IT General

Right now astronomers are dealing with their own chicken-and-egg conundrum: Which came first, the galaxy or the big black hole inside it? 

Astronomers often estimate the weight of a black hole by using the brightness and width of certain light signals in space coming from hot gas. 

Some researchers have argued those methods severely exaggerate the masses of strange "little red dots" in the early universe. Since their discovery by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, what they actually are has divided the community: Some think they contain growing black holes; others argue the black holes might be much smaller than they seem — or, might not exist at all. 

For the first time, a team took a direct measurement of a little red dot, Abell2744-QSO1, and found that not only were the earlier estimates pretty spot on, but also, the object almost certainly contains an enormous black hole, roughly 50 million times heavier than the sun. 

Then the study got weird. 

SEE ALSO: NASA's new moon base plan bets big on moon trucks and hopping drones

Normally, galaxies and their central black holes grow together: Big galaxy equals big black hole. But QSO1 barely seems to have a galaxy at all. The black hole may outweigh all the stars around it combined.  

"To our knowledge, this … makes QSO1 the most 'naked' massive [black hole] ever found," the authors wrote in their Nature paper. "This demonstrates the possibility of [black hole] primacy, that is, [black holes] forming and growing earlier than their host galaxy." 

To directly measure the object's mass, the researchers mapped the motion of glowing gas around QSO1's center. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / L. Furtak et al / A. Pagan How astronomers directly measured it

Astronomers see QSO1 as it existed only about 700 million years after the Big Bang because of its extreme distance. 

To directly measure the object's mass, the researchers mapped the motion of glowing gas around QSO1's center. Gas near a massive object moves faster because gravity pulls harder on it. The team found that QSO1's gas rotated in a way that matched what physicists expect around a compact, extremely massive object.  

The researchers proceeded to test other explanations — like whether a tightly packed bundle of stars sat in the center instead of a black hole — but the numbers just didn't work. To explain the observations without a black hole, the stars would need to squeeze into an impossibly small area — much denser than known star clusters.  

A black hole is an area in space where gravity is so strong that not even light can escape it. A supermassive black hole is the same but on a vastly larger scale, containing millions or billions of times the sun's mass. The black hole at the center of the Milky Way, called Sagittarius A*, weighs roughly 4 million suns. Messier 87, the galaxy famous for providing the first direct image of a black hole, is as massive as 6.5 billion suns.

The James Webb Space Telescope has helped astronomers discover loads of "little red dots" in the early universe. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / D. Kocevski Why they call it "naked"

The team describes QSO1 as a "naked" black hole because it appears to be sitting in a vacant, primitive environment — perhaps before a normal galaxy fully formed around it. 

Scientists still don't know how the first supermassive black holes formed so quickly after the Big Bang. The usual models for how galaxies grow struggle to explain these extreme cases. 

One idea is that a massive gas cloud collapsed directly into a black hole extremely early in cosmic history. Another concept scientists consider is that some kind of original black hole formed almost at the beginning of time, possibly within the first second. 

What's becoming clear is that some black holes were enormous from the get-go, somehow able to form without a gigantic host galaxy to feed them or a phase of many massive stars collapsing and merging, said Roberto Maiolino, a coauthor from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, in a statement.

"It’s a paradigm shift," Maiolino said, "a total revisiting of the classical scenarios of how black holes form and grow."

Apple's flagship smartphone hasn't taken a year off since 2007, and barring a massive surprise, 2026 won't be any different.

The Cupertino-based tech giant is widely expected to launch a new lineup of iPhones later this year, including both the new iPhone 18 line and the rumored iPhone Ultra, the company's first-ever foldable. And as we await iOS 27 and the iPhone 18, plenty of interesting tidbits of information are trickling out. While we still haven't actually seen any of the new Apple phones in an official capacity, we have plenty of info via the latest iPhone rumors and leaks.

So, here's everything you need to know about the iPhone 18 lineup.

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

SEE ALSO: Apple reportedly working on anti-phone snatching security feature iPhone 18 release date and pricing

To start, you should probably circle early September in your calendar. That has been the timeline for Apple's big showcase event every year for a very long time, and there's no reason to believe right now that Apple will change that for 2026.

But here's the big unanswered question: Will the iPhone 18 cost more? So far, we haven't heard any leaks about an iPhone 18 price increase, but don't rule it out.

Thanks to the ongoing RAM shortage caused by the AI industry (also known as RAMageddon), tons of smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles are seeing huge price hikes. Experts who've spoken to Mashable say that trend isn't going to stop anytime soon. As the world's number one smartphone maker, Apple has some advantages over its rivals, but a price increase is definitely possible. Apple raised prices on its new MacBooks earlier this year, while also introducing a low-cost $599 laptop that put big pressure on its Windows rivals.

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So, this one could go either way.

iPhone 18 models

Right now, the expectation is that Apple will release a base iPhone 18, an iPhone 18 Pro, and an iPhone 18 Pro Max later this year. One thing that might be a surprise (depending on how much tech news you follow) is that Apple is allegedly going to launch or announce a foldable iPhone alongside the normal iPhone 18 models.

However, to be clear, that phone is rumored to be called the iPhone Fold or iPhone Fold Ultra (or something along those lines). It's not strictly a member of the iPhone 18 family, at least by name, so you'll have to go to our rumor hub for that device to read more about it.

iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro design

Again, Apple has not released any official teasers or other imagery related to the iPhone 18 lineup yet, so anything that has been reported up to this point could theoretically be wrong. However, based on everything we're hearing, it sounds like Apple isn't really reinventing the wheel, design-wise. However, rumor has it, the iPhone 20 will bring big changes like a curved waterfall display.

Per our friends at CNET (Mashable and CNET are both owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis), the display sizes will be roughly the same as last year:

• iPhone 18: 6.3 inches

• iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3 inches

• iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

However, the display quality might be a little different this year. Prominent leaker Instant Digital shared on Chinese social media that Apple's brightness demands are unusually high this year, so it might be reasonable to expect much brighter displays than in previous years.

One other nugget is that the base iPhone 18 could have a downsized camera bump compared to previous models. There are also rumblings of a slightly redesigned Dynamic Island, with the pill-shaped notification hub potentially being made smaller in the iPhone 18 models. One alleged leaked image purports to show an iPhone 18 Pro with a downsized Dynamic Island cutout.

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Wondering about the iPhone 18 color options? We believe the color options for the iPhone 18 Pro have leaked already. Previous rumors indicated Apple was experimenting with a "deep red" color for the more expensive iPhone 18, and a new report from MacWorld more or less backs that up. According to their reporting, the color lineup for the iPhone 18 Pro will be silver, grey, light blue, and something called "dark cherry," which would probably be the previously reported wine red color.

Sadly, we think fans of black iPhones are out of luck again.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. iPhone 18: rumored hardware features

While specific software features will probably have to wait until Apple unveils iOS 27 at WWDC 2026, it's not too early to start talking about some of the internal hardware changes Apple is reportedly making to the iPhone 18 lineup.

For starters, it sounds like the lineup will have a standardized 12GB RAM count across the board. In previous years, the Pro models had 12GB, while the base model only had 8GB. According to Korean outlet The Bell, Apple will be upgrading the base model so that it matches the Pro models in that regard. It's also widely expected that Apple will adopt new A20 and A20 Pro chips for the base and Pro models, respectively.

It's also expected that the new iPhones will have a new C2 modem for improved cellular connectivity, alongside a new N2 chip for better WiFi performance.

Latest iPhone 18 Pro rumors

For the iPhone 18 Pro, the current expectation is that Apple will improve the battery size in the premium iPhone 18 models this year. Leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo reported that their batteries could be in excess of 5,000mAh, which would be an improvement over the iPhone 17 Pro.

In addition, the smaller camera cutout for the base model is reportedly only for the base model. It's expected that Apple will retain the bigger plateau seen on the iPhone 17 Pro last year for the iPhone 18 Pro. Instant Digital posted in a separate Weibo leak that the back glass has been altered for the iPhone 18 Pro, resulting in a new unified look, as opposed to the two-tone look the iPhone 17 Pro had. Whether that change will have any effect on durability (or if it's just an aesthetic difference) remains to be seen.

The iPhone 17 Pro has helped Apple break sales records in 2026. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Are you an Apple superfan? Enter Mashable’s Big Guessing Game to win prizes.

iPhone 18 camera rumors

Last but not least, there are supposedly at least two big camera changes that we know of right now for the iPhone 18 Pro models. First up: variable aperture.

That comes courtesy of Digital Chat Station on Weibo. If you don't know, variable aperture would let the iPhone 18 Pro camera let in different amounts of light for different situations, improving photo quality when used properly. For instance, the bokeh effect famously associated with portrait mode on iPhones would be possible in-camera instead of through post-processing, resulting in better-looking shots.

In addition, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman — the source of many iPhone leaks and rumors — has reported that iOS 27 and the iPhone 18 will have a much-improved Camera app. For instance, Gurman says that Apple users will be able to customize the Camera app, which will also introduce new widgets. AI photo editing may also be on the menu, bringing iOS more in line with Android.

What about AI Siri?

Apple first promised users a newer, smarter, AI-powered Siri two years ago, and the company has since faced lawsuits after it failed to deliver. (The company recently settled a class action suit related to these claims for $250 million.) However, the tech world widely expects AI Siri to make her debut alongside iOS 27 with a big announcement at WWDC 2026 on June 8.

SEE ALSO: Apple AI lawsuit settled: Every iPhone included in the $250 million settlement

Technically, this isn't a feature unique to the iPhone 18 lineup. Presumably, every iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence will also support the new Siri, and we'll probably know for sure come June 8. Still, if you're on an older phone and plan to upgrade to iPhone 18, the new Gemini-powered Siri will probably be on board.

There will surely be more to say about the iPhone 18 in the coming months before its alleged September launch. We'll keep you updated as best as we can.

TL;DR: Live stream Collignon vs. Shelton in the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's day five of the 2026 French Open and the second-round action sees Ben Shelton return to the court. As the No. 5 seed, Shelton is the highest seeded U.S. star in the men's singles tournament. He's also the only U.S. men's player in the top 10 seeds, following the first-round exit of Taylor Fritz.

Can the 23-year-old star go all the way and become the first American to win Roland-Garros since Andre Agassi in 1999? There's a long way to go and Shelton must now get past second-round opponent Raphael Collignon, a 24-year-old Belgian who showed some fire in getting to the third round of last year's U.S. Open.

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

How to watch Collignon vs. Shelton for free

Collignon vs. Shelton in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

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

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

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

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now

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

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Collignon vs. Shelton in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

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

It's only the second round of the 2026 French Open and No. 4 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime has already had an eventful tournament.

The 25-year-old French-Canadian had to battle his way through the first round in a five-set thriller against German star Daniel Altmaier. Now Auger-Aliassime faces Argentinian opponent Roman Andres Burruchaga, who's playing his first-ever Grand Slam second round.

If you want to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Burruchaga in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Burruchaga for free

Auger-Aliassime vs. Burruchaga in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on France TV.

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

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

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

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

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

4. Connect to France TV

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

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Auger-Aliassime vs. Burruchaga in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Cerundolo in the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Jannik Sinner is back in action today in the 2026 French Open. Unsurprisingly, the world No. 1 blazed through the first round against Clement Tabur in straight sets — now the Italian dynamo faces second-round opposition from Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo, a 24-year-old hopeful with a number of lower-rung titles to his name.

There have been a few upsets in the men's singles so far — No. 6 seed Daniil Medvedev and No. 8 seed Taylor Fritz both took first-round losses to unseeded opponents — so there's always a chance of a major shock, but the smart money is on Sinner advancing to face the likes of Novak Djokovic later in the torunament.

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

How to watch Sinner vs. Cerundolo for free

Sinner vs. Cerundolo in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

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

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

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

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now

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

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Sinner vs. Cerundolo in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Skoove Premium Piano Lessons is available for $149.99 (reg. $299.99) and includes more than 400 lessons with AI-powered feedback.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $149.99
$299.99 Save $150   Get Deal

Finding time for weekly piano lessons can be difficult. Between work or school, and everything else vying for attention, even the most motivated learners can struggle to stick to a schedule. Luckily, there’s a helpful program called Skoove and it offers flexible, guided piano lessons you can access anytime you’re ready to play, all for just $149.99 ($299.99).

Skoove is all about helping you build real piano skills. Structured lessons, instant feedback, and a huge library of songs — from modern hits to classical favorites — make learning feel fun and effective.

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With more than 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos for every experience level, there’s always something new to explore. Instead of just watching tutorials, you get immediate feedback as you play. Skoove’s smart note-recognition technology listens and spots mistakes in real time, helping you improve right away.

Skoove also adapts lessons to your progress and preferences, so beginners aren’t immediately overwhelmed! As your skills develop, the platform recommends new lessons and exercises that match your current level, creating a more personalized learning path.

For learners who need extra guidance, Skoove also includes one-on-one support from music instructors. That added layer of assistance may be especially helpful for students who occasionally get stuck or want additional feedback beyond the platform’s automated coaching.

Now for the exciting part … the songs! You’ll get to learn songs inspired by artists like John Legend, the Beatles, and Adele, plus classical masterpieces from composers like Beethoven. New songs and lessons are added regularly, so there’s always fresh material to keep your practice exciting.

Skoove works with both acoustic pianos and digital keyboards, including USB and MIDI-connected instruments. Lessons can be accessed from smartphones, tablets, and computers, making it easier to fit practice sessions into busy routines.

Skoove Premium Piano Lessons is currently available for $149.99 (reg. $299.99), so get your learning on!

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free on IIHF.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're still buzzing from the international hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but 2026 is not done yet. We know the focus of the ice hockey world is firmly fixed on the resolution of the NHL season right now, but the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships is here to offer something to fans without a vested interest in the Stanley Cup.

This tournament doesn't have quite the same prestige as the Winter Olympics, but the 2024 World Championship was the most successful in terms of overall attendance. We're expecting this tournament in Switzerland to be just as popular as the USA, Canada, Czechia, Sweden, Finland, and other top sides battle it out on the ice.

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

What is the Ice Hockey World Championships?

The Ice Hockey World Championships are an annual international men's ice hockey tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation. 16 teams are divided into two groups for the Preliminary Round played in a single round robin format. The top-four ranked teams of each group advance to the knockout rounds.

The defending champions are Czechia.

When is the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships?

The 2026 IIHF World Championships will take place from May 15-31. This year's tournament will be hosted by Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland.

How to watch the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free

The 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships is available to live stream for free on IIHF.TV.

IIHF.TV is not available in some locations due to regional broadcasting restrictions (blocked locations listed here), but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with access, meaning you can stream the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

4. Connect to IIHF.TV

5. Watch the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for the Ice Hockey World Championships?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free with ExpressVPN.

There isn’t actually an official Adult Friend Finder app — AFF likes to keep things decidedly old school — but a lot of the site’s users still access its content via their mobile device. Many of them do so using the site’s mobile version, through either Safari or Google Chrome, but committed AFF users have created a workaround to mimic the experience of using an app.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Why doesn’t Adult Friend Finder have an app?

Both Apple and Google strictly police the kinds of content they allow on their respective app stores, and because Adult Friend Finder allows on-site nudity — in profiles, chat forums, and live broadcasts — they're barred from creating an official app for the two most-used mobile platforms.

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt

Unfortunately, these rules apply even if you don’t have nudity on your profile or have turned on all the filters that restrict the display of adult content when using AFF, so there isn’t even a watered-down version of the app available and likely never will be. It's non negotiable, unfortunately.

What’s the best alternative?

If you really want to mimic the experience of using an app on your phone, you can simply create a home screen shortcut to the Adult Friend Finder site. And if you have cookies enabled, you can also stay logged in each time, which saves you having to re-enter your login credentials.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet and NSFW chats

To create a homescreen shortcut on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to AdultFriendFinder.com in your Safari mobile browser (no third-party browser will work)

2. Tap the ellipsis icon in the bottom right corner of your Safari app, and then tap the Share icon at the top of the pop-up menu

3. Scroll towards the bottom of the option list and select "Add to Home Screen"

4. You will be prompted to assign a name to the icon before you can hit "Add"

For Android users, the steps are slightly different:

1. Navigate to AdultFriendFinder.com in your Chrome mobile browser (no third-party browser will work)

2. Tap the menu icon in the upper right corner of your Chrome app, and then tap "Add to Home Screen"

3. You will be prompted to assign a name to the icon before you can hit "Add"

How secure is this home screen icon approach?

This method of accessing Adult Friend Finder is functionally no different than opening Chrome or Safari first, so it's no less safe than using the actual site, but there are a few things to consider:

• If you share your phone or tablet with someone else, they will be able to see the AFF icon and possibly even access your account just by clicking on the app

• If you prefer to keep your Adult Friend Finder use hidden, consider hiding the icon within a sub-folder or within a password-protected folder

• To ensure your login credentials aren't saved, create the icon itself using your mobile browser's incognito or private browsing function

SAVE $100: As of May 28, the Dyson Airstrait is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon. That's a 31% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airstrait $399.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $100   Get Deal

When it comes to hair styling tools, Dyson may be well known for the beloved Airwrap, but it's not the only tool in its arsenal.

Products like the Airstrait still benefit from the same air technology, but target those who prefer a sleek, straight look over a bouncy blowout. And as of May 28, it's on sale for $100 less than normal. Right now it is down to $399.99, it's lowest price this year.

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The best aspect of the Airstrait is how it reduces your hair styling to one step. It's a wet-to-dry straightener, meaning it styles hair from wet to finished in one step, without the need for hot plates or extreme heat. Instead, it uses controlled airflow instead of direct heat, so it reduces damage to your hair while still smoothing and aligning hair.

It works by projecting air at a 45° angle to create the tension needed for straightening, reducing drying and styling time by around 25%, according to Dyson. It even has a smart sensing system that detects when hair is placed between the arms and adjusts airflow automatically for more efficient styling.

Find this Dyson deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $80: As of May 28, the Anker Solix C300 is on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. That's a 32% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C300 $169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80   Get Deal

The Anker Solix C300 is back on sale at Amazon and as of May 28, you can get it for $80 less than normal. It's a great option for powering your personal devices during an outage or camping thanks to its portable design, which is around 30% smaller than similar power stations, according to Anker. And right now it's down to $169.99.

This portable power station has a 300W output and 288Wh capacity, so it's ideal for keeping essential devices charged wherever you go. It features fast dual 140W bi-directional USB-C ports for high-speed charging, so it's great for phones, tablets, and laptops. It includes multiple charging options with seven ports in total, including a car socket, several USB-C outputs, and USB-A ports.

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For recharging, you have different options available. There's USB-C fast charging, solar input (panel sold separately), and car charging. And it can reach 80% battery in just one hour when using dual PD USB-C input.

It's built with a durable LiFePO4 battery system, smart temperature control, and an impact-resistant design, so it'll last for a long time. It's even backed by a three-year guarantee.

Get this portable power station deal at Amazon now.

Apple has updated the average trade-in value for some of its iPhones, iPads, Watches, and MacBooks. You could now get an extra $10 to $35 off a new device when you trade in your old one, depending upon its model and condition. Here's how much you could save.

SEE ALSO: Apple reportedly working on anti-phone snatching security feature

The tech giant has run its trade-in program since 2013, launching in the same year as the iPhone 5s. That 13-year-old phone doesn't have any trade in value now, with Apple recommending users recycle them instead. However, if you have a more recent device to trade in, you may be able to knock a few dollars off a new purchase.

As reported and compiled by MacRumors, all iPhone 16 models could now net you a higher discount. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pro, and Plus have been given a $10 bump in their estimated trade-in value, going from $685 to $695, $550 to $560, and $455 to $465 respectively. The base iPhone 16 saw a bigger $25 increase in trade-in value, going from $435 to $460.

The trade-in value of iPads has increased as well, with the iPad Pro going from $670 to $690 ($20 increase), iPad Air from $445 to $460 ($15 increase), iPad from $220 to $235 ($15 increase), and the iPad mini going from $250 to $265 ($15 increase).

Other devices that will net you more than they would have previously include the MacBook Pro ($5 increase from $685 to $690), MacBook Air ($35 increase from $485 to $520), and Mac mini ($35 increase from $340 to $375). Some Apple Watches also received adjustments, with the Ultra 2 and Series 9 both valued $10 higher ($295 to $305 and $120 to $130).

However, it isn't all good news. Some devices' trade-in values remain unchanged, such as the iMac and Apple Watch Series 10. Meanwhile, others have actually decreased, with the Apple Watch Ultra's trade-in value dropping $10 from $215 to $205. The Mac Pro, initially priced at $6000 in 2019, will now net you a $2045 discount at trade-in —  down $45 from $2090. Apple has reduced the trade-in value of many Android devices as well, including the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra ($230 to $200) and Google Pixel 8 Pro ($170 to $165).

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

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

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

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

Earth.

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

GLOBE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Queen Elizabeth's favorite dog.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 28, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CORGI

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

An amenity.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 28 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 28, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

FRILL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To guzzle.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SWILL

Final Hurdle hint

A tormentor.

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

BULLY

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

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 28, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 28, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for May 28 Pips

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (6): Everything in this space must be greater than 6. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for May 28 Pips

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 5-5, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this red space must be different. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 4-4, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for May 28 Pips

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically; 3-2, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 1-0, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 3-0, placed vertically; 2-6, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 4-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically

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

Meta officially launched paid subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp on Wednesday, giving users the option to pay a few dollars a month for extra features across its flagship apps. The company made the announcement in an Instagram post, where head of product Naomi Gleit provided an outline of the new paid "Plus" plans.

Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus run $3.99 a month, while WhatsApp Plus is slightly cheaper at $2.99, according to TechCrunch. The plans are now rolling out globally.

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For Instagram, the $3.99 gets you more control over your Stories and profile. Subscribers can see how many people rewatched a Story in aggregate, build unlimited audience lists, extend Stories past the usual 24-hour window, and preview a Story without registering as a viewer. There's also a weekly spotlight option, animated Super Heart reactions, custom app icons, customizable bio fonts, and additional profile pins.

Facebook Plus mirrors much of that, with features focused on social expression and profile customization. WhatsApp Plus takes a different angle, adding app themes, custom ringtones, premium stickers, and extra pinned chats.

As TechCrunch notes, none of these plans replace Meta Verified, which remains its own separate offering focused on account verification and protection against impersonation.

For now, Plus plans are just the start. Meta is also testing a broader subscription umbrella called Meta One, which will eventually house AI-focused tiers and professional plans for creators and businesses, perhaps tied to Muse Spark, the company's new flagship AI model. That's still in early testing phases in select markets, though.

Luxury SUV ownership is starting to feel like more hassle than it’s worth for a growing number of buyers. Between complex tech, turbocharged engines, and rising repair costs, the shine of premium badges isn’t hitting the same way it used to.

The Steam Deck OLED has been one of the best handheld gaming PCs on the market for years, but it's not the value it used to be anymore.

Valve announced that the OLED version of the Steam Deck has gotten a significant price increase, after months of being out of stock entirely. Well, it's back in stock, but you'll have to pay a lot more to get one now.

The 512GB version, which used to cost $549, is now $789. The 1TB variant, meanwhile, has gone from $649 to $949. That's one of the most substantial price increases we've seen yet for gaming hardware, amidst the ongoing global memory shortage (aka RAMageddon) that's causing everything in tech to get more pricey.

SEE ALSO: 'Yoshi and the Mysterious Book' is a clever, gorgeous Switch 2 adventure for all ages

For reference, recent PlayStation 5 price hikes put that device anywhere from $150 to $200 higher than it cost at launch. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch 2 (after less than a year on the market) got a $50 price increase earlier this month. Valve's price increases for the Steam Deck OLED are bigger than those, though they still pale in comparison to the nearly $700 price increase that Dell just applied to some of its XPS laptops.

As IGN pointed out, you can still get a refurbished model for a little less than that. Refurbished 512GB and 1TB OLED models are now $629 and $759, respectively. Meanwhile, the discontinued LCD Steam Deck (which is largely the same device with a lower-quality display) can still be obtained refurbished for as low as $279, but that's with a measly 64GB of storage.

It needs to be emphasized that, prior to the AI arms race that is driving up memory costs, it was normal for hardware prices to go down over time. Now, game consoles are cheapest at launch. Feels backward, doesn't it?

Compact SUVs have become more expensive than ever, especially as automakers push heavily toward electrification and higher-tech interiors. For many buyers, the Toyota RAV4 has traditionally been the default recommendation thanks to its efficiency and reputation for reliability. However, its latest redesign and hybrid-only approach have also pushed pricing noticeably higher, leaving room for rivals to make a strong case on value.

Before signing on as Mashable's tech editor, I reviewed the GoPro Hero12 and Hero13 Black for the site. They were both equally impressive cameras, while also being slightly underwhelming, with iterative upgrades to battery life and new software features like vertical video. Both cameras had the same GP2 processor and 1/1.9" CMOS sensor as the Hero11.

This year, instead of dropping a Hero14 Black, GoPro is introducing an entirely new line of cameras with some exciting new abilities — the Mission 1 Series. Finally, we have a new GoPro sensor and processor to play with.

GoPro Mission 1 Pro Cinematic Action Camera $699.99 at Best Buy
  Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at GoPro Shop Now at Amazon

I've just started testing the Mission 1 Pro, and like my colleague at CNET (both Mashable and CNET are owned by Ziff Davis), I'm not yet ready to render a final verdict. I can say that I've been impressed with this camera so far, and I'm excited to try and push it to the limits.

I can also tell you that while the new Mission 1 cameras solve some of GoPro's recent problems, they don't solve them all.

Meet the GoPro Mission 1 cameras Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro (the model I've been testing) launch on May 28 for $599.99 and $699.99, respectively. In Q3, GoPro will also launch the Mission 1 Pro ILS, a mirrorless version of the Mission 1 Pro with an interchangeable lens mount, allowing creators to use professional lenses with GoPro's pocket-sized, ultra-durable cameras. I bet a lot of pro photographers and videographers are excited about that one, which will also be priced at $699.99.

Both the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro introduce a new GP3 processor (finally), as well as a larger one-inch sensor with a native resolution of 7,680 x 5,760 pixels. For $100 more, the Mission 1 Pro also offers a headline-grabbing 960fps slow motion video, 8K open-gate recording, and improved low-light video. You can capture 44.2MP stills from video or take 50MP action shots.

Both cameras are noticeably larger and heavier than the latest Hero13 Black, yet they still feel like action cameras and offer all the durability and motion stabilization you expect from a GoPro.

GoPro Mission 1 Series: By the numbers Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The Mission 1 is available May 28 for $599 (or $499 for GoPro subscribers).

• New 1-inch sensor

• New GP3 processor

• Open Gate 4K120 video at 4:3

• 8K30/25 at 16:9

• Up to 8x Slo-Mo

• 4K120 at 16:9

• 50MP Photo + RAW

• HLG HDR / 10-Bit + GP-Log2

• Up to 5+ hours battery life (2,150mAh Enduro 2 battery)

The Mission 1 Pro is available May 28 for $699 (or $599 for GoPro subscribers).

• New 1-inch sensor

• New GP3 processor

• Open-gate 8K30 video (50MP) at 4:3

• Open-gate 4K120 video (12MP) at 4:3

• 16:9 video up to 8K60/50

• 960fps slow-motion video (up to 32x)

• Up to 5+ hours battery life (2,150mAh Enduro 2 battery)

• 50MP Photo + RAW

• HLG HDR / 10-Bit + GP-Log2

• Up to 5+ hours battery life (2,150mAh Enduro 2 battery)

The GoPro Mission 1 Pro with Dual Battery Charger and new Point-and-Shoot Grip. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Along with the new cameras, GoPro is also introducing new accessories, including the new GoPro Wireless Mic Complete Kit (again, finally), a Point-and-Shoot Grip for the Mission 1 Pro, a new Media Mod, an ND Filter four-pack, Protective Housing (waterproof to 196 feet/60 meters), and a Vertical Mount Adapter.

GoPro's Mission 1 Series has a lot to offer pros and creators GoPro provided this sample photograph shot on the new Mission 1 Pro. Credit: GoPro

In a briefing ahead of the launch, GoPro representatives told me that the Mission 1 Series was specifically designed to support professionals and creators who want the highest level of control over their content. For example, the cameras offer a new 240Mbps high bit-rate mode, which just so happens to be Netflix's required specs for footage.

Their reviewer's guide even helpfully includes recommended LUTs for video editing. And that's a nice and easy way to answer the question: Is the Mission 1 Series worth it for me? I'll put it this way: If you don't work with LUTs, know what GP-Log2 means, or mess around with color grading, then you probably don't need to spend the extra money to invest in the Mission 1 Series.

The GoPro Hero and MAX cameras will do you just fine.

GoPro visualization of the new one-inch sensor in the Mission 1 Series. Credit: GoPro

For pros, creators, and near-pros, the Mission 1 Pro seems mighty impressive to me so far. It's competing more with Sony vlogging cameras and BlackMagic cinema cameras than the average action cam.

The ability to shoot open-gate video in 8K and 4K will be a game-changer for a lot of folks, as will the larger sensor. So, even if I can't yet render a verdict on the new sensor and processor, if you implicitly trust GoPro, I think you can safely invest in these cinematic action cameras.

My very early hands-on impressions Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Having shot with GoPro cameras before, the Mission 1's larger sensor does seem to give you more flexibility. The Hero13 Black already featured digital lenses that let you switch the field of view, but the Mission 1 has even more input to work with. It feels a little bit like a magic trick when you instantly switch from the broad field of view of the Linear (22-27mm) lens to the classic GoPro fisheye look of the Wide (16-24mm) lens.

When editing, you can also switch back and forth from 16:9 to vertical video aspect ratios like 3:4 and 9:16. Again, that's not new with the Mission 1, but with a larger sensor and open-gate capture, you have a much larger and richer canvas to work on.

It's as easy as ever to connect your camera and upload footage in the Quik app. Credit: Screenshot: Quik app Switch from 16:9 to 9:16 in an instant. Credit: Screenshot: Quik app

Thanks to the larger sensor and new GP3 processor, the new GoPro cameras also have much improved low-light performance. And for adventure athletes, classic GoPro features like motion stabilization and horizon lock should also work better than ever, as will digital zoom and subject tracking. The touchscreen and voice controls, auto uploads over WiFi, and Quik app are all highlights for me as well.

GoPro still faces serious competition, and the Mission 1 is only a partial fix

The name "GoPro" is still synonymous with action cameras, but the company is no longer the only name in the game. In recent years, the Chinese companies DJI and Insta360 have introduced some very impressive action cameras of their own, even offering better specs in some regards.

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offered a variable aperture, Leica optics, and 8K shooting (the Hero13 Black's maxes out at 5.3K). The DJI Osmo Action 6 Pro boasts better low-light performance than the Hero line thanks to its large sensor. On top of that, DJI also makes the hugely popular Mic Mini and Mic 3.

The new Point-and-Shoot mount. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

In the last few years, I've seen DJI in particular become hugely popular with Mashable shoppers, and I've had great experiences working with the DJI Osmo Mobile gimbal, Osmo Pocket cameras, and the TikTok-famous DJI Mic Mini. And while GoPro is now releasing its own wireless mic kit, Insta360 just released a very cool-looking wireless mic with a customizable e-ink display. If you want to stick within a single product ecosystem, DJI now has a lot to offer beyond action cameras and drones.

So, while the Mission 1 Pro (and especially the upcoming Mission 1 Pro ILS) offers a boundary-pushing option for professionals and creators, for the everyday consumer, GoPro still has some hard work ahead. For instance, I'm not sure why you'd buy the new GoPro wireless mic kit unless it was part of a bundle or you're deeply brand-loyal to GoPro.

GoPro seems to be catering to its most hardcore customers, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Should you buy the GoPro Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro? Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

If you're a long-time GoPro fan looking to upgrade your camera, then the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro have a lot to offer. And with the $100 discount you get as a GoPro subscriber, these cameras are significantly more affordable.

For now, I'll say this: The Mission 1 Pro is expensive for a GoPro action camera, but it's a great price for a cinematic camera.

GoPro Mission 1 Cinematic Action Camera $599.99 at GoPro
  Shop Now at GoPro GoPro Mission 1 Pro Cinematic Action Camera $699.99 at Best Buy
  See It at Best Buy See It at GoPro See It at Amazon

A quick look at the May 2026 Sony TV releases Sony Bravia 7 II True RGB 4K TV starting at $2,099.99 (55 through 98 inches) Shop Now Sony Bravia 9 II True RGB TV starting at $3,599.99 (65 through 85 inches) Shop Now Sony Bravia Theater Trio $2,199.99 (9 speakers total) Shop Now

Sony officially unveiled its highly-awaited True RGB TVs on May 27. The Sony Bravia 7 II and Sony Bravia 9 II enter the crowded arena of fresh RGB TV releases from Samsung and Hisense, as well as the LG Micro RGB TV that's currently available to preorder. (Tell me RGB was one of the biggest TV trends at CES 2026 without telling me.)

Though Sony's flagship RGB TV announcement came later than those of the other big brands, the two new models are making up for lost time by skipping the preorder window. The Sony Bravia 7 II and Sony Bravia 9 II are both available for purchase at Sony.com and Best Buy, along with their new home audio sidekick, the Sony Bravia Theater Trio. Let's dive into the differences.

How are the True RGB TVs different than other Bravia models?

Not to be confused with the mini-LED Sony Bravia 7 or Sony Bravia 9 models without "II" on the end, the Bravia 7 II and Sony Bravia 9 II use a new type of backlighting that we've never seen from a Sony TV.

The Sony Bravia 7 II comes in six sizes. Credit: Sony The Sony Bravia 9 II comes in four sizes. Credit: Sony

The traditional LCD panels behind those mini-LED Bravia models stream blue or white LEDs through quantum dots to create color. Those hues definitely beat what you'd see from a regular LED TV without quantum dots, but mini-LEDs still don't achieve 100 percent coverage of the color gamut (the full possible spectrum of colors visible to humans).

Sony's True RGB TVs, however, draw their light from true red, green, and blue light sources — the best you could ask for in terms of color accuracy and saturation. Each of those red, green, and blue LEDs operates independently of one another, offering unprecedented picture quality across the screen. According to the press release, Sony's new RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro processor should improve brightness, reduce blooming, and produce purer color than conventional mini-LED displays.

A Sony OLED TV on the left vs. Sony's new RGB TV on the right. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

This means that the screen should appear just as vibrant to the person sitting on the far edge of the couch as the person in the middle, OLED-style. But unlike OLED TVs, these RGB TVs should be much easier to see in a sunny room.

SEE ALSO: Sony celebrates the 10th anniversary of the 1000X series with a new pair of headphones

Both Sony True RGB Bravia TVs also include Ambient Optimization, which will automatically tweak picture and audio to the current environment. From there, the Bravia 7 II and Bravia 9 II have a few key differences.

First, here's how much the Sony Bravia 7 II lineup costs:

• Sony 50-inch Bravia 7 II — $1,599.99 (coming this summer)

• Sony 55-inch Bravia 7 II — $2,099.99

• Sony 65-inch Bravia 7 II — $2,599.99

• Sony 75-inch Bravia 7 II — $3,099.99

• Sony 85-inch Bravia 7 II — $3,999.99

• Sony 98-inch Bravia 7 II — $8,999.99

Compared to the RGB flagships from Samsung, LG, and Hisense, Sony will be the only brand to offer a 50-inch RGB model. Until that size launches, the 55-inch $2,099.99 price point isn't outlandish to kick off the tier — that's less than the new 9-speaker Bravia Theater Trio Dolby Atmos system, which costs $2,199.99.

The Sony Bravia 9 II and Theater Trio. Credit: Sony

The Bravia 9 II takes bright room performance up another notch with a special set of advanced backlight controllers and Sony's new glare-free Immersive Black Screen Pro (we saw it in person, and it genuinely is glare-free). The Bravia 9 II may not be an art TV by name or wall mount, but it certainly checks off the matte screen and ambient mode boxes. And yes, Sony has its own art gallery app.

Here's how much the Sony Bravia 9 II lineup costs:

• Sony 65-inch Bravia 9 II — $3,599.99

• Sony 75-inch Bravia 9 II — $4,599.99

• Sony 85-inch Bravia 9 II — $6,499.99

• Sony 115-inch Bravia 9 II — $30,999.99 (coming this fall)

Sony is no stranger to being the most expensive TV choice in any given category, but both Bravia models seem pretty reasonably priced compared to the competition. Samsung and Hisense's two RGB tiers are slightly more affordable than Sony's, with LG's Micro RGB evo leading the pack. Though operations under Sony and TCL's partnership aren't expected until April 2027, could we already be seeing a shift toward (slightly) more affordable Sony TVs?

On the heels of what has (and still is!) been a pretty great month of May, which saw an exploding blood-bag-filled series finale of The Boys, a great new season of Citadel, John Krasinski returned to the role of Jack Ryan, and (still to come this week) Nicolas Cage is Spider Noir, Prime Video just released its lineup of June TV shows and movies to kick off the summer!