IT General

The Elemind headband didn't exactly look like the cure to my insomnia the first time I strapped it on.

In fact, this just-launched $350 device — "the first neurotech headband clinically shown to help people fall asleep," according to its ad copy — reminded me of two similar EEG headbands from years past. Both promised better sleep but failed to deliver.

A chronic night owl with a chattering mind that keeps me up into the wee hours, I've been reviewing sleep gadgets that could potentially save me since the Zeo headband launched in 2010. The Zeo used electrodes to track your sleep stages, but I soon found the benefits of that knowledge were outweighed by... well, by how uncomfortable it was to go to bed with it strapped tightly to your head.

Same goes for the Muse S headband, which launched 10 years later and promised helpful sleep tracking. The much-loved Muse 1 and 2 were brain-sensing meditation aids with firm electrodes that tucked in behind the ear; the headband, aiming for comfort over electrode connectivity, was far worse at detecting a signal.

That's the kind of frustration I expected during my first test of the Elemind, especially since it took take place in an unfamiliar bed where I was being watched by the company's founder.

What I certainly didn't expect was the sound of dolphins with gentle jackhammers breaking up my waking mind.

What is the Elemind headband? Credit: Elemind

In functionality, the Elemind is nothing like those prior headbands. It's not simply reading your electrical brain wave activity; it's actively working to sabotage it.

If that sounds alarming, consider which of the five types of brain waves is in Elemind's sights: Alpha waves. This frequency of brain activity, between 8 and 12 Hz, is the last thing you want at night; it's your mind being just active enough to keep you tossing and turning.

If your brain was broadcasting Beta or Gamma waves, you wouldn't even be in bed; you'd be bounding around the house, alert, making decisions. If your brain found it easy to slip into Delta or Theta frequencies... well, you'd be having deep or light sleep, respectively, and you wouldn't need to read this.

But Alpha? For insomniacs, Alpha is the endless gossip who lives in your head. It's the chatty self-help guru who won't stop saying what you should do. And the fearful newscaster and financial analyst you didn't ask for. And the inner toddler who screams "don't wanna" any time you ask your brain, in the immortal words of a Samuel L Jackson-narrated audiobook, to go the fuck to sleep.

How the Elemind works: Elemind over matter

The Elemind uses insights from the science of oscilliotherapeutics (and if that word alone doesn't put you to sleep, you must really be in Alpha).

Basically, our neurons don't just fire together, they oscillate together — and that lets you target them with sound at very specific frequencies. (If white noise machines sometimes work for you, this is why.)

The Elemind uses its EEG readings to map your Alpha waves in real time, then the accompanying app crunches the numbers on what "pink noise" it needs to broadcast, via built-in bone conduction headphones, to reduce that alpha oscillation down to something in the sleepy zone.

Basically, this sleep tech headband is trying to get your neurons to slow their roll. But how effective is it? This is a good place to note Elemind's major caveat: it's not for everyone.

In its ongoing clinical trial, the company says 76 percent of participants saw reduction in the amount of time it took them to fall sleep. Elemind offers multiple possible reasons it didn't work for the 24 percent. One is that Alpha activity is found throughout the brain, and can be beyond the reach of oscillation broadcasts to the scalp. Your insomnia may literally be too deep to break up.

But not mine; I was relieved to discover I was firmly in the 76 percent. The company wisely offers a 30-day return window, so it's worth a shot to see if this expensive device might be worth every penny to you.

Hands-on with the Elemind The bare-bones Elemind app. Credit: Elemind

What does it sound like, this pink noise? Here's what came to mind after I strapped on the Elemind for the first time: Dolphins are chittering quietly to themselves. Hang on, are they chittering or are they using, like, very quiet machine guns? Or tiny dolphin jackhammers to break up my thoughts?

In a minute or two, I began seeing eyelid movies (you have to keep your eyes closed for an Elemind session to work). Dolphin construction crews wore adorable reflective jackets and winked wickedly.

I realized I was pleasantly woozy — a state I recognize from my dream hacking reportage as hypnogogia, a liminal dream state where you're still slightly awake. But the dolphin machine gun had soon annihilated all my thoughts.

Yet instead of protesting this attack on its thinking rights, as I'd expect, my brain was almost suspiciously happy, as if I'd drugged it.

I did note that I was only clinging to consciousness by the slender thread of a musical earworm that wouldn't go away. (Perhaps earworms appear in the part of the brain Elemind can't reach?)

SEE ALSO: Dream hacking: How to use your brain's wildest, weirdest state

It was a bad earworm, too: "Don't Mug Yourself" by The Streets. Bouncy, dancey, and very anti-sleep. By randomly selecting it on public transit on the way to this sleep test, I had effectively mugged myself.

But that I'd come that close to napping was extraordinary. This was a hands-on Elemind naptime in a Four Seasons hotel suite bathed in direct California sunlight that even the blackout blinds couldn't contain. Elemind CEO Meredith Perry was next door tracking my progress on the app.

And here's the kicker — I hadn't had a successful nap in years.

SEE ALSO: Why the best sleep tracker is one you already own

None of this was conducive to sleep success. And yet over 30 minutes, I came within a worm's width of knocking myself out. Perry's app said I'd actually had 8 minutes of light sleep. I disagreed — the fuzzy math of sleep trackers at play, something I also notice with the wild differences between the readouts on my Oura ring and my Apple Watch — but I also couldn't deny I felt refreshed.

I also couldn't wait to try it out at home, during a full-on sleep session, but I had to. The first review unit Elemind sent was a dud on the bone conduction speaker front. Its app feels very barebones. And I lost count of the number of times it asked me to charge it up or download new firmware — right when I was ready to crash. This seems like easily avoidable bad timing on the app's part.

The Elemind aims to be a sleep tracker as well as an alpha-wave blaster. To that end, the startup is selling $12.99 a month memberships (the first month's free), which simply gets you a lot of data — incomplete data, if you're anything like me and are likely to wriggle out of the headband in your sleep. (I lasted an average of 45 minutes before tearing it off.)

The Elemind's alpha-wave blocking bone conduction noises last for 30 minutes, with a slow fadeout for the last 10. Seems I was too zonked out to twang it a way, for an average 15 minutes per sleep.

In other words, it worked every damn time.

Elemind in the air

Armed with that information, I wanted to see if the Elemind could send me to sleep in the most difficult circumstances. Could I have at least a light, brief, refreshing nap while buzzing on coffee? I certainly could. After an aggravating phone call? You betcha.

The boss level, I knew, was the long-haul flight. As the luck of travel plans would have it, I had a vacation to Japan via Hawaii coming up that involved four flights of roughly 5 hours each, across several days.

Normally, to sleep on a plane, I'd take melatonin, put on noise-canceling headphones, listen to a sleep playlist or the Sleep With Me podcast, and hope for the best. The Elemind changed that.

No matter where I was on the plane, from Extra Comfort space to squeezed into a window seat next to a manspreader, it knocked me out in under half an hour.

Better yet, it worked alongside my regular noise-cancelling headphones (the AirPods Max); if anything, there was a compounding effect with my sleep playlist: together, they gave me a record 2.5 hours of super-Pacific sleeptime.

Is the Elemind sleep headband worth it?

Again, your mileage with this pink noise machine may vary. My advice: it's worth it for folks with an insomnia problem so bad they'd pay $350 to solve it. Given the roughly 1 in 4 chance that your alpha waves are too deep to be broken up, this is one piece of sleep tech that demands more than one former insomniac's opinion.

So, in short, you'll have to think about the possibility of better sleep, and weigh it against the potential mild inconvenience of returning a $350 device within 30 days.

Then sleep on it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Elemind Elemind sleep headband $349 at Elemind
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A dying star molting its final layers in space seems to be in the midst of a sad, solitary experience — at least from a storytelling perspective. 

But a new image from the James Webb Space Telescope, a collaboration of NASA and its European and Canadian counterparts, shows this drama isn't a one-star act. More than one stellar object, at least for this scene, is on the playbill.

In a new look at the planetary nebula NGC 6072, located about 3,800 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius, astronomers found evidence that this cosmic cloud's chaotic, lopsided shape is likely the handiwork of more than one star. The tangle of glowing gas may actually reveal a star in its final stages — with a companion sticking by its side until the proverbial curtain falls.

The results of the observation help astronomers understand how some stars die, especially in multiple-star systems, which are thought to be more prevalent in the Milky Way than solo star solar systems. 

SEE ALSO: A star may have survived partial black hole spaghettification The James Webb Space Telescope took a new look at at the planetary nebula NGC 6072. Credit: NASA GSFC / CIL / Adriana Manrique Gutierrez illustration

Unlike giant stars that explode into a supernova and collapse into a black hole, a medium star like the sun is expected to just keep on burning until its nuclear fuel peters out, suffering a more prolonged death. 

This event forms a so-called "planetary nebula," a confusing misnomer for the phenomenon because it has more to do with an aging star than planets. As a sun-like star nears the end, it puffs out into a red giant — about 100 to 1,000 times its original size — eventually engulfing the space around it, including any nearby worlds. 

As the star eventually releases its outer layers, it shrivels down to its core in what's known as a white dwarf star. At that point, it'll be about the size of Earth.

Webb’s powerful infrared instruments took this new high-resolution image of NGC 6072, which doesn't have a fun nickname like some other planetary nebulas. The picture shows multiple lobes of material bursting outward at odd angles like fireworks. It's a far cry from the smooth, evenly distributed rings once expected of such end-of-life events from stars similar in mass to the sun.

Astronomers say telltale signs point to this being a binary system: two stars; one dying, the other disrupting the event with its gravity. 

Webb's Near-Infrared Camera view shows at least two or three distinct outflows of gas — jets stretching in different directions — plus a disk of compressed material forming along the middle, likely caused by winds blasting through older shells of expelled gas. 

But it’s the companion star that can't be directly seen that's grabbing astronomers' attention. The view taken by Webb's Mid-Infrared Instrument, aka MIRI, shows expanding concentric rings around the dying central star, which astronomers suspect is a pinkish-white dot in the middle of the image. The rings could have been carved out as the hidden secondary star repeatedly circled its partner, plowing through the fading outer layers.

One of Webb's first images was of the Southern Ring Nebula, about 2,500 light-years away. Astronomers had suspected for more than 50 years that there were actually two stars at its core, but they hadn't actually seen the dimmer star — the true source of the nebula — until they pointed the telescope's camera at it, said Karl Gordon, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. In that case, it was the opposite: They could see the companion but not the dying star.

"We knew this was a binary star (beforehand), but we effectively didn't really see much of the actual star that produced the nebula," Gordon said during a 2022 news conference. "But now in MIRI, this star glows red because it has dust around it." 

A pinkish-white dot at the center of this mid-infrared image is thought to be the dying star creating this planetary nebula. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI

With prior Hubble Space Telescope observations, astronomers found many irregularly shaped planetary nebulas influenced by a second star — so many, in fact, they began to wonder if the extra star was actually a crucial component for their creation, said Rodolfo Montez, who studies dying sun-like stars at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

"It's called a binary hypothesis, which would suggest that [only] stars in binary systems make planetary nebulae," Montez previously told Mashable. "But then we're not clear what single stars like our sun would do in that framework."

Each lobe, arc, and filament deepens the mystery of how stars like — or perhaps not quite like — the sun die. 

But one thing scientists do know: When the glowing cloud of NGC 6072 finally dissipates, it'll leave behind a scattering of heavy elements, perhaps seeding a new generation of mind-boggling stars and planets.

TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office 2021 Professional for Windows for just $49.97 — a one-time payment gets you Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Publisher, Access & more for life.

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Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2021 Professional for Windows while it’s on sale for $49.97 (MSRP: $219.99) for a limited time.

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TL;DR: Clean up your TV setup with the Dreamscreens TV Skirt Flex, now just $23.99 (reg. $29.99).

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Want to learn piano at home? There’s now an app for that

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Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025 (so far), and where to stream them

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand-new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're in the mood for twisted true crime, hilarious cartoons, bold tales of grief, historical epics, or absolute horror stories, we've got something just for you.

12. Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes

Conversations with a Killer is a recurring docuseries that Netflix produces with writer/director Joe Berlinger, who has spent his career digging into the most notorious America serial killers, from John Wayne Gacy to Ted Bundy, and now David Berkowitz, aka the Son of Sam or the .44 Caliber Killer.

From 1975 to 1977, when he was arrested, Berkowitz stalked New York City, shooting strangers with a .44 caliber gun, sometimes fatally. The randomness of these acts of violence instilled fear in the city, which Berlinger aims to recaptures by interviewing the cops, residents, and journalists who lived through it. But — as the title suggests — the main draw for Conversations with a Killer are the audio-taped interviews the still-living Berkowitz gave to a journalist shortly after his arrest.

Dragged out over three hour-long episodes, Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes is overlong. As he has with other killers, Berlinger's fascination with their inner workings means compelling talking head interviews about the case and its effects on society are overshadowed by the way the series treats Berkowitz's brain like a sacred text, worthy of decoding. To put it mildly, Berlinger's brand of true crime is one that turns victims into two-dimensional props, while the notorious murderer gets the spotlight. Depending on what you crave from true crime, your mileage may vary. As for me? I tapped out partway through episode two. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Memoir of a Snail

A bleak, brilliant, and at times hilarious portrait of grief and loss, Memoir of a Snail is unlike the narratives you might have seen on these universal experiences. Mary and Max director, writer, and production designer Adam Elliot pulls you into a detailed stop-motion animation story, following Grace Pudel (voiced by Sarah Snook) and her twin brother Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who endure a staggering amount of misfortune. Wrenched apart and plunked onto either sides of the globe, the two live strangely different lives without ever forgetting each other. As I wrote in my review, "Despite appearances, this is not is a kids' movie. A funny, strangely sweet, and macabre tale, Memoir of a Snail embraces the surrealism of life's darker side in a bleak but fascinating world." — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Eric Bana, Magda Szubanski, Dominique Pinon, Tony Armstrong, Paul Capsis, Bernie Clifford, Davey Thompson, Charlotte Belsey, Mason Litsos, Nick Cave, and Jacki Weaver

How to watch: Memoir of a Snail begins streaming on Hulu on Aug. 1.

10. The Friend

Trigger warning: The following film (and the blurb discussing it) involves mentions of suicide.

Last year, The Friend was a dramedy that earned solid film festival buzz, thanks in no small part to the charismatic performances from stars Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and Bing, a beautiful Great Dane who is the film's adorable scene-stealer. During the enchanting press tour, you might have caught that Watts plays Iris a woman who's grieving the death of a friend (Murray) while caring for the problematically large pet he left behind. You might have missed, however, that Murray's character dies by suicide.

SEE ALSO: Bill Murray and Naomi Watts chose the one film for which they want to be remembered, and it's surprising

I mention this not to shock you, but so you might brace yourself (or just duck this one) as needed. Written and directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, The Friend treats the topic of grieving a person who has died by suicide with great care. One aspect of grief and its different stages can be a sense of guilt, which is a significant factor in Iris' dilemma over whether or not to keep the dog. It's a bittersweet film, rightly deserving of the praise it's received. But as someone who went in not knowing what to expect, I'd recommend proceeding with caution if the topic of grieving a friend lost to suicide hits too close to home. — K.P.

Starring: Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, Sarah Pidgeon, Carla Gugino, Constance Wu, and Ann Dowd

How to watch: The Friend begins streaming on HBO Max on Aug. 1.

9. The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball

From 2011 to 2019, across 240 episodes, creator Ben Bocquelet gave kids and grown-ups alike a bevy of colorful characters, gleefully colliding art styles, and stories hilarious and often heart-warming with The Amazing World of Gumball. And now, the titular 12-year-old cat and his bestie/brother Darwin are back with new adventures in the sequel series The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball.

What has the Watterson family been up to since they've been gone? Collecting dust per their "leaked" teaser from Cartoon Network! Which means that Gumball and company shouldn't miss a beat when it comes to fresh mayhem and mind-bending pop culture references. Will they be able to top the Golden Girls parody ep? Look, that's a very, very high bar to clear. But we're happy to see them try! — K.P.

Starring: Alkaio Thiele, Hero Hunter, Kinza Syed Khan, Teresa Gallagher, and Dan Russell

How to watch: The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball is now streaming on Hulu.

8. The Yogurt Shop Murders

In 1991, a yogurt shop in Austin, Texas, was the scene of a nightmarish quadruple homicide that took the lives of four teenagers. Documentarian Margaret Brown (Descendant) looks back on the cold case in this four-part docuseries with sensitivity and care. Beyond searching for clues or fresh leads, The Yogurt Shop Murders explores the lives of those who were lost, and how their families were impacted — and how they continue to endure the lingering mystery around what happened that night.

I watched the first episode of this docuseries ahead of its debut at SXSW 2025, which was hosted in Austin. Even just from this introduction to the series, Brown's empathy for the families and her desire to uncover the truth and achieve justice is clear. Be warned: This murder mystery may hook you, and haunt you. — K.P.

How to watch: The first episode of The Yogurt Shop Murders debuts on HBO Max on Aug. 3.

7. Eyes of Wakanda

The four-episode animated miniseries Eyes of Wakanda takes us back into the history of Wakanda and the MCU. Directed by Todd Harris and executive produced by Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, the series follows the Wakandan warriors known as the Hatut Zeraze as they retrieve dangerous vibranium artifacts from across the globe. Maybe we'll even see the Black Panthers who preceded Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa, or older iterations of the Dora Milaje warriors.* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Winnie Harlow, Cress Williams, Patricia Belcher, Larry Herron, Adam Gold, Lynn Whitfield, Jacques Colimon, Jona Xiao, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Gary Anthony Williams, Zeke Alton, Steve Toussaint, and Anika Noni Rose

How to watch: Eyes of Wakanda premieres Aug. 1 on Disney+.

6. Marc Maron: Panicked

American's most stressed out stand-up is back with a new special. Marc Maron, who's been a comedy icon for decades and a top-notch podcaster with WTF with Marc Maron, dives right into MAGA America by kicking off Panicked with how "great" things are going.

Maron doesn't hold back, making punchlines of President Trump, Robert F. Kennedy, and Elon Musk before going in on comedy podcasters, who denounce "wokeness" and crave free speech. To drive his points home, he embraces language that makes some uncomfortable — but knowingly so. The result is a special that is electric, like George Carlin at his best. So, if you're feeling panicked, Maron may not be the cure. But he sure as hell knows what ails ya. — K.P.

Starring: Marc Maron

How to watch: Marc Maron: Panicked debuts on HBO Max on Aug. 1.

5. Final Destinations Bloodlines

Summertime means family fun, blended drinks, and DEATH AROUND EVERY TURN! As teased in the enticing trailer for the latest Final Destination entry, no place — no matter how convivial — is out of the reach of death. Directing duo Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein (who made the underrated 2018 gem Freaks) bring comical carnage and eye-popping practical effects to Final Destination Bloodlines, a reboot/sequel that brings fresh horror to the franchise through a family twist.

Long before Devon Sawa deboarded that plane, a swinging '60s massacre was prevented by the premonition of a young pregnant woman. Decades later, her family thinks she's nuts for believing death is after her and her kin. But once she dies, her granddaughter Stefani Reyes (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) faces the bloody truth, one horrific freak "accident" at a time!

Twisted fun that'll have you side-eying everyday objects, Final Destinations Bloodlines is a splashy sequel not to be skipped! — K.P.

Starring: Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd

How to watch: Final Destinations Bloodlines debuts on HBO Max on Aug. 1.

4. Chief of War

Looking for a historical epic that will knock your socks off? Then check out Apple TV+'s Chief of War, based on the true story of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.

Co-created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, Chief of War transports viewers to the end of the 18th century, when the kingdoms of O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i, and Hawai'i are at war. At the center of it all is warrior Ka'iana (Momoa), who must navigate shifting sides, villainous kings, and the outside threat of colonization. The result is a bloody, exquisitely crafted look at the corrupting power of prophecy, and the compromises people make to ensure their survival. (It also boasts some jaw-dropping battle sequences that you won't want to miss.) — B.E.

Starring: Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale'o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, and Te Kohe Tuhaka

How to watch: Chief of War debuts on Apple TV+ on Aug. 1.

3. King of the Hill

Hank Hill and company returns! Fifteen years after the Season 13 finale, creator Mike Judge has gotten most of the original gang back together for new misadventures in Arlen, Texas.

Several years have passed since we last saw the Hills. Hank and Peggy were living it up in Saudi Arabia, where Hank's expertise in propane (and propane accessories) allowed them to live the sweet life, while Peggy put her language skills to learning Arabic. But now they're back home, eager to reconnect with friends like Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer. And of course, they're happy to reunite with their son Bobby Hill. Now 21, Bobby has rebuffed college to start his own fusion restaurant. And while each episode of Season 14 has its moments, the one centering on Bobby's drive and dreams for his Japanese/German barbecue joint was the one that had me laughing, gasping, and tearing up.

Simply put, we're so back. — K.P.

Starring: Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, and Stephen Root

How to watch: King of the Hill returns to Hulu with Season 14 on Aug. 4.

2. 28 Years Later

Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland reunite for a killer sequel to 2002's 28 Days Later, delivering yet another zombie film for the ages. In 28 Years Later, the Rage Virus continues to run rampant in the quarantined UK, but survivors in an island community have found ways to thrive in the apocalypse. The film kicks off with 12-year-old islander Spike (Alfie Williams) and his father (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) heading to the mainland as a rite of passage, which quickly spirals into an unrelenting stress ride.

Bursting with gore, deep emotion, and innovative filming techniques, 28 Years Later proves just as harrowing and fresh as Boyle and Garland's first foray into zombie filmmaking. As Mashable UK Editor Shannon Connellan wrote in her review, "In a landscape heaving with zombie apocalypse media from The Walking Dead to The Last of Us, 28 Years Later manages to declare its footing as an original monster. Magnificently shot, ruthlessly edited, and outrageously scored, it's a rambunctious, grisly, human tale of survival." — B.E.

Starring: Alfie Williams, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell

How to watch: 28 Years Later is now available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

1. The Life of Chuck

Writer/director Mike Flanagan and Stephen King are a match made in heaven. Look no further than Flanagan's adaptations of Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep. However, with The Life of Chuck, Flanagan outdoes himself, tackling a twisty King novella and creating a gorgeous film that honestly works way better if you go in knowing nothing about it.

What I will say is this: As the title suggests, The Life of Chuck chronicles the life of 39-year-old accountant Chuck Krantz (Tom Hiddleston). But that's all you get! For more reasons to watch Flanagan's "career-best" work, look no further than its critical acclaim. In her review, Mashable's Kristy Puchko wrote, "The Life of Chuck is masterfully told. Like King's most moving adaptations, it doesn't play by standard rules of structure or audience expectations. It demands we follow the winding road through playful dialogue, painful lows, and rollicking highs, to an unknown beyond." You heard her, get to watching! — B.E.

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tom Hiddleston, Annalise Basso, Benjamin Pajak, Karen Gillan, Mia Sara, Matthew Lillard, Carl Lumbly, Samantha Sloyan, Harvey Guillén, Jacob Tremblay, Kate Siegel, and Mark Hamill

How to watch: The Life of Chuck is now available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

(*) denotes a blurb comes from a previous list.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

TL;DR: The DJI Mini 4K drone is on sale for $249 at Amazon (Prime member discount). That's $50 off the list price for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mini 4K $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50 Get Deal

DJI is one of the biggest names in drones, with a strong reputation for creating incredible aerial shots. For this reason, their product range is often the top choice of TikTokers, YouTubers, and filmmakers. That being said, we were surprised to see the DJI Mini 4K drone so near the top of the charts of best-sellers over Prime Day. We knew these drones were popular, but surely not AirPods popular?

Then the real reason hit us like an out-of-control drone.

President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at helping the U.S. drone industry and shoring up protections against malicious drone activity. The measures don't actually order a full ban on Chinese-made drones (yet), but talk of a ban on DJI drones has been doing the rounds for a while now. That uncertainty must be boosting sales.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 portable power station means business, and it’s great for DJI drone owners

The good news for anyone scrambling to buy before a potential ban is that you can still find the DJI Mini 4K drone on Amazon. In fact, it's on sale for $249 at Amazon for Prime members. It's being sold and shipped by AeroTech Hubs. We don't generally recommend third-party sellers, but AeroTech Hubs has an excellent track record and times are tough right now. With stock running low, we'll take what we can get.

The DJI Mini 4K is full of helpful features for beginners and advanced users. It has one-tap takeoff options and a return to home function. But perhaps most importantly for content creators is the three-axis gimbal and 4K quality, as well as advanced wind resistance and extended battery life. It's a step up from the DJI Neo Mini 4K that we think creators will appreciate.

Prime members can get the DJI Mini 4K drone for under $250 at Amazon. Not a member? You can still score this drone for under $300.

SAVE $200: The Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale at Amazon for $999, down from the list price of $1,199. That's a 17% discount and the lowest price ever at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $200 Get Deal

One of the best times to buy a new MacBook is during the Amazon Prime Day event in July. Another awesome time is right about now, during back-to-school season. And like clockwork, we're seeing great discounts on MacBooks and other Apple devices as we head into August. If you're eyeing a new MacBook, check out today's sale at Amazon.

As of July 29, the Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is $999 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $1,199. That takes $200 off the price from a 17% discount. It's also the best price we've spotted at Amazon.

If you know you want a MacBook and you prioritize portability, the 13-inch MacBook Air is likely your best bet. In Mashable's comparison of the best MacBook, the Air gets the nod of the best overall, and it also happens to be the most affordable option. Today's sale price gives you a machine with the new, zippy M4 chip and it comes with 512GB of storage.

SEE ALSO: Need to stock up on Apple AirTags? Get a 4-pack for under $80.

The 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage is also on sale at Amazon for a price of $799 which means you'll get double the storage with the 512GB version for $200 more. In addition, the $999 sale price applies to all colorways of the MacBook Air, which is nice to see. It's pretty common with Apple sales to only see a few colorways included in a sale.

Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder reviewed the M4 MacBook Air and wrote, "The new MacBook Air is great. It's powerful, silent, and comes with a couple of much-needed upgrades. It's also cheaper than before, making it the best-buy Apple laptop, period."

Before the rush of back to school takes hold, order the MacBook Air from Amazon for $999. It comes with the reassurance that you're getting the most affordable Apple laptop with more storage than the baseline model.

SAVE 14%: As of July 31, you can get the DJI Mini 3 drone for $359 at Amazon. That's a 14% discount and $60 off.

DJI Mini 3 $359 at Amazon
$419 Save $60 Get Deal

Whether you're a hobbyist, influencer, real estate agent, or professional photographer, a drone is one of the easiest ways to capture stunning aerial views and footage with relative ease. The only issue is that drones can be a pretty hefty investment. If you want a good one, you're easily looking at spending at least $500. But if you know where to look, you can often find a good deal. And while we usually don't recommend Amazon for drones, we actually found a legit DJI Mini 3 deal live right now.

As of July 31, you can snag the DJI Mini 3 drone for $359, or $60 off its regular price of $419. That's a 14% discount. This isn't the lowest price we've seen for this model, but it's pretty close. It was around $329 last June, but since it's still summer and there are plenty of opportunities to capture some amazing aerial views, $359 isn't a bad price at all.

SEE ALSO: Insta360's new drone brand Antigravity teases world first 360-degree camera drone

The DJI Mini 3 has a 38-minute flight time (and you can extend that up to 51 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) and can soar up to 32,800 feet. There’s no registration needed for recreational flying, since it’s under 249 grams. (Just keep in mind that if you buy the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, it will weigh more.) It also shoots in 4K HDR video, and its true vertical shooting makes it super easy to take photos for social media.

This drone is also Level 5 wind-resistant, so it can stay steady even in windy conditions. And you can easily pair it with your phone for QuickTransfer at up to 25 Mb/s. This means you can use your phone as a remote and preview your shot from up to 10 km away.

Tesla has stopped taking orders for its Model S and Model X luxury electric vehicles in Europe.

The change was silently introduced across the continent; we've checked out several of Tesla's European websites, including those for Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and Croatia, and they're all only offering inventory Model X and Model S vehicles. In contrast, Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y cars can still be configured and ordered in these markets.

This doesn't mean the cars are completely unavailable in Europe; buyers can still choose from a number of preconfigured Model S and Model X vehicles (we've found several available models in every market we've checked).

The change comes after a quarter in which Tesla delivered just 10,394 of its "other" models, a category which encompasses the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck — nearly a 50 percent drop compared to the same quarter last year.

The Model S and X were recently revamped in a modest way, with starting prices going up $5,000 for each model.

SEE ALSO: Waymo responds to Tesla's Robotaxi penis geofence with a size increase of its own

It could be just a temporary measure, though. As Electrek pointed out, this is not the first time it's happened; for example, Tesla wasn't taking orders for Model S and X throughout the first seven months of 2022, following a refresh of the two models the previous year.

The change could be due to supply issues, as the wait time for the Model S is two months even in California, where the car is produced. But it could also be a signal that the end of the line for Tesla's luxury EVs is near — at least in some markets.

TL;DR: Gift your kids an educational, low-stimulation app with the Montessori-inspired Pok Pok, now £45.13.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription £45.13
£188.06 Save £142.93 Get Deal

If you’re a parent of little ones, you’ve heard a lot of pros and cons for screen time. For those looking for a calm way to introduce toddlers to the concept, Pok Pok can help. This gentle, Montessori-inspired app is geared towards kids 2-8, and right now, a lifetime subscription can be yours for just £45.13.

Let your kids enjoy award-winning educational games, guilt-free

While most apps for kids are brightly colored and super stimulating, Pok Pok aims to be the opposite. Their app is filled with award-winning educational games that give your kids a foundation in STEM, numbers, cause and effect, problem-solving, and language. And you can rest easy with no guilt, knowing they’re enjoying an ad-free, low-stimulation educational experience.

This app is Montessori-inspired, which means it takes cues from Montessori’s child-centered educational approach, which focuses on hands-on learning, independence, and children’s natural development. That allows Pok Pok to provide a calming app experience that can grow with your child through open-ended play. All animations are hand-drawn, and sound effects and music are created in-house to ensure they’re calm, gentle, and not overly stimulating.

Pok Pok is COPPA-certified, which means you won’t see any advertisements to trick kids into buying things. There’s also an option for offline play when you’re traveling, or if you prefer, your child isn’t connected to the internet.

This lifetime subscription provides unlimited learning games and regular updates with new seasonal and cultural updates, so the app stays fresh and exciting. You’ll also receive a surprise gift mailed to you with your purchase.

Introduce little ones to screen time with the gentle, low-stimulation app, Pok Pok, now £45.13.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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.

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

A saying.

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

MAXIM

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A tropical fruit.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 31, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

GUAVA

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Done to guitar strings.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 31 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 31, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

STRUM

Hurdle Word 4 hint

The largest body of water.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 31 Hurdle Word 4 answer

OCEAN

Final Hurdle hint

To fold.

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

CRIMP

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

The moon is inching closer to being half lit, which means we're getting closer to a new moon phase.

The lunar cycle is a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. 

So, what's happening tonight, July 31?

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Thursday, July 31, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. There's 41% of the moon's surface visible to us on Earth (according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation).

It's day seven of the lunar cycle, and the last moon in July. As we say goodbye to another month, let's see what will be visible to us on the moon tonight.

With the unaided eye, enjoy a glimpse of the Mare Serenitatis, the Tranquillitatis, and the Mare Fecunditatis, an impact basin also known as the "Sea of Fertility."

With binoculars, you'll also get a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, the Mare Nectaris, and the Posidonius Crater, a lava-filled impact crater that's visible from the fifth to the 19th day of the lunar cycle.

If you have a telescope, position it in the middle right, descending (middle left, ascending if in the Southern Hemisphere) to see the Rima Arladaeus, the Apollo 16, and the Rupes Altai, a circular cliff around 298 miles long.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on August 9. The last full moon was on July 10.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

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

All Android smartphones come bundled with earphones for you to listen to your favourite music or podcasts immediately, but they're rarely impressive. It's a fact of life. The smart thing to do is purchase a separate pair of headphones or earphones that suit your needs, as long as you know the kind of headphones or earbuds you need.

It's important to think about when you're going to be using your headphones. For starters, do you want to block out background noise while you're on your daily commute? Do you want a pair that are great while you're running or working out at the gym? Or do you just want to relax at home, listening to music through your headphones, perhaps even while you sleep? 

These sort of questions will help you find the best wireless headphones for your Android device. To make it even easier, we've put together a quick guide and rounded up some of the best headphones and earbuds for Android devices.

What is Android?

Perhaps best known as the alternative operating system to Apple’s iOS, the Google-owned Android is an open source platform — that means (unlike Apple) any developers and tech companies can use and build on it. It’s used on many non-Apple phones and tablets, including devices made by Samsung and Google itself. Over 3 billion people actively use Android devices.

What makes a pair of headphones good for Android users?

It stands to reason that headphones made by the likes of Google and Samsung will make headphones that brilliantly sync with Android devices. Generally, look for headphones that have compatibility with Android-specific features, such as Google Fast Pair and Google Assistant. Most decent Bluetooth headphones have access to a voice assistant, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Samsung’s Bixby. You just need to set the headphones to your preferred version — in this case, Google Assistant. Be wary of headphones that only support one voice assistant (some have Alexa built-in). 

What can Google Assistant do?

Once you have Google Assistant set up on your headphones and Android device, it’s seriously helpful. You can ask it to play specific songs — not to mention control all playback features — as well as make calls and send messages, set schedules and alarms, do general searches, and check the news or weather. Some Android devices also support Google's Gemini Live AI chatbot — a step up from Google Assistant. Gemini Live is capable of holding actual, real-time conversations.

What is Google Fast Pair?

This Google-specific feature eliminates the faff of fiddling around with menus to connect Bluetooth devices. Your Android device will use Bluetooth Low Energy and location tech to immediately detect any Bluetooth devices nearby. A window will automatically pop up on your device and ask if you want to connect. Fast Pair devices can also sync with your Google account and offer personalised features.

Are cheap headphones worth the money?

The simple answer is, not usually. If you’re looking to go easy on your wallet, you could just stick with the pair that come with your Android smartphone. This is only really a worthwhile plan if you're prone to losing headphones, because — ultimately — the standard-issue headphones are never that good. If you regularly enjoy music or podcasts, it's definitely worth investing in a more expensive pair that offer more useful features like active noise cancellation or companion apps.

What are the best headphones for Android?

To help you find something that will work for you and your Android device, we have tracked down a selection of your best options. We've done the research, read the online reviews, and have come up with a list of the best headphones for Android users.

These are the best headphones for Android devices in 2025.

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. India (Test 5) for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There's something special about a Test series involving India. You always get passionate supporters, big name players, and electric cricket.

Fans of Test cricket will have had India's tour of England circled in their calendars for some time. It doesn't get much bigger than this. With England still leading this incredible series 2-1, the attention now turns to the all-important final Test match at The Oval. And the best thing about this Test match is that anyone can watch for free with a quick and easy hack.

If you want to watch England vs. India (Test 5) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is India's tour of England?

India's tour of England consists of five Test matches:

• England vs. India (Test 1) — June 20-24

• England vs. India (Test 2) — July 2-6

• England vs. India (Test 3) — July 10-14

• England vs. India (Test 4) — July 23-27

• England vs. India (Test 5) — July 31 to Aug. 4

The great news for fans is that it's possible to live stream every Test match without spending anything.

How to watch England vs. India (Test 5) for free

England vs. India (Test 5) is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream India's tour of England for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access (like Italy). This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Live stream England vs. India (Test 5) by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to 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 a location with access (like Italy)

4. Visit ICC.TV

5. Live stream England vs. India (Test 5) 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 aren't free, but leading VPN providers do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you'll be able access free live streams without actually spending anything. This is a temporary fix, but it gives you enough time to stream England vs. India (Test 5) before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to live stream England vs. India (Test 5), 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months of coverage for free — 61% off list price. This deal includes a year of unlimited data backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream England vs. India (Test 5) for free with ExpressVPN.

Buying headphones for your kids sounds like a good idea. For starters, you won't have to listen to their terrible YouTube videos for the millionth time. Or their music. Or any other kids' entertainment that's given you an horrendous ear worm lately.

But there's a more important reason to buy your kids some headphones. Your child's ears are super sensitive while they're still developing and it's possible to damage them with sounds of over 85 decibels. Using adult headphones isn't the best idea. Not unless you can convince them to lower the volume, which is harder than it should be. Chances are the little tykes will crank the volume back up when you leave the room.

Instead, you're better off purchasing a pair of headphones designed specifically for children. Kids' headphones will fit better on little heads and usually have a volume limiter to keep the decibels down. But how do you sort one set of kids' headphones from another? We've done some research and put together some helpful info.

Do kids need wired or wireless headphones?

It depends on how much you want to spend, and whether you can recharge headphones on a regular basis. Many of the wireless headphones listed in this roundup have decent battery life, but they are typically more expensive than wired versions. However, if your child is particularly young, wired headphones can be a risk, so always supervise them while they're using their headphones.

What's the maximum noise level for children?

Generally, many auditory health organisations recommend that the ideal noise level for a child is about 70db, and that volumes should never exceed 85db. Most adult headphones peak at about 115db, which is why it's important to use dedicated headphones for your child rather than just giving them yours. And remember that the limit is a limit, not a guide, so they should aim to play music a little quieter.

Can a child use earbuds?

In-ear buds are great for adults, but they're not recommended for children. Developing ears are more sensitive to noise damage because their nerve fibres are still growing. Also, due to having smaller external auditory canals, the eardrum is always closer to the sound source. Their little ears are just too delicate to put at risk.

Is there a limit of headphone use for kids?

Similar to limiting screen time, it's sensible to restrict your child's use of headphones to a maximum of two hours a day. It's all about moderation. Any longer than that can cause damage to your child's ears, even if they are using a volume limiter.

What are the best headphones for kids?

This is a difficult question to answer because there are so many options out there, but we've tried to give you a clear picture of the best headphones for your kids. We recommend checking out everything on this list, because there really is something for everyone and every budget right here. You know your kids best, so it's really up to you.

These are the best headphones for kids in 2025.

SAVE $50: As of July 30, the 11th-generation Apple iPad (128GB, WiFi) is back under $300. Scoop it up at Amazon for $299 and save 14% or $50.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 11th-generation Apple iPad (128GB, WiFi) $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50 Get Deal

It may not be as impressive as the Pro or Air, but the basic iPad is proof that Apple can create solid entry-level tech. Even after its 2025 glow up, it's still the most affordable tablet in Apple's lineup — even defeating the mini.

As of July 30, the already budget-friendly iPad (11th generation) is back down to just $299 at Amazon. That's $50 or 14% in savings from its usual list price of $349. While that's not its lowest price to date, it's still a stellar price point for what you're getting.

The 11th-generation iPad brought us some much-appreciated upgrades, including a processor boost to Apple's A16 chip, the same one found in the latest iPhones. That means switching between apps is smoother, performance is snappier, and load times are more instant. The base model also comes with 128GB of storage, which is effectively double what previous iPad base models packed under the hood.

While it probably won't wow you like the iPad Pro, the basic iPad (11th generation) still does a great job for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, reading, or even doubling as a budget laptop. And at $299, it's the cheapest new iPad you'll find.

Headphone jacks were removed from most smartphones and they're disappearing from other devices fast. However, that doesn't mean you have to stop using your wired headphones, especially if you invested in good ones.

I'm about two years into my switch from Android to iPhone—and I'm not having a good time. While I love my Mac, my iPad, and all my other Apple stuff, I just can't get comfortable with Apple's best-selling product.