IT General

Apple has pulled the Telegram app from its App Store before reinstating it again, per reports.

The app was removed on Wednesday following the apparent discovery of content that violated Apple's guidelines around child sexual abuse material.

SEE ALSO: Telegram CEO arrested in investigation into criminal activity on platform

"We briefly removed Telegram from the App Store after our review found content that violates our strict guidelines prohibiting child sexual abuse material," Apple wrote in a statement, per Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman. "The app was subsequently restored after the developer promptly removed the content and banned the user who posted it."

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

The official Telegram app responded to Gurman's post on X with a link to its Safety Overview, which gives a summary of the amount of content Telegram deletes and bans that violate its Terms of Service.

"I'm sure this stance will be applied equally to all other apps in the store, in the future right?" read the post, tagging Apple's official account.

Telegram continued in the same tone on its main page, posting "reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated" along with an apple emoji.

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

It's worth noting this isn't the first time something like this has happened. Apple pulled the Telegram app in 2018, citing "inappropriate content", before restoring it again once the issue was resolved.

If you have experienced sexual abuse, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $69.95 at Amazon, down from its $119.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box $69.95 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $50.04   Get Deal

Pitch Black’s Elite Trainer Box has been steadily dropping in price since launch week, and Amazon has just pushed the nine-pack Pokémon TCG box to an all-time low price.

As of Aug. 4, you can pick up the Pokémon TCG’s Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box for $69.95 at Amazon. The retailer has shaved $50.04 from the $119.99 list price, bringing the box down by 42% altogether. That’s the lowest-ever price for the Pitch Black ETB — confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

More importantly, Amazon’s deal sits $2.64 below TCGplayer’s current unopened market price of $72.59 — and is even sold and shipped directly by Amazon, rather than coming through one of the marketplace’s many third-party sellers. At the time of writing, you’ll get free delivery as fast as Aug. 8. 

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

Over on TCGplayer, an unopened listing is available for $72.99 with shipping included, but the seller requires a minimum order of two. Another option costs $70, plus an extra $8 shipping fee.

No matter where you buy from, you’ll get an ETB containing nine Pitch Black booster packs, one full-art foil Zarude promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, and a player’s guide to the trading card game’s latest expansion. At this low price, you’re looking at $7.77 per pack before considering even the accessories and promo cards — a nice saving compared to the $9.97 per pack price for single Pitch Black boosters on Amazon. 

Although prices have dropped slightly since launch, Pitch Black still has plenty of valuable chase cards worth up to nearly $300 that you can pull, or buy directly from TCGplayer separately — including SIR Mega Darkai ex, MHR Mega Darkrai ex, and SIR Morpeko ex. 

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $69.95 at Amazon, down from its $119.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box $69.95 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $50.04   Get Deal

Pitch Black’s Elite Trainer Box has been steadily dropping in price since launch week, and Amazon has just pushed the nine-pack Pokémon TCG box to an all-time low price.

As of Aug. 4, you can pick up the Pokémon TCG’s Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box for $69.95 at Amazon. The retailer has shaved $50.04 from the $119.99 list price, bringing the box down by 42% altogether. That’s the lowest-ever price for the Pitch Black ETB — confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

More importantly, Amazon’s deal sits $2.64 below TCGplayer’s current unopened market price of $72.59 — and is even sold and shipped directly by Amazon, rather than coming through one of the marketplace’s many third-party sellers. At the time of writing, you’ll get free delivery as fast as Aug. 8. 

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

Over on TCGplayer, an unopened listing is available for $72.99 with shipping included, but the seller requires a minimum order of two. Another option costs $70, plus an extra $8 shipping fee.

No matter where you buy from, you’ll get an ETB containing nine Pitch Black booster packs, one full-art foil Zarude promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, and a player’s guide to the trading card game’s latest expansion. At this low price, you’re looking at $7.77 per pack before considering even the accessories and promo cards — a nice saving compared to the $9.97 per pack price for single Pitch Black boosters on Amazon. 

Although prices have dropped slightly since launch, Pitch Black still has plenty of valuable chase cards worth up to nearly $300 that you can pull, or buy directly from TCGplayer separately — including SIR Mega Darkai ex, MHR Mega Darkrai ex, and SIR Morpeko ex. 

SAVE OVER $20: As of Aug. 4, the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds are down to $53.16 on Amazon. That's $26.74 off their list price of $79.90.

Opens in a new window Credit: EarFun EarFun Air Pro 4 $53.16 at Amazon
$79.90 Save $26.74   Get Deal

Budget options are always worth keeping an eye out for, especially with tech prices rising.

Thankfully, if you're in the market for earbuds, there are some excellent picks to look through that won't break the bank. The EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds are our top pick under $100 and our favorite budget earbuds overall, and you can grab them for even less than usual right now at Amazon.

As of Aug. 4, EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds have dropped from $79.90 to $53.16, making for 33% in overall savings. It may not be the lowest price we've seen for them — that would be $50.51, according to camelcamelcamel — but it is just a few dollars off. If they've caught your eye, it's still a great time to pick them up.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from Amazon and get a free $100 gift card

With the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds, you'll enjoy solid sound quality and adaptive hybrid active noise canceling up to 50dB without the premium price tag. They've stood out to us as the top pick under $100 in our overall roundup of the best earbuds because they can "adeptly handle a multipoint connection, feature a well-rounded sound profile with variation thanks to the in-app equalizer, and a battery life that can likely power you through most, if not all, of your workday."

In terms of noise-canceling, they offer: "Manually adjustable ANC, which isn't even a given on premium noise-canceling earbuds. While not every level of adjustment is worth writing home about, it's still a nice addition."

With up to 11 hours of battery on a single charge (or up to 52 hours with the charging case), the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds are ready to join you on your daily ventures. Act fast to score this great deal on them at Amazon while it's still available.

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

SAVE OVER $20: As of Aug. 4, the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds are down to $53.16 on Amazon. That's $26.74 off their list price of $79.90.

Opens in a new window Credit: EarFun EarFun Air Pro 4 $53.16 at Amazon
$79.90 Save $26.74   Get Deal

Budget options are always worth keeping an eye out for, especially with tech prices rising.

Thankfully, if you're in the market for earbuds, there are some excellent picks to look through that won't break the bank. The EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds are our top pick under $100 and our favorite budget earbuds overall, and you can grab them for even less than usual right now at Amazon.

As of Aug. 4, EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds have dropped from $79.90 to $53.16, making for 33% in overall savings. It may not be the lowest price we've seen for them — that would be $50.51, according to camelcamelcamel — but it is just a few dollars off. If they've caught your eye, it's still a great time to pick them up.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from Amazon and get a free $100 gift card

With the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds, you'll enjoy solid sound quality and adaptive hybrid active noise canceling up to 50dB without the premium price tag. They've stood out to us as the top pick under $100 in our overall roundup of the best earbuds because they can "adeptly handle a multipoint connection, feature a well-rounded sound profile with variation thanks to the in-app equalizer, and a battery life that can likely power you through most, if not all, of your workday."

In terms of noise-canceling, they offer: "Manually adjustable ANC, which isn't even a given on premium noise-canceling earbuds. While not every level of adjustment is worth writing home about, it's still a nice addition."

With up to 11 hours of battery on a single charge (or up to 52 hours with the charging case), the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds are ready to join you on your daily ventures. Act fast to score this great deal on them at Amazon while it's still available.

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

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026:

AcrossPut in persistent hard work

• The answer is Grind.

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

The "A" of A/V

• The answer is Audio.

Buzzers by the trash

• The answer is Flies.

What was always seen blocking Wilson's face, on "Home Improvement"

• The answer is Fence.

Outer boundaries

• The answer is Edges.

DownPolitician's stumble

• The answer is Gaffe.

Was totally awesome

• The answer is Ruled.

What bar bouncers spend all night doing

• The answer is IDing.

Nephew's sister

• The answer is Niece.

Units of a vaccine

• The answer is Doses.

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

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

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

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026:

AcrossPut in persistent hard work

• The answer is Grind.

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

The "A" of A/V

• The answer is Audio.

Buzzers by the trash

• The answer is Flies.

What was always seen blocking Wilson's face, on "Home Improvement"

• The answer is Fence.

Outer boundaries

• The answer is Edges.

DownPolitician's stumble

• The answer is Gaffe.

Was totally awesome

• The answer is Ruled.

What bar bouncers spend all night doing

• The answer is IDing.

Nephew's sister

• The answer is Niece.

Units of a vaccine

• The answer is Doses.

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

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.

TL;DR: On Aug. 5, Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale includes up to 30% off select beauty tech tools from brands like Dermaflash, Omnilux, and Dr. Dennis Gross, while supplies last.

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is bringing exciting deals to beauty tech this week, with select tools discounted up to 30% off on Aug 5. Nordstrom hasn't confirmed exactly which specific products will be included, so if there's a device you've had your eye on, it's worth checking in to see what's part of the sale.

Some of the deals we can expect are from Dermaflash, Omnilux, and Dr. Dennis Gross, each bringing something different to the table.

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

Dermaflash is known for at-home dermaplaning and skin-prep tools, including the Luxe+ (a sonic dermaplaning and peach-fuzz removal tool) and the Dermapore+ Ultrasonic Pore Extractor.

Omnilux is known for LED light therapy devices, including face masks, neck and décolletage devices, and targeted eye treatments — pricier, fancy skincare tech.

Dr. Dennis Gross is also known for LED devices, including the DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro and SpectraLite Eye Care Max Pro, both of which are built around light therapy for the face and eyes.

If you've succumbed to the LED mask trend, or any other skin care trend, and have been curious about trying it, now's a good time to invest — the beauty tech sale goes live on Aug. 5.

TL;DR: On Aug. 5, Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale includes up to 30% off select beauty tech tools from brands like Dermaflash, Omnilux, and Dr. Dennis Gross, while supplies last.

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is bringing exciting deals to beauty tech this week, with select tools discounted up to 30% off on Aug 5. Nordstrom hasn't confirmed exactly which specific products will be included, so if there's a device you've had your eye on, it's worth checking in to see what's part of the sale.

Some of the deals we can expect are from Dermaflash, Omnilux, and Dr. Dennis Gross, each bringing something different to the table.

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

Dermaflash is known for at-home dermaplaning and skin-prep tools, including the Luxe+ (a sonic dermaplaning and peach-fuzz removal tool) and the Dermapore+ Ultrasonic Pore Extractor.

Omnilux is known for LED light therapy devices, including face masks, neck and décolletage devices, and targeted eye treatments — pricier, fancy skincare tech.

Dr. Dennis Gross is also known for LED devices, including the DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro and SpectraLite Eye Care Max Pro, both of which are built around light therapy for the face and eyes.

If you've succumbed to the LED mask trend, or any other skin care trend, and have been curious about trying it, now's a good time to invest — the beauty tech sale goes live on Aug. 5.

SAVE $15: As of Aug. 4, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $19.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $19.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $15.00   Get Deal

Streaming sticks are truly one of the easiest ways to upgrade your setup. Whether you're looking to upgrade an older, non-smart TV or if you just prefer a certain streaming interface like Amazon or Google, these devices make it much simpler to lock in for a summer of sport or the release of a new series.

And if you're looking for an affordable device, you'll be pleased to know that as of Aug. 4, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for under $20. Usually priced at $34.99, this popular streaming device is currently only $19.99 for the newest model.

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

The new model will give you a range of upgrades, including a more modern interface and the ability to pin your favorite apps and streaming platforms. This model can also be powered directly from the TV, unlike older models that required access to a wall outlet. With the new Fire TV Stick, just plug it into your TV's HDMI port and connect it via USB-C cable for power.

After setup, you'll have access to all your favorite streaming apps and gaming platforms, including Netflix, Prime Video, and Xbox Game Pass.

Head to Amazon now to grab this Fire TV Stick deal.

SAVE $15: As of Aug. 4, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $19.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $19.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $15.00   Get Deal

Streaming sticks are truly one of the easiest ways to upgrade your setup. Whether you're looking to upgrade an older, non-smart TV or if you just prefer a certain streaming interface like Amazon or Google, these devices make it much simpler to lock in for a summer of sport or the release of a new series.

And if you're looking for an affordable device, you'll be pleased to know that as of Aug. 4, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for under $20. Usually priced at $34.99, this popular streaming device is currently only $19.99 for the newest model.

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

The new model will give you a range of upgrades, including a more modern interface and the ability to pin your favorite apps and streaming platforms. This model can also be powered directly from the TV, unlike older models that required access to a wall outlet. With the new Fire TV Stick, just plug it into your TV's HDMI port and connect it via USB-C cable for power.

After setup, you'll have access to all your favorite streaming apps and gaming platforms, including Netflix, Prime Video, and Xbox Game Pass.

Head to Amazon now to grab this Fire TV Stick deal.

SAVE OVER $80: As of Aug. 4, the Sony WH-CH720N headphones are on sale for $98 at Amazon. That's a 46% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N $98 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $81.99   Get Deal

Premium headphones often come with a premium price tag, so shopping around for a good deal is always a smart way to save some money. And as of Aug. 4, we’ve spotted a great discount on the Sony WH-CH720N headphones, dropping the price from $179.99 to just $98. That’s a saving of over $80, and you can choose between the white and pink colorways.

These wireless noise-canceling headphones from Sony are lightweight, weighing just 192 grams, making them Sony’s lightest overhead wireless headphones with noise-canceling tech. If you wear headphones for long periods of time throughout the day, they will remain comfortable.

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For sound, they feature Dual Noise Sensor Technology powered by Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 to help reduce interruptions from surrounding noise. They benefit from adjustable Ambient Sound mode and Adaptive Sound Control that automatically adjusts settings based on your environment. They also include Precise Voice Pickup Technology for clear hands-free calls.

Plus, enjoy up to 35 hours of battery life, with quick charging giving you up to one hour of playback from just a three-minute charge via USB-C.

Find this Sony deal at Amazon right now.

SAVE OVER $80: As of Aug. 4, the Sony WH-CH720N headphones are on sale for $98 at Amazon. That's a 46% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N $98 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $81.99   Get Deal

Premium headphones often come with a premium price tag, so shopping around for a good deal is always a smart way to save some money. And as of Aug. 4, we’ve spotted a great discount on the Sony WH-CH720N headphones, dropping the price from $179.99 to just $98. That’s a saving of over $80, and you can choose between the white and pink colorways.

These wireless noise-canceling headphones from Sony are lightweight, weighing just 192 grams, making them Sony’s lightest overhead wireless headphones with noise-canceling tech. If you wear headphones for long periods of time throughout the day, they will remain comfortable.

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

For sound, they feature Dual Noise Sensor Technology powered by Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 to help reduce interruptions from surrounding noise. They benefit from adjustable Ambient Sound mode and Adaptive Sound Control that automatically adjusts settings based on your environment. They also include Precise Voice Pickup Technology for clear hands-free calls.

Plus, enjoy up to 35 hours of battery life, with quick charging giving you up to one hour of playback from just a three-minute charge via USB-C.

Find this Sony deal at Amazon right now.

Whether you need a bit of artistic inspiration or a solid dose of silliness, Audity can be relied on to paint a smile on your face.

Character designer Audrey Hopkins has been thrilling her 13.2 million followers on TikTok with her whimsical and weird drawings on her Audity channel. There, she draws inspiration from movies, TV, music, and her husband, Richard Conley, to create wonderfully silly — and oft sexy — characters.

She's made a Soda Pop hunk inspired by KPop Demon Hunters, crafted illustrations of all 50 states as people, and re-imagined her hubby in a slew of creative ways, including merman and anime babe.

Hopkins also creates cartoon character mash-ups, like Beauty and the Beast's Lumiere with Child's Play's Chucky. And for those seeking similarly chaotic drawing challenges, she and Conley have created the WannaDraw app, which generates random pairings as a jumping-off point for users to doodle wild sketches all their own.

SEE ALSO: Audity credits her success to her muse and keeping things fun

In a joint interview in Mashable's Creator Hub at Vidcon 2026, Hopkins and Conley also revealed which tools of the trade they've employed in their content creation.

For those artists looking to take their digital drawing to the next level, this In My Bag is for you.

Audity's essentials for digital drawing

"First one that I definitely can't live without is definitely my iPad, that's what I draw on," Hopkins began.

To that Conley gently interjected, "iPad Pro."

2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 128GB) - Silver (4th Generation) $0 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy

"Yeah, iPad Pro," she concurred, noting, "He does all the technical stuff for me. But yeah, my iPad Pro and my [Apple] pencil — which I lose constantly. I don't know why, but it always goes into the ether [once] you put it down."

From there, Conley noted, "and the very thick grip—"

"My pencil grip!" She chirped, finishing his sentence, "Dear God, without that pencil grip — I highly recommend anyone out there with an Apple pencil, get you a pencil grip."

Audity noted that drawing so much can cause muscle pain, and she's found the grip is an aid in reducing strain. "I've been having pretty bad carpal tunnel," she noted, "So I've been getting more braces and other things like that, and like compression stuff."

Her other big tool: their app, WannaDraw.

Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable Creator Hub/Savage Interactive/Apple How WannaDraw was created

Conley, the app's designer, explained Wanna Draw's origins, saying, "In 2020, Audrey did the random drawing generator series. And she was using just random gif images on Google Images. And she ran out of options after a few videos. We wanted to expand to a more complicated idea prompt/generator kind of thing. So we made an iPhone/Android app. It's been a lot. It's been a big learning process."

Hopkins added that she'd ask Conley, who has a background in web design, if he could build her a webpage to generate mash-up suggestions. It began as a gif. "Then people started asking where they could use it," she recalled.

They were approached by developers who showed an interest in building such an app. Hopkins noted Conley "had only ever made websites at that point." But rather than handing off their idea to an outside developer, he did the research at their kitchen table and learned how to make an app all their own.

Five years later, WannaDraw has over a million downloads, and while she writes the prompts, he's still the one maintaining Wanna Draw's tech side.

Conley said, "It's a two-person team, just her and I on the app. So it's a little silly, but it's —"

"Meant to be!" Hopkins interjected, finishing the thought. "You know? We're a little silly."

Dropout is an Audity essential

In our Creator Playbook interview, Hopkins shared that her dream project would be creating the character designs for Dropout's popular actual play series Dimension 20, created by Brennan Lee Mulligan. So, it's little surprise that she counts a Dropout subscription as an essential to her process.

She likes to have videos or music on while she draws, and Dropout has plenty that inspires her. "Dropout Subscription is a must, actually," she mused. "I watch their stuff a lot. I like consuming other really interesting things, and [supporting] people who make really unique types of media. Like, I feel like just being around and seeing other people who are super passionate about what they're doing is the thing that inspires me more than anything else," she said, then turned to Conley and added, "That and you!"

Catch up on Mashable's complete VidCon 2026 coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and reporting from the convention floor.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Whether you need a bit of artistic inspiration or a solid dose of silliness, Audity can be relied on to paint a smile on your face.

Character designer Audrey Hopkins has been thrilling her 13.2 million followers on TikTok with her whimsical and weird drawings on her Audity channel. There, she draws inspiration from movies, TV, music, and her husband, Richard Conley, to create wonderfully silly — and oft sexy — characters.

She's made a Soda Pop hunk inspired by KPop Demon Hunters, crafted illustrations of all 50 states as people, and re-imagined her hubby in a slew of creative ways, including merman and anime babe.

Hopkins also creates cartoon character mash-ups, like Beauty and the Beast's Lumiere with Child's Play's Chucky. And for those seeking similarly chaotic drawing challenges, she and Conley have created the WannaDraw app, which generates random pairings as a jumping-off point for users to doodle wild sketches all their own.

SEE ALSO: Audity credits her success to her muse and keeping things fun

In a joint interview in Mashable's Creator Hub at Vidcon 2026, Hopkins and Conley also revealed which tools of the trade they've employed in their content creation.

For those artists looking to take their digital drawing to the next level, this In My Bag is for you.

Audity's essentials for digital drawing

"First one that I definitely can't live without is definitely my iPad, that's what I draw on," Hopkins began.

To that Conley gently interjected, "iPad Pro."

2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 128GB) - Silver (4th Generation) $0 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy

"Yeah, iPad Pro," she concurred, noting, "He does all the technical stuff for me. But yeah, my iPad Pro and my [Apple] pencil — which I lose constantly. I don't know why, but it always goes into the ether [once] you put it down."

From there, Conley noted, "and the very thick grip—"

"My pencil grip!" She chirped, finishing his sentence, "Dear God, without that pencil grip — I highly recommend anyone out there with an Apple pencil, get you a pencil grip."

Audity noted that drawing so much can cause muscle pain, and she's found the grip is an aid in reducing strain. "I've been having pretty bad carpal tunnel," she noted, "So I've been getting more braces and other things like that, and like compression stuff."

Her other big tool: their app, WannaDraw.

Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable Creator Hub/Savage Interactive/Apple How WannaDraw was created

Conley, the app's designer, explained Wanna Draw's origins, saying, "In 2020, Audrey did the random drawing generator series. And she was using just random gif images on Google Images. And she ran out of options after a few videos. We wanted to expand to a more complicated idea prompt/generator kind of thing. So we made an iPhone/Android app. It's been a lot. It's been a big learning process."

Hopkins added that she'd ask Conley, who has a background in web design, if he could build her a webpage to generate mash-up suggestions. It began as a gif. "Then people started asking where they could use it," she recalled.

They were approached by developers who showed an interest in building such an app. Hopkins noted Conley "had only ever made websites at that point." But rather than handing off their idea to an outside developer, he did the research at their kitchen table and learned how to make an app all their own.

Five years later, WannaDraw has over a million downloads, and while she writes the prompts, he's still the one maintaining Wanna Draw's tech side.

Conley said, "It's a two-person team, just her and I on the app. So it's a little silly, but it's —"

"Meant to be!" Hopkins interjected, finishing the thought. "You know? We're a little silly."

Dropout is an Audity essential

In our Creator Playbook interview, Hopkins shared that her dream project would be creating the character designs for Dropout's popular actual play series Dimension 20, created by Brennan Lee Mulligan. So, it's little surprise that she counts a Dropout subscription as an essential to her process.

She likes to have videos or music on while she draws, and Dropout has plenty that inspires her. "Dropout Subscription is a must, actually," she mused. "I watch their stuff a lot. I like consuming other really interesting things, and [supporting] people who make really unique types of media. Like, I feel like just being around and seeing other people who are super passionate about what they're doing is the thing that inspires me more than anything else," she said, then turned to Conley and added, "That and you!"

Catch up on Mashable's complete VidCon 2026 coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and reporting from the convention floor.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

TL;DR: Get Pok Pok Lifetime for $59.99 (reg. $250) and replace repetitive, ad-filled kids’ apps with award-winning, Montessori-inspired games that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and independent play.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $59.99
$250 Save $190.01   Get Deal

If you’ve ever handed your toddler a tablet and instantly regretted it, Pok Pok might just restore your faith in screen time. This innovative, Montessori-inspired app turns digital play into something that actually feels okay for both kids and parents.

Designed for ages 2 to 8, Pok Pok replaces those noisy, overstimulating apps with calm, open-ended play that encourages creativity, independence, and curiosity.

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

Kids explore a beautifully hand-drawn world filled with toys that grow alongside them — from early cause-and-effect puzzles to more advanced STEM-style challenges. It’s like a digital game sandbox for little minds.

Every sound, color, and motion in Pok Pok is crafted to feel soothing and natural — no flashing ads, no pressure to “win,” and no hidden purchases. It’s also fully COPPA-certified, meaning it meets strict safety standards for children’s digital content. Parents can relax knowing their kids are learning, not zoning out.

Pok Pok’s thoughtful approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. Pok Pok is the winner of the Academics’ Choice Smart Media Award and a 2023 App Store Award winner, recognition that reflects its focus on quality educational experiences rather than maximizing screen time.

Perfect for travel, quiet time, or rainy afternoons, Pok Pok runs offline, so playtime never depends on Wi-Fi.

At this low price, this lifetime subscription is the kind of tech investment that doesn’t come with a side of parental guilt — giving your child a fun, educational start in a calm digital space built just for them.

Get lifetime access to Pok Pok while it’s on sale for just $59.99 (reg. $250).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get Pok Pok Lifetime for $59.99 (reg. $250) and replace repetitive, ad-filled kids’ apps with award-winning, Montessori-inspired games that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and independent play.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $59.99
$250 Save $190.01   Get Deal

If you’ve ever handed your toddler a tablet and instantly regretted it, Pok Pok might just restore your faith in screen time. This innovative, Montessori-inspired app turns digital play into something that actually feels okay for both kids and parents.

Designed for ages 2 to 8, Pok Pok replaces those noisy, overstimulating apps with calm, open-ended play that encourages creativity, independence, and curiosity.

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

Kids explore a beautifully hand-drawn world filled with toys that grow alongside them — from early cause-and-effect puzzles to more advanced STEM-style challenges. It’s like a digital game sandbox for little minds.

Every sound, color, and motion in Pok Pok is crafted to feel soothing and natural — no flashing ads, no pressure to “win,” and no hidden purchases. It’s also fully COPPA-certified, meaning it meets strict safety standards for children’s digital content. Parents can relax knowing their kids are learning, not zoning out.

Pok Pok’s thoughtful approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. Pok Pok is the winner of the Academics’ Choice Smart Media Award and a 2023 App Store Award winner, recognition that reflects its focus on quality educational experiences rather than maximizing screen time.

Perfect for travel, quiet time, or rainy afternoons, Pok Pok runs offline, so playtime never depends on Wi-Fi.

At this low price, this lifetime subscription is the kind of tech investment that doesn’t come with a side of parental guilt — giving your child a fun, educational start in a calm digital space built just for them.

Get lifetime access to Pok Pok while it’s on sale for just $59.99 (reg. $250).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: flowkey’s 5-year Classic Plan subscription is currently on sale for $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Flowkey flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription) $79.99
$899 Save $819.01   Get Deal

Learning piano isn’t something most people accomplish in a month or two. That’s why the flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan offers five years of access for $79.99 (reg. $899), giving you plenty of time to build skills without worrying about another renewal.

While there are many piano learning apps, flowkey’s five-year plan offers an exceptionally long runway for anyone who wants to keep up with the hobby. Whether you’re starting as a beginner or picking the piano back up after years away, the app combines guided lessons with instant feedback to help you improve at your own pace.

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

As you play, flowkey listens and lets you know whether you’ve hit the correct notes before progressing. Wait Mode, slow-motion playback, looping difficult passages, and separate right- and left-hand practice are all designed to help you achieve challenging sections instead of rushing through them.

The subscription also includes over 1,000 classical and public-domain songs alongside lessons covering music theory, chords, rhythm, hand positioning, and reading sheet music. Pieces are available at multiple skill levels, so you can continue practicing familiar music as your confidence grows rather than constantly switching to new material.

Since this 5-year subscription works across laptops, tablets, and phones, it’s easy to fit in practice whenever you have a few spare minutes. Better yet, this offer is available to both new and existing flowkey users, making it just as useful if you’ve already started learning and simply want to extend your access.

If you’ve been meaning to spend more time at the keyboard, the flowkey Piano Learning App’s Classic Plan is available for $79.99 (reg. $899), giving you years of structured lessons for less than the cost of a few in-person classes.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

New parenthood becomes a nightmare right out of Finnish folklore in Hanna Bergholm's Nightborn.

The Hatching director once again pulls us into a disturbing, visceral tale of maternity, leaning on lore to explore, as Bergholm says in the film's press notes, "the messy, difficult, and sometimes 'ugly' side of parental love." Compartment No. 6's Seidi Haarla and Harry Potter star Rupert Grint are pushed to the limit in this body horror, with a word of caution, perhaps, for viewers who've recently become parents.

But what about that wild ending? What does it all mean? If you haven't watched the Shudder film, beware the spoilers ahead — and really, go and watch it. It'll mess you up.

SEE ALSO: Horrific 'Nightborn' trailer looks like one for new parents to avoid What is Nightborn about? Seidi Haarla and Rupert Grint in "Nightborn." Credit: Pietari Peltola

Saga (Haarla) and Jon (Grint) are deliriously happy newlyweds, who have moved from London to start a family in Saga's childhood home. Set deep in the Finnish woods, the house is more than a fixer-upper, with the floorboards rotting, wallpaper peeling, and actual trees growing through its crumbling structure.

Not wasting any time, Saga and Jon get right to conceiving a child, deciding the best place for it is in a grove of twisted trees that appear rather... person-like. Twiggy hands reach out for them, deep moans echo through the trunks, and it's clear the woods have a vested interest in making sure life, uh, finds a way.

When their child Kuura (a Finnish name meaning "frost" Saga hears from the forest) is born, strange things begin. Saga knows there's something inhuman about her gremlin-like baby (and it's not just the full body of hair and tiny tail sprout). Kuura burns in sunlight, hates clothes, and only wants to drink blood, and more than a few relatives suffer violent attacks from the increasingly creepy youngster. Saga refuses to call Kuura "him," instead leaning into "it," "that thing," or "little monster," and finding herself driven to primal outbursts.

Saga and Jon's opinions about what's "best" for their child begin to wildly differ — and things get out of hand.

What happens at the end of Nightborn? Seidi Haarla as Saga. Credit: Pietari Peltola

After a stream of disturbing events, Nightborn reaches a moment of pure chaos as Saga and Jon wrestle viciously with each other over Kuura. Jon intends to take the child from Saga, brutally declaring her "unfit" to be his mother, as they try to tear each other apart. If we didn't think Kuura possessed otherworldly powers before, we get to see them in furious action here, as the child calls to the forest to stop this madness. Unfortunately for Jon, he's impaled by one of the assisting trees.

Did Kuura mean to skewer his father, to avoid his insistence on table manners? Probably, as Kuura then feasts on his father, joined by Saga, who wrenches out Jon's heart and shares it with her son in a quiet little banquet.

As the sun rises, Saga stumbles out of her now Evil Dead-looking house, to see Kuura waddling unclothed toward the woods. Then, we see the trees come to life, confirming those face-like forms as magical beings, and they beckon to the child in a welcoming gesture. Saga and Kuura share a moment of acknowledgment before she sends him off into the woods with a weary smile.

What does it all mean? Trolls run these woods. Credit: Pietari Peltola

Essentially, trolls are afoot — mythological beings of Nordic folklore. The beings that welcome Kuura at the end of the film are trolls, confirmed through their listing in the credits as such. And it's clear Saga's family has been connected to the trolls surrounding their home for generations.

"In the Nordic countries, there’s a longstanding mythology of trolls living in the forests. In ancient times, people truly believed that trolls inhabited the woods and had a kind of control over nature. And in Nightborn, the forest reflects Saga's emotions and the animalistic, primitive physical side of humankind," says Bergholm in the film's press notes.

"But I also wanted to create my own interpretation of this mythology. In this film’s logic some humans and trolls have interacted for generations, so perhaps all of us carry a bit of troll's blood. That troll's blood might make some of us feel different, awkward in social situations, or out of step with social norms."

Jon's mother (Rebecca Lacey), earlier in the film, tells Saga she "read local tales here say that if you don't bless a child the trolls will take them," and speaks of "some families [that] still have troll blood running through their veins." It's clear Saga does, as she physically takes on the same hairy attributes as Kuura, finds her pregnant belly replicating a troll-like tree trunk, and joins Kuura in a diet of raw meat. By conceiving Kuura among them in the trolls' woods, Saga reconnects with their magic and gives birth to a little baby troll that can't be "raised."

Featured Video For You Is This The End of Hollywood's ‘Bad Moms’?

It's also clear Saga's grandmother had experiences with the trolls. Saga tells Jon she was forbidden by to visit the forest as a child, though she used to sneak out there. Saga's mother (Pirkko Saisio) says her grandmother "believed there were some... whatever," during a phone call, and her sister Taru (Pamela Tola) says their she'd filled the yard with cold iron junk to "keep them away." When Kuura is burned by the cold iron of a gift from Jon's father (John Thomson), Saga bursts into laughter, later saying aloud to her son, "I know what you are."

Saga's own history, whether physically or metaphorically, as a "troll" is also recalled by her mother and Taru. Saga's mother not-so-subtly tells her she was a "terrible child" and that "Saga always liked more trees than people." Taru lambasts her sister for being "shitty" to grow up with, and the actual "monster" in the room.

Ultimately, Bergholm uses these mythological creatures as a means to explore the animalistic, brutal side of motherhood, with Saga struggling with her little troll before she embraces her inner ferality.

"The story really grew out of my own feelings and experiences as a mother: those complex, sometimes difficult emotions, and how challenging love for your child can be," the director said in the film's press notes. "Parenting is not always easy, and when a child isn’t quite what you expected — a happy, easy-going baby — you begin to question how to be a parent to them."

We also don't see Kuura's face until the final frame, a decision that keeps us wondering whether the child has fangs or the like. Bergholm deliberately kept the child's face offscreen, saying in press notes, "I really wanted to keep the mystery regarding the baby's face. This way, the viewer shares the feeling the protagonist has all the way through: There is something very wrong with the child, but it is impossible to say what."

Essentially, trolls!

Nightborn is now streaming on Shudder.

Let me guess: you want to explore kink-based fun, but you're new to the fet-world and just don't know where to start. Well, the first thing to do is find an appropriate app, a platform that's kink-friendly and packed with like-minded folk who want to let the freak flag fly. Experienced kinksters will know all too well that regular dating apps don't always cut it. So, how do you find your people?

Perhaps you have a foot fetish, or you're into spanking or BDSM. Maybe you have no idea what you might be into, but want to find a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your options and go on a journey of sexual self-discovery. 

As always, the internet has an answer, with at least two platforms we recommend for exploring all those kinks and much more: AdultFriendFinder and FetLife. All it takes is just a few minutes on either of those sites. You'll know instantly that you're in the right place. There's an abundance of NSFW content, plus even more spice to discover once you start using the search functions and looking for connections.

Something else AdultFriendFinder and FetLife have in common is user demographics. Both skew male, which is standard across the whole online dating world. One notable difference, though, is age. The average user on FetLife is 25, and AdultFriendFinder users tend to be in their 30s. That being said, both sites feature a diverse range of genders, sexual orientations, ages, and kink communities. In other words, there's something for everyone.

But while both sites are designed to accommodate sex-positive communities, they each have their own ways of working and bringing kind-lovers together. You may find that one of these sites suits you better than the other, though we recommend looking at both.

Keep reading for a rundown of the major differences in how AFF and FetLife cater to kinksters.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: FetLife FetLife   Learn More Where AdultFriendFinder excelsFaster connections

FetLife is great and very popular, but it also takes time to build a following, earn credibility, and be taken seriously on the site. In fact, while you can message strangers, the site's culture discourages it, and unsolicited messages are often ignored. On AdultFriendFinder, on the other hand, the opposite rule reigns. In fact, it's much more like a traditional dating site, in the sense that connecting with strangers online is closer to the site's purpose, whereas FetLife is more of a social media website for building local kink communities. 

In addition to the one-on-one aspect, AdultFriendFinder hosts live webcam shows and community discussion forums, offering users multiple ways to connect quickly.  

Better site interface

This one might be controversial, since the AFF site is notoriously dated, but FetLife's interface is downright confusing, a mix between Facebook and Instagram, with much more limited search functionality. While both sites will allow you to search by specific kinks (and both sites offer exhaustive lists of kink options), the search functionality and filter options on AdultFriendFinder are more comprehensive and more user-friendly.

This isn't an accident, by the way. FetLife deliberately disables search by age, gender, and sexual orientation because, in their words, they are "a social network and not a dating site."

Live shows

FetLife allows users to host videos, but it doesn't have a dedicated, live webcam service. Some users do offer that, of course, but they do so on third-party sites, and usually behind a paywall. AFF, on the other hand, makes live streaming a significant part of its community experience and allows you to search through webcam shows by the streamer's location or the show's interest/topic, which often revolves around a specific kink. 

SEE ALSO: 4 tips for using hookup apps discretely — advice for Feeld, Tinder, AdultFriendFinder, and Grindr

In other words, if you're content to watch, AFF delivers some excellent, kink-centric live action, and much of it is accessible without upgrading to a paid subscription.

Where FetLife excelsFree accounts have more freedom

The most noticeable difference between FetLife and AFF is how much more freedom is afforded to non-paying accounts. On AdultFriendFinder, profiles are locked behind a paywall, so only paying members can read bios, scroll through photos, or see a comprehensive list of kinks. FetLife, on the other hand, operates more like Instagram for kinksters, delivering large photos, comprehensive bios, and even a web of connections comparable to what you might see on Facebook, from friends and romantic partners to subs, doms, and mentors, if applicable. 

Even more important, free FetLife users can contact each other in one-on-one messages without having to give up their credit card information, which definitely makes it easier to establish a personal connection.

One major limitation of free accounts is that they're prevented from watching videos. Because raunchy videos are a mainstay of many profiles, this is definitely a hindrance, though not an especially annoying one. 

The site promotes in-person events

Perhaps the biggest benefit of FetLife over AdultFriendFinder is that the former is much more focused on real-life connections, whereas AdultFriendFinder seems content to let people play in the virtual world. 

The Events tab at the top of the FetLife banner allows you to see, at a glance, all of the nearby, kink-friendly events, from informal meet-and-greets to full-on costume and masquerade balls. Best of all, you can filter by sub-type (Party, Educational, Social, Conference/Festival, Sex Party) or just look for events that your FetLife friends are attending.

SEE ALSO: Hinge's latest feature makes date planning a little easier

These in-person events are such an important part of the FetLife experience, even when they're not officially affiliated with the website, that they should be considered integral to the site itself. In fact, it's pretty common to see people indicate, in their profiles, that they won't message or "friend" anyone that they haven't already met at an IRL event. 

Kink discovery

Because of its community emphasis and dedication to exploring sexuality in a safe, consensual and informed way, FetLife offers users not only the means to connect with others but also to better connect with themselves. There's the community-sourced Kinktionary, for example, a Wiki-like resource covering topical aspects of human sexuality from the ins and outs of gay culture to a comprehensive list of sex toys and their uses, as well as dedicated groups to not only explore kinks but also introduce people to the BDSM lifestyle (we recommend you check out the Novices & Newbies section if you're a first-time visitor). 

AdultFriendFinder isn't totally without these resources, but they're not as user-friendly or as accessible to total newcomers to the world of kink.

The bottom line

Both AFF and FetLife are premier destinations for internet kinksters, and you can't really go wrong with either. Both sites have large user bases, comprehensive kink-focused spaces, and a non-judgmental atmosphere that makes it easy to let loose.

That said, if you're looking for the fastest possible connection or are content to confine your kink to the digital world for the time being, AdultFriendFinder does a better job of connecting people quickly. If, on the other hand, you want to integrate into your local kink community and maybe discover the underground nightclubs and VIP parties reserved only for the naughtiest of the naughty, FetLife will do right by you.