IT General

Tiny glass beads brought back by NASA's Apollo 17 astronauts are helping scientists uncover new clues about how the moon erupted billions of years ago. 

No one expected these glittering bits among the gray lunar dust back then. The beads, smaller than grains of sand, formed when ancient lunar volcanoes spewed molten rock. That rock quickly cooled and hardened into smooth glass in the cold vacuum of space.

Now, using modern tools that weren't available a half-century ago following the mission, researchers have zoomed in closer than ever before to look at what’s stuck on the outside of those glass beads. They found a kind of mineral powder — so fine you need microscopes to see it — formed as the beads flew through giant gas clouds during the fiery eruptions.

These surface coatings reveal how the environment around the moon’s volcanoes changed over time, according to a new study published in the journal Icarus. Instead of just confirming that lunar eruptions happened, the Brown University-led research provides insight into how they played out, layer by layer, crystal by crystal. The findings suggest the moon had a much more dynamic history of volcanoes, with evolving gas chemistry, temperature, and pressure changes, than previously known.

"It’s like reading the journal of an ancient lunar volcanologist," said Ryan Ogliore, a Washington University in St. Louis professor, in a statement.

SEE ALSO: What does a meteorite taste like? Someone found out and bottled it. This is a microscopic view of lunar glass beads, smaller than grains of sand. Credit: Katharine Robinson and G. Jeffrey Taylor / Nature Geoscience 2014

The shimmery beads blasted out of the moon's interior when the moon was still young, about 3.3 to 3.6 billion years ago. 

As lava shot into the airless sky, it quickly cooled into smooth droplets of glass. Some came out shiny orange; others formed in glossy black. Because of their origins, the beads have colors, shapes, and chemical compositions unlike anything found on Earth. But the very existence of the beads is evidence that the moon had explosive eruptions — akin to the fire fountains seen in Hawaii today, Ogliore said.

"The beads are tiny, pristine capsules of the lunar interior," he added.

Unlike some older lunar samples, these delicate beads were protected from reacting with Earth's air to avoid contamination. The researchers particularly focused on black glass beads collected from a part of the moon called the Taurus-Littrow Valley, a site on the southeastern edge of the Sea of Serenity, formed after a large object smashed into the moon eons ago. 

Lava spews out of a lunar volcano, forming glass beads that encounter different conditions based on their trajectories through the volcanic gas cloud. Credit: T.A. Williams et al. / Icarus 2025 diagram

The most common mineral found in the coatings was sphalerite, containing zinc, sulfur, and iron. The bottom of the micro-buildup was richer in iron, meaning it likely formed earlier when things were hotter and denser. The upper parts formed later, as things cooled down.

The scientists found that the black beads had a lot more of these zinc-and-sulfur minerals on them compared to orange beads analyzed in earlier samples taken from the same area. That difference hints that the gas clouds were thicker or hotter at the time when the black beads formed.

To probe the samples, the team used a high-energy ion beam to break apart tiny bits of the material, allowing scientists to measure their chemical makeup. They also used other advanced techniques, such as atom probe tomography and electron microscopy.

"We’ve had these samples for 50 years, but we now have the technology to fully understand them," Ogliore said. "Many of these instruments would have been unimaginable when the beads were first collected."

Arguably the most famous scene from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise is the boop. You know the boop. It's the moment when Viking teen Hiccup and adorable Night Fury Toothless make a genuine connection for the first time, with the dragon's nose pressing into Hiccup's hand.

More than 15 years after the release of Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders' adaptation of Cressida Cowell's novels, DeBlois has revisited How to Train Your Dragon as a live-action movie, recreating shot-for-shot the famous boop scene.

Mashable UK Editor Shannon Connellan sat down with DeBlois and How to Train Your Dragon stars Mason Thames and Nico Parker to get an idea of how the film remade the moment.

"We wanted to recreate as faithfully as we could that scene through live-action on a stage with our cove set, but almost shot-for-shot that exact moment — and also later the test-drive scene when they're flying over the clouds," DeBlois told Mashable.

"We wanted those to be really faithful as a tribute to the fans. The way that we achieved it really was relying very heavily upon our team of puppeteers, namely Tom Wilton, who was operating our Toothless. We had a foam head for Toothless, and we had a body and a tail. His puppeteering partner, Sarah, had worked out the footsteps in the sand and the path between all of the drawn lines, and how that was going to work, and it just became this dance."

SEE ALSO: 'How to Train Your Dragon' review: Does the live action version soar?

Thames, who has a background in ballet, trained hard for the scene, in which the director had composer John Powell's score playing on set.

"You know, it probably looks just like I'm stepping over some stuff, but going into it, we had about a week and a half of training and practicing that, getting every step on each note for the song — because we had the song playing," Thames said. "It was a dance, and I think ballet really helped with getting that down."

"When we started playing John Powell's music on top of it, the whole stage just got really quiet, and it transformed," DeBlois added. "It felt like a moment of real wonder in the midst of all of this chaos of filmmaking, where people felt like they were making something special."

How to Train Your Dragon hits cinemas in the UK June 9 and in the U.S. June 13.

Content creation can be a solitary job. Even though it’s centered around community, much of that interaction happens online. In 2009, brothers John and Hank Green, the creators behind the popular Vlogbrothers YouTube channel, set out to change that.

"A couple of months ago, [my brother] John and I decided that we were really interested in the possibility of getting a real-life online video conference happening, in order to get all of the best online video creators together in one place," Hank Green said at the time, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "Online video is a really huge deal now — we have people on YouTube that have a bigger audience than Oprah or Anderson Cooper."

And with that, the first VidCon was born.

What Is VidCon?

Launched in 2010, VidCon became the first major convention for online video creators and their fans. It brought together influencers, industry professionals, and audiences for panels, performances, meet-and-greets, and behind-the-scenes conversations about the future of digital media.

Now, 15 years later, VidCon is still going strong — a reflection of how online content creation has evolved from a niche interest into a global industry.

When is VidCon 2025?

This year's VidCon will take place June 19-21 in Anaheim, California. And Mashable will be on the ground at the Anaheim Convention Center, talking to your favorite creators and covering all the latest trends.

What are the three tracks at VidCon?

This year, there are three tracks at VidCon: Community, Creator, and Industry.

The community track is for fans and mostly consists of meet-and-greets, Q&As, and creator panels. It's the least expensive track, with single-day tickets starting at $96 and multi-day tickets starting at $175.

The creator track is, well, for creators. You get access to the community track offerings, along with workshops, panels, lounges, mentorship panels, and more. It's the second most expensive track, with multi-day tickets starting at $268.

Finally, the most expensive track is the industry track. It's billed for "creator economy leaders" and includes so, so many networking opportunities. Multi-day tickets for this track start at $1,130.

Which creators will be at VidCon?

At VidCon, you'll see featured creators, Hall of Fame inductees, and creators who simply bought a ticket to attend. As it coincides with YouTube's 20th anniversary, expect to see some legendary names on the creator lineup.

This is the inaugural VidCon Hall of Fame, and the creators being honored include Rhett & Link, Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, Tyler Oakley, Grace Helbig, Joey Graceffa, Rosanna Pansino, and Hank Green.

Here is a very long list of the nearly 200 featured creators at this year's convention:

• Aaron Parnas

• Ana Saia

• Anthony Hamilton Jr

• Anthony Padilla

• Aphmau

• Arianna Hailey

• Asher Lara

• Ashley Alexander

• Ashley Ippolito

• Astro Alexandra

• Audity

• Austin Sprinz

• Azerrz

• B Mo the Prince

• Bailey Sarian

• Blair Imani

• Briel Adams-Wheatley

• BrodyAnimates

• Bryce Xavier

• Cam Wilder

• CaptainPuffy

• Carter Kench

• Cash

• cassiesbooktok

• Caylus

• CG5

• Chad Chad

• CheapPickle

• Chubbyemu

• CircleToonsHD

• Connor Tomlinson

• cuptoast

• DanCookedIt

• DangMattSmith

• Daniel Thrasher

• Dollar Tree Dinners

• Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper)

• Dream

• Dtay Known

• Eddie Zepeda

• Eleanor Neale

• Ella Caroline

• elliot

• Enola Bedard

• Ericka Bozeman

• Ethobot

• Evan and Katelyn

• Fannita

• Fernanda Cortes

• FunkyFrogBait

• Georgie (soupytime)

• Gianna Marie (Gwizzle)

• Grace Helbig

• HaileeandKendra

• Haminations

• Hank Green

• Hannahxxrose

• Hew Moran

• Horchata Soto

• Howieazy

• Hudson Matter

• Ian Hecox

• IBella

• illymation

• Imani Barbarin

• IMHO: The Podcast

• Infamous Swoosh

• Insane Shayne

• Jack Manifold

• jacknjellify

• Jason Bravura

• Jason Linton

• Jeenie Weenie

• Jeffrey Bui

• JellyBean

• Jenny Hoyos

• Jenny Solares

• Jesser

• Jessica Kaylee

• Jesus Nalgas

• Jezelle Catherine

• jmancurly

• Joey Graceffa

• Jonny Morales

• Jools Lebron

• Jordan Matter

• Josie Kay

• Justin Flom

• Kalen Allen

• Karen Mendoza

• Kat Buno

• Katie Ann

• Kelly Wakasa

• Kelsi Davies

• Kenzie Yolles

• Kevin Langue

• Kevin T. Norman

• KHARRII

• Khian KB

• Kiera Bridget

• KikizCosmeticz

• KreekCraft

• KREW

• Kristopher London

• Lamarr Wilson

• Lana Rae

• Landen Purifoy

• LaurDIY

• Leah Ashe

• Leo González

• Like Nastya

• Lisi Shops

• Lonnie IIV

• Lyanna Kea

• MacDoesIt

• Madison Marilla

• Mattie Westbrouck

• MeganPlays

• Megha Rethin

• Merrick Hanna

• Mia Dio

• Mikey Angelo

• Molly Burke

• Mythical Kitchen

• Naomi Hearts

• Nathan Kessel

• NichLmao

• Nick Pro

• Nick Wilkins

• Nico

• Nicole Laeno

• Nicole Rafiee

• Nihachu

• Peet Montzingo

• Purplecliffe

• QCP

• Ranboo

• Rebecca Parham (Let Me Explain Studios)

• rekrap2

• Rhett & Link

• Rosanna Pansino

• Rubasworld

• Sa Nguyen

• Salish Matter

• Samantha Eve

• Sambucha

• SauceyAustin

• Savanah Moss

• SeanDoesMagic

• Skip the Tutorial

• skyyjade

• Slimecicle

• SMOSH

• Sneegsnag

• Socksfor1

• Sofi Manassyan

• Sofie Dossi

• SoupTimmy

• Spizee

• Steven He

• Sweet Impact

• Sydney Morgan

• Tannerwiththe_tism

• TechJoyce

• Tubbo

• Tubby Nugget

• Tyler Oakley

• Tyler Vitelli

• V Spehar (@Underthedesknews)

• Valentine Brothers

• Valerie Lepelch

• Vivziepop

• VMT

• Wallibear

• Watcher

• Wheezy

• Zay Dante

• Zhong

• Zoetube

• zoeunlimited

What kind of panels are at VidCon?

There are a ton of panels to get excited about, but, depending on which track you're on, you can see everything from the "YouTube Keynote: Celebrating 20 Years on YouTube" to "Mapping the Modern Creator Economy: Trends, Tensions, and What Comes Next." Check out the full schedule for yourself on the VidCon website.

Can I watch any of the VidCon panels if I'm not there?

You can follow VidCon's social media accounts on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and X to keep up to date on everything happening during the convention.

TL;DR: Let the Sony LinkBuds Fit Noise-Cancelling Earbuds keep you moving all summer long, now just $89.99 (reg. $199.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony LinkBuds Fit Noise-Cancelling Earbuds (Refurbished) $89.99
$199.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

Summer is here, but you still have time to get into bathing suit shape. If you’re looking for a little motivation, let the Sony LinkBuds Fit Noise-Cancelling Earbuds help. These comfortable earbuds deliver exceptional audio with ambient sound that keeps you safe and aware of your surroundings during late-night runs or long gym sessions.

Right now, secure a pair of these stylish and feature-packed earbuds for just $89.99 (reg. $199.99).

Stay motivated this summer with Sony LinkBuds Fit

It’s time to hit the gym. If you’re skipping workouts because you don’t have the right headphones, now’s a great time to save big on the Sony LinkBuds Fit. These earbuds have been designed with Air Fitting Supporters that minimize ear pressure so you’ll forget you’re wearing them. Don’t worry about accidentally losing one — they stay securely in your ear thanks to the hooked attachment that prevents dislodging.

The Ambient Sound Mode allows you to enjoy distraction-free audio while remaining aware of your surroundings. Want to tune the world out totally? There’s also an Advanced Noise Canceling that offers dual noise sensor technology to filter out exterior noises using multiple microphones, so you’re literally immersed in the music.

These Sony LinkBuds Fit include Dynamic Driver X, which delivers a wide frequency response that allows for richer vocals and enhances fine details. Want to really hear your content in high-res? High-Resolution Audio gives you exceptional sound quality that rivals a dedicated wired connection.

A full charge provides an impressive 5.5 hours of battery life, getting you through both your workout and your walk home. And if you need more, the included charging case powers them up for another 15.5 hours.

Upgrade your earbuds with the Sony LinkBuds Fit Noise Canceling Earbuds, now only $89.99 (reg. $199.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Tackle anything this summer throws at you with this Apple MacBook Air, now on sale for $514.99 (reg. $1,299), beating the price at both Amazon and Walmart.

Want to upgrade your laptop without blowing your summer budget? This MacBook Air can make it happen. It’s Apple’s most powerful, lightweight option, and right now you can secure all your favorite Apple bells and whistles at a surprisingly low price — just $514.99 (reg. $1,299) while supplies last.

Get the Apple experience without the Apple price with this MacBook Air

The MacBook Air will be your favorite summer companion, weighing in at less than three pounds. It’s a dependable computer for both work and play, and thanks to its M1 chip, it offers serious power and performance. And a 16-core Neural Engine means it can handle more advanced tasks like AI and machine learning, too.

Tackle work emails, enjoy a late-night Netflix binge session, or even do tasks with a heavier lift like video editing easily on this computer. It’s faster than Intel-based laptops, with 3.5x faster performance and 5x faster graphics for apps and games. Speaking of apps, a 128GB SSD gives you plenty of space to download your favorites and store data locally.

Get things done efficiently on the MacBook Air’s 13.3″ Retina display for up to 18 hours, thanks to its impressive battery life. And you won’t be disturbed by that noisy fan sound, as the fanless design allows for silent operation.

You’re scoring a deep discount because this model has a grade A refurbished rating — meaning it arrives in near-mint condition, with little to no signs of prior use, all at a fraction of the original price.

Bring home this Apple MacBook Air for only $514.99 (reg. $1,299), lower than the prices on Amazon and Walmart.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2020) M1 MGN63LL/A 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $514.99
$1,299 Save $784.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Live stream 2025 Major League Cricket for free on 7plus. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There is a lot of content out there right now for fans of cricket. This summer features the WTC Final, India's tour of England, and a number of interesting ODIs.

Major League Cricket hasn't been around for long, but it should already be in your rotation. A number of top players are set to compete in this year's competition, but that doesn't really matter. What matters is that it's Twenty20 cricket — it's going to be entertaining whoever is playing.

If you're interested in watching 2025 Major League Cricket for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is Major League Cricket?

Major League Cricket is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in the United States. The league is comprised of six teams: Washington Freedom, San Francisco Unicorns, MI New York, Los Angeles Knight Riders, Texas Super Kings, and Seattle Orcas.

The defending champions are Washington Freedom.

When is Major League Cricket in 2025?

2025 Major League Cricket is the 3rd edition of the event. This year's season takes place from June 12 to July 13.

How to watch the 2025 Major League Cricket for free

2025 Major League Cricket is available to live stream for free on 7plus.

7plus is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of Major League Cricket from anywhere in the world.

Live stream 2025 Major League Cricket 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

4. Connect to 7plus

5. Live stream 2025 Major League Cricket 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 unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch 2025 Major League Cricket without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to follow every game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 7plus?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on 7plus, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• 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 $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream 2025 Major League Cricket for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $50: As of June 16, the Apple Magic Keyboard is on sale for $199 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Magic Keyboard $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50 Get Deal

Apple's Magic Keyboard is back on sale at Amazon, and this time it's reduced by $50. iPad accessories such as the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard are a great way to make the most of your device, taking things from play to work in no time. And as of June 16, the Magic Keyboard is now just $199.

This deal is currently only available in white and is compatible with the iPad (A16) and iPad (10th generation).

SEE ALSO: Apple's truly smart Siri is coming next spring, report claims

It’s super easy to use, no charging or pairing needed, just snap it on and start typing. It features backlit keys for comfy, quiet typing, a built-in trackpad for gestures and precision, and even a USB-C port for charging. The keyboard also features a versatile two-piece design with a detachable keyboard and a magnetic protective back panel that offers front and back protection, plus an adjustable stand for smooth, continuous viewing.

It can also be purchased in different languages, including Arabic, British English, Chinese (Pinyin), Chinese (Zhuyin), Danish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), Swiss, Ukrainian, and U.S. English.

Head to Amazon to grab this deal.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

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

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

SAVE $80: As of June 16, the Braun IPL Silk·Expert is on sale for $349.94 at Amazon. That's a 19% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Braun Braun IPL Silk·Expert $349.94 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $80.05 Get Deal

If you want to save money but don't want to cut back on your favorite salon treatments, why not give an IPL device a go? IPL is one of the best long-term solutions for hair removal that can be done at home, and right now, you can get a great device on sale at Amazon.

As of June 16, the Braun IPL Silk·Expert is $80 off, now priced at $349.94. The package includes the IPL device, a Venus razor, three changeable caps, and a vanity travel case. The Braun device also benefits from skin tone sensors, a handy tool that optimizes the power of every flash to your skin tone.

SEE ALSO: RIP, Dyson air-purifying headphones that no one asked for

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is a hair removal process that uses light pulses to target hair follicles, so it reduces hair growth over time. It's not a laser, but it works similarly by focusing on the pigment in hair. It's a relatively painless, long-term solution for hair removal.

Laser hair removal uses a concentrated single wavelength of light, making it more precise and powerful. IPL, on the other hand, uses a broad spectrum of light, covering a larger area but with less intensity. IPL is slightly less effective than laser but is much gentler on the skin, and can be done from home.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

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

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

SAVE $20: As of June 16, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you 33% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20 Get Deal

Amazon's Fire TV Stick is one of their most popular devices, and it's no secret why. For those not in the know, the Fire TV Stick is a streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more, basically turning your TV into a smart TV. And as of June 16, you can save $20 with the reduced price of $39.99.

The Fire TV Stick comes with a remote with Alexa built in, helping you turn any TV into a smart TV. (Top tip: use Alexa to search for your favorite movies and shows, saving time and effort.)

SEE ALSO: Anker recalls over one million of its popular power banks due to fire hazard

There's no over-the-top setup to worry about; these handy remotes are so simple to use. Really, anyone can do it. Just pop the device into your TV or laptop HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels and apps.

The Max has 16GB of storage, double that of the Fire TV Stick 4K, so this is the one to choose for big downloads.

Grab this great deal at Amazon and start streaming now.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, June 16, 2025:

AcrossSlow ___ (primate with big eyes)

• The answer is Loris.

Title character who says "I've often seen a cat without a grin ... but a grin without a cat!"

• The answer is Alice.

National mammal of the United States

• The answer is Bison.

Something to R.S.V.P. for

• The answer is Event.

Word commonly mixed up with "fewer"

• The answer is Less.

DownWhere care instructions are often found on a garment

• The answer is Label.

Main ingredient in tapenade

• The answer is Olive.

Gets up

• The answer is Rises.

Array on a touchscreen

• The answer is Icons.

Email status

• The answer is Sent.

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

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

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

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

The Nintendo Switch 2 launch day has come and gone, and those lucky enough to get a console are already happily playing Mario Kart World and other launch titles.

Starting on June 5, gamers could finally purchase the Switch 2 console for $449.99 and the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle for $499.99 — if you could find it in stock. Costco had inventory available on June 5, and Target started selling its inventory online on June 6, but as of this writing, it's out of stock. GameStop and Staples at least have tools that let you check available stock at nearby stores. Walmart does have inventory available, but only from third-party resellers, not an official Switch 2 restock.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Buy the Switch 2 console at Walmart Check prices at Walmart Shop Now

So, where can you buy the Switch 2 online? Check for Switch 2 restocks at the My Nintendo Store and via Nintendo online retailers. When all else fails, you can smash that refresh button like it's your first time playing Super Smash Bros.

• Buy the Switch 2 at Nintendo

• Buy the Switch 2 at Walmart — Unavailable

• Buy the Switch 2 at GameStop — Check stock in stores

• Buy the Switch 2 at Best Buy — Check stock in stores

• But the Switch 2 at Costco — Unavailable

• Buy the Switch 2 at Target — Unavailable

• Staples — Check stock in stores

Every way to buy the Switch 2 online Credit: Nintendo

To avoid hoarding and reselling, Nintendo and retailers are limiting orders per person. That means you'll need to make an account to successfully place an order. We also recommend reviewing our tips for tracking restocks, and in the meantime, try all the links below.

Place an order with Nintendo

You can't simply go to the My Nintendo Store and buy the Switch 2. To order the Switch 2, you need to log in with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online account. Once you do that, you can choose either a Switch 2 standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle and then hit the confirm button to "register your interest" in ordering a Switch 2.

Now for the weird stuff. Only Switch Online members who have paid for at least 12 months of service and registered at least 50 hours of gameplay on their Switch consoles can purchase through Nintendo. In other words, you better be a true Switch gamer if you want to buy the Switch 2 this way. If you're eligible and follow these steps, watch your email for an invitation link.

Buy the Switch 2 at Nintendo: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Learn More Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499 Learn More How to order Switch 2 at Walmart

Unlike Nintendo, purchasing the Switch 2 online at Walmart is pretty simple. Technically, Walmart shoppers have been able to preorder Switch 2 consoles on Walmart's website since midnight ET on April 24. In reality, the console has been sold out consistently. Our advice? Go to the Walmart Switch 2 listing a few times a day and smash that refresh button, but be wary of price gougers.

We'll update this article as soon as we find Switch 2 consoles in stock at Walmart (or anywhere). Walmart also sells a lot of Switch 2 launch titles and accessories.

Buy the Switch 2 at Walmart: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now How to buy Switch 2 at Target

Target stores opened as usual on launch day, and according to a press release, Switch 2 hopefuls were directed to a "designated queuing location" near the entrance. Target workers reportedly gave out reservation tickets to a lucky few. Buyers were whisked off to the electronics department, where they could finally purchase either the Switch 2 or a Switch 2 bundle.

Buy the Switch 2 at Target: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now How to buy Switch 2 at GameStop

GameStop is the one retailer of the four listed here that's doing things a little bit differently. If you were lucky enough to get a GameStop preorder, you could pick up your console at midnight on June 5. GameStop stores also hosted midnight launch events (though supplies were limited), and gamers can go to GameStop locations to participate in a "Transfer and Trade," where they trade in their original Switch and transfer data to the new console.

You can also try your luck online or sign up to get updates when new inventory becomes available. You can also buy Switch 2 games and accessories at GameStop, including those all-important MicroSD Express cards.

Buy the Switch 2 at GameStop: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now How to buy Switch 2 consoles at Best Buy

Best Buy joined GameStop in hosting Switch 2 midnight launch parties, but the tents and lawn chairs have been packed away by now. If you weren't one of the chosen ones who got a console at these events, you'll have to rely on the Best Buy website. So far, we haven't seen any inventory available, unfortunately.

As a “high-demand item,” Best Buy customers have to follow specific steps to buy a Switch 2 online:

• Create a My Best Buy account and sign in

• Confirm your location

• Add the item to your cart

• Follow the on-screen prompts and check for available inventory

• If you get a Switch 2 console in your cart, you’ll have 10 minutes to complete the purchase

Buy the Switch 2 at Best Buy: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now Can you buy the Switch 2 at Amazon?

You'll notice there's one major retailer conspicuously missing so far — Amazon. That's because Amazon is not an official Nintendo retailer, so any Switch 2 consoles you find there are likely listed by resellers of dubious legitimacy. However, Amazon shoppers can preorder some Switch 2 titles ahead of the launch.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion Limited Edition $99.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Rune Factory Guardians of Azuma Standard Edition $69.99 at Amazon
Shop Now How to buy the Switch 2 at Staples

As we noted in our Switch 2 preorder guide, select Staples stores will sell the Switch 2 on a first-come, first-served basis starting June 5. Most Staples locations open at 8 a.m., but we recommend showing up bright and early. Staples will also be selling an unnamed Switch 2 game bundle, and we know it's not the standard Mario Kart World bundle. As with other retailers, Switch 2 consoles are currently listed as "Out of stock" at the Staples online store.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 at Staples
Learn More How to buy the Switch 2 at Costco

Are you a Costco member? Then you may be able to secure your Switch 2 at the mega-retailer, which has been one of the few retailers with actual inventory available on June 5. Costco members can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle online starting June 5, though there's a limit of one console per membership (every seven days). As of this writing, the console and Mario Kart bundle are both sold out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Costco Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 at Costco
Learn More Why is the Switch 2 so hard to find in stock?

Simply put, it's a matter of demand far outpacing supply, though tariffs definitely didn't help.

Since opening for preorder on April 24, the Switch 2 has been sold out pretty much everywhere, like the PS5 before it. In fact, so many gamers tried to place preorders on April 24 that they immediately crashed the GameStop, Target, and Walmart websites. That's left many Switch fans wondering how to buy the Switch 2 online. So, if you aren't buying a Switch 2 in person, keep checking this page for the latest stock updates on Switch 2 launch day and beyond.

Popular Switch 2 accessories

If you want to console yourself by stocking up on Switch 2 accessories, chargers, and cameras, these products are much easier to "Add to cart."

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Hori Piranha Plant Camera $59 at Walmart
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller $84.99 at Target
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 (256GB) $59.99 at Target
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip $39.99 at Nintendo
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo GameCube Controller $64.99 at Nintendo
Shop Now Still want more information? Our first impressions of the Switch 2 Mashable reporter Alex Perry plays the Switch 2 at a Nintendo event. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Mashable reporter Alex Perry was lucky enough to play the Switch 2 at two Nintendo pre-launch events, and as of this writing, he's hard at work testing his Switch 2 review unit. We've published his day one review, and check back for a full review next week. To sum up his thoughts, while there are a couple of annoying setup quirks, the new console is a big step forward and just as much fun as you'd hoped. You can also read all about the Switch 2 launch titles we're most excited to play.

"I think it’s awesome," Perry wrote in his Switch 2 early review. "Most of the games I’ve played have been impressive in one way or another, and the hardware is a clear improvement over the first Switch. It’s not perfect, but nothing is."

And if you still haven't secured an order, keep checking this page for updates — and good luck!

UPDATE: Jun. 8, 2025, 8:15 a.m. EDT We've updated this page with the latest stock updates from Target, Best Buy, Walmart, GameStop, Costco, and Staples.

TL;DR: There are only three days left to hop on this BitMar offer. Grab this lifetime content aggregator and get access to millions of free shows, movies, etc., for only £11.02 (reg. £110.30) with code BITMAR5.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription £11.02
£110.30 Save £99.28 Get Deal

If you're tired of hopping between streaming platforms to catch your favorite shows, movies, and music, BitMar offers a refreshing alternative. With your one-time payment of £11.02 with code BITMAR5, you can unlock lifetime access to an all-in-one streaming platform that consolidates content from various sources into a single, easy-to-navigate interface.

What is BitMar?

BitMar isn't just another streaming service — it's a content aggregator powered by AI, similar to Bing's search engine. It scours the web to bring you millions of free, on-demand movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and songs from platforms like YouTube and TV networks. Whether you're in the mood for a classic film, the latest TV episode, or international content, BitMar has you covered.

Check out all the other perks of owning BitMar:

• Massive content library: Access over 200,000 channels and countless movies, TV shows, and music.

• Ad-free viewing: Enjoy your content without pesky interruptions.

• Multi-device support: Stream on up to five devices, including smart TVs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

• DMCA-compliant: You'll have peace of mind knowing that all content is legally sourced and compliant with copyright laws.

• No subscriptions: Pay once and enjoy unlimited access without recurring fees.

Why choose BitMar anyway?

With streaming costs on the rise and content spread across multiple platforms (we're looking at you, Netflix), BitMar simplifies your entertainment experience. Instead of managing multiple subscriptions, BitMar consolidates all of the best free content into one platform, saving you time when choosing what to watch and putting extra money back in your wallet.

Grab this BitMar lifetime subscription for just £11.02 — enter code BITMAR5 at checkout to grab it at this low price.

StackSocial prices subject to change

TL;DR: Live stream Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5) in the 2025 NBA Finals for free on YouTube. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 NBA Finals action returns to the Paycom Center for an absolutely massive Game 5. Can the Thunder supporters inspire their team to victory? Or will the Pacers overcome the pre-Finals favorites in front of their own fans?

If you want to watch Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5) in the 2025 NBA Finals for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5)?

Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5) starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on June 16. This game takes place at the Paycom Center.

How to watch Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5) for free

Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5) in the 2025 NBA Finals is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

This content is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can access this free live stream with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can live stream the 2025 NBA Finals from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit YouTube

5. Watch Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5) for free

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA Finals before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for YouTube?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like YouTube, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including India

• 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 free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5) for free with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

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

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

A large sea mammal.

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

WHALE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

At a future time.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 16, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

LATER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To leisurely walk.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 16, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

MOSEY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A heavy sound.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 16 Hurdle Word 4 answer

THUNK

Final Hurdle hint

A portion.

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

QUOTA

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

In a many years' time, the hassle of wires and cables will seem like ancient history. It might even seem archaic now, particularly in the eyes of anyone who's gone wireless.

Wireless chargers in all their forms — pads, stands, and other variations — are increasingly popular. After all, why mess around with cords when you can just place your devices on a pad to top them up? Not only is it easier, it looks hella tidier, too.

So yes, it's time you got yourself a wireless charger. But where to start? What's the best charger for you? That's where we can help. Here's some useful information.

What are the benefits of wireless charging?

Obviously, eliminating an unattractive mess of cords can help you feel a little calmer in your home or inspire more productivity in your workspace. But wireless charging benefits go beyond the neatness factor. First of all, a wireless charger is more durable than your standard charging cord. It also eliminates the need to constantly plug and unplug. Wireless chargers from reputable brands (like the ones we've recommended below) are also tested to prevent overheating and deliver the proper amount of wattage to charge your particular phone as fast as possible, so they can be safer too.

Which devices work with wireless chargers?

Most wireless chargers have universal compatibility (often referred to as a Qi-compatible device or “Qi-certified”) for iPhone and Android smartphones. This means that everyone in your household should be able to use one wireless charging station for their devices as needed. Plus, when you have guests over and they need to power up, you can just direct them to the nearest wireless charger.

Many wireless charging pads can also charge earbuds and AirPods. Smartwatches such as the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch can be charged wirelessly as well, but the wireless charger will often need to include a special holder to hang the watch for a proper charge. If you use a protective or even just decorative case on your phone, you may be wondering if that will prohibit you from using a wireless charger. In most cases, you should be good, but the thinner the case, the better.

How does a wireless charger work?

In the simplest terms, these wireless chargers house copper coils that create an oscillating magnetic field that transmits a charge to compatible devices when they get close, without needing a cord to connect them. In your search for the ideal wireless charger, you'll come across a few different styles, such as the wireless charging pad or wireless charging stand. They all essentially do the same thing, but you may prefer one over the other depending on the way you use your phone while it charges.

What is Apple MagSafe charging?

It can be a little annoying to line up your phone on a wireless charger to get it to "catch" the charge, but not with Apple's MagSafe technology. MagSafe chargers are made with magnets that pull the phone perfectly into place. MagSafe also allows for safe, fast charging of Apple devices — a huge advantage over standard Qi-compatible chargers. The downside is that you'll need a compatible MagSafe case, and you won’t be able to use standard Qi chargers when that case is on your phone.

What is the best wireless charger?

Now you know all about wireless tech, it's time to look at some charger options. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best wireless chargers for your iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, wireless earbuds, and more. It's time to cut those cords.

These are the best wireless chargers for 2025.

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

Drones and quadcopters are increasingly popular. They're also increasingly accessible — as drones have become more affordable, more people have turned to drone flying as a hobby. Drones are also now central to modern photography, helping both amateur and professional photographers reach new heights (quite literally).

Indeed, there are different types of drone-based fun — from aerial snapshots to FPV racing — but don't jump in and buy one just yet. There are things you need to know first, such as the various specifications you can find across a range of drone models, plus regulations and related costs that you incur before taking to the skies.

If you're keen to get up and flying, though, we can help you navigate the world of drones and pick a model that suits your skill level and experience. Here's some useful information plus a selection of the very best drones available right now.

What is a drone?

A popular gadget of recent years — not to mention big news thanks to their role in military and security tech — drones are remote-controlled aerial vehicles. The most common type for leisure activities is the quadcopter, a small drone with four rotors.

They can be small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. This is common with beginner-level models. They're controlled and utilised in a variety of ways and flown at various distances and heights. This all depends on how advanced the drone is.

What is a drone used for?

The most common uses for drones are photography and racing. Drones can be fitted with HD cameras and are capable of recording and transmitting 4K quality footage. Depending on the drone, device, and app you're using, they may be able to transmit this footage in real time or even post straight to social media. Drones are used by filmmakers and professional photographers, but are also great for taking fun snaps.

How do you fly a drone?

If you know your way around a games controller, it’s a breeze to learn. Drones are controlled by either a handheld controller or a smart device app. Some will combine the two and have a controller that connects to your phone and displays real-time video.

What is FPV racing?

FPV drones are their own category of drone — generally the same as regular drones in how they’re built and how they fly, but with a key difference: How you control them. FPV drones (first person view) are flown as if you’re in the cockpit, with a camera transmitting the drone’s point-of-view to your device or a set of VR-style goggles.

How far does a drone fly?

Basic drones tend to fly between a range of 80 and 500 metres. Top drones, however, will fly out several kilometres. It all depends on the kind of tech you want and how much you’re willing to spend. If you want a camera drone that flies a long way out, make sure it has a decent range for transmitting back your photos and video.

How fast does a drone fly?

Once again, it all depends on how hi-spec and advanced your drone is, or how much it’s geared towards racing and high-speed performance. The kinds of drone we’ve included in this list will go somewhere between 29 mph and 45 mph.

Do you need to register your drone?

If your drone weighs 250 grams or more, you need to register the drone with the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) for a small fee — even if it's just a hobby and you're only planning to fly it in your garden. Piloting an unregistered drone is against the law. If your drone doesn't weight 250 grams, still visit CAA.co.uk for all the rules and regulations and CAA Consultations for drone registration.

What is the best drone?

We've done the research and put together a list that has something for every kind of drone pilot — whether you're a novice, an expert, a photographer, or racer, we can recommend a drone that's perfect for you.

These are the best drones in 2025.

Remember TeraCopy? This utility software was quite famous back in the Windows 7 era and offered a better way to move files between locations than Windows Explorer. You might be surprised to know that the tool still exists; in fact, I still prefer it over what we have in Windows 11.

Are you getting ready to head out on vacation and need to get some work done on your Chromebook? While ChromeOS devices used to rely heavily on an active internet connection, modern Chromebooks actually work offline quite well now.

How long have you had your email address? I was wondering the same thing the other day, so I checked my Gmail creation date using Google Takeout—18 years!

We might have gone (sort of) paperless in the modern world, but we're still a long way from going wireless. Despite my best efforts, my desk and other tech hot-spots in my home are often the site of a twisted cable nightmare.