IT General

Fans of The Handmaid's Tale will spot several familiar faces in sequel series The Testaments, from Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) to Rita (Amanda Brugel) and June (Elisabeth Moss). But The Testaments' Season 1 finale features the mother of all Handmaid's Tale cameos: the author of the novel herself, Margaret Atwood.

SEE ALSO: 'The Testaments' review: 'The Handmaid's Tale' sequel finds new power in its YA perspective

Atwood plays a jailer to Becka (Mattea Conforti), who murdered her abusive father in the show's penultimate episode.

"I was so fortunate to be in that scene with her when she made that cameo," Conforti told Mashable in an interview alongside castmates Lucy Halliday and Rowan Blanchard.

"She was an incredible actress," Conforti continued. "I really think that she should pursue that side of her career, maybe. But it was so surreal, being able to have the opportunity to work with the woman that created this world that we are all working together on was so incredible, and she had such wonderful insight to offer as well."

Halliday recalled seeing Atwood on set, having lunch with her, and even watching The Testaments' first three episodes alongside her.

"What I really loved is they had all these snacks laid out [for the screening], and I remember being like, 'If no one takes any snacks, then I'm not gonna take any snacks,'" Halliday said. "Whereas she sat down and immediately picked up a bunch of popcorn, and I was like, 'Okay, we can all eat now,' and that was a joy. But she's so animated, so if she found something funny, she was roaring with laughter, and if she was shocked, you really felt everything that she went through watching it."

Watch the full interview above to hear Halliday, Conforti, and Blanchard dive deeper into the season, including their hopes for their characters in the now-confirmed Season 2.

All episodes of The Testaments Season 1 are now streaming on Hulu.

Based on a strange clue, astronomers have found a collection of young red dwarf stars in space that may have gobbled up rocky planets — perhaps similar worlds to Earth.  

Like sniffing a teenager's breath for alcohol or cigarette smoke, researchers noticed the stars had more lithium in their atmospheres than they should. That could mean they still had the stench of their last meal on them. 

A red dwarf is a small, cool type of star, and lithium is a lightweight chemical that stars eventually destroy through nuclear reactions. In stars like these, lithium usually disappears early in life because the stars' hot interiors incinerate it. By the time these stars reach adolescence — around 50 to 200 million years old — astronomers expect little to no trace of lithium.

But a team found six stars out of thousands surveyed that broke the rules in a new study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. These stars contained much more lithium than other stars of the same age in their clusters, said Robin Jeffries, lead author of the paper, from Keele University in the United Kingdom. The lithium-rich stars made up only about 2 to 3 percent of stars in that temperature range, making them rare but not flukes.  

"Even a small amount of lithium stands out clearly in these stars — a bit like throwing paint onto a blank canvas," Jeffries said in a statement. 

Astronomers already knew stars could swallow planets, but the evidence has usually come from faint, debatable chemical detections. This study may have found a much clearer signal: young red dwarf stars somehow regained lithium, likely by swallowing several Earths' worth of rocky planet material that contains the element. 

SEE ALSO: This could be the most 'naked' giant black hole ever found

The findings suggest planetary systems — especially around red dwarfs — may go through a far more tumultuous childhood than astronomers realized. Instead of forming neatly and staying put, rocky worlds may regularly collide, scatter, or spiral into their stars during the first few hundred million years. 

That matters because red dwarfs are the most common stars in the Milky Way and host vast numbers of Earth-size planets, including many in potentially habitable zones, where temperatures are not too hot or cold for liquid water on their surfaces. If those rocky exoplanets are sometimes eaten by their stars, that may mean some Earth-like worlds die before they could have a chance to spark life. 

Researchers identified the red dwarfs with high lithium levels from the Gaia-ESO Spectroscopic Survey, conducted using the FLAMES instrument on the Very Large Telescope in Chile. Credit: ESO / H.H.Heyer

Other than the presence of lithium, the stars looked normal. They sat in the same locations as other cluster members, moved through space the same way, and appeared to be about the same age. That ruled out the possibility that they were just younger stars mixed into the sample.  

The researchers did consider other explanations for the chemical. One idea involved magnetic activity because strong magnetic fields and starspots can sometimes slow lithium destruction in young stars. But that explanation wasn't a good fit because most of the lithium-rich stars spun slowly; fast rotation usually links to stronger magnetic activity.  

Another idea suggested the stars kept feasting from their birth disks for an inordinate length of time. But the team thought that scenario probably wouldn't preserve enough lithium. That left planet swallowing as the leading explanation. Rocky planets contain lithium, so devouring them would temporarily spike the lithium level in the star's outer layers.  

The team estimated each star may have swallowed material equal to about three to 10 Earths.  

That may sound extreme, but astronomers already know many red dwarf stars host compact systems packed with rocky planets. Computer simulations also show that young planetary systems often become chaotic. Gravitational interactions can fling planets inward until the star engulfs them.  

Researchers think these events likely happened after the stars stopped rapidly destroying lithium. Depending on each star's mass and inner workings, their lithium signatures could now remain for millions of years. 

SCORE FREE TOOLS: Shop the Lowe's Craftsman Days sale to save up to $300 on Craftsman riding lawn mowers, push mower, tools, and more. Buy a Craftsman V20+ battery starter kit and get a free bare tool worth up to $140.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lowe's Lowe's Craftsman Days save up to $300 and get BOGO tools Shop Now

Need to upgrade some tools before diving into summer projects? Now's a great time to consider what you'll need to tackle home and yard projects. In addition to Home Depot's Ryobi Days sale, check out the Lowe's Craftsman event.

Lowe's is hosting the Craftsman Days sale which sees major discounts across Craftsman items like lawn mowers, power tools, storage systems, and more. One of the best offers is Lowe's deal to buy the Craftsman V20 battery pack with charger for $99 and get a free Craftsman tool worth up to $139.

SEE ALSO: The Anker Solix C300 power station is ready-made for summer — save $80 at Amazon

Lowe's is going all-in on the Craftsman deals this year, making it possible to snag nearly anything you might need at a discount. From tools for DIY projects to tool cabinets and leaf blowers, the Lowe's sale hits every corner of the Craftsman selection.

If you're hoping to take advantage of the BOGO offer, go with the Craftsman V20 battery pack with charger kit for $99. From there, you can select a free Craftsman tool like a Craftsman Pole Saw, Hedge Trimmer, or the Craftsman String Trimmer.

Lucky for us, the BOGO Craftsman offer at Lowe's doesn't expire until July 29. However, we wouldn't be surprised to see some of the free tool offers sell out, so consider shopping sooner rather than rather.

SAVE UP TO $218: Shop the Home Depot Ryobi Days event to get a free tool worth up to $89 when you buy the Ryobi One+ 18V Battery Starter Kit. The kit is on sale for $99, down from the normal price of $228.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ryobi Home Depot Ryobi Days $99 at Home Depot
$228 Save $129 get a free Ryobi tool with purchase Shop Now

Welcome to home improvement season. Now that we're no longer in winter hibernation mode, you probable have a list of home and yard projects to tick off this summer. If you could use some new tools to get those jobs done right, listen up to this Home Depot news.

The Home Depot Ryobi Days event earns you a free tool with purchase of the Ryobi One+ 18V Battery Starter Kit. The kit is on sale for $99, marked down from the list price of $228 for a savings of $129 on the battery kit. The free tool option lets you pick one from 13 Ryobi items.

Remember when BOGO sales used to be good? The Home Depot is resurrecting our faith in getting something for free that's actually good. The Ryobi Days event makes perfect sense. Buy the Ryobi battery kit while it's 57% off and get a free tool that can be used in conjunction with one of the batteries in the kit.

SEE ALSO: The powerful Aiper Scuba X1 robot pool cleaner is $500 off at Amazon with coupon code — how to redeem

The free items that qualify for this deal are plentiful. Go with the Ryobi Cordless Compact Workshop Blower or the Ryobi Cordless Hybrid Whisper Jobsite Fan. If you don't need the Ryobi battery kit, you can choose your main item as the Cordless Battery String Trimmer to qualify for the additional free tool.

Before the free tool options sell out, check out the Ryobi Days sale at Home Depot. You can save big on an essential battery kit and get a free tool you'll actually use.

Apple may not quite be the world's most valuable company at the moment — that's Nvidia — but it is still by far the world's most scrutinized.

Thanks to a robust set of supply-chain leakers revealing every aspect of new Apple products before they arrive, an Apple launch event can often seem robbed of surprise. And in a normal year, Apple's annual World Wide Developers' Conference (WWDC) is no exception.

But WWDC 2026 is not a normal year, and an unusual air of mystery still clings to the keynote. That's not just because we don't know whether Tim Cook, in his last WWDC as CEO, will hand the baton over to CEO-in-waiting John Ternus during the event.

Will Ternus get on-the-job training, keynoting side by side with Cook? Or will he take a lesser role, like he did introducing the iPhone Air last September?

Beyond that mystery, here are our three big burning questions for the Apple WWDC keynote, which kicks off at 10 a.m. PT on Monday, June 8, 2026.

SEE ALSO: The latest iPhone 18 news, leaks, and rumors Will we see the iPhone Fold (or Ultra) at all? A hypothetical rendering of the iPhone Fold. Credit: Zain bin Awais / Mashable

The last we heard about the iPhone Fold, Apple's late-to-the-party entry into the foldable smartphone market, its official launch date had been pushed back, likely until the holiday season. Given a global memory chip shortage, analysts have warned that the company may not have enough supply to satisfy demand until 2027.

Still, iPhone Fold prototypes exist (or iPhone Ultra, if one report is to be believed — the dueling names being just one example of Apple exerting an unusual amount of lockdown). Cook may reason that it makes sense to wow us with an early look at one, and end that confusion about the name.

After all, that's what Steve Jobs did with the original iPhone: gave us a sneak peak in January 2007, long before the official summer launch.

The Jobs strategy would make sense here, given that Apple is already late to the foldable game — and is effectively leapfrogging competitors with its larger folding screen. Cook may also want to cement his association with the Fold/Ultra, given that he led the company during its development.

What better way to do that than to bring back, just this once, a Jobs-like "one more thing"? Ternus takes over on September 1, so any future iPhone Fold/Ultra launch event will be his baby. Does Cook want the world's first official look at the Fold/Ultra to be in Ternus' hands?

Then again, Cook's lack of ego has been one of the defining features of his tenure. So he may be perfectly fine letting his chief product guy take the credit (or, if the Fold/Ultra fails in any way, the fall).

Will the new AI Siri surprise us? Credit: Apple

During the Cook years, Apple has struggled with a delicate balancing act on the subject of AI. On the one hand, Cook is clearly a skeptic about the tech industry's tendency to overhype LLMs — and given that bombshell white papers coming out of Apple's research arm show plainly that even so-called reasoning models can't reason, he has every reason to think that way.

On the other hand, consumers have every right to expect that they could treat Siri, Apple's creaky old AI chatbot, like it has the intelligence of models like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Google's Gemini.

And that's what we're expecting to get: A Gemini-powered Siri voice assistant, along with a new Siri app and an AI agent app store, that fulfills the company's long-deferred promise of Apple Intelligence. Reportedly, you'll be able to choose third-party AI tools too.

Upgraded Siri will also likely feature in the camera app, offering editing options and other forms of "Visual Intelligence." And it will reportedly be ad-free and more focused on privacy than its AI rivals, with features like auto-deleting chat logs.

SEE ALSO: Siri’s big Google upgrade: What iPhone fans are waiting for

OK, but how does Cook (or Ternus) effectively demonstrate the AI power of the new Siri? Here the company may run into a boy-who-cried-wolf problem.

Thanks to Apple's, um, overly enthusiastic marketing after the original Apple Intelligence announcement, showcasing features that didn't exist, the company had to settle a class-action lawsuit.

How, then, can an ad within this keynote showcasing Apple Intelligence capabilities not give us skeptical vibes, even if they do exist this time around?

The biggest Siri surprise of all would be a live demo — but given that Apple hasn't done that in keynotes since 2019 (Cook went pre-recorded in 2020), don't hold your breath.

Will iOS 27 be lighter ... and less Liquid? Credit: Apple

The real star of the WWDC show, of course, is Apple's latest iteration of its signature iPhone operating system. But iOS 27 has more riding on it than most upgrades.

That's not just because of the new Siri, or the foldable software supposedly stuffed into iOS 27. It's because iOS 26 was a controversial upgrade, to say the least.

Reports of low adoption numbers turned out to be exaggerated. But the unease was undeniable. Many users expressed outrage on Reddit that iOS 26 felt like "bloatware" that slowed down the keyboard, among other features.

Most controversial of all: the Liquid Glass aesthetic that made app icons look like cheap gel stickers, as some saw it. Certainly the hurried departure of the design chief behind Liquid Glass doesn't suggest it was a hit inside the company.

So how different will iOS 27 look? Is the cool glowing animation promoting WWDC 2026, reportedly the Siri redesign hiding in plain sight, a harbinger of good things to come? Did Apple engineers spend the last year effectively filleting the bloat, or making it worse? Will it end support for the iPhone 11?

Join us on the series finale of Tim Cook's Apple keynotes to find out!

Ways to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup at a glance: Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98 (save $19.99) Get Deal Fox One (Monthly Subscription) Free 3-day trial, then $19.99/month Get Deal Fox One (Prime Video Add-On) Free 3-day trial, then $19.99/month Get Deal YouTube TV Free 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months Get Deal Best Buy Essentials Ultra-Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna $24.99 Get Deal ESPN and Fox One Bundle $39.99/month (save $9.99/month) Get Deal

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest edition of the global tournament to date and it's almost here.

Not only is it hosted by three different countries for the first time (United States, Mexico, Canada), but there's also more teams competing than ever. With 48 teams going head to head across 16 different host cities (11 in the U.S.), it's going to be absolutely epic.

Want to tune in live in the U.S.? Here's everything you need to know about streaming the 2026 World Cup at home.

When is the World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup tournament takes place from June 11 through July 19. The first day of tournament opens with live coverage starting at 1 p.m. ET as Mexico welcomes opponent South Africa.

The United States men's national soccer team (USMNT) opener vs. Paraguay falls on June 12 in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET, but you can tune in three hours early for a pre-game special starting at 6 p.m. ET.

What channel are World Cup matches on in the U.S.?

The entirety of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — all 104 tournament matches — will be aired live on Fox and FS1 for those with cable access. A record 40 matches will air in primetime. That's over one third of the tournament.

"Our broadcast schedule affirms FOX is truly going to be America’s home for the beautiful game over a span of 39 incredible days," said Eric Shanks, CEO & Executive Producer, FOX Sports.

What streaming service has the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S.?

Lucky for soccer fans, Fox's own streaming service launched last year and now makes watching every match live in the 2026 World Cup tournament a breeze for cord-cutters. Previously, your only option for watching live Fox channels without cable was through a pay TV provider like YouTube TV or Fubo. Now, Fox One is your one-stop shop for the entire Fox TV portfolio, allowing you to stream live local Fox stations, as well as Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and more.

Yes, that means a Fox One streaming subscription will grant you live access to all 104 FIFA World Cup matches in the U.S. It costs $19.99 per month after a free three-day trial and you can sign up directly through Fox or through Prime Video as an add-on network.

It's also worth noting that Peacock ($10.99/month) will be streaming all 104 World Cup matches, but only in Spanish. Plus, Tubi will be streaming the opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa, as well as the USA's opening match against Paraguay on June 12, for free. All 102 other matches will require access to Fox.

Are there any Fox One streaming deals?

There aren't as many deals for Fox One as other streamers, but that doesn't mean there are zero. For a limited time, the streamer is offering a three-month subscription — perfect for watching the World Cup — for just $39.98. A $59.97 value, that essentially gets you a full month for free. The deal ends July 19.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99   Get Deal

You can also score Fox One for free if you sign up for Verizon home internet, if you happen to be in the market for a new provider. The only other real way you can save on a Fox One subscription is by signing up for an annual subscription or a bundle deal.

An annual Fox One subscription will cost you just $199.99. That's $39.88 cheaper than paying for 12 months individually. You can also bundle Fox One with ESPN Unlimited for the ultimate sports package for $39.99 per month, saving you $9.99 per month. If you want to watch more live sports than just the World Cup, these are both deals worth considering.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (Annual Subscription) $199.99
$239.88 Save $39.89   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN / Fox One ESPN and Fox One Bundle $39.99/month (save $9.99/month) Get Deal More World Cup streaming options in the U.S.

If you want to watch the World Cup as well as other live sports this season, you could also opt for a cable replacement service like YouTube TV (10-day trial), Fubo (one-day trial), Hulu + Live TV (three-day trial), or Sling. These option will give you more than just Fox networks, but they'll also cost more. You could exhaust as many free trials as you see fit to make the most of your World Cup watching experience, but we'll leave that up to you. Just be sure to cancel before the trial is up or you'll be hit with a hefty monthly subscription cost.

Free live TV trials:

• YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months

• Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 months

• Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month

You can also utilize a VPN to livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world for free. Check out our worldwide watch guide for a deeper dive into which platforms and VPNs we recommend.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention digital antennas as an alternative way to watch. A digital antenna gives you access to your local Fox station (as well as CBS, NBC, and ABC) for free. As long as you live decently close to your local TV station broadcast towers, you'll be able to watch for free — just be sure to check the distance and range before making a purchase. You won't be able to watch FS1, but you'll be able to tune into 70 out of 104 matches on Fox.

Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) have a few recommendations, including this basic one from Best Buy that retails for only $24.99. It's reversible to match your decor, multidirectional, and has a range of 50 miles.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Best Buy Essentials Ultra-Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna $24.99
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An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our editorial experts vetted the deal using their independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save money for the consumer, we wrote the content.

TL;DR: As of May 29, Mashable readers can get 55% off annual plans at Incogni by using the code MASHABLE at checkout.

Opens in a new window Credit: Incogni Incogni: 55% Off Annual Plans With Code MASHABLE   Get Deal

If you spend a lot of time online, whether it be for work or personal reasons, it's important to make sure your private information stays private. If you're worried that some of your information may be exposed, Incogni can help erase it and bulk up your online privacy.

And as of May 29, Mashable readers can score a 55% discount on Incogni annual plans by using code MASHABLE at checkout.

Incogni offers four different plans to choose from, depending on the type of protection you're looking for: Standard, Unlimited, Family, and Family Unlimited. Each provides you with automated data removal, but the Unlimited, Family, and Family Unlimited plans come with some extras if you want further removal or more people added in.

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TL;DR: Visual Studio Pro 2026 is Microsoft’s latest IDE, and a lifetime license is on sale for $35 through May 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 $34.97
$499.99 Save $465.02   Get Deal

Developer tool subscriptions aren’t cheap. Visual Studio Professional through Microsoft’s standard licensing runs hundreds of dollars a year, and that’s before you factor in the cost of other tools in a typical dev stack, but that’s also not your only option anymore. A lifetime license for Visual Studio Professional 2026 cuts that recurring cost down to a single payment, and it’s on sale for $34.97 right now (reg. $499.99).

Visual Studio Pro 2026 gives you the tools to write code faster and catch problems earlier, with AI doing a lot of the work that used to slow you down. IntelliCode reads your codebase and completes entire lines or blocks based on patterns learned from your own code, not generic suggestions. AI-assisted refactoring cuts down on boilerplate and flags bugs before they compound. CodeLens surfaces recent changes, commit history, test results, and references directly in the editor, so you always know what’s happening in your codebase without jumping between windows.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

For teams, Live Share is one of the more practical collaboration features available in any IDE. Teammates can join a session, edit, and debug in real time without cloning the repo or setting up their own environment. Access controls and personalized settings keep things organized, whether you’re doing code reviews, pair programming, or bringing someone new up to speed.

The build capabilities are broad. Visual Studio 2026 handles .NET and C++ apps targeting Windows, Linux, and containers, with cross-platform mobile and desktop through .NET MAUI and responsive web UIs via Blazor. Hot reload applies code changes to running apps without restarting, which saves real time across a workday. Azure, GitHub, and other DevOps workflows are integrated directly.

There’s no reason to keep paying hundreds to license a tool you can own outright.

Until May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2026 lifetime license for just $35.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Lock in 100TB of permanent space with this lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage, on sale now for $974.97 (reg. $9,900) through May 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 100TB $974.97
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What happens when our digital lives outgrow our smartphones and laptops? If you’re tired of paying a small fortune renting space from a cloud storage service month after month, it’s time to check out something more permanent.

Internxt Cloud Storage lets you own your storage space, and right now you can lock in 100TB for life for just $974.97 — less than the cost of renting 12TB of iCloud storage for 18 months.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Whether you’re the resident family photographer or you’ve simply amassed a massive digital library over the years, the need for cloud storage will continue to grow. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, it’s Internxt Cloud Storage.

With an ample 100TB of space, Internxt Cloud Storage provides storage you can grow into. Not only does it give you plenty of space, but they also make sure your data is secure. Internxt’s end-to-end encryption means that not even the company itself can see your files, a far cry from competitors who not only access but also profit from your data.

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As AI gets integrated into every facet of our lives, AI hallucinations remain a stubborn and intractable problem. Yet in the two-hour Google I/O keynote, where Google introduced a massive expansion of AI search and a new default model, Gemini 3.5 Flash, hallucinations didn't warrant a mention.

Likewise, the Gemini 3.5 Flash system card contains no references to hallucinations. Sycophancy is also conspicuously absent. This is especially notable given that both Anthropic and OpenAI publicly report data on metrics such as how often their models hallucinate, encourage delusions, or act sycophantically.

So, as Google makes AI Mode and AI Overviews even more visible in Google Search, users may not realize just how likely an answer is to contain hallucinations and confident mistakes.

Google AI tools do sometimes include warnings such as "AI responses may include mistakes." But there’s no disclosure to searchers that Gemini and AI Mode responses may only be accurate 68.8 to 83.8 percent of the time.

Those are the results from Google's most recent data on Gemini accuracy.

In response to Mashable's questions, a Google spokesperson said that the company plans to publish more information about the newest models' safety evaluations alongside the release of the rest of the Gemini 3.5 model series, which is expected in June.

Credit: Google How accurate is Gemini, AI Mode, and AI Overviews? It's at the top of a failing class.

Google doesn’t report the honesty, sycophancy, or hallucination rates of its latest models. However, in December, it published a study of their accuracy based on the FACTS Grounding test, a benchmark created by Google DeepMind to measure accuracy.

FACTS "comprehensively evaluates the ability of language models to generate factually accurate text," and Gemini 3 Pro and Gemini 2.5 Pro top this benchmark.

Google reports that Gemini 3 Pro has an overall accuracy score of 68.8. In many classrooms, this would be a hard "F" grade, though it's considered a high score for an AI model.

On the FACTS Search benchmark, which measures a model’s skill at "generating factual responses by interacting with a search tool," Gemini 3 Pro scores 83.8 percent.

Credit: Google

The FACTS Search benchmark also measures models' "hedging rate," or how often they decline to answer a question, which is the desired outcome when an answer is unknown. Gemini 3 Pro has a significantly lower "hedging rate" than GPT-5, Claude 4.5 Opus, Claude 4.5 Sonnet, and even its predecessor Gemini 2.5 Pro. 

What does Google say about AI hallucinations?

A single reference to hallucinations does appear in the Gemini 3 Pro system card published on Nov. 18, 2025. "Known Limitations: Gemini 3 Pro may exhibit some of the general limitations of foundation models, such as hallucinations. There may also be occasional slowness or timeout issues."

This boilerplate language is similar to what’s included in the Gemini 2 series system cards, which acknowledge additional problems. “Gemini 2.0 Flash may exhibit some of the general limitations of foundation models, such as hallucinations, and limitations around causal understanding, complex logical deduction, and counterfactual reasoning.” (Emphasis added.)

Hallucinations are actually a feature, not a bug, of the way large-language models work. They're probabilistic algorithms predicting the next token in a sequence. By definition, they're predicting, not "knowing" or "reporting."

"Hallucinations can only be reduced and never eliminated,” Niranjan Krishnan, Head of AI Solutions, FPT Software, told Mashable. "Large language models are penalized if they sound uncertain or tentative. They don’t know what’s true, but know how to sound true. That bias drives confident errors. Models don’t know their limitations and do not know when to stop."

Krishnan added, "Trying to eliminate hallucinations is the wrong goal. The ultimate challenge is building systems that know when to say, 'I don’t know.'"

“I think users are entitled to that information, especially considering the fact that if you're using an AI chatbot, for example, like Claude or ChatGPT, you're opting into that experience...But when you're on Google, not everyone opts into getting an AI Overview, or engaging with AI mode. They're opening up a search engine that they've always used, and now the experience is different." - Klaudia Jaźwińska, Tow Center for Digital Journalism

So, why doesn't Google report hallucination or sycophancy rates like its chief rivals?

Gary Marcus, scientist, author, and the AI Cassandra of Silicon Valley, told Mashable that "One could guess that their performance there wasn’t groundbreaking or we would have likely heard about it." He added, "Some candor about these things, as with nutrition labels, would certainly be a good thing."

By ignoring AI hallucinations, Google is depriving users of information they could use to evaluate AI output.

Mashable reached out to Google to ask about the lack of hallucination data in the Gemini system cards. In response, a Google spokesperson said, "We take a rigorous approach to defining and measuring persona attributes like helpfulness, tone, and sycophancy. Our goal is to train models to provide objective, direct responses that avoid flattery or simply mirroring a user's views, while keeping the system highly steerable for developers."

The spokesperson also said:

Improving model factuality and managing persona are ongoing, scientific efforts for us. While balancing a model's creativity with factual accuracy remains an industry-wide challenge, hallucination rates have steadily fallen as core model capabilities advance...To continuously guard against incorrect outputs, we invest heavily in robust safety policies, pioneering automated quality-check systems like FunSearch, and open-source evaluation benchmarks like FACTS Grounding to track and improve factual accuracy over time. 

Why does this matter?

Billions of people rely on Google to find information on everything from random celebrity trivia to life-altering medical diagnoses. And Google has long said it looks for expertise, authority, experience, and trustworthiness (or E-E-A-T in Google jargon) for "Your Money or Your Life" (YMYL) topics.

These YMYL topics include anything "that could significantly impact the health, financial stability, or safety of people, or the welfare or well-being of society." Now, users are learning about these topics directly in Google Search or the Gemini app, a tool that's only accurate up to 83.8 percent of the time.

AI hallucinations are also poisoning our collective body of knowledge. Fortune recently reported on a study that found 4,000 AI-fabricated references in nearly 3,000 medical research papers. Likewise, lawyers around the world are being sanctioned for including hallucinated decisions in their briefs. One database tracking legal hallucinations includes 1,497 cases and counting.

Google's AI transformation is also having an outsized impact on the publishers who produce the information that Gemini relies on.

As Google has shifted to AI search, traffic to news websites has fallen off a cliff, a phenomenon that’s been described as a “Traffic Apocalypse” and the "AI armageddon" for publishers.

Once upon a time, back when Google prided itself on its "Don't be evil" ethos, the company defined success by how quickly users left Google. "We may be the only people in the world who can say our goal is to have people leave our website as quickly as possible." Now, Google wants users to spend as much time as possible in its walled garden.

To be clear, all of the actual reporting — the interviews, the research, the photography, the videography, and the old-fashioned sleuthing — is still performed by human journalists. But instead of leaving Google to read about the Iran War in the New York Times, Gemini and AI Mode will brief you right on the search page.

In any other context, journalists call this plagiarism. And as Mashable has reported previously, AI chatbots like Gemini are particularly bad at parsing breaking news, which is when misinformation spreads quickly.

Klaudia Jaźwińska, a journalist and researcher for the Tow Center for Digital Journalism, told Mashable that Google should do more to inform users of its AI's limitations.

“I think users are entitled to that information, especially considering the fact that if you're using an AI chatbot, for example, like Claude or ChatGPT, you're opting into that experience,” Jaźwińska said. “But when you're on Google, not everyone opts into getting an AI Overview or engaging with AI mode. They're opening up a search engine that they've always used, and now the experience is different. And I think for that reason [Google] should be even more transparent about what it can and can't do and what its limitations are.”

In the absence of regulation on AI safety and transparency, Google could commit to publishing data on Gemini's hallucination, sycophacy, or honesty rates, as OpenAI and Anthropic do.

In the meantime, don't forget what Google says in its AI terms of service: "Use discretion before relying on, publishing, or otherwise using content provided by the Services."

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

After a premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and a stint in theaters, The Moment is coming to HBO Max. But what can fans of Charli XCX expect from this comedy that's masquerading as a documentary?

First off, let's not flat-out call this a "mockumentary." While that's not the wrong term for writer/director Aidan Zamiri's film, the popularity of the term typically used for Christopher Guest parodies and The Office might have moviegoers expecting a comedic romp. The Moment is far more dry and cutting than wacky. But make no mistake, it's awesome. 

The British singer/songwriter who redefined "brat" plays herself in a compelling, often unvarnished look at what it means to achieve massive fame at breakneck speed. Beginning in September 2024, The Moment kicks off at the tail end of "brat summer."

With her sixth studio album becoming a massive hit that inspires memes, TikTok dances, and controversy, Charli XCX has her first arena tour ahead of her, pinned to brat. An eye-jittering montage of news clips and internet videos is intercut with flashing neon-colored production company logos, and Charli thrashing around in a feral dance under strobe lights. Right off, Zamiri captures the nonstop energy that is this 365 party girl's image. But once the montage stops, The Moment pauses on Charli, who practically collapses from her dance when "Cut!" is called. Just like that, she goes from fantasy to reality, and she's utterly exhausted. 

What's The Moment about?  Charli XCX and Alexander Skarsgård star in "The Moment." Credit: A24

Charli XCX is credited with the original story behind Zamiri and Bertie Brandes' screenplay, which follows the pop star through business deals, meet-and-greets, and tour rehearsals to a last-minute retreat to Ibiza, and onto the stage. Now, plenty of musicians have allowed camera crews behind the scenes for concert docs that reveal the human frailty behind the epic shows. But The Moment has more in common with St. Vincent's The Nowhere Inn, a 2020 mockumentary/psychological thriller that blended fact and fiction to explore the strangeness of being famous for your music. 

The plot of The Moment is Charli prepping for the tour, initially eager to collaborate with her trusted creative director, Celeste (Hailey Benton Gates), who envisions each show turning the arenas into a nightclub, complete with strobe lights and flashing graphics that include the word "cunt." However, this hard party energy clashes with the vision of documentarian Johannes (Alexander Skarsgård), who's been hired by a snarling record exec (Rosanna Arquette) to make the brat moment last forever with a concert doc that'll appeal to the mainstream and "dads."

This battle for creative control seems simple at first. Everyone from those above to Charli's timid manager Tim (Jamie Demetriou), her make-up artist Molly (Kate Berlant), and her famous friends, like Rachel Sennott (playing a comically shallow version of herself) insist Charli has the final say. But as pressure from the record company grows more intense, Charli realizes how little power she actually has, and struggles to make sense of what's best for her and brat. 

Far from finger-wagging or self-pitying, The Moment is electrifying.  Charli XCX takes a call in "The Moment." Credit: A24

The faux documentary Zamiri has made is not presented as Johannes' concert doc. That faux documentarian is an antagonist to Charli, pushing her to change her image, her signature green color, and even "brat" itself, daring to capitalize the B. 

Yet within the film's logic, it's unclear whose movie we're watching. The camera crew and director stay out of frame. However, through the persistent strobe effects — which mirror the opening title cards and Celeste's vision for the brat tour — it seems the film is from Charli's perspective, even as she is intruded upon. The cameras invade squabbles with Charli's team, doing cocaine in a nightclub bathroom, and an emotional breakdown in a private resort. And whereas in a narrative film people would ignore the camera, those around Charli look right into the lens, audibly alarmed. The pop star doesn't look, implying that Charli has gotten so used to being watched that she doesn't even notice them anymore. 

This reflects the message at the core of The Moment. In a tearful phone message, Charli recounts how she made brat the way she wanted to. It was hers, and now everyone else acts as if it is theirs, as if she is theirs, and as if they are entitled to tell her what to do next. 

Rather than enjoying the success she dreamed of, she's being relentlessly pushed to make big decisions. Will brat define her for life? Will she cling to it or let it go to look for something new? Will it be destroyed by capitalism's insistence on making all art into a commercial opportunity? 

And yet, Charli is not painted as a pitiable victim of her own success or a noble heroine for creative freedom. The portrait she and Zamiri offer is more complicated and refreshing. She shares personal insecurities about her hair and body, showing herself flushed and without make-up next to a meticulously made-up Kylie Jenner, who is in a bikini to boot. Beyond creating space for the venting of her frustrations, The Moment also shines a light on the bad calls made when caving to studio pressure. Thus, Charli demystifies the glory of being a pop star by uncovering some unflattering truths about commercial compromise, even when you are the moment.

The Moment has a dry, razor-sharp wit.  Rachel Sennott plays herself in "The Moment." Credit: A24

Not a romp or a laugh fest, this is the kind of movie where a laugh escapes you like a gasp or a scream, booming and deliciously surprising. There's cringe humor, like Sennott's scene, which plays like her HBO Max satire, I Love L.A., probing a particularly venal element of self-promotion. There are inside jokes that will only hit for Charli's fans, like a brief but biting appearance from Julia Fox as herself. For his part, Skarsgård is frightfully convincing as a faux-feminist douchebag. Then, there's Gates, whose bristled creative director is wickedly funny in her rage. Her delivery of the phrase "metaphorical cocaine" is sublimely absurd. 

Rather than broadly skewering the rich and famous, The Moment shrewdly targets the corporate side of making art for a living. Through celebrity cameos, a succinct yet riveting story, earnest emotion, and biting humor, Charli XCX's mockumentary captures something real about the battle of art versus commerce. How does one hold onto themselves when hit by an avalanche of more, more, more, for better or worse? The Moment shows one answer, urging audiences to find their own.

The Moment is streaming on HBO Max.

UPDATE: May. 27, 2026, 2:12 p.m. EDT "The Moment" was reviewed out of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. This article was originally published Jan. 30, 2026, and has been updated to include current viewing options.

TL;DR: The new Motorola Razr Fold is available for free with T-Mobile. Claim this offer by activating a new line on Experience Beyond.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Fold Free when you activate a new line on Experience Beyond. Shop Now

Foldable phones are taking over in 2026. We've seen plenty of rumors about a potential iPhone Fold, but for now, the focus is firmly on the new Motorola Razr Fold.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to make the jump, T-Mobile has launched an enticing offer on this brand-new handset. For a limited time, the Motorola Razr Fold is free with T-Mobile. Yes, you read that correctly. To qualify, all you need to do is activate a new line on Experience Beyond. There's no trade-in required for this offer.

Before claiming this deal for yourself, it’s important to understand the contractual small print. T-Mobile doesn't simply hand over a $1,700 smartphone. Instead, the full retail value of the phone is financed across 24 consecutive monthly statements. Each month, T-Mobile applies an equal promotional bill credit that brings your device charge down to $0.

If you decide to close your account, switch networks, or pay off the phone early to upgrade to whatever comes next from the world of folding phones, the remaining unpaid balance will be due immediately.

You will also need to pay taxes and a $35 activation fee, but that's always the case with these "free deals." Does that make this phone totally free? We guess not, but it's a grey area.

Score the Motorola Razr Fold for free with this latest offer from T-Mobile.

I wasn't prepared for Pressure. Walking into the World War II drama, which stars Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser, I knew it was about the lead up to D-Day. As such, I braced myself for a serious, stiff-upper-lip drama about soldiers and the cruelty of war. And it's not that Pressure isn't about those things. Rather, adapted from David Haig's 2014 stage play of the same name, Pressure comes from an unexpected angle in exploring war strategy.

Andrew Scott stars as Group Captain James Stagg, a Scottish meteorologist for the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, who was assigned to aid American ally General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) by figuring out the forecast for the beaches of Normandy for D-Day.

Now, you might be thinking that weather and war don't sound like rich terrain for laughs. But Pressure's humor comes from the crackling cultural conflict between this no-nonsense Scot and the American general in desperate need of a sunny day.

Pressure is as much about social pressure as it is weather and war. Brendan Fraser and Andrew Scott in "Pressure." Credit: Alex Bailey / Focus Features / STUDIOCANAL

Pressure begins with bloodshed in 1944. Before the Allies carried out the biggest seaborne invasion in history (aka D-Day), there was a test run known as Operation Tiger, which failed miserably. Pressure begins in the immediate aftermath of this disastrous exercise, where a boyish young man in uniform stares blankly into the sky, blood washing around his prone body as the tide comes in.

Up and down the beach, there's a scramble among the survivors to aid whatever soldiers may be saved. Eisenhower looks on, stricken, cursing under his breath. With one brief yet brutal scene, director Anthony Maras, who adapted the screenplay with playwright David Haig, has succinctly established the life-or-death stakes of planning an invasion.

Six weeks later, Eisenhower is in a remote country estate filled with U.S. and UK military, all planning to launch D-Day in 72 hours. The fatal failure of Operation Tiger hangs over him, whether he's being barked at by a brash British field marshal (Damian Lewis), cajoled by his Irish aide, Kay Summersby (Kerry Condon), or placated by the American's lead meteorologist, Irving Krick (Chris Messina).

While the energy of these allies ranges from stern to abrasive, patient to bombastic, they're all pushing for D-Day to launch on Monday morning. Then, on a Friday arrives Stagg, who warns major storms could sink D-Day out the gate.

Introduced in his home in the midst of a cozy morning ritual, Stagg prepares breakfast for his very pregnant wife (Tamsin Topolski), gently assuring her he has time for this bit of intimacy. He is a man of few words, and this will come to frustrate his colleagues as the pressure builds. No sooner does he reach the estate than he's making curt commands. He points out errors in his men's work, dismisses the directives of another meteorologist, and is visibly vexed to discover Summersby in his office.

To borrow from reality TV, Stagg is not here to make friends; he's on mission. Like in Conclave, another excellent Focus Features release, there's a brilliant humor that erupts when this very serious setting collides with cutting replies to arrogance.

Krick is Stagg's foil, a suave American who literally performs a lively song and dance ("Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy") to amuse his troops. Stagg, by contrast, demands the piano be taken away, and literally hits a bad note when slamming its cover closed.

Where others swoon over Krick's easy-going attitude, name-dropping stories, and retellings of professional glory, Stagg simply stares, seeming to resent the wasting of time. Later, when arguing against Krick's proposed forecast of beautiful sunny weather, Stagg flatly calls the man "moronic." And when Krick complains that Stagg is insulting him to his face, Stagg responds sharply, "I'm not insulting you. I'm describing you."

In this ruthless honesty, there's an exciting — and yes, funny — rejection of social norms. And maybe even the thrill of vicariously being so good at your job that you don't need a charm offensive to be heard.

Pressure is competency porn. Andrew Scott and Chris Messina in "Pressure." Credit: Alex Bailey / Focus Features / STUDIOCANAL

Fun fact: I'm the person who introduced this bit of slang to Pressure's leading men. In an interview with Scott and Fraser, I explained how Pressure reminded me of HBO Max's hit series The Pitt, because both feature people who are so dedicated to their work, and so skilled at it, that it's deeply — almost orgasmically — satisfying to watch.

Featured Video For You Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser talk 'Pressure' and competency porn

While it's tempting to flatten Eisenhower, Krick, Summersby, and Stagg into symbols to make them broader critiques of American attitudes versus British ones, Pressure bristles against such simplicity. For one thing, Stagg is Scottish, Summersby is Irish, and Eisenhower and Krick are two very different representations of American masculinity. The former is a tall, stern man, haunted by his failures. The other is a dynamic hero, held up by his wins and charm.

Looking at the two of them, it's tempting to think Krick gives Eisenhower the sunny forecast to please him. But in Messina's intensity opposite Stagg, it's easier to believe that a soldier with so many victories may be blind to his own potential defeat. None of these people are stupid or lazy or incompetent. But, as Stagg declares almost as soon as he arrives, it's incredibly difficult to determine the weather in Northern Europe for sure, more than 24 hours in advance. No matter how much these military leaders want the answer to be something else, Stagg won't bend on being certain.

Here's where the tension becomes satisfying and humane. This is not one man's battle to be heard in a realm where he's surrounded by fools. Pressure presents people who are the best at what they do. Their forces combined, we might think it's easy to see how D-Day was a success, marking a major turning point in World War II. But Stagg, staunch and soft-spoken, is like a mountain, unmovable as he reminds them that nature, that science, cannot be bellowed at or bullied into submission.

There's a glint in Eisenhower's eyes that reminds us of the dying boy on the beach without the need of a flashback. The stakes are clear. It's electrifying to witness humans who are determined to do the hard, right thing, while having to face that we're not as in control of the world as we wish to be. So, who will make the tough call, stay or go?

Andrew Scott is remarkable in Pressure. Andrew Scott and Kerry Condon in "Pressure." Credit: Alex Bailey / Focus Features / STUDIOCANAL

There's an incredible restraint in Scott's performance that allows the humor to reverberate without feeling forced. It's not that Stagg is trying to be funny or cutting. Scott gives no wink or smile to suggest Stagg enjoys dressing down Krick (though who could blame him?).

Whether caressing his wife or arguing his position against the towering wrath of Eisenhower, Stagg is a man who values time and truth above all else, and so will waste none of the former with a denial of the latter. Because Messina's boogie woogie American is scripted as the dashing dynamo, Scott suppresses the sultriness and mischievousness that made fans of Fleabag and Sherlock go wild. He holds in the throbbing heartache that made All of Us Strangers radiant in its grief, and the anchoring empathy of Blue Moon. He plays none of the biting barbs as punchlines or reads. Resolute and restrained, he is nonetheless riveting, perhaps especially as Stagg's anti-social tendencies irk those around him.

Maras smartly sets Stagg apart from his peers with a hint of color. Cheers to Maras and his cinematographer Jamie D. Ramsay for rejecting the contemporary obsession for desaturated palettes. In Pressure, a rich saturation brings depth to ornate rooms filled with soldiers in brown, khaki, and more brown. Flesh is allowed to flush red in frustration. But most notably, Stagg, in a crisp blue dress shirt, is visually in opposition to the troop of brown around him. Even in a group shot, even with his back turned, this simple choice of embracing color and a simple choice from costumer Liza Bracey, makes him stand out. Perhaps to remind us of how he feels alone in this fight. Or perhaps, stripped down from his dress jacket in moments of high stress, this blue shirt is meant remind us that these icons of history are also just men, as flawed and fearful as they may be revered and brave.

Created with care and great humanity, Pressure explores the hard work, intense co-operation, and tricky social dance of warfare, in a way that is enlightening and entertaining. Maras is respectful without ever falling prey to a stony reverence that would make his characters statues instead of people. Fraser is committed and suitably stern as Eisenhower. Condon balances warmth and clarity as the middleman between Eisenhower and Stagg. Messina is delightfully smarmy. Along with Scott, they create portraits that don't feel stiff, but are pulsating, precious, and alive.

Pressure is outstanding cinema, propelled by passion, intellect, and spirit. Don't overlook it.

Pressure opens in theaters May 29.

Hooking up is hard enough as it is. And that's before you've thrown in the minefield of online dating and all its nuances into the mix.

It adds all kinds of complications around app etiquette, how to know when you're vibing, and how to move offline. Not to mention concerns over protecting your digital privacy. And yet, people repeatedly sabotage their own chances of success with common online dating mistakes — which can prevent you from finding that all-important match.

If you're a loyal AdultFriendFinder user and want to use the site safely and effectively, here are three things we recommend you should keep off your profile.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Public-facing NSFW content

AdultFriendFinder is very permissive when it comes to NSFW content — you could even say it's kinda the whole point of AFF — and many of its members take advantage of this freedom by posting explicit material upfront. That said, we advise against it, especially if you also plan on sharing pictures or videos of your face.

Always use non-nude content for your profile photos. Because once you post naked content online, you lose all control over it – where it ends up and what it gets used for. That doesn't mean you can't share nudes, but there are more private ways to bare all.

SEE ALSO: Adult Friend Finder vs. Tinder: How they compare as hookup apps

It's not just a matter of your own safety but also the impression you give. While some people will be turned on by upfront nudity, others may be put off. So, if you want to maximize your chances at making a connection, you're better off leaving something to the imagination. You finding other subtler ways to be sexually suggestive.

Unnecessary personal information

Oversharing is another major security concern that people can overlook. No, your potential hookups don't need to know what you do for a living, at least not from from just scanning your profile, and they certainly don't need to know specifics about your employer, your address, or your marital situation. 

SEE ALSO: All your Hinge questions, answered

Think very hard about what you choose to share and how certain information can lead back to you or even compromise you in the wrong hands. It's not that every person you meet on AFF will be a bad actor — chances are, most of your interactions will be totally genuine — but this is the internet we're talking about here and there are bad actors all over it, just waiting to strike.

Online safety 101: Share the bare minimum, and if you do choose to open up to a specific person, make sure you've vetted them and that they are who they say they are. There are common sense rules that you can follow.

Sexual boasting

Hookup sites in general, and AdultFriendFinder in particular, can be littered with profiles bragging about their sexual prowess, often in very crude terms (mostly men in our experience).

We understand the impulse to boast, especially when you're trying to connect with another human being on a sexual level, and in an environment centered on sex, but bragging is just a turn-off. Take note, fellas, and save your sexual boasting for one-on-one convos after a rapport has been established and you have a sense of the other person's turn-ons. 

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The world will stop this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada will welcome the best international sides from around the world as they compete for arguably the biggest prize in sport. Huge names like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lamine Yamal are likely to steal the spotlight, but new stars always shine brightly in this prestigious competition. It's going to be a wild ride.

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

What is the FIFA World Cup?

The World Cup is an international football competition between senior men's national teams. The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams will progress to the knockouts rounds.

The defending champions are Argentina. They won their third title at the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in an epic final.

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of this famous competition. This year's tournament takes place from June 11 to July 19.

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free

A number of streaming platforms are offering free coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

• Australia — SBS

• Austria — ORF and ServusTV

• Belgium — RTBF and VRT

• France — M6

• Germany — ARD and ZDF

• Ireland — RTÉ

• Italy — RAI

• Norway — NRK

• Netherlands — NOS

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)

These streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)

5. Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for the FIFA World Cup?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Fonseca vs. Djokovic in the 2026 French Open for free on France TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 French Open took a massively unexpected turn yesterday when unseeded youngster Juan Manuel Cerundolo defeated world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. With the men's field now wide open, Novak Djokovic has perhaps his best chance at winning a record 25th Grand Slam title.

But there's a long way to go. The 30-year-old Serb must first beat Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, the tournament's No. 28 seed. Fonseca has only dropped two sets so far, so will prove tough competition. He's just 19 years old and as proved by Cerundolo, anything can happen on the court on any given day.

If you want to watch Fonseca vs. Djokovic in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Fonseca vs. Djokovic for free

Fonseca vs. Djokovic in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on France TV.

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

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

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

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

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

4. Connect to France TV

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

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Fonseca vs. Djokovic in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Linette vs. Swiatek in the 2026 French Open for free on France TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 French Open is still stunned from yesterday's shock result, which saw men's No.1 Jannik Sinner eliminated by unseeded Juan Manuel Cerundolo, a twist that's blown the field wide open.

But there's little time to take it all in — the Roland-Garros action continues today as women's No. 3 Iga Swiatek faces Magda Linette in a third-round, all-Polish showdown. And the women's field is just as open and unpredictable following surprise exits of Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula.

With some of the toughest opponents out of action, Swiatek must surely fancy her chances to go all the way and claim a seventh Grand Slam, which would come off the back of winning last year's Wimbledon. You can also bet that Linette will be motivated by the number of big unseeded upsets so far at Roland-Garros, and will look to further disrupt the order.

If you want to watch Linette vs. Swiatek in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Linette vs. Swiatek for free

Linette vs. Swiatek in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on France TV.

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

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

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

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

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

4. Connect to France TV

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

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Linette vs. Swiatek in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now and France TV. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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

Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz will not defend his title, but this year's tournament is not short of star names. It's always a special tournament filled with huge moments, and we've already seen some shock results as top seeds get dumped out.

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

What is the French Open?

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

The current singles champions are Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff.

When is the 2026 French Open?

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

How to watch the 2026 French Open for free

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now or France TV

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

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for the French Open?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Love Island UK for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Forget all about sunning yourself on a picture-perfect beach this summer. Love Island UK is back on our screens for the forseeable future, so cancel all your plans.

Prepare yourself for weeks of cringey pickup lines, awkward breakups, and massive meltdowns. There's also a slim chance that contestants will find love, but that's not really what Love Island is about. It's all about the drama, and we really can't get enough.

If you're interested in watching Love Island UK in 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Love Island UK in 2026?

The 13th season of Love Island UK starts on June 1. Love Island seasons typically run for eight weeks.

How to watch Love Island UK for free in 2026

The 13th season of Love Island UK is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Live stream Love Island UK for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Stream Love Island UK for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the latest season of Love Island UK without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to watch a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Love Island UK for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require knowledge of Music City.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Fancy footwork

• Green: Basketball club-related

• Blue: Sports leaders

• Purple: Music City competitor

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Hit a ball with your foot

• Green: First words in NBA team locations

• Blue: League commissioners

• Purple: An athlete in Nashville

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 #613 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Hit a ball with your foot: BOOT, KICK, PUNT, STRIKE

• First words in BA team locations: GOLDEN, LOS, NEW, OKLAHOMA

• League commissioners: BETTMAN, GOODELL, MANFRED, SILVER

• An athlete in Nashville: COMMODORE, PREDATOR, SOUND, TITAN

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

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

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

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