.99.

We could all use a break every now and then. The ASUS Chromebook makes it easy to sneak in a little “me time,” with a detachable touchscreen that makes it easy to switch from laptop to tablet.

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Whether you’re sneaking in a Netflix session during a busy work day or you like to unwind with some mindless scrolling after hours, this Chromebook lets you knock it all out on one device.

Not only does this Chromebook make life more convenient, but it’s also power-packed, too. A MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor and 8GB of RAM provide smooth multitasking, while 128GB of eMMC storage gives you enough space to save your important files.

This Chromebook runs on Chrome OS, so you can download all your go-to apps. It’s also equipped with dual 5MP cameras on the front and rear, so you can snap pics or video chat with loved ones. And when you’re tired of using the touchscreen, a built-in push-pop stylus is available when you need it.

Made from a military-grade aluminum chassis, so you can rest easy knowing the ASUS Chromebook CM30 is durable. When fully charged, you can also enjoy an impressive 12-hour battery life.

You’re saving $220 thanks to this model’s Grade A refurbished rating, which means it will arrive in near-mint condition with minimal to zero scuffing while you enjoy the deep discount.

Act fast to snag your own ASUS Chromebook CM30 for only $149.99 while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Massachusetts Uber and Lyft Drivers Form First Union for Ride-Share Workers

NYT Technology - Mon, 05/25/2026 - 17:29
The App Drivers Union said it was the first organization in the country to be formally certified to represent drivers for apps such as Uber and Lyft.

I found 11 surprise Memorial Day Apple deals: Get the M5 MacBook Air for a record price, save $50 on AirPods and iPads

Mashable - Mon, 05/25/2026 - 15:12
Top Memorial Day Apple Deals at a glance: Best Overall M5 MacBook Air, 13 inches (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $899 (save $200 at Amazon) Get Deal Best AirPods Deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30 at Amazon) Get Deal Best AirPods Pro Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Past-Gen Deal Apple iPad Air, 11 inches (A16, 128GB) $299 (save $50 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Deal at Best Buy Apple iPad Air, 11 inches (M4, 1TB) $799 (save $300 at Best Buy) Get Deal Best Apple Watch Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Beats Deal Beats Studio Pro Noise-Cancelling Headphones $249.95 (save $100.04 at Amazon) Get Deal Best MagSafe Accessory deal Anker Nano MagSafe Portable Charger $45.99 (save $9 at Amazon) Get Deal Honorable Mention Belkin 3-in-1 MagSafe iPhone Charger $66.49 (save $53.41 at Amazon) Get Deal

I'm Mashable's Tech Editor, and I drew the short straw as the editor on call for Memorial Day. But I'm kind of glad I did, because we spotted an unexpected price drop on the new M5 MacBook Air.

In my review of the latest MacBook Air, I said that this is a pretty much perfect laptop, though I wasn't in love with the price. So, with the new record-low price of just $899 at Amazon, the MacBook Air just erased my one and only gripe. In the days of RAM-ageddon, this is a phenomenal price — and it's not the only Apple product on sale today.

At Best Buy, you can pick up previous-gen iPad Airs starting at $499, or save $300 on the M5 iPad Airs with 1TB of memory. At Woot, you can score a 4-pack of the original AirTags for only $59.99. And at Amazon, Prime Members can save $50 on iPads and AirPods.

Get your clicking and scrolling fingers ready as we break down the best Memorial Day Apple deals, with big savings on Apple AirPods, MacBooks, AirTags, iPads, and Beats headphones.

SEE ALSO: The best Memorial Day tech deals you can shop this weekend — save on headphones, laptops, and more Best Apple Deal: M5 MacBook Air Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13 inches (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $899.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $200   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15 inches (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

As we mentioned above, we weren't expecting this one. We were excited when the newest MacBook Air dropped to $949, but as Memorial Day weekend draws to a close, this sleek Apple laptop just hit its lowest-ever price: $899. With the lightning-fast M5 chip, Apple's famous Liquid Retina display, powerful and well-balanced speakers, and a svelte form factor, I think this is the best laptop in the world for the money, full stop.

With a worldwide memory shortage causing tons of price hikes in the laptop space, I highly recommend jumping on this price while you still can!

More Memorial Day deals on Apple products:

Hyundai is recalling 421,000 cars over collision‑avoidance software bug

Mashable - Mon, 05/25/2026 - 14:52

Hyundai is recalling thousands of standard and hybrid vehicles after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) discovered a dangerous software glitch.

According to a May 19 safety recall report, software powering the vehicles' front cameras may inadvertently cause the forward collision-avoidance system to activate. In other words: The car could suddenly brake too early or without cause, leading to potentially serious crashes. The report documented 376 reports of unexpected braking between October 2024 and April 2026.

SEE ALSO: Someone drove a Tesla Cybertruck into a lake to test 'Wade Mode.' It didn't end well.

The software bug was found in more than 421,000 vehicles manufactured by the company since 2024, so Hyundai drivers who recently purchased a vehicle should see if their car is affected.

Which Hyundai cars are being recalled?

The recall applies to 2025-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and Tucson models, including both standard fuel and hybrid options. The list includes both the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid.

How do I know if my car has been recalled?

Owners of recalled vehicles will be notified by NHTSA mail by July 17. If you are uncertain if your vehicle is part of the recall, you can search the NHTSA recall database using your car's vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate.

Drivers can also take their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer to update their vehicle's software, the NHTSA says.

Are other vehicles affected?

The NHTSA issued 19 total recalls across Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, Tesla, Honda, and General Motors (as well as other manufacturers) for a variety of issues. Additional Hyundai models — including 2024-2026 Elantra Hybrid vehicles and Hyundai's 2025 Ioniq 5 and 2026 Ioniq 9 electric vehicles — also made the list.'

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