Technology

Remember the "Storm Area 51" event in 2019 that started off as an internet meme, then took on a life of its own?

Well, Netflix has a documentary about it coming out. The footage above teases interviews with Matty Roberts, who created the meme that sparked the IRL event, as well as other attendees and people involved in a joke that quickly spiralled into something more.

Trainwreck: Storm Area 51 is streaming on Netflix from July 29.

The best Windows laptops run an impressive gamut, from Qualcomm-powered workhorses that refuse to die to dual-display stunners and subtle gaming stations. (Some of them, dare we say, will tempt even the most devoted Apple MacBook disciples.) Users who need a new laptop for everyday productivity, creativity, or entertainment have no shortage of options. And that's for better or worse.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops for 2025, tested by our experts

To help you pick out your next PC from the crowded Windows market, we've broken out our best laptops rundown into this separate guide to the best Windows machines of 2025. All of these laptops have been thoroughly hands-on tested by members of the Mashable team for performance, build quality, and battery life, and we stand by their value — or at least think they're worth hunting down on sale.

Best Windows laptop to buy 2025

As of July 2025, Mashable's favorite Windows laptop is the 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, an elegant workhorse powered by the impressive Snapdragon X Elite processor. It's got enough power to handle demanding workloads, a premium design, interesting AI features, and the best battery life out of all the laptops we've ever reviewed. Even the latest M4 MacBooks can't keep up.

The scoop on Prime Day laptop deals

Amazon's flagship summer Prime Day sale is set for July 8 to 11 this year. For Windows users looking to save on an upgrade, the four-day event should get marked on your calendar. It's not because Amazon itself offers amazing deals on Windows laptops during the sale, though it does tend to heavily discount Surface laptops. No, it's mainly because Prime Day motivates other tech retailers and computer brands to run their own competing sales.

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

The one to watch in particular will be Best Buy's Black Friday in July savings event from July 7 to 13. Best Buy has a much bigger selection of Windows laptops compared to Amazon, including an exclusive lineup of newer AI PCs. It's also free of pesky third-party sellers.

Be sure to bookmark our guide to the best Prime Day laptop deals on Amazon (and beyond) if you don't have the bandwidth to pore over every markdown yourself. In the meantime, read on to learn more about the best Windows models for your shopping shortlist.

FYI: We've listed the pricing and specs of our testing units, which may not apply to each laptop's base model.

What's on deck

Our team has several Windows laptops in hand for testing, including two AI-ready gaming laptops:

• the latest Intel-powered Framework Laptop 13, an upgradable and repairable PC

• the new Asus ZenBook A14, the "world's lightest Copilot+ PC" (and the winner of Mashable's Best of CES award in the laptop category this year)

• the latest Asus VivoBook S 15, a Copilot+ PC that comes in just under $1,000

• the latest Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9), a mid-range Copilot+ PC with an OLED touchscreen

• the Acer Predator Helios 16, a 16-inch gaming laptop with a 240Hz display and an RTX 4080 GPU

• the MSI Stealth A16 AI+, another 16-inch gaming laptop with a 240Hz display and an RTX 4070 GPU

What we've tested lately (that didn't make the cut)

I recently tested the Dell XPS 13 (9350), a 13-inch Lunar Lake Copilot+ PC with an anti-reflective tandem OLED touchscreen display. Above all, it's a gorgeous laptop: That display is one of the nicest I've ever seen, and its edge-to-edge design gives it a super premium, minimalist look. It also lasted more than 13 hours in our battery life test, which is great when you factor in that power-sucking display. 

However, the XPS 13 favors prettiness over practicality in certain ways that make it a pain to use. Namely, its zero-lattic keyboard felt cramped, its glass touchpad often misbehaved, and its port selection was dire. (There are just two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports — that's too much minimalism, IMO.)

Those might've been more forgivable if the XPS 13 didn't cost so much. My testing unit with a firmly mid-range Intel Core Ultra 256V CPU, 16GB of RAM, and only 512GB of storage goes for $1,849.99. You can knock that down to $1,199.99 if you go without the OLED display upgrade, which feels way more reasonable, but at the same time, that was the one thing I liked most about it. I rated it a 3.8/5 overall.

Earlier this year, I tested the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14, a slick convertible with awesome build quality, an excellent 15-hour battery life, and a beautiful design that includes a 3K OLED touchscreen. It's a knockout, but its weird port placements and middling Geekbench 6 multi-core score kept it from earning a Mashable Choice Award. (I rated it a 4.4/5 overall — so close!)

To give more context to the latter point, my $1,899.99 testing unit had an Intel Core Ultra 258V processor with 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. (That's a brand-new upper mid-range CPU.) In our Geekbench 6 benchmark, it scored slightly worse than the 15-inch M2 Apple MacBook Air from 2023 and significantly worse than its predecessor, last year's HP Spectre x360 14, which had a mid-range Intel Core Series 1 CPU as tested. For nearly $2,000, I wanted way more oomph from the OmniBook.

I do think the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is a decent splurge for future-proofers, but it's not well-rounded enough to be one of our top picks. Stick with the Yoga 9i 14 if you're looking for the best hybrid laptop out there, or look into the Spectre x360 14 if you want to stay within the HP family — it offers better performance and audio quality for about the same price as the OmniBook model.

LLMs — the data models powering your favorite AI chatbots — don't just have social and racial biases, a new report finds, but inherent biases against democratic institutions.

A recent study, published by researchers at the MIT Sloan School of Management, analyzed how six popular LLMs (including ChatGPT, Gemini, and DeepSeek) portray the state of press freedom — and, indirectly, trust in the media — in responses to user prompts. The results showed that LLMs consistently suggested that countries have less press freedom than official reports, like the non-governmental ranking like the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI), published by Reporters Without Borders. ChatGPT, for example, ranked 97 percent of the 180 countries used in the test negatively.

SEE ALSO: X is about to let AI fact-check your posts

Chatbots have become an essential piece of infrastructure in the information environment — reaching levels of influence on par with that of social media — and they may also carry the weight of influencing how their users understand freedom worldwide. The MIT study found the LLMs distorting and under-counting the press freedom in nations that actually place relatively few restrictions on journalists.

"LLMs have millions of users around the world," Isabella Loaiza, postdoctoral researcher at MIT Sloan and one of the report's authors, told Mashable. "So their misrepresentations of the press, its integrity, and independence can distort the public's perception of civic rights and the freedoms enjoyed by reporters within and across countries."

LLMs may skew perceptions of their home country

In addition to generally skewed rankings of press freedom globally, the study found that LLMs have a natural "in-group bias" that swayed which countries received a more critical evaluation, with all six chat agents ranking countries with historically high ratings of press freedom, or "freer" countries, disproportionately lower than other countries. At the same time, the LLMs displayed natural in-group biases that resulted in more positive assessment of their home, or developer, countries.

Overall, the tests showed systematic, not random, biases in how LLMs assess press freedom. The reasons for this lie, as with all model bias, in their training data. "We refer to what some authors have called the democratic dilemma, whereby in societies with greater press freedom, journalists, and citizens can freely critique government policies and document press freedom violations, generating substantial negative coverage that becomes overrepresented in the training data," the report explains. As more "negative" news is disseminated in "freer" countries, countries with authoritarian or restricted media systems suppress critical reporting, misaligning data and the chatbot's response.

"While we find that the LLMs misrepresent press freedom similarly in two ways — both by underrating press freedom and by being more critical of freer nations — our third finding show that different models are misaligned in different directions," Loaiza explained. "This result is interesting because having these differences in the way that LLMs are misaligned makes it more difficult to spot these biases, and we also haven't seen other research that shows such diverging patterns. Additionally, this finding (the home bias) suggests that a particularly popular or widely used model could influence global narratives about its home country or countries similar to it, by being less critical about the state of its press freedom."

Studies have shown that users who interact with daily news mainly through social media have less confidence in the press, the report explains, but LLMs pose an additional set of problems. They are, on one hand, more similar to traditional print and broadcast news sources with centralized information streams. But AI chatbots are also influenced by algorithmic content mediation, just like social media feeds, creating similar echo chambers in addition to problems unique to chatbots, such as sycophantic behavior.

According to researchers, these biases pose the risk of downplaying press restrictions in more authoritarian countries in responses, while providing wealthier nations and developers with a means to "project soft power" in the global "AI race."

Chatbots could be problematic tools for human rights

Even chatbot enthusiasts have noted the unreliability of the most popular models and the ease with which they can fall into nationalist responses. Early DeepSeek users, for example, found that the chat agent censored prompts about Chinese politics and history, a limitation built into the model at the behest of Chinese state officials, which deter generative AI that violates the country’s "core socialist values" or “incites to subvert state power and overthrow the socialist system.”

The report's authors connect these findings to the increasing use of AI in official evaluations, including its integration within high-level international bodies like the United Nations, calling into question their reliability as tools for global human and civic rights assessments.

"As these systems become key cultural and geopolitical tools, they must ensure accurate representations of democratic institutions, like the press and human and civic rights," the report authors write. "Their alignment with democratic principles becomes not just a technical challenge but a fundamental requirement for preserving democratic societies in the digital age."

"Access to reliable information on the state and health of the institutions that uphold democracy is critical for civic participation," said report co-author Roberto Rigobon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Archer is meeting users where they are

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

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

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

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

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

• Describe your favorite sex position using only emojis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turn dusty negatives into heartwarming digital keepsakes

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

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

10. The Sandlot (1993)

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

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

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

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

9. In the Heights (2021)

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

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

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

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

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

8. Dirty Dancing (1987)

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

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

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

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

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

7. Girls Trip (2017)

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

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

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

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

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

6. A Perfect Getaway (2009)

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

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

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

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

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

5. Dìdi (2024)

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

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

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

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

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

4. Independence Day (1996)

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

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

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

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

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

3. Jurassic Park (1993)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Jaws (1975)

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

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

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

Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss

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

Wild Card: Copycat (1995)

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

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

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

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

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

How to watch: Copycat is now streaming on Netflix.

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

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

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

How to choose the best headphones

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

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

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

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

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

What about wired headphones?

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

Other headphones we've tested

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

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

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

In the testing pipeline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is the four-day work week the future?

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

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

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

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

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

Apple now has an official Threads account.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What art can you make with Imagiyo

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change

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

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

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

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Georgia

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

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

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Unblock Pornhub for free in Georgia with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

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

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

Not a winner.

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

LOSER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A device used on fruit.

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

CORER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Useful.

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

UTILE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A home.

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

ABODE

Final Hurdle hint

Rapid fire.

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

SALVO

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

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

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

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

What is today’s moon phase?

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

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

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

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

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

When is the next full moon?

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

What are moon phases?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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