Technology

SAVE $70: As of May 14, the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) is on sale for $359 at Amazon. That's down from its list price of $429, saving you 16%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) $359 at Amazon
$429 Save $70 Get Deal

There have been some great deals lately on a wide variety of Apple products. If you've had your eye on the brand's smartwatches, you're in luck as a few are still discounted to low prices. In particular, the Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale at Amazon right now, allowing you to pick it up for under $400.

The Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) has received a 16% discount that has dropped its price from $429 to $359, allowing you to save $70. There are a few color options marked down to this price as well, so you can choose between the jet black aluminum case with a black sport band, the rose gold aluminum case with a light blush sport band, or the silver aluminum case with a denim sport band.

SEE ALSO: This is not a drill: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Whether you want it for working out or to just stay on top of your general health and wellbeing, the Apple Watch Series 10 boasts plenty of features to help you out. Not only does it include heart rate and sleep tracking, it also comes with a Training Load feature that helps you keep track of the intensity of your workouts, Activity Rings (which are useful for keeping track of calories and movement), and safety features like Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS. All of this comes on top of a bigger display than its predecessors and a comfortable design that you can easily wear on the go.

If you've been hoping to pick up the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm), now is a great time to do it.

Another one of our favorite deals at the moment is also over at Amazon, where you can score the iPad mini for under $400.

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

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

China's ZTE's got a new flagship phone, the ZTE Nubia Z70S Ultra, and it's coming to the U.S. So what does that have to do with the iPhone 18? Hear me out.

ZTE's phones don't always reach U.S. shores, which is a pity as the company has been producing excellent smartphones for more than a decade. The new ZTE Nubia Z70S Ultra is a good example of that: It's an absolute powerhouse of a phone, with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip inside, 12 or 16GB of memory, a triple, 50/64/50-megapixel camera sensor on the back, and a monster, 6,600mAh battery.

The phone has a 50-megapixel wide camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera that doubles as a macro camera, and a 64-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. Credit: ZTE

And, according to Android Police, the Nubia Z70S Ultra will be available in the U.S., as well as Europe and other global markets.

From the back, the phone looks like a compact camera, and ZTE sells a Retro kit that actually makes it look just like a camera, with additional physical controls for photographers.

Less is more. Credit: ZTE

But the Nubia Z70S Ultra's biggest highlight is its display. It's a 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a 2,688 x 1,216 pixel resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and no camera cutout of any kind. That's right, the display is just an uninterrupted rectangle, with no notches, islands, punch-holes, or anything else that gets in the way of viewing. Add to that the super-slim bezels surrounding the display, and you get a phone that finally offers a zero-distraction display.

The optional retro kit really turns the phone into a compact camera. Credit: ZTE

The 16-megapixel selfie camera is there, of course, but it's hidden beneath the display — a technology that's been around for a while but somehow never reached the mainstream. Now, we've heard word that Apple is working on an under-display Face ID system for its iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max phones, paving the way for an iPhone with a fully uninterrupted display. So, if you want to see what that's like, checking out ZTE's new Nubia phone is probably your best bet.

SEE ALSO: New leak gives fresh info on 'all-screen' iPhone

The ZTE Nubia Z70S Ultra is actually cheaper than the iPhone, too: It starts at $780 (€770 in Europe), and there's a $40/€40 discount if you pre-order it by May 28, which you can do here.

SAVE OVER $99: As of May 14, the iPad mini (128GB, WiFi, A17 Pro) is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon. That's down from its list price of $499, saving you 20%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) $399.99 at Amazon
$499 Save $99.01 Get Deal

If you've been looking to invest in an iPad, now is a good time to do it. The Apple iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip has received a very nice discount at Amazon that has dropped its price below $400.

The iPad mini (128GB, WiFi, A17 Pro) is currently on sale for $399.99. This is 20% off its list price of $499 and only $0.99 away from its lowest-ever price.

SEE ALSO: The new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are over $50 off at Amazon

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, this iPad mini packs plenty of power into a small build. It's a perfect portable pick to take on any trips you've got planned in the coming months. It has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and 128GB of storage so you can stock it up with plenty of apps to keep you busy. We even consider it the best iPad for reading.

Don't miss out on the iPad mini (128GB, WiFi, A17 Pro) for $399.99 at Amazon.

If you're curious to see tablet deals outside of Apple, you can also score a discount on the Fire HD 10 tablet at Amazon right now.

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

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

It's been a bad few years for tech layoffs, and it looks like the trend is only getting worse.

On Tuesday, Microsoft confirmed a CNBC report that it will be laying off three percent of its workforce. Given that the tech giant had around 228,000 employees as of June 2024 (per the news outlet), that amounts to roughly 6,000 members of staff.

SEE ALSO: After mass layoffs, IRS to plug holes with AI

Microsoft reported better-than-expected results in its last quarterly report. In an email to Mashable, a spokesperson outlined that reducing layers of management and streamlining processes are some of the reasons behind the cuts.

“We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace," the statement read.

These layoffs are just the latest in a long line that have rocked the big tech sector in recent years. A few months back Meta laid off a number of employees as part of a shift to AI, while last summer Intel laid off between 15,000 and 19,000 staff as part of an effort to hit $10 billion in cost savings for 2025.

It's only been two years since Microsoft itself laid off 10,000 staff members, reducing headcount by almost five percent in 2023.

SAVE $140: As of May 14, the roborock Q7 Max Robot Vacuum and Mop is on sale for $159.99 at Amazon. This is 47% off its list price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock Q7 Max Robot Vacuum and Mop $159.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $140 Get Deal

With the weather getting warmer, the last thing you want to think about is cleaning when you want to spend time outside. If you're looking for a little extra help, a robot vacuum is a great investment. Thankfully, there are some awesome deals available right now on various models, including the roborock Q7 Max at Amazon.

The roborock Q7 Max Robot Vacuum and Mop has received a 47% discount at Amazon that's dropped its price from $299.99 to $159.99. Amazon currently has it listed as a limited-time deal, so there's no better time than now to add this to your virtual shopping cart and save some cash.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 20+ robot vacuums and these are the only ones I'd buy in 2025

Boasting 4,200 Pa suction, the roborock Q7 Max will breeze across your floors picking up any dirt, dust, or hair. And with the mop, you can feel content knowing your harder surfaces are getting a deep clean as well. It also has a great battery life that can go up to 180 minutes on a single charge.

This limited-time deal may not last for long, so act fast to get 47% off the roborock Q7 Max Robot Vacuum and Mop at Amazon.

Looking for more robot vacuum deals? Right now you can also save on the Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum at Amazon or you can score the Dreame L40 Ultra robot vacuum at an incredible discount.

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

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

SAVE OVER $100: As of May 14, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is on sale for $373.07 at Amazon. That's a saving of 25% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 955 $373.07 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $126.92 Get Deal

Garmin is one of the most recognizable names in the fitness tracker game. With watches for lifestyle, beginner athletes, serious endurance athletes, and everything in between, you can find a smartwatch for all abilities and needs.

For runners, there's the beloved Forerunner range. And I can't help but share my love for the Forerunner 955, my favorite Garmin that's now on sale at Amazon. As of May 14, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is reduced by over $125, saving you 25% on list price. This deal is for the black, non-solar watch.

SEE ALSO: The best Garmin in 2025

The 955 has a lot to boast about. The tracking features and training tips are seemingly endless. My favorite features are the training readiness, training load, HRV, and sleep monitoring, so you can schedule your training according to your recovery and body readiness. If you love data like me, you'll love this watch.

The battery life is also incredibly impressive, and a welcome feature for anyone who likes to get up and run without planning a charge beforehand. It can last up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode. The 955 also supports full GPS tracking, which makes runs, rides, and even open-water swims incredibly accurate. And for swimming, it has 5 ATM water resistance.

Unlike some of the newer models, it doesn't offer an AMOLED display. However, I've found that the colors are still vibrant and bright.

Head over to Amazon to grab this deal while it's still live.

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

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

Before a Soviet-era spacecraft intended for Venus crashed back to Earth over the weekend, German astronomers watched it tumble through space. 

As Kosmos 482 took its last laps, a German radar station spotted the uncrewed landing capsule passing over its antenna. The station, the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR, has combined its observations with an image of a similar capsule to show the spacecraft's orientation and features in the radar reflection. 

The data, presented as a GIF farther down in this story, helped the European Space Agency track the probe in its final hours, though its final resting place — most likely a watery grave — is still unknown. 

If it indeed plunged into the Indian Ocean as some computer simulations have suggested, "only the whales and albatross saw it," said Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek in a post on X.

SEE ALSO: Stunning video reveals Jupiter's roiling auroras. See it now. A predecessor to the lost Soviet spacecraft, either the Venera 5 or Venera 6 capsule, is being prepared for launch in January 1969, in this still image taken from the film "The Storming of Venus." Credit: Sovfoto / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

The Venera mission, which launched from Kazakhstan on March 31, 1972, failed long before the Soviet Union could attempt to touch down on Venus. Because of a propulsion problem, it never escaped Earth's orbit. A half-century later, the landing capsule was predicted to reenter the atmosphere. That day arrived on Saturday, May 10.

Space debris and expired satellites often fall back to Earth inconsequentially, mostly burning up on the way down. Whatever survives often plummets into an ocean, never to be found. 

This anticipated-yet-uncontrolled reentry was to be exceptional, though: It grabbed the attention of researchers and military officials because of its potential to survive the journey mostly intact. After all, the 1,000-pound spacecraft was built to withstand the harsh environment of an alien planet — the hottest in the solar system, in fact. Venus' climate could melt lead, and the atmospheric pressure is 75 times that of Earth.

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Watch the GIF of the tumbling Soviet spacecraft in the above X post. Credit: Fraunhofer FHR

Fraunhofer FHR was likely the last to see Kosmos 482. It passed about 62 miles overhead on May 10, at 8:04 a.m. CEST, according to the station.  When the object was not detected again one orbit later, at 9:32 a.m. CEST, researchers reasonably assumed the landing or splashdown occurred between those two times.

A tracking and imaging radar like the one used by the German station is a way to observe space, but it's not a telescope. It uses radio waves instead of light to study objects, such as satellites, debris, and meteors. 

Exactly where and when this Cold War space race relic died is unclear, as it seems there were no eyewitnesses to the fall. The Russian Space Agency Roscosmos said it plummeted over the Indian Ocean, west of Jakarta, Indonesia, at 9:24 a.m. Moscow time, according to a Telegram post, and NASA appears to be accepting of that data. Other reports, some based on earlier predictions, varied. 

The U.S. Space Command, which tracks reentering space objects, has not confirmed any reports or provided its own data on Kosmos 482. An information request from Mashable wasn't answered Tuesday.

TL;DR: Play thousands of games from Nintendo, Sega, and beyond on the Retropian handheld console, only $79.99.

Gaming used to be more portable. Sure, the Switch and Switch 2 are technically portable, but they’re kind of bulky, and that’s a pretty expensive piece of tech to be carrying around in a backpack all day. That’s why third-party portable consoles are finally becoming more popular. The Retropian is an excellent example because it looks like an old-school Game Boy with some modern improvements, including over 10,000 pre-loaded retro games across different generations of consoles. The best part is it’s still only $79.99 (reg. $129).

Portable gaming is back

The Retropian Color really leans into nostalgia, but it doesn’t feel like a cheap knockoff. Its 3.5-inch IPS display is sharp and colorful, so even pixel-heavy games from the ‘80s and ‘90s look great. Whether you’re diving into SNES classics, reliving your favorite PlayStation 1 games, or checking out obscure Sega titles, everything runs smoothly thanks to the open-source Linux system running behind the scenes. And if the preloaded library isn’t enough, you can expand it easily with a microSD card.

Remember when you used to carry around an extra set of AA batteries? Not anymore. The Retropian gives you up to six hours of play, which is more than enough for a long flight, road trip, or lazy afternoon on the couch. Charging is fast and easy with USB-C, so you’re not stuck waiting forever to get back in the game.

Multiplayer is another cool bonus. The console has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so you can link up with friends for some classic two-player action. And despite its small size, it feels solid in your hands, with a familiar button layout that makes switching between old Nintendo, Sega, and arcade titles feel natural.

Bring your favorite games with you anywhere.

Get the Retropian Color Handheld Gaming Console while it’s on sale for $79.99.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change

Opens in a new window Credit: Retropian Retropian Color Retro Handheld Gaming Console $79.99
$129 Save $49.01 Get Deal

Around a year ago, I deleted all my dating apps. After eight first dates in a row and a period of inactivity on the apps, I decided if I couldn't find love in real life, then perhaps I didn't want it. 

Fast forward to spring 2025, and I am still off the dating apps but am admittedly feeling less certain about my scorched-earth approach. However, one thing remains crystal clear in my mind: the desire not to embark on a relationship with someone whose political views feel incompatible with my own. 

SEE ALSO: The hidden consequences of being banned from dating apps

My memories of my time on the apps aren't exactly enticing me to re-download them anytime soon. There was the fan of misogynistic influencer Andrew Tate, not to mention the paranoid conspiracy theorist — both of whom I met on Hinge. 

It goes without saying that online dating doesn't occur in a vacuum. We are living in a ferociously polarised political climate, and this is undoubtedly having reverberations on people's love lives. I spoke with daters and dating experts about how, like me, many singles are now refusing to date someone with contrasting political beliefs — at a time when the divide is starker than ever.

Politically divided online and on dating apps

The importance of a date's politics isn't just anecdotal — it's proven by research. 

Pre-Inauguration Day data from the dating app Hily, which polled 5,000 mostly straight Gen Z and millennial Americans, found that around four in ten American women have strong political beliefs, and a third would turn down a date over political differences. While around the same proportion of men hold strong political views, just one in ten would forgo a date if their political views did not align. 

Researchers also found nearly half of American women wouldn't date someone who voted for the "other side" in the last election — a higher proportion than the one in five men. Meanwhile, May 2025 research from OkCupid shows six in ten women around the world would like to have the same political views as their match. In the U.S. alone, this proportion rises to nearly seven in ten. 

And if we take a look at some older data, it appears that the importance we place on politics when dating has been rising for some time. Interestingly, research from the dating platform Match, which polled over 5,000 singles, discovered that around eight in ten singles in the U.S. said they would date someone who voted for the opposite political party in 2015, but only around half of singles said this in 2019. You cannot help but wonder if Donald Trump's 2016 presidential election triumph may have something to do with this. 

On both sides of the pond, in both the U.S. and the UK, 2016 was a pivotal year, which has gone on to define the political landscape in the near-decade that ensued. In both the lead-up to and the aftermath of the 2016 Brexit vote in the UK, politics became more fraught and divided, causing tensions and cracks in relationships, both new and old. 

Today, the political landscape feels more frenzied and fractured than it has in decades. With Trump back in the White House for a second time running after what was the wildest political comeback in modern American history, fears about the wave of human rights abuses infesting the so-called free world and beyond are swelling. Meanwhile, the growing influence of misogynistic social media personalities in the manosphere causes a parallel anxiety.

Just a couple of decades ago, many would have considered it a faux pas to ask someone who they voted for on a date. What was once considered an impolite question is now regarded as a relationship dealbreaker. Asking a date about their political views in both the U.S. and the UK has become routine. What's more, you can now use dating apps to eliminate individuals with certain political views from your screens. 

"Historically, people were much more willing to date across the political divide than they are now," Dr. Natasha McKeever, a lecturer in applied ethics who co-directs the Centre for Love, Sex and Relationships at the University of Leeds, explains. "People in general are more politically divided."

Online dating enables people to clearly express their preferences for a partner before meeting them in person, she explains. "We might say 'no Tories,' which means we wouldn't have a conversation with someone who was a Tory," she says. (In the UK, a 'Tory' is a supporter of the Conservative Party.) "But pre-online dating, if you are meeting someone at a bar, you might not know which party they vote for, so you may be more open. There are now all sorts of political issues that people are divided over."

Chloe's* experience with dating apps has changed as the political climate has grown more polarised. The 32-year-old goes so far as to say that looking for love as a progressive woman living in Houston, Texas is like "walking through a political minefield."

"Pre-online dating, if you are meeting someone at a bar, you might not know which party they vote for, so you may be more open. There are now all sorts of political issues that people are divided over." - Applied ethics lecturer Dr. Natasha McKeever

"Houston is a city that technically votes blue — so, votes Democratic — but very much swims with conservative undercurrents. Just because it is such a largely densely populated city with so many smaller towns outside of the city that are predominantly conservative," Chloe, who uses dating apps Hinge and Raya, tells me.

As Donald Trump's MAGA movement has further swelled in the past two years, Chloe has come across more conservative men who describe themselves as politically moderate on dating apps. In her view, these men are either downplaying or outrightly hiding their true political views. "I'm not sure if it's more of a subtle form of manipulation or trying to one-up a liberal woman," she adds. 

Chloe, who works in global social justice, explains she is very vocal about her political views from the outset when dating, like asking men about their politics to ensure compatibility. "I've had everything from guys saying that they're moderate and then later on finding a MAGA hat or they like Trump posts on Instagram," she explains. 

SEE ALSO: Sick of dating apps? Try a dungeon sound bath instead.

Recounting the incident where she found a MAGA hat sitting on the dashboard of the car of a man she was dating, she questions whether he deliberately placed the cap there to see how she would respond. "I just remember immediately looking around to see if anybody could see it because this hat is a sign of hatred for me," Chloe adds. "I felt completely mortified. Sitting in that car, I know I didn't, but I felt like I had somehow betrayed all of my own values."

Chloe says she has encountered men on dating apps who she describes as "shy" Trump supporters who take a traditionally conservative approach to the economy but claim they are socially liberal. "Who votes for their own self-interest and directly votes against the rights of others," she adds. Chloe explains she is looking to date a man who votes Democrat, as politics is deeply important to her. "It's more than policies," she says. "Politics means more. This is about real people and about whether you are an empathetic person. Do you have compassion for others? Do you care about the rights, the dignity, and the equality of all people?"

How the ideological gender gap impacts dating

Chloe isn't the only one facing difficulty finding someone like-minded. Research has found the ideological gap between young men and women is growing, with the former becoming more socially conservative. A study from anti-fascism organisation Hope Not Hate, which polled around 2,000 people in the UK aged between 16 and 24, found that 41 percent of young men support Andrew Tate, while 12 percent of young women do. 

As the influence of the far right and misogynistic social media personalities grows, misinformation and disinformation spread online, and the so-called culture wars ramp up, it would be naive and foolish not to recognise that these issues are going to have an impact on the dating landscape.

I could see and feel this before I deleted the apps, scrolling past a fair few profiles of men who appeared to hold misogynistic views. Well, at least, if the declarations on their Hinge profiles were anything to go by. Take the profile of the man who said women should not take the contraceptive pill as it damages their health, or the one who depicted virtually all women as gold-diggers.

"I've never swiped right on anybody who identifies as conservative," Sarah*, who uses dating apps Hinge, Bumble, and Tinder, tells me. "If their profile says moderate, I'm open to it. But if they are moderate [and] Christian, I swipe left."

The 29-year-old, who lives in Indiana, explains that she identifies as a liberal, but most of the people she encounters on dating apps are conservative. She says she has been surprised by how many men who she assumed were liberal — some of whom she describes as dressing like hipsters — turned out to be conservatives.

"I've never swiped right on anybody who identifies as conservative." - Dater Sarah

"You start having a conversation and they are arguing with you even though they are saying they agree with you," Sarah explains. She encounters dating profiles where men openly call out "lib-tards" or ask liberals not to swipe right, she says, as well as scrolling past profiles where men are wearing MAGA-branded merch or clothing that says "Back the Blue" to indicate their support for the police (at a time when the reality of police brutality has become more public).

Unsurprisingly, she also encounters these issues in the workplace as she is a couples therapist. "I've definitely had couples that have differing beliefs and values, whether it's because they are straight up politically different or two liberal people can be really different if one of those liberal people was raised by conservatives," she says. "That stuff is still part of your belief system, whether you realise it or not."

Sarah says she has met a lot of women who end up in relationships with conservative men, as they felt this was their only option. "It's really important to talk about politics and values really early on in the dating process because once you have kids and those values start getting put into practice, you might find that it's just really difficult to reach common ground."

Ammanda Major, who worked as a sex and relationships therapist for almost three decades in the UK, but is now head of clinical practice at UK relationships charity Relate, says people often seek a partner who holds similar beliefs to their own, as this creates harmony. "But equally, I think it can sometimes go too far where it becomes difficult to hear alternative views," she adds.

SEE ALSO: Why are read receipts so triggering?

Jo*, from Buckinghamshire in the UK, recalls going on a drunken date with a man during the COVID pandemic. Although politics did not come up when they first met, five minutes into their second date, she realised he held ultra-conservative views and saw anyone who claimed benefits as a scrounger. "It got quite heated quite quickly and I'm quite outspoken and then I left," the 33-year-old student recalls. "He kept messaging me afterwards as well, being like, 'Can we have another try?'"

It probably will not surprise you that Jo did not go on a third date with him. For some, Jo's refusal to persevere will be seen as symptomatic of political intolerance. Others will feel she made a lucky escape, understanding and empathising with her decision. 

To me, it feels impossible to extricate many of our political beliefs from our values and our wider worldview — two things which feel like they need to be, for the most part, aligned for a relationship to deepen and flourish. How do you simply agree to disagree when someone is downplaying, or worse still, spewing misogynist, racist, classist, transphobic, homophobic, ableist, xenophobic vitriol? This is a problem more and more daters are being forced to contend with.  

*Names have been changed to protect identities

TL;DR: Boost your productivity with an extra screen thanks to this AOC 15.6-inch USB 3.0 Portable HD LED Monitor, now on sale for just $49.99 (reg. $124.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: AOC AOC (E1659FWU) 15.6-inch USB 3.0 Portable HD LED Monitor (Open Box) $49.99
$124.99 Save $75 Get Deal

In need of a little work motivation? How about sprucing up your workspace with a second monitor?

The AOC 15.6-inch USB 3.0 Portable HD LED Monitor can provide just the productivity boost you need, offering more screen space and allowing you to multitask more efficiently. And right now, an open-box model is on sale for just $49.99, or $75 off the usual price tag.

Work more efficiently for just $50

From daydreaming about upcoming vacations or counting down the days until Summer Fridays begin, if you’re falling into a work slump, you’re not alone. This AOC Portable Monitor provides 15.6 extra inches that can help you reduce tedious window switching and multitask more efficiently.

This LED backlit screen provides crisp visuals thanks to a sharp 1366×768 resolution, and a 16:9 aspect ratio offers a vertical viewing area that’s perfect for checking out spreadsheets, documents, and work pages.

Add this monitor to your work-from-home setup. It’s lightweight and ultraslim, so it can tag along anywhere to help you get things done. Thanks to its single USB 3.0 cable, you won’t even need an additional power source.

The 60Hz refresh rate allows for clear visuals and smooth transitions, while the 200cd/m² brightness level keeps things readable in any lighting condition. And a built-in stand allows the monitor to rotate 90 degrees between portrait and landscape modes for more flexible viewing angles.

You’re securing a 60% off discount on this monitor thanks to its open box status, which means it was probably excess inventory off store shelves. Before it hits your doorstep, it will be verified to be brand new and placed in clean packaging.

Enjoy better efficiency with the AOC 15.6-inch USB 3.0 Portable HD LED Monitor, now only $49.99 (reg. $124.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Take care of your online security with a limited time lifetime subscription to FastestVPN Pro Plan, now just $34.97 for coverage on 15 devices (reg. $600) through June 1.

Ready to start taking your online security more seriously? FastestVPN is an easy and affordable way to protect you and your loved ones from these invisible threats, and you can currently score a Pro Plan lifetime subscription that safeguards up to 15 different devices for just $34.97 (reg. $600) now through June 1. But act fast, this plan is only available for a limited time.

Outfit your devices with a VPN for less than $3 each

It can be hard to take your online security seriously, especially since it’s an invisible threat. But hackers and cybercriminals are always hard at work, and your personal data is at risk if you don’t take the right precautions. FastestVPN is an affordable way to secure your devices, as it lets you browse the web safely and anonymously.

Choose from more than 900 high-speed servers worldwide, allowing you to hide your real location. Once you’re up and running, you can take advantage of the reason FastestVPN got it’s name — 99% uptime and minimal downtime or interruptions in service. You’ll also enjoy their WireGuard protocol, which offers secure, unhindered speeds with 10GPBS fastest servers so you won’t have to deal with annoying buffering.

An internet kill switch makes sure your real IP address is never exposed, even if you lose your connection. There’s also a dedicated IP option that provides a static IP address to protect your online activities with just a click.

If you’re particularly concerned about your data, you can rest easy knowing your info is secured with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. And if privacy is very important, know that FastestVPN has a strict no-logging policy, so they won’t have any access to your info.

This lifetime subscription to a FastestVPN Pro Plan provides permanent security for 15 different devices. And it’s only being offered for a limited time, so you should take advantage of this deal while it lasts. You’ll also secure a one year subscription to a password manager to help you keep tabs on your important details.

Take advantage of this limited time offer on a lifetime subscription to FastestVPN Pro Plan for $34.97 now through June 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: FastestVPN FastestVPN PRO: Lifetime Subscription (15 Devices) $34.97
$600 Save $565.03 Get Deal

SAVE $31: As of May 14, Beats Fit Pro are on sale for $168.95 at Amazon. That's a 16% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Fit Pro $168.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $31 Get Deal

If you want a quality pair of earbuds for a great price, Beats is always a good choice. And the best of the bunch for me, the Beats Fit Pro, are on sale at Amazon for their lowest price this year.

As of May 14, you can save 16% on these earbuds, reduced to $168.95. This deal is specific to just the stone purple. However, for just $1 extra, you have the option of black, white, and sage grey.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Sony, and more

With these earbuds, you'll get sound quality that is second to none. It's incredibly immersive, not to mention powerful, and some of the best I've experienced. The noise cancellation modes are stellar, with several options on how much you want to block out surrounding noises (full cancellation, transparency, etc). This is great for outdoor activities such as running when you want to hear your music but also stay aware of those around you.

They also boast a seriously impressive battery life, with a single charge lasting days (often weeks). And for those who want to use these for sports, they're a great option. The silicon tip slides into your ear seamlessly, lodging in your ear and staying put for all types of activity at all intensities. I've tested these during many sports with varying degrees of intensity, and they always stay firmly in place.

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

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

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

SAVE $30: As of May 14, the Waterpik Cordless Pulse is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon. That's a 30% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Waterpik Waterpik Cordless Advanced $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30 Get Deal

A water dental flosser is a great way to remove plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum line, so if you want to impress your dentist with a perfect flossing routine, you need to check out this latest Amazon deal on the Waterpik Cordless Advanced.

As of May 14, you save 30% with the new price of $69.99. This deal is available in all colors: gray, white, blue, and black.

SEE ALSO: The best electric toothbrushes for upping your oral hygiene game

This is a great all-rounder water flosser, featuring four tips and three settings to adjust to your personal dental needs. The battery is rechargeable, and it has a portable design, so it's handy for travel and use on the go. It can even be used in the shower. And it has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) for safety and effectiveness.

It works by using PrecisionPulse technology to deliver a combination of water pressure and pulsations, removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. This helps reduce the risk of issues such as gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath.

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

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

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

TL;DR: A wide range of AI courses are available to take for free on Udemy.

We all know by now that there is a small chance that AI is going to take over the world. We're OK with it, because what exactly are we supposed to do to stop it?

The good news is that we should have a few years before we get to that point of no return. And in that time, we should do everything we can to make this technology work for us. We might as well squeeze what we can out of the technology before it becomes our master, right?

A wide range of online courses on AI can be found on Udemy. And better yet, some of the best examples can be taken for free. We've checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout courses to get you started.

These are the best online AI courses you can take for free this month:

• A Gentle Introduction to Generative AI

• AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

• AI and Crypto 2025: Trading, Investing, Careers, and AI Automation

• AI Art Generation Guide: Create AI Images For Free

• AI Filmmaking

• AI for Beginners: Learn The Basics of ChatGPT

• AI for Business and Personal Productivity: A Practical Guide

• AI for Everyone

• AI Literacy Essentials: Working Responsibly with AI

• AI-Powered Chatbot: Build Your Own with No Code

• AI Product Strategy

• Artificial Intelligence for Accountants

• Artificial Intelligence for Humans: AI Explained

• Artificial Intelligence: Preparing Your Career for AI

• Become an AI Accelerated Engineer Using ChatGPT

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: ChatGPT, Github Copilot

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: Cursor, the AI-First IDE

• Become an OpenAI ChatGPT Master: Start Earning with AI

• Business Analyst: Digital Director for AI and Data Science

• ChatGPT 101: The Complete Beginner's Guide and Masterclass

• ChatGPT in 30 Minutes: New Prompt Engineering and AI Skills

• ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

• ChatGPT Security: Privacy Risks and Data Protection Basics

• Create Faceless YouTube Videos Using Free AI Tools Only

• Deep Learning and AI with Python for Beginners

• Digital, Virtual and AI Photography

• Gemini AI Course for Beginners

• Generative AI and Prompt Engineering

• Generative AI For Leaders

• Google Gemini AI with Python API

• How To Make YouTube Automation Videos in 20 Minutes Using AI

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

• Introduction to Human Data and AI Data Training

• Learn Basics About AI

• Master Gemini AI

• Mastering Generative AI for Developer Productivity

• Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals: Get Started with AI

• Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation

• Prompt Engineering+: Master Speaking To AI

• Unleash your Creativity with Stable Diffusion AI

These free online courses don't include certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but you still get unrestricted access to all the video content. You can learn at a pace that suits you, so there are no stressful deadlines.

Find the best free AI courses on Udemy.

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

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

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

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, May 14, 2025:

AcrossOpposite ends of the earth

• The answer is Poles.

Animal with "white" and "black" varieties (really, they're both gray)

• The answer is Rhino.

Plant deeply

• The answer is Embed.

What's coming to you

• The answer is Karma.

"No" vote

• The answer is Nay.

DownProgram for kids aged 3-5, informally

• The answer is PreK.

"That's crazy, dude!"

• The answer is OhMan.

Sign after Virgo

• The answer is Libra.

Sworn ___

• The answer is Enemy.

Pop bottles, e.g.

• The answer is Soda.

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Hurry and grab lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more with a Microsoft Office 2019 licence for Windows at £22.56 through May 18.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows £22.56
£172.38 Save £149.82 Get Deal

Your credit card is exhausted from all of today’s subscription fees. While you probably don’t want to cancel your fave streaming site or say goodbye to two-day shipping with Prime, you could swap your Microsoft 365 subscription for a Microsoft Office lifetime licence.

You can pay once and use the apps as much as you’d like; the Windows software suite is on sale for £22.56 through May 18.

What apps are included?

Microsoft Office 2019 isn’t the newest version available, but it’s the cheaper one for people who just need to use the apps and don’t care about what they look like inside. However, it does have a classic, timeless design.

Here's a list of the apps you get:

• Word

• Excel

• PowerPoint

• Outlook

• OneNote

• Publisher

• Access

Differences between Microsoft 365 and a lifetime licence

This purchase is a no-brainer if you aren’t taking full advantage of Microsoft 365’s OneDrive storage, mobile app access, and cloud-based backups. Those just wanting the apps should be more than comfortable with a Microsoft Office download.

You might actually like this licence more than the subscription. The apps are downloaded directly onto your PC instead of hosted on the cloud. While this does mean there are no built-in cloud backups, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of trying to work offline.

Plus, now that Microsoft added Copilot’s AI features to Microsoft 365, you might be looking for a way to escape them. Not everyone is crazy about having a virtual robot interfere with their work, and these classic apps won’t ever bug you about it.

The price drop on this lifetime licence to Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows ends soon.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

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

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

Duck, duck, ___.

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

GOOSE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Humid weather.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 14, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

MUGGY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A sanctuary.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 14 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 14, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

OASIS

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A loose-fitting blouse.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 14 Hurdle Word 4 answer

TUNIC

Final Hurdle hint

A feature.

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

FACET

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

At a celebrity-packed Tuesday press event in Los Angeles, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announced a refreshed app for the home rental site, new curated "Experiences," and the opportunity to book professional "Services."

Chesky began the media event by highlighting the humble beginnings of the stalwart rental site, which started in 2007 when he offered up his own San Francisco apartment to travelers seeking a place to stay. Beginning over a decade ago, Airbnb began to take off in popularity, attracting 272 million bookings in 2019 — but business, unsurprisingly, fell off a cliff with the COVID pandemic in 2020.

Now, with travel picking back up and the website reaching profitability for the first time in 2022, Airbnb is working to diversify its current offerings of rentable homes and apartments. With the newly offered "Services," travelers can use the relaunched Airbnb app to book catered meals, massages, makeup services, workouts, professional photography, and more. Airbnb "Services" are available in 260 cities, and anyone can book, even those not using Airbnb for temporary lodging.

Similarly, "Experiences" are available to anyone and offer highly curated opportunities, like touring temples with a mystic in Peru or sipping mezcal with a sommelier in Mexico City. Airbnb is also launching "Airbnb Originals," a new tier of Experiences, which Chesky described as "extraordinary experiences hosted by the world's most interesting people." Some examples cited were learning to dance in Seoul with a K-Pop star, touring Note Dame with the architect who worked on its restoration, and performing with your own alter ego created with help by Megan the Stallion (who was in attendance at the launch, along with other celebrities like Doechii, Karlie Kloss, and too many influencers to count).

Jud Coplan, Vice President of Product Marketing at Airbnb, says Services and Experiences allow people to continue a relationship with Airbnb after a trip, by utilizing its offerings in their own home.

The people behind Airbnb's Services and Experiences are carefully vetted, Coplan and Chesky attested. "Services hosts have an average of 10 years of experience, have completed Airbnb’s identity verification process, and are required to submit relevant licenses and certifications," according to a press release.

Airbnb sees Services and Experiences as offering new opportunities to its current hosts (including American hosts dealing with a drop in guests from Canada), where homeowners can expand their offerings with things like tours and catered meals. Interested hosts can apply to be part of Services and Experiences through Airbnb's website.

Chesky also announced the Airbnb app's new features, which include easier access to booking Experiences and Services, expanded options for messaging and sharing photos with travel buddies, and a more elaborate calendar that allows trips to be synced with Google calendars. The app's new Profile section also allows travelers to quickly see all the places they've visited and contacts for Airbnb members they've interacted with on their journeys.

Google’s Find My Device network is getting a new name — the Find Hub.

During The Android Show, the Android 16-focused preview event ahead of Google I/O 2025 next week, we learned that Google's location tracking network is being rebranded as Find Hub, probably to avoid confusion with Apple's Find My network.

During the event, Google team members said that the new Find Hub would let you track luggage, devices, and people, and will eventually let you locate lost bags while flying.

"Thanks to our partnerships, you’ll be able to easily share your Bluetooth tag's location with some of your favorite airlines early next year, making recovering your lost luggage a breeze," reads a Google blog post about the development.

Support for ultra-wideband (UWB) is also central to the new Find Hub, with new third-party Bluetooth trackers rolling out later this month. Unlike Bluetooth, UWB enables pinpoint location tracking over short distances, meaning you’ll get turn-by-turn directions right to your lost items. It’s the same tech Apple’s AirTags have used since debuting in 2021, and Samsung’s SmartTags jumped on board shortly thereafter.

SEE ALSO: Google's Gemini AI is coming for your car, watch, and TV

During the Android event, we also learned that Google will begin selling trackers in collaboration with Pixbee, which is launching with Disney-themed trackers. What are the odds some nervous parents will be tracking their own children with these Disney Bluetooth trackers? Pretty high, unfortunately.

The new Disney-themed trackers are coming soon. Credit: Google

The catch, however, is that Android's support for UWB is fragmented. Apple has near-universal UWB support across its devices (with the oddball 16e as the exception). Android, on the other hand, is all over the map. The Pixel Pro lineup and Samsung’s Galaxy Pro phones, including the new S25 Edge, are covered. Motorola has just one model: the Edge 50. A handful of Xiaomi phones make the cut, too, but that’s about it.

Beyond UWB, Find My Hub is also tapping into satellite connectivity, keeping you linked to friends and family even when you’re off the grid and out of cell range.

It's software update season, folks.

Google confirmed on Tuesday that Android 16, the next release of its mobile operating system (and, confusingly for some people around my age, one of the best Dragon Ball Z characters) will launch in June. It brings plenty of new Gemini AI features, as well as a refresh to the user interface that's rolling out to Pixel devices first.

Speaking of devices, not every Android device on Earth will support Android 16. You need to make sure you have a new enough phone to download the update when it launches this summer. So, which phones will support Android 16 at launch?

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about Android 16 after 'The Android Show' event Every Pixel phone that supports Android 16

It's a little tough to definitively list every single Android phone that will support Android 16, since there are approximately 10 million different Android phone models on the market at any given time. However, at the very least, we know which Google Pixel models will support it:

• Pixel 6

• Pixel 6 Pro

• Pixel 6a

• Pixel 7

• Pixel 7 Pro

• Pixel 7a

• Pixel 8

• Pixel 8 Pro

• Pixel 8a

• Pixel 9

• Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL

• Pixel 9a

• Pixel 9 Pro Fold

• Pixel Fold

There are a bunch of other Android manufacturers, including some companies that don't even really release phones in the U.S. market. Of course, the most notable Android phone maker is Samsung. According to a site called Android Update Tracker, Samsung Galaxy S phones going back to the S22 should get Android 16, but don't count on anything older than that getting it.

What Samsung phones will support Android 16

Obviously, we'll know more about device support once Android 16 is fully out there and not in beta testing. However, based on what we know so far, we're confident the following Samsung smartphones will also support Android 16 when it launches later this spring:

• Galaxy S25 Edge

• Galaxy S25

• Galaxy S25+

• Galaxy S25 Ultra

• Galaxy Z Fold6

• Galaxy Z Flip6

• Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition

• Galaxy S24

• Galaxy S24+

• Galaxy S24 Ultra

• Galaxy Z Fold5

• Galaxy Z Flip5

• Galaxy S22

• Galaxy S22+

• Galaxy S22 Ultra

• Galaxy S23

• Galaxy S23+

• Galaxy S23 Ultra

• Galaxy A16

• Galaxy A16 5G

• Galaxy A26 5G

• Galaxy A36 5G

• Galaxy A15

• Galaxy A15 5G

• Galaxy A25 5G

• Galaxy A35 5G

This is only a partial list. If you don't see your phone, check Samsung to see if your phone is still getting active security updates. That doesn't guarantee your phone will support Android 16, but it's definitely more likely.

Other phones that will get Android 16

In addition to Samsung and Pixel phones, a variety of other smartphones will also support Android 16. While we don't have an exact list, the Android developer blog mentions specific brands that are eligible for the Android 16 beta. If you have a relatively new phone from one of the following brands, then you're likely to get access to Android 16 sooner than later. We're also including Motorola, which runs on the Android OS.

• Motorola

• Hono

• IQOO

• Lenovo

• OnePlus

• OPPO

• realme

• Sharp

• Vivo

• Xiaomi