IT General

Whenever you think of gay dating apps, Grindr, Scruff, and Sniffies likely come to mind. These platforms thrive off of thirsty dudes looking to get laid. But a new report (aptly titled "The Naked Truth") from Archer, a relatively new dating app (owned by the Match Group, which also owns Tinder, Hinge, and other apps), suggests a shift in how gay men are using apps, and ultimately, how they're viewing dating itself. It turns out gay men on Archer are actually nearly six times more likely to be looking for a husband than a hookup!

SEE ALSO: From Grindr to Scruff: The best dating apps for gay, bi, and queer men

Launched in June 2023, Archer is what the company describes as a "social-first" alternative to some of those more hookup-focused, location-based apps out there, like Grindr and Sniffies. The app's main push is really about offering gay, bisexual, and queer men a more intentional dating experience, with a solid focus on building community and helping everyone stay safe with its in-app Health Hub.

Since its App Store debut, Archer has managed to get quite a bit of attention as a new player in the gay dating app scene. (Which it totally should — I've attended some great events that Archer has sponsored in NYC, and the team seems genuinely interested in helping people find their forever person!) With over 685,000 downloads by May 2024 (a feat considering the financial news in the dating app world has been generally bleak as of late), Archer is definitely backing up its claims with solid data.

What gay men really want, according to Archer’s survey of 550 of its users

Archer's first annual trends report, "The Naked Truth," shows that users aren't just looking for an afternoon delight. Here's what they found:

• Five and a half times more users are interested in finding a husband than a hookup.

• Users are three times more likely to say they're looking for a "love story" than "random sex."

• Fifty-seven percent of gay singles say that they're open to trying new things sexually, whereas 20 percent say that they've got their kinks and are happy sticking to them.

• Green flags like good communication and emotional intelligence are way more important than a steamy romp.

• Salt Lake City, Tampa, and Denver topped the list for the highest percentage of tops. Cincinnati, Columbus, and Minneapolis were the most bottom-heavy.

"Dating within the gay community is all about choice, fluidity, and the freedom to define what connection means in the moment," Michael Kaye, head of brand at Archer, said in a press release. "'The Naked Truth' shows us that our users value authenticity and intention. They're not just seeking endless matches — they're choosing their own journey on their own terms."

How Archer is meeting users where they are

Since its launch, Archer has been committed to creating a safer space for gay men to connect. Its newest feature, "Looking For Modes," is just one example of how it's doing that.

With "Looking For Modes," users can make their intentions known right away. As soon as daters open the app, they'll be able to choose between "Hookup," "Date," and "Friends Mode." They'll also be able to add temporary status updates, like "Looking for now," "Open to chat," or "Down to meet," in real-time.

With "Looking For Modes," users can make their intentions known right away. Credit: Archer

Archer has also taken a page out of Hinge's playbook with what it's calling "Ice Breakers." These are prompts that you can add to your profile for others to respond to. This way, you don't have to send an awkward "hey" just to be left on read. (Another cool thing about Archer's "Ice Breakers" is that any user who has them on their profile will get a visibility boost on the app.)

Some of the most popular "Ice Breaker" prompts include:

• Describe your favorite sex position using only emojis.

• If you had to lip-sync for your life, which song would you choose?

• Be famous for being messy on reality TV or famous for a one-hit wonder pop song?

• If we had to coordinate Halloween costumes, what duo are we going as?

• What's the most unhinged reason you've ever stopped talking to someone?

And, while Archer was free at launch, it unveiled a premium subscription service, Archer Gold, in May. It costs $29.99 for one month or $59.99 for three months. With Archer Gold, users can go incognito, change their location, access advanced filters, see who's viewed their profile, and receive read receipts.

WWDC has come and gone with plenty of iOS 26 announcements, including Liquid Glass and plenty of other stuff enthusiasts are exploring in the beta release. It turns out that more may be in store for iOS 26 before its official release later this year, including two new features that Apple hasn’t announced yet. 

The news comes via Mark Gurman’s “Power On” newsletter. Bloomberg’s Apple guru told a reader that there were still two features that he expects to be included with iOS 26 that have yet to be announced. The first is the long-awaited live translation feature coming to AirPods and the other is a method to sync public Wi-Fi login information across the device. 

Of the two, the AirPods' upcoming translation feature is by far the more interesting. Based on reports, it’ll work by using an iPhone app. The phone will listen for the other speaker and then route the translation directly through the AirPods. When the user responds, the phone will listen, translate it back into the other language, and then play the translation out loud for the other person. 

Apple’s Translate app can already do this without the AirPods, allowing two people to talk into the iPhone and have the conversation translated for one another with everything played through the phone speaker. With the AirPods support, it’ll be similar to how Google’s Pixel Buds and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 do it, which will put Apple on par with its biggest competitors. 

The other feature is a little less exciting but equally useful, especially for people who travel often. By syncing things like airport, hotel, or gym Wi-Fi login credentials across devices, you can log in with a MacBook, iPhone, or whatever else without needing to hunt down and input the login credentials for each device separately. 

Gurman didn’t mention when the new features would be announced. However, he did note that Apple had a focus on translation at WWDC and the existence of code bits that hint at the Wi-Fi sync feature. Gurman posits that Apple didn’t announce these new features in case they got delayed, like several features were after WWDC 2024, including Apple’s still-upcoming AI-powered Siri. 

TL;DR: Preserve your memories with the Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner, on sale now for $169.97 (reg. $189.99) through July 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner $169.97
$189.99 Save $20.02 Get Deal

You never really know what gems are trapped in your dusty old film negatives. Whether it’s a fun childhood vacation, a smile from a loved one no longer with us, or a snap of a beloved family pet, the Kodak Slide N Scan makes it easy to bring lost memories to life.

This handy device brings your film into the 21st century, helping you make digital copies, and it’s available for just $169.97 through July 15.

Turn dusty negatives into heartwarming digital keepsakes

Let the Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner take you on a lovely walk down memory lane as you scan your old color and black-and-white negatives and see them on the large 5-inch LCD screen. You can also make a night of it by connecting the scanner to your television, PC, or Mac and enjoying a slideshow experience as you scan.

Aside from giving you peace of mind by digitizing these precious memories, the Kodak Slide N Scan also allows you to enhance your film images with color adjustments, rotation, and resolution boosting from 14 to 22 megapixels, so your digital version is even clearer and more detailed than the original.

The Slide N Scan is easy to use, featuring quick-feeding tray technology that makes loading slides and film negatives effortless. It’s compatible with 35mm, 110, 126, and monochrome film and slide types — and there’s no darkroom required.

Clear out some space in your garage or attic and make sure your memories are never forgotten with the Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner, now $169.97 (reg. $189.99) through July 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a Grade A refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (i5 2GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for just $439.97 (reg. $1,799).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (i5 2GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $439.97
$1,799 Save $1,359.03 Get Deal

At nearly 75% off the original price tag, this Grade A refurbished 2020, 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro 13 is a serious steal. Whether you’re upgrading your older laptop, building a dedicated home office setup, or finally getting a travel-friendly machine that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this is your moment. And yes — it’s loaded.

You’re getting a modern MacBook with a 10th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a roomy 512GB SSD for just $439.97. In typical Apple fashion, the 13.3-inch Retina display is gorgeous, the battery life is long enough to carry you through the day, and the Magic Keyboard with Touch Bar and Touch ID makes it feel and perform as sleek as it looks.

It’s also a multitasking powerhouse. The quad-core chip can turbo boost up to 3.8GHz, so whether you’re editing video, running a ton of Chrome tabs (we see you), or just juggling Zoom, Slack, and Spotify, it can keep up.

And with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can charge it, connect displays, transfer data, and more — faster than ever. It’s future-ready without needing a monthly payment plan.

Grade A refurbished means this MacBook is in near-mint condition — think minimal to no cosmetic wear, tested for full functionality, and ready to go right out of the box. Basically, it’s everything you want in a MacBook Pro without the steep price.

Get this grade-A refurb MacBook Pro for just $439.97 (reg. $1,799) through July 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Don’t miss a moment of a meeting, lecture, or conversation with this AI-powered recording tool, the Focais: Meet One, now just $59.97 (reg. $149) through July 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Focais Focais: Meet One – Your AI-Powered Assistant to Capture & Summarize Notes $59.97
$149 Save $89.03 Get Deal

Ever wish you had a personal assistant just to keep track of everything you hear during the day? Then it’s time to meet Focais: Meet One, an AI-powered device ready to record, transcribe, translate, and summarize for you 24/7.

Right now, you can grab the Focais: Meet One for just $59.97 (reg. $149) through July 15.

Meet your new favorite tool for meetings, lectures, and brainstorms

Focais: Meet One is an AI-powered, lightweight device ready to change the way you record the world around you, making it a great option for meetings, lectures, and personal notes. This device automatically starts recording when it detects sound, saving you battery and memory. Plus, it captures crisp, high-def audio, so you won’t miss a word, even if it’s quiet.

You can attach it to any metal surface thanks to its magnetic attachment, making it easy to set up on the go. After recording, it transcribes your content in real time, powered by OpenAI’s Whisper transcription engine. Then, it uses GPT-4 to generate a clear, concise summary of your audio.

The Focais: Meet One packs a powerful battery that can handle up to 20 hours of nonstop recording. And if you need to translate on the fly, no problem — it can transcribe and translate over 120 languages with ease.

Use the integrated mobile app to easily organize, edit, and share your files. You’ll also get lifetime access, which includes all the recording and saving features, and 600 minutes of AI processing a month for life.

Record, transcribe, summarize, and translate with the Focais: Meet One, on sale now for $59.97 (reg. $149) through July 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver lets you enjoy wireless listening without upgrading old devices, and it’s currently on sale for just $39.97 (reg. $59) through July 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Adam Elements Adam Elements EVE ll Bluetooth Transmitter & Receiver $39.97
$59 Save $19.03 Get Deal

Want the freedom of wireless gadgets without having to upgrade to the latest, greatest models? The Adam Elements EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver can turn your favorite old devices wireless, with no Bluetooth required. And right now, you can make this major change for just $39.97 (reg. $59) through July 15.

Stream audio wirelessly on flights, in your car, or at home

Think of the EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver as a Bluetooth translator — it’s equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 technology and uses bidirectional TX (send) and RX (receive) modes, so you can add Bluetooth to older devices that aren’t equipped with it. Just plug it into any 3.5mm jack, such as those on airplane seats, TVs, or car stereos.

Imagine listening to your TV wirelessly or enjoying entertainment on an airplane through your AirPods. It supports both single and dual AUX inputs, making it perfect for in-flight entertainment systems. And you won’t mind bringing it along on the plane, because this device is small and portable.

This convenient device has a 10-meter wireless range and an impressive 20-hour battery life, so it can get you through even a lengthy flight. Want to share the wireless love? You can simultaneously pair two sets of earbuds, allowing you to share music, movies, and more.

Upgrade older devices easily with the EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver, on sale now for just $39.97 (reg. $59) through July 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The heat is on! And if you're looking to enjoy the summer while staying cozy in an air-conditioned home, we've got you covered.

Each week, our New to Streaming guide offers the best (and worst) titles new to streaming platforms like Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and more. Beyond that, we offer watch guides for all of the above streamers, broken down by genres like comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're looking for something that just says "SUMMER" — we're here to help.

Looking across platforms, here are 10 movies that revel in vacation vibes, getaway thrills, and even some steamy romance. All you've got to do is click through and hit play.

Read on for the best summer movies now streaming, plus a wild card that's been heating up on social media.

10. The Sandlot (1993)

Want something family-friendly for a summer movie night in? The Sandlot is a home run.

Set in the summer of 1962, this beloved kids' movie is a look back at a formative summer in which a new kid on the block found his crew in a scrappy team of backyard baseball lovers. In the San Fernando Valley, Scotty Smalls is awkward and far from athletic. But to make friends, he'll do just about anything — even venture into the backyard of local legend The Beast (meaning a big, mean dog that's definitely eaten people before).

Yet this Beast plotline is far from the only summer adventure The Sandlot offers. With a collection of quirky characters like Benny the Jet, Ham Porter, Yeah-Yeah, and Squints, this nostalgic romp is full of fun and funny moments. It's also a charming coming-of-age story that happened to give us a catchphrase that's proved only more useful as we grow up: "You're killing me, Smalls!"

How to watch: The Sandlot is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

9. In the Heights (2021)

Cruelly, summer isn't all about vacations. But even if you're working hard, that doesn't mean love, friendship, and dreamy days of music and summer fun are off the playlist.

Adapted from Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda's other Tony Award–winning musical, In the Heights stars Anthony Ramos as Usnavi de la Vega, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who's living and loving in the Washington Heights. Directed by Wicked helmer Jon M. Chu, the stage show becomes a cinematic tour across the lively New York City neighborhood, where an ensemble of colorful locals break into song and dance with captivating verve.

Whether in a busy bodega, a popping beauty salon, on the bustling streets, or in a crowded public pool, In the Heights is a celebration of community and the immigrants who built it but are being forced out through gentrification. A story that's moving, timely, and crowd-pleasing, In the Heights will have you jumping out of your seat and singing along.

Starring: Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, and Jimmy Smits

How to watch: In the Heights is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

8. Dirty Dancing (1987)

"Iconic" is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days. But this summer romance starring Jennifer Grey and a rugged Patrick Swayze is truly iconic. Written by Eleanor Bergstein and directed by Emile Ardolino, Dirty Dancing was dripping with nostalgia for the 1960s with its torrid tale of a teen girl's first love.

Grey stars as Frances "Baby" Houseman, who is less-than-thrilled on vacation at a boring Catskills resort with her preppy family. Then she meets dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze), who inspires a fire inside her that makes her not just want to dance — but to dirty dance.

A sizzling soundtrack and steamy scenes of seduction to a still sexy score make for a movie that's almost too hot to handle. But heads up, the movie's themes of class conflict and a woman's right to her own body are going to feel less dated, and more horridly timely.

Starring: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, and Cynthia Rhodes

How to watch: Dirty Dancing is now streaming on MovieSphere+.

7. Girls Trip (2017)

There are several great comedies about girls' trips, from Bridesmaids to Rough Night, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. But Malcolm D. Lee's Girls Trip is undoubtedly the best when it comes to capturing the unique fun, thrills, and mayhem of summer good times.

Written by Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver, Girls Trip follows a group of Black friends (Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Queen Latifah) who head to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival. Praying and partying together since college, their lives have pulled them down different paths, both personal and professional. But on this trip, they'll see a whole new side to one another, and discover things about themselves, be it on a zipline or an absinthe trip!

A wild and warm film that powerfully celebrates Black joy, Girls Trip is side-splittingly funny, with sequences that'll have you cackling — and maybe inspire you to plan a girls' trip of your own.

Starring: Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Larenz Tate, Mike Colter, Kate Walsh, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Queen Latifah

How to watch: Girls Trip is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

6. A Perfect Getaway (2009)

This is one of those movies that just deserved better. Written and directed by David Twohy, A Perfect Getaway is the kind of summer thriller that's so twisted and sexy you're going to want to watch it again immediately. And yet when it came out, it fizzled at the box office and got mixed reviews from critics. But hear me out.

Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich star as newlyweds, flush with cash from their "wedding haul" and giddy to explore the natural wonders of Hawaii on a long hike into its tropical hiking trails. There's just one problem. News reports say there are a couple of killers on the loose on the island, and they seem to be targeting honeymooners. Several suspects pop up along the trail, like a hippie couple with a hostile edge (played by Chris Hemsworth and Marley Shelton), or the braggadocio veteran full of tall tales and his hillbilly girlfriend (Timothy Olyphant and Kiele Sanchez). Who's a threat and who's going to make it out alive?

There's only one way to find out. Watch and see.

Starring: Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich, Chris Hemsworth, Marley Shelton, Timothy Olyphant and Kiele Sanchez

How to watch: A Perfect Getaway is now streaming on HBO Max.

5. Dìdi (2024)

Want to feel like a kid again? Are you sure? One of our favorite films of 2024, Dìdi captures what it felt like to be coming of age in the 2000s, capturing the good, the bad, and the AIM messaging.

Set in the summer of 2008, the directorial debut of writer/helmer Sean Wang follows a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy (Izaac Wang) who goes by several names (Chris/Dìdi/Wang Wang), all the better to code-switch for his family, skater friends, school crush, and beyond. As he looks to make the most of his summer, this eager-to-impress hero lays down little white lies, flirts poorly, alienates friends with off-putting anecdotes, and screams at his devoted mom (Joan Chen). And those of us who've lived through such hot, hormonal, and socially awkward days may cringe in recognition every step of the way.

Then, on top of all this, the emotionally intelligent filmmaker also captures the heartache and earnestness a generation first poured into MySpace and AIM Instant Messenger. Watching Dìdi is less like taking a vacation and more like time-traveling, because the director and his young cast so superbly recreate this era and its anxieties. It's not just a good summer movie, or a great coming-of-age movie, it's an excellent movie that's an absolute must-see.

Starring: Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua, Mahaela Park, and Raul Dial

How to watch: Dìdi is now streaming on Prime Video.

4. Independence Day (1996)

'Tis the season to revisit co-writer/director Roland Emmerich's national treasure, Independence Day. This Hollywood blockbuster was not only a hit in its own time, but also stood out as the best of a flood of '90s disaster movies. And it didn't hurt that this one was flooded with famous faces.

Jeff Goldblum (making his first appearance on this list, but not the last!) stars as a scientist who realizes there's something sinister in the arrival of a fleet of UFOs around the world. Naturally, he reaches out to his ex-wife, who is White House communications director (Margaret Colin) to the president (Bill Pullman). After some heart-racing destruction, he and a hot-shot Marine pilot (Will Smith) are pulled into a Hail Mary mission to save all mankind from a ruthless alien invasion.

It's a true ensemble piece that transports audience from the Oval Office to the bustling streets of New York City to humble trailer parks and the mysterious Area 51, along the way introducing a varied array of characters and making the action come to life with a backdrop of ardent humanity. It's a movie about overcoming our differences to fight a greater threat that would rather see us die than coexist. Between Bill Pullman's rousing speech to the explosive finale, Independence Day is a ray of hope, there whenever you need it.

Starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Margaret Colin, Randy Quaid, Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, Harry Connick, Jr., Robert Loggia, James Rebhorn, and Harvey Fierstein

How to watch: Independence Day is now streaming on Hulu.

3. Jurassic Park (1993)

Steven Spielberg would come to define summer movies with a series of epic offerings, two of which made this list. Based on the Michael Crichton novel, Jurassic Park dreamed up an absolutely epic amusement park, where families could come and ride rides, buy overpriced merch, and see actual living, breathing dinosaurs. But despite the "spared no expense" enthusiasm of Jurassic Park founder John Hammond (Richard Attenborough), life — uh — found a way. Basically, yeah, the ancient beasts broke loose of our puny modern containment units and turned would-be tourists into prey.

Among those on the run are a trio of experts that Hammond had hoped would endorse his venture. But grumbly paleontologist Alan Grant (Sam Neill), plucky paleobotanist Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and ruthlessly sexy mathematician Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) soon go from awed by these resurrected dinosaurs to running away from them. ("Must go faster!")

Spielberg not only managed to make a movie that was so wildly entertaining that other filmmakers are still plagiarizing his sequences 30 years later — looking at you Colin Trevorrow! — but also brought together a cast that was as utterly captivating as his jaw-dropping dinosaurs. Neill, Dern, and Goldblum have a hot and chaotic tension that's launched countless crushes and ships. And while you can also stream this movie's many sequels, none will hit quite as hard as the first.

Starring: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, B.D. Wong, Ariana Richards, and Joseph Mazzello

How to watch: Jurassic Park is now streaming on Peacock.

2. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)

You might have missed this comedy gem, as the COVID-19 pandemic led to a serious Hollywood shake-up that pushed Barb and Star to a VOD release rather abruptly in Feb. 2021. But it was the summery friendship cocktail we craved in a dark time, and still do, over and over.

Written by and starring Bridesmaids' scribes Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is a madcap buddy comedy that balances a tale of middle-age besties looking to get their groove back on a joint vacation to a bubbly beach town with an Austin Powers-worthy supervillain who's looking to annihilate the titular destination. Mumolo and Wiig headline as Barb and Star, roomies who are seeking tit-flapping fun in the sun — and maybe romance! And they find both when they meet a handsome hunk (Fifty Shades of Grey's Jamie Dornan), who is secretly doing the bidding of the wicked, villainous Sharon Fisherman (also Wiig).

If that plot sounds bonkers, oh baby, you don't even know. From Josh Greenbaum, the director of the funny friendship doc Will and Harper, Barb and Star offers the kind of deeply dumb humor that's weirdly brilliant. There's physical comedy, celebrity cameos, quotable lines, and a musical number that's as inexplicable as it is awesome.

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo, Jamie Dornan, Damon Wayans Jr., Andy Garcia, and Reba McEntire

How to watch: Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is now streaming on Hulu.

1. Jaws (1975)

The historical blockbuster is a summer tradition for good reason. When it came out 50 years ago, it scared a generation into being afraid of sharks and the ocean. Since then, it's spawned three sequels (also all streaming) and an array of imitators. Some were good (Deep Blue Sea, 47 Meters Down, The Shallows, Dangerous Animals) and some were very, very bad (Under Paris, Sharknado, Shark Night).

The original was helmed by Steven Spielberg, who feared his unreliable robot shark Bruce would be the end of his burgeoning career. Spoiler: It was not. Instead, Jaws launched Spielberg and became one of the most iconic movies of all time. Roy Scheider stars as Sheriff Martin Brody of Amity Island, a place that absolutely depends on tourists' dollars come summer. When a swimmer turns up chewed to bits on their picturesque beach, the money-hungry mayor (Murray Hamilton) demands the beach stay open on the 4th of July. More deaths will follow, pushing the thalassophobic Brody into the sea aboard the Orca, captained by the surly Quint (Robert Shaw) and aided by the smug shark expert Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss).

Sure, on the surface, this is a creature feature, rich with blood, scary attack sequences, and an epic final showdown. But beneath this splashy spectacle, Jaws is also a tale of greed, masculinity, and family. Fifty years later, it's still making a big splash.

Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss

How to watch: Jaws 1-4 are now streaming on Peacock.

Wild Card: Copycat (1995)

A solid box office success in 1995, this serial-killer thriller somehow flew under the radar pop culture-wise until recently. I say this as someone who's been low-key obsessed with Copycat since I first saw it back in 1995, when I was definitely too young to be watching this R-rated movie, which features graphic scenes of sexualized violence against women. But hey, parenting was a lot different before everyone had the internet on their phones.

Anyhow, Copycat has hit Netflix, sparking new interest and audiences. And it's about time. Sure, some things about this '90s thriller feel a bit dated. But the core story is about true crime obsession and being maybe too online. So, it fits pretty well into our modern moment.

Sigourney Weaver stars as a criminal psychologist who has developed agoraphobia after being violently attacked by a stalker. Though he's been imprisoned, she's under threat once again when a new serial killer begins teasing cops by meticulously re-enacting the crimes of notorious serial killers like the Boston Strangler, the Hillside Strangler, and Jeffrey Dahmer. On the case is the unassuming inspector M.J. Monahan (Holly Hunter) and her flirtatious partner Reuben Goetz (Dermot Mulroney), who chase down every lead — including the captured stalker played by a Southern-fried, dirty-talking Harry Connick Jr.

Deranged, sexy, and surprising, Copycat is a juicy watch, whether you've seen it before or not. Weaver is riveting as a devastatingly intelligent woman whose fear of the outside world has chased her to live chiefly online through chat rooms. (Oh, the '90s!) Hunter and Mulroney have a crackling will-they-won't-they chemistry, while Connick (and his secret cohort) offer a chilling portrayal of villainy. It's not strictly a summer movie, but it is hot, sticky, and exciting — kind of like a rollercoaster!

Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter, Dermot Mulroney. William McNamara, Will Patton, John Rothman, J. E. Freeman, and Harry Connick Jr.

How to watch: Copycat is now streaming on Netflix.

A laptop doesn't make a great impulse buy, like pack of gum in the checkout line or a weird thingamajig you saw in a TikTok livestream.

Of course, if the computer you depend on for work, school, or entertainment randomly decides to kick the bucket, the best time to replace it is immediately (after recycling or repurposing it). But most people can — and should — strategize before investing in a new machine they hope to use for years to come.

First, decide what's most important to you: a laptop with minty-fresh specs, or a laptop that costs less than usual? From there, we can point you toward several key times to buy based on our historical knowledge of past laptop launches and deals.

If you want the latest specs

For future-proofers and shoppers with cash to spare, splurging on the laptop of the moment can be more appealing than buying an older model at a discount.

Best time to buy: At launch

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a tech industry trade show that happens every year in January, is basically ground zero for next-generation laptops. Major manufacturers like Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, MSI, and Razer treat their booths as runways for new computers with the latest processors, graphics cards, and/or cutting-edge features. (Think rollable displays, weird lid attachments, and touchpads with built-in media controls.) And while some of these showcase laptops are just prototypes, many are fully fleshed-out devices, and a batch of them are available for preorder or purchase shortly after the event wraps. The rest typically hit the market by March or April.

Billed as "the world's first rollable display AI PC," Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 made a splash at CES 2025. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

There are two lone alpha wolves who don't make appearances at CES, one being Apple, which is known to take a couple different approaches to new laptop launches. Apple usually hosts formal keynote events to mark an upgrade, which the public can watch via livestream. Sometimes, it just drops an unceremonious press release. That said, the company is pretty consistent about updating its MacBook Pro and Air lines annually or biannually. While its exact launch schedule is pretty arbitrary, you can usually count on seeing new models in the spring (March or April), at its yearly Worldwide Developers Conference in June, or in late fall (October or November).

Microsoft also opts out of CES in favor of holding its own Surface laptop launch events, which almost always happen every September. They're livestreamed as well.

If you want a good deal

Any opportunity to save money is ultimately a win, but certain times of the year feature more (and steeper) laptop discounts that can justify a postponed purchase for those in search of a stellar value.

Best time to buy: On or around Black Friday

The fourth Friday in November isn't treated with the same sort of reverence it once was: Ever since Amazon started hosting Prime savings events in the fall, prompting other retailers to jumpstart their own year-end sales, "Black Friday" has become an informal season that lasts from early October into late November. Still, it remains the best time of year to grab a laptop on sale at a steal — and it's not just because stores like to take advantage of the holiday shopping surge.

Laptops get extra cheap around Black Friday (to the tune of 20 to 50% off) because it syncs up with when retailers and manufacturers are trying to offload their inventories ahead of next-gen refreshes at CES. For laptops that debuted at the beginning of the year, which are about to age out of their "current-gen" moniker, this often translates to year-round lows that knock hundreds of dollars off their normal sticker prices. Older laptops that are at least one generation removed, meanwhile, can plummet to the lowest prices of their entire lifespan as they're priced to move. (We've encountered some ancient Chromebooks on sale for less than $100 on Black Fridays past.)

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 was $200 off a month after launch as part of Amazon's 2023 Black Friday sale. Credit: Microsoft

While Apple and Microsoft don't operate on the same product cycles as everyone else, they both still have a strong presence on Black Friday at third-party retailers. Amazon and Best Buy are really good about putting older MacBooks and Surface laptops on sale at rock-bottom prices while also offering some initial deals on newer models that have only just launched. On Black Friday 2023, for example, they took $200 off the Surface Laptop Go 3 and $150 off the M3 MacBook Pro, respectively; both laptops had debuted a month prior.

Apple and Microsoft technically host their own Black Friday sales, too, but they usually aren't much to write home about. The famously stingy Apple Store only doles out free gift cards with the purchase of older MacBooks, and the Microsoft Store's prices are often trounced by its third-party peers.

SEE ALSO: The 20+ best Apple deals live ahead of Prime Day

The real debate concerning Black Friday laptop deals revolves around whether consumers should shop early or hold off on buying until Black Friday proper, in case prices get even cheaper, and the answer boils down to whether you're eyeing specific models or specs. Retailers still reserve some deals for the actual holiday (always the Friday after Thanksgiving) even if their sales are weeks or months long, so it can be worth waiting to see which laptops get featured in that primetime slot. The trouble is that we rarely know what those featured laptops are ahead of time — and by the time they're live, the model you really wanted may be backordered or back to full price.

If you're married to a certain spec sheet and don't just want a good deal, period, we generally recommend buying a laptop as soon as it gets added to a Black Friday sale's roster. In the off-chance its deal improves, you can always tap the retailer's holiday price-match guarantee and/or extended return policy as fallback plans.

Second best time to buy: During back-to-school season

Whether it's a multitasking MacBook for a college freshman or a basic Chromebook for a fifth-grader, a laptop is a given on most school supply shopping lists. As such, laptop prices dependably tank in the summer to tempt students, their parents, and teachers preparing for the upcoming semester — typically from mid-June to early September.

The back-to-school season is so major for laptop purchases that it's the only time outside of Black Friday when the Apple Store runs one of its "sales," throwing in free gift cards with MacBook purchases from early June through early October. That's in addition to its usual education pricing, which saves students, parents, and faculty $100 on select MacBooks year-round.

Apple runs one of its rare gift card promos during the back-to-school season; the other happens during Black Friday. Credit: Apple

It's worth mentioning that Amazon's flagship Prime Day sale falls smack-dab in the middle of back-to-school season in mid-July, and it's one of the only times when shoppers can source a slew of legitimately good laptop deals there besides Black Friday. (More on that later.) For instance, Prime Day 2023 featured a special invite-only deal that dropped the price of an Acer Swift X by over 40%.

SEE ALSO: Help, I can't stop recommending Amazon's $849 M4 MacBook Air deal

Crucially, Prime Day can also be lucrative for laptop shoppers because it goads other retailers into running competing sales, which often match or beat Amazon's prices. (Best Buy's Prime Day counter-programming tends to be Amazon's toughest rival when it comes to tech deals.) Prices aren't quite as low as they are on Black Friday, but it's still enough to make Prime Day worth marking on your calendar.

Third best time to buy: Over holiday weekends

Retailers are partial to offering deals on big-ticket tech purchases like laptops over federal holiday weekends, the big ones being Presidents' Day weekend (in mid-February), Memorial Day weekend (in late May), the Fourth of July, and Labor Day (in early September, coinciding with the end of back-to-school season). You won't find extreme discounts like you do in the thick of back-to-school season or Black Friday, but they're above average for the "off season."

Honorable mention: Buy right after new models are announced

Pay attention to new laptop launches even if you don't want the latest tech, as they often trigger quiet sales or price drops on the older models they're replacing. For most laptop brands, this usually means deals start trickling out after the CES dust settles in late January and into February.

Apple's 13-inch M2 Apple MacBook Air got two permanent price drops during its lifespan. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

Apple and Microsoft refreshes are, again, a little less predictable timing-wise, but they're just as reliable when it comes to previous-gen discounts. You might recall the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air getting a permanent $100 price cut when its 15-inch counterpart debuted, then another $100 chop once the latest M3 version materialized. And the original Surface Laptop Studio went on sale for $500 off the week after its successor was announced.

Not all retailers are created equal

Shopping for a new laptop is as much a game of "when" as it is "where."

Between major online retailers, we typically find the most laptop configurations (and the best laptop deals) at Best Buy. That includes current- and previous-gen MacBooks, plus a broad range of Windows laptops, Chromebooks, and gaming laptops across all major brands; it's the exclusive retail partner for a slew of current-gen Copilot+ PCs.

Amazon comes next. It consistently stocks and discounts recent MacBooks as well as a more random selection of Copilot+ PCs, Chromebooks, and entry-level to mid-range gaming laptops. Walmart has the most limited inventory out of the three and mainly dabbles in older Windows laptops, gaming laptops, and low-end Chromebooks.

With that in mind, we want to flag some quirks about these retailers that can complicate shoppers' buying experience in some way or another. One is that Amazon and Best Buy intermittently inflate laptops' original sticker prices, which can make discounts look better than they actually are. This also sometimes happens in the reverse, where a deflated MSRP is concealing better-than-advertised savings. But getting duped into a lousy deal is a less happy surprise.

Amazon listed this Acer gaming laptop on sale for $769.99, down from $844.99. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon The exact same model had an original price of $779.99 on Acer's website. You're actually saving $10, not $65. Credit: Screenshot: Acer.com Best Buy listed this Acer gaming laptop on sale for $1,099.99, down from $1,499.99. Credit: Screenshot: Best Buy The exact same model had an original price of $1,449.99 on Acer's website. You're actually saving $350, not $400. Credit: Screenshot: Acer.com

Furthermore, Amazon and Walmart are teeming with laptop listings from third-party merchants that shoppers should approach with caution. (Best Buy doesn't host them yet, but that's set to change in mid-2025.) Amazon's third-party sellers may use different customer service policies than their hosts, while Walmart's MarketPlace Sellers may have different return policies or warranty terms. And let's not forget that counterfeit products are an ongoing issue for both retailers.

This isn't to say that all third-party sellers are evil scammers. (You can usually tell based on their reviews.) It's also important to note that Amazon and Walmart both have guarantees in place to offer recourse if shoppers have problems with third-party sellers, provided they're eligible. Still, we don't think it's worth the risk or the hassle when it comes to a big-ticket purchase like a laptop. Reddit is filled with enough horror stories to reinforce this caginess.

In March 2025, you could buy a configuration of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 from a third-party Amazon seller for $1,349.99 (and get a free stylus)... Credit: Screenshot: Amazon ...Or you could buy the same laptop directly from Amazon for $40 more. Go with Amazon for peace of mind. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon A third-party Walmart seller was selling this Asus Vivobook S 16 Flip for a hair less than Walmart itself in March 2025. Credit: Screenshot: Walmart Just get it from Walmart. You're not technically getting the lowest price, but you know exactly who you're buying from. (The difference is negligible, anyway). Credit: Screenshot: Walmart

We'll give the big A and W some credit, though: They usually clean up their acts for Prime Day and Black Friday; we see lots more retailer-direct laptop listings on both sites during those major sales. Look for "Ships from/Sold by Amazon.com" and "Sold and shipped by Walmart.com" labels below the "Add to cart" buttons on their product pages. You can also filter your Walmart searches by seller.

It's important to remember that you can avoid these issues entirely by buying from laptop manufacturers themselves, which maintain their own online storefronts offer their own discounts year-round. At the very least, these are extremely useful for price checks against Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart listings to make sure their discounts are worthwhile.

How to tell if you're getting a good laptop deal

Being wary of third-party sellers and cross-checking listings between laptop retailers and manufacturers are two of the best ways to ensure you're making a smart purchase. We also recommend appraising discounts using price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel and Google's Shopping Insights feature. They can tell you whether a laptop you're considering has ever gone on sale for cheaper, if at all.

Finally, consider bookmarking Mashable's shopping experts' deals coverage. In recommending laptop deals, we personally vet every single discount and stick with trusted sellers. Whether the computer you wind up buying is brand new or just new to you, we strive to make sure you can confidently say that your money was well spent.

In 2025, a pair of headphones or earbuds is pretty much non-optional. That's why there are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and, of course, prices. And these days, you can grab a random pair off the digital shelf without too much research and find that they do the job just fine.

However, if you're tired of settling for "just fine", then it's worth investing in the best headphones available. Through hours and hours of listening, we sorted through dozens of headphones to find the very best models, from the just-released Sony XM6 headphones to old favorites from Bose, Beats, and Apple.

The result? Our top 10 picks for the best headphones — many (if not all) of which we expect to see sale prices on during Prime Day.

How to choose the best headphones

We won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.

SEE ALSO: These Prime Day deals landed early — save on Apple, Ninja, and Samsung gadgets

All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.

Of course, the best time to squeeze some serious value on any pair of headphones is grabbing them on sale. With Amazon Prime Day running from July 8 to 11, it's a good time to be aware of the deals available. In years' past, we've typically seen headphones and earbuds that have been on the market for at least a few months get markdowns anywhere from $50 to $100. Newer models like the Sony WH-1000XM6 are a toss up, but Sony headphones do reliably get discounted on Prime Day, so we're keeping our fingers crossed.

To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2025 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections.

What about wired headphones?

We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us. If we had to pick, we'd recommend the Marshall Mode earbuds as our top wired pick.

Other headphones we've tested

Most recently, we tested the JBL Tour One M3 headphones and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and we may add them to this guide in a future update. We also tested the Marshall Major V headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones, both of which had excellent sound profiles and easy-to-navigate custom equalizers on their companion apps. Ultimately, they didn't make the cut on our final list for a couple of reasons. With the Major V headphones, we love that their claim of 100+ hours of battery life held up under our testing, but we found them to get uncomfortable after a couple of hours. We also would have appreciated ANC at their $149 price point.

For the B&W headphones, we loved their design and premium feel in addition to their truly impressive sound, but we found that their ANC was only so-so. If you're willing to spend $399, you can find a better balance of sound and ANC in the Sony XM5 headphones.

We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.

In the testing pipeline

For our future updates, we're testing out more budget noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones.

It's a simple truth: Where there’s a Dyson product, there’s a dupe, and that holds especially true for Dyson beauty products.

The brand entered the beauty sphere in 2016 when it released the now-iconic Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, which introduced an innovative design that maximized airflow and minimized hair damage. Eight years later, it remains the most highly-praised hair dryer on the market, making it clear that Dyson's beauty tech bet was more than a success. While it’s an impressive product, it also retails for $429 — a price that you don't need to pay for an exceptional at-home hair dry.

While there's a good chance the Dyson Supersonic gets a nice $100 price cut during Prime Day, there's also a good chance these dupe picks will get price cuts. Last Black Friday, we saw price cuts from T3, Dreame, Shark, and Laifen.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025: Dates, deals, and the competition What is the best dupe for the Dyson Supersonic?

There are a lot of luxury blow dryers and dupes that look like Dyson but skimp on quality. A good rule of thumb: Avoid the $40 Amazon knockoffs that copy Dyson's signature fuchsia and nickel design. I promise they won't perform the same, and you'll be lucky if they last longer than six months.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300: The Shark FlexStyle is no longer your only option

For this guide, I tested a bunch of hair dryers, some that look similar to the Supersonic, and some that look nothing like it. I wanted to find the best hair dryers that replicate the Supersonic experience: That is to say, they give a hair dry that feels quick, easy, and at least a little luxurious.

Below, you'll find my deep dive into the best Dyson Supersonic dupes.

What makes the Dyson Supersonic special? 

The Supersonic has stood the test of time because with it, Dyson reimagined the hair dryer. Instead of a bulky, loud dryer, the Supersonic is sleek and compact yet more powerful than other dryers on the market (and a little less loud, too).

Dyson is known for this futuristic aesthetic on its products, but the look of this dryer also has a function. The ring-shaped head ditches the vented and coiled model of the traditional hair dryer and houses the tiny V9 motor in the handle. The combination of the V9 motor and the Air Multiplier technology makes for a dryer that clocks in at only 1.8 pounds yet still delivers a powerful airflow that’s notably quieter than the roar of a traditional dryer. That extra strong airflow also makes this dryer less reliant on heat and keeps hair damage to a minimum.

SEE ALSO: All the best Dyson beauty dupes we've tested

To further mitigate any heat damage, the Supersonic also measures the air temperature up to 20 times per second and uses a built-in ionizer to minimize static and give hair a sleek finish, which brings us to a quick ionizer science lesson.

Ionizers are pretty common in higher-end air dryers. Why? They blow negative ions at wet hair to reduce static electricity by sealing the hair cuticle and taking down the power of that positive ionic charge (aka what's causing that annoying frizz). As negative ions make contact with hair, they're also dispersing the positive ions of water, therefore cutting down on your drying time and reducing damage in the process.

SEE ALSO: All the best skincare tech that we tested and loved, and some that we didn’t

Basically, it's one of the reasons the Dyson Supersonic provides such quick and excellent results and why hair dryers with ionizers cost more money — they do more than simply dry hair.

Magnetic attachments designed to easily snap onto the blow dryer round out the futuristic feel of the Supersonic. Five are included: a styling concentrator, a flyaway attachment, a diffuser, a gentle air attachment, and a wide-tooth comb. It's a nice array of included nozzles, even for high-end dryers, which might typically include three or four attachments at the most.

Why is the Dyson Supersonic so expensive?

At $429, the Supersonic is definitely an investment. However, you're paying for a high-end motor that's built to last, multiple heat settings to protect hair, an innovative design, and of course, the ionic tech. Other dryers from popular hot tool brands like T3, ghd, and Harry Josh boast some similar features and run you anywhere from $150 to $350, but none quite capture the magic of the Supersonic.

SEE ALSO: Honest review of Ruggable: Are the washable rugs worth the price?

When I tested the Supersonic, I found that it had a luxe feel that stands out from other hair dryers. But don't forget: the Dyson Supersonic is now almost 10 years old.

Last year, Dyson released the updated Supersonic Nural (which you can find more info on in the FAQ section of this article), but it's not a drastically different product, with the main upgrade coming in the form of smart features, including improved temperature regulation and attachment detection. I tested it for a few weeks and found the upgrades nice, but by no means game-changing, especially not for an additional $70. I also tested it against other smart hair dryers and found that the T3 Aire IQ offered the best intelligent features for the price point (more on that below, too).

Even with the original Supersonic being an older model, there is something to be said about it standing the test of time, and for providing a luxurious (yet efficient) drying experience, especially for folks with thick hair. On the other hand, Dyson competitors have had plenty of time to develop alternatives, all at a fraction of the price.

Recent testing updates

The newest addition is the Supersonic Nural dupe, the T3 Aire IQ dryer, which I added in April 2025. Prior to that, I added the Dreame Gleam hair dryer, the Dreame Pocket, and the Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex in November 2024. In the same month, I removed the Shark HyperAIR from my recommendations — though it's still in stock at Amazon and Best Buy, it's no longer a part of Shark's beauty tool lineup. I also replaced the BaBylissPRO with the Dreame Gleam as the best pick under $100 — though the BaByliss is still a solid hair dryer, it felt more like a standard blow dryer than a Supersonic dupe. Plus, it's less widely available these days.

In February 2025, I tested the L'Oréal Airlight Pro, which at $475 costs even more than the original Supersonic and almost as much as the Supersonic Nural. Still, I tested it because it uses the same light technology as the Zuvi Halo, which makes sense, as it was developed in partnership with Zuvi. Ultimately, I didn't find it different enough from the Zuvi Halo to justify the higher price or a place on our list.

I am, however, reevaluating the place of the Zuvi Halo on this list as of June 2025. Recently, the price of the hair dryer shot up to $634, making it markedly more expensive than any Supersonic model and the Airlight Pro. I've reached out to Zuvi to get more information on the higher price, and will update this article once I hear back.

SAVE $100: As of July 3, the Apple iPad mini (128GB, A17 Pro) is on sale for $399 at Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 Get Deal

Prime Day doesn't officially start until July 8, but don't let that stop you from saving. Some impressive deals are already live, like this $100 discount on the Apple iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip. Yes, Apple deals are available if you look for them.

As of July 3, the iPad mini (128GB, A17 Pro) is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon. This is $100 off and the lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel. Our experts have called out this deal in Mashable's early Prime Day coverage of Apple deals, iPad deals, tablet deals, and deals on everything else, so it's fair to say that this is one of the very best deals out there.

SEE ALSO: There's only one Apple MacBook deal I would snag before Prime Day

This iPad mini packs a lot of power into a small build thanks to the A17 Pro chip. It's a perfect portable option, sporting an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 128GB of storage so you can stock it up with everything you need from the go. We even consider it the best iPad for reading, with Mashable's Samantha Mangino stating that it offers "more advanced tech, the convenience of portability, and a better reading experience."

Get the iPad mini (128GB, WiFi, A17 Pro) at its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 1070Wh Portable Power Station — $448.98 (List Price $799.00)

• Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen 1080p Camera With Cover (White, 2-Pack) — $59.98 (List Price $99.99)

• Blink Outdoor 4 XR 2 Camera Kit With Mini 2 Camera — $129.98 (List Price $219.98)

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $269.00 (List Price $348.00)

• Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $297.99 (List Price $599.00)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB Tablet (2023 Release, Black) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99)

• Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2023 Model) — $139.99 (List Price $229.99)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) — $34.99 (List Price $59.99)

• Ring Battery Doorbell Pro With Ring Battery Outdoor Cam Plus — $198.99 (List Price $329.98)

• 55" Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series 4K QLED Smart TV (2024 Model) — $699.99 (List Price $819.99)

The government of Dubai has officially implemented a temporary four-day work week for all its public sector workers. That could be us, but you playin'.

Dubai's new shorter work week will now involve all government workers, who will be divided into two groups. The first will work eight hours per day, but get Fridays completely off. The second will still work for 4.5 hours on Friday, but will only need to be on for seven hours on other days.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Japan's 4-day work week boosted productivity by 40 percent

Such changes will be in effect from July 1 to September 12, at which point Dubai's government workers will presumably be obliged to return to their usual five-day schedules. The four-day work week is part of Dubai's 2025 Our Flexible Summer initiative.

"This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to enhancing the government work environment, making it more adaptable and responsive to the needs of employees and the community," said Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, director general of the Dubai government's human resources department. "This supports Dubai’s aspirations to lead in delivering flexible, sustainable, and people-centric government services."

Dubai's four-day work week follows a trial it conducted in 2024 involving 21 government entities. This experiment resulted in overall employee satisfaction increasing by 98 percent, with workers experiencing enhanced productivity and happiness. Yet despite these results, as well as positive outcomes from previous experiments by other organisations, it seems Dubai's government still isn't quite ready to commit to a more permanent change.

Is the four-day work week the future?

Numerous organisations across the globe have tried out shorter work weeks over the years, which have repeatedly reported positive results. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders also reiterated his ongoing support for a four-day work week last month, arguing that there's no reason workers shouldn't get a four-day work week if artificial intelligence is enhancing workers' productivity as its advocates claim.

"[A four-day work week is] not a radical idea," said Sanders. "There are companies around the world that are doing it, with some success."

Companies which have tried it include Microsoft Japan, which announced in 2019 that its four-day work week trial had increased productivity by 40 percent. New Zealand firm Perpetual Guardian saw productivity increase by 20 percent during their own trial, prompting them to switch to a permanent four-day work week in 2018. Both organisations saw savings in reduced electricity costs as well.

Iceland ran a four-day work week trial between from 2015 to 2019, and found that the almost 3,000 workers involved were happier, healthier, and more productive. A similar 2022 UK trial produced favourable results as well, with the overwhelming majority of participating organisations still operating on a four-day work week one year after the study's publication. Belgium also approved a four-day work week in 2022, enabling workers to request longer 10-hour days in exchange for one day off, while Japanese electronics manufacturer Panasonic introduced an optional four-day work week.

Yet despite years of trials spanning the globe, resulting in mountains of evidence demonstrating benefits to employers as well as employees, the four-day work week still remains a rare model. Though it's popular for companies to portray themselves as forward thinking and at the cutting-edge, it seems few are willing to actually follow through and apply widely tested and scientifically-backed changes with clear proven benefits.

Apple now has an official Threads account.

The company recently created and verified an account on Meta's social network, though it hasn't really done much with it yet. It's located at https://www.threads.com/@apple, has the company logo as a profile pic and the description "apple" (very imaginative, Apple), but it hasn't posted anything yet.

Apple has an account on Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter), but it doesn't keep any posts there, even though it sometimes uses X to highlight products and events. Currently, the company has 0 displayed posts, even though it has 9.8 million followers.

Seeing Apple on Threads isn't much of a surprise given that Apple maintains an active Instagram account (both Instagram and Threads are owned by Meta, and share the same account verification process). On Instagram, Apple is active, and it uses the account to post photos from its "ShotoniPhone" campaign.

SEE ALSO: Apple has an incredibly ambitious roadmap for smart glasses and headsets, report claims

Notably, Apple already has a couple of other accounts on Threads, including Apple News, Apple Music and Apple Books, though they're devoid of content, too. The only Apple-related accounts that are active on Threads that we could find were Shazam and Beats by Dre.

TL;DR: Create anything, even NSFW art, with a lifetime subscription to Imagiyo for only £21.98.

Opens in a new window Credit: Imagiyo Imagiyo AI Image Generator: Lifetime Subscription (Standard Plan) £22
£363.08 Save £341.08 Get Deal

Digital creativity has never been more accessible, yet many of us remember the days when crafting a single image meant wrestling with layers and plugins for hours on end. Now there’s a way to generate stunning visuals in seconds simply by typing a description of what you have in mind.

Imagiyo uses Stable Diffusion AI alongside FLUX AI to turn text prompts into high-quality images ready for commercial use, and there aren’t many limits to what you can create. Here’s what that means.

What art can you make with Imagiyo

What do you want to make first? It only takes a brief description to put Imagiyo’s advanced algorithms to work, and unlike other image generators, Imagiyo actually lets you really follow your creativity. Craft stunning landscapes, visualise characters from books, or go for something a little more daring. Imagiyo supports NSFW content creation. Just set your prompts to private and let your mind run wild.

Imagiyo’s commercial-use license means you can take some of the images you generate and incorporate them into client projects, social media campaigns, or personal portfolios without fear of copyright issues.

Each month, you receive 500 image-generation credits and can submit up to two prompts at once. Unused credits roll over, so you never lose access to your creative potential. Best of all, Imagiyo delivers your purchased engine updates and feature improvements automatically, ensuring you always work with the latest AI models.

You have through July 15 to get an Imagiyo AI Image Generator lifetime subscription for £21.98.

StackSocial prices subject to change

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Georgia with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Georgia has joined the growing number of U.S. states that have introduced age verification laws for porn sites. Pornhub has responded by banning users in Georgia from accessing their website. It's a complicated situation, with a straightforward workaround.

If you want to unblock Pornhub for free from Georgia, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Georgia

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: There are only 2 free VPNs I actually recommend. Ignore all the rest.

Unblock Pornhub 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 a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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 porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast streaming 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 plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free in Georgia 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

Not a winner.

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

LOSER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A device used on fruit.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 3, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CORER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Useful.

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

UTILE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A home.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 3 Hurdle Word 4 answer

ABODE

Final Hurdle hint

Rapid fire.

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

SALVO

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

The moon is looking bright in the sky tonight, and that's for good reason. It's all down to where we are in the current lunar cycle.

What is the lunar cycle, you ask? This is a recurring series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days (according to NASA), and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. The moon is always there, but what we see on Earth changes depending on how much is lit up.

See what's happening with the moon tonight, July 3.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Thursday, July 3, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 57% of the moon will be lit up and visible to us on Earth. This is also day eight of the lunar cycle.

Tonight there is plenty to see with the naked eye, so keep your fingers crossed for a clear sky.

With the naked eye, you'll be able to spot the Mare Crisium, Mare Tranquillitatis, and the Mare Fecunditatis on the moon's surface. If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, these will be positioned in the top right of the moon. If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, they're on the bottom left.

If you have binoculars, you'll also spot the Endymion Crater, the Posidonius Nectaris, and the Mare Nectaris.

If you have a telescope, the Apollo 16 and Apollo 11 landing spots will be visible, as well as the Caucasus Mountains, a 323-mile-long mountain range.

When is the next full moon?

This month's full moon will take place on July 10. The last full moon was on June 11.

What are moon phases?

Moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

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

In this age of on-demand everything, hookup apps are the go-to for casual dating. If we can stream movies (thank you, Netflix) and order a takeaway with a few quick taps, why shouldn't we be able to find a potential partner the same way?

Sometimes all you want is some fun, and fortunately there's an app for that.

How do you find a hookup?

It's still possible to find a connection in the real world. Meeting in bars, clubs, parks, and other real-life locations still happens, whether you believe it or not. You're simply shortening your odds by subscribing to a dating site.

Dating sites and sex apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before meeting up. We know that some dating apps can be expensive, but just think about all those wasted coffees you could avoid by chatting through an app first.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for sending naughty messages

Using dating apps and sites is also a whole lot less intimidating than meeting someone face to face. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you dip your toe into the world of dating from the comfort of your own home.

Should you use free dating apps?

The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are popular options with massive networks of users. Plus, most of the biggest and best dating sites have free versions with limitations on certain features. So yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with dating apps. And sometimes free apps just don't cut it.

For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up some cash. We're sorry to break it to you, but the best dating sites don't come cheap. It all comes down to access to advanced and premium features. You can still find a hookup with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading.

What makes an app good for hooking up?

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hookup apps. What works for your friends might not work for you. Your best bet is to download a handful of options and see which one clicks with your vibe.

Skip the apps that are all about romance and happily ever afters (we're looking at you, eharmony). Instead, keep an eye out for apps that get straight to the point. The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the free ones should have features like profile verification to help keep you safe.

If you really want to pay for a premium membership, that's up to you. But we recommend starting with the free versions of cult faves like Tinder, Grindr, and Hinge. These popular dating apps give you just enough functionality to connect with potential partners for casual encounters — all without spending anything.

What is the best sex and dating app for hooking up?

The good news is that there are absolutely loads of dating sites and sex apps out there for every type of dater and dating situation. The problem with this wealth of options is that deciding on the right site for you can be difficult. This is where we can help.

Whether you're looking to have a one-night stand, exchange nudes with strangers, or have some phone sex before you doze off, we've rounded up the most reliable hookup apps for every type of single. You can download them via Google Play or the App Store and start swiping in minutes.

These are the best hookup sites and apps in 2025.

Movies have a complicated history with video game adaptations. I'm not referring to movies based on games—though they have their own spotty reputation—but rather licensed games attached to film franchises. While some movie games have become genre-defining icons, most fail to live up to their namesakes.

Is Google Chrome not opening on your child's Windows computer? If so, the issue is likely due to an ongoing bug with the Microsoft Family Safety service that is preventing Google Chrome from launching on children's Windows accounts. Here is everything you need to know about the bug and how to get rid of it.