Technology

SAVE $200: As of July 2, the Shark Navigator robot vacuum is on sale for $249.99 at Amazon. This is 44% off its list price of $449.99 and marks its lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Navigator Robot Vacuum $249.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $200 Get Deal

There have been plenty of early Prime Day deals dropping ahead of Amazon's big summer sale event, including robot vacuums. One of our favorite deals is on the Shark Navigator robot vacuum, which has dropped to its lowest-ever price at the retailer.

The Shark Navigator robot vacuum is currently marked down to $249.99. This is 44% off its list price of $449.99, saving you $200. This is the lowest-ever price on Amazon.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Day

This robot vacuum will make sure your carpets and floors get a deep clean. With powerful suction and SmartPath Navigation, the Shark Navigator robot vacuum can map out your home to get the most effective clean without running into any obstacles. It also self-empties after each clean to make things easier. Its bagless base can hold up to 60 days worth of dirt, debris, hair, and more, so you can go a couple of months without even thinking about it.

Why wait for Prime Day to score this deal? Act now to get the Shark Navigator robot vacuum at its lowest-ever price.

Amazon Prime Day is coming up fast, and if you're hoping to make the most of the sale event when it kicks off on July 8, check out our guide on everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025 to plan ahead.

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) — $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)

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Leave

• Green: Hoops

• Blue: Soccer champs

• Purple: Same first word

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Part ways

• Green: Basketball games

• Blue: Last four MLS Cup winners

• Purple: Ski ____

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #282 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Part ways - AXE, CAN, FIRE, SACK

• Basketball games - 21, AROUND THE WORLD, HORSE, KNOCKOUT

• Last four MLS Cup winners - CREW, GALAXY, LAFC, NYCFC

• Ski ____ - JUMPING, LIFT, LODGE, SLOPE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

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

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

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, July 2, 2025:

AcrossClean with elbow grease

• The answer is Scrub.

Fruit to which wrinkly fingers are compared

• The answer is Prune.

"Meenie miney" preceder

• The answer is Eenie.

Light bulb units

• The answer is Watts.

"Meenie miney" follower

• The answer is Moe.

DownErupt with force

• The answer is Spew.

Doughnut filling

• The answer is Cream.

Total, as expenses

• The answer is Run to.

Come together as one

• The answer is Unite.

They're often abuzz about coneflowers

• The answer is Bees.

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

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

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

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

$100 AMAZON GIFT CARD: As of July 2, Amazon is offering a free $100 gift card when you preorder the Samsung 32-inch Smart Monitor M7 (M70F), now priced at $399.99. The monitor officially releases on July 8.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch Smart Monitor M7 (M70F + $100 Amazon Gift Card $399.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $100 Get Deal

Amazon is heating up its early Prime Day deals, and Samsung fans have another reason to be excited. 

For a limited time, you can preorder the brand-new 32-inch M7 Samsung smart monitor (M70F) for just $399.99 — a full $100 off its regular price of $499.99 — and Amazon will throw in a free $100 gift card to sweeten the deal. Just make sure to select the gift card bundle at checkout. 

The monitor officially launches on July 8, and this offer ends that same day.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Day

Available in black and white, the 2025 model of Samsung's M7 smart monitor is a versatile 4K UHD display that’s more than just a screen. With Samsung Vision AI, the monitor automatically adjusts visuals for optimal clarity whether you're working, gaming, or binge-watching. It even includes an AI-powered voice amplifier that bumps up dialogue when your environment gets loud — perfect for those noisy home offices or dorm rooms.

Like Samsung’s higher-end smart displays — such as the M9 version of the monitor also on sale — the M7 features built-in streaming apps, access to Samsung TV Plus, and a surprisingly rich Gaming Hub that supports cloud-based play with no console required. You’ll also get access to Samsung’s 3D SmartThings map view to manage your smart home devices — and Samsung Knox for extra data security.

And if you’re looking to go bigger, the same $100 gift card plus $100 off deal is also available with the 43-inch version of the monitor.

This is one of the best early Prime Day monitor deals we’ve seen under $500, especially with the added Amazon credit. Don’t wait — this launch bundle is only good through July 8.

For more on what’s coming from Prime Day as we build up to the full event, take a look at everything there is to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025 — covering start dates and times, what’s new from past events, and the best early deals. 

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) — $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)

Any time you shop for a new laptop, a lot of people are going to tell you the same thing: Get a MacBook.

We don't blame them. The best MacBooks are fantastic laptops, and while they don't afford you the freedom of customization that other brands offer, that's not something everyone will care about. Most of us just want a high-quality laptop that'll get us through work, school, and play with minimal fuss.

SEE ALSO: Laptop specs explained: A jargon-free guide to what's inside your computer

Although MacBooks can get a bit pricey — with the latest M4 MacBook Pros reaching into truly frightening territory — they justify the price with Apple's signature design, user-friendly OS, and zippy M-series processors. We were excited to see that the latest M4 MacBook Air starts at a relatively budget-friendly $999. Plus, you can often find MacBook Air and Pro models on sale if you shop third-party retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.

After testing out Apple's entire lineup of laptops, we're here to help you narrow down the choices and take home the Apple machine of your dreams.

Your first big decision: MacBook Pro vs. Air

With today's current lineup of MacBooks, you really only have two options: The MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air. So, which is right for you?

If you're a creative who regularly pushes your laptop to the limit with demanding applications, you'll want to aim for the Pro — it's the best MacBook for video editing and photo editing. The name of the game with the Pro line is processing power, and the latest iterations are the speediest and most performance-driven yet.

Testing the all-rounder M4 MacBook Air. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable Testing the super-powered M4 MacBook Pro. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

If convenience and portability are your top priorities, then the Air will be most suited to you. It's thin and light, and it even comes in a 13-inch option if you'll be lugging it around wherever you go. Plus, ever since the debut of Apple's M Series chips, the MacBook Air has become a pint-sized powerhouse. The most current model utilizes the M4 chip, so you won't be sacrificing all that much in terms of power.

SEE ALSO: The best Windows laptops we tested in 2024: Our pick lasts longer than the M4 MacBook Pro What is the best MacBook?

After testing out the latest Apple laptops, we think there are four MacBooks worth buying in 2025. And before you buy, we might recommend shopping from July 8 to 11 during Amazon Prime Day 2025 — we foresee a few of these models going on sale during the big event.

Check out our top picks below, including the best MacBook Pro, the best MacBook Air, and more.

Which generation MacBook is the best?

This will come down to what you're willing to give up in performance, and in some cases, quality. But whatever you do deem worthy of sacrificing, you'll be paid back in savings. For example, the 2022 model M2 MacBook Air won't come with the latest chip, but you'll still be scoring an impressive laptop that frequently goes on sale for as low as $849.99.

A photo from Mashable's test of the M1 MacBook Air. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Testing the M2 MacBook Air. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

So, if you've got a lighter budget, don't fret — you can still get a MacBook at an affordable price. Older MacBooks are still very much worthy of your consideration, and they won't cost you nearly as much.

A contemporary home cinema isn’t just about high-end picture quality and rich visuals; it should also have the type of connectivity that makes it easy to hop into a game or stream your way through a Scavenger’s Reign rewatch. The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 is a lifestyle smart projector that brings the big screen home, whether you’re playing cinema or blitzing through FPS games. It connects traditionally via an HDMI cable, or plays content via Google TV OS, streaming from your WiFi connection or playing video cast straight from your iPad or other device. With highlights picked out by lasers, vibrant darks, extreme contrast ratios, and full sound, this 4K projector looks excellent.

We did have a couple of qualms: We weren’t able to validate Valerion’s more outstanding frame rate specs; additionally, while the projector is beautiful, its exhaust isn’t. It has a strong plastic smell while running — though this has started to go away with continued use. Besides these issues, the projector really feels special. Its image quality is so rich it borders on hypnotic, its sound is dynamic and powerful, and the device’s design is comment-worthy.

The image looks fantastic The VisionMaster Pro 2 brought illuminated the world of "Warhammer 40,000: Darktide" like I’d never seen it before. Credit: Gabriel Morgan / Mashable

One of the first videos I watched on this projector was a nature film about coral reefs. Full of kaleidoscopic shots of sea anemones, jellyfish, and cephalopods, it looked incredible on the VisionMaster Pro 2. The Valerion’s use of lasers to create highlights is palpable — the image’s brights peak in a way that can be dazzling, creating effects you couldn’t replicate on even the best TVs. 

Playing cinematic cutscenes from Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, highlights on armor bounced luminously off the wall. Just as the highlights are dazzling, the darks are rich and complex. 

Even in the daytime with the windows wide open, the VisionMaster Pro 2 is bright enough to enjoy.

The projector can emit up to 2,500 to 3,000 ISO Lumens, depending on the mode. It has ravishing HDR10+, a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and displays 110 percent Rec. 2020 color gamut, which is much wider than the DCI-P3 color space. It throws picture sizes from 40 inches to 300 inches.

If you’re looking to experience classic films at home in a way you haven’t been able to before, the IMAX mode will appeal. Enable it to experience films in IMAX 1.9:1 or 1.43:1 aspect ratios.

While the image looks quite good right out of the box, it gives you a tool belt for calibration. The device also has a number of image modes. We tried it with different settings; two standouts were Vivid Mode, which creates extreme highlights, and Filmmaker Mode, which we settled on as our standard.

It achieves game-ready refresh times with glorious graphics At 120Hz, in-game motion is seamless. Credit: Gabriel Morgan / Mashable

I tested the Valerion’s capacity for gaming using an HDMI cable connected to my laptop. I ran Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on it, playing with a controller. The visuals were hypnotic. True to its name, Darktide’s palette leans dark, with hits of neon and high contrast chroma adding detail to a shadowy, ruined city. 

In cutscenes, the image looked exquisite and far more dynamic than it did on my laptop screen. In-game, the graphics kept up with my character's motion. 

I was unable to verify the high refresh rates that Valerion advertises on its website. Valerion advertises speeds of up to 240Hz at 1080p. This 240Hz mode achieves a zippy 4ms input lag. When sending a 1080p image, the best rate I could achieve was 120Hz. The max refresh rate I could get with 4K was 30Hz. However, this is likely due to my HDMI cable. If you’re planning to buy the Valerion for gaming, we recommend that you invest in an HDMI cable designed for high-resolution content, like the Kelink 48Gbps Ultra High Speed Black Braided 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable. 

120Hz is still extremely fast, and at this rate, the motion felt seamless. 120Hz refresh rates are competitive with many gaming laptops. Even at this rate, this projector is a good pick for gameplay.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 review: A fabulous follow-up to an all-time legend The device itself looks great With these types of aesthetics, this projector is more than just a machine.  Credit: Gabriel Morgan / Mashable

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 projector is a supremely beautiful object. It manages to look entirely high tech while simultaneously invoking the elegance of another era. You could imagine this projector straight into the world of Adolfo Bioy Casares' 1940 novel The Invention of Morel, a work of science fiction in which projectors eternally recreate a cast of revelers on a forgotten island. 

The projector features chrome, electroplated metal ridges around its rectangular frame, with recessed vents between the ridges. The lens emerges from the flat of its front profile. A hatch folds down on the projector’s rear, exposing its sockets. A small stand on the bottom props it up at an angle.

The tripod stand worked well Turn the tripod's top piece to lock the projector in place. Credit: Mashable

The projector can be mounted with three different systems: a tripod stand, a desktop gimbal stand, and a ceiling mount.

We tried the Valerion Walnut Tripod Stand, which perfectly matches the aesthetic of the device. It has attractive, molded metal components and faux wood tripod legs. The tripod looks beautiful and works quite well, standing sturdily and allowing for smooth positioning.

It has optical zoom You might need to go looking for it in the menu, but this projector has high-end mechanical zoom built in. Credit: Gabriel Morgan / Mashable

Attach this to a ceiling mount without fear. With true optical zoom built in, it will adjust image size based on your needs, enabling you to zoom in or out to set up your projector and position the image appropriately on your screen, even from various throw positions. Optical zoom does this mechanically with a lens, much the way that a DSLR camera enables you to zoom in and out optically. Because it uses a lens, this means that the image doesn’t sacrifice pixel richness to achieve different sizes.

This higher-end feature isn’t available in many lower-cost projectors. Some cheap projectors will instead advertise digital zoom. Digital zoom can change the size of the image, but loses pixel richness to achieve this. 

Keystone has you covered; lens shift is available in the upgrade

When you need to alter the dimensions of your image, the Valerion also has an auto keystone feature built in. This is broadly effective. In a large room, I believe that it would do a good job of matching the image to the wall. 

When the auto keystone doesn’t land right, the device prompts you to enter manual keystone adjustment mode. This is simple to navigate to from settings.

Keystone generally isn’t the best way to alter the positioning of an image. It works by altering how much of the projection displays the image and remapping the dimensions within the projection. This can reduce brightness and create artifacts.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2025 (so far)

This was apparent. In our tests, we played with this and created a rectangular image on the wall, with the natural borders of the image extending as a bright rectangle far beyond it. A good screen would have omitted this border, but on the wall, it was visible.

The upgraded version of the unit we tested, the VisionMaster Max, is the only Valerion model with vertical lens shift. As with optical zoom, this feature isn’t available on most lower-cost projectors. Lens shift allows you to mechanically reposition the lens and move the image up and down.

Lens shift accurately moves the image without reducing its quality. VisionMax’s vertical lens shift, paired with its optical zoom, means that most users should be able to fit the image to their needs without reducing quality.

Connectivity is simple to achieve This projector will connect to your whole tech arsenal. Credit: Gabriel Morgan / Mashable

The Valerion is compatible with most standard connections. With multiple HDMI ports, an eArc port, Apple AirPlay, Windows Screen Casting, and Google OS organizing your WiFi accessible apps, there are ample ways to connect to this unit. It also comes with a handy remote.

We tested it with an HDMI cable, AirPlay, Windows Casting, and WiFi. Windows Casting from Windows 10 was the only method with a drop in quality, and we’re inclined to blame Windows 10 for this, rather than Valerion. 

With an HDMI jack, Valerion defaulted to 30Hz screen refresh times, however, I was able to alter this in the options window on my laptop. I could change the output on my computer to up to 120Hz.

AirPlaying a Youtube video from my iPad Air is simple and fluid. It defaulted to 1920x1080 at 60Hz. When I navigated to Youtube via WiFi inside the Valerion interface, the quality also defaulted to 1080p at 60Hz. 

Can it really hit those impressive refresh times in 4K? Not in our tests. We couldn’t get a 4K connection faster than 30.000Hz with any connection we tried. Credit: Screenshot: Windows

We wanted the VisionMaster Pro 2 to be the exceptional gaming device it’s advertised to be, and it's very good. However, we weren’t able to verify the numbers Valerion cites regarding its refresh rate. Specifically, the website advertises that the model can achieve input lag latency of 4ms at 1080p at 240Hz, 8ms at 1080p at 120Hz, and 15ms at 4K at 60Hz.

Confusingly, in one place, the website claims that the “VisionMaster Google TV Platform” can hit a max frame rate of 4K 144Hz, while elsewhere the website claims the 60Hz frame rate that the rep confirmed.

None of the connection methods we tried could reach refresh rates above 120Hz. Worse, we couldn’t get any 4K videos to play above 30Hz with any of the methods we tried, and at 30Hz, they feel a bit laggy and slow.

The device does not come with an HDMI cable. To test it, we grabbed the one we already have. Using my HDMI cable, the projector’s max refresh rates were 120Hz at 1080p and 30Hz at 4K. 

We asked Valerion about the issue, and they instructed us to disable Motion Enhancement Mode and to enable High Refresh Rate Mode in the game bar. Neither of these fixed our issue with the configuration we have. 

We tried to validate these numbers using methods other than HDMI. We tried a few methods to play 4K content from YouTube and Vimeo, and each time we did, the machine dropped the frame rate to around 30Hz or below, or ceased to play. When we connected via AirPlay and scaled the quality up from the default 1080p, videos ceased playback in 4K. 

When we pulled up the same 4K video on the VisionMaster Pro 2’s browser or through the YouTube or Freeplay apps, the videos sometimes played in 4K, but the quality again dropped to 25Hz or 30Hz. 

SEE ALSO: YouTube Premium vs. Nebula: Which paid video platform is for you?

We were frustrated to find that we couldn’t run 4K video from the projector above 30Hz in any of the formats we had available. 

Likely, it should be able to achieve 4K video at 60Hz with the right hardware and HDMI cable. Still, it’s something to watch out for. If you’re looking for maximum performance in 4K and 1080p performance above 120Hz, you may need to do some fiddling.

It’s quite smelly when running

Generally, smell isn’t a factor that weighs on the quality of a device like a projector. However, it is a factor here. The VisionMaster Pro 2 vents from its side, expelling hot air between the ribs that surround it. This hot air smells very strongly of plastics and glues. 

This smell will almost definitely go away with time. However, it's very distracting at the beginning. I made sure to open my windows and run my air purifier while I watched. Because of this, we recommend using this projector in a well-ventilated space at first.

Is the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 worth it? The VisionMaster Pro 2 is finished in beautiful reflective plating. Credit: Gabriel Morgan / Mashable

If the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 4K Projector is in your price range, then it’s a true treat. This projector provides extremely lush visuals accented by lasers, simple Google OS smart TV features, and many of the capabilities you expect from a projector at this price, including optical zoom. It has the high-end specs to appeal to projector nerds, yet its Google OS makes it intuitive enough to replace your TV.

While the VisionMaster Pro 2 provides excellent response times and lavish 4K visuals, it didn't achieve the specs the website claims with the gear we have. That doesn't mean it can't, it just means it might take some fiddling, depending on the way you use it.

This projector provides incredible image quality in a package that's simple to use. Pair it with the right connections, cables, and media, and it will be a true stunner.

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 projector $2,999 at Amazon
Shop Now

Astronomers have finally caught a dying star in space going out with a bang — and then another bang.

The new photographic evidence, captured using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile, shows the first proof of a rare kind of stellar death called a double-detonation supernova.

This double-blast event, spotted in the supernova remnant known as SNR 0509-67.5, confirms a theory that has divided astrophysicists for decades. The star’s remains, about 300 years old, show a distinctive pattern: two separate shells of calcium, one nested inside the other like Russian matryoshka dolls. This could only form if a white dwarf exploded twice. 

The breakthrough, published in Nature Astronomy, rewrites part of the story behind one of the most important tools in astronomy, the Type Ia supernova. Sometimes dubbed a "cosmic yardstick" by NASA, this special supernova shines brightly for a short time and gives off a predictable, known amount of light. That makes it perfect for measuring distance in space: The farther the supernova, the fainter it appears to us. By collecting light from these blasts, scientists also can figure out how fast the universe has been expanding.

"Our results required a large resource commitment with a very advanced instrument on a large telescope," Ivo Seitenzahl, one of the researchers, told Mashable. "Basically, the observations are near the limit of what's currently technically feasible."

SEE ALSO: Spectacular Webb telescope image shows a stellar death like never before

Understanding how exactly these events work isn’t just academic, it's essential for making sense of the universe. These explosions forge the majority of iron in our galaxy — the same stuff found in our blood, buildings, and planet. 

A white dwarf star — the dense stellar core left behind after a sun-like star runs out of fuel — gradually steals material from a neighboring star. Once it grows massive enough, it ignites in a thermonuclear explosion. But some researchers have suspected there is another way: A thin outer layer of helium could explode first, sending a shockwave inward that then blows up the white dwarf’s core. The second blast is the ultimate supernova that tears the star apart.

Until now, this two-step concept lived mostly on whiteboards and in computer simulations. Now, astronomers have receipts proving it really happens.

The explosions would have occurred in quick succession, Seitenzahl said. The second blast likely followed just two seconds later, "essentially the time it takes the helium detonation to travel from one side of the white dwarf star to the other."

A telescope image shows the distribution of calcium in a supernova remnant. Credit: ESO / P. Das et al.

Scientists turned the telescope's Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer instrument toward the glowing wreckage in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a galaxy neighboring the Milky Way. The calcium detections were the giveaway. Sandwiched in between the blown-off shells was sulfur, with each layer consisting of different densities from the two explosions.

"Revealing the inner workings of such a spectacular cosmic explosion is incredibly rewarding," said Priyam Das, lead author of the paper, in a statement, describing the remnant as a "beautifully layered structure."

Astronomers can't normally see what happens deep inside a star during its final moments. The explosion itself is too bright, fast, and distant. But hundreds of years later, the drifting shrapnel betrays the secret.

Though this discovery doesn’t close the case on how all Type Ia supernovas work, it does show at least some stars don't need to hit a critical mass of matter before going boom. It seems a smaller star with the right kind of helium wrapper can self-destruct just fine.

For this particular system, there won't be any more explosions, but the hunt continues for variations on this exotic breed. Some models for double detonations indicate the primary star can actually trigger yet another double detonation in the lighter companion star.

"This would be a double double detonation," Seitenzahl said.

UPDATE: Jul. 2, 2025, 12:50 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to include additional reporting, including new quotes, from the researchers.

As expected with the franchise, Jurassic World Rebirth is filled to the brim with dinosaurs, all of which fluctuate between attempted scientific accuracy and plain fiction.

But one of the cheekiest dinosaurs of the Jurassic series makes a fleeting cameo in director Gareth Edwards' new film, causing fans to remember what happened to poor ol' Dennis Nedry in Steven Spielberg's 1993 original.

Dilophosaurus, the careful predator with its phenomenal frilled neckwear and dastardly little chirps and "whee" calls, turns up in Jurassic World Rebirth on Ile Saint-Hubert, the InGen facility used to develop dinosaurs for the original park.

SEE ALSO: 'Jurassic World Rebirth' review: Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey face off with dangerous and delightful dinosaurs

You might remember Dilophosaurus from such iconic Hollywood moments as the demise of crooked computer programmer Nedry (Wayne Knight) in the original film, Jurassic Park. Foolishly attempting to flee the park on Isla Nublar with stolen dinosaur embryos on a tempestuous night, Nedry is stalked by Dilophosaurus into his Jeep and then eaten for dinner.

Dilophosaurus hasn't made many appearances in the Jurassic franchise since, and never quite scientifically accurately. It shows up as a hologram in Jurassic World and a statue in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. There's one frankly disrespectful scene in Jurassic World Dominion in which Dilophosaurus stalks Bryce Dallas Howard's character Claire Dearing, but is then unceremoniously choked by Chris Pratt's Owen Grady and tasered by DeWanda Wise's Kayla Watts. The level of derision, of diabolical mockery in this scene! It must be undone.

Luckily, in the new film, Dilophosaurus gets the respect it deserves, albeit fleetingly. Teresa (Luna Blaise) encounters Dilophosaurus snacking on a dead Parasaurolophus beside the emergency raft shelter she's trying to raid. And while the threat of Dilophosaurus is quickly upstaged by another, bigger carnivore, at least this time, this clever dino gets both a snack and a movie cameo.

Jurassic World Rebirth opens in cinemas on July 2.

We've reached the seventh film in the Jurassic Park/World franchise, so we're living in a world of inevitably abundant fan service. In the latest movie, Jurassic World Rebirth, there are a few small moments that keen-eyed fans will spot that are references to either Steven Spielberg's original film or author Michael Crichton's books, the real roots of the franchise.

But the best of these pays homage to the original Jurassic Park finale and iconic banner moment.

SEE ALSO: 'Jurassic World Rebirth' review: Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey face off with dangerous and delightful dinosaurs What's that banner in Jurassic World Rebirth?

In the final moments of Spielberg's 1993 classic Jurassic Park, when the mighty T-rex saves our heroes from that door-opening pair of velociraptors in the park lobby, the bipedal carnivore issues a resounding roar as a "When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth" exhibition banner floats to the ground.

It's an all-time Hollywood moment, one referenced in Jurassic World Rebirth in the scene when we meet Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) in the Museum of Natural History. While Loomis speaks to Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) and Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) about the film's core mission, an identical banner floats to the ground behind the T-rex skull.

The thing is, that banner is now as superfluous as Loomis' department, with dinosaurs having roamed the Earth again for the last three decades. They're old news, holding up traffic in Manhattan. And speaking of...

There's another early Easter egg in Jurassic World Rebirth

In an early Jurassic World Rebirth scene when dubious rich guy Krebs is held up in traffic by a large, long-necked dinosaur in Manhattan — ugh, what a prehistoric inconvenience — he passes a school bus in his car. On the side of the vehicle, you can see the words "Crichton Middle School," a reference to Michael Crichton, the author of the Jurassic Park books.

How many Easter eggs did you spot in Jurassic World Rebirth? Keep your eyes peeled.

Jurassic World Rebirth is in theaters from July 2.

It's 2025, and it seems that culture is finally ready to acknowledge an immutable fact — a fact that some of us have been banging on about for years. Namely, that there is nothing hotter than a man in "slutty little glasses."

Thanks to Jonathan Bailey, it is quickly shaping up to be the summer of the "slutty little glasses." If you've managed to sidestep the internet for the past few months, allow me to explain. Certified heartthrob Jonathan Bailey of Bridgerton and Wicked fame stars in one of this summer's biggest blockbusters, Jurassic World Rebirth. As Dr. Henry Loomis, Bailey is an earnest, dino-loving paleontologist with a heart of gold and a very beautiful face — a face upon which is perched a very delicate pair of glasses. Cubitts, to be precise, made with ultra-thin hexagonal titanium frames.

Or, "slutty little glasses," as culture commentator Blakely Thornton has dubbed them. What makes "slutty little glasses" such an apt description? Is it the dainty, wire-thin frame? The whimsical playfulness of the hexagonal shape? Or is it simply the way they lend an extra dash of boyish charm to Bailey's handsome features?

SEE ALSO: 'Jurassic World Rebirth' review: Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey face off with dangerous and delightful dinosaurs

Whatever it is, from the moment Entertainment Weekly's first look pictures of Bailey in Jurassic World Rebirth dropped back in December 2024, the internet collapsed into a veritable tizzy. "Jonathan Bailey is truly the king of slutty little glasses," wrote one appreciator on X. "I think Jonathan Bailey in slutty little glasses should lowkey be in the future history books," wrote another. Since then, the phrase has come up again and again on social media and in the Jurassic World Rebirth press tour. But this is more than a thirst moment.

Happy "slutty little glasses" summer Jonathan Bailey wears "slutty little glasses" in "Jurassic World: Rebirth." Credit: Jasin Boland / Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

Bailey himself has embraced the general delirium surrounding his glasses, wearing various pairs of sexy little specs to practically every press event for Rebirth. He has happily spoken about them in countless interviews — the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, MTV UK, Extra, and the Today Show, to name a few. (And yes, the phrase "slutty little glasses" does sound utterly delectable in his accent.)

The Jurassic World Rebirth star is even taking this sartorial moment to the next level, announcing a new collaboration between Cubitts and Bailey's own LGBTQ rights charity, The Shameless Fund. The British spectacles company has launched a pink-tinted pair of frames named "Loomis" after Bailey's character; they’re described in the product details as having "an unapologetic confidence." The frames cost $250, with 50 percent of proceeds going to The Shameless Fund.

The "Loomis" frames by Cubitts and The Shameless Fund. Credit: Cubitts

"I’m thrilled that people are having a hormonal explosion linked to optical supports," Bailey told Entertainment Tonight at a Rebirth premiere in June. "Glasses can go a long way." In the same red carpet interview, Bailey called for a "summer of slutty glasses." He gets it. 

The origins and double standard of "slutty little glasses"

In practically every interview about the trend, Bailey credits Thornton with coming up with the phrase "slutty little glasses."

In a video on Instagram posted in January, Thornton praised Bailey ahead of Rebirth's release, saying, "He was born to have a line of slutty little glasses… On and off screen, he is constantly refuting the Laney Boggs law of cinema that says characters with glasses are less f*ckable."

Referring to the female nerd (played by the stunning Rachael Leigh Cook) in 1999's She's All That who only becomes "hot" once she takes off her glasses, Thornton touches on the gendered double standard of glasses in cinema. There are countless female makeover scenes in movies that follow a similar pattern of nerd-to-hottie once their glasses are ditched. See The Princess Diaries, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and Miss Congeniality, for a few examples. Even last year's Wicked saw Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba ditching her spectacles to catch the eye of Bailey himself as the dashing Fiyero.

Basically, "slutty little glasses" on women don't typically appeal to the Male Gaze, while "slutty little glasses" on men do appeal to women and queer people. Of course, there are exceptions — the "hot librarian" trope is well established, too —  think the bespectacled Rachel Weisz in The Mummy and Velma in Scooby-Doo. While women in cinema usually have to take off their glasses to finally be seen as the hotties they are, men have to put them on. And suddenly, the girls and gays go weak in the knees.

Bailey is just the latest leading man to utilize this sartorial tool for making an audience swoon. Cinema's love affair with "slutty little glasses" and their equally "slutty" but more substantial, thicker-framed predecessors, goes back decades — and Bailey's character in Jurassic World Rebirth slots very nicely into the canon.

The cinema history of "slutty little glasses"  Michael Keaton in "Batman Returns," Hugh Grant in "Four Weddings and a Funeral," and Matt Damon in "The Talented Mr. Ripley." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: Warner Bros/Dc Comics/Kobal/Shutterstock / Polygram/Channel 4/Working Title/Kobal/Shutterstock / Moviestore/Shutterstock

Surprisingly sexy eyewear of all shapes and sizes can be found on countless leading men throughout cinematic history. Although glasses have become a recurring supporting player in the rom-com oeuvre, they have also found their way into other genres, cropping up in prestige dramas (see Robert Redford in Three Days of the Condor, Sidney Poitier in Pressure Point, Matt Damon in The Talented Mr. Ripley) and even a few blockbuster action flicks (see Michael Keaton when he's musing as Bruce Wayne in Batman, or anyone who is tasked with playing Clark Kent). 

As for notable examples, I must begin by mentioning dashing Golden Age romantic comedy hero Cary Grant as Dr. David Huxley in the 1938 rom-com classic Bringing Up Baby. Like Bailey's Dr. Loomis, Dr. Huxley is a sweet, somewhat bumbling paleontologist. He just wants to be alone peering at his bones through his — what we'd now call — "slutty little glasses." Unfortunately, Katherine Hepburn as Susan, an eccentric rich girl, finds this absent-minded hot nerd irresistible, and so she whisks him off on a kooky caper. There's a leopard involved. It's delightful.

Cary Grant in "Bringing Up Baby," Gregory Peck in "To Kill a Mockingbird," and Sidney Poitier in "Pressure Point." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images // Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images // United Artists/Getty Images

Another honorable mention goes to debonaire leading man Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). As Atticus Finch, Peck portrayed one of cinema's most beloved good guys — a lawyer who fights tirelessly for justice and equality in a racist American Deep South in the 1930s. And Atticus was a loving, if slightly tortured, single dad to boot. (It's no wonder he became the focus of a baby-naming trend in 2015.) Peck's rounded retro frames went oh-so-well with his three-piece linen suit — they also complemented the tendril of hair that fell across his troubled brow during particularly stressful moments in court. Like Bailey's specs, Peck's iconic eyewear eventually spawned their own model for purchase: Oliver Peoples' "Atticus" frames. 

Following the theme of romantic heroes with professorial appeal is Ryan O'Neal in 1972's What's Up, Doc?. As Dr. Howard Bannister, he is a rather gormless musicologist who specializes in the musical properties of rocks. (Yes, rocks.) Barbra Streisand as Judy, an unpredictable and spontaneous college dropout, spies this dreamboat in elbow patches, is instantly smitten, and proceeds to chase him around a San Francisco hotel for a couple of days. After one particularly chaotic whirlwind of an evening, courtesy of Judy, Howard is left dazed in his hotel room wearing nothing but a plaid bowtie, his underwear, and, of course, his glasses. Director Peter Bogdanovich knew what he was doing.

Though Harrison Ford might be best known for his macho roles as the smirking smuggler Han Solo in the Star Wars movies, or rugged adventurer Indiana Jones, even he has "slutty little glasses" moments of note. When he's not globe-trotting after an artifact and is instead being a crush-worthy college professor, Ford complements his circular pair with a bow tie and tweed jacket in 1984's Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and later in 1989's Indiana follow-up, The Last Crusade. And he did it again to play Linus Larrabee, a curmudgeonly business man unexpectedly falling in love in the 1995 remake of the 1954 rom-com classic Sabrina.

Harrison Ford in "Sabrina," Ryan O'Neal in "What's Up, Doc?" and Robert Redford in "Three Days of the Condor" Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: Hulton Archive/Getty Images // Screen Archives/Getty Images // Screen Archives/Getty Images

Glasses crop up in a number of more recent classic rom-coms, too. Hugh Grant's Charles in Four Weddings and a Funeral would not be nearly so charming without his tortoiseshell frames and floppy hair. The actor dons a slimmer pair in Notting Hill during a couple of particularly emotionally vulnerable scenes — once when he's watching Julia Roberts's Anna, a famous actress, on the big screen and thinking about how their love can never be, and later when he is distraught to overhear her calling him "someone from the past" while she's on set. In fact, Grant's poor eyesight even leads to one of the best scenes in the film, when he is forced to wear absolutely giant prescription goggles ("slutty" giant goggles, perhaps?) during a trip to the cinema.

Then there's Jude Law in The Holiday, whose glasses make a few appearances to show him at his most unguarded — once after sex and once when he lets Cameron Diaz's Amanda get a glimpse into his picture-perfect life as a single dad to two daughters. Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer also slots nicely into the hot prof catalog.

Why are "slutty little glasses" so hot? Back to Jonathan Bailey's "slutty little glasses" in "Jurassic World Rebirth." Credit: Universal

Our decades-long fascination with "slutty little glasses" does, of course, go beyond their aesthetic appeal. It gestures toward the female gaze and indeed the queer gaze. "Slutty little glasses" speak to the girls and gays because they present us with a different type of male hero, one who subverts the traditional tropes of masculinity by finding strength in his intellect and his openness rather than just his machismo.

A chiseled jawline and a toned bicep may be nice, but far more attractive is a man who has layers that go beyond the physical — like a willingness to be vulnerable. An unexpected softness. A steady intellect. Traits, in other words, that can be instantly implied with one little pair of glasses. 

"Slutty little glasses" are enjoying an undeniable moment in the spotlight. After all, Bailey wears them well. But he is only the latest leading man to set our hearts a flutter with a pair of sexy little specs. Sure, the frames may have shifted from tortoiseshell to titanium, but the appeal of the "slutty little glasses" is timeless.

Jurassic World Rebirth is now in theaters.

TL;DR: Charge up to 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons at once with this RGB-lit dock—just $18.99 (reg. $29.99) with free shipping.

Few things ruin the vibe faster than reaching for your Joy-Con and realizing it’s dead. If your Nintendo Switch 2 controllers are constantly running on empty, it might be time to level up your charging game. This 4-in-1 charging dock is here to save your battery life — and your patience — for just $18.99 (regularly $29.99), and yes, shipping is free.

This compact little powerhouse charges up to four Joy-Con controllers simultaneously. No more waiting for one set to juice up while your friends awkwardly spectate. The magnetic, weighted design keeps things steady, while the smart chip prevents overcharging and overheating — because nothing kills a gaming marathon faster than fried gear.

And let’s discuss aesthetics. With 9 RGB lighting effects, this dock does more than charge — it puts on a light show. Whether you’re into neon vibes or want your setup to match your Mario Kart mood, the customizable lights bring the glow-up your gaming station deserves.

Compatible only with Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons, this dock features a reversible connector for easy plug-in (no more fidgeting to find the “right way”). It’s fast, safe, stylish, and honestly a must-have for anyone who’s tired of Joy-Con roulette.

Grab this 4-controller charger while it’s just $18.99 (reg. $29.99) with free shipping.

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Opens in a new window Credit: UGR Tech Charging Dock for Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Controllers $18.99
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TL;DR: Tired of swatting bugs all summer? The Flowtron 2-Acre Bug Zapper uses UV light and Octenol to attract and zap mosquitoes and other flying pests.

Bug season has officially clocked in — but don’t worry, your new MVP just entered the chat. The Flowtron 2-Acre Outdoor Electric Bug Zapper is like the bodyguard your backyard didn’t know it needed, zapping away mosquitoes and flies so you can enjoy your lemonade in peace.

Covering up to two full acres, this zapper doesn’t mess around. It combines the irresistible glow of three 40W UV bulbs with the mosquito-luring power of Octenol — a safe attractant that mosquitoes find way too tempting. Once they get close? Zap. The 5,600-volt grid does the work in a flash.

It’s got the credentials, too. EPA registered, UL and CSA listed, and made in the USA, the Flowtron is built to handle the elements with its weatherproof housing and non-clogging design. Hang it up on your porch, pergola, or fence, and enjoy a low-maintenance solution to one of summer’s most annoying problems.

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, stargazing with the kids, or just trying to drink your coffee without donating blood to a swarm of bugs, this zapper’s here to keep things quiet, clean, and bite-free.

Get the Flowtron 2-Acre Outdoor Electric Bug Zapper while it’s $234.97 with free shipping.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Flowtron Flowtron 2 Acre Outdoor Electric Bug Zapper $234.97
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TL;DR: Note-taking just got a major glow-up. My Notes AI lets you record, transcribe, summarize, and organize — all from one app. Get it for life for just $29.99 with code TAKE10.

Opens in a new window Credit: My Notes AI My Notes AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription - AI Note Transcriber & Summarizer $29.99
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Many of us are familiar with frantically scribbling during a Zoom call only to try and decipher our own handwriting later, or forgetting that really good idea we had mid-meeting because we couldn’t read or record it. A solution exists with My Notes AI, the app that becomes your brain’s favorite assistant.

For a one-time price of $29.99 with code TAKE10 at checkout (down from $299), you get lifetime access to a sleek productivity tool that does the hard stuff for you. Record meetings, transcribe interviews, summarize lectures, and keep it all organized like the pro you are — or aspire to be.

Whether you’re a student, freelancer, entrepreneur, or someone who just wants to remember more things, My Notes AI works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac and gives you unlimited transcription and AI-powered summarization. That means no monthly charges, no limits, and no forgetting what was said in that very long meeting you were only half awake for.

It even records meetings on Mac without any extra bots or plug-ins. Just hit record while you’re on Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams. Later, it’ll spit out an instant summary so you know what actually mattered.

Organize your thoughts. Reclaim your time. And finally, take notes that work for you.

Get lifetime access to the MyNotes AI App for $29.99 with code TAKE10 at checkout (reg. $299) through July 15.

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The monster. The myth. The legend. The Labubu.

The grinning monster is everywhere this summer, including on Mashable's own digital pages. My fabulous colleague and fellow Mashable editor, Crystal Bell, recently took a deep dive into the cult and community of Labubu. She even accidentally won a fashion contest at a viral Labubu fan meetup in New York City. She (yes, Labubuu goes by she/her) most often appears as an elfin plush figurine, and fans collect Labubu keychains, dolls, toys, and whatever merchandise they can find.

Credit: Pop Mart

This sparks two burning questions. Number one, what is Labubu? Labubu is a collectible toy, part of the monster series by Hong Kong-Belgian artist Kasing Lung, but Labubu is so much more than that. She's also the hottest accessory of the hottest summer. Number two, where can you buy Labubu?

Where to buy Labubu online

If you want to join the Labubu community, you need to know where to buy Labubu. And more importantly, where to buy a real Labubu. If you're not careful, you can accidentally end up with the dreaded Lafufu, or faux Labubu dolls sold by unscrupulous grifters.

You can find third-party sellers hawking Labubu dolls and toys everywhere from Amazon to Shein, and you should proceed with caution when shopping these types of marketplaces. Amazon, at least, should offer easy returns if you do end up unboxing a Lafufu. Fortunately, there are legitimate places to purchase these collectible toys online.

Since Labubu dolls, toys, and keychains sell out so quickly, some of the links below may lead to out-of-stock products. However, keep checking these links to stay up-to-date with the latest restocks.

Buy Labubu on Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Pop Mart Check the Amazon Pop Mart store Learn More

Amazon has an official Pop Mart storefront, where dozens of products from "The Monsters" series are available for sale. As of this writing, all of the Amazon Pop Mart listings are sold out. However, you can look for restocks. Fans claim that restocks typically occur on Thursdays at approximately 8:30 p.m. ET.

While many Labubu products on Amazon are sold out, Amazon does allow resellers to list their own products for sale. You can find these products by selecting "See All Buying Options." Proceed with caution, and check the seller's feedback rating for more information.

Beware the dreaded Lafufu when buying from resellers. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Amazon Proceed with caution. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Amazon

If you want to check for restocks on Amazon, here are some of Pop Mart's official Labubu listings at Amazon, as of this writing:

Buy Labubu at Amazon The Monsters - Tasty Macarons Vinyl Face Blind Box, Whole Set $339.99 Shop Now The Monsters Big into Energy Series-Vinyl Plush Pendant Blind Box $88.45 Shop Now Pop Mart The Monsters Let's Checkmate Series-Vinyl Plush Doll Check prices at Amazon Shop Now Buy Labubu at Kicks Crew Opens in a new window Credit: Pop Mart Check the Kicks Crew Pop Mart store Shop Now

The Kicks Crew online store is one of the few that actually had Labubu in stock at the time of writing. Here, you'll find Labubus for sale alongside the latest drops from Nike, Yeezy, Adidas, and other streetwear brands. If you're looking for Labubu keychains for sale, you can find options starting at $62.06.

Buy Labubu at Kicks Crew Pop Mart The Monsters - Tasty Macarons Vinyl Face Blind Box, Blue $62.06 Shop Now Pop Mart The Monsters -Tasy Macarons Vinyl Face Blind Box, Brown $185.11 Shop Now Pop Mart The Monsters -Tasy Macarons Vinyl Face Blind Box, Pink $66.34 Shop Now Buy Labubu at Stock X

A favorite among hypebeasts looking to cop the latest trend, StockX is an online marketplace and resell platform. For those desperately seeking Labubu, StockX is a good option if you don't mind paying resale prices. While a standard Labubu plush keychain retails for $27.99 at Pop Mart, prices on StockX can range anywhere from $45 to in the hundreds. The rarer the Labubu, the higher the price.

And remember to exercise caution when buying on StockX, as you can still end up with a Lafufu. Luckily, StockX will usually return the fake item to the seller and attempt to connect you with a new seller.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pop Mart Check StockX Pop Mart listings Shop Now

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most-watchable. Whether you're in the mood for shark shenanigans, family-friendly fun, action-packed adventures, or a vampire movie that's the best film of 2025 so far, we've got something just for you.

Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.

10. The Sandman, Season 2: Vol. 1

In the wake of the disturbing allegations of sexual assault made against author Neil Gaiman, The Sandman returns for its second and final season.

Season 1 followed Dream (Tom Sturridge) on a quest to reclaim his equipment after breaking free of the bonds of a wizard. In that time, he shook up the world of gods, demons, and fairies, sparking the ire of the lord of Hell, Lucifer (Game of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie). Season 2 picks up with Dream rebuilding his kingdom, and will welcome an expansion of its cast of characters, including Orpheus, Loki, Odin, Thor, and more.

While fans of Gaiman's comic series will think they know exactly what to expect, showrunner Allan Heinberg told Tudum, "Our adaptation aims to be faithful to the movements of Dream’s story, but in a way that I hope will surprise the book’s loyal fans."

Starring: Tom Sturridge, Boyd Holbrook, Patton Oswalt, Gwendoline Christie, Charles Dance, Jenna Coleman, Stephen Fry, and John Cameron Mitchell

How to watch: The Sandman, Season 2: Vol. 1 debuts on Netflix on July 3.

9. Shark Whisperer

Summer is a time for musing on sharks, whether it be revisiting the Jaws movies, diving into the murky waters of (the oft-fearmongering) Shark Week, or checking out the pair of Netflix offerings about these incredible predators of the oceans.

Shark Whisperer comes from James Reed, the co-director of the Academy Award–winning nature doc My Octopus Teacher. As the title suggests, this documentary follows a shark lover, Ocean Ramsey, who is known for posting viral videos of her swims with sharks. Her goal is to show the world these sea creatures aren't something to be feared, but understood. But even in the trailer, Ramsey is quick to recognize the danger of her mission. These are wild animals, after all. But there's more to this story than the sharks, as Ramsey and her tactics have stirred controversy. Is her mission really about the sharks? Or is she chasing fame for her own ends? Dive in and find out.

How to watch: Shark Whisperer is now streaming on Netflix.

8. All of the Sharks

If you want your shark media with more reality TV flare, then All of the Sharks seems made for you.

This competition series has four teams of shark experts taking the plunge in a race to capture sharks on camera for a $50,000 prize, which will go to a charity of the competitors' choice. They'll travel from the Maldives to the Galapagos, the Bahamas, Japan, South Africa, and Australia on their quest to snap pics, with more points for rarer species. The glories of nature photography collide with competition drama, plus sharks! What more could you wish for?

How to watch: All of the Sharks debuts on Netflix on July 4.

7. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

A24's critically heralded black comedy from Zambian-Welsh director Rungano Nyoni is now streaming! On Becoming a Guinea Fowl begins on an empty road in Zambia, where Shula (Susan Chardy) discovers the body of her Uncle Fred. As funeral traditions begin, she and her cousins are urged to look back and better understand her family's buried secrets.

In his review for Mashable, Siddhant Adlakha described the film like this: "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a brilliantly wry film of funeral traditions and familial idiosyncrasies. Tackling dark familial secrets with acerbic wit, it explores a culture of silence around sexual abuse. The result is a fiercely feminist tale filled with powerful observations, told through the eyes of a woman struggling with her commitment to community, as she’s backed into corners by social norms."

Starring: Susan Chardy, Elizabeth Chisela, and Henry B.J. Phiri

How to watch: On Becoming a Guinea Fowl begins streaming on HBO Max on July 4.

6. Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado

In 2019, Dora and the Lost City of Gold masterfully re-imagined the kids cartoon show Dora the Explorer into a live-action romp, fun for the whole family. Now, Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado is the standalone sequel, with Samantha Lorraine stepping in as the eponymous adventurer.

With the help of her cousin Diego and her monkey pal Boots, she's searching for the lost treasure of Sol Dorado. But they're not the only ones looking. As they delve into the jungle, they're racing against time with a band of mercenaries on their track. Along the way, they'll drop references to the beloved children's series, fish-out-of-water jokes from Dora's less adventure-savvy cohorts, and a crowd-pleasing blend of humor and action. Family movie night is sorted. Vámonos!

Starring: Samantha Lorraine, Jacob Rodriguez, Daniella Pineda, Gabriel Iglesias, and María Cecilia Botero

How to watch: Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado is now streaming on Paramount+.

5. Heads of State

Ever wanted to see John Cena be president of the United States of America? Then you're in luck. The pro-wrestler turned movie star headlines Heads of State playing an action star-turned POTUS. Alongside Cena is British icon Idris Elba, who plays the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Together, they offer an odd-couple comedy where political differences might be more amusing than cringe-worthy or abjectly horrifying!

From Ilya Naishuller (Nobody, Hardcore Henry) comes an action-comedy that's not only loaded with star power and action, but laughs as well. Is it stupid? Sure. But if you're seeking a popcorn movie perfect for cozying up on your couch to escape the heat, Heads of State is here to serve.

Starring: John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, and Carla Gugino

How to watch: Heads of State premieres on Prime Video on July 4.

4. Thunderbolts*

The 36th MCU movie plays like Marvel's version of Suicide Squad, boasting a star-stuffed cast that includes Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour playing chaotic antiheroes.

Misfits like Yelena Belova (Pugh), Bucky (Stan), Red Guardian (Harbour), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell) are united by CIA director Valentina de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) — whether she likes it or not! Together, they must not only battle a new big bad who's terrorizing New York City, but also their own inner demons.

Despite a promising setup and exciting cast, Thunderbolts* wasn't what fans hoped for. In my review for Mashable, I wrote, "Sure, there's action, callbacks, deep-dive comic book lore, and the occasional character-driven comedy beat. But overall, Thunderbolts* feels like two to six ideas for a movie haphazardly cobbled together. There's little flow, less fun, and a final act that feels more like a cheat than an achievement."

Starring: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Olga Kurylenko, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus

How to watch: Thunderbolts* is now available on digital.

3. Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League

This month has Superman returning to the big screen. But you don't have to wait for a fresh take on DC heroes. This anime offering, directed by Junpei Mizusaki and Shinji Takagi and written by Kazuki Nakashima, is pitting the Dark Knight against a — checks notes — shower of yakuza, literally descending from the skies onto Gotham. And that's just for starters.

This sequel to Batman Ninja has Bruce Wayne returning to the present to discover a world where Japan is gone — as are the rest of the Justice League. Well, at least the versions of Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and The Flash that Bruce knew are gone. In their place are the Yakuza League, superheroes tied not to government or justice, but to yakuza families at war with one another. So, it's up to Batman and Robin to not only save the day, but also their timeline to restore the Justice League to its former glory. Sounds like a wild ride.

Starring: Koichi Yamadera, Daisuke Ono, Akira Ishida, Kengo Kawanishi, Yuki Kaji, Hōchū Ōtsuka, Masaki Terasoma, Wataru Takagi, Rie Kugimiya, Nobuyuki Hiyama, Romi Park, Akio Otsuka, Ayane Sakura, Kazuhiro Yamaji, and Takaya Kamikawa

How to watch: Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League premieres on HBO Max on July 3.

2. The Old Guard 2

In 2020, director Gina Prince-Bythewood delivered epic action in the sly superhero movie The Old Guard. For the long-awaited sequel, Victoria Mahoney (Yelling to the Sky) takes the helm, joined by returning cast members like Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Theron is mulleted up and ready to rumble in this sequel. Her immortal warrior Andy and company are back in action, fighting evil to save the world. Trailers for the film tease the action that's sure to thrill. But Andy has a new big bad to battle, Quynh (Veronica Ngô) — a fellow immortal on a vengeance kick after being buried alive at sea for ages. Plus, Uma Thurman in an ominous role.

Furiousa versus The Bride? We're in.

Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Matthias Schoenaerts, Veronica Ngô, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Uma Thurman, and Henry Golding

How to watch: The Old Guard 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Sinners

The best movie of 2025 (so far) is coming to streaming this holiday! Following Fruitvale Station, Black Panther, and Creed, Sinners marks the latest collaboration between writer/director Ryan Coogler and movie star Michael B. Jordan, who pulls double-duty in this period film, playing twins.

The Smokestack Twins are gangsters looking to open their own juke joint in their hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1932. To make their grand opening one the town will never forget, they call on friends and family to cook, perform, and work security. But their revels draw the attention of a vicious vampire, and all hell breaks loose before dawn.

Critics praised the epic scope Coogler applied to his genre-fluid drama — which might be a horror musical. And audiences swooned over the ensemble, who were radiant as they created characters complex and compelling.*

In my review of the film, I cheered, "Sinners is more than a hell of a thrilling vampire movie. Like Black Panther, it expands beyond the expectations of its genre to become a magnificent film, emanating with spirit, power, and purpose. Smoothly blending vampire horror into a unique tale of regret, resilience, and redemption, Coogler and Jordan have made a cinematic marvel that is terrifying, satisfying, and unforgettable."

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo

How to watch: Sinners begins streaming on Max on July 4.

* denotes that this blurb appeared in a previous Mashable list.

If you've been on finance TikTok lately, you've probably seen Dean Indot answer his wife Alexis's finance questions to the tune of millions of views.

Dean, a commercial banking exec and Pepperdine MBA, and his wife Alexis went viral from one of their first-ever videos. It wasn't long before Dean's reading-chair rant on why you might not want to use your debit card very often got 14.5 million views. Now, their TikTok account, @alexisanddean, has 1.7 million followers.

We sat down with Alexis and Dean to discuss why their content struck such a chord, when they started making big money from it, and why educational content is so important.

Alexis and Dean Idot Credit: Mashable composite: Zooey Liao; Instagram/ Getty Images How did you guys come up with the specific concept for your videos?

Dean: Alexis is pretty active on social media. I'm not at all. I use LinkedIn for work, and my company manages that for me. And I use Twitter or X for my investment news feeds and data. That's about the extent of my usage of social media. 

She always asks me questions, just as a couple, about finance stuff. It's just how we talk. We sit down and we hang out, and it's always questions. Right after the mini financial crisis in '23, I'm immersed in that because I'm a banker. So all the bankers out there were heavily immersed in that for those two to three weeks of chaos. The long story short is: she asked me to explain it. She wanted to know what was going on because the average person didn't understand what it means when banks go out of business. Why? So she asked me a question, and then I explained, and that was the first video.

Were you uncomfortable at all with the idea of answering her questions on camera?

Dean: No. I didn't realize it was being recorded [at first]. I'm not uncomfortable at all. And fun fact: I don't watch any of my videos. I would only watch the videos in case there are editing requirements or some comment that says I said something untoward or wrong. But I never watch my videos.

Do you edit them? 

Dean: Alexis does everything. She comes from digital marketing and is an entrepreneur. She had her own business for many years, all of which was marketed and driven by social media. I have no idea what happens after she takes the video.

Alexis: I film everything in one take. If it's for a brand [and] if a brand requires edits, I will do it in CapCut, but all of our organic content is filmed in one take, and then I post it directly on TikTok. I just add a little title to it through the TikTok app, but I don't edit our content whatsoever.

Dean: If you see the setup here, you'd know there is no production here. I don't even have a mic. It's her iPhone.

Alexis: Everything's done on the iPhone camera.

Dean: Not even a stick or a stand. She just holds it. And that has not changed since day one.

Why do you think viewers gravitate toward that?

Dean: Authenticity. What you see is what you get,

Alexis: [We get] comments [about how people] feel like they're sitting at a table with us.

Where do you both come up with inspiration or ideas for your videos? 

Dean: I'm very active in paying attention to news, to the economy, to markets. I'm an active trader — not by trade, but for personal reasons. I'm literally sitting here every morning before the market opens, listening to news all day until it closes. I'm a news hound. That's just how I am. What I do is interpret the news for the masses on social media who don't want to read or don't have the time to read. So the content ideas just come organically. If it's not a brand deal, it's usually organic. It's something interesting out there that I want to talk about, or she thinks it's really interesting that people don't understand.

Alexis: There'll be a headline in the news, and Dean will be going off about it. And it makes perfect sense to Dean, but I have no idea what's going on. I might ask questions that seem elementary to him, but I kind of represent our audience in a way that not everyone understands what's going on. So sometimes it'll be me asking questions, just trying to get an explanation on current events. 

Can you sort of walk me through how you go from ideation to publishing a post?

Alexis: I ask Dean the question, [and] I'll get the content that I need. And then, as far as posting it, sometimes I will backlog content. We'll film a bunch of stuff in one day. Dean's really busy, so we'll have filming days where we do a bunch of content in one day. If it's a hot topic, we'll film it that morning and post it right away. 

When I'm ready to post that piece of content, I upload it to the TikTok app. It's very important to use hashtags on TikTok. Not so much Instagram, but cataloging your content on TikTok is really important. So I make sure that I use as many relevant hashtags as I can think of. Some of our favorites are #FinancialLiteracy and #FinancialEducation. Dean doesn't know anything about hashtag strategy.

Dean: No idea.

Alexis: I make sure that I always hashtag relevant hashtags. Then I tag the location, and then we upload it. I don't keep anything in the drafts; I just keep it like on my camera roll in my phone. And it's really straightforward and simple. There really isn't much of a process other than we film.

How many videos are you posting on average every day?

Alexis: On average, we post three times a week. One thing that we just started is Financial Literacy Fridays. I can film a bunch of content that's not time sensitive with Dean and then keep it as a backlog. That way, I'm posting every single Friday, no matter what. We just did the first one, and we got almost a million views. So it seems to be well-received. And that's hopefully a new cadence for us moving forward. 

When did you realize you could generate a significant income from this? 

Dean: The first video [we posted] went viral, but I didn't really pay attention to it at all. I would say six months into it.

Alexis: Dean thought it was kind of a joke in the beginning, but we got a million views on the first video, and then that same week, we got something with like three or four million views, and nothing was getting under 300,000 [views]. And I knew that was a really big deal. [It took us] two months to get into the TikTok Creator Fund.

Dean: They started paying out really well on engagement. Once it passed five figures in revenue, that's when I [said], "Wait a minute, this is bonafide. This is not a joke."

You were getting five figures from the Creator Fund?

Alexis: No, not [at first]. Only this year. 

Dean: In the beginning, we had small brand deals here and there, what I call "funny money." It's gas money.

Alexis: But we're really only two-and-a-half years in, and to see how much we've grown has been really kind of crazy.

Which monetization methods do you use? 

Alexis: The Creator Fund. There is something called Specialized Rewards on TikTok, where they reward creators who make what they call educational learning content. And we've been selected to be in that program as well. So that's been really great for brand deals. 

Dean: We have a couple of longer-term contracts, but again, we're very picky about that, too, about the brand deals. I view this business not just as about making as much money as I can as fast as I can; it's more about helping the community… I would never do a brand deal if it's a product that I wouldn't use or that I haven't used already. I'm very, very strict about that.

Alexis: Even if it's a product that I think is a good product. If Dean's like, "It's a good product, but it's not something that fits my lifestyle," we still won't. It has to be something that we personally use and enjoy. 

Is that mostly brands coming to you? 

Dean: No, they all come to us. 

Alexis: I have a manager, but I would say 98 percent of everything is inbound to us. 

How quickly you became successful on TikTok is quite an anomaly, right? It's not that common to have your first video go viral. Was this your first attempt at virality?

Dean: It wasn't even a try.

Alexis: I had other channels.

Dean: She thought it was funny.

Alexis: Well, no, I had a small business that I would advertise on Instagram that I've spent years building, and I never had the success that I had with this channel. 

[For this project],I filmed one video and I introduced myself and [said] what I was gonna be posting. And then that same night, I posted the very first question I asked Dean, and out of the gate, it did really well. It wasn't an idea that I had recycled and had to try multiple times. It just worked the first time. I think it was a combination of the content style and the topic that we picked. It was such a hot topic at that time. I've realized that the content that does the best on our channel sometimes is a hot topic. Being on it with what's relevant works really well with TikTok. The algorithm seems to like it. 

What advice would you give to someone who's starting out in content creation and is looking to build a career or grow their following similar to yours?

Dean: What you see is what you get. I'm not trying. I'm not doing anything that isn't normally me. 

Alexis: What Dean just said. When people ask me, "How can we replicate what you guys have done?" I just tell people to be themselves. When you're creating content, if you're not filming with a partner in the way that we are, I tell people to act like you're on FaceTime with your friends. TikTok feels like a little community, a small family, people that you talk with every day, and engage with your comments. Film as if you're talking to your friend on FaceTime. 

Unfortunately, you can't buy the motivation to get your butt in the gym (or to do any kind of exercise). And fitness wearables alone won't make you healthier, no matter what U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy says. But, a great fitness tracker can help light a fire under your ass to take more than 500 steps in a day. And hey, that's not nothing!

The conversation around fitness has changed quite a bit over the past few years (as made clear by Every Fashion Brand Ever releasing a line of matching leggings and sports bras). We can thank the self-care revolution for this one. Actively monitoring your fitness progression isn't just for athletes or people training for their hometown's 5K. It's a building block of wellness that people are baking into their daily groove, just like keeping up with a skincare routine or eating vegetables.

Ever since the pandemic closed most gyms for an extended period of time, home fitness and smart home gyms are having a moment — and we don't think they're going anywhere, even though it's safe to fight with sweaty strangers over the last elliptical again.

SEE ALSO: Best non-watch heart rate monitors — keep your wrist free without sacrificing the data you need

Fitness trackers fit really nicely into this widening self-made fitness market, which is one of the main reasons they've become so popular. Yes, they're a cool gadget, but beyond building up your tech arsenal, fitness trackers can help people find their way into self-care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Here are just some of the features that a good fitness tracker can offer you:

• Workout tracking

• GPS tracking

• Virtual rewards for staying active

• Sleep tracking

• Recovery suggestions

• Mindfulness apps

• Heart rate monitoring

• Menstrual cycle tracking (which may be problematic in certain cases)

• Body temperature measurements

• Blood oxygen monitoring

• Fall detection

• Phone calls and notifications from your wrist

• Tap-to-pay

• Access to music

When it comes to exercise, they're the next best thing to having a trainer — suggesting workouts, watching your heart get stronger, and letting you know when it's time for a breather — all on your own time. Whether your preferred form of exercise is the gym, a long run, a few laps in the pool, a 10-minute workout on YouTube, or a casual walk around the neighborhood, it'll be there to record all of your PRs and motivate you with new challenges.

It's not just the time that you're sweating that matters: Restorative exercises and recovery are just as imperative to keep an eye on. At-home yoga could be therapeutic on your days off from HIIT, with meditation sprinkled in to keep stress or anxiety from eating at your will to get off the couch. A great fitness tracker can help with both of these things, as well as lay out a recovery plan when your body needs to rest — a constant reminder to love yourself just as hard as you push yourself.

This type of mindfulness isn't always easy, and the best fitness trackers are the ones that will keep you in check throughout your workout as well as the rest of your day. Casual activity tracking, trackers that monitor your sleep (sometimes going as deep as times spent in each stage of sleep), heart rate, body temperature, and blood-oxygen levels can provide insight into how much energy you can put toward a workout on a given day. They'll also give you a head's up if you've been exercising too hard — all of which can aid in optimal performance and overall health.

SAVE $53: As of July 2, this Kindle Paperwhite (refurbished) is on sale for $126.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 29% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Refurbished) $126.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $53.00 Get Deal

Book lovers, head directly to Amazon because you can get the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition for under $130. No, seriously. This "like new" refurbished model is discounted by an impressive 29%.

As of July 2, this device is priced at $126.99. This deal is on the 32GB model, and is available in all colorways: black, jade, and raspberry. And don't be put off by the refurbished stamp. According to Amazon, this Kindle is "refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device."

SEE ALSO: Early Prime Day book deals: Save up to 80% on hardcovers, paperbacks, and Kindle editions

This is Amazon's fastest Kindle yet, and has a sharper contrast and 25% faster page turns. It has an ultra-thin, glare-free design to make it perfect for reading anywhere, whether you're traveling, lounging around at home, or sitting out in the sun.

A single USB-C charge can last up to 12 weeks, and the adjustable display lets you switch from white to amber for comfortable reading in any light. Plus, it's waterproof, so you can take it to the pool, bath, or beach without worry. Access over 15 million titles in the Kindle Store instantly, and if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, you can dive into an endless catalog of bestsellers and more.

Go on, treat yourself to an early Prime Day deal.

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) — $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)

Not sure whether that video you just saw on X (formerly Twitter) is real or AI-generated? Don't worry, AI will now let you know what's what.

Elon Musk's X is running a new pilot program that allows AI chatbots to generate Community Notes on the platform. Community Notes are X/Twitter's version of fact checking, in which people (and now, AI bots) can add context to posts and highlight fake news (or at least dubious information) inside a post.

Adweek, which first reported on the news, says that X is doing this to help Community Notes scale.

“Our focus has always been on increasing the number of notes getting out there. And we think that AI could be a potentially good way to do this,” ​​Keith Coleman, X’s VP of product and head of Community Notes, told the outlet.

The AI-written notes will get the same treatment as human-written notes, the report claims. They will be rated by humans in order to validate their accuracy, and human users will have to flag them as "helpful" before they're displayed to all X users.

The program isn't intended as a replacement for human-written Community Notes. Instead, Coleman says that both types of notes will be "very additive."

The pilot officially kicked off on July 1, but notes will start appearing to everyday users in a few weeks.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk threatens to start new U.S. political party

X's Community Notes have been hit and miss for the company so far. Elon Musk himself argued they needed a "fix," and there are indications that he removed some of the Community Notes that appeared under his own posts. The use of Community Notes has fallen off sharply in recent months. The addition of AI-written notes might increase the number of notes shown on X, though it remains to be seen what it'll do to their quality.

SAVE $40: As of July 2, the Amazon Fire TV 32-inch 2-Series is on sale for $109.99 at Amazon. That's a 27% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 32-inch 2-Series $109.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

TV deals are warming up ahead of Prime Day. As of July 2, you can find a fantastic early deal on the Amazon Fire TV 32-inch 2-Series, saving you $40 on list price. At $109.99, it's the cheapest it has been all year.

One of the standout features is the built-in Alexa voice control. Not only can you use this to control some of your other smart home devices (think speakers, robot vacuums, or light bulbs), but you can also use it to search through multiple streaming platforms at once, helping you find your favorite shows and movies much more easily (trust us, you'll really love this feature).

SEE ALSO: The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is already 50% off one week before Prime Day

And you're not scrimping on quality either. Enjoy an HD 1080p resolution with support for HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio. Meaning all your shows, movies, and gaming experiences are the highest quality.

For entertainment, the TV runs on Amazon's Fire OS, so you'll have access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It also features two standard HDMI inputs and one ARC input, making it easy to connect gaming devices.

Grab this early Prime Day deal from Amazon now.

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) — $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)