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The Amazon Memorial Day sale is live — score the best deals on TVs, Bose earbuds, Jackery power stations, and more

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 05:00
The best Memorial Day deals to shop on Amazon: Best TV deal 65-inch Hisense Class U7 Series MiniLED ULED 4K Google TV (65U75QG) $696.94 (save $803.05) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C1000 $449.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Bose QuietComfort Earbuds $149 (save $30) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Slushi (88 ounce) $259 (save $90.99) Get Deal Best early robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $499.98 (save $300.01) Get Deal

The long Memorial Day weekend is almost upon us. And like every other major calendar event, Amazon has jumped on the celebrations with a sale. And — as is often the case with Amazon sales — you don't even need to wait for the official date to get savings. Indeed, Amazon's Memorial Day is in full swing right now.

To keep the deals seasonal, Amazon's Memorial Day sale has seen prices drop on summer-themed items, including portable power stations, a TV worthy of every MLB and World Cup game, and stacks of camping gear. There are also excellent deals for home upgrades, from the kitchen to the backyard — everything you need to get the summer party going.

Before the holiday weekend officially kicks off, here are the best early Amazon Memorial Day deals. Grab them now and leave the weekend open for relaxation and fun.

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 65-inch Hisense Class U7 Series MiniLED ULED 4K Google TV $696.94 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $803.05   Get Deal Why we like it

Summer is undeniably getting hotter. If you'll be taking respite indoors this summer, it might be high time to make a TV upgrade. Hisense makes some of the best bang-for-your-buck models and that certainly applies to Amazon's deal on the 65-inch Hisense U7 LED 4K TV. Not only does it have impressive stats like 3,000 nits of brightness, it has a native refresh rate of 165Hz which makes it an excellent (and affordable) gaming TV. Plus, it has four HDMI 2.1 inputs.

More TV dealsBest portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C1000 $459.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix C1000 portable power station here.

I've tested dozens of portable power stations, and the Anker Solix C1000 remains one of the best models for taking along to the campground. Sure, Anker has already launched the Solix C1000 Gen 2 but the original C1000 comes with some features that are excellent for camping. For one, the built-in LED lightbar is fantastic for using around the campsite, which is missing from the new Gen 2.

The Solix C1000 has six AC ports, an impressive amount for a power station with 1,056Wh capacity. There's also the dual USB-A and USB-C ports for plenty of options while camping.

More portable power station dealsBest earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Earbuds $149 at Amazon
$179 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort earbuds here.

Summer calls for endless playlists and great earbuds. The playlists are up to you, but we recommend the budget-friendly Bose QuietComfort Earbuds for jamming out. When it comes to the entire lineup of Bose headphones and earbuds, Mashable feels the QuietComfort earbuds have amazing sound quality, especially given their lower price point compared to other Bose earbuds. The noise cancellation is solid and the fit is both secure and comfortable.

Ahead of Memorial Day, Amazon has all colorway options on sale for $149, down from the list price of $179. Since this is the lowest price we've seen at Amazon all year, now's a great time to make the upgrade.

More earbuds dealsBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi (88 ounce) $259 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $90.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Ninja Slushi here.

If you're ready to make this the summer, a slushy machine is bound to make that happen. While there haven't been too many machines that replicate that perfect summer treat we run to the corner store for, the Ninja Slushi is here to save us. Amazon must also recognize how perfect this is for summer because the pre-Memorial Day sale price of $259 matches the rarely-seen record low price at Amazon.

More kitchen dealsBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $499.98 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Eufy C28 here.

Unless you espeically love vacuuming or mopping, there's not a whole lot of reason to do it manually anymore. We have great robot vacuums that can also take care of mopping and the budget-friendly Eufy C28 combo is already on sale ahead of Memorial Day. Mashable's robot vacuum expert Leah Stodart tested the new Eufy C28 and said, "When it comes to big spills and dried stains, the Eufy C28 is easily the most efficient robot mop in the $600 to $800 price range I've ever tested." Its compact size could also be a benefit for smaller homes or apartments.

More robot vacuum deals

60+ of the best Memorial Day deals: We found TVs, mattresses, headphones, and more on sale

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 05:00
The best Memorial Day 2026 deals at a glance: Best Amazon deal Ninja Slushi $259 (save $90.99) Get Deal Best TV deal Toshiba 65-inch C350 LED 4K Fire TV $264.99 (save $265) Get Deal Best tech deal Bose QuietComfort headphones $229 (save $120) Get Deal Best home deal Ruggable save up to 25% sitewide Shop Now

The unofficial start to summer is almost here, but you don't have to wait until Memorial Day itself on May 25 to find those Memorial Day deals.

There are already deals live at Amazon, where you'll find savings of up to 40%. There are also plenty of savings from other online shopping destinations, with deals on products such as mattresses, TVs, furniture, and outdoor patio items. Plenty of brands are getting in on early MDW action — you can grab the Dyson Airwrap i.d. for $150 off and the Bose QuietComfort headphones for $120 off.

We'll be updating all the best Memorial Day deals throughout the weekend, so be sure to keep checking back on this page for the biggest and best savings.

Best Memorial Day Amazon deals Ninja Slushi $259 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $90.99   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

What says start of the summer better than slushies on demand? When Mashable's Leah Stodart reviewed the Ninja Slushi, she pointed out the merits of the Slushi over a regular blender: no ice is required, and it keeps drinks frozen while in its cooling cylinder. From cola slushies to frosé, this might just be the ultimate summer drink machine. It has some downsides (sugar-free beverages are a no-go), but if you're a frozen drink enthusiast, this deal is worth a closer look.

More Amazon dealsBest Memorial Day TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: Toshiba Toshiba 65-inch C350 LED 4K Fire TV $264.99 at Best Buy
$529.99 Save $265   Get Deal Why we like it

Best Buy and Amazon have been racing to match prices on this Fire TV. Best Buy was initially $75 cheaper than Amazon, so Amazon dropped its sale price to keep pace. But that's only a piece of the picture demonstrating just how good this deal is. Our resident TV expert, Leah Stodart, pointed out that this $264.99 price point is so good that it's less than the sale price of the 43-inch version of Amazon's most basic Ember 4K Fire TV. In other words, if you're looking to score a solid deal on a smart TV this Memorial Day, this could be the one for you.

More TV deals

43-inch to 50-inch TVs

55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

70-inch TVs and up

Best Memorial Day mattress deals

  • Avocado: Get up to 20% off organic mattresses, bed toppers, and bedding.

  • Amerisleep: Get up to $1,000 off all mattresses and 40% off bundles

  • Bear: Get 35% off sitewide, plus $275 worth of free accessories

  • Casper: Get up to 30% off select mattresses and 35% off bundles

  • Purple: Get up to $900 off a mattress and a base

  • Helix: Get 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY25

  • Leesa: Get 30% off select mattresses

  • Mattress Firm: Get up to 60% off select mattresses with queens starting at $189.99

  • Nectar: Get up to 50% off select mattresses and 66% off bundles

  • Saatva: Save up to $650 on mattresses, including the Saatva Classic and Memory Foam Hybrid mattresses

  • Serta: Save up to $600 on select mattress and adjustable base sets

  • Sleep Number: Save up to $1,200 on ClimateCool and ComfortNext mattresses, BOGO free Ultimate Shape Pillows, and BOGO 50% off sheets

  • Tempur-Pedic: Save 40% on the Tempur-Cloud Mattress or up to $500 on adjustable mattress sets, plus free gifts

Best Memorial Day home deals

  • Brooklinen: Refresh your bedding for summer with 25% off sitewide

  • Buffy: Save up to 25% sitewide

  • Caraway Home: Save up to 30% on cookware and bakeware

  • Cozy Earth: Save 20% sitewide or 25% when you buy three or more items

  • Crate & Barrel: Save up to 60% on rugs, 35% on kitchen brands, and 30% on furniture

  • Cuisinart: Save 15% on $99.95+, 20% on $149.95+, and 25% on $249.95+

  • Home Depot: Save up to 40% on select appliances, 20% on select patio furniture, and up to $175 off on select tools now through May 27

  • Joybird: Take up to 45% off on bestselling furniture and up to 35% off sitewide through May 25

  • Kohl's: Save up to 50% sitewide on clothes, kitchen appliances, bedding, patio furniture, and more

  • Lovesac: Save 40% sitewide through May 31

  • Lowe's: Save on appliances, grills, patio furniture, gardening supplies, and more through June 3

  • Mellow Sleep: Get $20 off $100, $50 off $200, or $100 off $300

  • Nest New York: Save 25% sitewide with code 25OFF

  • Parachute: Save 25% sitewide plus 30% on bundles

  • Ruggable: Save up to 25% sitewide

  • Rugs Direct: Save up to 80% sitewide on brands like Safavieh, Chris Loves Julia, Loloi, Rifle Paper Co., and Rugs USA

  • SharkNinja: Save up to 30% on Ninja kitchen appliances and Shark vacuums, hair tools, and fans

  • Target: Target's Hello Summer Sale brings deals on summer favorites, including up to 20% off kids' outdoor toys and up to 45% off patio furniture and garden essentials

  • Wayfair: Save up to 70% sitewide

Best Memorial Day tech deals

  • Best Buy: Save on TVs, Apple products, laptops, monitors, Sony cameras, Bluetooth speakers, and more

  • HP: Save up to 72% on OmniBook laptops, Omen gaming PCs, All-in-One desktops, and more

  • Lenovo: Save up to 30% on ThinkPad, Yoga, ThinkBook, IdeaPad, and Legion laptops

  • LG: Save up to 44% on TVs, 40% on monitors, and up to 58% on appliances

  • Tile: Save up to 40% on trackers

Best Memorial Day beauty deals

  • Dyson: Save up to $150 on the Dyson Airwrap i.d., Airstrait, and Supersonic Nural

  • FabFitFun: Save 40% on your first box, plus get a free Vacation bonus box ($250 value) with an annual membership signup

  • L'ange: Save 44% sitewide with code MEMORIAL

Best Memorial Day outdoor deals

  • Columbia: Save up to 40% on "almost everything"

  • Dick's Sporting Goods: Save up to 50% on bikes, kayaks, tents, grills, and golf gear, save up to to 40% on Nike and adidas

  • Rumpl: Save 25% sitewide

  • Solo Stove: Save 15% on select fire pits and pizza ovens

Victorian Psycho review: What if gothic horror were an eat-the-rich comedy?

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 05:00

Gothic horror is going from mad to madcap with Victorian Psycho, a horror comedy that follows a murderous governess to her next — and possibly last — appointment.

Maika Monroe stars as Winifred Notty, a governess who is desperate to make a good impression on her new employers, the Pound family. The broad strokes of the plotline are tropes of Gothic horror. A seemingly fragile young woman must care for the young, defenseless children of a rich and twisted family. At night, strange noises might be heard about their grand house. The family's treasures go missing or are vandalized. Members of the staff vanish without a word. Could it be a ghost or ghoul whose very presence could drive this poor heroine mad? Well, no. Because from the very start, Victorian Psycho shows us its protagonist is already mad, and also the vicious thing that goes bump in the night.

The title alone gives some clue of the topsy-turvy approach that Virginia Feito, who wrote the novel and this adapted screenplay, has to the genre. Director Zachary Wigon (Sanctuary) cements this cheeky attitude with an opening scene in which Winifred addresses the audience in voiceover while looking straight into the camera. There's a sense of Fleabag in this distorted direct address to the audience, as Winifred insists she is the sanest person she's ever met.

This is just the first red flag, warning that Winifred Notty is much more than naughty. Soon after, a dismembered human ear tumbles out of her luggage; she regards it with slight irritation. From here, Victorian Psycho blooms into a deliciously bonkers spin on gothic horror with an eat-the-rich edge.

Victorian Psycho blends gore, goofiness, and class conflict.

On the surface, Winifred seems a darling young woman, eager to be accepted into a household that'll appreciate her. She's demure when meeting the servants of the Pound estate, as well as the family themselves. Among them, there is a mightily mustachioed father (Jason Isaacs), a fearsome mother (Ruth Wilson), teen daughter Drusilla (Evie Templeton), and the spoiled little heir to the family fortune, Andrew (Hamnet's Jacobi Jupe).

But there's a spiky antisocial undercurrent to Winifred, especially when she's left alone with the children. She speaks of the wickedness and pain that lie inside all living things, frightening the young Master Andrew, who watches in shock as she bludgeons a fallen deer to death with a rock. Still, few around her could imagine what horrid secrets she's left behind her, and what deranged fantasies fuel her dark heart. She swiftly befriends the children's nurse, Miss Lamb (Thomasin McKenzie), and offers to this wide-eyed waif tales of a ghoul that's prowling the property. For how else to explain the blood all over Winifred's dress?

When it comes to Winifred's violence, Wigon is unblinking in brandishing spurts of blood but knows when to keep certain especially heinous homicides off-camera. This keeps the tone of Victorian Psycho thrillingly zany, despite the grim content.

As for Feito, she seems to pull inspiration from Jane Austen's brilliantly dummy dialogue for oblivious rich folk. These are caricatures of entitled affluence. The father bloviates about the value of phrenology, a pseudoscience that proposed personality could be predicted by skull shape. The mother punishes a scullery maid by chopping off the girl's long hair after a strand once ended up in her soup.

Like with Saltburn, there's a delicious lunacy to watching these careless rich assholes embrace an outsider who's sure to bring them to ruin. Not all of Winifred's targets feel as worthy of her brutal brand of comeuppance. Still, the breathtaking cruelty is part of the fucked-up thrill ride.

Maika Monroe gives a career-best performance in Victorian Psycho.

The American actress's career has been largely defined by horror since she broke through in 2014 with a supporting role in the gripping thriller The Guest and then starred in the STD-as-slasher allegory It Follows. Though she's done a slew of films since then, horror offerings like Watcher, Longlegs, and The Hand That Rocks The Cradle stand out. Yet here, she's turned from haunted heroines of her filmography and gothic horror in general to become a compelling monster all her own.

Typically, in these types of stories, like Crimson Peak, The Others, or The Turning of the Screw, the heroine is an innocent with good character and bravery in the face of an inhuman threat. Here, Winifred is that threat, and Monroe makes a meal out of playing the baddie as if she's been starving for the opportunity (though, yes, she's been the villain before).

There's an electrifying mix of menace and mischievousness in her delivery, whether she's flirting with the nurse or threatening a child. Her face shifts smoothly from a mask of civility to a reveal of wrath or revulsion. However, when Winifred gives over to her dark side, Monroe's performance ratchets into a gnarled physicality of demonic possession, which will likely remind viewers of Lily-Rose Depp's turn in Nosferatu. On top of all of this, Monroe offers a sharp humor through unhinged physicality that cuts deep as a shattered tea cup shard through a jugular.

Victorian Psycho offers fantastic WTF moments.

In scenes where Winifred is spiraling out of control, high-angle cinematography from Nico Aguilar distorts her proportions, turning this beautiful woman into a warped stranger. Whip pans, rarely used in period pieces, snap from a could-be victim's expression of shock to Winifred's face, and it can feel like a slap to it. But the gnarliest visual choices are when Aguilar gives a point-of-view of objects of violence, like the aforementioned dismembered ear or the rock used to fatally brain the deer. Such choices not only throw an exciting manic energy into Victorian Psycho but also force the audience to feel a part of the action, either to be gobbled up by Winifred's all-consuming darkness or party to it.

Composer Ariel Marx embellishes this tone of creepy complicity with a score studded with familiar and strange sounds. You might hear a plunking piano or stinging strings, common instrumental choices for gothic horror. Sometimes, there are slippery sounds (maybe a theremin? Or a saw being bowed?) and distorted voices, perhaps the cries of babies. These aural collisions of the expected and unexpected reflect how Feito and Wigon build on the bones of gothic horror, but create something more modern with their mesmerizing murderess.

In the end, Victorian Psycho is a hoot, wildly fun, and unapologetically deranged on its surface. Then, just beneath that, Feito, Wigon, and Monroe weave a tapestry of class conflict, sexism, and trauma that urges audiences to probe deeper to understand that while Winifred is a monster, she was not born one. Instead, she was made from a society that regards cruelty as another luxury the ultra-wealthy get to take for granted. Well, that is, until someone reflects it back.

Victorian Psycho was reviewed out of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival; it will open in the U.S. on Sept. 25.

Deals on gaming monitors are going hard in Amazons Memorial Day sale — save up to $700 on Asus, Samsung, and LG

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 05:00
Best Memorial Day gaming monitor deals at a glance: Best Samsung gaming monitor deal Samsung 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 (G95NC) $1,499.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best Asus model Asus ROG Strix 34-inch Ultrawide QD-OLED HDR (XG34WCDG) $699 (save $300) Get Deal Best LG deal LG 45-inch UltraGear OLED (45GX900A-B) $999.99 (save $700) Get Deal

Even if you're a recreational weekend gamer, you understand a solid gaming monitor elevates the experience infinitely. That's even more relevant for competitive gaming. A monitor with sub-par stats can lead to lag, blurring, and even (in-game) death. Avoid these issues by using a worthy gaming monitor that gives a crisp display, moving in time with your commands.

If you've been eyeing a gaming monitor upgrade before we dive into the heat of summer, Amazon's Memorial Day sale has several high-end models on sale. From reliable brands like LG, Samsung, and Asus, you'll be in line for an excellent gaming experience while saving hundreds of dollars. Here are some models to check out before the weekend.

Best Samsung deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 (G95NC) $1,499.99 at Amazon
$2,099.99 Save $600.00   Get Deal Why we like it

What better way to welcome the summer than with a massive 57-inch curved gaming monitor? Samsung has long been a leader in making exceptional gaming monitors and the Odyssey Neo G9 is one of them. In addition to the size, we're looking at a 1000R curve for full immersion, a 1 millisecond GTG, and a 240Hz refresh rate. Peak brightness measures 1,000 nits and it comes with an ergonomic stand. Shopping Amazon's Memorial Day sale will score you a $600 discount on this model.

SEE ALSO: Samsung just launched a wave of next-gen monitors — including the first 6K gaming monitor Best Asus deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus ROG Strix 34-inch Ultrawide QD-OLED HDR (XG34WCDG) $699 at Amazon
$999 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking to keep the price of a great gaming monitor under $1,000, the 34-inch Asus ROG Strix is an ultrawide model that uses an impressive OLED display panel. Refresh rates hit 175Hz and you get a 0.03 millisecond response time. For great contrast and deep blacks, this model comes with VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black certification and Asus' proprietary Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) that'll help reduce motion blur and ghosting effects. In order to keep the OLED display in good shape, it's equipped with a Neo proximity sensor which will turn the monitor to black when you're away.

The Asus ROG Strix is on sale at Amazon for a record-low price of $699 ahead of Memorial Day.

Best LG deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 45-inch UltraGear OLED (45GX900A-B) $999.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $700   Get Deal Why we like it

Down to under $1,000, the 45-inch LG UltraGear OLED can reach up to 1,300 nits of brightness and a blazing hot 240Hz refresh rate. It's LG's brightest OLED gaming monitor, making it the perfect model if you'll be gaming in bright summer daylight. More benefits come from the HDMI 2.1 port, 0.03 millisecond response time, and the 800R curve. Of course, the OLED display means you're in for excellent visual quality. LG also added anti-glare technology to this UltraGear model and flicker-free benefits.

Memorial Day 2026 deals: Score free food from 7-Eleven, Dunkin’, Subway, Starbucks, and more

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 05:00

Memorial Day is an important moment to mourn and honor deceased service men and women.

To mark this occasion, a number of popular restaurants and retailers offer freebies, food deals, and discounts over Memorial Day weekend. Some of these offers are exclusive to active-duty members and veterans, but some are available to everyone.

We've checked out everything on offer from 7-Eleven, Dunkin’, Subway, Starbucks, and more popular names. We'll be updating this list with any new free food deals that drop over the weekend.

Memorial Day 2026 food deals7-Eleven

On Memorial Day, customers can score $20 off $30+ delivery orders with the promo code MONDAY20.

Applebee’s

Score an All-You-Can-Eat meal for $15.99 at Applebee’s over Memorial Day weekend. This offer is valid for dine-in only.

Bojangles

Get a free strawberry cobbler with the purchase of a biscuit sandwich combo.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Save $10 on $50+ orders with the code MEMDAY85 online or in-app.

Dunkin’

Get 50 bonus points each day with purchases after 1 p.m. from May 25-31.

Fazoli’s

Get a complimentary whole pizza when you order a Fazoli’s Family Meal. To qualify, use the promo code Memorial26 on the online or in-app checkout. This offer is valid from May 22-27.

Firehouse Subs

Buy one sub and get another for 50% off at participating locations from May 22-25.

Grubhub

Grubhub+ members can score Memorial Day weekend deals from May 18-24:

  • Starbucks: $10 off $20+ order

  • Buffalo Wild Wings: BOGO Wings with $20+ order

  • Wendy’s: Free Baconator with $20+ order

  • Jack in the Box: BOGO 50% off Build Your Own Munchie Meal with $15+ order

IKEA

On Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25), IKEA is running free hands-on activities with complimentary snacks.

Kona Grill

Veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and first responders can get a complimentary entree with the purchase of an appetizer or starter from May 22-25.

Logan’s Roadhouse

From May 21-27, guests can purchase $50 in gift cards for $40 online.

Love’s

Get a free Chomps Original Beef on May 25.

Newk’s Eatery

Score a $20 meal deal with two pizzas and a salad from May 22-25.

Olive Garden

Get the delivery deal during Memorial Day weekend when you enter the promo code OGDELIVERS during online or in-app checkout.

Pokeworks

Get a free Spam Musubi with any Pokeworks entree when you use promo code MAYSPAM during online or in-app through May 25.

Potbelly

Through May 24, Perks Members can get their choice of a free bag of chips, a fresh-baked cookie, or a fountain drink with any entrée purchase.

Shake Shack

Get a free ShackBurger when you make an online, in-app, or in-store kiosk purchase of $10 or more with the promo code FREEBURGER at checkout. This offer is valid from May 25-31.

Smalls Sliders

Military members with valid ID can get 10% off on Memorial Day (May 25).

Subway

Get a Footlong for $6.99 with the code FOOTLONG699 through May 31.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Get two Signature Angus Burgers and fries for $26 from May 24-26. To qualify, order online for takeout or delivery.

TGI Fridays

VIP members can save 30% off Memorial Day orders from May 26-27.

White Castle

Craver Nation Rewards can get 20% off all orders in-app. This offer is valid from May 23-25.

T-Mobile is giving away the Samsung Galaxy S26 for free — how to qualify

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 05:00

TL;DR: T-Mobile has dropped new deals on the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+. Score the latest Samsung lineup for free right now at T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 Free when you trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26+ Free when you activate a line on Experience More or Experience Beyond. Shop Now

We have been known to make some noise about the fact you can walk away with a free iPhone from T-Mobile, but what about our Android readers? Are they supposed to just sit around and watch the Apple users get all the good stuff? No, everyone eats for free at T-Mobile.

T-Mobile has dropped a new batch of live deals on the latest Samsung handsets:

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 — free when you trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More plan.

  • Samsung Galaxy S26+ — free when you activate a line on Experience More or Experience Beyond.

The value of these smartphones is applied as 24 monthly credits to your bill, so you're still paying for the phone but you're getting paid back in full over time. You do need to pay taxes and a $35 device connection fee, but you can never escape that with this type of deal. Anyway, it's a small price to pay for a new handset that wont be replaced until next year.

Mashable's Alex Perry took a close look at this lineup and said: "The new Galaxy S26 line delivers some key upgrades over Samsung's previous-gen phones." We're not talking about earth-shattering updates here, but the "incremental upgrade cycle" is still an upgrade.

Score the latest Samsung Galaxy lineup for free with T-Mobile.

Inside the world of sponsored wedding events

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 05:00

In April, the influencer Brigette Pheloung, known as @acquiredstyle, shared many videos of her bachelorette trip sponsored by a previously unknown company: Swan Beauty, a $795 "AI mirror" (that also needs a $94 per year app). TikTok then did what TikTok does best: Exploded with discourse. Some people praised Pheloung and Swan Beauty for their partnership, while others, predictably, hated it. (Pheloung didn't respond to Mashable's request for comment.)

"I don't think anyone would say no to her bachelorette, whether hosting it or attending it," said Sarah Singleton, founder and lead content creator at Hype Gal Media, which specializes in wedding iPhone content creation. "You just got to do it in a really, really cool way that was sponsored."

SEE ALSO: What are those heartbeats on Hinge?

It's just the latest in a series of high-profile influencer sponsorships in the wedding space. While getting free swag or paid services for weddings isn't new, it seems to be exploding in recent years, especially since COVID lockdowns. In fact, six in ten Americans would have a brand sponsor their wedding, so the naysayers may be in the minority. Mashable spoke to wedding professionals about these sponsorships and how the current state of the world means nothing is "sacred."

History of wedding sponsors

Despite the TikTok ire, brands have been gifting or paying for goods and services in exchange for attention for decades.

"Free or sponsored product or services is nothing new in the high-profile world," said Harmony Walton, founder of The Bridal Bar, a PR and marketing agency for luxury wedding professionals. Walton started The Bridal Bar in Los Angeles in 2004, and she's seen sponsored weddings before social media, even working with A-list clients who did it (though she declined to name who). 

A well-known, pre-social media example of this is TV personality Star Jones, who made headlines in 2004 for taking various freebies, such as bridesmaids' gowns and her (now ex-)husband's tuxedo, USA Today reported at the time. The same article also mentions early-2000s wedding sponsors, like fellow TV personality Tori Spelling, who received chocolates for her wedding party.

The concept has evolved, though, Walton said, as the influencer is the new celebrity. "So there are plenty of brands and companies that are motivated to gift products and services in exchange for attention, and the attention looks different now." Maybe it's a viral TikTok, whereas years ago it would be a mention in People magazine (print, of course). 

Throughout her career, Walton has seen wedding photographers, planners, dress designers, venues, and hotels climb in the industry because they booked a big influencer or high-profile client — whether they paid for it or not. The coverage is invaluable regardless.

Recently, brides who drummed up chatter on social media about sponsored nuptial elements were influencers Becca Bloom, who partnered with Lancôme, and Mikayla Nogueira, who said her 2023 wedding wasn't sponsored but did release a product with e.l.f. cosmetics (e.l.f. x Mikayla Marriage Material Lip Duo) before the big day.

A brand deal fit for a bride

Singleton, who has shot sponsored content for weddings, emphasizes that the best thing influencers can do is stay true to their personal brand. If a beverage brand you've never consumed before is all of a sudden everywhere at your reception, people will question whether you actually like it or if it's been gifted. Which is fine, Singleton said — but don't act like it's the best drink ever when you've been sipping on something else.

The best deals come when it's genuine and authentic to both the couple and the love story, she said.

The proper way to have sponsored wedding elements is to do this professionally, Walton said. The Bridal Bar gets solicited for free products and services from micro influencers who want discounts, but they aren't approaching it from a business perspective, more so as how to leverage their platform to reduce wedding costs.

An influencer who's used to these types of deals knows what contracts are appropriate, and to ask for what deliverables are needed — be it a certain number of posts, collaborative posts, or the like. 

And the more significant the cost for the brand, the more the return has to be. A beauty brand gifting products for bridal party welcome bags is entirely different from a brand offering all-expenses-paid travel. 

Like Singleton, Walton emphasizes that being authentic is the best course of action. "Just because someone's getting married, it doesn't mean that their audience is the right fit for [your brand]," she said. If it's an authentic and organic story being told, "you're more likely to see results and fruits from that labor, versus maybe a completely irrelevant brand or product that is distinctively different than the types of products and services that that audience is looking for."

Is nothing sacred? Not in this economy. 

A common refrain in TikTok videos criticizing influencers for cashing in on wedding sponsorships is: "Is nothing sacred?" One's wedding, in their view, is supposed to be a special day not infringed by Brands™.

But is anything sacred in 2026, when AI companies want to reanimate the dead, we're seeing the worst actions of humanity on our screens every second, and economic inequality is getting worse?

"In this economy, get your bag."

"In this economy, get your bag," Singleton said. "Do what you want to do." She added that in the digital era we're in, it's almost inevitable that we'll see influencers taking on sponsors for weddings.

Given the current climate, it's no wonder. The cost of living has increased in recent years. Weddings aren't any different — and they were already expensive compared to other events, so much so that the term "wedding industrial complex" is commonplace. 

And no matter what — through pandemics and recessions — people are going to get married one way or another, Singleton said. 

"Weddings since COVID have gotten exponentially more expensive than they were before," said Walton. What The Bridal Bar is seeing is that the middle class of weddings is disappearing. They're going to small, micro weddings or elopements, or the destination, multi-day affairs of the one percent.

"Weddings are expensive, so being able to work with brands that I would already be posting for was truly so helpful when it came down to staying within our budget," Jenna Liston, a content creator, told Mashable over email. 

Liston received pajamas for her bridal party, a cowboy hat for her wedding day, products like smiley-face socks for her bachelorette attendees, and dresses for her engagement photos.

Not only do weddings come with an exorbitant price tag, but social media has changed the game when it comes to weddings; people's expectations are higher now. When Walton first got into the business, people got married locally, had an intimate rehearsal dinner beforehand, and that was it.

"Now the bar is set so much higher. That's because of social media and Pinterest and Instagram and TikTok," she said. "The visual aspect of Keeping Up with the Joneses is because of Instagram."

Plus, the internet brought increased availability of information. We plan life events differently than we used to, thanks to the internet, but we also have different experiences. Now, it feels like everyone you know is going to Japan, but even a decade or two ago, that kind of travel required a travel agent and guides.

"This generation is more well-traveled and more life-experienced than a lot of previous generations. So they come to their wedding planning process with a different worldview and perspective," Walton explained. "If they've seen and done all of these incredible things, well, their wedding can't just be a cookie-cutter backyard wedding."

Someone's wedding might be the biggest day of their lives — but they've had some pretty big days, already. So this has to top it.

If you take a step back, an influencer working with a brand is a business transaction, and even on a personal day, influencers have built their careers on sharing their personal days as business transactions, Walton said. Now it's just on a grander scale. That being said, we need to remind couples that this is their wedding, after all. You don't want to look at the photos 10, 20 years from now and hate them because a brand's name is plastered all over them. 

Liston said sponsored wedding content is the smart way to go. "The only thing I'd say is be true to yourself," she said. "I wasn't accepting every offer from every company, but if it aligned with my page and what I was looking for, I was excited to partner with them."

If you have a following or platform and can work with companies on your big day, she said, why not?

Work from anywhere with this $345 MacBook Air

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 05:00

TL;DR: This Apple MacBook Air is lightweight without compromising on power, and right now it can be yours for just $344.99 (reg. $1,299).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 2020 (Refurbished) $344.99
$1,299 Save $954.01   Get Deal

Whether you like to work from coffee shops, by the pool, or on your couch, the MacBook Air is a great way to tackle your to-do list from anywhere. And while it usually comes with a steep price tag, right now, you can bring one home for just $344.99 (reg. $1,299) while supplies last.

If you’re looking for a laptop that feels portable without sacrificing power, it’s time to get a MacBook Air. This Apple device comes equipped with speedy processing that can keep up with your daily workflow and multitasking.

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8GB of memory and 512GB SSD storage offer speed and responsiveness, plus plenty of space to store important files right on the device. Touch ID keeps your content safe and secure while allowing you easy access.

The 13.3-inch Retina display with Intel Iris Plus lets you tackle work or take a break and stream a show in sharp detail. You’ll also enjoy Apple’s True Tone Technology, which adjusts the color to provide comfortable viewing and lessen eye strain. A backlit keyboard also offers a comfortable typing experience in any lighting.

If you’re curious how you’re saving so much on this powerful laptop, it’s thanks to this model’s grade B refurbished rating. That means it will arrive with normal wear and tear and light to medium amounts of scuffing on the case, but will be fully functional right out of the box.

Bring home an Apple MacBook Air for only $344.99 (reg. $1,299) while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Learn piano for $80 with this 5-year flowkey subscription

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 05:00

TL;DR: The flowkey Piano Learning App five-year subscription is on sale at its lowest price ever for $79.97 (reg. $899).

Opens in a new window Credit: Flowkey flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription) $79.97
$899 Save $819.03   Get Deal

Learning piano doesn’t have to mean expensive lessons or strict schedules. A simple way to build skills at your own pace for a fraction of the usual cost is right at your fingertips.

The flowkey Piano Learning App Classic Plan’s five-year subscription is $79.97 (reg. $899) with access to guided lessons, interactive practice tools, and real-time feedback.

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Flowkey is designed to take someone from first notes to full songs using step-by-step lessons and real-time feedback. The app listens as you play, so you get instant corrections instead of guessing what went wrong.

It includes features like Wait Mode, which pauses progress until you hit the correct notes, as well as slow-motion playback, looping sections, and split-hand practice. You can also follow synced video performances alongside sheet music, which helps connect theory to actual playing.

The Classic Plan includes access to over 1,000 classical and public-domain pieces by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart, along with arrangements tailored to different skill levels.

There are also foundational courses covering music theory, chords, reading sheet music, and proper hand positioning. It’s structured to support both absolute beginners and returning players who want a refresher.

This fits beginners who want structured guidance without committing to in-person lessons, as well as intermediate players looking to rebuild or strengthen fundamentals. It also works across devices — including laptops, tablets, and phones — as long as you’re using a compatible keyboard or digital piano setup.

This learning app provides a low-risk way to build piano skills over time without recurring monthly costs or high lesson fees.

To learn a new skill and keep things simple, you’ll want structured lessons, interactive feedback, and long-term access with flowkey. Get it today at its lowest price yet at $79.97 through May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PM for $79.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Dave Filoni crashes The Mandalorian and Grogu twice. Did you catch both cameos?

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 05:00

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is chock-full of high-profile talent. Pedro Pascal returns as the titular Mando, Sigourney Weaver makes her Star Wars debut as a Rebel colonel, The Bear's Jeremy Allen White voices a ripped Hutt, and Oscar winner Martin Scorsese even appears as an Ardennian fry cook.

SEE ALSO: 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' review: If this is the future of Star Wars, I don't want it.

However, Star Wars fans will also catch another familiar face, one that's usually behind the camera: Lucasfilm President and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni. Filoni co-wrote The Mandalorian and Grogu with director Jon Favreau and Noah Kloor. Over the past two decades, he's also been instrumental in shaping the world of Star Wars on TV, working on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and more. Now he appears in the franchise's first theatrical film since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker.

Who does Dave Filoni play in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu?

The Mandalorian and Grogu isn't Dave Filoni's first time popping up in a Star Wars project. He's voiced characters in the past, like The Clone Wars' Embo (who appears in The Mandalorian and Grogu, albeit nonverbally) and Rebels' Chopper. His first live-action appearance in Star Wars came in The Mandalorian Season 1, where he played X-Wing pilot Trapper Wolf. He donned the X-Wing pilot helmet for two more episodes: one in Season 2 and the other in Season 3.

Filoni reprises the role of Trapper Wolf The Mandalorian and Grogu. However, the first of two times he appears in the film, he's not in Trapper Wolf's usual X-Wing cockpit. Instead, he's at a bar on a Rebel base, rocking his trademark cowboy hat. (Between this and the helmet, I guess Trapper Wolf is a big hat guy.)

The next time Filoni shows up is in the final battle on the Hutts' home planet, Nal Hutta. Led by Colonel Ward, Trapper Wolf and several other X-Wing pilots dive-bomb the Hutts after learning they were still allied with the last vestiges of the Empire.

Filoni actually isn't the only cameo in this battle. Keep your eyes peeled for Captain Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett, as well as The Mandalorian episode directors Lee Isaac Chung and Rick Famuyiwa. Both have made prior cameos as X-Wing pilots in the flagship show.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is now in theaters.

Martin Scorsese in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu? Where? WHO?!

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 05:00

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is the first major tentpole to hit theaters this summer. So fans of a galaxy far, far away should brace for action, adorableness, and scads of allusions to other Star Wars movies and shows. But one cinematic thrill that's a real surprise is how legendary American filmmaker Martin Scorsese comes into play in this much-anticipated spin-off.

In the opening credits, Scorsese's name will appear after Pedro Pascal, who headlines as Mando himself. But fans of Goodfellas, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Killers of the Flower Moon will have to wait until Act Two for the Academy Award–winning director's role.

What does Martin Scorsese look like in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu? Pedro Pascal and Martin Scorsese in "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu." Credit: Lucasfilm

In the movie, the Mandalorian is tasked with rescuing Rotta the Hutt (The Bear's Jeremy Allen White), the son of the late Jabba the Hutt. But first, he and his child/protégé Grogu have to find Rotta. So, Mando asks an Ardennian street cart vendor with four arms for information. Voiced by Scorsese, this simian-like alien delivers rapid-fire exposition with a New York sensibility and a grounded awareness of what happens to snitches.

Two months ago, some keen-eared fans noticed Scorsese in a trailer for Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.

But what fans couldn't have guessed is his character's name: Hugo Durant.

The first name seems to be a reference to Hugo, Scorsese's family-friendly 2011 adventure, based on Brian Selznick's 2007 book The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The last name; however, appears to be a reference to Rio Durant, the Ardennian pilot from Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Presumably, Hugo and Rio are related. But another thing they have in common is that both are voiced by directors, as The Mandalorian and Grogu helmer Jon Favreau provided the voice of Rio.

Of course, Scorsese's not the only filmmaker with a cameo in Favreau's film. Did you spot The Mandalorian and Grogu co-writer and producer Dave Filoni?

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is now in theaters.

Teslas FSD is now available for a monthly fee in Europe

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 04:39

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) assistance package is no longer available as a one-time purchase in Europe.

Instead, users can sign up for FSD at a monthly fee of 99 euros/British pounds, depending on the market. Previously, European customers were only able to get FSD (or the promise of FSD) for a one-time fee of €7,500 or £6,800, respectively.

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In addition, customers in Europe were previously able to get Tesla's Enhanced Autopilot suite of driver assistance features for a one-time fee of €3,800 or £3,400, depending on the market. That feature is no longer available; however, the customers who previously purchased Enhanced Autopilot can now get FSD for a reduced fee of €49 per month.

Tesla FSD brings numerous self-driving features, including navigating through city streets, respecting traffic lights, automatic parking, and more. Enhanced Autopilot has a greatly reduced set of options, with highlights being automatic lane changing on motorways, helpful navigation while on autosteer, and automatic parking.

SEE ALSO: Tesla says its Full Self-Driving package is now available in China

The news comes after FSD became available in two European markets: the Netherlands and Lithuania. However, we've checked, and the option is available even in the European markets where FSD hasn't formally launched yet.

It's also available for vehicles with older HW3 hardware (as opposed to HW4), even though Tesla CEO Elon Musk made it clear that HW3 cars will not be able to run FSD in its full capability, at least not without a hardware upgrade.

Featured Video For You Is ChatGPT Changing the Way We Write?

Stephen Colberts final Late Show monologue is packed full of surprise celebrity guests

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 03:58

"If you're just tuning into The Late Show...you missed a lot."

That's how Stephen Colbert begins his last ever Late Show monologue, which he assures us is going to be a just like a regular monologue — until the celebrity guests start showing up.

The first is Bryan Cranston, who asks if Colbert is planning to have any surprise cameos. "No Bryan," says Colbert. "Those always feel kind of forced."

Next comes Paul Rudd, who wants to know when his interview will start. "I have an extremely long poem I want to recite and I don't want to run out of time," says Rudd, before revealing that he bought Colbert "the traditional retirement gift" of six bananas.

Colbert tells him the traditional retirement gift is a gold watch, to which Rudd asks what he's supposed to do with these five bananas?

"I thought just a moment ago you said it was six?" says Colbert.

"I got hungry!" yells Rudd. "Now interview me!"

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Facebooks got a new, secret app called Forum

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 03:16

Meta's got a brand new app, but the company isn't advertising it anywhere yet.

The app is called Forum, and it's been spotted by Geekout Newsletter's Matt Navara (via Engadget). It's freely available to iPhone users, though it's not available in all markets yet.

Per the app's official description, it's a "dedicated space built for deeper discussions, real answers and the communities you care about."

In practice, it lies somewhere between Reddit and Quora, enabling users to ask questions and get related answers from folks on Facebook Groups. By default, it'll show you content from Facebook Groups based on your (previously selected) interests.

On the admin side, Facebook says the app is build for people who run groups, giving them a new admin AI assistant to help manage their groups and moderate content.

Facebook emphasises that this is about getting answers from "real people." Forum requires a Facebook account; the driving idea behind the app might be to leverage Facebook's vast community of users to provide answers, instead of getting AI-generated slop. Still, an AI assistant will fetch the answers when you ask a question on Forum.

SEE ALSO: Parents on Instagram, Facebook: Expect a big message from Meta

A Meta spokesperson told Engadget the app is still undergoing testing. "We test lots of new products publicly to see what people find interesting and useful to their experiences across our apps," the spokesperson said.

Hurdle hints and answers for May 22, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 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

In the know.

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

PRIVY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Strangely.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ODDLY

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

To sag.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DROOP

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To brush.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SWEEP

Final Hurdle hint

To take off.

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

STRIP

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

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on May 22

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 00:00

The Moon is nearing its First Quarter phase tonight, meaning almost half of its visible surface is now illuminated as it continues its monthly journey around Earth.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, May 22, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 37% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

Tonight, with just your naked eye you'll be able to spot the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. If you have binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, and a telescope will reveal the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots.

When is the next Full Moon?

There are two Full Moons in May, with the next due to take place on May 31.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth completely, passing through eight phases during that time. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the way sunlight hits its surface changes throughout its orbit, creating the familiar full, half, and crescent appearances we see in the night sky. Altogether, the lunar cycle consists of eight main phases:

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.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 22, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 05/21/2026 - 22:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you always follow back up.

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 22, 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: Circle back

  • Green: That's how it is

  • Blue: They go round and round

  • Purple: Women's names

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Reach back out

  • Green: The way things are done

  • Blue: Places with conveyor belts

  • Purple: Starting with name homophones

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 #1076 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Reach back out: CHECK IN, FOLLOW UP, RECONNECT, TOUCH BASE

  • The way things are done: CONVENTION, CUSTOM, SOCIAL NORM, UNWRITTEN RULE

  • Places with conveyor belts: ASSEMBLY LINE, BAGGAGE CLAIM, CHECKOUT LANE, REVOLVING SUSHI BAR

  • Starting with name homophones: CARRY-ON, EL NIÑO, LOOSEY-GOOSEY, TAILOR-MADE

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 22, 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 22, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 05/21/2026 - 22:00

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you go big or go home.

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 22, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Put down your ruler

The words are related to size.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe large things.

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 Its Big.

NYT Strands word list for May 22

  • Boundless

  • Epic

  • Vast

  • Immense

  • Its Big

  • Whopping

  • Astronomic

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 22, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 05/21/2026 - 22:00

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you don't like to venture out.

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 22, 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 22, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Regional.

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Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.

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...

VOCAL

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.

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Soundcore announces 2 earbuds that lean into AI for better call quality and smart feature performance

Mashable - Thu, 05/21/2026 - 19:00

Soundcore announced two new pairs of earbuds during its Anker Day event on May 21: the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max.

The earbuds are the first Soundcore products to feature the new THUS AI chip, designed to boost the performance of the earbuds' microphone for call quality, voice activation, and smart features like live translation and AI note-taking. Spoiler alert: the mic performance is no joke on these earbuds.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best wireless earbuds we've ever tested

Both the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max are available as of May 21. I've spent a few days trying out both pairs of earbuds — below you'll find my first impressions, the specs, price, and everything else you need to know about Soundcore's latest audio release.

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro: Specs and price

The Liberty 5 Pro is available for $169.99 and comes with the following feature set:

The Liberty 5 Pro come with a small on-case display. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

  • Battery: 6.5 hours with ANC (28 hours with charging case), 12 hours without ANC (50 hours with charging case)

  • Active noise cancellation: Yes, adaptive and five levels of manually adjustable ANC

  • Microphones: 8 microphones, plus two bone conduction sensors

  • Connection: Bluetooth 6.1

  • Multipoint: Yes, up to three devices simultaneously

  • IP rating: IP55

  • Ear tips: Five sizes, from XXS to L

  • Ear fins: Three sizes

  • Colors: Blue, white, black, and pink

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro: First impressions

I haven't had the chance to test the full range of the Liberty 5 Pro features just yet, but as Soundcore emphasizes the "whisper clear" calls these buds are capable of, I made sure to get in some testing of the microphone, along with the usual suspects of the sound quality (rich and well-varied, from my initial listens) and active noise cancellation.

Mic quality is superb

Call quality may seem like a weird feature to brag about, but if you've used earbuds with a crappy microphone, you know how annoying it can be to have to disconnect your earbuds every time you need to take a call.

My first test for these earbuds was an informal one. While FaceTiming a friend and wearing these earbuds, another friend in the room with me leaned into the frame of my phone's camera to say hello. My friend on the other end of the call happened to be looking away — she had no clue the other person in the room with me had spoken at all. Meanwhile, she could hear me without any issue. Whisper clear indeed. I've also been able to hold full conversations with ease while other people are watching TV and chatting in the same room, while the person on the other side of the call has been none the wiser. All this to say, the early results are very promising.

So is it really just a matter of matching up a full set of microphones with an AI chip? Not exactly. Soundcore goes the extra mile, adding two bone conduction sensors to detect vibrations in your skull and ensure that only your voice is picked up, even in noisier environments.

The noise cancellation is no joke either

I nearly jumped out of my skin when someone approached me to say good morning while I was listening to music on these earbuds at about 40 percent volume. Apparently, they'd been trying to get my attention for a good 30 seconds. So that's another informal test, passed.

On a more technical note, these earbuds have eight microphones that work together with the THUS chip to provide the best possible noise cancellation. The result is impressive, especially considering their $169.99 price point. While I look forward to testing them out and about in the world more, as far as my home office (and simply existing in a house where seven other people live), these earbuds are more than getting the job done so far.

Comfortable and stable

The ear fin/ear tip combo on these earbuds reminds me a lot of the Bose QuietComfort earbuds series. Whenever I'm positively comparing the wear of earbuds to the QC series, that's a very, very good thing, considering the Bose buds are the most comfortable I've tested.

SEE ALSO: Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds 2 are one of the best noise-cancelling earbuds available, but not a must-upgrade

While I haven't yet put these through the extended hours of wear needed to see if they deserve the same accolades, I can say that so far, I've experienced no fatigue wearing them in one to two-hour bursts. At the same time, they feel plenty secure and provide a great seal for boosting passive ANC.

A unique charging case design No need for a companion app to adjust the earbuds' settings. Credit: Soundcore

The charging case for the Liberty 5 Pro features a 0.96-inch mini touchscreen, where you can access settings such as ANC adjustments, equalizer presets, spatial audio, and Bluetooth pairing. Essentially, it reduces the need for a companion app to adjust every feature that isn't playback or volume. Despite the small screen, this was a surprisingly convenient way to use the earbuds — especially when pairing them to new devices.

Though it doesn't feel fragile, I am curious to see how this case holds up once I throw it in a bag and take the earbuds on the go.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro $169.99 at Amazon, Soundcore, Best Buy
  Shop Now Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max: Specs and price

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max is available for $229.99, with the following feature set:

The Liberty 5 Pro Max comes with a larger display on the case and the ability to record meetings for AI note-taking. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

  • Battery: 6.5 hours with ANC (28 hours with charging case), 12 hours without ANC (50 hours with charging case)

  • Active noise cancellation: Yes, adaptive and five levels of manually adjustable ANC

  • Microphones: 8 microphones, plus two bone conduction sensors

  • Connection: Bluetooth 6.1

  • Multipoint: Yes, up to three devices simultaneously

  • IP rating: IP55

  • Ear tips: Five sizes, from XXS to L

  • Ear fins: Three sizes

  • Colors: Titanium-gold and black

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max: First impressions

The Liberty 5 Pro Max earbuds have many of the same features as the 5 Pro, including the same tech for powering noise cancellation, sound quality, and the microphones. They also feature the same earbud shape. There is one notable difference, though, which we'll get into below:

The mic impresses on the Pro Max buds, too

The Pro Max earbuds use the same 10-sensor matrix (the microphones and bone conduction sensors) as the 5 Pro earbuds, so it's no surprise that, in combination with the AI chipset, these earbuds also sounded incredible on calls and did a reliable job at blocking out background noise.

Living in a house with seven other people means that if I'm not at my desk (and even then), there's at least a 50 percent chance that I'll take a call while someone else is having a conversation around me. For the times that's happened so far, not once did the people on the other side of the call hear the background noise from my end. My next tests will involve taking these earbuds out into the world (for even louder and more distracting environments).

A larger display on the earbuds case The entire top of the case acts as a display for customizing features on the earbuds. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The 5 Pro Max has an even bigger touchscreen on the charging case than the 5 Pro, which takes up the entire top of the case. The 1.78-inch AMOLED display allows you to access many of the same features as the smaller 5 Pro case, plus the AI note-taking feature, which uses the case to record the conversation.

AI note-taking feature isn't anything to scoff at either

As a journalist, I'm especially into any easy way to record interviews or conversations, and Soundcore seeks to do just that with its AI note-taker. Basically, it works as the case records the conversation, meeting, talk — whatever you're trying to get down. Then, it transfers the file to the companion app, and, at your request, can generate a transcript and summary with identified speakers.

During the recording, a tap of the flag button creates markers in the recording that become highlighted in the transcription. Before creating the transcription, you can also select the recording type (discussion, presentation, etc.), so the AI can choose the best format for the information.

So far, I could see this being an incredibly useful tool, but I'm also interested to see the limitations (it looks like a Pro version for more transcription minutes is available) and how it compares to Apple's built-in voice memo feature.

Noise cancellation and sound quality

In my testing so far, the noise cancellation and sound quality are basically indistinguishable from the 5 Pro earbuds, which is to say they both sound really good and do a great job of blocking out sound.

One hiccup I noticed while testing the adaptive ANC on the 5 Pro Max buds was a soft clicking sound in the left earbud — it was almost not detectable while audio was playing, but without music, it was definitely present. It could've just been a glitch that a software update will fix, so I'll be keeping my eye on it as I head further into my testing period.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max $229.99 at Amazon, Soundcore, Best Buy
  Shop Now Where to buy the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max

As of May 21, you can pick up the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro for $169.99 and the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max for $229.99 at the following retailers:

Where to buy the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max Amazon Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro $169.99 Shop Now Soundcore Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro $169.99 Shop Now Best Buy Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro $169.99 Shop Now Amazon Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max $229.99 Shop Now Soundcore Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max $229.99 Shop Now Best Buy Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max $229.99 Shop Now

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