Technology

At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled iOS 26 and, along with it, the new CarPlay features that will change the way you interact with the in-car information system forever. The improved CarPlay will be available for supported iPhone users later this year, alongside the public release of iOS 26.

Based on recent trends, iOS 26 is expected to be available for public download around the middle of September this year. While everyone will be excited to try out its new features, I’m hoping Apple turns its attention to some of the more minor iPhone issues.

The 2010s might have been the end of Saturday morning network cartoons, but it was also the dawn of a new age. Cartoons of the 2010s turned to cable and streaming. With fewer restraints, it was a chance to make cartoons capable of far more than selling some toys and cramming in a moral lesson.

Elon Musk is walking it back.

The world's richest man, who just last week cheerfully announced to his 220 million X followers that Donald Trump was "in the Epstein files," has now apparently decided that a feud with the president of the U.S. might not be such a good idea.

"I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week," Musk posted on Wednesday. "They went too far."

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Musk and Trump's feud began shortly after the former left the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He'd only been out of the White House for a few days before he started publicly bashing the president's "big beautiful bill", with things quickly escalating on Thursday to the point that Musk was retweeting a call for Trump to be impeached (now un-retweeted) and Trump was threatening Musk's government contracts.

Musk has subsequently deleted the Epstein post, while Trump has said he has no plans to speak to Musk.

But hey — maybe this latest development will repair that once beautiful friendship?

SAVE $20: As of June 11, the Sonos Era 100 smart speaker is on sale for $179 at Amazon. That's 10% off its list price of $199.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Era 100 $179 at Amazon
$199 Save $20 Get Deal

It's always worth investing in a solid speaker for your home. Whether it's just for playing music or to complete a surround sound setup for watching your favorite movies or shows, it can really elevate a listening experience. Thankfully, one of my favorite smart speakers, the Sonos Era 100, is still on sale at Amazon. I think it's worth every cent.

The Sonos Era 100 has been discounted to $179 from its list price of $199 at Amazon You can choose between the black and white speakers, which have both been marked down to this price.

SEE ALSO: The Sonos Move 2 is back to its best-ever price at Amazon

This compact speaker boasts big sound that's perfect for pairing with a Sonos soundbar to create a surround sound system. I've loved using it for movie nights to feel really immersed in what I'm watching. And its compact design is a big positive, too. It can fit in a variety of different spots, which is nice for smaller living spaces so you can slot it into a bookshelf or set it up on the corner of a desk.

It's currently listed as a limited-time deal, so it may not last for long. Act fast to save on the Sonos Era 100 at Amazon.

If you want to pick up another good pairing for it, the Sonos Sub 4 is also discounted at Amazon so you can round out the surround sound setup with excellent bass.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

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

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.00 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.97 (List Price $1599.99)

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

SAVE $1,000: As of June 11, T-Mobile is giving away a free Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus for customers who trade in any phone through T-Mobile's Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plans.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Free Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus with T-Mobile Get Deal

Phone deals are the unsung heroes of the online shopping world. They don't get the spotlight like TV deals or gaming deals, but when something decent becomes available, shoppers are interested. And that makes sense because not everyone owns a PS5 or needs a massive 98-inch TV, but pretty much everyone has a phone.

So with that in mind, we're always on the lookout for strong deals on new smartphones. And we've got a doozy for you: T-Mobile is currently offering a deal that includes a free Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus. Yep, you can get your hands on this incredible smartphone for absolutely nothing.

SEE ALSO: TikTok creator Tess Gigone does it all with an iPhone and an Octobuddy

As of June 11, T-Mobile is giving away a free Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus for customers who trade in any phone through T-Mobile's Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plans. You can turn in a broken, eligible smartphone and get a new Galaxy S25 Plus for free. It sounds too good to be true, but it's legit. The only catch is that this free phone is paid out in credits through a 24-month billing cycle, so you're locked into a contract for two years.

Head to T-Mobile to get your free Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus.

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

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

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.00 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.97 (List Price $1599.99)

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

Anyone searching for a new Bluetooth speaker for home listening likely yearns for the biggest, baddest one available. The Marshall Woburn III falls squarely in that category. Plus, beyond its wireless capabilities, it can connect to a record player and TV for extended versatility.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, June 11, 2025:

AcrossFor this, you'll be swimming with the fishes

• The answer is Scuba.

Birth-related

• The answer is Natal.

"They're in for ___ awakening!"

• The answer is ARude

"Cut" shortcut, on PCs

• The answer is CtrlX.

Nairobi is its capital

• The answer is Kenya.

DownQuick bite

• The answer is Snack.

À la ___

• The answer is Carte.

Maneuver done from the left lane only

• The answer is Uturn.

In the worst way

• The answer is Badly.

Whom to tell "Turn off the lights" or "Play some music"Whom to tell "Turn off the lights" or "Play some music"

• The answer is Alexa.

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

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

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

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

Nintendo sold over 3.5 million Switch 2 consoles globally in four days, according to a company announcement on Wednesday.

Following the highly anticipated midnight launch of the Switch 2 on June 5, Nintendo said the result was "the highest global sales level for any Nintendo hardware within the first four days." According to IGN, the original Switch released in 2017 sold 2.74 million units in its first month.

Nintendo initially expected to sell approximately 15 million Switch 2 consoles by March 2026, but has since bumped the projection up to 20 million units.

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The launch of the first Nintendo handheld console in eight years on June 5 saw gamers and tech enthusiasts queuing for hours outside stores including Target, Best Buy, and Walmart to collect their preorders. Not everyone had a gleeful launch day, however, as some customers reportedly found their screens were punctured inside the box.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: All the differences I found while playing the new console

Now, customers are opting to order the Switch 2 online or try their luck in person. The Switch 2 console retails for $449.99 and adding Nintendo's new Mario Kart World brings the price up to $499.99.

Mashable's Alex Perry has our review for the Nintendo Switch 2, and a comparison between the original Switch model and the new.

SAVE $50.99: As of June 11, the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain Bundle is on sale for $349 at Amazon. That's 13% off its list price of $399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation VR2 'Horizon Call of The Mountain' Bundle (PSVR2) $349 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal

June 11 is the last day of PlayStation's Days of Play, and that means it's the last chance to take advantage of some of the great deals included in the sale event. One of the best is the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain Bundle, which is still enjoying a very nice discount at Amazon.

The PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain Bundle is on sale for $349 at Amazon. This is 13% off its list price of $399.99. If it's been on your radar, now is the time to pick it up as the deal may not last beyond Days of Play. It's well worth the investment if you're a VR fan, too.

SEE ALSO: Need more 'The Last of Us'? Save 50% on the games at Amazon

This bundle comes with everything you need to kickstart your journey with the PSVR 2, including the VR headset, two PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, a USB charging cable, stereo headphones, and a PlayStation Store voucher code for Horizon Call of the Mountain. We found a lot to love in the VR headset as well. In our PSRV 2 review, Mashable's Alex Perry called it a "huge improvement over the original," noting that the "eye tracking, device haptics, and excellent Sense controllers make it a joy to use."

Don't miss out on this exciting deal on the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain Bundle.

There are quite a few more PlayStation deals alongside this one that are worth checking out before Days of Play is over. This includes the DualSense Edge controller, which is still at its best-ever price at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

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

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.00 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.97 (List Price $1599.99)

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

The best deals to watch 'Snow White' at a glance: BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent or buy 'Snow White' on Prime Video $24.99 or $29.99 Get Deal BEST OVERALL Disney+ Premium annual subscription (no ads) $159.99 per year (save $31.89 per year) Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Disney Bundle Duo Basic (Hulu and Disney+ with ads) $10.99 per month (save $8.99 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR VERIZON FIOS CUSTOMERS Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free for 6 or 12 months with eligible Fios internet accounts (save up to $159.99) Learn More BEST FOR VERIZON WIRELESS CUSTOMERS Disney Bundle: Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $6.99 per month) Get Deal GET DISNEY+ FOR FREE Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free with the Total by Verizon $60 plan (save $15.99 per month) Get Deal

Snow White, the latest live-action reimagining of a classic Disney animated movie, has officially headed to Disney+ after a theatrical flop. If you didn't catch it in theaters, but are curious what all the squabble surrounding it is about, now's your chance to catch up from your couch.

The live-action Disney princess tale stars Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) in the titular role and Gal Gadot (Heart of Stone, Wonder Woman 1984) as the Evil Queen. And beyond simply replacing animated characters with real actors, Screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson also went back to the drawing board to modernize the storyline.

"Wilson's take on Snow White is surprisingly winsome. It delivers a familiar story with a fresh perspective and some unexpected sources of nostalgia," Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko writes.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Disney's Snow White at home.

Is Snow White worth watching?

The live-action reimagining of Snow White has been riddled with controversy since its cast was announced. Not to mention Peter Dinklage's criticism of the portrayal of dwarves in the film, which resulted in a switch from actual actors to CGI monstrosities. Despite all of this, Mashable's film editor writes that it is "both surprising and entertaining" and "a magical cinematic experience."

Audiences didn't exactly flock to the theater, which is unsurprising given the controversy, but Snow White currently holds a 72 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of the digital release. Unfortunately, most critics did not find it as enjoyable, giving the film a less-than-stellar 40 percent rating.

Still, we recommend you make up your own mind on the adaptation of 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and see it yourself.

Read our full review of Snow White.

How to watch Snow White at home Credit: Disney

While it seems like it was just in theaters, Snow White is already available to watch at home. It hit digital retailers on May 14 and has now also officially made its streaming debut, which means you'll have three different options for watching the live-action remake at home.

Buy or rent it on digital

Disney's Snow White became available to watch at home via video-on-demand on May 14, 2025, two months shy of its theatrical release. You can now purchase the film for your digital library on apps like Prime Video and Apple TV or rent it for 30 days. Just keep in mind that when you rent the film, you'll only have 48 hours to finish watching once you begin.

You can rent or purchase the film at the following retailers:

• Prime Video — buy for $29.99, rent for $24.99

• Apple TV — buy for $29.99, rent for $24.99

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $29.99, rent for $24.99

• Google Play — buy for $29.99, rent for $24.99

Stream it on Disney+

Disney+ is the streaming home of all Disney films. So it comes as no surprise that the live-action Snow White made its streaming debut on the service on June 11. Despite its dismal box office numbers, the theater-to-streaming trajectory is right on par with other recent Disney releases like Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, and Inside Out 2.

Not yet a Disney+ subscriber? Subscriptions start at $9.99 after a price hike last year, but we've rounded up a few of the best ways you can save some money on the streamer below.

The best Disney+ streaming dealsBest Disney+ deal: save 17% on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Disney+ Disney+ Premium annual subscription (no ads) $159.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal

You can save some money on a Disney+ subscription on its own by signing up for an annual plan upfront. The yearly plan without ads will cost you $159.99 per year, which breaks down to just $13.33 per month instead of the usual $15.99 per month. That's 17% or a total of $31.89 in savings. When you check out, be sure to select Disney+ Premium, then "annual" to secure the discount for the year.

Best Disney+ bundle deal: save 44% on Hulu and Disney+ Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Disney Bundle Duo Basic (Hulu and Disney+ with ads) $10.99 per month (save 44%) Get Deal

Want more bang for your buck? Disney's bundle deals are hard to beat. You can bundle Disney+ and Hulu for just $10.99 per month with ads, which basically gets you Disney+ for $1 per month (44% in savings). Or you could add Max (with ads) or ESPN+ into the mix for a three-part bundle that'll cost you $16.99 per month. Despite dealing with ads, you'll save a ton. To watch without ads, you'll have to pay an extra $9 per month for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle and an extra $13 per month for the trio bundle.

Best Disney+ trial: get 6 or 12 months free with eligible Fios accounts Opens in a new window Credit: Verizon Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free for 6 or 12 months with eligible Fios internet accounts (save up to $159.99) Get Deal

Verizon Fios home internet users on the 2 Gig Streaming or 2 Gig Complete package can score a free year of Disney+ Premium (no ads), while those on the 1 Gig Streaming or 1 Gig Complete package can get six free months. Check the eligibility terms on the Verizon website to learn more and activate the offer. Either way, your trial will give you plenty of time to watch Snow White and other Disney favorites.

Best Disney+ deal for Verizon Wireless customers: save $6.99/month on the Disney Bundle Opens in a new window Credit: Verizon / Disney+ Disney Bundle: Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $6.99 per month) Get Deal

Verizon Wireless customers can save $6.99/month on the Disney Bundle through Verizon myPlan. Just add a Disney Bundle to your account through myPlan, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The trio bundle would regularly cost you $16.99 per month, but by signing up through this myPlan deal, you'll only pay $10 per month. That's practically unheard of in the streaming world.

Best way to get Disney+ for free: get the Total Wireless $60 plan Opens in a new window Credit: Total by Verizon Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free with the Total Wireless $60 plan (save $15.99 per month) Get Deal

Total Wireless customers on the $60 per month prepaid unlimited plan are eligible to get Disney+ Premium (no ads) for free. No terms or trial periods. That's a $15.99 per month value. Just keep your account in good standing, and your Disney+ account will remain active. If you're on the $50 per month plan, you're also eligible for six free months of Disney+. You can extend your trial by upgrading to the $60 per month plan.

The best streaming deals to watch the 2025 U.S. Open live at a glance: BEST OVERALL Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99/year (save $15.89) Get Deal BEST FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS Peacock Premium free for select Xfinity users (save $7.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Peacock Premium for students $2.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal BEST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS Peacock Premium for first responders and medical professionals $3.99/month for 12 months (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR TEACHERS Peacock Premium for teachers $3.99/month for 12 months (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR MILITARY Peacock Premium for active military and veterans $3.99/month for 12 months (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR INSTACART USERS Peacock Premium free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Get Deal BEST FOR JETBLUE TRUEBLUE MEMBERS Peacock Premium free for Mosaic Status members for one year (save $79.99/year) Get Deal BEST LIVE TV INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV free 10-day trial, then $59.99/month for two months (save $46) Get Deal BEST LIVE TV STREAMING DEAL Sling TV Blue package $23 for your first month (save $23) Get Deal

It's hard to believe, but we're already halfway through 2025 major season in men's golf. The U.S. Open tees off this week at historic Oakmont Country Club, where the biggest names in golf will compete for the third major of 2025.

With 156 players in the field, punishingly thick rough, and one of (if not the) toughest courses in the world, there's sure to be a ton of highlights. Here's everything you need to know to make sure you don't miss a moment — including the 2025 U.S. Open schedule, online streaming details, TV times, and more.

When is the 2025 U.S. Open?

The 125th U.S. Open gets underway on Thursday, June 12, and runs through Sunday, June 15, in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. It will be the 10th time Oakmont Country Club has hosted the event and the first time since 2016. Coverage begins at 7 a.m. ET on Thursday and ends at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday after the final round.

Who is the favorite to win the U.S. Open this year?

World No. 1. Scottie Scheffler is the clear favorite, having just won the PGA Championship last month. But don't count out World No. 2 and Masters champion Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, or Collin Morikawa.

How to watch the 2025 U.S. OpenIf you have cable:

NBC and USA Network will broadcast the 2025 U.S. Open throughout all four rounds. USA Network will be the sole home for first-round action on Thursday, June 12, while NBC and USA Network will split coverage for the second, third, and final rounds. Those with non-traditional cable alternatives like YouTube TV or Sling can also tune into the NBC and USA coverage.

Here is the official TV schedule for cable viewers:

Thursday, June 12 — 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (USA)
Friday, June 13 — 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. (NBC)
Saturday, June 14  — 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (USA); 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, June 15 — 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (USA); 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (NBC)

If you don't have cable:

Don't have cable access? No problem. Cord-cutters can also stream the U.S. Open on Peacock (or a paid live TV subscription like YouTube TV or Sling, as noted above). Peacock is the official streaming home for the 2025 U.S. Open, with additional streaming options available via USOpen.com, the NBC Sports app, and the USGA app.

Here is the official streaming schedule:

Thursday, June 12
U.S. Open All-Access: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Peacock)
U.S. Open Round 1 Coverage: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Peacock)
Featured Groups: 7:17 a.m.; 1:02 p.m. (Peacock, USOpen.com, USGA App)

Friday, June 13
U.S. Open Round 2 Coverage: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Peacock)
U.S. Open Round All-Access: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Peacock)
Featured Groups: 7:17 a.m.; 1:02 p.m. (Peacock, USOpen.com, USGA App)

Saturday, June 14
U.S. Open All-Access: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Peacock)
U.S. Open Round 3 Coverage: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Peacock)
Featured Groups: TBD (Peacock, USOpen.com, USGA App)

Sunday, June 15
U.S. Open All-Access: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Peacock)
U.S. Open Round 4 Coverage: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Peacock)
Featured Groups: TBD (Peacock, USOpen.com, USGA App)

Best Peacock streaming dealsBest long-term Peacock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99 per year or $139.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

An annual Peacock subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only will it allow you to stream the U.S. Open this week, but it also unlocks year-round access to even more live golf — including the Women's PGA Championship, U.S. Senior Open, American Century Championship, and The Open Championship. Not to mention, if you subscribe to an annual subscription instead of monthly, you'll save about 17%. Typically $7.99 per month for a Premium account with ads, an annual subscription will drop the monthly rate to just $6.67 per month. In other words, you'll get 12 months of streaming for the price of 10.

The same goes for the Premium Plus plan without ads; while a monthly subscription would run you $13.99 per month, the price drops down to just $11.67 monthly if you pay for a year up front.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Get Deal

Are you an Xfinity customer? Check to see if you're eligible for a free Peacock Premium subscription. Here's a breakdown of eligibility:

• Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can get Peacock Premium (with ads) for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025) for free.

• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $2.99 per month for one year (save $5 per month) Get Deal

College students can score some of the best streaming deals around, including a Peacock Premium subscription for just $2.99 per month. While only valid for a year, that's still plenty of time to stream major sports events like the U.S. Open, the Tour de France, and beyond. Just prove your student status through SheerID and use the unique promo code you receive to secure the discount.

Best Peacock deal for first responders Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99 per month Get Deal

First responders and medical professionals can sign up for Peacock Premium (with ads) for just $3.99 per month. Just verify your status via SheerID and use the unique promo code you receive to drop the price by $4 per month. If you continue to meet verification qualifications, you can renew the deal annually. Just note that you'll just have to go through the process each time to receive a new promo code and secure the discount year after year. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.

Best for active military and veterans Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $3.99 per month Get Deal

Active duty U.S. military service members, Reservists, National Guard members, veterans, or U.S. military retirees can also sign up for Peacock Premium for $3.99 per month. As with the previous deals, you'll have to prove your military status using SheerID and retrieve a promotional code to activate the offer. Eligible military personnel who continue to meet requirements can redeem the deal yearly.

Best for teachers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months Get Deal

Peacock also gives teachers a chance to enjoy its content for a discount. So long as you can verify your educator status through SheerID, you can get a year of Peacock Premium for just $3.99 per month. That's $4 per month in savings or a total of $48.

Best for Instacart users Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Get Deal

Instacart+ members now get free Peacock Premium subscriptions with their membership, alongside the free grocery delivery, lower fees, and other perks. That's a $79.99 per year value included for no extra cost. Not to mention, you'll get a free two-week trial to test the waters before paying a dime. That's plenty of time to watch the U.S. Open for free — just remember to cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.

Best for JetBlue members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic status members (save $79.99) Get Deal

JetBlue TrueBlue members with Mosaic status can get their first year of Peacock Premium for free, a savings of $79.99. Don't have Mosaic status yet? You can sign up for Peacock and score an extra 1,000 TrueBlue points through July 31, 2025. Read more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.

Best live TV streaming deals

While Peacock is the most straightforward option for watching the U.S. Open for cord-cutters, it's not the only option. If you'd rather have a more long-term option for watching live sports in general, a cable alternative like Sling or YouTube TV is your best bet. Some even offer free trials, so you can watch all four rounds of the U.S. Open on NBC and USA for free, then cancel before you're charged the full monthly fee (which can be pretty steep).

Here are the best deals for watching the third gold major and more via live TV streaming. Double-check that NBC and USA are both offered in your zip code before you commit to a service.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Blue package $23 for your first month (save $23) Get Deal

Sling TV is by far the most affordable live TV streaming service out there, thanks to its a la carte model. The Blue package, which includes access to your local NBC network as well as USA Network, typically costs $46 per month. However, new users can slash 50% off their first month and pay just $23. You can add or take away from your plan with no worries and cancel or pause at any time.

Best introductory offer: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube YouTube TV free 10-day trial, then $59.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV offers a massive 100+ channel lineup, which includes your local NBC network and USA Network, as well as other local favorites for sports, news, and entertainment. We're not big fans of its $82.99 per month fee, but through July 31, the streamer is giving new users a sweet introductory offer. You'll get your first 10 days for free, then your first two months for just $59.99 per month. That's $46 in savings, should you choose to stick around.

Best free trial: Fubo TV Opens in a new window Credit: fuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99 for first month (save $30) Get Deal

Besides your local NBC network, Fubo offers the most comprehensive sports coverage of any live TV streamer. So, you can watch live sports and events long after the U.S Open ends — or not. Thanks to a seven-day free trial, you can also tune into the event and cancel before being charged. The choice is yours. Should you choose to stick around, your first month of the Pro plan will cost you $54.99. After that, the price jumps back up to full cost, which is $84.99.

Honorable mentions

• Fubo TV — 7-day trial, then $64.99 for your first month

• DirecTV Stream — $59.99 for your first month, then $89.99 per month

• Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $82.99 per month

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

Starting on June 5, gamers could finally purchase the Switch 2 console for $449.99 and the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle for $499.99 — if you could find it in stock. Costco had inventory available on June 5, and Target started selling its inventory online on June 6, but as of this writing, it's unavailable at all retailers. GameStop and Staples at least have tools that let you check available stock at nearby stores.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Buy the Switch 2 console at Target $449.99
Shop Now

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

• Buy the Switch 2 at Nintendo

• Buy the Switch 2 at Walmart — Unavailable

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

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

• But the Switch 2 at Costco — Unavailable

• Buy the Switch 2 at Target — Unavailable

• Staples — Check stock in stores

Every way to buy the Switch 2 online Credit: Nintendo

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

Place an order with Nintendo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Create a My Best Buy account and sign in

• Confirm your location

• Add the item to your cart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Popular Switch 2 accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAVE $25: As of June 11, the Amazon Echo Show 5 is on sale for $64.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 28% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 5 $64.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $25 Get Deal

For a perfect all-rounder smart home device, you can't go wrong with the Echo Show 5. A staple in Amazon's lineup, this device is super easy to use and is on sale once again at Amazon. As of June 11, you can pick up this smart assistant for $64.99, saving you $25.

The Echo Show 5 is a smart assistant with a screen. It comes with built-in Alexa, the ability to watch Netflix shows, and it even has video chat capabilities. The design is neat and nifty, with a screen size of just 5.5 inches, perfect for looking at the weather, recipes, or the time at a glance, without taking up too much space in your home.

SEE ALSO: Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Which Amazon Alexa speaker should you buy?

You can even stream music from the Echo Show, with compatibility with the most popular streaming apps, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Deezer. This model even benefits from a deeper bass and clearer vocals for a more advanced listening experience.

Not to mention, the Echo Show 5 is eco-friendly, featuring fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn and an aluminum body crafted from 100% recycled materials.

This is a limited-time deal, so head to Amazon now.

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

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

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.00 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.97 (List Price $1599.99)

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

A Bluetooth speaker is one of those devices that, once you find one you like, you won't be able to imagine how you lived without it.

Since both Bluetooth and speakers aren't exactly new technology, you'll find that this is one of the more expansive product categories (admittedly, this feels like the case for almost anything you buy these days).

Enter: the Mashable tech and shopping teams. We stay on top of the latest Bluetooth speaker releases, while also applying our audio and product testing expertise to determine when old favorites are the better choice. We spend time testing the speakers in our own homes, evaluating the balance in their sound, portability, and of course, their prices. (To learn more about how we choose the best Bluetooth speakers, check out the "How we tested" section).

Testing the JBL Charge 5 side by side with the Charge 3. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable Mashable reviewed the Sonos Move 2 after its release in 2023. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable SEE ALSO: For gym rats and picky audiophiles alike, these are the 7 best headphones of 2025

As of June 2025, our top picks include the near-indestructible JBL Charge 6, smart home-integrated Sonos Move 2, and charmingly retro (but brand new) Marshall Emberton III. You'll find many of our top-ranked portable Bluetooth speakers below, along with new additions from Anker, Beats, Sony, and Ultimate Ears.

TL;DR: Live stream South Africa vs. Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The ICC World Test Championship final has been a long time coming. Test teams have been competing in this edition of the competition since 2023, with South Africa and Australia eventually emerging as the leading sides. South Africa are making their first-ever appearance in the WTC final, whereas Australia are defending champions after defeating India in the 2023 final.

If you want to watch South Africa vs. Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is the 2025 World Test Championship final?

South Africa vs. Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final takes place on June 11-15. This Test match takes place at Lord's Cricket Ground.

How to watch the 2025 World Test Championship final for free

South Africa vs. Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can stream the WTC Final for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 World Test Championship final by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to 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 listed here

4. Visit ICC.TV

5. Live stream South Africa vs. Australia 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 aren't free, but leading VPN providers do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up for these deals, you'll be able access free live streams without actually spending anything. This is a temporary fix, but it gives you enough time to stream South Africa vs. Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to live stream the 2025 World Test Championship final, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months of coverage for free — 61% off list price. This deal includes a year of unlimited data backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025 World Test Championship final for free with ExpressVPN.

Astronomers have discovered a world outside the solar system about 240 light-years away in space that is a freak of nature. 

Somehow, a little red dwarf star only one-fifth the size of the sun gave birth to an enormous baby — an exoplanet that is a little larger than Saturn, although it weighs about half as much as our ringed gas giant. 

Discovered in a sweeping investigation of NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite data, this world, TOI-6894 b, and its host star have set a new record for their incongruous sizes. Together they are the smallest known star to have an orbiting giant planet. If there were a Guinness Book of Galactic Records, this one would have a landslide victory for the titleholder. The star, TOI-6894, is just 60 percent the size of the next smallest star with such a planet.

The pair's existence breaks all the rules of what scientists know about planet formation. 

"We don’t really understand how a star with so little mass can form such a massive planet!" said Vincent Van Eylen, a researcher at the University College London, in a statement. "By finding planetary systems different from our solar system, we can test our models and better understand how our own solar system formed." 

SEE ALSO: The Webb telescope found something exceedingly rare around a dying star NASA's TESS mission — short for Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite — was designed to find new worlds as they pass in front of their host stars. Credit: NASA illustration

Edward Bryant, who led the research team, found the behemoth first by poring over TESS space telescope data of over 91,000 small red dwarfs, aka M-type stars. Then he used the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile to reveal TOI-6894b. 

According to How to Make a Really Humongous Planet 101, it should be difficult — nearly impossible — for stars this tiny to do this. That’s because the disks of gas and dust swirling around young stars are the construction materials for planets. Small stars tend to have smaller and lighter disks.

Gas giants like our own Jupiter or Saturn need a lot of stuff to form their cores. They then are able to attract a lot more gas quickly from their surroundings to collect an atmosphere. The mechanics are called "core accretion," and it seems to work best when the building materials are plentiful.

But TOI-6894b seems to be playing by a different rulebook. It's about 53 times the weight of Earth and made partly of heavy elements, according to a paper on its discovery published in Nature Astronomy. In fact, the exoplanet is thought to have about 12 Earths'-worth of those chemicals. That’s way beyond what most small young stars are thought to have in their midst.

Some scientists don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater: Though the exoplanet doesn't fit neatly into the core-accretion model, it could have formed in a similar way but with a tweak. Perhaps this world started collecting ingredients to form its core very early in its star's life, when the disk was still chock-full of raw material. Or maybe instead of growing a large core quickly to pull in more gas in a runaway process à la Jupiter-like planets, TOI-6894b could have just kept hoarding gas and heavy elements gradually over time.  

But even that would require a bigger original supply of dust. In a survey sample of 70 disks around small stars, only five had enough material to build a planet on the scale of TOI-6894b, according to the new paper.

Another idea, called gravitational instability, suggests the disk could collapse under its own weight to create a planet directly. But the discovery team for TOI-6894 b points out that the process doesn't quite work for something the size of this exoplanet — at least according to computer simulations. 

Whatever the origin story, TOI-6894b is leading the ranks of other known gas giants orbiting small and faint stars that astronomers want to study. Scientists also have their eyes on LHS 3154 b, GJ 3512 b, and TZ Ari b. 

Small stars tend to have smaller and lighter protoplanetary disks. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech illustration

"This discovery will be a cornerstone for understanding the extremes of giant planet formation," Bryant said.

The next step for the research team is to use the James Webb Space Telescope to study the exoplanet's atmosphere, which will occur within the next year. By measuring the various materials in the planet, the researchers may be able to determine the size and structure of its core. That could answer the question of whether TOI-6894 b formed through one of the known models. 

They also have a hunch the exoplanet's atmosphere is rich in methane, something Webb could help confirm. TOI-6894 b is unusually cool for a gas giant, about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the gas giants known are "hot Jupiters," with temperatures between 1,340 and 3,140 degrees Fahrenheit. Such a discovery of a relatively chilly gas giant would be very rare, the researchers said.

"Most stars in our galaxy are actually small stars exactly like this," said Daniel Bayliss, a coauthor from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. "The fact that this star hosts a giant planet has big implications for the total number of giant planets we estimate exist in our galaxy."

If you're concerned about scams in 2025, start by monitoring your texts.

Of course, scams are everywhere because the internet has made it so easy for bad actors to do bad things. But, quite notably, the year in scams (so far) has largely been defined by text-based scams. You've likely heard about, or even received, these scams: The E-ZPass scam, the DMV scam, and the job offer scam, to name a few. And sadly, romance scams and malware trickery still abound.

Here are the big scams you need to be aware of thus far in 2025.

The E-ZPass scam text

The E-ZPass scam texts — or scams involving other similar toll services — have seemingly been the most prevalent scam in 2025. We here at Mashable initially covered the story in January and updated with readers on the scammers' latest tactics and targets in May.

The TL;DR is that scammers send a text falsely claiming you have unpaid tolls, often creating a sense of urgency by threatening to suspend your license or enact some other severe punishment. Oftentimes, the text includes a link and, to be very clear: Do Not Click Any Links (or copy-paste a broken URL into another browser).

SEE ALSO: E-ZPass and toll scam texts are everywhere. What to do if you're targeted.

If you're curious about the scam texts, they typically looking something like the examples embedded below and are often sent from random phone numbers or email addresses.

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

In general, it's best to not engage with scams at all. That means do not click links, do not respond to the text, or do not start a chat on some other messaging service. If you have any concerns about an outstanding toll bill, the Federal Trade Commission recommends contacting your local agency directly. It's worth noting that the tolling agencies will not send a bill via text and will not threaten to suspend your license. If you get a scam E-ZPass text, you should just delete it and report it as junk, which is an option for most phones.

DMV scams

Another common scam in 2025 is the DMV text scam. It's effectively a close cousin to the E-ZPass scams described above.

The text itself is a near copy-paste from the E-ZPass scam. DMV offices in states like California, Florida, and New York issued warnings that scammers would spam people with texts claiming to be from the DMV, falsely saying the driver had unpaid tickets and their driver's license was in jeopardy. These are fake and should be treated exactly the same as the E-ZPass tolls.

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

A relatively recent scam that's become more popular involves fake job offers, often from the popular job site Indeed. As we covered at Mashable, the scammers send a text saying the receiver has been offered a job, often claiming to be an employer on Indeed or the company Indeed itself.

The offer is fake. Instead, the bad actors often try to get folks to click a bad link or strike up a conversation on a platform like WhatsApp or Telegram. If you receive one of these texts, do not respond or converse with the scammers. Obviously, do not send any personal information. Indeed also recommends blocking the number and reporting the issue to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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

While lots of scams this year relied on text messages, Facebook still had its fair share of issues. The FTC had to issue a consumer warning, for instance, about fake Joann Fabric ads on platforms like Facebook and Pinterest that directed folks to fake websites promising amazing, going-out-of-business deals. Joann is going out of business, but all the sales, the FTC noted, were in person and not online. The scam seemed to be targeting shoppers who weren't experienced with common online pitfalls.

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

The classic wrong number scams made a resurgence in 2025, thanks to artificial intelligence. AI has allowed scammers to more easily carry on conversations with people, earning their trust over time in order to steal from them. Sure, the scam might begin with a wrong number, but the idea is to make the person feel like they know you — then they find a way to take your money.

Wrote Mashable's Chance Townsend about stopping these scammers:

"The simplest and most effective way to protect yourself? Don’t respond. If a text pops up from 'Emily from the gym' or 'Daniel from the yacht club' and you have no idea who that is, ignore it. If the number’s from an unfamiliar area code or a region you’ve never set foot in — ignore it. That’s it. No need to engage, correct them, or play along. Just block the number and move on."

Fake IRS scams

As Mashable's Chase DiBenedetto covered in detail, scammers have increasingly fooled folks by posing as IRS agents chasing down taxes. Nearly one-quarter of Americans have been the victim, or know someone who was a victim, of a tax scam, according to a 2025 survey by McAfee.

How scammers carry out the scheme varies, but typically speaking they approach victims claiming they owe unpaid taxes. Before victims have the time to think it through, they pay up. It's important to know that the IRS conducts such business only through certified mail. So if you get a call or text about unpaid taxes, it is by definition a scam.

"Pig butchering" crypto and romance scams

Excuse the, well, graphic name, but a common 2025 scam has been labeled "pig butchering." The idea is the scammers get close to people in order to "fatten them up" and take them for all they're worth. The Secret Service warned that these scams often prey on people by catfishing them into a romantic relationship then taking their money via crypto schemes., which makes this a variation on a classic romance scam.

The Secret Service wrote: "Pig butchering scams involve fraudsters gaining the trust of victims, oftentimes via a fictitious romantic relationship, and duping them into making investments into fake cryptocurrency projects. These schemes typically begin with a victim meeting someone on an online dating website"

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

We all struggle with tech at times — it can feel so frustrating when something you need to work just won't. Or we fret over losing access to our devices, or that people might steal our money over the internet. Scammers are preying on that fact. They've begun posing as some kind of tech or security support in order to convince people — often elderly folks with savings — to give up their money.

These scams come in a number of forms. The FTC warned, for instance, that some scammers use aggressive pop-ups claiming to be security alerts from Microsoft, Apple, or Geek Squad. They claim users have an urgent problem that they can "fix" for a cost. In a variation of this scam, people will receive an email notification that their Geek Squad account is about to renew for an exorbitant price. When users call "Geek Squad" to cancel, the scammers steal their financial information.

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

Other cases have shown elderly folks being told to deposit money into crypto accounts to "fix" an urgent computer issue. A woman in Michigan, for instance, was conned out of $30,000 by bad actors pretending to be an internet security company. Police in Texas prevented another scam in progress where a woman was all set to fork over $20,000 after a scammer contacted her about a "virus" on her computer. These scams, like many others, rely on urgency and pressing people to act quickly. It's important to always take time to assess the situation and be especially wary of any payments that require using crypto or gift cards.

Clearly, 2025 has already been littered with scams. As always, stay vigilant throughout the next six months.

Have a story to share about a scam or security breach that impacted you? Tell us about it. Email submissions@mashable.com with the subject line "Safety Net" or use this form. Someone from Mashable will get in touch.

TL;DR: Live stream Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 3) in the 2025 NBA Finals for free on YouTube. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 NBA Finals are really heating up, with the score tied at 1-1 after two games. The action moves to Indiana for the next two matches, with fans eager to see how these talented sides match up. Will SGA continue to dominate? Or will Haliburton and Siakam take over in front of a passionate Pacers support?

If you want to watch Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 3) in the 2025 NBA Finals for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 3)?

Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 3) starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on June 11. This game takes place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

How to watch Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 3) for free

Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 3) in the 2025 NBA Finals is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

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

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

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit YouTube

5. Watch Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 3) for free

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for YouTube?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including India

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 3) for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Enjoy personalized virtual piano lessons with a lifetime subscription to Skoove, an AI-powered app, now for just $119.99 (reg. $299.99) with code SAVE20 through July 20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $119.99
$299.99 Save $180 with code SAVE20 Get Deal

Gone are the days of boring piano lessons you dread every week. Skoove brings learning to you with AI-powered lessons that fit your busy schedule. All you need is a tablet or smartphone, a keyboard, and the app.

Just in time for summer, you can score a lifetime subscription to Skoove for just $119.99 (reg. $299.99) with code SAVE20 through July 20.

Join over 1 million people learning piano with Skoove

Whether you’re totally new to tickling the ivories or have a little piano experience under your belt, Skoove is ready to school you on piano playing with its virtual lessons. Just supply the keyboard and hop on the app to get started. Skoove will provide curated feedback and useful resources as you go.

You’ll have access to over 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos. As you play, Skoove listens, recognizes your notes, and provides real-time feedback, thanks to the power of AI.

There are no boring songs to memorize — Skoove lets you practice with songs that you like. Start playing with pop tunes from Adele or John Legend, or, if you prefer classics, you can work on some Bach or Beethoven. You won’t run out of song options thanks to monthly updates.

Skoove’s interactive AI is always there for you, but if you feel you need a little backup, don’t worry. Skoove’s music instructors are also available for one-on-one support.

Start your piano journey this summer with this lifetime subscription to Skoove, now for just $119.99 (reg. $299.99) with code SAVE20 through July 20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.