IT General

SAVE $60: As of June 26, this Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle is on sale for $489.97 at Amazon. That's a saving of 11% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $489.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $60 Get Deal

The Kindle Scribe bundle is back on sale, and we couldn't be happier with this pre-Prime Day treat. The Kindle Scribe was released last year and has quickly become a fan favorite in the Kindle lineup. Not only can you read your favorite books, but you can now take notes and write on books.

As of June 26, the bundle is priced at just $489.99 (for the 64GB model), down from $549.99. The deal comes with the Premium Pen so you can jot down notes and convert them to text as easily as writing in a notebook. Unlike the basic pen, this model comes with an eraser so you can quickly remove mistakes just by flipping the pen. It is also battery-free and works through a special power source embedded in the Kindle Scribe, so there is no need to charge it.

SEE ALSO: Kindle deals are sparse ahead of Prime Day — for now

With the bundle, you also get a 9W power adapter and a plant-based leather folio to store it away. According to Amazon, the plant-based leather is made from 76% renewable bio-materials (non-GMO corn and viscose fiber from Forest Stewardship Council-certified sources) and 24% polyurethane. The jade is currently sold out, so the only color option is black.

Alongside its note-taking abilities, the Kindle Scribe has a 10.2-inch 300 ppi Paperwhite display, glare-free and ink-free. So, like the original Kindle, it's perfect for sitting outside in the sun or harsh lighting. And if you're someone who reads on the go a lot, the Scribe has the best battery life of any model, promising to last months on a single charge.

Start working through your TBR list with this fantastic deal.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Hisense 55" Class QD6 Series (2025 Model) QLED 4K UHD TV — $259.99 (List Price $379.99)

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

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: Superstar

• Green: Athletic bases

• Blue: Tennis pros

• Purple: Sporty place settings

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Prodigy

• Green: New York City Sporting Venue

• Blue: U.S. men to wind Wimbledon

• Purple: Sports terms on the dinner table

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 #276 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Prodigy - PHENOM, SENSATION, WHIZ, WUNDERKIND

• New York City Sporting Venue - BARCLAYS, CITI, MSG, YANKEE

• U.S. men to wind Wimbledon - AGASSI, ASHE, MCENROE, SAMPRAS

• Sports terms on the dinner table - FORKBALL, HOME PLATE, STANLEY CUP, SUPER BOWL

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

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.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, June 26, 2025:

AcrossFictional maker of the Little Giant Do-It-Yourself Rocket-Sled Kit

• The answer is ACME.

Sound made while revving an imaginary motorcycle

• The answer is Vroom.

Plant from which mezcal is distilled

• The answer is Agave.

Wannabe or tryhard

• The answer is Poser.

What a ticket entitles you to

• The answer is Entry.

DownNoble gas used in semiconductor manufacturing

• The answer is Argon.

Shore

• The answer is Coast.

Worker who's typically busiest around the last day of each month

• The answer is Mover.

Kind of board at a nail salon

• The answer is Emery.

Hit a pen

• The answer is Vape.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

Apple has my heart (at least in terms of smartphone ownership), but if I were in the market for a new handset this year, Samsung provides some serious temptation.

My pink iPhone 16 is doing just fine, but plenty of folks out there will be left with a difficult choice in the latter half of this year: Which new phone should I get? Samsung has some exciting new foldables on the way in July, while Apple's iPhone 17 lineup is sure to launch around September. Officially, we don't know a ton about either device yet, but we know enough that I can say there are at least a couple of intriguing reasons to consider the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7 over the iPhone 17.

Let's get into them.

Why I'd consider a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 over an iPhone 17 this year

For the sake of clarity, the Z Flip 7 is the smaller of the two Samsung foldables. It folds into a compact clamshell shape, and the Z Fold 7 turns into a mini-tablet.

The Z Flip 7 is just more fun

First order of business: A clamshell foldable is just more fun than a regular smartphone. This is indisputable. It's ironclad logic.

Who doesn't love folding and unfolding a little thing periodically throughout the day? Those of you who aren't old enough to remember real flip phones may not understand, but there was an innate satisfaction in pulling one out of your pocket and almost violently flipping it open to answer a call. You felt like you were doing business.

Samsung's Z Flip series hasn't quite delivered on that particular front (opening the phone has traditionally taken slightly more effort than old flip phones did), but the fact of the matter is that a Z Flip 7 will be a conversation starter. People might even think you're more interesting for owning one. More importantly, your smartphone has an extra way to make you smile throughout the day, and foldables provide that in a way a regular iPhone wouldn't.

It can do things an iPhone can't An iPhone can't do this, at least not easily. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

Probably the most salient argument one could make in favor of a foldable versus an iPhone is that there's practical, everyday functionality built into the form factor that an iPhone can't reproduce.

I'm more of a Z Fold guy in this respect, as the bigger unfolded display is great for things like reading and streaming videos. But the Z Flip is no slouch here, either. The foldable shape allows for some neat features. Split-screen multitasking is a big one, allowing users to have two apps open on the inner display at once. On the outside, the exterior display can tip you off to important notifications without asking you to open your phone, which is nice for people who would rather not be staring at their phones at all times.

Samsung's Flip phones also offer increased versatility for photography, both of the regular and selfie varieties. You can partially unfold it, place the flat end on a table, and set the timer for self-shots, for example. Being able to set it down for photography also guarantees a level image...unless your table isn't level. If that's the case, that's your problem, not mine.

It might offer elite performance

This last bit is speculative on my part, but it's reasonable to expect high-quality performance out of the Z Flip 7 because of what Samsung has been doing with its high-end phones this year.

Every phone in the S25 line, including the Ultra and the Edge, is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset that provides incredible benchmarking scores on top of reliable everyday performance. We don't know yet if either of Samsung's new foldables will be powered by the same chipset, though rumors point to that being the case with the Z Fold 7. I would bet, if that's the case, that the Z Flip 7 also has a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip inside.

Of course, the iPhone 17 will almost certainly perform well, too. It's just nice to know that anyone who opts for the cute lil' foldable might also get elite performance. A Samsung might also be better for those interested in T-Mobile's new cellular Starlink service, where dozens of Androids are supported a bit easier than the iPhone.

In the meantime, if you're also curious about the Samsung Z Flip 7, then I recommend tuning into the Samsung Unpacked event on July 9.

Meta just won a major ruling in a landmark case about how copyright law and fair use applies to AI model training, the second such loss for authors this week. Just days ago, Anthropic won a fair use case as well.

Late Wednesday afternoon, U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California Vince Chhabria denied the plaintiffs' motion for partial summary judgment. At issue in the case: whether Meta's use of pirated books to train its Llama AI models violated copyright law. In the case, Richard Kadrey, et al. v. Meta Platforms Inc., authors including Richard Kadrey, Sarah Silverman, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Junot Diaz accused Meta of copyright infringement.

In the discovery phase of the case, internal Meta messages revealed that the company used pirated datasets with copies of 7.5 million pirated books and 81 million research papers, according to The Atlantic's LibGen investigation.

What may seem like a blatant theft for profit in the eyes of the authors is actually a much more complex deliberation in copyright law. It's undisputed that Meta torrented terabytes of pirated books, but its lawyers successfully defended this act under the fair use doctrine, which allows the use of copyrighted works in certain contexts. Kadrey v. Meta is one of dozens of copyright lawsuits against AI companies making their way through the U.S. court system. At the heart of these fights is a battle of values: the rights and livelihoods of artists versus technological innovation at all costs.

How the authors lost their fair use argument

Of the four fair use factors, the case mostly hinged on factor one, whether the use is transformative, and factor four, whether the use harms the existing or future market for the copyrighted work. Meta clinched factor one. "There is no serious question that Meta’s use of the plaintiffs’ books had a 'further purpose' and 'different character' than the books—that it was highly transformative," said Chhabria in his ruling. Relatedly, Anthropic won a fair use case on Tuesday, with U.S. District Judge William Alsup deeming its Claude models transformative.

So the bulk of the deliberation came down to the fourth factor, or market harms. Chhabria said the plaintiffs failed to successfully argue that Meta caused market harm, for example, by regurgitating verbatim excerpts of books, robbing authors of AI licensing deals, or diluting the market with AI-generated copycats.

"Meta has defeated the plaintiffs’ half-hearted argument that its copying causes or threatens significant market harm," said Chhabria. "That conclusion may be in significant tension with reality, but it’s dictated by the choice the plaintiffs made... while failing to present meaningful evidence on the effect of training LLMs like Llama with their books on the market for [AI-generated] books."

Chhabria's decision was forecasted during the oral arguments held on May 1. The judge grilled lead plaintiff counsel David Boies about his team's shortcomings in presenting the market harm argument. "Whether it's in the summary judgment record or not, it seems like you're asking me to speculate that the market for Sarah Silverman's memoir will be affected by the billions of things that Llama will ultimately be capable of producing," said Chhabria "and it's just not obvious to me that that's the case."

Chhabria even pushed Boies to argue more strongly for market harms, saying, "you lose if you can't show that the market for the copyrighted works that are being used to train the models are dramatically impacted."

Almost two months later, Chhabria made this decision final.

"We appreciate today’s decision from the Court," said a Meta spokesperson about the ruling. "Open-source AI models are powering transformative innovations, productivity and creativity for individuals and companies, and fair use of copyright material is a vital legal framework for building this transformative technology."

The copyright battle against AI companies will continue

The ruling does contain some good news for authors and artists, just not for the 13 authors involved in this case. Judge Chhabria emphasized that his decision isn't a precedent that applies to all such cases.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Chhabria explained in his ruling that his decision was less about the fair use defense of using pirated books to train AI models and more about the shortcomings of the plaintiffs' argument. "The Court had no choice but to grant summary judgment to Meta," said the judge, before adding:

"This is not a class action, so the ruling only affects the rights of these thirteen authors—not the countless others whose works Meta used to train its models. And, as should now be clear, this ruling does not stand for the proposition that Meta’s use of copyrighted materials to train its language models is lawful. It stands only for the proposition that these plaintiffs made the wrong arguments and failed to develop a record in support of the right one."

Chhabria also said he believed "it will be illegal to copy copyright-protected works to train generative AI models without permission." On a possibly related note, this May, the U.S. Copyright Office released a pre-publication version of a highly anticipated report on copyright law and AI. The report concluded that training AI models on copyrighted works without permission is likely not fair use. However, the report came out days before President Donald Trump fired the head of the Copyright Office, so it’s unclear what impact this preliminary report could have on future cases.

Meta's fair use ruling is certainly a setback for authors and other creatives. But as Chhabria signaled, the fight is far from over.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

NASA’s Curiosity rover has started drilling into a bizarre landscape on Mars that could upend assumptions about when the Red Planet truly dried out. 

After a long drive, the Mini Cooper-sized robot reached a so-called boxwork region, where a gridlike pattern of ridges splays over six to 12 miles. For years, orbiters had observed this area from space but never up close. 

Scientists had hypothesized before the rover arrived that the peculiar ridges formed with the last trickles of water in the region before it dried out for good. But mineral veins discovered in the boxwork suggest groundwater stuck around longer than anyone expected. 

The bedrock between the ridges contains tiny white veins of calcium sulfate, a salty mineral left behind as groundwater seeps into rock cracks. Deposits of the material were plentiful in lower rock layers from an earlier Martian period. But no one thought they'd appear in the layer Curiosity is exploring now, which formed much later. 

"That’s really surprising," said Curiosity’s deputy project scientist, Abigail Fraeman, in a statement. "These calcium sulfate veins used to be everywhere, but they more or less disappeared as we climbed higher up Mount Sharp. The team is excited to figure out why they’ve returned now."

SEE ALSO: Rubin Observatory's first images flaunt millions of galaxies. Take a look.

Ancient Mars used to be wetter — flush with rivers, lakes, and maybe even oceans — but over billions of years, it turned into a dusty, cold desert. What’s unclear is when that shift happened and how long conditions suitable for life might have lingered. Curiosity’s new findings complicate what scientists thought they knew about the timeline.

The rover has spent more than a decade in Gale Crater climbing Mount Sharp, reading the rock layers like pages in a planetary chronicle. The layer it’s on now is chock-full of magnesium sulfates, salty minerals that typically form as water evaporates. That fits the narrative researchers had expected: This was supposed to be a chapter when Mars was well on its way to arid.

That's why a new sample Curiosity drilled this month, dubbed Altadena, could be enlightening. As the rover analyzes the boxwork's composition, scientists may gain a better understanding of how it formed, what minerals are present, and whether any clues about ancient single-celled microorganisms might be hidden there. The rover will drill more ridges in the coming months to compare them and evaluate how groundwater may have changed over time.

Bedrock between the boxwork ridges contains tiny white veins of calcium sulfate. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS

The mission’s next targets lie farther into the boxwork region, where the patterns grow larger and more distinct. Curiosity will keep looking for organic molecules and other potential evidence of a habitable environment in Mars' ancient past.

The rover team has begun nicknaming features after places near Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, one of the driest, saltiest places on Earth. It's reminiscent of the Martian landscape Curiosity is sightseeing today. 

"Early Earth microbes could have survived in a similar environment," said Kirsten Siebach, a rover scientist based in Houston, in an earlier statement. "That makes this an exciting place to explore."

In the world of K-pop Demon Hunters, saving the world is just another item in an idol’s busy schedule. But for the young women of Huntrix, a K-pop trio who double as supernatural warriors, the real battle isn’t with monsters. It’s with the pressures of perfection, the weight of expectation, and the question that haunts every performer: Who are you when the spotlight turns off?

Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, Netflix’s latest animated feature is vibrant, action-packed, and surprisingly heartfelt. Beneath its sparkly surface lies a story that understands the soul of K-pop, a genre built on duality — glamour and grit, fantasy and discipline, spectacle and sincerity. More than that, K-pop Demon Hunters is a smart, emotionally grounded celebration of Korean culture, idol group dynamics, and the power of finding your voice, even if you have to scream it through a demon portal.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix movies of 2025 now streaming A supernatural storyline grounded in K-pop reality. They’re hot, they sing, they’re demons. The Saja Boys are literally draining us. Credit: Netflix

Netflix’s K-pop Demon Hunters could’ve easily gone the way of camp parody or industry critique, but instead, the animated action-comedy threads the needle, embracing the spectacle of K-pop while digging deeper into the emotional and cultural core that makes it so powerful. The film follows Huntrix, a wildly popular K-pop girl group that also moonlights as demon slayers tasked with protecting the Honmoon, a golden-hued barrier that keeps demons from the human world.

Of course, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey also have to protect their idol image. Like many real-life groups, Huntrix functions as a carefully calibrated constellation of personalities. Rumi (voiced by Arden Cho) is the group’s powerhouse leader, driven and disciplined, with a voice that could level buildings (think TWICE’s Jihyo); Mira (voiced by May Hong) is the icy main dancer, cool and composed but hiding deeper vulnerabilities; and Zoey (voiced by Ji-young Yoo), the maknae and resident rapper from America, brings chaotic good energy and comic relief in equal measure. Together, they embody the familiar archetypes of K-pop stardom — but the film gives each one interiority, pushing past the image to reveal the person underneath.

SEE ALSO: Le Sserafim on tech, style, and staying connected in a digital world

The soundtrack mirrors this layered approach. It blends original songs written for both Huntrix and their rival demon boy band, the Saja Boys, with real-world K-pop hits from EXO, TWICE, and even first-gen icons Seo Taiji and Boys. The result is a musical landscape that feels as expansive as K-pop's rich history.

At first glance, K-pop Demon Hunters is a fun, flashy premise built for a TikTok generation. But what makes K-pop Demon Hunters truly compelling is how it engages with the duality at the heart of idol-dom: the tension between public persona and private self, the intense pressure to be "perfect," and the strength it takes to keep showing up for your fans, your group, and yourself.

K-pop commentary with heart, not cynicism. And a whole lot of style. Mira and Zoey said: Heart eyes only. Credit: Netflix

Unlike some recent Western takes on the music industry, K-pop Demon Hunters doesn’t reduce K-pop to a punchline. Instead, it treats the genre with sincerity and admiration, capturing both the magic and the machinery behind it. The film nods to the punishing schedules and image management that idols endure, but it never frames these as soul-sucking. (Well, until the Saja Boys show up... more on that later.) Rather, they’re part of a complex system that produces global stars and also lifelong bonds.

This is clearest in the way the story centers the group dynamics of Huntrix. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey aren’t just colleagues or stage partners — they're more like sisters. They fight demons and train together, but they also share ramen, tease each other backstage, and show up for one another when things get tough. Their friendship is the emotional backbone of the film, grounding even its most outrageous action sequences with warmth and authenticity.

Visually, K-pop Demon Hunters is a feast. The animation is dynamic and electric, bursting with bold textures and expressive flair. Characters emote big: Eyes turn into literal hearts, pupils pop like kernels of corn, and meme-like visual gags heighten the humor and emotional stakes in equal measure. It’s a style that feels delightfully unrestrained, drawing inspiration from anime, internet culture, and the kinetic energy of Spider-Verse-era pop art (K-pop Demon Hunters was also produced by Sony Pictures Animation). Whether it’s a high-octane demon battle or a backstage heart-to-heart, the animation enhances the emotional beats without ever feeling cluttered. Like K-pop itself, it’s meticulously crafted, slightly chaotic, and impossibly fun to watch.

Saja Boys: The soul-sucking boy band you'll still stan. Don't be fooled by their good looks! They'll suck your soul. Credit: Netflix

Every great girl group needs a worthy foil, and K-pop Demon Hunters delivers with the Saja Boys, a fictional boy band who are as heartthrobby as they are villainous. Styled with the swagger of MONSTA X and the media polish of a third-gen powerhouse like BTS, they’re instantly memeable, especially when they make their slow-motion entrance to EXO’s “Love Me Right,” hair tousled, eyes smoldering, abs rippling, evil intentions barely concealed.

That’s because these boys aren’t just Huntrix's industry rivals, they’re demons. Literally. Sent to the human world to seduce fans and drain their souls, the Saja Boys weaponize their good looks, honey-dipped vocals, and perfectly synchronized choreography to suck the souls out of anyone who dares to stan. It’s a brilliantly pointed metaphor: boy bands that feed off obsession, idol worship that consumes. The commentary is sharp, but it never veers into scolding — just a winking acknowledgment of how powerful and parasocial pop fandom can be.

And yet, like any good boy group, they’re hard to resist. Jinu (voiced by Ahn Hyo-seop), the group’s devilishly handsome, conflicted leader, has an undeniable spark with Rumi that hints at a deeper emotional arc, and his softening adds just the right amount of romantic tension to the story. The film smartly positions him not just as a villain, but as someone wrestling with identity, loyalty, and maybe even love.

It’s also telling how quickly the internet has latched onto the Saja Boys. Within the film’s world (and in real life), their popularity eclipses Huntrix almost immediately, yet another sly nod to the way boy groups often dominate mainstream attention, no matter how hard girl groups work to earn their place. From viral fan edits to spicy fan art, they’re already the internet’s newest obsession.

Real K-pop hitmakers make the music soar.

Of course, no film about K-pop would work without killer music, and K-pop Demon Hunters understands the assignment. The original soundtrack, created in collaboration with producers from THEBLACKLABEL (home to Taeyang, Jeon Somi, and BLACKPINK), is genuinely impressive. Songs like "Golden" and "Takedown" wouldn’t feel out of place on a real idol group’s comeback album, with propulsive beats, dynamic hooks, and lyrics that tap into both the emotional highs and warrior-like tenacity of being an idol.

That’s thanks in part to K-pop singer-songwriter EJAE, who provides Rumi's singing voice and helped pen many of the film's original tracks. Her involvement brings a layer of authenticity to the film’s sound, blurring the line between fiction and reality. And looking at her IRL song credits ("Drama" by aespa, "O.O. by NMIXX, "Birthday" by Red Velvet), she knows a thing or two about writing a girl-group banger. It's no surprise that the songs on the soundtrack are already charting on Spotify.

She’s joined by Audrey Nuna (as Mira's singing voice) and Rei Ami (as Zoey's), both of whom bring their own vocal flair to the film's genre-hopping tracks.

K-pop Demon Hunters gets it right.

What makes K-pop Demon Hunters so effective isn’t just that it nails the aesthetic; it gets the emotions right. It understands why fans keep showing up: for the bonds between members, the resilience behind the glamour, and the shared dreams that power it all. It’s a film that celebrates girlhood, creativity, and Korean identity without glossing over the costs of fame. And it does so while being genuinely, delightfully fun to watch.

For K-pop fans, there’s plenty to love, from the pitch-perfect idol archetypes to a scene-stealing variety show face-off between Huntrix and the Saja Boys. But even for the uninitiated, K-pop Demon Hunters is an accessible, wildly entertaining entry point into a global phenomenon that refuses to be boxed in. And yes — the soundtrack absolutely slaps.

K-pop Demon Hunters is now streaming on Netflix.

In its third season, The Bear turned its spotlight on chef Tina Marrero (Liza Colón-Zayas), with its "Napkins" episode centering her in a similar way to how Season 2's "Honeydew" and "Forks" centered on Marcus (Lionel Boyce) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).

That focus granted viewers a new appreciation of the longtime Beef/Bear staff member. "Napkins" offered up a thoughtful look at Tina's daily routine before she came to work at The Original Beef of Chicagoland. Viewers met her family, ached for her as she struggled to find a new job, and likely teared up during her first meeting with Mikey Berzatto (Jon Bernthal).

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear's biggest problem is time: Full season review

Absolutely one of Season 3's strongest outings, "Napkins" pushed Tina to the forefront in a way that mirrored her new importance and purpose in the kitchen of The Bear. Colón-Zayas even went on to win an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in 2024. (Eligibility-wise, the award was for her work in Season 2, but her performance in the far more recent Season 3 undoubtedly swayed voters' opinions.)

With Tina and Colón-Zayas both getting their flowers in Season 3, what new ways would Season 4 find to make them shine? What would be in store for Tina on her next steps on her culinary path?

The answer: pasta. Just... pasta.

For the entirety of The Bear Season 4 — which spans 60 days, according to the countdown clock in The Bear's kitchen — Tina has one goal, and one goal only: Turn a pasta dish around in under three minutes.

By the end of the season, she gets there, managing to make and plate a pasta dish in two minutes and 59 seconds. It's a professional victory for Tina, and a personal one too, given the amount of pressure she put on herself to overcome this obstacle. But also... that's it? After giving Tina more to do season over season, you're just going to stick her in pasta hell for all of Season 4? After the memorable highs of "Napkins," you're just going to relegate Tina to texting Sydney, "Mama this pasta is killing me" in the middle of the night? It's not just the pasta, this whole plotline is killing me!

Tina's one-note storyline this season — minus the "Mama this pasta is killing me" text, which might just be the comedic highlight of all of Season 4 — is a symptom of The Bear's broader pacing problems. Characters outside of Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) get very little to do, stuck in repetitive loops. Look no further than Gary (Corey Hendrix), still struggling with wine dates by the end of the season. Or Marcus (Lionel Boyce), whose winning of Best New Chef from Food & Wine rings hollow given that we barely know a thing about the pastries he's been making all season-long. But forget about giving these established characters any time! Every second counts, and we have to spend a good chunk of those seconds on Teddy Fak's (Ricky Staffieri) burgeoning relationship with Kelly (Mitra Jouhari), for some reason.

The minimizing of Tina is extra frustrating following her role in Season 3, not just because it diminishes her previously established importance, but because it also reframes "Napkins" in a worse light.

While "Napkins" provides important context to Tina's character, I was also underwhelmed by its use of flashback, writing in my Season 3 review, "The flashback format of the episode is disappointing: We've already seen Tina grow leaps and bounds as a chef and a person since the beginning of The Bear. Why can't we hone in on that growth as The Bear gets up and running? Why do we have to look to the past, when other character-centric episodes root us in the present?"

In my mind, as solid as "Napkins" is, and as great as Colón-Zayas is in it, setting Tina's episode in the past suggested The Bear had little idea of what to do with Tina in the present. Season 4 proves that. Instead of growing her further as a chef and a character, The Bear gives Tina one repetitive task and pushes her to the sidelines, which I assume smell like pasta. And as we all know, that pasta is killing her.

Frankly, if all I can remember about a key character's storyline is one text, then that pasta might just be killing the show too.

All episodes of The Bear Season 4 are now streaming on Hulu.

In The Bear Season 4, episode 1, Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) reaffirms his quest for The Bear to get a Michelin star. After all, if the restaurant earns one, the recognition could bring in more customers and save The Bear from financial ruin.

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' Season 4 wastes everyone's time: Full season review

By the end of Season 4, The Bear has not heard whether they've earned the Michelin star. The lack of follow-through on this key plot point is just one of many ways in which Season 4 drops the ball on any kind of pacing and urgency, even though The Bear's crew are staring down a two-month doomsday clock reminding them of the restaurant's imminent closure. But every second counts, right?

Still, the Michelin star plotline wasn't entirely abandoned, because the show hints pretty hard that a Michelin inspector visited The Bear.

In Season 4, episode 3, after Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) gives a dining party the surprise of a sandwich from the Chicago Beef, he briefly connects with another impressed customer (Gary Janetti).

"You have a bunch of mind readers in here," the customer says, going on to praise Sydney's (Ayo Edebiri) new scallop dish and The Bear's "excellent vibe."

Later, he catches sight of Richie's other big surprise: turning the outside of the Beef sandwich window into a winter wonderland so that a recently cancer-free diner traveling in from Los Angeles can experience a Chicago snow in person. It's clear the customer Richie spoke to is touched by the display, which is a good thing, because he's definitely the Michelin inspector.

First, the show's outsize focus on an unnamed diner hints pretty hard that he's someone important. Second, the show drops a major, Chicago-specific hint about his role.

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' Season 4 does Tina dirty

In Season 4, episode 2, The Bear's staff strategizes over how to spot a Michelin inspector. According to the former Ever staff and real-life Chicago restaurateur Donnie Madia (playing himself), no one knows who the inspectors are, but there are signs. Sometimes they fiddle with their reservation at the last second, or bring a celebrity as a distraction.

"You do hear things, though," Madia says. "Like they use a weird last name. Like a street in the city they're visiting."

What name does the mystery diner's driver call him as she comes to pick him up from the restaurant? None other than Mr. Clark — and Clark is a major street in Chicago! Case closed, Janetti's customer is the Michelin inspector Carmy and his team were so dreading serving.

The good news is that the inspector appeared impressed with his experience at The Bear. He enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, plus he got to witness some of Richie's surprises. Maybe he'll dock points for Richie securing him an extra sandwich from the Beef, since Madia advised staff not to pamper the Michelin inspector more than they would a usual guest. But it seems like Richie truly didn't know and was just providing a nice service, so maybe the inspector will let it slide.

The bad news? The inspector's visit has no bearing on the rest of the season. Instead, a late visit by a Food & Wine critic ends up having more of an impact.

I'm sure Michelin will come back into play in a potential Season 5. However, to front-load the season with mentions of it only never to circle back is a massive failure of pacing, as well as a sign that The Bear is confused about its own priorities. At least we'll always have that Clark Street Easter egg.

The Bear Season 4 is now streaming on Hulu.

Warning: Contains major spoilers for The Bear Season 4.

The Bear is a show that loves its famous guest stars, and Season 4 is no exception.

This season sees a mixture of new and returning faces, with some of the big names we saw in Season 2's "Fishes" episode making another appearance, and other new and very famous faces joining them for an episode or two.

From Francie Fak finally being unveiled to a recurring role for a very famous director, we've broken down all the Season 4 guest stars below.

New guest starsBrie Larson as Francie Fak

In the buildup to the wedding of Tiff (Gillian Jacobs) and Frank (Josh Hartnett), it's apparent that we may finally get a glimpse of Francie Fak — a character that Natalie (Abby Elliott) has long had beef with, even though we're never told why. Sure enough, Francie is indeed at the wedding in episode 7, and she's played by none other than Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson. The two of them rage at each other for a while, then ultimately make amends. (It's still not entirely clear why they fell out in the first place.)

Rob Reiner as Albert

Rob Reiner, legendary director of two of the all-time greatest Stephen King adaptations (Stand By Me and Misery), has a recurring role in Season 4 as Ebraheim's (Edwin Lee Gibson) business mentor, Albert. Albert helps Ebraheim come up with a plan to franchise The Beef sandwich shop by expanding into new territories.

Danielle Deadwyler as Chantel

Danielle Deadwyler (Till, Station Eleven) has a starring role opposite Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) in episode 4 (the same episode Edebiri co-wrote with Lionel Boyce), playing a hairdresser who's also a longtime friend of Sydney's.

Kate Berlant as an AI-Anon member

Comedian Kate Berlant only has a short scene at the start of episode 5, where she plays a member of the Al-Anon group that Carmy attends. But she absolutely crushes the monologue she does have, which is about her experience of leaving her brother — a recovering addict — at home by himself while she has to go out of town.

Alpana Singh as a sommelier

In episode 2, budding sommelier Sweeps (Corey Hendrix) visits a restaurant to get a wine lesson from another sommelier. The twist is the woman in question is actual real-life sommelier and restauranteur Alpana Singh.

Returning guest stars

There's no John Cena this season, but there are a lot of returning guest stars, many of whom appear at Tiff and Frank's wedding in episode 7.

Sarah Paulson as Michelle Berzatto

Carmy's cousin Michelle (Sarah Paulson), who let him stay with her in New York after that nightmarish Christmas in Season 2's "Fishes", attends Tiff's wedding. She can't stay long, but she's in a few scenes with Tiff and the rest of the family.

John Mulaney as Stevie

Michelle's partner Stevie (John Mulaney) is in top comic-relief form in episode 7, helping the Faks pitch one of their quirky business schemes to Pete (Chris Witaske) and taking part in an amusing exchange with Syd and Carmy about the latter's time in New York.

Bob Odenkirk as Uncle Lee

One of the most moving scenes in episode 7 comes courtesy of a less-fiery Uncle Lee (Bob Odenkirk), the same man who had that horrendous argument with Mikey back in the "Fishes" episode. This time Lee finds Carmy hiding out in the kitchen, and shares some poignant words about the things Mikey used to tell him about his brother.

Jon Bernthal as Mikey Berzatto

Speaking of Mikey, Jon Bernthal is also back in Season 4, appearing in an opening flashback with Carmy that reveals where the idea for The Bear's name came from.

Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto

Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis), the troubled and terrifying matriarch of the Berzatto family, has several key moments in Season 4. She's briefly at the wedding in episode 7, where she shares a surprisingly tension-free conversation with Sydney — and then she has a large role in episode 9 opposite Carmy, trying to make amends for her past behavior.

Will Poulter as Luca

Pastry chef Luca (Will Poulter), who trained with Marcus (Lionel Boyce) back in Denmark in Season 2, has a recurring role in Season 4 as a stage at The Bear — basically, he's a glorified unpaid intern. As such, Luca helps Marcus with the desert station.

The Bear Season 4 is streaming now on FX.

Warning: Contains spoilers for The Bear, Season 4.

After a lot of waiting around for characters to do things in Season 3, Season 4 of The Bear has a lot more stuff happening — from the literal ticking clock of the restaurant running out of money to Carmy's (Jeremy Allen White) quest to get a Michelin star.

And while the show's cliffhanger this time around isn't quite as abrupt as the one in Season 3, there is still a lot to unpack about how things end for the characters. Below, we've recapped what happened and speculated on what it might mean — and what comes next.

What happens in The Bear, Season 4?

The Bear itself isn't in a great place at the start of Season 4. The restaurant's first review from the Chicago Tribune (the review Carmy reads in the Season 3 finale) was a very mixed bag, with the resulting patchy press leading Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) and Computer (Brian Koppelman) to install a countdown clock in the kitchen that shows exactly how long the team has to turn things around before they run out of money.

Things are looking bleak, but Carmy still holds out hope of getting a Michelin star and saving the restaurant. Meanwhile Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) is still struggling with the decision of whether to leave The Bear for Ever, Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) is coming to terms with the stepdad (Josh Hartnett) in his daughter's life, Marcus (Lionel Boyce) weighs up reconnecting with his dad, Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson) wants to expand the success of the sandwich shop, and Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) is attempting to cook a pasta dish in under three minutes (yes, this is her entire Season 4 storyline).

What happens at the end of The Bear, Season 4?

The final episode of the season takes place almost entirely out the back of the restaurant, just after the clock has run out during the latest shift. Carmy makes the decision to quit The Bear for the good of the restaurant, sparking a heated argument between him, Sydney, and Richie that eventually leads to a deeper conversation about Carmy's brother Mikey (Jon Bernthal) and the wake of his death. It's a pivotal moment in the relationship between Carmy and Richie, in particular, with the shouting finally giving way to an honest sharing of emotion and apparent reconnection.

But Carmy's mind about quitting is still made up, and Sydney makes him a deal — she'll stay, rejecting Ever's chef de cuisine offer, provided Sydney, Richie, and Carmy's sister Natalie (Abby Elliott) are added to The Bear's ownership paperwork. Carmy agrees. In the final scene, Natalie arrives, Carmy tells her he's going to quit, and she hugs him.

Will the restaurant stay open in The Bear?

This is the big question of Season 4's finale. All the planning about whose name is going to be on the paperwork won't mean anything unless The Bear is actually able to stay in business, and the restaurant's numbers — despite an improvement over the season — still aren't looking great.

At the end of episode 8, with the clock about to run out, Natalie sits down opposite Computer to have a frank conversation about the state of The Bear.

"How long can you pay them?" Computer asks.

"We got a day left on the parachute," Natalie responds.

"How inspiring. What then?"

"Then it's what we bring in every night. We have a reduced payroll, we have a reduced menu, we can cover both."

Carmy quitting will reduce the payroll, and Sydney has already shown that she's able to effectively trim down the complexity of a menu and save money. But our best guess? The biggest help for The Bear will come from two other places: The chance of a surprise Michelin star (who is that mysterious diner in glasses, Mr Clark, from episode 3?) and the possibility of The Beef sandwich shop expanding into a franchise thanks to the work Ebraheim does with his new business mentor (Rob Reiner) throughout the season.

Is Carmy really going to quit The Bear?

In the season finale, Carmy says he's quitting because it's the best thing for the restaurant — but in this case, it may also be the best thing for him. As he explains to Sydney and Richie, Carmy wants to take time away from the kitchen to work on himself — and honestly, it's about time.

"I don't know what I'm like, Richie," Carmy says. "Like outside of the kitchen, I don't know what I'm like."

It's clear that although cooking was once his main purpose, Carmy has taken other steps towards personal growth this season. In addition to Richie, he's reconnected with both Claire (Molly Gordon) and his mother Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis), conversations that mark important steps for a character who's spent previous seasons avoiding his own emotions.

Our best guess for Carmy in Season 5, should The Bear be renewed? We think he'll still be a big part of the show (Allen White is the Emmy-winning protagonist after all), but — initially at least — he'll be going on a journey of self-discovery outside the restaurant's walls.

The Bear Season 4 is now streaming on FX.

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses were first unveiled in 2023, the result of a collaboration between sunglasses company Ray-Ban and tech giant Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram. Appealing to the fashion-conscious tech nerd, the voice-operated wearable not only allows users to take photos and make calls hands-free, but can also use AI to describe a user's surroundings.

SEE ALSO: Meta partners with Be My Eyes for accessible Ray-Ban glasses upgrade

Though the Ray-Ban Meta was not designed as an accessibility device, its features may cause some to wonder whether it could moonlight as an accessibility device for people with low or limited vision. As such, Mashable spent a few days testing whether the gadget could be reappropriated for this purpose. 

Unfortunately, while it is a novel device, relying on the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to help you navigate the world would be foolhardy at best.

What are Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses? Credit: Meta

The Ray-Ban Meta glasses boast a relatively compact form factor which looks very much like Ray-Ban's eyewear designs, with customers able to choose between Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner styles. The glasses utilise Meta's large language model Meta AI to answer users' queries, with a five-microphone system which can pick up voice commands while suppressing background noise. They also have small open-ear speakers designed to minimise audio leakage, and include a built-in 12 MP camera which can take photos and record video.

Despite its high-tech innards, the most noticeable visible difference between the Ray-Ban Meta and standard Ray-Bans is the missing metallic detail at the temples. Instead, the Ray-Ban Meta substitutes in a camera lens on the left and a notification light on the right (this activates when a photo or video is being taken, an effort to address concerns about privacy and covert surveillance).

At around 49 grams depending upon the frame selected, the Ray-Ban Meta's weight isn't outside what one may expect for a pair of sunglasses, though it's certainly on the heavier side. It is slightly bulkier than standard Ray-Bans, particularly at the arms (the right of which includes touchpad controls), but still streamlined enough that observers likely won't notice.

What accessibility features do Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have for people with low or limited vision? Credit: Meta

Ray-Ban Meta glasses are targeted at the average consumer, rather than catering specifically to people with disabilities. Even so, Meta does state that the glasses can be used to help people with "reduced vision, hearing, or mobility by offering the ability to perform tasks hands free." Users can also have their Ray-Ban Meta glasses fitted with prescription lenses, with the option to upload a valid prescription with a power ranging between -6.00 and +4.00 when ordering a pair. 

The Ray-Ban Meta glasses are primarily operated by voice commands to Meta AI, requiring the app to be installed to your phone and connected to the device. The glasses can also be connected to Messenger, WhatsApp, or a users' phone via said app, which is needed to enable users to send messages and make calls using voice commands. This may help users conduct such tasks without having to look at their phone screen, however it's worth noting that both iPhone and Android can already be operated directly via voice commands without Meta AI.

Ray-Ban Meta users can also issue commands, such as asking Meta AI what they're looking at. The glasses will then take a photo and use Meta AI to analyse it, with AI-generated audio describing the scene to the user. Such images and conversation logs are saved to a user's History log in the Meta AI app, and can be shared to the public Discovery feed.

Ray-Ban Meta's Be My Eyes partnership connects users to volunteer helpers 

Aside from this voice command functionality, the Ray-Ban Meta feature most specific to people with disabilities is its partnership with Be My Eyes. This free service connects users with low or limited vision to volunteers who will look through the Ray-Ban Meta's camera and describe the person's surroundings. According to Be My Eyes, it is "the first and only accessibility tech for blind or low vision users available on Meta AI Glasses."

The Be My Eyes app does work without Ray-Ban Meta, with users simply pointing their phone cameras at whatever they want described. As such, people who primarily want to take advantage of this free service could just download the app to their phone rather than shelling out a few hundred dollars for the Ray-Ban Meta. Using Be My Eyes with the Ray-Ban Meta requires users to download the app and connect it to the Meta AI app anyway.

However, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses do enable users to use Be My Eyes hands-free. They may help frame shots as well, as users merely have to direct their gaze toward whatever it is that they want described to them. Whether it's worth picking up the Ray-Ban Meta to assist in accessibility may depend on how often a user utilises Be My Eyes. Even so, Meta states that the glasses have just four hours of battery life with moderate usage, which means that wearing them all day in order to repeatedly use Be My Eyes may not be realistic. Be My Eyes is also only available in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, and only supports the English language.

Meta AI isn't intended to be an accessibility device, and it shows Credit: Amanda Yeo

Unfortunately, aside from its Be My Eyes functionality, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses seem largely unsuitable as an accessibility aid. While Mashable found them an interesting novelty at least (though the Meta AI app's Discovery feed felt like the quiet death of humanity), relying on these glasses to help you navigate the world is an impractical proposition.

As previously mentioned, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses can describe a user's surroundings when asked. However, such responses are relatively vague and don't appear useful for orienting yourself unless you're so lost that you can't tell whether you're in a car park or a playground. For example, Meta AI responded to one query by telling me that I was "looking at the interior of a train, specifically the seating area." While this was true, it wasn't terribly useful information, and missed the display I was facing, which indicated where the train was going.

Credit: Amanda Yeo

When asked to read a sign bearing a single word, Meta AI was able to do so. As such, it may be useful to help someone determine the appropriate bin to throw their waste in, for example. However, asking it to read an article open on a computer screen produced unsatisfactory results. Looking at the first paragraph of my colleague Belen Edwards's article "The 10 best TV shows of 2025 (so far), and where to stream them," I requested my Meta RayBan glasses read it to me. The result was a bizarre mix of text out of order, with some lines skipped altogether. When I scrolled down and asked it to continue reading, it would simply recite the text it had already read.

Asking again on another day produced even less accurate results. Instead of reading the text, Meta AI offered a vague description of what it seemed to think the article was about. Repeated requests produced different results each time, with Meta AI sometimes even telling me "the text reads" before offering an inaccurate approximation of the text.

Further tests on a later date showed improved accuracy, with Meta AI reciting much of the article visible on screen. Even so, it still took liberties with the text, inventing a headline and referencing fake shows "The Pilt" and "The Iceberg." After I scrolled down and asked Meta AI to continue reading, it stated that it "can only provide general information, and [is] not able to read articles in real-time."

Being able to simply look at any screen and have Ray-Ban Meta glasses smoothly read it out would theoretically be a boon to many users with low or limited vision. Unfortunately, people who need such assistance would be better off relying on dedicated screen readers for now.

News headlines get muddled by Meta AI Credit: Amanda Yeo

Mashable's testing found the Ray-Ban Meta glasses' AI assistant also struggled when it came to matters that weren't literally in front of it. When we tried asking for the day's news headlines, Meta AI confidently offered a humorously incoherent response: "Here are the top three news. First, latest news and stories from around the world are available. Second, latest U.S. news updates are available. Third, latest news headlines are available." Repeating the question produced the same answer.

Asking for a specific publication might get you actual news items, however they may not be from the outlet you requested. While Mashable didn’t report on Jonathan Joss’ death, Meta offered this news as the top headline on the site at time of testing. It then offered Mashable’s coverage areas of "tech, culture, and everything in between" as a second ostensible headline, before again informing us that "the latest news headlines are available."

Requests for the New York Times' headlines fared better, producing news items that the publication had reported on. However, the given headlines seemed to have been paraphrased, and the information supplied was outdated at best. For example, Meta AI stated that "Israel appears ready to attack Iran," however the first story on the New York Times' website was "Israel Says It Attacked Headquarters of Powerful Iranian Military Unit." Further, while Meta AI stated that 242 people had been killed in a plane crash in India, the death toll had already climbed to 270 days prior to our inquiry.

I also tried asking Meta AI for a recipe for a vanilla cake. In response, it provided a list of ingredients and measurements which seemed to be in roughly the right proportions. However, it only partially fulfilled my request, as no instructions were provided. Once again, Meta AI demonstrated approximate knowledge of many things, but was still unable to offer useful, usable information.

Meta AI struggles with dinner and travel plans Credit: Amanda Yeo

Meta AI also struggled with more personally immediate matters. While it did suggest a nearby restaurant when asked for a "good place to go and get dinner in Sydney," Meta AI stated that it would be open until 10 p.m. that day. In actuality, the restaurant had been closed for months, which was reflected both on their Google Maps listing and Instagram page. Despite there being hundreds of operating restaurants in the city, Meta AI somehow managed to select one that had shut down.

The chatbot also fell short when asked to assist with travel plans. Requesting help getting around seems like an obvious and expected use of an AI assistant. Despite this, Meta AI was unable to assist when asked when the next train between two stations would arrive, stating, "I can't help with that yet, but I'm learning every day!" When asked for assistance with transport plans more generally, it told me to visit my local transport website to check the timetable. It couldn't advise if or when such features might be added either, telling me to check the Ray-Ban Meta Help Center.

Asking whether a train station was wheelchair accessible was hit and miss, with Meta AI bizarrely responding to my first request by offering the address for a KFC. Fortunately, subsequent inquiries produced more relevant answers, however considering the quality of previous responses, users will probably feel uneasy about blindly trusting Meta AI's word for it.

The Ray-Ban Meta may be an interesting toy, but it isn't an accessibility device Credit: Meta

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses aren't primarily marketed as an accessibility device. Actual medical devices designed to assist people with low or limited vision typically retail for a significantly higher price. For example, an OrCam MyEye 3 Pro will drain your bank account to the tune of $4,490, which is over 10 times the price of the most expensive Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

In light of this, it's unsurprising that the Ray-Ban Meta glasses underwhelm as an accessibility device for people with low or limited vision. While the Ray-Ban Meta glasses may assist users by enabling them to conduct tasks such as messaging, playing music, and taking photographs hands-free, they struggle when asked to interpret text in front of them and underperform when asked to provide information more generally. Like all generative AI algorithms, Meta AI simply can't replace going direct to reliable sources yourself.

If you just want to take a few hands-free photos and calls, the Meta Ray-Bans may have you covered. However, this gadget wasn't designed to be an accessibility device, and certainly should not be relied upon as such.

TL;DR: Learn up to 56 languages for just $34.97 (reg. $119.99) with this lifetime subscription to Qlango Language Learning, now through July 20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Qlango Qlango Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $34.97
$119.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal

Looking for a language app you’ll actually want to open? Qlango gamifies the learning experience with a unique question-and-answer style format that makes it fun. And right now, you can score a lifetime subscription with access to all 56 languages for just $34.97 (reg. $119.99) through July 20.

This effective app turns language learning into a daily challenge

Gone are the days of boring Spanish lessons in the classroom. These days, there’s an app for that — so you can master a new language from the comfort of your couch. Qlango takes it one step further by actually making the learning process fun.

Qlango uses a unique question-and-answer method that feels more like a game than studying. It makes you think and respond in the target language, whether it’s Mandarin, Swedish, or Thai, and provides hints if you get stuck.

Aside from gamifying your learning routine, Qlango uses a scientifically proven spaced repetition technique that presents words at strategic intervals to help boost your understanding. The app also focuses on 6,679 essential words you’ll actually use and need to know.

You can customize your experience with six different difficulty levels and customized lessons by choosing to work on words and sentences, dictation, translation, sentence formation, or matching. You can also set study goals and work at your own pace, with no daily penalties or strict deadlines.

Master up to 56 languages with this lifetime subscription to Qlango Language Learning, now through July 20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Change the way you present data with Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional, now only $14.97 (reg. $249) through June 29.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for Windows $14.97
$249.99 Save $235.02 Get Deal

Still dreading presentations at work? Let Microsoft Visio help you turn complex ideas into clean, professional diagrams that actually make sense — so you can present with clarity and confidence. And right now, you can score a lifetime subscription for just $14.97 (reg. $249.99) through June 29.

Turn complex ideas into clean diagrams with Microsoft Visio

Give your meetings a serious upgrade with Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional. This handy tool lets you elevate the way you present information, so you can stand out in front of colleagues and bosses.

With dozens of pre-made templates, diagrams, and stencils, Microsoft Visio makes it easy to create compelling content. There are more than 250,000 shapes available in their online content ecosystem, all ready to help you tell a memorable story. If you want to make your own, you can draw with your finger or a pen on touch-enabled devices.

Need to save time? You can automatically generate org charts, process maps, floor plans, and more via data from Excel, Exchange, or Microsoft Entra ID. Need help developing ideas? Visio’s brainstorming templates help you work through them in real time.

New users can take advantage of this amazing deal on Microsoft Visio, which includes all of the features from Visio Standard, plus more templates, shapes, and collaboration features. A Microsoft 365 or SharePoint subscription is required to use the software

Bring your ideas to life with this Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional license, now only $14.97 (reg. $249) through June 29.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Make your photos look more professional with The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle, now $79.99 (reg. $682), the best price on the web.

Opens in a new window Credit: Luminar Neo The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle $79.99
$682 Save $602.01 Get Deal

You don’t need hours of editing or a background in photography to make your pictures stand out. Luminar Neo is a user-friendly photo editor equipped with AI tools that help your images shine.

Right now, you can get a Stack-exclusive bundle that includes a lifetime license to Luminar Neo, a video training course, and six filter packs for just $79.99 (reg. $682), the best price on the web.

Turn average photos into stunning images with this AI photo editing app

If you want to take your photos to the next level, Luminar Neo is ready to help. Unlike other photo editors, it offers a straightforward interface and powerful tools like masking, layers, and local adjustments. It’s compatible with Windows and Mac, and also serves as a plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom.

Looking to really transform your pictures? There are also AI-powered tools to help you do things like replace the skies, control lighting, or retouch someone’s skin.

Once you find a look you love, you can utilize multiform presets to easily achieve a consistent look across all your photos with a few clicks.

This bundle also includes a video training course, the Creative Photo Editing Techniques in Luminar Neo Video Course, to help you navigate all the tools. And you’ll have access to six preset filter packs that let you change photos without any manual editing, with options like the Light Reflections Overlay, Frosty Winter LUTs, and Color Harmony LUTs.

Upgrade your photos with The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle, now for only $79.99 (reg. $682), the best price on the web.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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 one!

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 drama-rich romance, nail-biting horror, side-splitting comedy, heart-wrenching documentaries, or the most anticipated TV shows of the summer, we've got something just for you.

Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.

10. The Ultimatum: Queer Love, Season 2

The Ultimatum is back, and ready to rock its Pride. Season 2 of The Ultimatum: Queer Love puts gay couples into the heartbreaking pressure cooker of this reality TV series.

Six couples, made up of women and non-binary people, are at their make-or-break moment. Do they marry? Do they split up? To decide, they spend time living with a new partner to see if their lover is the one — or their next ex. "Marry me, or move on." That's the gist. But shacking up on a steamy beach with innuendo-filled activities (pottery!) means things are going to get hot, bothered, and "brutal." — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: The Ultimatum: Queer Love, Season 2 is now playing on Netflix.

9. The Woman in the Yard

Director Jaume Collet-Serra's brand of horror has traveled from The Shallows and House of Wax, and now he reveals The Woman in the Yard.

Danielle Deadwyler (Station Eleven, Till) stars as Ramona, a mother of two who is struggling with grief, guilt, and depression in the wake of the death of her husband. And now there's a strange woman wearing a long black veil sitting in her yard. Now, Ramona and her kids live way out in the country in a fixer-upper, so surprise guests aren't common, and this stranger is even... stranger — especially when she ominously proclaims, "Today's the day."

SEE ALSO: 'The Woman in the Yard' review: A baffling mix of horror ideas

While the setup is solid and Deadwyler is committed, the scares in The Woman in the Yard don't hit as hard as one might hope, considering Collet-Serra's reputation. Rather than a physical threat, there's something more supernatural and psychological brewing here. (Think The Babadook.) And the helmer is less skilled at grounding such slippery horror. Still, in the heat of summer, the fear of being trapped at home with a family falling apart over stress could prove scary enough! — K.P.

Starring: Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokwasili, Peyton Jackson, and Russell Hornsby

How to watch: The Woman in the Yard begins streaming on Peacock on June 27.

8. The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie

Pete Browngardt makes his feature directorial debut with The Day the Earth Blew Up, a Looney Tunes movie starring Daffy Duck and Porky the Pig.

This is the first fully animated feature-length Looney Tunes movie, so naturally it has a plot that goes big! Inspired by '50s B-movies, Browngardt dreamed up an alien invasion story. Porky and Daffy start out as down-on-their-luck farmers, doing whatever it takes to keep the family farm alive. But when some suspect bubble gum and a UFO crash into their lives, they'll have to go from goofballs to heroes! — K.P.

SEE ALSO: Shelved 'Coyote vs. Acme' will finally get a theatrical release

Starring: Darrick Bachman, Pete Browngardt, Kevin Costello, Andrew Dickman, David Gemmill, Alex Kirwan, Ryan Kramer, Jason Reicher, Michael Ruocco, Johnny Ryan, and Eddie Trigueros

How to watch: The Day the Earth Blew Up will begin streaming on HBO Max June 27.

7. My Mom Jayne

You might know Mariska Hargitay as the epic Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She is also the daughter of the late Jayne Mansfield, a 1960s sex symbol who died young and tragically.

Hargitay was three years old when Mansfield passed. And though she followed in her footsteps by also becoming an actress, Hargitay sought to avoid the exact path her mother had tread. Now, Hargitay makes her feature directorial debut with My Mom Jayne, a documentary that welcomes audiences into her understanding of "the most photographed woman in show business." Where did the persona collide with the personal? What was real? What was Hollywood fiction? There's only one way to learn the truth. Watch. — K.P.

Starring: Mariska Hargitay

How to watch: My Mom Jayne debuts on HBO and HBO Max on June 27 at 8 p.m. ET.

6. Enigma

Celebrate Pride Month with a bit of trans history. LGBTQ+ activist and filmmaker Zackary Drucker explores two captivating icons with the documentary Enigma.

April Ashley was a model, an author, an advocate, and a trailblazer, making headlines and history whether marrying a royal, pursuing her true self, or being made a member of Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). Amanda Lear was a French fashion model, actress, and singer, who refused to accept the world's labels.

SEE ALSO: LGBTQ+ creators come together to discuss living out and loud on the internet

Through interviews and archival footage, Drucker ushers audiences through these women's life stories, shining a light on celebrity, trans experience, and a history that's cruelly repeating. — K.P.

Starring: April Ashley, Amanda Lear, Bambi, Dolly Van Doll, and Allanah Starr

How to watch: Enigma is now streaming on Max.

SEE ALSO: 75 best LGBTQ films to stream right now 5. Eric LaRue

Acclaimed actor Michael Shannon takes the helm of Eric LaRue, a powerful drama adapted by Brett Neveu from his moving stage play. Critically heralded character actress Judy Greer steps into the leading lady role as Janice LaRue, a middle-aged mother whose vision of her town, family, and faith is horrifically rattled after her teen son perpetrates a deadly school shooting.

Where Netflix's hit mini-series Adolescence focuses on the immediate aftermath of such violence, Eric LaRue offers more distance. Its characters, including Janice's husband Ron (Alexander Skarsgård), are searching for how to heal, with varying degrees of success.

SEE ALSO: Michael Shannon and Judy Greer on the profound poignancy of 'Eric LaRue'

In her review of Eric LaRue, Belen Edwards cheered, "Shannon and Neveu don't focus on the larger political implications of Eric's crime, nor do they necessarily answer the tough questions Eric LaRue lays out. What they do do, however, is create a painful, intimate, and thought-provoking portrait of a deeply hurting couple. And in assembling such a stellar cast led by the remarkable Greer, they've embodied that portrait onscreen to the fullest." — K.P.

Starring: Judy Greer, Paul Sparks, Alison Pill, Tracy Letts, Annie Parisse, and Alexander Skarsgård

How to watch: Eric LaRue is available to rent or purchase on Prime Video.

4. Ironheart, Season 1

Marvel's latest series, Ironheart, picks up with genius inventor Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), who was first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Now back in her hometown of Chicago, Riri finds herself with precious few resources to continue perfecting her own Iron Man-style armored suit. To pick up extra cash, she joins up with criminal Parker "Hood" Robbins (Anthony Ramos), whose magical powers pose a serious threat to her own trust in technology.

SEE ALSO: 'Ironheart' review: Grief and AI collide in Ryan Coogler's Marvel series

Ironheart contains its fair share of bombastic fights and major villain reveals, but its most interesting aspect is Riri's accidental creation of an AI assistant based on her late best friend, Natalie (Lyric Ross). Here, Ironheart examines how Riri uses technology as a method of processing grief. While these ideas could use more focus, they remain the beating heart of an otherwise fairly solid MCU show. As I wrote in my review, "Ironheart still finds ways to craft a heartfelt, complicated relationship between Riri and the best friend she thought she'd lost." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam, and Anji White

How to watch: Ironheart is now streaming on Disney+.

3. Smoke

As a novelist, Dennis Lehane has inspired such thrilling crime dramas as Mystic River, Shudder Island, and Gone Baby Gone. As a producer, he teamed with Taron Egerton for the critically heralded Apple TV+ series Black Bird. Now, he's back with Egerton and Apple for a mini-series that's inspired by a real string of fires in the Pacific Northwest, seemingly sparked by two different arsonists.

If you've listened to the podcast Firebug, you'll recognize some details. (And podcast host Kary Antholis is credited on Smoke as an episode scribe.) Egerton co-stars with Jurnee Smollett as an arson investigator and a detective who team up to chase down these fire-starters before it's too late. A slow-burn thriller (pardon the pun), Smoke will unfurl its character-based crime thriller over 9 episode. So, it'll heat up all summer long. — K.P.

Starring: Taron Egerton, Jurnee Smollett, John Leguizamo, Rafe Spall, Greg Kinnear, Ntare Mwine, and Hannah Emily Anderson

How to watch: Smoke premieres on Apple TV+ on June 27.

2. The Bear, Season 4

FX's Emmy–winning dramedy The Bear is back for a fourth season, and it has a lot of work to do if it's going to make up for its underwhelming third season. Chefs Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) are back in the kitchen trying to keep their struggling restaurant afloat, all while dealing with their own intense personal issues, from family ailments to conflicting job offers. With so much turmoil inside and outside of the kitchen, is there any hope for The Bear?

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' Season 4's biggest problem is time: Full season review

I wish I could say that The Bear overcomes the problems it faced in Season 3: its repetitive blandness, its over-reliance on big-name guest stars, its poor pacing, its hackneyed attempts at recreating the glory days of episodes like "Forks" and "Fishes." Instead, it crashes back into these bad patterns, to the point that not even excellent performances or the occasional meaningful conversation can save it. As I wrote in my review, "The Bear has been spinning its wheels for 10 episodes and 60 whole days, creating the illusion of progress with a lot of sound and fury, but very little payoff. For a show that won't let us forget that 'every second counts,' The Bear commits a cardinal sin: It wastes its own characters' time." — B.E.

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, and Matty Matheson

How to watch: All episodes of The Bear Season 4 are now streaming on Hulu.

1. Squid Game, Season 3

Netflix's biggest series ever comes to a bloody end in Squid Game Season 3. The season picks up in the wake of Gi-hun's (Lee Jung-jae) failed rebellion against the despicable people behind the games. Now a shell of his former self, he must play through the remaining games until their brutal conclusion, which may very well be his death.

Expect many more games, including the show's deadly take on jump rope, this season. But more importantly, expect answers to some of your burning questions from Season 2. How will Gi-hun react when he finds out the Front Man's (Lee Byung-hun) true identity? Will Detective Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) ever find the island where the games take place? And of course, who will survive this round of the games? It all comes down to these last six episodes, so strap in (and maybe prepare for a heart attack or two). — B.E.

Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-Wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-joon, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Roh Jae-won, and Jo Yuri

How to watch: Squid Game, Season 3 premieres on Netflix on June 27.

* denotes that this blurb appeared in a previous Mashable list.

TL;DR: Ditch expensive roaming charges with aloSIM Traveler’s Mobile Data Plan, now only $24.97 for $50 in credit.

Opens in a new window Credit: aloSIM aloSIM Traveler's Mobile Data Plan: Pay $24.97 for $50 Credit $24.97
$50 Save $25.03 Get Deal

Whether you’re exploring a new city, trying to get a car, or posting your vacation photos to social media, it’s important to have reliable data when you’re on a trip. aloSIM makes it easy, allowing you to stay connected in over 170 countries, with no roaming fees, no SIM card swapping, and no stress.

Right now, you can get $50 in mobile data from aloSIM for just $24.97.

Download this eSIM before your next trip and stay connected for less

Don’t dip into your travel budget to cover your smartphone’s roaming fees. The aloSIM Traveler’s Mobile Data Plan gives you a downloadable eSIM that can connect to local networks in more than 170 countries, so you can hop online while you’re abroad.

You can download this eSIM card onto both iOS and Android devices and enjoy reliable internet access on a 5G and LTE network. This lets you skip the roaming charges, giving you $50 worth of data for just $24.97.

To take advantage of this plan, you have to be a new customer. You’ll have 12 months to use it after your purchase, and it’s easy to use. Just pick your data package and install the eSIM before your trip. Once your flight lands, you’ll be ready to activate the package and start using the data right away — whether it’s on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Your eSIM never expires, but your data package is only valid for the duration stated when you purchase it. For example, a seven-day package will end after a week. If you need more data, it’s simple to add as you go. Packages start at just $4.50.

This aloSIM deal also includes a free Hushed phone number for the same duration as your data plan, so you can make private voice calls.

Connect easily and affordably abroad with this aloSIM Traveler’s Mobile Data Plan, now $24.97 for $50 of credit.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

As if we all don't order enough Amazon packages on any given day, it's time for Prime Day once again (the shopping event kicks off on July 8). In other words, even more packages are about to pile up on doorsteps all over the world. That leaves us with a glaring issue: How do you recycle all those damn boxes, bubble envelopes, and paper bags?

Given the huge variety in packaging, the answer isn't so clear.

SEE ALSO: Regretting your purchase? Here's how to return Amazon packages in 2025. The reality of Amazon recycling

According to a 2024 report from ocean conservancy organization Oceana, Amazon generated 208 million pounds of plastic packaging waste from U.S. transactions in 2022. Despite a global decline in plastic waste, the number for U.S. shipping saw a 9.6 percent increase. "This amount of plastic, in the form of air pillows, would circle the Earth more than 200 times," the organization says.

Amazon, for what it's worth, does provide guidelines around the topic. U.S. customers whose orders are fulfilled by Amazon can click on any order in the Amazon app and scroll down to the bottom to view recycling or discard instructions. Customers can also ask Alexa or Siri "How do I recycle my Amazon packaging?" and both will direct them to Amazon's guidelines.

But David Pinsky, a senior plastics campaigner at Greenpeace, doesn't think this information's very useful.

"While it is helpful to provide information, Amazon is continuing to place the burden on customers to manage its enormous packaging footprint. As U.S. and global recycling markets collapse, the truth is that very few plastics are still recyclable and, even if they are collected for recycling, most are not recycled. It's time for Amazon to ditch all single-use packaging and transition to reuse and refill systems," Pinsky, who works to make large companies reduce their single-plastic use, wrote in an email.

Large corporations like Amazon need to take responsibility by eliminating throwaway packaging and switching to reuse and refill systems, Pinsky explained.

In a December 2022 blog post, Amazon acknowledged this disparity: "Although the plastic packaging Amazon uses today is recyclable, it generally requires our customers to take the materials from their homes to store drop-off locations. As a company that obsesses about our customers, we recognize it's not the easiest customer experience."

What Amazon is doing for the planet

Amazon does offer a program called Frustration-Free Packaging, which includes products designed to ship in their own packaging without the need for additional Amazon mailers or boxes. According to Amazon, "products in 'Frustration-Free Packaging' offer more sustainable packaging that is right-sized, reduces damages, is made of recyclable packaging materials, and is easier to open." It is also made of 100 percent curbside recyclable materials. And the option is working, to some extent. Since 2015, Amazon has reduced the weight of outbound packaging by 38 percent and eliminated more than 1.5 million tons of packaging material, thanks to programs such as Frustration-Free Packaging.

"In the midst of a rapid increase in customer orders throughout the pandemic, we continued to take steps to reduce single-use plastics in our outbound packaging," the company wrote.

In 2019, Amazon debuted its fully recyclable paper padded mailer. The company had shipped more than 200 million new mailers to customers as of mid-2020 and replaced nearly 70 percent of its mixed material bubble mailers by 2021, offering the same recyclability as Amazon's cardboard box but taking up less space in the recycle bin, says an Amazon spokesperson.

The company also debuted its "Less Packaging, More Smiles" campaign in 2020 as a way to use less packaging materials in its shipments while helping customers repurpose boxes before recycling. For example, you can reuse Amazon cardboard boxes in fun ways — like to build a rocket, fort, or car for your cat or dog — all via a QR code on the box that provides instructions.

In 2021, the company attempted to address the plastic-film concerns and redesigned many of these plastic products to be more sustainable, increasing the recycled content of plastic film bags from 25 percent to 50 percent, and from 15 percent to over 40 percent for its plastic padded bags. The improvements are expected to eliminate more than 25,000 metric tons of new plastic each year moving forward, according to the company. In March 2022, the company also announced its partnership with the BOTTLE consortium, a U.S. Department of Energy research initiative to reduce plastic pollution, to design new modes of plastic chemical upcycling.

The company encourages customers to shop with Amazon Day Delivery in mind to take advantage of flexible options for when and how packages arrive. "On top of making deliveries work for their personal schedule, choosing Amazon Day is a great way to combine multiple orders into one delivery, potentially reducing the amount of packaging they receive. On average, Amazon Day uses 30 percent fewer boxes and Amazon Day users saved 136 million boxes in 2022," Amazon explained.

But these sustainability efforts might not be going far enough. As the Washington Post reported, in an effort to pack more shipments into delivery planes and trucks, Amazon is using more small plastic mailers rather than cardboard boxes.

SEE ALSO: The 2025 guide to recycling electronics, beauty empties, and clothing The long road to plastic-free Prime

Many of the plastic mailers it uses (like its regular and bubble-lined plastic bags) include plastic film.

In its latest report, Oceana estimated that up to 22 million pounds of such plastic packaging waste would end up in the world’s waterways and seas, noting that plastic film is the most common form of marine plastic litter in nearshore ocean areas and the deadliest to marine life.

Amazon notes on its website that some cities have curbside recycling programs for film, and if your city doesn't, Amazon utilizes a directory to find a drop-off location that will take compatible plastic film, wrap, and bags. However, Pinsky says this website isn't exhaustive because it doesn't include a list of complete options for some areas.

There also aren't that many cities with recycling programs that accept plastic film, says Darby Hoover, a senior resource specialist who works on plastic waste issues at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an environmental advocacy organization. When it comes to recycling centers, even if they do accept plastic film, it can be hard, if not impossible, to process, as they often get caught in the center's machinery, a spokesperson from the recycling, landfill, and compost operator Recology wrote in an email.

To avoid this problem, Recology workers try to manually remove loose plastic film before it enters the machinery, but this doesn't always work. "Amazon packages represent a challenging new packaging trend," a Recology spokesperson explained.

Pinsky still suggests conducting your own research to find drop-off locations and asking your supermarket if they recycle plastic film.

And then there's the paper address label. If it's a self-adhesive label, it's probably not recyclable, Hoover says. "It's pretty upsetting to see Amazon has gone in this direction by putting more single-use plastics on the market," Pinsky says.

Although online shopping has become the de-facto way of living, it shouldn't just be the customer's responsibility to figure out how to recycle. Companies need to step up too, Hoover says.

How to recycle Amazon's packaging

Whether you're expecting to splurge on Amazon Prime Day or are interested for everyday orders, here's how you can do your part to recycle all of Amazon's packaging.

1. Paper padded envelope mailer Amazon's paper padded envelope mailer. Credit: Amazon

Amazon says these paper padded mailers are recyclable, just like cardboard boxes and other paper items.

Paper products should be accepted by most curbside recycling programs, says Pinsky.

2. Bubble-lined plastic bag and plastic bag Amazon's bubble-lined plastic bag. Credit: Amazon Amazon's plastic bag. Credit: Amazon

Some cities offer curbside recycling, Amazon writes on its website. If your city doesn't, Amazon suggests using a directory where you can enter your ZIP code to find a drop-off location that accepts plastic film, which these bags contain.

Still, it's questionable if some drop-off locations will accept bubble-lined plastic bags, Pinsky says. Hoover advises people to check drop-off centers' websites to see what they can recycle.

3. Cardboard box and cardboard folder Amazon's cardboard box. Credit: Amazon Amazon's cardboard folder. Credit: Amazon

Cardboard boxes and folders can be recycled in most curbside recycling, Amazon states on its website. It also says to remove any tape before recycling.

Still, you should check with your local government to see what is recyclable and learn how and if you're supposed to prepare these materials in a particular way, Hoover says.

For example, New York City advises people to flatten cardboard boxes and then tie them together with strong twine before setting them out for recycling.

You can also use your cardboard boxes to start composting.

4. Paper Envelope Amazon's paper envelope. Credit: Amazon

Amazon says its paper envelopes are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs.

5. Give Back Box partnership (for cardboard boxes) Give your Amazon cardboard box another life by donating your stuff with it. Credit: Amazon

If you have an extra box lying around, you can also give it a second life. Just fill a box with items you wish to donate, print out a label for free, and ship it at no cost to you through UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Your old things will be re-homed to charities through Amazon's partnership with Give Back Box, and you can write off the donation on your taxes.

6. Packing paper Amazon's brown packing paper. Credit: Amazon

Packing paper is recyclable through most curbside recycling programs, according to Amazon.

7. Air pillow Amazon's air pillow. Credit: Amazon

Amazon suggests you either recycle its air pillows curbside, if possible, or find a drop-off location that accepts them. Like Amazon's plastic bags, air pillows contain plastic film, which means the packaging is harder to recycle.

When you are able to recycle them, Hoover suggests first popping the air out of the pillow and then bringing it to a drop-off location.

8. Bubble-lined paper mailer Amazon's bubble-lined paper mailer. Credit: Amazon

Paper mailers with air bubble padding are not recyclable and should be put in the trash, Amazon says on its website, though also suggests checking with your local recycling program for more details.

Pinsky, for his part, advises throwing out these mailers.

9. Reusable gift bags Amazon's reusable gift bags. Credit: Amazon

As you've probably guessed by the name, Amazon encourages you to reuse these gift bags. But once they're no longer presentable, you'll have to chuck them in the garbage bin. Amazon says it is "currently transitioning to gift bags made of 100 percent recycled material that will replace this version."

Pinsky advises avoiding these gift bags altogether. Most of the bags will end up in landfills, incinerators, and the environment.

Instead, he says, "get creative with other ways to share gifts that don’t require single-use plastic bags, paper, or other materials."

10. Amazon Fresh paper bag Credit: Amazon

Since they're paper, Amazon Fresh paper bags are recyclable through most curbside recycling programs.

11. Paper ice cream pouch Credit: Amazon

Paper envelopes, including the insulation inside, are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs and also can be used again if clean and dry.

12. Amazon Fresh water bottle Amazon Fresh water bottle. Credit: Amazon

This is just a water bottle and can be recycled in most curbside recycling programs. Amazon states on its website that these water bottles are used to cool items like food, but you can also drink the water, so don't let it go to waste.

13. Produce bag Amazon's produce bag. Credit: Amazon

Again, because the product has plastic film it may be tricky to recycle because the film often gets stuck in recycling centers' machinery. Amazon says some cities offer curbside recycling for its produce bag, but when not available, you can "use designated store drop-off locations where plastic film is accepted."

It's worth checking where you can recycle it first. Amazon provides a website to find a drop-off location to do so, but you should do your own research and ask your supermarket if they accept the film, says Pinsky.

14. Bottom board and paper insulation Credit: Amazon Amazon's paper insulation. Credit: Amazon

Both products are made of 100 percent cardboard. As such, Amazon says you can recycle both in your curbside recycling program.

SAVE $105: As of June 26, the Amazon eero 6+ router is on sale for $194.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon eero 6+ $194.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $105 Get Deal

Prime Day discounts are on the horizon, but Amazon has a great deal live right now for anyone fed up with slow, laggy internet. As of June 26, the Amazon eero 6+ mesh router system is at its lowest price this year, now priced at $194.99. This deal saves you $105 on list price.

This deal is specific to the three-pack bundle, but you can find great deals across all packages, excluding the four-pack option.

SEE ALSO: Early Prime Day headphones and earbuds deals: Shop, watch, or wait?

The eero 6+ is an exceptional router system that offers gigabit WiFi speeds at an affordable price. It is backward-compatible with older eero devices, making it flexible for all home setups. It also benefits from an extra boost with the 160 MHz radio channel, so your whole house has a strong connection.

But how does it work? A mesh WiFi system is the perfect way to eliminate dead spots in your home, and is ideal for when you need the WiFi to reach a long way from the router, or through very thick walls. The setup includes a main router and extra nodes (satellites) placed around your home. They work together to provide reliable WiFi coverage all over your home.

Grab this great deal before the Prime Day rush.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Hisense 55" Class QD6 Series (2025 Model) QLED 4K UHD TV — $259.99 (List Price $379.99)

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

It is not possible to navigate the online world with total freedom. There are content restrictions and blockades in every corner of the web, and that very much includes adult content.

Porn comes with a lot of restrictions — the reasons for which are clear — but there's really nothing wrong with visiting your favorite sites at an entirely appropriate moment. When the time is right, you should be able to bypass content restrictions to access sites like Xnxx from any network and location.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to unblock Xnxx for free

VPNs are tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process can bypass geo-restrictions to access porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: How to unblock Pornhub for free

Unblock porn sites like Xnxx by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit Xnxx

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 bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Xnxx without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when temporarily away from a secure network.

If you want to retain permanent access to everything the online world has to offer, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for porn is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for fast and reliable unblocking of porn sites like Xnxx, 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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• 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 for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee.)

Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN.