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Google Gemini can be a genuinely useful assistant in your day-to-day life. It can also be a completely pointless, nonsense machine for your own enjoyment. I decided to combine those two very different approaches—practical and silly—and I wish I’d done it sooner.

Pipes are a very powerful core feature of Linux. By chaining programs together, you can carry out complex tasks with a small set of tools. But piping isn’t always the best solution; when it’s not needed, it can increase complexity and lead to less efficient options.

Home Assistant has so many features that you’re bound to have missed a few. Though you can get by with the basics, some of the things you never touch can make your server more efficient and your smart home even smarter.

In my hunt for the best e-readers, I've been determined to find a great alternative to a Kindle or a Kobo. Don't get me wrong, I love both of these e-readers and generally think they are the best e-readers you can buy, but I know there's a hunger for variety in the e-reader community beyond the big two. I've tried Barnes & Noble's Nook, Remarkable e-ink tablets, and Boox e-readers, but none of them have impressed me. But the Durobo Krono caught my eye at CES 2026.

I've often called an e-reader a library in your pocket, and the Durobo Krono is more than that. It's a library, bookstore, notebook, and MP3 player all in one. But that's a lot of promise in a palm-sized device. Luckily, it totally nails it. Here's what you need to know about the Durobo Krono and why I named it the best open-source Android e-reader.

Durobo Krono e-reader: Our quick verdict Have lots of different books on different apps? The Durobo Krono might just be for you. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

• Best for: The person with books in multiple apps — Kindle, Kobo, Audible, Libro.fm, and Libby. Plus, great for the person who likes to listen to audiobooks and read at the same time, and people seeking an on-the-go voice notetaker.

• Key tech: 6.13-inch Carta 1200 e-ink display, 128GB of storage, 6GB RAM, 300 ppi resolution, adjustable warmth and brightness, octa-core processor, and Android 15 OS.

• MSRP: $279.99

Your entire digital library on one device Access your Kindle library from the Durobo Krono. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I find myself in a unique conundrum as an e-reader tester: I have collections of books across many different e-reader platforms. While I could just get used to cycling through different e-readers regularly, that's a lot to keep track of. The dream is to have them all on one device, and the Durobo Krono is that dream realized.

Running Android 15, the Google Play Store comes preinstalled on the Krono, so any app available in the store is available on the e-ink tablet. Suddenly, all the apps I use regularly from Audible, Kindle, Kobo Books, Libby, and Libro.fm are now on my Durobo Krono.

The apps appear on a separate page from Krono's built-in library, so you will need to navigate between them. A small price to pay for the convenience of accessing them from one device.

Technically, you could get this convenience from a tablet, too. Except an iPad doesn't have the matte, easy-on-the-eyes e-ink display that the Krono does.

Since it's an Android device, Apple apps (like Apple Music and Apple Books) aren't available, so as an Apple Music listener, I couldn't use the device as a music player.

It's fast — until it's not

In my testing, I find open Android e-readers to be too slow, especially compared to Kindles and Kobos, which are zippy e-readers. The Boox Go and Boox Palma 2, similar devices to the Durobo Krono, have both had disappointing performance, even right out of the box. Yet, the Durobo Krono is brilliantly speedy. Even when moving between different books on different apps, I was impressed by how quickly it sped through them.

Its speed is conditional. Too many apps, or more demanding apps, will slow down the device. After a week of use, I added the Substack app to the Krono, which was too demanding for it. Even when I wasn't using the app, it slowed down the whole device. Once I deleted the app, it sped back up.

Other demanding apps I found were audiobook players like Audible. I especially noticed this when listening to an audiobook while reading an e-book on a separate app. It's disappointing that two apps geared toward readers slowed down an e-reader device. For the best performance on the Krono, use one app at a time and avoid high-demanding apps.

A perfect palm-sized e-reader The Durobo Krono is perfectly palm-sized. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Durobo Krono has a 6.13-inch screen, slightly bigger than the basic Kindle's, but the entire device is narrower than the Kindle. It's about the same size as my hand and weighs 6.1 ounces. The small size makes it comfortable to hold for hours at a time — especially if you add a PopSockets grip on the back as I did. But that doesn't make the screen size feel cramped either.

It needs better battery life

When you're used to the months-long battery life of a Kindle, it's a hard adjustment to go to an e-reader with significantly less. With a couple of hours of use per day, the Durobo Krono e-readers have about one week of battery life. Compared to a smartphone or tablet, that's pretty good, but when you're coming from a Kindle or even a Kobo, the Krono e-reader's battery life feels too short.

More features to enjoy Access Durobo AI on the Krono e-reader. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Easily scroll through articles and apps with the Krono's smart dial. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The features on the Krono Durobo are extensive. It has a smart dial on the side that refreshes the screen, starts recording, and scrolls on the device. It has a built-in AI called Spark, which captures voice recordings and produces transcripts and summaries. It's a lot more than just a standard e-reader, but in the months of use, I never used the Spark AI. The Smart Dial is a fantastic addition for smooth scrolling.

Is the Durobo Krono worth it? Looking for an alternative to a Kindle or Kobo? Try the Durobo Krono e-reader. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Durobo Krono is the best open Android e-reader. If you're exploring the world of the Boox Palma or the Remarkable Move, the Krono is my preferred pick for its fast processing and support for third-party apps. In a perfect, palm-sized package, it provides access to all your digital libraries. It's more expensive than other e-readers, but for its extra benefits, it's worth the extra price.

Durobo Krono $279.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at DuRoBo

UPDATE: May. 16, 2026, 5:00 a.m. EDT I first wrote about my initial impressions of the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete in February 2026 after a week of using it daily at home. This review was updated after three more months of testing.

In my mind, Roborock had the best robot vacuum of the year for most of 2025 — and it was pretty uncontested. Dreame isn't letting that happen this year. The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is clearly out to prove that it's the apex robot vacuum, and it's certainly priced like it at $1,699.99. I tested it at home for several months to see whether it's that worthwhile of an investment.

I apologize in advance for the number of times you'll have to read "Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete" in the next few minutes. There has to be a better naming strategy.

I think the Aqua10's dock is slightly prettier, but the X60 Max Ultra is still chic. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable What's special about the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete?

The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is nearly the most powerful robot vacuum on the market, only to be topped on paper by the Roborock Saros 20's 36,000 Pa. But I've tested both at home and find the Dreame to be much more of a beast.

I appreciate the dual brush rolls made of two different textures. That's the most effective design for hair pickup. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The X60 Max Ultra comes with regular detergent and detergent for pet odors. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Compared to the roller mop Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller released in August 2025, the X60 Max Ultra Complete reverts to dual spinning mopping pads for precise edge mopping. That's nothing we haven't seen before. The X60 Max Ultra Complete's actual unique addition is heated mopping — most robot vacuum mop combos that can heat water only use it for washing the pads, not during floor cleaning.

Is the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete good on carpet?

The Dreame X60 Max Ultra has done a pretty outstanding job at vacuuming various carpet piles in my apartment. It took a lot of mental fortitude to forgo vacuuming my living room rug for a few days at a time to test the X60 Max Ultra Complete's performance on built-up pet hair. But time after time, the X60 Max Ultra Complete proved to be wicked on shedding and other fluff that sticks to carpet fibers.

SEE ALSO: The Dreame FP10 air purifier cleans fur off its own filter. Just as crucially, it matches my living room aesthetic.

You know how you can kind of see "invisible" pet hair on the floor if you bend down to put on a shoe? It was a different story after the X60 Max Ultra Complete came through, at least if I set it to the max suction setting. Multiple lint roller tests afterward revealed but a few fuzzies and some fur that was left over, but the kind that's so thin that it's nearly invisible.

One test in the living room also involved a field of crushed Goldfish crackers. The X60 Max Ultra Complete didn't leave a single piece behind. You can literally hear the deep carpet cleaning that's going on.

There were even more Goldfish pieces outside of the frame. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The X60 Max Ultra Complete also grabbed several large tufts of cat fur in this trip. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

My tufted, medium pile living room rug is very similar to the feel and height of a traditional carpet, so I'm confident in recommending the X60 Max Ultra Complete for multi-pet homes with fully carpeted rooms.

As a professional robot vacuum reviewer, I'm also not afraid to fabricate a completely ridiculous mess just to make a vacuum's life difficult. This one involved spilled sprinkles and tufts of cat hair pulled from the ChomChom strewn across a furry white rug. Its pile and uneven zebra-ish texture make it easy for debris to skim under a vacuum's radar, and it's so light that missed debris really stands out.

Before... Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable ...after Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

I was impressed by the success rate here. I had to get eye level with the floor to find any missed specks. On max power (the strongest of four settings), the X60 picked up every single ball of cat hair, even the ones that I pressed into the rug fibers. It cleared about 97 percent of the sprinkles, leaving behind a single green star and a few tiny balls.

I must call out that the X60 Max Ultra Complete feels extremely quiet for how powerful it is. Its strongest setting averaged between 67 and 69 decibels, and that was with my phone an inch away from the machine itself. (For reference, weaker vacuums I've tested range from 64 to 74 decibels). I was pleasantly surprised by how subdued (and short) the self-emptying noise is. At 71 decibels, you definitely don't have to plug your ears and brace yourself if you're anywhere near the dock. After being traumatized by several Roombas, Dreame's clear focus on noise level is appreciated.

Is the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete good on hard floors?

January in Pennsylvania always comes with a certain amount of white salt residue being trudged inside on shoes. But in the aftermath of one massive winter storm, there was an unprecedented level of slush coming in and drying near my front door. We happened to have guests on the first day that I had the X60, so there were even more shoes adding to the puddle — the floor was literally tinted gray.

Before the X60 Max Ultra came through, my floors were caked with snow and salt residue. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The mop scrubbed away most of the debris in the first pass. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The X60 Max Ultra Complete's mopping came in so clutch. It was able to scrub away a vast majority of the massive powdery puddle in the first pass, leaving the floor comfortingly shiny behind it. I've tested so many robot vacuum and mop combos that struggle more with dried water stains than they do with wet spills, but the X60 Max Ultra Complete aced it. Surely, that's the difference between mopping with room-temperature water and mopping with 104-degree Fahrenheit water, as the X60 does.

The spinning mopping pads were also pressurized enough to wipe up super fine dust that suction power alone just can't lift. I made a huge mess while changing the waste drawer liner in my Litter-Robot and sent the X60 to deal with it. The line between where the vacuum had and hadn't cleaned yet was as stark and satisfying as one could ask for.

SEE ALSO: The PetSafe ScoopFree is a budget Litter-Robot alternative if your cat hates enclosed litter boxes

I could always trust the X60 Max Ultra Complete's nimble body to scoot right up against the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator overhang, flicking hidden crumbs out from the cracks and mopping up random sprinkles of salt. Similarly, the X60 Max Ultra Complete kept the cat bowl area quite tidy, swiping scattered pieces of dry food near the wall and scrubbing dried splatters of wet food. It did all of this without touching the elevated bowl stand — many other premium robot vacuums are surprisingly rough around it.

The X60 noticed "large particles" of cat food, a power cord, and my feet. Credit: Screenshot / Dreame

If the X60 Max Ultra Complete notices a spill bigger than a few small pieces of debris, it automatically creates a side quest for itself within the larger cleaning mission that you've sent it on. Multiple passes are immediately taken over the extra-dirty area until the AI cameras consider the job done. Then, the vacuum goes back to cleaning the rest of the selected area.

Factors to consider

The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is the most expensive robot vacuum released so far this year. As well-rounded as I think it is, $1,699.99 is a steep asking price for a robot vacuum that's not 100 percent perfect. For example, the X60 Max Ultra Complete ran over a cord once or twice and occasionally stumbled into the wrong bedroom on the way back to the dock. It did leave behind a tiny bit of debris around rug edges on more than one occasion, and at this price, shouldn't its pickup rate basically be 100? I could see why you'd argue that.

Am I the only one who's not super excited about the 3.5-inch "climbing" capabilities? It's just not all that helpful unless your home features shallow drops or sliding door tracks between rooms, like into a sunroom. The full-length mirrors in my apartment are all sliding doors, and the X60 Max Ultra Complete was able to safely cross those to sweep the dust and hairs off my closet floor. It was also able to drive over the metal legs of my kitchen island instead of having to drive around. Those are convenient touches, but I feel like robot vacuum threshold scaling isn't going to hit very hard until legitimate staircases are a possibility.

All in all, the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is worth it in homes with heavy-duty vacuuming needs. But as well-rounded as it is, I'd still tell you not to buy it unless it's on sale.

Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,699.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Despite Android's presence in nearly every corner of the tech industry, it has yet to truly establish a foothold on PC platforms. Google has had ChromeOS powering Chromebooks for years, but the ubiquity of Android — paired with its lack of a meaningful foothold in traditional computing — made it clear something had to give.

Now, Google is moving to unify ChromeOS and Android into a single desktop platform, currently operating under the codename "Aluminum OS." (Or, depending on who you ask, Aluminium OS.)

SEE ALSO: What to expect from Google I/O 2026: Gemini news, Android XR glasses What is Aluminum OS?

As far as we know — thanks to reporting from Android Authority — Aluminum OS is the internal codename for Google’s unified Android/ChromeOS desktop platform. The merger was officially announced this past September at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit, although rumors about a ChromeOS–Android convergence had been circulating for at least a year.

In that September announcement, Google stated that it would be partnering with Qualcomm to develop a new platform that integrates mobile and desktop computing, powered by the latest advancements in AI.

The name "Aluminum OS" comes from a tip shared with Android Authority, which led the outlet to a now-deleted Google job listing for a Senior Product Manager in Taipei City, Taiwan. Luckily, Archive.today captured the posting before it disappeared. In it, Google states it is "working on a new Aluminium, Android-based, operating system” and that “Aluminium is a new operating system built with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the core."

The role also mentions "driving the roadmap and curating a portfolio of ChromeOS and Aluminium Operating System (ALOS) commercial devices across all form factors (e.g. laptops, detachables, tablets, and boxes)." In other words, Aluminum OS won’t be limited to laptops. Tablets and so-called "boxes" — which Android Authority interprets as budget-style machines, such as Chromebooks or even Mac Mini–style devices — are also part of the plan.

A number of leaks after September have given us an even greater idea of what to expect from Aluminum OS.

In May, MysticLeaks posted a 16-minute video allegedly showing off the setup process of the new OS (running in a virtual machine inside a MacBook). In the video, you can see that the interface looks fairly similar to what's already available in ChromeOS, though there are some differences. Apps can be placed on the desktop, and you can right-click to create new folders, a la Windows, for instance.

It's also got an Android-like Quick Settings menu and a task manager, but there isn't much else to glean from the video.

Apart from unofficial leaks, we think Google also made an indirect reference to Aluminum OS during The Android Show livestream event on May 12.

SEE ALSO: The biggest announcements from The Android Show: I/O Edition What devices will run Aluminium OS? Here's a Googlebook. Credit: Google

While previous reporting has indicated that Aluminum OS can run on a variety of device categories, it seems like it might debut with Googlebooks, a new class of laptop Google announced a week prior to Google I/O 2026. Google has only briefly teased Googlebooks so far, but if Aluminum were to run on anything, it would most likely run on one of these laptops.

In fact, Google's messaging around Googlebooks all but confirms that. In the initial reveal, Google talked about Googlebooks as though they will be a successor to Chromebooks in some way, leveraging Android apps as well as Gemini. Users will be able to do things like use AI to generate widgets.

Here's how Google described the Googlebook experience:

With the shift from operating system to intelligence system, we thought it was time for another fundamental reinvention. This year, we are taking the best of Android, a modern OS with powerful apps on Google Play, and the best of Chrome OS, which comes with the world's most popular browser and the biggest library of extensions. And they're now bringing them together, creating a new category of laptops that are built with Gemini at the core, work seamlessly with the devices in your life, and are powered by premium hardware. Meet Googlebook.

This could very well be our first official glimpse at the capabilities of Aluminum OS.

Google showed off several unique capabilities of Googlebooks, such as the ability to open Android apps from your phone right on your laptop without downloading the app.

Is this our first official glimpse of Aluminum OS? Credit: Google

They also revealed the “Magic Pointer,” an AI-powered update to the pointer. You’ll be able to hover over any element on the screen and get AI suggestions for next steps, more information, and other options.

The Magic Pointer feature in action. Credit: Google

We think Google will tell us more about Googlebooks, and Aluminum OS by extension, in the very near future.

Could Aluminum OS make its debut at Google I/O 2026? Check back on May 19 for the Mashable Google I/O live blog and get the latest updates on all things Google, Android, and Gemini.

TL;DR: Watch Italy vs. Canada in the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free on IIHF.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships are underway. We've already been treated to a number of exciting contests from Zurich and Fribourg, and we're expecting more of the same as the busy schedule moves into the weekend. Italy face Canada in one of the most interesting matchups, with all eyes on Canada as they look to bounce back from Winter Olympics disappointment.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Italy vs. Canada?

Italy vs. Canada in the 2026 IIHF World Championships starts at 10:20 a.m. ET on May 16. This fixture takes place at the BCF Arena in Fribourg.

How to watch Italy vs. Canada for free

Italy vs. Canada in the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships is available to live stream for free on IIHF.TV.

IIHF.TV is not available in some locations due to regional broadcasting restrictions (blocked locations listed here), but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with access, meaning you can stream the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

4. Connect to IIHF.TV

5. Watch the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream Italy vs. Canada plus every other fixture before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the Ice Hockey World Championships?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Italy vs. Canada in the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free with ExpressVPN.

The best TV deals to shop this weekend: Hisense 75-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV $898.99 (save $501) Get Deal LG 55-inch B5 OLED 4K TV $799.99 (save $700) Get Deal Hisense 55-inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K TV $599.99 (save $400) Get Deal

So, your current TV blows. Lucky for you, it happens to be an excellent time to upgrade, as new models have just hit the shelves and older models are getting the deal treatment.

Whether you're upgrading to improve your Stanley Cup playoff-viewing experience or you want to watch Project Hail Mary at home in the best possible quality, we've rounded up some of the best TV deals we could find to help you on your buyer's journey.

If you want an upgrade that actually makes a noticeable difference, here are our top picks on sale this weekend. Hisense, one of our favorite budget brands, is showing off with its ultra-steep discounts.

Best Hisense TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV $898.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $501   Get Deal Why we like it

Brand new 2026 TV models are officially on shelves and some are even on sale already, including Hisense's U6 Pro. One of the brand's newest mid-range models, the U6 Pro falls in the sweet spot of performance and value. It features Mini-LED backlighting and quantum-dot color, AI-driven processing, 2.1-channel Dolby Atmos audio, and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. It's also a solid choice for gamers, sporting a 144Hz native refresh rate and Freesync Premium Pro. Despite launching earlier this month, the 75-inch U6 Pro is already on sale for nearly 40% off.

Best LG TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-inch B5 OLED 4K TV $799.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $700   Get Deal Why we like it

The B5 is LG's cheapest OLED from last year's lineup, offering the best picture quality at the best price. And now that the brand's 2026 lineup has arrived, this entry-level model has dropped to nearly half its original price. More vibrant and detailed than a QLED TV, the B5 OLED particularly stands out while watching dim scenes or in dark rooms. It features Dolby Vision, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Atmos, HDR10 Pro, a 120Hz refresh rate, and lots of AI features to customize and enhance your viewing experience. If you're upgrading from a QLED or LED TV, you'll be hella impressed by the difference an OLED TV makes.

Best art TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K TV $599.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're seeking a TV with Art Mode, the Hisense 55-inch Canvas TV is the cheapest it's ever been at only $599.99. While it's often referred to as a dupe for Samsung's The Frame TV, Mashable TV expert Leah Stodart says it's "actually a better value than The Frame in a lot of ways." Particularly, the Canvas has a higher refresh rate (144Hz versus 120Hz) and two HDMI 2.1 ports, making it a potential option for gamers. It also uses Google TV's interface, which is more intuitive and responsive than Samsung's and features a free digital art library — no subscription needed.

More of the best TV deals this weekend

• Samsung 65-inch Q7F QLED 4K TV — $427.99 $629.99 (save $202)

• Roku 65-inch Plus Series Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $478 $649.99 (save $171.99)

• Amazon Ember 55-inch Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $559.99 $819.99 (save $260)

• TCL 75-inch T7 QLED 4K TV — $629.99 $899.99 (save $270)

• Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $696.97 $1,499.99 (save $803.02)

• Hisense 50-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $798.99 $1,299.99 (save $501)

• LG 48-inch C5 OLED 4K TV — $896.99 $1,396.99 (save $500)

• Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $999.99 $2,199.99 (save $1,200)

• Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,198.99 $1,999.99 (save $801)

• TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED — $1,999.99 $2,999.99 (save 1,000)

TL;DR: As of May 16, the 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's a $100 discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Air M5 (13-Inch $999 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $100   Get Deal

We've been tracking the price of the new MacBook Air M5 since it was released earlier this year. $949 is the lowest price we've seen, so the latest $999 deal is not a record low. But we still think you should carefully consider this deal, because prices are seemingly on the rise.

As of May 16, the 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's a $100 discount on the list price.

This $999 deal is now only available for the midnight and sky blue models. How long will these colorways stay at this discounted price? We can't say for sure, but we wouldn't be surprised to see prices climb ahead of Prime Day. We're not accusing Amazon of sneakily raising prices so that Prime Day deals look better. We would never do that.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile just dropped the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to claim

The MacBook Air M5 is a portable laptop that delivers heaps of power. In Mashable's review of this popular machine, Timothy Werth said: "The new MacBook Air takes everything good about the MacBook Air and adds the faster M5 chip." You get a little bit of everything with the MacBook Air — Werth named it a "near-perfect machine."

Score the MacBook Air M5 for under $1,000 at Amazon, whilst you still can.

SAVE $500: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off the list price of $1,599.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,099 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $500   Get Deal

Legislative pressure on DJI imports means we're likely to see stock issues at some point. We've been saying that for some time, but there doesn't seem to be any issues just yet. In fact, we're still seeing really strong deals on top models from DJI.

As of May 16, the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off the list price and close to the record low at Amazon.

Content creators will love the DJI Mini 5 Pro. It offers a high-end 1-inch sensor with the ability to shoot 4K at 120fps for stunning visuals in any conditions. It also makes use of LiDAR-powered sensing to detect obstacles when you're flying blind, so you can rest assured that your investment isn't going to go hurtling into the nearest brick wall as soon as you lose sight.

There are so many flashy features with this drone, but the 42GB of internal memory is arguably the biggest sell. It's the sort of upgrade that you wouldn't necessarily brag about, but it's going to make your life so much easier when you're out filming content. That's enough memory to house your entire 4K shoot locally, which is one less thing to worry about.

Save $500 on the DJI Mini 5 Pro this weekend at Amazon.

TL;DR: T-Mobile has dropped new deals on the latest iPhones. Score the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and more for free right now at T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

There's a silent battle going on right now to offer you the most competitive mobile deals. The likes of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are constantly dropping new deals in an effort to make you switch, and that includes offers on the latest iPhones.

T-Mobile has just dropped a new batch of iPhone deals that are particularly tempting:

• Apple iPhone 17e — free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on most plans.

• Apple iPhone 17 — free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro — free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

The value of these iPhones 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. We should also note that you do need to pay taxes and a $35 device connection fee with these offers, but that's always the case with this type of limited-time mobile deal.

The latest iPhone lineup is seriously impressive, with something for everyone. In Mashable's review of the iPhone 17, Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter." When Schroeder took a close look at the iPhone 17e, he said: "The iPhone 17e is a decent upgrade over its predecessor, and a good choice if you want the cheapest new iPhone you can get."

Upgrade to the iPhone 17 lineup for free this weekend with T-Mobile.

On the moon, not much can survive the arctic plunge of nightfall, where temperatures can dip to -330 degrees Fahrenheit for the two-week stretch of darkness each month. 

As more nations and private space companies attempt uncrewed moon landings, the dangers of lunar exploration have come into sharp focus. Even robotic missions that survive touchdown face another major threat: the brutal cold of the lunar night. Few landers and rovers ever wake after enduring the deep freeze. At cryogenic temperatures, soldered metal joints begin to fail and batteries die. 

That harsh environment presents a real challenge for NASA as it pursues a return of astronauts to the moon — especially to the south pole, which has some of the coldest temperatures in the solar system — but not an insurmountable one. 

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At Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, a team of engineers is testing a piece of equipment in a thermal vacuum chamber, putting the hardware through its paces. The chamber shifts from the extremes of 300 degrees Fahrenheit to -330 degrees Fahrenheit. Through repeated hot and cold cycles, the testing mimics real temperature swings that could happen between deep shadow and full sun at the lunar south pole, where Artemis IV may land with a crew as early as 2028. 

Based on test results, the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station, or LEMS, is expected to become the first U.S. instrument to survive a full polar night, a milestone for NASA's plan to build a long-term moon base in the treacherous region. 

"No one, no American payload, as far as we know, has ever been able to say that they have survived the lunar south pole during its lunar night and been functional," said Samantha Hicks, the lead systems engineer for LEMS. "We are on track to become the first U.S. payload to do that."

SEE ALSO: Scientists propose a new approach for the detection of alien life

The LEMS device is a key piece of hardware for NASA's lunar ambitions, tracking how the ground shakes on the moon for up to two years. The suitcase-size box will keep a constant ear to the ground for moonquakes and asteroid strikes — not just at the lunar south pole, but around the entire moon. 

Perhaps surprisingly, the moon remains seismically active, despite its lack of plate tectonics like we have on Earth, said Naoma McCall, LEMS co-investigator and deployment lead. The Apollo missions more than 50 years ago placed similar seismometers on the moon and recorded deep and shallow tremors, thermal events, and meteoroid impacts. But those midcentury instruments shut down in 1977 and provided an incomplete picture of what's going on in the moon's crust and mantle, she said. 

Samantha Hicks, left, and Naoma McCall, representatives from the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station team, flank a model of the future Artemis instrument at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center on April 21, 2026. Credit: Saul Loeb / AFP / Getty Images

More data is crucial for NASA to safely establish a lunar outpost for humans to live and work, especially if the polar region turns out to shake more often — or more strongly — than predicted.

"There's a lot we don't know about the lunar interior because we only had the observations from the near side," McCall said, referring to the lunar hemisphere facing Earth, where all Apollo missions landed.

For decades, many far‑flung space missions have stayed warm with small nuclear heat sources that slowly release energy as they decay. Those systems are powerful but rely on scarce fuel. Furthermore, they add cost, complexity, and safety reviews. If this small piece of equipment can ride out the lunar night using only sunlight, batteries, and insulation, NASA could replicate the model for faster and simpler surface gear in the future. 

To install LEMS, an astronaut will nestle the box in a trench and drill cylindrical holes nearby to bury two sensors under ground. Engineers designed the 66-pound box so one person could carry it. If that load still sounds too heavy, remember that everything on the moon feels about one-sixth lighter than it does on Earth. 

After making sure the system is pointed in the right direction, the astronauts can set it and forget it, McCall said. A team practiced deploying the equipment at the University of Central Florida, in a room full of artificial moon soil, to ensure it could be executed in simple steps. 

A team integrates the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station, or LEMS, instrument, which will track moonquakes and shakes, at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

"We'll flip three switches and then walk away," McCall said.

While the outside of the box bakes and freezes, the most important internal components — the battery, autonomous computer, and other electronics — stay between about -22 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Engineers say that tighter internal range is what allows the equipment to continually operate, even as its shell faces the brunt of the lunar conditions.

The key to maintaining that consistent internal temperature is an advanced thermal blanket. The proprietary material, developed by Colorado-based Quest Thermal Group for NASA, is called Integrated MultiLayer Insulation, or IMLI. NASA also worked with partners to adjust how it will charge the lithium-ion battery to survive the extreme cold.

"Lithium ion absolutely hates going below -30 degrees [Celsius]. That's when you start getting lithium ion plating," said Hicks, referring to a problem that happens when the batteries can no longer absorb the chemical that carries the energy. "It's all about surviving that lunar night and worst-case scenario." 

After recent changes to the Artemis launch campaign, NASA has begun reworking the high-level plan for the upcoming moon-landing mission. The agency will decide whether the LEMS cargo will fly on Artemis IV after it has finalized the official list of everything onboard. In the meantime, the team will complete the rest of the testing schedule over the next few months.  

TL;DR: ChatPlayground lets you send one prompt to multiple AI models, and lifetime access is now only $69.97 with code May5.

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $69.97
$619 Save $549.03   Get Deal

Anyone who has worked with AI tools knows that different models can give wildly different answers to the same prompt. Manually sending each prompt to each model to find the best option wastes a ton of time, which is why tools like ChatPlayground AI are growing in popularity. ChatPlayground lets you run multiple AI models at the same time, and a lifetime subscription just went on sale for $69.97 (reg. $619).

ChatPlayground has a simple premise that ends up saving a ton of time and frustration. Instead of manually working with a bunch of different AI models, ChatPlayground lets you talk to them all together. The platform supports more than 20 AI models, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Deepseek, Llama, and Perplexity, among others. That means you can use the same workflow for writing, coding help, generating ideas, or creating images, and then compare the output.

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Don’t like any of the results a prompt gave you? You can tweak it and run it again to see how each model changes their answer. There are even prompt engineering tools to help you refine and reuse the prompts that worked well. ChatPlayground even lets you upload images and PDFs, then ask questions about them, so you can actually check how different models work with the same document.

The Unlimited Plan does exactly what it says. It lasts for life with no recurring payments, and you get unlimited messages every month. It’s also on sale through May 17 for only $69.97 with code May5.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The refurbished 2020 Apple MacBook Pro is on sale for $429.97 (reg. $1999) through June 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Pro 2020 (Refurbished) $429.97
$1,999 Save $1,569.03   Get Deal

MacBooks aren’t exactly known for being budget-friendly, which is part of the reason refurbished models get so much attention — especially when the specs are still strong enough for everyday tasks, creative projects, and serious multitasking.

Right now, you can catch this refurbished 2020 Apple MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and a roomy 1TB SSD for just $429.97 (reg. $1999). This deal ends on June 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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At this price, the generous storage and memory really stand out. This MacBook has 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, which can make a huge difference if you have large files, tons of browser tabs open, use editing software, or just keep up with heavier workloads.

The 2020 MacBook Pro comes with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor (with Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz) and Intel Iris Plus Graphics, which is great for photo editing, streaming, and creative work. It runs modern macOS and handles productivity, coding, streaming, and day-to-day tasks without lag or overheating.

You’ll also get Apple’s gorgeous 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone, which automatically adjusts color temperature to match your surroundings. The MacBook includes the Magic Keyboard, handy Touch Bar controls, Touch ID for quick logins, and four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports for charging, displays, and accessories.

Battery life is rated for up to 10 hours, and at just over 3 pounds, it remains portable enough for commuting or travel.

Since this is a Grade A refurbished unit, the listing notes it should arrive in near-mint condition with minimal cosmetic wear. That may appeal to shoppers who want Apple hardware without paying premium new-model pricing.

If you’ve been eyeing a MacBook upgrade but don’t want to spend a fortune, this refurbished 2020 MacBook Pro is up for grabs at $429.97 (reg. $1999) through June 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The best Hulu deals and bundles in May 2026: Best Hulu Bundle Deal Disney+ and Hulu Bundle $12.99/month with ads Get Deal Best HBO Max Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Bundle $19.99/month with ads, $32.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Student Deal Hulu Student Deal Hulu with ads for $1.99/month Get Deal Best ESPN Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle $35.99/month Get Deal

There's a wide range of excellent shows and films to watch on Hulu, including The Testaments, season two of Paradise, and a surprise new episode of The Bear. It's a library that's full of options to keep you entertained throughout the summer and beyond.

If these shows have caught your eye and have you itching to sign up for Hulu, we're here to help you get the best deal. Outside of the standard ad-supported and ad free plans, there are quite a few bundle deals available with Hulu that are worth exploring if you're looking to save some cash. This includes the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max package.

Disney has also dropped a new six-month offer on the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, though this is only accessible from their site at the moment. This drops its ad-supported plan to $11.99 per month when locking in for six months (before going back up to $12.99 per month). The ad-free plan is down to $17.99 per month (which will return to $19.99 per month after six months). Disney notes that this is an "ongoing offer for people who want to subscribe for a longer period to save on the average monthly cost." It's also available for new and eligible returning subscribers.

SEE ALSO: Rachel McAdams' highly rated survival thriller 'Send Help' is now streaming — how to watch it at home

Below you can find details on Hulu's best bundles at the moment — alongside information on both its ad-supported and ad free plans, if you just want the basics — offering you a way to save on the service right now.

Best Disney+ bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+ and Hulu Bundle $12.99 per month with ads Get Deal Why we like it

For those interested in the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu Bundle, which sets you up with Disney+ alongside Hulu, it starts at $12.99 per month. If you'd prefer the Premium ad-free version of this plan, this jumps to $19.99 per month.

If you're curious about Disney's new six-month offer, this is accessible on Disney's site. Again, it offers the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle plan for $11.99 per month when locking in for six months, before returning to $12.99 per month. The Premium ad-free plan is $17.99 per month for six months, before returning to $19.99 per month.

• Disney+ and Hulu Bundle — $12.99 per month

• Disney+ and Hulu Bundle Premium — $19.99 per month

Best HBO Max bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle $19.99/month with ads, $32.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

This is one of the best Hulu bundles available at the moment. Starting at $19.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for the three of them separately. It's an incredible deal to take advantage of, especially if you've already got Disney+ and HBO Max subscriptions. There are two plans to choose from with this bundle, and they are:

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (with ads) — $19.99 per month (save 42%)

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (no ads) — $32.99 per month (save 41%)

Best student deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student Deal Hulu with ads for $1.99/month Get Deal Why we like it

If you're a student enrolled at a university, you can score a Hulu (with ads) plan for even lower than the above bundles. Hulu's Student Deal gives eligible college students the ability to buy a Hulu (with ads) plan for just $1.99 per month. Hulu notes that the deal lasts "so long as student enrollment status remains verified," then it goes back up to the standard monthly price.

• Hulu Student Deal — $1.99 per month

Best ESPN bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle $35.99/month Get Deal Why we like it

Alongside the big Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max bundle, Hulu also has plans for sports fans that throw in ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited. According to ESPN, "ESPN Select includes ESPN+ content only. Fans who want ESPN+ exclusively may subscribe to the ESPN Select plan. ESPN Unlimited includes all of the ESPN networks and services, including ESPN+." 

The Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle, which has ads, is available for $35.99 per month. The Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited premium bundle without ads is available for $44.99 per month.

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle — $19.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle Premium — $29.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle — $35.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle Premium — $44.99 per month

Hulu's monthly plans

If you're just looking to jump straight into Hulu's library without any fancy bundles, there are a couple of subscription options to consider. The ad-supported tier comes in at $11.99 per month, but you'll get your first month free, which is a great way to test the waters and see if it's the right fit for you. If you want to go ad free, that'll cost you $18.99 per month. Unfortunately, this plan does not offer a free trial like its ad-supported sibling.

• Hulu (with ads) — $11.99 per month (get first month free), $119.99 per year

• Hulu Premium (no ads) — $18.99 per month

If you really want to go big on a streaming investment, there's the Hulu + Live TV plan. This costs a whopping $89.99 per month for its ad-supported plan, but comes with plenty to keep you busy. Hulu + Live TV (with ads) gets you access to 95+ channels, unlimited DVR, Disney+ (with ads), ESPN Select (with ads), and Hulu (with ads). If you want to go even bigger with the ad-free plan — which offers Hulu (no ads), Disney+ (no ads), and ESPN Select (with ads) alongside Live TV — it'll cost you $99.99 per month. The ad-supported plan also offers a free trial, but for just three days instead.

• Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN Select (with ads) — $89.99 per month (three day free trial)

• Hulu Premium + Live TV, Disney+ Premium, and ESPN Select (no ads) — $99.99 per month

• Hulu + Live TV, Disney+ Premium, and ESPN Select — $94.99 per month

• Live TV Only — $88.99 per month

Wondering what to watch once you get set up with a Hulu plan or bundle? We're here to help with that as well. Have a look at our roundups of the 30 best comedies on Hulu, the 25 best sci-fi movies on Hulu, and the 26 best horror movies on Hulu to start building your watchlist. And if you're in the mood to binge-watch a show, check out our breakdown of the 25 best shows on Hulu.

TL;DR: Live stream Chelsea vs. Man City in the FA Cup final for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Man City are still fighting it out for the Premier League, but they've got another focus this weekend.

The FA Cup final takes place on May 16 at Wembley Stadium. Man City face off against Chelsea, a team that has really struggled for form this season. Chelsea are in danger of finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League standings, but they've managed to scrape through to this showpiece event. A win over Man City would at least end this campaign on a high.

If you want to watch Chelsea vs. Man City in the FA Cup final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chelsea vs. Man City?

Chelsea vs. Man City in the FA Cup final kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on May 16. This fixture takes place at Wembley Stadium.

How to watch Chelsea vs. Man City for free

Chelsea vs. Man City in the FA Cup final is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Chelsea vs. Man City for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Chelsea vs. Man City for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Chelsea vs. Man City without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the FA Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Chelsea vs. Man City in the FA Cup final for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The world of tennis is firmly focused on clay courts right now. Top players have already sharpened up in the Barcelona Open and Madrid Open, and now it's time for the main event: Roland-Garros.

Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz will not defend his title, but this year's tournament is not short of star names. Expect the likes of Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Świątek to be battling it out in the latter stages. It's always a special tournament.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 French Open from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the French Open?

The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is a major tennis tournament held over two weeks at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. It's the only Grand Slam tournament held on a clay surface, and is the second of the four annual Grand Slam tournaments.

The current singles champions are Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff.

When is the 2026 French Open?

The 2026 French Open is the 131th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from May 18 to June 7.

How to watch the 2026 French Open for free

The 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Connect to 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Roland-Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2026 French Open before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the French Open?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Unblock ePorner for free with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

More than a third of U.S. states have introduced restrictions for online adult content. After the introduction of these age verification laws, some porn sites blocked users from those locations. The same situation is now taking place in other parts of the world.

So where does that leave frustrated users? Desperately seeking a solution, that's where. Fortunately, you can still access all your favorite porn sites in just a few simple steps. There's a quick and easy hack that can secure access to restricted content from any location or network. You don't need to be a skilled hacker. Anyone can follow this simple solution.

If you want to unblock porn sites like ePorner for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock ePorner for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another location. This simple process tricks porn sites into providing you with access even if there is a block in place over your network.

Unblock ePorner from anywhere in the world by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to ePorner

4. Connect to ePorner from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most leading services do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like ePorner without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it means you can temporarily unblock porn sites like ePorner and then recover your investment.

What is the best VPN for ePorner?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like ePorner, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries and all 50 U.S. states

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock ePorner for free with ExpressVPN.

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 16, 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 16, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for May 16 Pips

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

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

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

Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. 5-2, placed vertically; 1-5, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for May 16 Pips

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

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.

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

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. 6-4, placed horizontally.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for May 16 Pips

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

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically.

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

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically.

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

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically.

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

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

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically.

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

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically; 0-4, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 6-1, 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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require some sports and pop culture knowledge.

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: Located in the New England area

• Green: NBA Champions

• Blue: Blue

• Purple: Green

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Boston Teams

• Green: Last Four NBA Champions

• Blue: "Blue" Teams

• Purple: "Green" Teams and Players

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 #600 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Boston Teams: BRUINS, PATRIOTS, RED SOX, REVOLUTION

• Last Four NBA Champions: CELITCS, NUGGETS, THUNDER, WARRIORS

• "Blue" Teams: BLUE DEVILS, BLUE JACKETS, BLUE JAYS, BLUES

• "Green" Teams and Players: DRAYMOND GREEN, GREEN BAY, GREEN WAVE, MEAN GREEN

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.