IT General

Linux runs most of the world's servers, powers the majority of AI training infrastructure, and sits underneath more of the internet than most people realize. It got there because of a development model that's genuinely open, where anyone can submit a patch and the best code wins. That model worked well for decades. Then AI code generation got here and started exploiting exactly what made that openness possible. Now we've got a big problem that doesn't seem to have a good solution.

Burning bridges with the most connected person in King's Landing could have consequences for Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy).

In the House of the Dragon Season 3 finale, the Westeros monarch makes a sudden decision to dismiss her Mistress of Whispers, Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno). Even Rhaenyra's lady-in-waiting, Elinda (Jordon Stevens), seems shocked to the deliver the news, as guards pack up Mysaria's things.

But why does Rhaenyra make such an abrupt move to spurn her lover and confidante, an OG of her Small Council, and the most informed person in the capital?

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 family tree: How Targaryens, Hightowers, and Velaryons connect Rhaenyra chooses Daemon over Mysaria, as war over peace. Season 2 saw Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) inseparable. Credit: Theo Whiteman / HBO

First things first: The timing isn't great, as the dismissal happens right after Rhaenyra and Mysaria sleep together in the Red Keep in Season 3, episode 7. Without getting into the King's Landing HR weeds (Westeros' rulers would all be jailed if we went down this road), this is a clear abuse of power on Rhaenyra's part. But importantly, Mysaria seems genuinely hurt by the queen's action.

While Mysaria was using diabolical power moves like empathy and understanding (so rude!) to get in Rhaenyra's good books, she found deep respect for her queen. Mysaria saved Rhaenyra's life by shattering the Fake Twin Gambit. With Daemon's (Matt Smith) absence in Harrenhal in Season 2, Mysaria and Rhaenyra grew close, with the former eventually championing Rhaenyra and pledging her service, saying, "You have seen me as worthy, as an equal, even." Their increasingly romantic bond in Season 3, episode 7, saw Rhaenyra asking Mysaria the same question of her reign: "Do you think I am worthy?"

Mysaria and Daemon each see different reigns for Rhaenyra — one where peace or war is power, respectively. The queen has struggled throughout the series to decide which of these monarchs she should be, longing to match her father's peaceful rule but facing divided public opinion for it.

Three seasons has seen Daemon (Matt Smith) versus Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno). Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

In the season finale, however, Rhaenyra chooses. Her furious reaction to Aegon and Sunfyre's "resurrection" is swift, as she tasks Daemon with launching the attack on Tumbleton. The prince consort has been waiting for this signal, and the pair seem more connected than ever. It seems clear: Rhaenyra has chosen Daemon, the path of war.

Notably, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) warned Mysaria that this would happen. In Season 3, episode 5, Mysaria is weighing up whether to tell Rhaenyra that Helaena (Phia Saban) is pregnant with Aegon's heir, when Alicent makes a plea.

"I simply urge you to think of yourself," she says. "There is good in Rhaenyra, but the crown is a weight that crushes. Rhaenyra will do, in the end, what she has to do, and what she has to do will be dire. There is only one who can walk that path with her, and she chose him long ago."

Mysaria knows too much (and has worked too hard) to be dismissed like this. Mysaria has worked in Targaryen shadows for three seasons. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Mysaria has spent House of the Dragon working her way to a position of self-made power, with grit, smarts, and unfathomable strength. We find out in Season 2 she was sexually abused by her own father (resulting in pregnancy and a hysterectomy), and she was an enslaved person in Essos before arriving in Westeros (and now she's being shipped back to Essos, to the city of Pentos).

In King's Landing, she built her network in Flea Bottom through sex work and brothel management, and she became unrivalled as an information broker, informing on the royals as the White Worm. She was Daemon's paramour in Season 1, though he now speaks to her with contempt, having interrogated Mysaria as a prisoner on Dragonstone when she tried to flee King's Landing. And now, he despises her strong connection with his niece-wife-queen.

Give Mysaria a break! Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Despite all that, Mysaria's finally established her place on the Small Council, advising the queen on her reign and catching "don't forget who you are" strays from her Flea Bottom friends like brothel madam Sylvi (Michelle Bonnard). Give her a break!

Importantly, Mysaria knows every last secret of Rhaenyra's (and her court), and the queen thinks kicking her to the curb is a smart idea? Who reported a young Rhaenyra getting frisky in Flea Bottom with her future uncle-husband Daemon in Season 1, leading to Daemon's exile by his brother Viserys (Paddy Considine)? Who snuck Rhaenyra into King's Landing to see Alicent, which changed the whole game? Who's got a Hightower IOU? Be wise, Rhaenyra!

New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

Google's "Made By Google" event isn't until Aug. 12, but the company's already teasing the Pixel 11 line itself: Official images, pricing hints, and a redesigned camera bar. We break down everything confirmed so far, plus the unconfirmed leaks raising real questions about pricing and RAM.

SAVE $100: As of Aug. 10, the Dyson V8 Cyclone is on sale for $299.99 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V8 Cyclone $299.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $100   Get Deal

A deal on a Dyson vacuum is always a great find. And if you've been looking for a deal on one of its newest cordless vacuums, this discount on the Dyson V8 Cyclone will definitely catch your eye.

As of Aug. 10, this model has dropped from $399.99 to $299.99, bringing it down to its best-ever price.

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The V8 Cyclone comes in a handy, lightweight design, making it easy to move around your house. But don't fret, this non-weighty design doesn't translate to less power. In fact, according to Dyson, it has 30% more power than the previous model, giving you up to 60 minutes of fade-free runtime.

It's All Floor Cones cleaner head is designed for different floor types, detangling hair while picking up invisible dust, and the Motorbar cleaner head also tackles long hair and pet hair as you clean.

There are even three cleaning modes to choose from: Eco mode for lighter cleans and up to 60 minutes of runtime, Medium mode for everyday cleaning, and MAX mode for tackling tougher dirt and debris. And to make storage easier, the click-in battery can be removed for separate charging and storage.

Get this vacuum deal at Amazon now.

For such a sombre finale, House of the Dragon's last episode of Season 3 cracked me up.

Though there were more than a few tragic deaths, sad backstories, brutal battles, and hearts broken, the finale was filled with some exceptional one-liners. Some were battle tactics. Others saw characters mad at their dads.

Here's the funniest lines from the House of the Dragon Season 3 finale, however inappropriate that may be. Spoilers ahead.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon's Steve Toussaint breaks down Corlys' quest for peace at Tumbleton "Gate open, then die."

Pour one out for Ser Roderick Dustin (Tommy Flanagan), the Northerner who just couldn't wait to die for Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) or at all. Plotting out their moves at the Battle of Tumbleton, Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) makes sure Ser Roderick and his men know what the plan is. "You are not to die until you open the gate," says Daemon. The man of the North responds. Its giving Legolas.

"F***ing Viserys!"

Dads, man. When Rhaenyra finds out that Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) and his dragon Sunfyre are still alive, she's beside herself. But as she's articulated time and time again over the series, King Viserys' (Paddy Considine) heir has fought through fire and blood for the Iron Throne. And all because her father didn't write her inheritance the hell down. Get it all out, Rhaenyra.

"I'm alive, imbecile!"

Like a petulant child with sing-song delivery, Aegon II makes sure his brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) feels every part the younger sibling while confronting him at Harrenhal. To add to Aegon's fury, Aemond begs forgiveness on his knees for trying to kill him. "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!" cries Aegon. "I was supposed to enjoy this! What's wrong with you? Fight me!"

Featured Video For You 'House of the Dragon' cast unpack Season 3, episode 2's biggest moments "You don't say."

If he had survived the Battle of Tumbleton, Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton) would probably refresh his staff, from his eye-roll reaction to his squire. "My lord, the battle has begun!" Ormund's Captain Obvious attendant declares, as the chaos of the battle rolls around them.

"What do you mean, you cannot find him? He has a very large dragon."

Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) and his dragon Silverwing are nowhere to be found during the beginning of the Battle of Tumbleton, much to the dismay of his two masters, Ormund and Daemon. Like Ormund, Daemon's frustration with stating the obvious to his subjects is both terrifying and hilarious.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is streaming now on HBO Max.

SAVE $50: As of Aug. 10, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are on sale for $249 at Amazon. That's a 17% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50   Get Deal

In the market for new earbuds?

As of Aug. 10, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are on sale for just $249 at Amazon. That means you can save $50 on a pair of Bose's premium earbuds. This price is available across all five colorways, so you can choose from white smoke, deep plum, desert gold, midnight violet, and black, all at the same reduced price.

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If you want earbuds with good noise cancellation, these are the ones for you. This pair features the brand’s strongest noise cancellation, with ActiveSense technology designed to smooth sudden changes in surrounding sound, including when using Aware Mode.

They even have a feature called CustomTune technology that analyzes the shape of your ears to adjust noise cancellation and sound. They also come with nine combinations of eartips and stability bands for a more secure fit, further improving the audio quality.

And audio output is given the same consideration as the built-in SpeechClarity technology. This uses noise-rejecting microphones to reduce background noise and wind during calls and voice notes. For battery life, enjoy up to six hours in Quiet or Aware Mode, or up to four hours with Immersive Audio, with the wireless charging case providing up to three additional full charges.

Get this earbuds deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $259.99: As of Aug. 10, the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26+ (256GB, Cobalt Violet) is $840 at Amazon. That's down from $1,099.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26+ $840 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $259.99   Get Deal

Samsung just wrapped its latest Unpacked event, and it came loaded. The lineup includes the Galaxy Z Fold 8, a new, wider Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Z Flip 8, refreshed Galaxy Watches, and — for the first time ever — smart glasses built with Gemini AI.

New drops often mean deals on older models, and this time is no different. At $840, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is $259.99 off its $1,099.99 list price — a 24% discount on a phone that only came out this year. That's a solid markdown for a current-gen flagship, and it's up for grabs in the colors cobalt violet and black.

SEE ALSO: 7 ways the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra turns your next festival into content worth posting

The S26+ runs on Samsung's fastest processor yet, so gaming, multitasking, and everyday use should all feel fast and responsive. The display has also been upgraded, pulling out richer color and sharper detail automatically, so photos and videos look more immersive without adjusting a single setting.

The Galaxy AI features are where this phone earns its keep. Photo Assist lets you type or tap to add objects, fix details, or restyle a shot in seconds, no editing skills required. There's also a wider front camera for group selfies, so nobody gets left out of the frame, and Now Nudge surfaces smart suggestions to help you stay on top of your day.

Samsung Wallet lets you carry cards and boarding passes digitally, and pairing the phone with the Galaxy Buds4 Pro unlocks Hi-Res Audio and hands-free translations.

Grab the Samsung Galaxy S26+ on Amazon before the price snaps back.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 is on sale for $41.98 at Amazon, down from its $59.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 $41.98 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $18.01   Get Deal

The First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 has spent the summer getting steady price drops — making it easier on any Pokémon TCG budget. And Amazon has now taken another slice off the price of the 30th-anniversary-themed box. 

As of Aug. 10, the Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 can be picked up for $41.98 at Amazon. Altogether, that’s $18.01 off its $59.99 list price, giving you a 30% discount and putting the collection comfortably below the $50 mark it was at only a few weeks ago.

This particular low-priced listing comes from the third-party seller Collectors Expedition and is scheduled to arrive as soon as Aug. 14 at the time of writing. If you want it as soon as possible, the $49.95 version sold by Kings Games is being shipped by Amazon itself — allowing Prime members to get theirs as soon as today or Aug. 11, depending on your location. 

Walmart has knocked an extra $5 off the Series 2, while TCGplayer’s lowest unopened listing comes to a total of $34.39 when shipping is added on, going only $1 above its estimated market price. 

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You’ve got a nice trinity of options depending on your trading card-buying preferences, but the contents of this particular Series 2 Partner Illustration Collection will be the same no matter where you buy from: a celebration of first partner Pokémon from Johto, Unova, and Galar — with Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble making up the nine illustration rare-style promo cards.

Each box gives you one special pack containing three of those nine promos, plus two regular Pokémon TCG booster packs and a sticker sheet. Since the promo cards are random, pulling the complete nine-card set will take more than one box unless you trade for whichever starters you are missing. 

SAVE OVER $80: As of Aug. 10, select colors of the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 portable power station are marked down to $218.98 at Amazon. That's a discount of $80.02 from their full price of $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 30 V2 $218.98 at Amazon
$299 Save $80.02   Get Deal

A portable power station is very helpful to have around the house, and if you've been thinking it's time to buy one before summer ends, Amazon has dropped a great deal on Bluetti's Elite 30 V2. For a limited time, you can save just over $80 on select colors.

That price cut means that, as of Aug. 10, this power station has dropped from $299 to $218.98. At this price are the standard black and twilight glow purple models, but for a little bit extra, you can get the light sand gray and glacier blue for $218.99, or the blush pink for $219.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 11 Pro: Everything we know ahead of Aug. 12 Made By Google event

While its delightful color variety is certainly a plus, the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 really shines for what it offers under the hood. It boasts a 288Wh capacity and can deliver a full 600W output, or up to 1,500W when you activate Power Lifting Mode. It can run a variety of items, including camping lights, speakers, car fridges, laptops, and even small appliances like a kettle or toaster.

It also features nine output ports: a 12V cigarette lighter port, two 12V DC5521 ports, a 100W USB-C port, two USB-A ports, a 140W USB-C port, and two 600W AC Outlets.

Amazon may not keep this deal live for long. Be quick to act on the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 portable power station while it's still on sale.

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

Apple is considering a major overhaul of its Apple Watch, though what exactly that means is still very uncertain.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that the company's next Apple Watch versions that are coming out this year will only get "modest upgrades," which includes a performance boost, new colors and bands, health and fitness upgrades, and – possibly – a ceramic case variant, though it's unclear whether that'll happen this or next year.

In the future, however, bigger changes are in the works. According to Gurman, Apple is looking into wearables of all sorts, including ones with no displays, and those with different types of screens and various sizes.

Yes, that's pretty vague, but when you consider that Apple Watch has pretty much looked the same since day one, it would be a pretty big move by Apple.

Apple is also reportedly considering premium models "beyond the Ultra and Hermès variants," as well as cheaper models than the Apple Watch SE.

It's early days, and Gurman says the company hasn't settled on a single direction yet, and that the changes will "take time."

SEE ALSO: The latest iPhone 18 news, leaks, and rumors: Release date, price increases, and color options

Gurman also touched on the iPhone, saying that Apple is already planning a second and a third version of its upcoming foldable iPhone, scheduled to arrive in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Those variants will have "slightly larger displays," both on the inside and the outside.

SAVE $130: As of Aug. 10, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo is on sale for $499 at Amazon. That's a 21% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $499 at Amazon
$629 Save $130   Get Deal

If you want to level up your content, you need to check out this latest Amazon deal on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is basically a handheld gimbal camera designed for shooting smooth video while you're out and about, and right now it's at its lowest-ever price. Normally $629, you can take it home for just $499 right now.

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The compact vlogging camera has a 1-inch CMOS sensor that can record 4K video at up to 120fps. It also has a 2-inch touchscreen that rotates for horizontal or vertical shooting, and a 3-axis mechanical stabilization that helps keep footage steady when you're moving around.

Another feature is the ActiveTrack 6.0. This keeps subjects firmly in the center of the frame. And for editing, the camera supports D-Log M and 10-bit color depth, letting you capture up to 1 billion colors for greater flexibility in editing.

There's also built-in audio with stereo recording, but the DJI OsmoAudio means the camera can also connect directly to a DJI Mic 2 or Mic Mini transmitters. The whole package includes a DJI Mic 2 transmitter, a battery handle, an Osmo mini tripod, and the Pocket 3 itself.

Head to Amazon to get this creator-ready bundle now.

SAVE $170: As of Aug. 10 the Anker Solix C1000 is on sale for $429.98 at Amazon. That's a 28% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $429.98 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $170.01   Get Deal

If you’ve been eyeing a portable power station, Amazon has a particularly good deal on the Anker Solix C1000 right now.

As of Aug. 10, the Anker Solix C1000 is available for $429.98, down from its usual $599.99 price. That’s a saving of $170 on a seriously useful bit of kit, especially if you’ve been waiting for a discount to buy.

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This portable power station is a handy power solution to have on hand, whether you live in an area that sees regular power outages or you take a lot of kit with you when camping. Whatever you need it for, it will keep you connected and powered. It can even charge up fast, so you don't need hours of prep to get going. It can reach 80% battery capacity in 43 minutes with UltraFast charging, and a full charge takes under an hour via AC input. Plus, the LiFePO4 battery is rated for 3,000 cycles over a 10-year lifespan, so you're getting your money's worth.

It has 11 ports, so it can power a range of appliances, from laptops to a mini fridge. It also supports up to 600W of solar input, with a full solar recharge taking around 1.8 hours. Solar panels are sold separately, but many of these upgrades are currently on sale.

Head to Amazon now to grab this limited-time Anker deal.

TL;DR: Lock in a 1-year subscription to Autodesk AutoCAD LT and make 2D renderings easy, now for just $199 (reg. $540).

Opens in a new window Credit: Autodesk Autodesk AutoCAD LT: 1-Year Subscription $199
$540 Save $341   Get Deal

It’s 2026, and it’s time to design smarter, not harder. If you work with 2D designs, you’ll want to check out this AI-powered tool that makes it easier than ever to create technical drawings and documentation with industry-standard DWG compatibility.

Right now, you can lock in a one-year subscription to Autodesk AutoCAD LT for only $199.

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Whether you’re an engineer, architect, designer, or drafting professional, Autodesk AutoCAD LT is ready to help you streamline your workflow. This software creates precise technical drawings and documentation with industry-standard DWG compatibility, with added features that can automate repetitive tasks and help make your life a little easier.

Let Autodesk AutoCAD LT help create everything from architectural plans, mechanical drawings, and electrical diagrams to technical documentation. There are built-in tools for drafting, annotation, and documentation, and it works across Windows, macOS, web, and mobile devices.

The smart blocks feature automatically detects repetitive objects and converts them into reusable blocks to streamline your workflow for future projects, while the AutoLisp automation automates repetitive tasks and helps customize your workflows.

If you’re working with two different versions of a drawing, you can use the DWG compare feature to identify additions, deletions, and modifications. There are also trace and markup tools that let you review designs, add feedback, and collaborate without altering the original DWG file.

Boost your productivity with this 1-year subscription to Autodesk AutoCAD LT, on sale now for just $199 (reg. $540).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Listen to your favorite wind-down content in peace with the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker in blue, now for only $14.99 (reg. $79.95).

Opens in a new window Credit: Vista Shops Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker (Blue) $14.99
$79.95 Save $64.96   Get Deal

If you thought agreeing on a temperature to set the thermostat was hard, you probably haven’t had to battle it out about bedtime sounds. Whether you’re the partner who loves to drift off to podcasts or playlists, or you’re the one desperately seeking silence, the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker is the perfect bedroom upgrade.

Right now, you can score this super-thin speaker made to slide under your pillow in a cool shade of blue for only $14.99.

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If you’re looking for a way to bring peace to your bedroom, the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker lets you enjoy your audio without waking your partner, thanks to bone-conduction sound that only you can hear.

Listen to podcasts, lullabies, or soothing white noise on the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker, a bedmate-friendly option that lets you enjoy your audio of choice discreetly. It’s slim enough to fit comfortably under your pillow without any pressure points, even for side sleepers.

To use the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow, just take advantage of its Bluetooth connectivity. It pairs easily with smartphones, tablets, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices, with an added TF Card playback option that lets you listen to stored music, sleep sounds, podcasts, or audiobooks if you’d like to go offline.

You can set an auto-off timer for 30, 60, or 90-minute increments to allow you to drift off to sleep. Onboard buttons are available for volume, playback, and listening modes. There’s also a rechargeable battery, which you won’t have to power up often, thanks to the low-power operation option for efficient overnight listening.

Bring home your new favorite bedtime gadget, the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker in blue, now for just $14.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

It's now three years since Confide, one of the most popular apps for sexy chats, officially shut up shop. We're still feeling the loss of that special cross-platform gem. Confide featured disappearing messages and end-to-end encryption, making it a favorite among all walks of life — celebrities, politicians, and ordinary folks. Pretty much anyone who wanted to connect freely without worrying about security or annoying digital paper trails.  

If you're one of the many disappointed Confide users looking for a replacement — hey, it may have been three years, but lots of us still have a Confide-shaped hole in our lives — there are some other great sexting apps that are absolutely worth exploring.

Among the most popular sexting options is AdultFriendFinder. It doesn't have all the same cybersecurity features as Confide — in fact, it doesn't even have an official phone app, preferring to keep things old-school as a site. But that hasn't prevented AFF from accumulating millions of active users worldwide. In three decades of existence, it's become a top destination for very spicy finger flirting (and lots more).

Keep reading to find out how AdultFriendFinder stacks up against Confide (RIP), with a rundown of both the pros and cons, and why you should consider giving AFF a try the next time you want to explore the internet's sexier side:

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Finding a partner

When it comes to sexting, there's one big difference between Confide and AFF. It all comes down to how you go about finding a connection. When you used Confide, you needed to do some heavy lifting first. The platform wasn't built to connect you with strangers. Instead, it was meant for connecting you with people you already know. With AFF, however, there's an existing community of millions of people worldwide. And the best part? They're all looking to enjoy some adult fun.

SEE ALSO: I had a Grindr sugar daddy for a day. Then he tried to get a refund.

So, whether you're looking to meet someone for the first time or simply connect for a quick naughty chat, AdultFriendFinder offers a search function, allowing you to browse through local singles or even search by very specific desires, plus a wide array of groups and discussion forums based around naughty topics as varied as bondage, foot fetishes, and erotic story writing. 

Security

For people who prioritize privacy, Confide was a fantastic app, boasting end-to-end encryption across all communication formats (including photos and videos), ScreenShield technology to guard against screenshots, and self-destructing messages. All of these security features made it a highly attractive app for sexting, since the combination of cybersecurity, anonymity, and the promise of no digital record-keeping allowed people a measure of security rarely found on other sites and apps.

Unfortunately, this is one area where AFF falls short. They've already had one major data breach in 2016, in which more than 400 million accounts were compromised, and though they've made real efforts to improve their security protocols since then, they still don't claim to have end-to-end messaging encryption. They do, however, offer ConfirmID to verify accounts, a process that requires both a government-issued ID card and a facial scan, so if you want to err on the side of caution, you can restrict your communications to verified accounts. 

Group messaging

Another huge benefit to Confide was the ability to find or create group chats, which helped people who shared a common kink or fantasy to establish their own digital spaces. AdultFriendFinder doesn't have a private messaging group chat, but it does offer kink-based, public-facing discussion groups and messaging boards, which offer a great place to meet like-minded people.

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

There's also nothing stopping you from using those groups to meet individuals. In fact, AFF actively encourages those interactions. So if you do find someone in a discussion forum that you happen to hit it off with, you can use that interaction to break the ice in a one-on-one private chat. 

Live broadcasts

One place Confide decidedly fell short was in broadcasting. You could use the app to send photos, videos, and even voice notes, but you couldn't actually initiate a video call. While AFF doesn't yet offer one-on-one video conferencing, it does host webcam shows on its servers, so you can either start your own show and hope to attract someone that way or join the chat room of another person's show to shoot your shot. 

If you happen to join a popular live show and want to stand out from the crowd, AFF lets you earn or purchase "points" to tip the broadcaster, making your message pop in the cam chat. You can also initiate a private message with any person in the broadcast by navigating to the Viewers tab, scrolling down to the member you want to talk to, and then clicking on the Private Chat icon to the right of their name.

Staying anonymous

If privacy is your primary concern, you shouldn't overlook AFF just because it lacks disappearing messages and end-to-end encryption. Spend a quick minute perusing profiles on the site, and you'll see that many AdultFriendFinder users choose to remain largely anonymous, with no face photos or identifying information on their profiles at all. 

The site is remarkably generous in how it allows users to engage with it, and unlike traditional dating sites, there's no obligation to show your face or even use your real name in a public-facing capacity. Moreover, there's a real culture of "anything goes" on the site, so if you want to use it as a traditional dating site, you can meet people who want that, but if you just want to use it for a sneaky link or a one-and-done dirty chat, that's also perfectly acceptable. 

The bottom line? What AFF lacks in security features, it more than makes up for with a massive userbase, a laissez-faire, sex-positive culture, and the option to keep your anonymity as you browse the site and search for a like-minded chat partner. 

SAVE $100: As of Aug. 7, the Apple AirPods Max 2 are down to $449 on Amazon. The H2 chip powers active noise cancellation, adaptive audio, and even live translation.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 $449 at Amazon
$549 Save $100   Get Deal

Apple's AirPods Max 2 rarely drop in price, but right now they're down to $449 on Amazon. That's an 18% discount off the usual $549 price.

That's good timing, because when we reviewed the AirPods Max 2, our take was simple: they're a genuinely great pair of headphones, just not enough of an upgrade to justify full price if you already own the original. Our advice at the time was to wait for a sale.

Sound-wise, the Max 2 is built to deliver deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, and Apple pairs it with Personalized Spatial Audio, which uses your ear shape and head movement to make music and video sound as if they're surrounding you, similar to a mini home theater.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to qualify

Noise cancellation gets a real bump too, up to 1.5 times better than the previous model, and it now adjusts automatically depending on your surroundings through a feature called Adaptive Audio. There's also Conversation Awareness, which lowers your volume automatically when you start talking to someone nearby, and a Transparency mode for when you want outside sound let back in.

One of the more interesting additions is Live Translation, which uses Apple Intelligence to translate what someone's saying into your preferred language in real-time, just by holding down the listening mode button. That said, it needs a compatible iPhone running iOS 26.4 or later, so it's not something every user can access right away.

If this is your first time trying Apple's earbuds, now's a good time to pick up a pair. Grab the Apple AirPods Max 2 while they're $100 off.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Booster Display Box is on sale for $534.98 at Amazon (including shipping, down from its $650.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Booster Display Box $534.98 at Amazon
$650.98 Save $116   Get Deal

The Destined Rivals expansion has become increasingly scarce, and prices have bumped as a result. However, Amazon has now taken a sizable chunk out of its latest listings to help you save money on three dozen packs. 

As of Aug. 10, the Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals Booster Display Box with 36 packs has dropped in price to $534.98 on Amazon ($529.99 plus $4.99 shipping), representing a $116.01 discount off its standard $650.99 price.

With that 18% price drop, each of the three-dozen booster packs inside this box will only cost you around $14.86 each — a nice $3.06 cut from the $17.94 you’d have been charged beforehand. Keep in mind that this box is being shipped and sold by third-party seller Strike Zone Online, with delivery estimated between Aug. 12-14 at the time of writing. 

That said, this third-party-sold box still comes with Amazon’s usual 30-day refund or replacement window if there are any issues. 

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Meanwhile, prices are even lower on TCGplayer. For lower than the Destined Rivals box’s estimated $474.61 market price, you can snag your unsealed box for as little as $470.98 — or about $13.08 for each booster. There are quite a few listings even cheaper, but those are for loose lots of three-dozen packs, not in a box, so you will have to scroll down a fair bit to find the sealed versions if you’re checking all the listings. 

Each pack in the 36 Destined Rivals boosters will give 10 random trading cards per pack from the 244-card expansion. Although Destined Rivals came out all the way back in May 2025, there are still plenty of pricey chase cards you can pull (or simply buy them individually from TCGplayer) — including SIR Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Cynthia’s Garchomp ex, and Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex. 

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free on BBC iPlayer. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're still a couple of years away from the next quest for Olympic medals, but that doesn't mean the best athletes are sitting back and relaxing. No, there are PBs to chase, rivals to beat, and world records to set. And some elite athletes will be targeting all of that at once in the 2026 European Athletics Championships.

The Alexander Stadium is welcoming some of track and field's biggest stars this month. The likes of Keely Hodgkinson, Mondo Duplantis, and Femke Bol will be battling it out for places on the podium. And Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen will make his long-awaited return to the track in the 5,000 meters.

If you want to watch the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What are the European Athletics Championships?

The European Athletics Championships are a biennial track and field event organized by the European Athletics Association. The championships bring together the continent’s best athletes to compete across sprint, distance, field, road, and combined events for medals.

When are the 2026 European Athletics Championships?

The 2026 European Athletics Championships take place from Aug. 10-16 at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, UK.

How to watch the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free

The 2026 European Athletics Championships is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can bypass these restrictions 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 free live streams of the European Athletics Championships from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 European Athletics Championships by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 BBC iPlayer

5. Watch the 2026 European Athletics Championships 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the European Athletics Championships without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the entire event before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 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 — 80% 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 a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free with ExpressVPN.

Another solar eclipse is coming. If you're ready to look up to the sky for the special event, don't forget to protect your eyes. As Europe gears up to witness a total eclipse, parts of North America will enjoy a partial eclipse.

The solar eclipse is taking place on Wednesday, Aug. 12. According to NASA, a total solar eclipse will be seen in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. However, partial eclipses can be seen in the northern U.S. (from Alaska to North Carolina), most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwestern Africa.

Don't expect a dramatic show if you're watching from the US, though. The farther south you are, the less you'll see, and if you're not in the eclipse's path, or the weather doesn't cooperate, NASA will stream the eclipse live starting at 1:15 p.m. ET at nasa.gov/live.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to qualify

If you're planning on watching the eclipse, you'll need a pair of solar eclipse glasses. Be wary, there are plenty of solar eclipse glasses available, especially on Amazon, but you must make sure they're ISO 12312-2 Certified for the safest eye protection. The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved manufacturers you can verify too.

Since the glasses are delicate, check them before use to ensure there are no punctures or tears. To test them, wear them inside your home, and you shouldn't be able to see any light fixtures besides a small filament.

To prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse, here's a list of all the options available at Amazon. All the options on this list are CE-, ISO-, or AAS-certified to protect your eyes during the eclipse. Plus, they all arrive before Wednesday, Aug. 12.

A quick note before you buy: since the eclipse is just days away, delivery timing matters here. Amazon Prime members will generally get the fastest and most reliable delivery windows, so it's worth checking the estimated arrival date on each listing before you order — some of these options are cutting it close, arriving on Aug. 12.

Solar Eclipse Glasses in the UK

• Absolute Eclipse Solar Eclipse Glasses — £4.79

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses — £5.99

• Solar Optics Solar Eclipse Glasses 5-pack with Phone Filters — £14.99

• Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses 5-pack — £15.99

• Kesseph Solar Eclipse Glasses — £17.99

Solar Eclipse Glasses in the U.S. and North America

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses (2 pack) — $7.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Medical king Solar Eclipse Glasses (10 pack) — $8.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses (5 pack) — $9.95

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses (5 pack) — $9.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Bookishbunny Solar Eclipse Paper Glasses (10 pack) — $10.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Keyaluo Solar Eclipse Glasses (12 pack) — $13.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Galaxium Solar Eclipse Glasses for kids — $14.95

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses (10 pack) — $14.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• AAA Eclipse Solar Glasses (6 pack) — $17.95

• Galaxium Solar Eclipse Glasses (6 pack) — $17.95 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Helioclipse Solar Eclipse Glasses (12 pack) — $19.95

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Medical wrapping.

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

GAUZE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A collection (of songs, photos, etc).

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 10, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ALBUM

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To brush past.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 10 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 10, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

GRAZE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Giver.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

DONOR

Final Hurdle hint

Short.

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

BLUNT

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