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This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

It's 2026 and times are good for low-effort consumers. Yes, you can get pretty much anything you want by just tapping and swiping of your smartphone: Your shopping, your favourite takeaway, your high-ticket tech, even — our personal favourite — a hot date. And why shouldn't you? Online dating is nothing new. Apps and websites have dominated the dating world for the best part of 20 years. In fact, some sites go all the way back to the mid-1990s. But things are constantly evolving in the world of app-based dating.

According to our favourite sex-perts at Lovehoney — the progressive sex toy brand that sells everything from lingerie to lubricants and dildos — we're living in horny-but-wholesome times. Lovehoney has named 2026 "The Year of Pleasure."

That doesn’t mean quick-and-easy pleasure from one-night stands and flings. It may come as some surprise, but research says that one-night stands are on the out. Would-be daters are now cruising for "purposeful pleasure" and "meaningful connections." That means hookups with substance — flings that mean something. Yes, we're still hooking up, but we're getting more selective about who we hookup with and why. So, it's important to get the right dating app because each app offers something a little different. And you need the right tools to find the right date.

To help you get started, we’ve looked at the top apps and taken advice from sex and relationship experts.

What to know before you swipe

Before you start downloading apps, it’s good know just how to approach online dating. Our advice is to be 100 percent honest about who and what you’re up for. And maybe give a pass to the mainstream dating apps that are more about romance and happily ever afters (the likes of eharmony, in other words). The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the best free options will have features like profile verification to keep you safe.

Our main advice though is to stick to apps which are purpose-built for hookups, casual fun, and satisfying your kink (whatever that kink might be). It can be freeing, not to mention productive, to be open about specific desires. The ways in which we understand sex and relationships are changing all the time — just looking at fast-growing "heteroflexible" sexuality — and hookup apps allow you to explore curiosities with no judgement or social anxiety.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet NSFW chats

It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, whether it's the chance to explore a new sexual frontier, a friends-with-benefits situation on the reg, or an old school one-night stand (the one-night stand might be going out of fashion, but it’s still hella fun as long as it’s safe and on your terms).

Whatever your desire, we’re here to help make it happen. This guide to the best hookups apps is based on Mashable’s own real-world testing, expert input, and general experience. We’ve broken down each of the best hookup apps available right now, with an option for every type of dater and every dating desire.

These are the best hookup apps for 2026.

TL;DR: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on July 18. Romance Book Blast, hosted by Romance Booklovers, offers free romance books in a variety of subgenres.

Rejoice, because another Stuff Your Kindle Day is going live on July 28.

Romance Book Blast, hosted by Romance Booklovers, is offering free romance books from a variety of subgenres. The chance to bolster your reserve of reading material for free is special, but it actually gets better: Everything that you download is yours to keep forever. That means you can stock up without a care in the world.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Motorola Razr for free — how to get yours

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Romance Book Blast takes place on July 28. This 24-hour giveaway is a little more stressful than some of the events that drag on for multiple days. With this free event, you will need to act fairly quickly to secure everything on your list.

Which books are free?

Romance Book Blast is a (you guessed it) romance book giveaway with everything listed for free. There's a helpful hub page with everything organized by subgenre. Take some time to properly peruse your options, or head directly to the sub-category that works best for you:

• Steamy Romance 1

• Steamy Romance 2

• Sweet and No Spice

• Romantic Comedy

• Small Town Romance

• Sports Romance

• Fantasy Romance

• Dark Romance and Romantic Suspense

• Paranormal Romance

• Young and New Adult

• Later in Life

• Historical Romance

• Science Fiction

• Short Read Romance

• Erotica and Erotic Romance

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep forever, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + Kindle Unlimited (3 Months) $109.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Why we like it

These popular e-readers let you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Plus, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase for a limited time.

Jon Stewart offered a live commentary on Donald Trump's speech during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which was packed full of attempted jokes and awkward silence aplenty.

In the Daily Show monologue above Stewart goes through line by line, playing everything from a clip of the U.S. president deciding halfway through a sentence to change the target of his joke — "Oh my God, don't tell us you're changing the target of your roast joke halfway through the joke!" yells Stewart. "We don't know the target, just change it!" — to footage of Trump blaming his speech writer for a joke not landing ("Who the hell wrote that line?" repeats Stewart. "Um, it sounds like you? It sounds exactly like something you would say.").

Ultimately, one of Stewart's lines near the start probably sums things up best.

"You know, normally I'd say don't quit your day job, but in this case I will make an exception."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

TL;DR: YouTube and NBCUniversal have struck a deal that will bundle Peacock Premium into YouTube Premium's $15.99 per month subscription starting early next year, adding access to live sports (NFL, NBA, MLB) and shows like Law & Order, SNL, and Love Island — no separate Peacock subscription required.

Starting early next year, YouTube Premium is about to become much more valuable.

YouTube and NBCUniversal have announced a deal that folds Peacock Premium directly into the $15.99 per month YouTube Premium subscription — meaning if you're already paying for YouTube Premium, you won't need a separate Peacock subscription to access its content.

The bundle brings a big chunk of NBCUniversal's content into the mix:

• Live sports, including NFL, NBA, and MLB games

• Entertainment staples like Law & Order, Saturday Night Live, and Love Island

• Peacock's broader library of movies and originals

If you've been paying for Peacock separately, or skipping it because it felt like one subscription too many, this changes that math pretty significantly.

Peacock has struggled to compete with the bigger streaming players — it currently sits at 48 million subscribers, compared to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music's combined 125 million. By folding into YouTube Premium rather than selling it as an add-on, NBCUniversal is essentially betting that YouTube's scale can do what Peacock hasn't managed on its own.

SEE ALSO: Alert the group chat: You can stream Lollapalooza live from your couch

YouTube Premium already has multiple tiers — an $8.99 per month Premium Lite plan and a $26.99 per month family plan. If this partnership works out, YouTube could end up bundling in more streaming services down the line, rather than staying as a video platform with a premium tier.

Worth noting too: Peacock just turned a profit for the first time last quarter, and this deal is the latest in a string of partnerships it has struck recently, including bundles with Apple TV, Prime Video, and Roku — all part of the same push to get more eyes on Peacock.

Either way, this deal shows just how far streaming platforms are willing to go to keep up — and Peacock finally has a real shot at the audience it's been chasing.

TL;DR: AT&T is giving away the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free when you trade in an eligible device and sign up for a qualifying unlimited plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung AT&T: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 for free   Get Deal

At Samsung Unpacked last week, the tech giant announced a whole range of new tech, from smartphones to smartwatches. If the Galaxy Z Fold 8 caught your eye, you may not have to pay full price, as AT&T is offering eligible customers the chance to get it for free.

Yes, you read that right. This is thanks to a new trade-in offer. The promotion is available to both new and existing customers who activate a new line or upgrade an existing one, with the biggest savings reserved for those on the carrier's Premium 2.0 unlimited plan.

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To qualify for the maximum discount, you'll need to purchase the Galaxy Z Fold 8 on a 36-month, 0% APR installment plan, sign up for (or already have) an eligible AT&T Premium 2.0 plan, and trade in a qualifying smartphone worth at least $290. If you meet all of these requirements, you'll receive up to $1,900 in bill credits over the course of the installment plan. Since that's enough to cover the Galaxy Z Fold 8's starting price, it effectively means you can get the phone for free.

Eligible trade-in devices to receive the full $1,900 credit include the Apple iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17; Samsung's Galaxy S24, S25, and S26 lineups; the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Fold7; and Google's latest Pixel 10 devices.

It's worth noting that if you pay off the phone early, upgrade before the agreement ends, cancel your service, or move to a lower-tier plan, this could reduce or end the remaining credits, meaning you'll be responsible for any outstanding balance.

Head to AT&T to get this preorder promotion while it's still available.

With just three episodes out, Elizabeth Meriwether's Furious is shaping up to be a mesmerizing crime drama. Episode 1 introduced a mysterious female serial killer (Lola Petticrew) who targets men in their own homes. Episode 2 showed her whole process, which involves manipulation, drugging, and a deadly hostage situation.

SEE ALSO: 'Furious' review: Hulu's new crime drama is savage, smart, and addictive

However, Mira, the hapless daughter that wandered in the crime scene didn't meet the murderous wrath of Jinny/Vanessa/Catherine. But Becky, the social worker played by Chloe Troast, does in episode 3.

Becky works at the domestic violence shelter where Catherine is hiding as Jinny — the name stolen from the girl she mugged in episode 1. Catherine realizes she can seduce Becky in the shelter to get her to bend some rules, and from there, Catherine goes into full-on blackmail.

Chloe Troast and Lola Petticrew in "Furious." Credit: Disney / Sarah Shatz

While initially resistant, Becky meets Catherine's terms, delivering a bag of goods, including cleaning products and a new wig. Then, Becky insists she's done with her. But with the promise of weed — and the suggestion of another hook-up — Catherine lures her into a thicket of Central Park, where Becky's corpse will later be found.

In an interview with Mashable, Petticrew spelled out Catherine's reasoning.

"Even though we know Catherine is who Catherine is," they said, referring to the audience understanding this killer's capabilities, "Becky doesn't know that when she works at the shelter. And [as far as she knows], she takes advantage of a vulnerable person. And so, for Catherine, you gotta go. Becky, in a sense, is just as bad as any man."

The first three episodes of Furious are now streaming on Hulu, with new episodes every Monday through Aug. 31. 

It's only been a few months since Logan Paul's $16 million Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card sale set a record, but he's already on the hunt for something more valuable.

The controversial YouTuber-turned-WWE star released a one-hour mini-documentary on YouTube on Friday, chronicling his quest to acquire a card that doesn't exist yet.

So what exactly is he trying to do, and why is the Pokémon card he's trying to acquire potentially so valuable? Let's break it down.

SEE ALSO: I tried to buy my son some Pokémon cards at retail price. It was almost impossible. Which Pokémon card is Logan Paul trying to acquire?

In a nutshell, the origin of Pokémon cards can be dated back to 1996. Rather than being sold in packs, the first trading cards were available to peel from sheets found in a Japanese comic called CoroCoro. Pairs of cards were released over a number of issues, with the first – issue 223 – containing Pikachu and Jigglypuff cards.

The catch? Although there are many of these cards in circulation, there is apparently still no Pikachu that's been graded a perfect 10 by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) body.

The video above chronicles Paul's attempt to secure one, following him as he buys copies of CoroCoro 223 along with pre-production sheets of the cards that came with the issue, hoping to peel a Pikachu card that's high enough quality to make the grade of Gem Mint 10 (categorised on PSA's website as a "virtually perfect card").

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. When will we know if Logan Paul has acquired the PSA 10 Pikachu?

This is the big question. Normally getting cards graded with PSA takes time (from five to 25 business days), but in the documentary we see Paul getting two cards graded far more quickly after dropping them off at one of the PSA offices himself.

At the end of the video, he announces a live streaming event where he will peel the Pikachu card that he hopes to get graded a 10. What we don't know is what will happen next. Will the event end with Paul showing the card off and getting ready to take it to PSA? Or does he have the kind of relationship with the authenticator where he'll be able to organise for one of its graders to attend the event, and do the grading in person?

We'll have to wait for the stream, which is happening July 30 at 9:30 p.m. EST on Paul's YouTube channel, to find out.

Featured Video For You Boys on the internet are telling me nicotine is a productivity hack

Dreame, one of my favorite robot vacuum brands, has really been experimenting with new product categories. I've tested a fancy pet air purifier and a countertop composter alternative from Dreame so far in 2026. But it was the release of a red light mask that piqued my interest the most. Is that not random as hell?

Dreame isn't totally new to the beauty tech industry — two of its hair dryers have made our list of the best Dyson Supersonic dupes. But skincare is a whole other ball game, especially considering how saturated the red light mask market has become in the past year or two. At this point, it would take a lot for any new mask to stand out from the other top red light masks all over the internet.

Behold: The Dreame Chrona. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

But Dreame did manage to make the Chrona mask stand out. And in more ways than one.

What's special about the Dreame Chrona face mask?

The first exciting thing about the Dreame Chrona mask is the fact that it's cordless. Not just cordless in a "you don't need to be plugged into the wall" way, but cordless in a "no remote attached" way. Completely wireless LED face masks are a pretty rare find as it is, and you're even less likely to come across one that's this affordable and still reputable. Both cordless Therabody masks come to mind: The original TheraFace Mask costs $649.99 and the TheraFace Mask Glo costs $379.99.

The Chrona mask weighs less than a pound and can be tucked into my duffle bag. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Since the mask is easy to pack, I was able to keep up with my routine at the beach. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Wired remotes aren't that big of a deal, but I can't say that they don't get in the way if you're not sitting still. I love that I can be productive and do something like fold laundry while wearing the Chrona mask — without worrying about bumping the cord or knocking the pants clip off.

Also huge: The Chrona is one of the only flexible silicone masks that offer blue light. It's much harder to pack a hard shell mask like the Shark CryoGlow, forcing me to go on several trips (including two vacations to Disney World) without my line of defense against surprise pimples.

Red light and blue light are far from your only options

The Dreame Chrona mask has more light colors than any LED face mask I've ever tried.

The Chrona mask in Rejuvenate Mode. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Chrona mask in Restore Mode. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Inside the mask, there are 280 LED bulbs with an irradiance measurement of 40 mW/cm² — well within the optimal range. (Irradiance determines light density, or how much usable light energy is actually reaching your skin per session).

You can use the completely wireless remote to choose a setting, choose from three levels of bulb brightness, and even customize session times of five, 10, and 15 minutes. Five settings target the following skincare concerns:

• Rejuvenate Mode (red at 630nm + near-infrared at 850nm): Boosts collagen production, firms skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and promotes cellular healing

• Calm Mode (blue at 465nm): Inhibits non-hormonal acne by killing surface bacteria

• Brighten Mode (yellow/amber at 590nm): Targets sun damage and revives dull complexions

• Balance Mode (green at 530nm): Neutralizes visible redness and hyperpigmentation

• Restore Mode (full spectrum): Firms, smooths, and brightens through cycles of red, yellow, and green light for all-in-one revitalization

The big metallic circle on the headband also has a button to cycle between settings. On days that I'm planning to do back-to-back sessions, it's clutch to be able to switch between modes without carrying the remote around.

The screen shows how many minutes are left in your session. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Once you know what each color does, you can choose a setting without the remote. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Dreame Chrona battery life

The chrome circle is also the mask's battery. It clicks onto the headband with magnets and can be popped off for easy charging via USB-C. The Dreame Chrona mask has a listed battery life of 60 minutes, which translates into six 10-minute sessions. Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern found the battery to last closer to 45 minutes during her time trying out the mask. The mask comes with a spare battery, so realistically, you could swap them out and get about 90 minutes of battery life before having to recharge.

Chrona mask results: Do all of the settings actually work?

Two months in, the Chrona mask has kept my skin smooth and even-toned. I've been able to use CC cream as foundation and concealer for the entire summer without certain areas begging for extra coverage. Makeup doesn't settle into my forehead fine lines even if I'm sweaty, and dry setting powder gets noticeably less cakey.

I've also barely gotten a zit during this time — a huge win, considering I was getting a new zit every single day before I started testing red light masks two years ago. I also see a slight reduction in the redness on my cheeks.

I had hoped that the Chrona mask would make my post-inflammatory erythema a little less noticeable. There are a few post-pimple sites that've stuck around my chin for months, and they're still pretty dark and red. More consistent use of the Chrona's green light setting might help.

SEE ALSO: Shark FacialPro Glow review: The pore de-clogging is legit, but it may not be right for every skin type

It's important to note that my Chrona journey has been more about sustaining the fine line and acne progress from the other red light masks I've been testing throughout the past year or two. I always end up going back to the Shark CryoGlow mask, so its results are my baseline for assessing how well another LED face mask works.

One small complaint, but it's NBD

OK, the Chrona mask's strap placement is a little awkward. It's so high up that it's surely supposed to sit above your ears, but this makes the mask bottom-heavy. I tend to pull the velcro straps as tight as they'll go to prevent the mask from falling down, which does leave light lines on my forehead and nose sometimes.

While I do prefer a double strap situation for a more stable fit, the Chrona mask is still the easiest mask to wear around the house that I've ever tried.

Is the Dreame Chrona mask worth it?

Absolutely. The Dreame Chrona mask is easily the best budget red light mask you'll come across. It offers classic red and blue light settings at science-backed wavelengths, plus yellow and green light settings that could offer your skin even more ways to glow. At $269.99, the Chrona mask is a much more accessible path to at-home red light therapy than the popular Omnilux or CurrentBody masks.

I always say that the best red light face mask to buy is the one that you'll actually wear on a daily basis. The Dreame Chrona mask makes it easy to maintain the consistency that's required to see results. Being so lightweight and truly cordless, the Chrona mask can seamlessly be worn during any of the tasks you normally do at home.

Dreame Chrona Anti-Aging Skincare Mask $224.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $45   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Dreame

National Chicken Wing Day lands on July 29.

Major chains across the country are dropping limited-time deals, BOGO promos, and wing discounts to celebrate this special day. Whether you take your wings bone-in, boneless, drenched in extra-spicy sauce, or coated in lemon pepper, this is officially your excuse to indulge in your passion.

These are our favorite National Chicken Wing Day deals in 2026:

7-Eleven

Get 10 wings delivered for $8 with the app. This offer is valid until Aug. 25.

Bad Daddy’s

Score $0.99 wings in classic Buffalo or sweet-and-spicy Thai chili on July 29 for dine-in guests. To qualify, you need to make a minimum order of six wings, with a limit of 18 wings per person.

Buffalo’s Cafe

Get $19.99 all-you-can-eat wings for dine-in guests on July 29.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Grab a free order of wings (bone-in or boneless) with any $15 dine-in purchase on July 29.

Dave & Buster’s

Score $0.50 boneless wings and $1 bone-in wings all day.

Hooters

Dine-in guests can get 10 wings (bone-in or boneless) for $7.29 with any beverage purchase on July 29.

Hurricane Grill & Wings

Get $0.99 bone-in or boneless wings all day on July 29 for dine-in guests.

Native Grill & Wings

Get $0.49 bone-in wings with any drink purchase on July 29. Valid for dine-in, takeout, or orders placed directly through the Native Grill & Wings app or website.

Pilot

On July 29, customers who order on the Pilot app can get five jumbo wings for $5.

Raise the Roost

Grab $1 single chicken tenders or traditional bone-in wings from July 27-30 at participating locations.

Sonny's BBQ

Loyalty members get a free 6-count of Sauced & Tossed wings with any entrée purchase.

Speedy Cafe

Speedy Rewards members can grab special promotional pricing on 5-piece or 8-piece boneless wing orders through Aug. 25.

TGI Fridays

Order Matchday Wing Bites starting at $8.99 (six bone-in or eight boneless wings with fries and dip) or upgrade to the Matchday Goal Line Platter starting at $16.99 (eight wings, three chicken fingers, and golden onion rings).

The Greene Turtle

Get the $19.99 all-you-can-eat wing-and-fries special (valid for both bone-in and boneless wings, upon request).

Wings and Rings

Take 40% off all wings on July 28-29 for dine-in and online orders.

Wingstop

Club Wingstop members can unlock daily sweepstakes for concert tickets, $500 Ticketmaster gift cards, and VIP festival packages until July 31.

Look, we're happy that young Mira (Riley Vinson) made it through her brush with Furious' serial killer (Lola Petticrew) alive. But three men have been felled by this murderess. What compelled her to leave Mira, a witness who saw her unmasked, alive?

Mashable Entertainment Editor asked Petticrew. But before we get to their answer, a bit of context:

In episode 2 of the Elizabeth Meriwether-created crime drama, killer Catherine has taken over the posh high-rise apartment of Oliver Charles (Rob Delaney), a lawyer who was working for her last victim, Caleb Easton. She's got Oliver drugged and trapped in his own home, as she's done at least twice before with other victims. But his daughter Mira catches her by surprise with an unexpected visit.

Over the course of the episode, Catherine bonds with Mira. They eat chicken, talk about boys and dads, and do their hair together — "like twins," as Mira puts it. But after the little girl finds her dad's body, Catherine gets shockingly honest with Mira.

In episode 3, while being interrogated by FBI agent Alice Black (Emmy Rossum), Mira recounts, "My dad had sex with her when she was my age. He paid her."

Meriwether's script doesn't deal in flashbacks. However, by showing Mira, who is clearly a child, as Catherine talks about being abused at the same age, we don't need flashbacks to understand the evil done to her.

Petticrew said of this choice, "I think that sometimes on screen, it feels like we are showing these violent images of things that happen to women and their bodies, and quite often there either isn't a reason. Or we could have done it without it. And often, that's almost the better artistic choice."

They continued, "Having Mira there, and you know, the young actress that played Mira [Vinson] was just so phenomenal. I mean, it was so much better than any flashback ever could have been, to be confronted with the image of her. Those were difficult, challenging scenes, but also intensely rewarding. When you get to work with an actress like that, especially a young one who is so emotionally open and able to pull things [out] of you that you didn't even expect, it's a complete and utter gift."

Why doesn't Catherine kill Mira in Furious?

To this, Petticrew said, "Mira is an innocent, a complete innocent. Mira hasn't done anything wrong."

They added, "Catherine has her own moral standards that, while other people may not understand them, they're there, and Mira is a complete innocent, and therefore [Catherine] has no reason. And she sees herself in her. And when they have that moment, you can see it all over Mira's face, and I think that Mira believes her."

The first three episodes of Furious are now streaming on Hulu, with new episodes every Monday through Aug. 31. 

TL;DR: Instead of paying high-tech prices, get a near-mint refurbished MacBook Air on sale for $199.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 2018 (Refurbished) $244.99
$1,199 Save $954.01   Get Deal

If you’ve been tracking tech prices lately, you know how hard it is to find a good price on a computer, even a basic one, for little daily tasks. Rather than dropping a whole paycheck on a brand new Apple computer, more shoppers have started switching to refurbished computers like this MacBook Air. It’s in near-mint condition with a grade-A refurbished rating, and it’s on sale for $199.97 (reg. $1,199).

This MacBook comes with a dual-core Intel Core i5 that runs at 1.6GHz and boosts to 3.6GHz. It has 8GB of RAM, enough for browsing, streaming, or light productivity, and the 128GB SSD gives you a good bit of room for apps and files.

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You also get a 13.3-inch Retina display at 2560×1600, so text stays sharp, and photos look right whether you’re on the web or building a slide. Battery life runs up to 12 hours of browsing or playback, so you can leave the charger at home most days. There are two Thunderbolt 3 ports for charging, an external monitor, transfers up to 40 Gb/s, and Touch ID unlocks it with your fingerprint.

This model still updates to macOS Sonoma, so you get the latest features and security patches instead of a laptop stuck on older software.

Grade A refurbished means it shows up in near-mint condition with very minimal to zero scuffing on the case. You also get a wall charger and a 40-day parts-and-labor warranty.

Skip the markup and get a Mac for a smarter price. Pick up a MacBook Air while they’re on sale for $199.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: ARTA combines AI image generation, video creation, avatars, photo editing, and more into one app. Get a one-year Premium subscription for $19.97 (reg. $39.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: AIBY ARTA AI Premium Plan Subscriptions $19.97
$39.99 Save $20.02   Get Deal

AI image generators used to mean typing a prompt and hoping the result looked anything like what you had in mind. Now they’re generating videos, editing selfies, creating professional headshots, and even letting you try on virtual outfits. ARTA puts all of that into one app, and for a limited time, you can grab a 1-year subscription for only $19.97 (reg. $39.99).

Built on AI models including Flux, GPT-4o, and Nano Banana, ARTA can create everything from realistic headshots and social media graphics to stylized artwork, product mockups, and short AI-generated videos. Upload a photo to swap outfits, experiment with different hairstyles, remove distracting objects, or generate an entirely new look without opening a complicated editing program.

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ARTA isn’t just for chasing the latest AI trend, either. You can use it for work, too. Mock up marketing concepts, design presentation graphics, generate blog illustrations, create eye-catching thumbnails, or quickly produce visuals for social posts when stock photos just won’t cut it. With more than 45 art styles and customizable aspect ratios, there’s enough flexibility to create images that fit your project instead of the other way around.

The Premium plan includes 500 credits every week, which refresh automatically for AI images, avatar packs, videos, and edits. Because ARTA works on iPhone, Android, and desktop — and has earned more than 78,000 four-star reviews on the App Store — you can start a project on your phone and finish it wherever it’s most convenient.

Normally $39.99, score a 1-year subscription to ARTA AI for only $19.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Longtime users will already know the benefits of the AdultFriendFinder “Premium Gold Plan,” but for those who have just signed up, there's a lot to learn. The hookup site regularly prompts users to sign up. That doesn't mean you should immediately enter your credit card details. There are definitely benefits to a paid membership, but it's best to know and understand what the Premium Gold Plan actually has to offer.

Not that you have to, of course. Not everyone wants to fork out for an extra feature. Tight budgets are what they are. We get it. You can still have lots of fun playing around with AdultFriendFinder's free version. Just know that there are limits to that freebie fun. And there's a ton of spicy content and quality-of-life stuff when you upgrade.

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt

You can test the waters with a one-month membership that will only set you back $35.95. Or you can commit to three months at $26.95 per month. If the trial run goes well, it might be worth committing to a more long-term membership. You can get a one-year membership for just $19.95 per month. It's worth noting, however, that you will need to manually cancel your Gold account after each membership period ends, otherwise the subscription will automatically renew by default. Don't make the age-old mistake of only remembering to cancel once you've seen the money leave your account.

If you're intrigued but want to know more before making a commitment, we've rounded up three perks exclusive to paid users that will help justify the monthly cost:

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Discover vastly expanded chatting options

If you’re relying on a free membership, actual chatting options are limited. You can search for individual members based on some limited criteria (Man/Woman/Trans or Couple/Group, for example), and you apply some very limited filters (Online or Near Me), but if you try to click through the profile photo and learn more about the person who has caught your eye, you’re instantly prompted to upgrade your account.

Free members are limited to interacting with others in forums and group chat spaces, which is fun but simultaneously restrictive, since there’s no guarantee the people you chat with actually live anywhere nearby. And while free members can receive regular direct messages from premium users, they will need to upgrade to respond and start a back-and-forth DM convo. 

SEE ALSO: 3 AdultFriendFinder red flags — how to avoid scams on AFF

Gold members, on the other hand, get more. They can send and respond to private messages, enter webcam shows, and speak to the host for free. They can also create a Friends list that will make regular contact much easier. This unlocks access to AFF’s instant messenger, too, for real-time convos. 

Unlock AdultFriendFinder’s even naughtier side

One quick visit to the homepage and you'll see that nudity filters are turned off by default. But hey, that's what AdultFriendFinder is all about. It proudly platforms and encourages sexual content. But free members only get a basic look. With a premium membership, for example, you have access to better quality photos, videos, and streams, so those tiny thumbnails and grainy, low-res webcam feeds — you know, the ones that look like they’re being downloaded straight from the ‘90s — will suddenly come to life in stunning (not to mention steeamy) HD. 

But more than that, Gold members can also view and comment on nude photos and videos on profiles that the uploader has restricted to paying members. And while standard members are allowed to watch member webcams, they can only watch one at a time. Gold members, meanwhile, can open multiple streams at once. 

Finally, Gold members can access AdultFriendFinder’s Sex Academy, a massive resource for anyone who wants to learn more about sex and sexual health, and discover new techniques to improve their skills between the sheets. Topics range from the basics — 101 skills like how to correctly put on a condom — to more advanced stuff such as oral sex techniques. Everything's covered in a way that's easy to follow and — in the case of practical sex skills — easy to replicate in real life.

Refine your search for the perfect match

We know that free members can’t really interact with their searches, but we still have to admit it's frustrating to discover how limited the basic search function is, especially when you consider how much information users voluntarily provide about themselves.

Of course, it's no surprise that paid members get a far better experience. Signing up for a membership unlocks a more refined search that includes not just basics like gender, sexual orientation, and an age and distance range (Straight, Bisexual, Bicurious, Gay, and Prefer Not To Say are all options), but also marital status, ethnicity, and body type (Average, Slim/Petite, Athletic, Ample, A Little Extra Padding, and BBW/BBM are the options here).

SEE ALSO: AdultFriendFinder vs. Snapchat: Which is better for sexting?

Paid members can get super specific in AFF's self-explanatory My Kinks section. Fill this out to let other users know exactly what you're into — there's no shame or judgment on AFF. This will help to attract like-minded people and give you the ability to search through other users who share the same kinks. The list is pretty exhaustive and extremely kink-friendly.

Paid members can also build up a friends list, helping to track their favorite people and chat partners. That makes it easy to slip back into a steamy conversation or keep up with a particular streamer’s schedule. 

If you’re after a naughtier online dating experience, something that prioritizes kinky fun and taboo-busting chats that other sites keep hidden behind innuendo and self-censorship, AdultFriendFinder’s paid membership experience is very much worth exploring. 

SAVE $90: As of July 28, the Amazon Ember 50-inch 4 Series is on sale for $309.99. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Ember 50-inch 4 Series TV $309.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $90   Get Deal

If you’re looking to upgrade your home streaming setup without spending a fortune, this latest deal on the Amazon Ember 50-inch 4 Series is definitely worth checking out.

As of July 28, this TV is down to $309.99 from $399.99, saving you $90. This price is for the newest edition of this TV, so you'll benefit from new Fire TV features like personalized recommendations and an upgraded, modern design. With this TV, you'll be able to watch all your favorite shows and movies in 4K Ultra HD resolution, with HDR10+ support and improved brightness. It's also powered by a new quad-core processor and WiFi 6 support, so the TV will run fast and smooth, loading apps and streaming without buffering.

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The TV also comes with an Alexa voice remote. This lets you search for content, launch apps, and control compatible smart home devices using just your voice. Plus, you'll get access to all the major streaming platforms at the touch of a button (or by using your voice). Enjoy streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, and more, plus lots of free ad-supported options.

It's also designed to blend seamlessly into your space, thanks to its Omnisense technology. Using built-in sensors, the TV can detect when someone enters the room, allowing it to wake the display either to show selected artwork or to resume viewing straight away.

This TV deal is available on Amazon right now.

SAVE $29.99: As of July 28, the Holy Stone HS600 is on sale for $249.99 at Amazon. That's an 11% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Holy Stone HS600 $249.99 at Amazon
$279.98 Save $29.99   Get Deal

Capturing footage from above used to require lots of expensive equipment, but consumer drones have made aerial photography much more accessible. And nowadays, drones don't have to break the bank. Models like the Holy Stone HS600 make aerial footage much more affordable.

As of July 28, this drone is on sale for its best-ever price, bringing the cost down to just $249.99.

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This drone has a 4K camera with a dual-axis gimbal and electronic image stabilization to help you capture smooth, high-quality footage. It's equipped with a Sony sensor and brushless motors, so it's designed to deliver stable flight performance while still recording 4K video at 30 fps.

It also has integrated FAA-compliant Remote ID, removing the need for an additional Remote ID module. Plus, it weighs just 541g and comes with a carrying case, meaning the HS600 is a great choice for portability and travel.

And if this is your first drone, the HS600 comes packed with beginner-friendly features like Follow Mode and Waypoint Mode, allowing you to create flight paths or automatically track subjects while you focus on capturing footage.

This drone deal is available at Amazon right now, but only for a limited time.

SAVE $60: As of July 28, the Beelink SER5 Mini PC is on sale for $389 at Amazon. That's 13% off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beelink Beelink SER5 Mini PC $389 at Amazon
$449 Save $60   Get Deal

Mini PCs have become a popular choice for anyone who wants a compact setup without sacrificing performance. And if you've been looking for the right model to add to your space, the Beelink SER5 Mini PC is on sale at Amazon.

As of July 28, this model is reduced by $60, taking the price down from $449 to $389. This price is for the SER5 16G/480G/5500U size, but there are discounts on smaller models too.

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This compact Beelink desktop computer is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor with six cores and 12 threads, delivering up to 4.0 GHz for everyday multitasking.

It delivers impressive graphics thanks to the integrated AMD Radeon Graphics with a 7-core GPU running at 1800MHz, supporting tasks such as 4K video playback, gaming, and creative applications. It also supports dual-display setups, allowing you to connect two screens for a larger office setup.

It also includes a range of connectivity options, including a 2.5G LAN port, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth, three USB 3.2 ports, a USB 2.0 port, HDMI, USB-C with data and video support, an audio jack, and a DC power port.

This mini PC deal is available at Amazon right now.

TL;DR: Pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free when you trade in an eligible device on Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans with T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Free via 24 monthly bill credits with an eligible trade-in on Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans at T-Mobile. Shop Now

Samsung Unpacked officially unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and it carries a hefty $1,899.99 list price. Buying it outright is a massive investment, but there is a crafty hack you should know about.

Carrier pre-order windows are traditionally the best time to bypass upfront hardware costs. T-Mobile's opening promotion offers up to $1,900 in bill credits over 24 months. If you have an eligible flagship to trade in, this completely cancels out the phone's upfront cost — making it the most aggressive launch offer we've seen for these new foldables.

How to get the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free

Getting the maximum trade-in value on the Fold 8 requires some simple steps:

• To unlock the full $1,900 credit ceiling, you must trade in an eligible high-end device (such as a Galaxy Z Fold 6/7, S25 Ultra, or iPhone Pro Max) in good condition.

• You must be on, or switch to, T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plans.

You will still need to pay local state sales tax on the full $1,899.99 retail price upfront at checkout, plus T-Mobile’s standard $35 connection charge.

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

If you are already on (or planning to switch to) T-Mobile's top-tier unlimited plans, taking advantage of a $1,900 trade-in credit to get a brand-new $1,899 flagship for free is an absolute no-brainer. Just remember that you're locking into a 24-month service commitment.

If you cancel your line early, the remaining unpaid hardware balance becomes due immediately.

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.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

What a toilet does.

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

FLUSH

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Deepness.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 28, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

DEPTH

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Wifi equipment.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 28 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 28, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

MODEM

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A machine.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

ROBOT

Final Hurdle hint

Robot.

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

DROID

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 be easier if you've ever watched football.

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: Type of football roles

• Green: Ways to hit a tennis ball

• Blue: Extra points

• Purple: Sounds like a number

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Football Positions

• Green: Tennis Shot Descriptions

• Blue: Worth Two Points/Runs

• Purple: Ends in a Number

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 #673 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Football Positions: GUARD, LINEBACKER, RUNNING BACK, TIGHT END

• Tennis Shot Descriptions: BACKHAND, DROP, SLICE, SMASH

• Worth Two Points/Runs: 2-RUN HR, LAYUP, SAFETY, WRESTLING REVERSAL

• Ends in a Number: CONINE, END ZONE, HEAVYWEIGHT, WITTEN

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.

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 July 28, 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 July 28, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 28 Pips

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 28 Pips

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

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 4-2, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 28 Pips

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-1, 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 5-2, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

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