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SAVE $700: As of June 9, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is on sale for $799 at Amazon. That's a 47% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 $799 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $700   Get Deal

Prime Day will be kicking off later this month (June 23–26), but if you’re searching for a great deal on a portable power station before then, you’re in luck. As of June 9, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is back on sale at Amazon, now with a $700 discount. This brings the list price down from $1,499.99 to $799.

The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is a high-capacity power unit with 3 AC ports giving you a total of 2200W output and a 2042Wh capacity. It’s a great all-rounder power solution, ideal for home backup, camping, or even small business use. 

It's a lightweight option too, with the unit weighing just 39.5 pounds. According to Jackery, it's actually 41% lighter and 34% smaller than similar units, so this is a great choice for moving around different rooms.

It supports fast and flexible charging, reaching 80% in just 66 minutes via AC fast charging or a full charge in 102 minutes using emergency super charging through the app. And the battery is built to last. It’s a LiFePO4 battery, designed for up to 10 years of daily use, and features a silent charging mode with smart temperature control to reduce fan noise. 

Head to Amazon to score this Jackery deal.

SAVE $400: As of June 9, the iRobot Roomba Max 705 is on sale for $499 at Amazon. That's a 45% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Max 705 $499 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400.99   Get Deal

Prime Day is just around the corner, but you don't have to wait to score a robot vacuum deal. Amazon's Daily Deals are still packed with discounts, including this latest offer on the iRobot Roomba Max 705 robot vacuum. As of June 9, it's currently down to its best-ever price, with $400 off the list price. This takes the price down from $899.99 to $499.

This Roomba robot vacuum uses dual rubber brushes that flex and allow it to adjust to different floor types. It has power-lifting suction, an edge-sweeping brush, Carpet Boost, and anti-tangle technology that helps it collect dirt and pet hair, so it's a great option for homes with furry friends.

It navigates and maps your home with ClearView Pro LiDAR technology, and it also has built-in sensors that help prevent falls on stairs. Paired with the PrecisionVision AI technology which helps it to recognize and avoid common household obstacles (cords, socks, etc), this device can safely move around your home on its own.

This model also comes with an all-in-one docking station, where ut automatically collects debris into an enclosed bag that can store dirt for up to 75 days, minimizing the manual effort required from you.

Head to Amazon to score this robot vacuum deal.

SAVE $250: As of June 9, the Google Pixel 10 Pro is on sale for $849 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10 Pro $849
$1,088 Save $239   Get Deal

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is available at its lowest-ever price right now at Amazon, a couple of weeks before Prime Day gets underway. As of June 9, the smartphone has dropped from its usual $1,099 price tag to just $849. Better yet, every color option is included in the discount, so you can choose from moonstone, obsidian, porcelain, or jade. Each is designed with an aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, so it's robust as well as slick.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is a powerful smartphone, running on the Google Tensor G5 chip and built with Gemini AI features designed to assist with everyday tasks. This deal is for an unlocked version of the phone, so it's compatible with major carriers, allowing you to pick whichever works best for you.

It has a seriously advanced camera system too. It has support for advanced AI-powered photography, low-light image capture, up to 100x Pro Res Zoom, 50MP photos, and 8K video recording with video stabilization features to make sure clips are nice and steady. Who needs a professional camera with all this?

It also includes Gemini Live, an AI feature that enables conversational voice interactions and allows users to point the camera at objects to ask questions.

Get this Google smartphone deal at Amazon right now.

Trump has been getting angry at journalists again, this time clashing with NBC Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker after she challenged him over his comments about various primaries being rigged.

"This interview, first of all, it was interrupted several times by rain, and I don't know if he was worried about the cotton candy on his head getting wet or he just didn't like the fact that he was being taken to task by a woman," says Jimmy Kimmel in the clip above. "Either way, their talk ended in a full-blown Trumper tantrum."

Kimmel then plays the clip of Trump storming out of the interview, with his trousers edited out and replaced by a diaper, and baby noises added in post.

"Can you imagine any other president in the history of any other place doing that?" the host asks. "That was a hissy fit."

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SAVE OVER $50: As of June 9, the blue mist/pale gold Fitbit Sense 2 is discounted to $197.90 at Amazon. This is $52.05 off its list price of $249.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Sense 2 $197.90 at Amazon
$249.95 Save $52.05   Get Deal

If you're hoping to hit some new fitness goals this summer while you're spending time outside, a fitness tracker is worth looking into. The Fitbit Sense 2 is one option that can help you keep an eye on your efforts, and it's even on sale right now at Amazon. No need to wait for Prime Day to add it to your shopping cart.

As of June 9, the blue mist/pale gold Fitbit Sense 2 model is on sale for $197.90 at Amazon. Overall, this is just over $50 off its full price of $249.95. It's not the only color discounted, either. If you're interested in the lunar white/platinum or shadow grey/graphite trackers instead, they're marked down to $199.94, so just a tiny bit more than the blue mist/pale gold model.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

The Fitbit Sense 2 includes a range of tracking features, so no matter if you're looking to focus on fitness or health, it can cover a lot of bases. When it comes to your activity, it includes a built-in GPS, all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate tracking, and a Daily Readiness Score, to name a few. On the other hand, for health, it includes sleep tracking, irregular heart rhythm notifications, all-day stress detection, and much more.

These health features caught the eye of Mashable writer Lois Mackenzie. In a piece about the Fitbit Sense 2, Mackenzie explains, "It prioritizes things like stress, sleep, and recovery just as much as steps and heart rate, which makes it stand out in a market that often focuses purely on smashing PRs."

Cross off your summertime fitness goals this year with the help of the Fitbit Sense 2. Act fast to save on it at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Archer, the gay dating app launched by Match Group during Pride Month 2023, is shutting down just three years later.

Michael Kaye, the app's director of brand marketing and communications, announced the end of Archer in May, soon after the parent company announced a $100 million investment in Sniffies, a gay hookup app.

"We're incredibly proud of what we built with ARCHER and grateful to the community, partners, and supporters who helped make it possible," Kaye told Mashable in an emailed statement. "While ARCHER will be winding down, we're thankful for the impact it had and the connections it fostered over the years."

SEE ALSO: The best gay dating apps of 2026: Grindr is still king (even if we sometimes wish it wasn't)

Archer sought to make gay dating more intentional, focusing more on building relationships than finding flings. In 2024, TechCrunch reported that Archer had been downloaded over 685,000 times within a year of its debut. But Grindr, arguably the most well-known gay hookup app, was downloaded 10 million times in the year preceding TechCrunch's reporting. As Mashable states in our gay dating app roundup, Grindr is still king.

In recent years, however, users have complained that Grindr is paywalling its best features and that its interface is buggy. Competitors have popped up, including Archer, and also Sniffies, Scruff, and Jack'd. The cruising site Squirt, which pre-dated Grindr, just launched an app this April.

Now, it appears that at least in the gay dating space, Match Group will focus on Sniffies.

"We look forward to partnering with Sniffies to continue fostering meaningful queer connections and building for the future of the community," Kaye stated.

Archer will officially shut down on June 17.

"There's an app for that" was a great marketing line, and for most of the existence of mobile app stores it's largely been true. Since anyone can develop an app for mobile phones, the diversity of apps that do very niche things exploded.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a musician.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 9, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Pure

• Green: Hush hush

• Blue: Caveat

• Purple: Play a tune

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Symbols of innocence

• Green: Things you're not supposed to reveal

• Blue: Things represented in superscript

• Purple: Slang for musical instruments

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 #1094 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Symbols of innocence: ANGEL, BABE, DOVE, LAMB

• Things you're not supposed to reveal: PASSWORD, SECRET, SPOILER, SURPRISE

• Things represented in superscript: ASTERISK, DEGREE, EXPONENT, TRADEMARK

• Slang for musical instruments: AXE, BONE, KEYS, SKINS

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 9, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love cruises.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 9, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Dramamine, anyone?

The words are related to ships.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe cruises.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is I'm on a Boat.

NYT Strands word list for June 9

• Snacks

• Dancing

• Waves

• Drinks

• I'm on a Boat

• Seasickness

• Deck

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love to sail.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 9, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 9, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A pier.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

WHARF

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 Wordle.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: Mega Moonlit Tin (Mega Clefable ex edition) marked down to $47.29 ahead of its June 12 release, taking 21% off its usual $59.95 price. Walmart is slightly cheaper at $46.77, though TCGplayer has unopened listings going as low as $29.37.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Moonlit — Mega Clefable ex Tin $47.29 at Amazon
$59.95 Save $12.66   Get Deal

Getting packs from the recent Mega Evolution in the Pokémon TCG at a reasonable price is still a pretty tough task. However, this is where price drops on collection boxes like this Mega Clefable tin are among the best ways to score trading cards on a budget.  

As of June 9, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: Mega Moonlit Tin — Mega Clefable ex edition available to preorder for $47.29. That’s a 21% cut from its typical $59.95 price, saving you $12.65 on the moonlit-themed collector tin, and it's the lowest price we’ve seen with the seller yet, as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel. 

Shipped and sold by Crooked Cart, delivery is estimated for June 18-25 at the time of writing, at least six days after its June 12 release date. However, for just a penny more, at $47.30, you can preorder the Mega Clefable ex Tin from the seller Boxed Vinyl — giving you faster delivery for June 17. 

Inside, you’ll get one very pretty Mega Clefable ex foil promo card, four Pokémon TCG booster packs (two Chaos Rising, one Perfect Order, and one Phantasmal Flames — according to product imagery), and one code card for Pokémon TCG Live. 

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This means that even before you take the promo card and TCG Live card into account, the $47.29 price will have you paying only $11.82 per pack. Since single boosters for all three Pokémon TCG expansions usually cost between $12 and $16 on Amazon, you’ll be saving around $4 per pack. 

On the other hand, those who are willing to shop outside of Amazon can save a lot more. Walmart’s third-party listings for the Mega Moonlit Tin go slightly lower at $46.77, but unopened listings on TCGplayer go far cheaper at $29.37 each — even a small amount higher than its market price of $27.64. 

For even more Pokémon TCG backs at a more tolerable price, you can grab the Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box on sale for just over $92. To get the lowest cost per pack, though, the Pokémon TCG’s 36-pack Chaos Rising Booster Display Box, selling for under $265, means you’re paying around $7.36 per pack. 

Although currently not available on Amazon, the Pokémon TCG’s newly announced Pitch Black expansion — Booster Packs, ETBs, Display Boxes, and Booster Bundles — is available to preorder at TCGplayer.

SAVE OVER $200: As of June 9, the Roborock Q10 S5+ robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $279.99 at Amazon. This is $270 off its full price of $549.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q10 S5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop $279.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $270   Get Deal

We're counting down the days to Prime Day, but until then, Amazon has some excellent early deals to shop. If you've been thinking about dropping some cash on a robot vacuum this year, we've spotted a select few on sale right now, including the Roborock Q10 S5+. This model even landed on our list of the best robot vacuums, so it's one we think is worth your time and money.

As of June 9, the Roborock Q10 S5+ robot vacuum and mop is down to $279.99 at Amazon. Considering it's usually listed for $549.99, this is a great opportunity to save $270 on it, but you'll want to act fast to grab it. It's currently marked as a 'limited time deal', so the clock is ticking to score it at this price.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

If summertime has you spending more time outside, a cleaner like the Roborock Q10 S5+ can be a worthy addition to your home. Its vacuuming, which boasts 10,000 Pa suction, can lift up any dirt, crumbs, or pet hair that's gotten stuck in your carpets. Plus, its JawScrapers Comb main brush and anti-tangle side brush help prevent hair from getting caught up inside and slowing it down.

Its mopping system is plenty powerful as well, as it scrubs up to 3,000 times per minute to tackle annoying stains on your harder floors. It also features obstacle avoidance technology and has a quieter operation, which is why Mashable ranks it among the best robot vacuums, earning the title of 'Quietest robot vacuum'.

Mashable senior shopping reporter Leah Stodart writes the Roborock Q10 S5+ "has reliably completed all missions in my apartment for weeks, and isn't nearly as obnoxious when self-emptying as most other robot vacuums I've tested — it barely reaches 70 decibels, which isn't much louder than competitors while they're just cleaning."

If it sounds like the perfect fit for your home, don't miss out on this great deal on the Roborock Q10 S5+ at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Jon Stewart has always been game for a tough interview, and though Elmo might be safe, 'Elmo' is not.

In the clip above the Daily Show host recaps a controversial X post from the beloved Sesame Street character's official account. On June 4, Elmo made a neutral comment on the NBA finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, writing, "Elmo hopes both teams have fun!" In response, Knicks fans demanded the New Yorker "pick a side" — and on Monday night, that included Stewart.

SEE ALSO: Seth Meyers breaks down Trump's disastrous decision to attend NBA finals

To scrutinise the post, Stewart interviewed a knockoff 'Elmo' — one The Daily Show has wheeled out during previous X post debacles. Suffice to say this is not the Sesame Street Elmo you know. It gets dark.

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Apple's iOS 27, now available as developer beta, lets users tweak the Liquid Glass appearance more precisely than ever.

Previously, you could either set the Liquid Glass to either Clear or Tinted. Now, there's a slider that lets you adjust transparency from Ultra Clear on the one side, all the way to Tinted Glass on the other.

I've tried it out in the new iOS 27 developer beta, and (of course) I immediately set it to Ultra Clear. Not everyone is thrilled with so much transparency in the interface they use every day, so you might want to go the other way, or anywhere in between; the choice is yours. I also did the same thing on the iPad, which has the same setting.

To access this feature, you'll have to download and install the iOS 27 developer beta. We've got instructions on how to do that over here; just have in mind that it's unwise to install a developer beta on your primary device, and if you do so, make sure you've backed up your device first.

SEE ALSO: How to download iOS 27, iPad OS 27, and macOS 27 Golden Gate developer betas right now

Once you have the iOS 27 or iPadOS 27 developer beta installed, you'll find the feature under Settings - Appearance - Liquid Glass. From there, you can move the slider freely, and immediately see the result in a nifty viewer that shows you how a text input box will interact with other elements of the interface.

That's it! Have fun with the slider.

Note that this isn't the only change Apple has done to Liquid Glass. The company says it updated app icons to be sharper and more defined, and improved contrast as well as more uniform refraction should help with readability.

Mel Mitchell isn’t afraid of a hot take. 

The Atlanta-based stand-up comedian, actor, and content creator caught our attention this year for her sharp commentary and quick wit. She’s also been named one of the Mash101 — our list of the voices shaping digital culture right now.

“Whether she's breaking down a pop culture moment or reenacting a familiar online interaction, the throughline is the same,” writes Mashable’s Crystal Bell. “The joke lands because the observation is precise.”

Mitchell has us cracking up with “the black mom on ‘The Magic School Bus’” and her loving caricature of director Ryan Coogler. With her impression of “the black muggle mom,” Mitchell continues an ongoing content stream that riffs on the Harry Potter universe.  

Mitchell’s Potter-inspired comedy really took off after a video of her as a black teacher at Hogwarts went viral. Subsequent videos, like the muggle mom at the Hogwarts Parent/Teacher conference, have also gained widespread adoration. (Book 3 — Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban — is Michell's favorite, in case you were wondering.)

Credit: Zooey Liao/Mashable/Google Images/Mel Mitchell

Mitchell has also added "actor" to her resumé this year, appearing on KevOnStage's "Churchy," "The Hospital," and "The Airport."

We recently caught up with the 31-year-old comedian to talk about her love for comedy, being a pastor’s kid, and which products she relies on for recording content.

Mel Mitchell's creator essentials: Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods "For when I'm doing multiple creators." Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPad "So I can see my scripts." Shop Now

Opens in a new window Credit: InShot InShot (Video Editor)   Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mimo (Video Editor)   Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: UBeesize Ring Light   Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Liphisy Tripod   Shop Now

You often feature your natural hair as a topic of conversation in your content – what are your go-to hair products?

I love the Camille Rose setting foam, the Bask & Lather edge control, a spray bottle of water, and the green Eco Style gel.

How has being a “pastor’s kid” (as you say) influenced your comedy?

I say all the time that being a comedian is ministry. Comedy and preaching are the same skillset, so I believe it was passed down genetically! That and my hilarious life experiences have set me up for success in comedy. 

Who is your ideal audience?

My ideal audience consists of Black women and the Black LGBTQIA community; they just get me!

What do you love about what you do?

I really enjoy making people laugh and spreading joy. My favorite is when I make a SUPER niche joke, and it reaches the few people who would actually understand it. 

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage and meet The Mashable 101 to discover the internet’s most exciting voices.

So what exactly does one bring to the 15th anniversary of an iconic conference for online content creation? With VidCon 2026 just around the corner, it's a question you'll want to start asking now.

When it comes to content creation essentials, there's more to it than bringing along an iPhone and your MacBook (even though those make for a great camera and editing machine, respectively).

SEE ALSO: The Mashable 101: The creators defining the internet in 2026

This knowledge comes firsthand: Mashable's team turned out plenty of content of our own at VidCon 2025, interviewed the biggest creators there about what tools they couldn't live without, and of course, kept our eyes peeled on the convention center floor. Beyond VidCon, our team also spoke with plenty of creators to learn more about the products they consider essential when they're filming, editing, and for all the moments in between.

That's why we decided to come up with a checklist — a starter pack for content creators. Below, you'll find our top five VidCon essentials for content creators.

Best early Prime Day portable power station deals at a glance: Best overall deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $449.99 (save $349.01 at Amazon) Get Deal Best small-model deal Bluetti Elite 10 $119 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best durable deal Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $999 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best power station + solar panel bundle EcoFlow Delta 3 + 220W solar panel $669 (save $330) Get Deal Best deal for content creators DJI Power 1000 $399.99 at Amazon (save $299.01) Get Deal

Summer 2026 is in full swing now. Barbecues, camping trips, vacation, and avoiding mosquitos are all on the agenda. But something else big happens every summer — Amazon Prime Day. This year, Amazon is hosting the annual sale earlier than ever with dates set for June 23 to 26. But if you know Amazon, you know you don't necessarily need to wait.

We already have excellent deals happening on portable power stations: from a tiny model that'll keep your phone charged up for a weekend off-grid to major power that can keep your refrigerator cooling for days. Having reviewed dozens of power stations, these are the models I would consider buying before the chaos of Prime Day begins.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $449.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $349.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2.

If you're looking to buy your first portable power station, the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 is an excellent all-around model. It offers a respectable 1,024Wh capacity, which is a bit like a Goldilocks amount. That's a good amount of power for a weekend away, but it doesn't go overboard. It's also easy to transport, coming in at under 25 pounds. It has excellent recharging ability, going from dead to 100% power in under 50 minutes. It's a summer essential for me, and it's also excellent during a power outage.

Best deal on a small model Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 10 $119 at Amazon
$169 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't need heaps of power, consider the Bluetti Elite 10, one of my favorite small portable power stations. It comes with 128Wh of power, which is enough to keep your phone, earbuds, or Kindle charged up during a camping trip or when the power goes out. Plus, the green colorway option is undeniably special.

In addition to its small size, the Bluetti Elite 10 is lightweight and great for people to carry from room to room during a power outage. Before Prime Day, it's on sale at Amazon for $119.

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The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra has a unique feature when it comes to portable power stations — it's resistant to water and dust. As you can image, it's not wise to add water into the mix with most portable power stations, but the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra has an IP 65 rating and a level nine seismic shockproofing. All of that means this model is ideal if you'll be in harsh conditions. Bring this model camping in the rain or take it to the job site. It's also ideal if you'll be working in a shed with wood shavings.

Before Prime Day, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra is on sale at Amazon for $999, which is a savings od $300 compared to the list price of $1,200 at Jackery.

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A huge benefit to choosing a portable power station is its ability to recharge via sunlight. Of course, in order to do that, you'll need a solar panel. The EcoFlow Delta 3 with a 220W solar panel is a great deal to hop on. For $669, down from the normal price of $999, you get the EcoFlow Delta 3 and a 220W solar panel for recharging.

The EcoFlow Delta 3 itself comes with 1,024Wh with an impressive 3,600W surge. EcoFlow states the 220W solar panel can recharge the Delta 3 back to 100% in about six hours. Take the power station and solar panel camping this summer and you might be in for unlimited power.

If you're heading to VidCon this year, prepare to hear certain words repeated over and over again.

Some of them will come from creators. Others will come from executives, talent managers, startup founders, and brand marketers. Together, they offer a surprisingly useful snapshot of where the creator economy stands in 2026.

A decade ago, the dominant vocabulary of creator culture revolved around virality. Conversations centered on views and subscribers, maybe the occasional algorithm hack. Success was often measured in audience size alone.

This year's buzzwords tell a different story. The creator economy has grown up, and so has the language surrounding it. Increasingly, the industry's biggest conversations aren't about getting attention. They're about keeping it, monetizing it, and building sustainable businesses around it.

Here are the creator buzzwords you're guaranteed to hear at VidCon 2026, which kicks off June 25 in Anaheim, California.

SEE ALSO: Who is VidCon really for? 3 takeaways that reveal the creator economy's future. Community

If there's one word likely to dominate VidCon this year, it's community. For years, creators were encouraged to focus on growth above all else. Now the emphasis has shifted toward cultivating audiences that feel invested, connected, and engaged — aka building a fandom.

Whether that means Discord servers, livestream chats, membership programs, or in-person events, creators increasingly want audiences that participate rather than simply watch.

Translation: Followers are nice. Communities are valuable.

Superfans

Closely tied to community is the rise of the "superfan."

These are the people who buy merch, subscribe to memberships, attend live events (like VidCon), and show up every time a creator posts. As platforms become less predictable and ad revenue fluctuates, many creators are discovering that a smaller, highly engaged group of fans can be more valuable than a much larger, passive audience.

Translation: A thousand devoted fans can sometimes matter more than a million casual viewers.

Audience Ownership

Ask enough creators what keeps them awake at night, and eventually someone will mention platform dependency.

Audience ownership refers to building direct relationships with fans through newsletters, text lists, memberships, Discord communities, and other channels that creators control. The goal is to reduce reliance on algorithms and platform decisions.

Translation: Don't build your entire business on rented land.

Creator Infrastructure

One of the fastest-growing conversations in the creator economy isn't about content at all. It's about everything happening behind the scenes.

Creator infrastructure refers to the tools and services that help creators run their businesses, including storefronts, payment systems, analytics platforms, community management tools, and monetization software. If the first decade of the creator economy was about building audiences, this phase is increasingly about building the systems that support them.

Translation: Creators aren't just influencers anymore. They're small businesses.

Creator CEO

Many creators now employ editors, producers, managers, marketers, and operations staff. The most successful creators increasingly resemble startup founders more than traditional influencers.

As creators expand into merchandise, media companies, product lines, and subscription businesses, discussions about leadership, hiring, and operations have become just as important as discussions about content.

Translation: Being a creator increasingly means running a company.

Creator-Led Brands

The creators of yesteryear simply endorsed products. Now, creators are launching them.

From beverages and beauty brands to clothing lines and consumer products, many creators now view content as the top of a much larger business funnel. The goal is no longer simply monetizing attention through sponsorships, but building businesses that audiences actively buy into.

Translation: The endgame isn't always a brand deal.

Multi-Platform Strategy

The era of being "just a YouTuber" or "just a TikToker" is largely over.

Today's creators often publish across multiple platforms simultaneously, combining short-form video, long-form content, podcasts, newsletters, livestreams, and social media. Diversification has become both a growth strategy and a survival strategy.

Translation: No creator wants all of their eggs in one algorithm.

AI Tools

No VidCon buzzword list would be complete without AI.

From video editing and caption generation to thumbnail design, research, translation, and content ideation, creators are experimenting with AI across nearly every part of the production process. At the same time, creators are grappling with a growing list of questions: When should AI use be disclosed? How much automation is too much? And if audiences can no longer tell what's human-made, what happens to trust?

Whether creators embrace it enthusiastically or approach it cautiously, expect AI to be part of nearly every major conversation at VidCon this year.

Translation: Everyone is trying to figure out where AI fits into the creative process.

Sustainable Creation

After years of burnout discussions, creators are becoming more vocal about longevity.

Rather than chasing growth at all costs, many are focusing on healthier publishing schedules, diversified revenue streams, and businesses that don't depend on posting constantly. Sustainability has become one of the defining conversations of Creator Economy 2.0.

Translation: Hustle culture isn't quite as fashionable as it used to be.

Niche Communities

The internet keeps getting bigger, but creator success often looks smaller.

Many of today's fastest-growing creators aren't trying to appeal to everyone. Instead, they're building loyal audiences around highly specific interests, hobbies, fandoms, and expertise.

Translation: Being deeply relevant matters more than being broadly famous.

Authenticity

Perhaps the most enduring creator-economy buzzword of all.

Everyone talks about authenticity. Few people define it the same way. Yet despite years of debate, authenticity remains one of the industry's favorite explanations for audience trust and loyalty. Whether it's genuine transparency or simply the appearance of it, expect to hear the word repeatedly throughout VidCon.

Translation: Everyone uses it. Nobody fully agrees on what it means.

If there's a theme connecting all of these buzzwords, it's that creator culture is becoming less obsessed with scale and more focused on sustainability. The language of the industry has shifted from virality to ownership, from audience growth to community building, and from internet fame to long-term businesses.

In other words, the biggest buzzwords at VidCon 2026 aren't actually about content creation at all. They're about business.

Mashable will be on the ground at VidCon 2026, covering the creators, trends, and conversations driving internet culture, from breaking news and creator interviews to industry insights and live updates.

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