Technology

I'm a big fan of Lego, and simultaneously a very big fan of Steven Spielberg's Jaws, so when the company announced an Ideas set last year that could be displayed as a diorama featuring the Orca boat with minifigures of Martin Brody, Matt Hooper, and Sam Quint in their final fight against "Bruce" the shark, I knew I had to have it.

But like with any big purchase (and this does have a price tag of $149.99), I waited for a good opportunity to actually pick it up. That opportunity came this year, which lined up perfectly with the film's 50th anniversary.

Another factor I wanted to keep in mind with this set is making sure I had a good amount of time to dedicate to it. Considering it comes with 1,497 pieces, it's a build that took a while to complete. But I couldn't have been happier with the end result. This Lego set was well worth picking up as a Jaws fan, but if you're still on the fence given the price tag, it's worth knowing what the build is actually like.

SEE ALSO: Our 13 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans

Alongside price and time spent, there are other factors to consider before investing in stuff like this, including how well it displays. This set is on the longer side, taking up a majority of a shelf on my bookshelf. I've broken down more details about this set below, so you can determine if it's something that can find a happy place in your home.

You're gonna need a bigger shelf

Before we get into the details of the set itself, it's worth acknowledging where it came from. This Lego set is part of the Ideas line, which features sets thought up by fans. According to Lego, "When their initial proposals receive enough public support on the Lego Ideas website, fans’ designs are picked out by our designers to be made into actual, real-life Lego sets!"

This set was conceived by Jonny Campbell, who paused "the movie at various stages in order to get as many angles of the boat and as much detail as possible" while designing the Jaws set, according to Lego. Campbell's thought process is covered in the opening pages of the instruction manual, which shows off his original design as well. It's nice to read before embarking on the build itself.

I think they're going to need a bigger boat. Credit: Hannah Hoolihan / Mashable

This set is recommended for ages 18 and up, and I think that's a fair recommendation. Not only is it a fair challenge to put together, but it features a lot of small details (particularly when constructing the Orca) and the end result feels very delicate. It's helpful to have an older individual working on it (or helping, if you have a shark-obsessed kid who is desperate to put this one together).

As mentioned before, the Jaws Lego set comes with 1,497 pieces, which arrive packaged in 13 bags, each of which you construct one after the other. I love this separation with a Lego set, because I've found if you need to pause partway through, it's easy enough to pick up where you left off. You also don't lose track of any pieces as they're all kept together in their respective bags, which is a huge bonus.

As you start building, the Orca is your first priority, and it's a very detailed build. What I really loved about it, though, was how many smaller items were included in the cabin. The team did an incredible job of adding in several different accessories to breathe life into this set, including a newspaper, coffee mug, and map.

SEE ALSO: The new Lego Game Boy is peak nostalgia for '90s kids

After the boat, you'll then move onto building the shark. What's nice is you have two options for displaying the shark as well: you can either opt to display it separately on its own base, or pose it coming out of the water and attacking the Orca. I went with the latter, as I was excited to have the full diorama on my shelf.

If you've decided to go with the diorama setup, you'll start building out the base for the model next. I love the little wave details in this, as it looks like the Orca is crashing through the water in its escape from the shark. It truly makes for an excellent display piece once it's finished, complete with the minifigures of Brody, Hooper, and Quint alongside a plaque that says “You’re gonna need a bigger boat”.

Credit: Hannah Hoolihan / Mashable

Again, keep in mind that it all feels quite delicate as you move it around. In my case, moving it from my dining room table to the bookshelf was done slowly and carefully so it all made it over there safely. It's also a pretty big set once fully built, coming to 14 inches (35 cm) high, 23 inches (59 cm) long, and 7.5 inches (20 cm) wide, per Lego's store page. Safe to say, you're gonna need a big shelf.

Is the Jaws Lego set worth the price?

In my opinion, I think dropping $150 on this set is absolutely worth it if you're a fan of the film. The process of piecing it together was totally satisfying, and it's something I feel very proud to see displayed. It's worth keeping in mind that, as a display piece, it needs to be put in a safe spot. If you have kids and don't want models to be damaged, I suggest keeping it out of arm's reach. But if they do end up curious, what better way to introduce them to Steven Spielberg's blockbuster classic?

Where to buy the Jaws Lego set

If this set has caught your eye, the good news is you can buy it online right now at Lego and Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego 'Jaws' Lego Set Shop Now

DJI knows its way around drones, creator cameras, and wireless mics. But how would a creator keep those powered up while out creating content? A portable power station, of course, and DJI is on its way to becoming a leading manufacturer.

Remember when we used to go camping and worried about our cell phones running out of juice? Portable power stations have made this fear a thing of yesteryear. In 2024, DJI launched the Power 1000 and the Power 500, which brought 1,000 watt hours and 500 watt hours to the table of portable power, respectively. But the brand loved by content creators went even further this year by introducing the DJI Power 2000, doubling the power potential. Of course, that meant we needed to try it out to see if it's worth the investment and who should own it.

What’s to love about the DJI Power 2000

Straight out of the gate, the DJI Power 2000 looks awesome on paper and in person. It comes with a massive 2,048 WH capacity, which is twice as much as the previous DJI Power 1000. Charging options are plentiful, and the overall design is simple, and I appreciate the lack of flashy branding on the Power 2000. In fact, it doesn’t even say DJI on the face of the portable power station. It’s also shockingly quiet and only reaches 30 decibels when recharging. I’ve tested air purifiers that are louder than that, and we often sleep with those in the room.

Here are some standout specs to study before deciding if the DJI Power 2000 is right for your needs:

Specs

• Capacity: 2,048 Wh

• Continuous output: 3,000 W

• Weight: 48.5 pounds

• Dimensions: 17.6 in. L × 8.9 in. W × 12.8 in H

• Power options: AC, 30amp AC, USB-C (140W), USB-A, SDC

• Recharging options: Grid power, solar, car

• Battery type: LFP (lithium ferrophosphate)

• Life cycles: 80 percent capacity after 4,000 cycles

• Warranty: 3 years

You also get app compatibility with the DJI Power 2000, which gives you extra control of the portable power station. Plus, you can keep tabs on power levels if you’re not physically near the station. I found this especially useful when recharging the station in the garage since I could check on power percentage without taking (another) trip down the stairs, which would use some of my own power I didn't feel like spending. 

Abby has enough power (sass) on her own. Is confused why this is in her yard. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable Awesome capacity, output, and charging versatility

Portable power stations come in a huge range of capacities, and it’s best to consider your needs and desires when deciding on the right model. Like the name suggests, the DJI Power 2000 is loaded up with a 2,048Wh capacity with a maximum continuous output of 3,000W. In real life terms, DJI says this capacity is capable of recharging a phone 114 times, a laptop 18 times, or keeping a projector going for 18 hours.

If you use the DJI Power 2000 at home during a power outage, your fridge can stay cooling for up to 40 hours, and a bedside lamp will get a massive 180 hours of life. If you use a CPAP machine to sleep, the DJI Power 2000 makes for a really awesome nightstand accessory during a power outage. This capacity also means you can charge up several devices at the same time. When testing, I charged my phone and a camera battery, all while cooking in an air fryer powered by the DJI portable power station.

DJI was pretty thoughtful with the charging options on the Power 2000. You get three standard AC ports, one 30 amp, two USB-C ports with 140W power, two USB-C ports with 65W power, four USB-A ports, and two SDC charging ports. For those unfamiliar with DJI drones, they recharge via the brand’s proprietary SDC, so these ports are unique to DJI power stations and you won’t find them on competitor models from other brands.

A power outage no longer means you can't dry your hair. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The 140W USB-C ports mean you can fast charge your MacBook Pro, Lenovo Legion, or other high-end laptops that work best with fast charging.

The 30-amp AC outlet means you’ll be able to use this model with heftier appliances. And it’s great for anyone who heads out in an RV. Most portable power stations with less than 2,000Wh of capacity don’t include a 30-amp option, which just adds to the versatility that comes with the DJI Power 2000. 

Lifespan of LFP batteries is wild

Like most modern portable power stations, the DJI Power 2000 uses a lithium ferrophosphate battery or lithium iron phosphate battery. You’ll also see these abbreviated to LiFePO4 or LFP. The specifics of these batteries are pretty unnecessary to know — except that they translate to a wildly long lifespan.

After 4,000 cycles of running the DJI Power 2000 from 100 percent power all the way to zilch, it’ll operate at about 80 percent of its original capacity. In real-life terms, that means you can use all 2,048Wh every single day for almost 11 years before the battery will drop to holding 80 percent of its original power. Did we test this? Absolutely not, but it means this model will last you far, far longer than you’d ever want to own it. Who knows if we’ll even be recharging tech via USB-C in 11 years anyway. Just know this model will last you plenty long.

No battery lasts forever (yet), and that’s true of batteries in all portable power stations, but LFP batteries are impressive. Older portable power stations that were first on the market around 2020 are likely using lithium-ion batteries, which tend to crap out after about 800 cycles. Compare that to the 4,000 cycles of the DJI Power 2000, and you now understand why you want to shop for an LFP battery.

Let’s get high

Another feature of the DJI Power 2000 that’s a big upgrade compared to the Power 1000 is its ability to work at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters (that’s 16,404 feet for U.S. kids). That means you won’t be able to pack the DJI Power 2000 on your trip to Everest Base Camp, but it comes damn close to working at that altitude. Instead, you could take it to the summit of Mount Rainier, which is a bit shy of 4,400 meters. But that would require climbing it up there, and we can’t reasonably recommend that.

But in more realistic terms, this major altitude means content creators or super ambitious overlanding people can easily rely on the DJI Power 2000 regardless of elevation. This 5,000-meter limit beats older DJI portable power stations that topped out at 3,000 meters. The DJI Power 2000 can now be part of your basecamp set-up on an adventure your mom is absolutely nervous about, so you’re gonna need a charged phone to keep in touch.

A really, really huge portable power station

What if 2,048Wh just isn’t enough? No problem here because the DJI Power 2000 is capable of expanding to a massive, whopping, major 22,528Wh when fully charged and connected to 10 expansion batteries. Yes, DJI made the Power 2000 compatible with up to 10 expansion batteries. That’s going to get expensive since each additional DJI Expansion Battery 2000 costs about $1,000, but it’s awesome to know this portable power station can turn into an absolute beast. And to DJI’s credit, the expansion battery is sold with a hand truck, so you’ll have a much easier time moving the DJI Power 2000 with its additional battery stacked above it. And each expansion battery comes with its own battery cable.

Stacked up neatly and ready to roll. Credit: DJI Potential for whole-home backup. Credit: DJI

This expansion ability is not only impressive in available watt hours, it means you can rest assured that if your battery needs increase over time, you can still make use of the DJI Power 2000.

Super-friendly with DJI drones and ultra-durable

If you have a DJI drone and go out on content creation adventures that take you way off-grid, the DJI Power 2000 is pretty damn awesome. DJI drones recharge via the brand’s proprietary SDC ports, and the Power 2000 is equipped with two of these puppies. The brand also has tons of add-on charging accessories that use the SDC ports, like a fast-charging cable for the Mavic drone series and Air 3 series. You can also snag a DJI Power SDC to Car Charger Plug Power Cable, which is nice if you want to recharge from the car or keep the car’s mini fridge powered up.

DJI also uses durable materials on the Power 2000, so it won’t be an issue if it’s left outside and collects some morning dew. It also comes with a static load-bearing capacity of up to one ton, which means you can pack a bunch of weight on top of the Power 2000 with no issue. That also allows the DJI Power 2000 to work as a step stool for shorter folks. 

DJI drone owners get access to fast-charging with the DJI Power 2000 Credit: DJI The portability is excellent, but it’s likely overkill for a weekend camping trip

The power capacity compared to the physical size of the DJI Power 2000 is nuts. It measures about 18 inches in length, 9 inches in width, and 13 inches tall. That compact size made it super easy for me to pack along in the trunk of my Honda CR-V. However, it’s a bit heavy, weighing a smidge under 50 pounds. That’s still a manageable weight, made more so thanks to the ergonomic handles on both sides, but it’s not a beast I’d like to carry around for long. I also didn’t love carrying it down stairs, since the handles force you to carry it in front of you.

The DJI Power 2000’s portability means it’s awesome for taking along to the job site, using it for an outdoor movie night, or packing along for an overlanding adventure. It also offers great reassurance you can keep your fridge cooling and your phone charged during a home power outage.

It could also be great for longer camping trips, but I think it might be overkill if you’re only going for a couple of nights and don’t have major power needs. It’s likely heavier and physically larger than you’d need for a short adventure where you just want to be able to scroll TikTok from your tent before bed and cook a few meals. That could be much better suited to the DJI Power 1000 or even Power 500.

Who turned the lights out?

One of the only gripes I could find when testing the DJI Power 2000 was the lack of a built-in light. Many portable power stations come with a built-in light bar or light source of some kind. This makes using it during an unexpected power outage extra convenient. Find your way to the garage, grab the power station, turn on the light bar, and walk your now-lit path into the room where you’ll be using the power station. It’s also great while camping with a portable power station since your campsite now has an extra light. 

Ports-a-plenty, but no light. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Noticeably, the DJI Power 2000 doesn’t have a light. That’s kind of common as we get into larger portable power stations, but given how bare and minimalistic the DJI Power 2000’s face is (something I actually love), I wonder why DJI didn’t add one. I don’t feel this is a deal-breaker, but it’s a feature I sure miss. 

How does the DJI Power 2000 recharge?

You’re in good shape when it comes to recharging the DJI Power 2000. You can do so with a standard AC wall power, but you can also recharge with solar or even from your car. If you go with a regular ol’ wall recharge, you can get from 0 to 100 percent in about 90 minutes. Car charging is slower, as expected. If recharging while driving is going to be your main recharging method, the DJI Power 1kW Super Fast Car Charger might be worth the $300 price tag. That’ll get you back to 100 percent power in about 2.5 hours, which is not bad for giving you 2,048Wh of power.

Is the DJI Power 2000 worth buying?

Absolutely, the DJI Power 2000 is worth buying if it matches your capacity and recharging needs. This model is awesome if you’re looking for a portable power station loaded with no-nonsense features that truly just work the way you’d want them to. The overall size and weight compared to the power that comes with the DJI Power 2000 is impressive. The addition of the 30-amp plug is great for versatility, making this model compatible with plenty of home appliances that are often left out of portable power stations. If you’re looking for a portable power station to recharge a DJI drone, staying in the DJI family is well worth the convenience since you’ll get two SDC charging ports on the Power 2000.

If you plan to use a portable power station to recharge a few phones and keep some fairy lights on while occasionally camping on summer weekends, I’d recommend going with a smaller-capacity portable power station. Going smaller will translate to a cheaper price and a lighter weight that’ll be easier to carry around the campsite.

DJI Power 2000 $1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200 Shop Now

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for July 29, 2025 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: Defending against

• Green: Same geographical area

• Blue: Same first name

• Purple: Where games are played, partially.

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: Prevent

• Green: Arizona teams, minus the S

• Blue: Kyles

• Purple: First words of Chicago sporting venues

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 #309 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Prevent - BLOCK, STOP, STUFF, THWART

• Arizona teams, minus the S - CARDINAL, DIAMONDBACK, SUN, WILDCAT

• Kyles - BUSCH, LOWRY, SCHWARBER, SHANAHAN

• First words of Chicago sporting venues - RATE, SOLDIER, UNITED, WRIGLEY

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 today's Connections.

SAVE $50: Prime members can get the DJI Mini 4K drone for $249 at Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price on this popular drone.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mini 4K Drone $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50 Get Deal

DJI drones are selling fast. Is that because their product range is super popular with TikTokers, YouTubers, and filmmakers? That's definitely a factor here, but we would wager that talk of a ban on DJI drones is probably boosting sales.

President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at helping the U.S. drone industry and shoring up protections against malicious drone activity. The measures don't actually order a full ban on Chinese-made drones, but there's bound to be some uncertainty over the future of these drones.

SEE ALSO: There's still time to save $300 on the DJI Power 2000 portable power station

With shoppers scrambling to get their hands on a drone from DJI, it's nice to see a timely deal. Prime members can get the DJI Mini 4K drone for $249 at Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price on this model according to camelcamelcamel.

This discounted listing is shipped by Amazon but sold by AeroTech Hubs. We don't generally recommend third-party sellers, but AeroTech Hubs has an excellent record and stock is in short supply. We're not going to argue over the details at this point.

The DJI Mini 4K drone offers a wide range of advanced features for content creators. There's helpful one-tap takeoff and return-to-home functions that make this a solid option for beginners. Users also get a three-axis gimbal and 4K quality, as well as advanced wind resistance and extended battery life.

Score the DJI Mini 4K drone for its best-ever price on Amazon.

TL;DR: The DJI Mini 4K drone is on sale for $249 at Amazon (Prime member discount). That's $50 off the list price for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mini 4K $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50 Get Deal

DJI is one of the biggest names in drones, and it's easy to see why. DJI has a strong reputation for creating incredible aerial shots and their product range is super popular with TikTokers, YouTubers, and filmmakers. That being said, we were a little surprised to see the DJI Mini 4K drone near the top of the charts of best-sellers over Prime Day. We didn't realise these little drones were that popular, then we clocked the real reason.

President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at helping the U.S. drone industry and shoring up protections against malicious drone activity. The measures don't actually order a full ban on Chinese-made drones (yet), but talk of a ban on DJI drones has been circulating for a while now. That uncertainty is almost definitely boosting sales.

SEE ALSO: These popular DJI drones are finally in stock at Amazon — grab them while you can

It seems like everyone is scrambling to get their hands on these precious drones before time is up. The good news is that you can still find the DJI Mini 4K drone on Amazon. It's on sale for $249 at Amazon and is being sold by AeroTech Hubs. We don't generally recommend third-party sellers, but AeroTech Hubs has an excellent track record and times are tough when it comes to stock. We'll take what we can get at this point.

The DJI Mini 4K is full of helpful features. It has one-tap takeoff options and a return to home function. But perhaps most importantly for content creators is the three-axis gimbal and 4K quality, as well as advanced wind resistance and extended battery life. It's a step up from the DJI Neo Mini 4K that we think creators will appreciate.

Prime members can get the DJI Mini 4K drone for under $250 at Amazon.

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 Tuiesday, July 29, 2025:

Across___ Escola, Tony-winning portrayer of Mary Todd Lincoln in "Oh, Mary!"

• The answer is Cole.

Tear to pieces, as documents or cheese

• The answer is Shred.

Gentle prod

• The answer is Nudge.

Enjoyed a home-cooked meal

• The answer is Ate In.

Sassy

• The answer is Pert.

DownLadder's counterpart

• The answer is Chute.

Something taken by a server

• The answer is Order.

The real deal

• The answer is Legit.

The garden in "The Garden of Earthly Delights"

• The answer is Eden.

"___ out of it!" ("Wake up!")

• The answer is Snap.

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 the latest Mini Crossword.

Stephen Colbert has responded to news that the U.S. government has approved Paramount's $8.6 billion merger with Skydance Media, a deal which is widely speculated to be a reason behind the Late Show's recent cancellation. With little left to lose, the Late Show host did not hold back in mocking his soon-to-be former employer.

"I'm thrilled for everyone at Paramount that the deal went through and very excited for our newly announced official combined Paramount-SkyDance stock ticker name, which will go from 'PARA' to 'PSKY,'" quipped Colbert. "Soon, PSKY will blast hot streaming content right in your face with hits like Yellowstone, Yellowjackets, and the full variety of water sports. I predict PSKY will become synonymous with number one. PSKY: a pitcher of warm entertainment."

Colbert also took note of President Donald Trump taking to social media to deride other networks as well. The U.S. president has claimed the Late Show's cancellation as a victory, gloating over the decision and expressing a desire for other late night hosts to meet a similar fate.

"First it was CBS, now he's going after ABC and NBC," said Colbert. "To which I say: Come on in, Jimmy [Fallon] and Jimmy [Kimmel]. The water's warm — 'cause of all the PSKYs."

TL;DR: Replace your monthly Dropbox subscription with a 10TB Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Plan on sale for $279.99 with code STORAGE20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan $279.99
$2,999 Save $2,719.01 with code STORAGE20 Get Deal

Cloud storage subscriptions are expensive, even if they don't seem like it at first. Dropbox's cheapest plan is $9.99 per month for 2TB of cloud storage. It seems cheap, but that's a little under $120 every year, and you're never actually done paying for it. 

If you want a cheaper alternative to Dropbox, Internxt just dropped the price for a 10TB cloud storage lifetime subscription. Now it's only $279.99 with code STORAGE20. 

Pay once for a lifetime of cloud storage

Space isn't the only thing this cloud storage has going for it. Internxt is committed to keeping your data safe. That's why they use end-to-end encryption to secure files during transfer and at rest. Its zero-knowledge architecture means that files are encrypted in a way that Internxt itself cannot access. You're the only one who has access to your files.

You don't even have to manually upload. You can sync all your files and photos across platforms, even Linux. This focus on privacy even extends to its open-source design, so users can inspect the code for transparency and security.

This subscription lasts for life with no recurring payments of any kind. You can access your cloud storage on unlimited devices, too. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

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

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

Luminous.

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

AGLOW

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Disgusting.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 29, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

NASTY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Runny.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 29 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 29, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

LEAKY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A colorful South American bird.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 29 Hurdle Word 4 answer

MACAW

Final Hurdle hint

A stick.

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

SHAFT

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

We're well and truly into the new lunar cycle, and the moon is starting to appear more visible to us on Earth. So, what's happening tonight, July 29?

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Tuesday, July 29, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. There's 23% of the moon's surface visible to us on Earth (according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation).

It's the fifth day of the lunar cycle, and there is plenty to see tonight. With the unaided eye, enjoy a glimpse of the Mare Crisium and the Mare Fecunditatis, an impact basin also known as the "Sea of Fertility."

Add binoculars or a telescope, and you'll see the Endymion Crater too.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on August 9. The last full moon was on July 10.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, 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.

Here's a question for the beer drinkers: Is there anything better than a chilled, fresh, relaxing, delicious, proper pint in the pub? Answer (as if we actually needed an answer): Definitely not. It's one of life's greatest, truest, tastiest pleasures.

We all like a beer at home too — a bag o' cans or a few bottles are all well and good — but it’s not the same as a pub-pulled pint. That’s why home dispensers are increasingly popular. For beer enthusiasts, a dispenser should go alongside the coffee machine or kettle — an essential appliance that every kitchen needs.

But where to start? There are different drinks for different needs, which is also true of beer dispensers. So we’ve rounded up a selection of the best machines for beer lovers.

How does a beer dispenser work?

This really depends on the beer dispenser you buy. Some take kegs, some use their own technology, and others allow you to pour the beer straight in. We’ve even included one dispenser that sucks the beer straight from the can and turns into it a draught-style pint. Most models use kegs, or a variation on the keg.

How much beer does a beer dispenser hold?

While it would be easier for brands to list keg and dispenser capacities in pints — that’s how we like to drink it, after all — they’re measured in litres. Most dispensers hold kegs of around 5 litres (and there’s 1.76 pints in a litre), though some hold more or less.

What types of beer do dispensers use?

Being limited to kegs doesn’t mean you’re limited with choice of beer brands. There’s actually a wide, ever-growing range of kegs available, with brands that include Budweiser, Stella Artois, Beck’s, Brewdog, Leffe, Goose Island, Corona, and Camden Hells. Or you can get a home-brewing dispenser that allows you to brew all kinds.

How much does a beer dispenser cost?

Luckily, this roundup of home beer dispensers includes a range of prices, from well under £100 to almost £400. There are cheaper options available, but if you want good quality, be prepared to spend at least a few hundred pounds. Remember there are ongoing costs with kegs, too. A 6 litre keg will cost somewhere between £30 and £45, depending on which brand you like to drink.

What is the best home beer dispenser?

Much like the beer itself, it all comes down to personal taste. Maybe you need something to keep the beer flowing at a party, or maybe you’re a serious beer connoisseur who wants the absolute best machine and best-tasting tipple that money can buy. Either way, there’s something for you on this list. We’ve taste-tested the reviews and scoured the internet for a good selection to suit every kind of beer lover.

There are the best beer dispensers in 2025.

There are a million free apps out there that are absolutely fantastic, and I use many of them. However, in some situations, it is worth paying for the convenience and reliability that come with paid software. Here are a few of my favorites that I use on Windows 11 daily.

Multiple monitors are all the rage right now. If you flip on the TV or watch a movie, you'll encounter hackers and IT specialists with dazzling arrays of displays spanning the width of their desks. However, I've mostly given up on my triple-monitor setup in favor of a modest 13.5-inch display. Here's why.

ChromeOS devices, like Chromebooks and Chromeboxes, have to serve a wide variety of audiences, including schools and businesses that might have media and AV equipment that's decades old, but still in use.

Foldable phones started life as a gimmick. They were demonstrably worse in terms of usability compared to typical smartphones and were a lot more expensive. Over the years, the price has remained mostly consistent, but the foldables themselves have improved significantly, making their price-to-performance ratios more justifiable. There are also way more than there used to be, and that competition has been good for consumers.

With the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and the upcoming launch of the Pixel Pro 10 Fold, you may be curious what the current foldable market looks like. There still aren’t a ton of foldables out there, but they are much more plentiful than they once were.

For the purposes of this list, we’ll discuss the foldables currently on the market, but you can still find virtually every foldable phone ever made on sites like eBay, Swappa, and other used phone marketplaces. We'll also have a guide to our favorite foldables coming soon, so stay tuned.

Are foldable phones worth buying Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The first generation of foldable phones were... not great! They had squeaky hinges and high price tags. They were a novelty more than a viable phone, and only the earliest early adopters bought them. But in recent years, we've favorably reviewed phones like the OnePlus Open and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. And in July 2025, we gave even stronger recommendations to the new Samsung foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and its little sibling, the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

While these remain niche products, for techies who appreciate the form factor, they finally justify their high price tags. The smaller flip phone-style foldables easily fit into your pocket and have a lot of handy features, while the larger foldables with tablet-style displays let you use your phone more like a tablet. These phones are still conversation starters, but now they're so much more than that.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Read our full Galaxy Z Fold 7 review.

Let’s start with the latest addition to the foldable family, and that’s the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It’s arguably the best foldable that Samsung has released yet. It houses a number of improved specs and hardware advancements over its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 (which is now discontinued, although you can still find new stock on some online retailers). If you want a flagship, Westworld-style foldable phone with a huge display, this is the top contender so far in 2025.

So, what makes the Z Fold 7 so good? It’s the lightest Fold that Samsung has released to date, shaving precious grams off the weight. Our reviewer Alex Perry also said it's incredibly thin and simply feels great in the hand. The 8-inch screen is the largest ever housed in a Fold, and Samsung also redesigned the hinge. As we said in our review, "Samsung's latest Z Fold phone is [our] favorite yet thanks to its gorgeous form factor, great displays, and solid camera array.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, 256GB, Unlocked $1,999.99 at Samsung
Shop Now Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Read our full Galaxy Z Flip 7 review.

The Fold’s younger sibling is also on the menu if you want something more traditional. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the tippy top of the Flip lineup from the Korean tech giant, and it’s definitely packing some great stuff. The AMOLED external display increased to 4.1 inches in size and goes right up to the edge of the screen. It functionally covers the entire front half of the phone while folded, giving it some honest-to-goodness usability. Crucially, this "AI flip phone" also easily fits in your pocket — imagine that?

Like the Z Fold 7, it also houses numerous software and hardware improvements over the Flip 6, which has been officially discontinued. It features the largest battery in a Flip device yet, and a decent camera array (two out of three of the cameras are really good, in our testing). It’s also a lot more affordable than the Z Fold 7 at $1,100 — that's $900 less than the least expensive Fold model. At its current price, specs, and feature set, the Z Flip 7 can compete with standard smartphones better than any other foldable on the market right now. 

Our chief complaint? While we haven't had any performance issues yet, we do wish it came with a Snapdragon processor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, 256GB, Unlocked $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $200 + $200 Amazon Gift Card Get Deal Motorola Razr family Credit: Motorola

We've been complaining about the Motorola Razr flip phones since 2020, but we have good news: With the 2025 edition of the Motorola Razr, the company has finally figured out the modern flip phone. This phone is a heck of a lot of fun.

Technically, there are three smartphones in the Motorola Razr foldable family. However, they’re all essentially the same phone with some spec bumps as you move up the pricing ladder, so we’ll talk about all three of them here. The most powerful is the flagship Razr Ultra, which includes flagship specs and a $1,300 price tag. With a higher price tag than the new Z Flip 7, the Razr Ultra has to be damn good to win over shoppers. Fortunately, we think it largely does.

Mashable's tech editor Timothy Beck Werth has been testing the Motorola Razr Ultra, and he's been very impressed so far. "The cameras could be slightly better for a flagship IMO, but other than that, I've been loving this phone. Like all foldables, it's a huge conversation starter, and I love being back on a flip phone. The displays are incredible, and the battery life lasted over 24 hours in my testing."

Following that is the Razr Plus at $999 and the base Razr at $699. The former comes with a Snapdragon 8S Gen 3 while the other comes with a Dimensity 7400X chip, making the Plus a flagship model and the regular Razr a midrange device overall. All three phones are widely regarded as superior to Moto’s prior foldables and are reasonable choices if you aren’t thrilled with the Galaxy Flip 7. As per the norm in 2025, they also come with some AI goodies if you’re into that sort of thing. 

Pro tip: Since the debut of the Z Flip 7, you can now find select colors of the Razr Ultra discounted to $1,099, and with 512GB of storage, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Ultra, 512GB, Unlocked $1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200 Get Deal Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Read our full review of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Next up is the current foldable in Google’s lineup, although we 100 percent expect the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to be released at the Made by Google event on Aug. 20. In any case, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a reasonably good foldable, and it competes pretty well with the Galaxy Fold 6. It isn’t quite as strong in terms of specs as the newer Galaxy Fold, but it makes up for it by shaving $200 off the price. We’ll have to wait and see if the Pixel 10 Pro Fold keeps up that trend, or if the price increases, which it might. Cough, tariffs, cough.

In any case, what you get here is a Pixel that folds. You get Google’s clean Android software design with its excellent camera processing. Even though the Tensor G4 isn’t the strongest processor, it still holds its own and will do everything you ask it to do. The only downside, according to our review, is that the colors are boring and Google shovels a bunch of AI features into phones that folks may or may not use. Otherwise, it’s a solid competitor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, 256GB, Unlocked $1,799 at Best Buy
Shop Now OnePlus Open Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Read our full review of the OnePlus Open.

OnePlus entered the foldable market in late 2023 with the OnePlus Open. It’s another competitor to the Galaxy Fold 7 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold market with a vertically opening hinge with a tablet-sized inner display. It holds up in some areas, like the excellent displays and generally good design. While its hardware is a little dated compared to foldable phones released in 2025, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is still perfectly capable, and the rest of the spec sheet holds up surprisingly well. 

Mostly, the concern with the Open is that OnePlus hasn’t released another one. The successor was initially delayed to 2025, and then eventually cancelled. This was considered a bad idea by just about all the foldable fans out there, as the original Open was cheaper than the Galaxy Fold 7. OnePlus has said that they’ll continue supporting the Open, which is good because they’re still selling it. It seems to go on sale quite often for $1,500, which is $500 less than Samsung’s most recent offering.

Opens in a new window Credit: OnePlus OnePlus Open $1,499 at OnePlus
$1,699 Save $200 Get Deal The world has more foldable phone options than the U.S.

We've covered all the top foldable phones for sale in the United States at this time. However, international markets have a lot more options than North American markets, where Samsung, Google, and Motorola reign mostly unchecked. That may change in the future, but for now, those are the three brands we recommend checking out if you're an early adopter and mobile nerd, like us. You can get your hands on these international smartphones without jumping through a lot of hoops or paying a premium.

Honor Magic V3

The Honor Magic V3 is the first of a slew of Chinese-made foldables that may or may not be directly available in the U.S. market. At the time of its launch, the Magic V3 was the thinnest foldable on the market at 9.3mm, a title that has since been taken by Samsung and Oppo. Released in late 2024, it has specs that compete with the big dogs, although it’s about six months behind in terms of design improvements.

Even so, the phone is reasonably good. It has modern amenities like a 120 Hz display, an IPX8 water resistance, and a 5,150 mAh battery. It’s also equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, giving this thing flagship-level chops. Honor has launched this phone globally, so you can buy it anywhere except in North America, per the company’s product page. It’s still available at specialty shops and places like eBay.

Opens in a new window Credit: Honor Honor Magic V3 foldable phone (international version) $1,500 at Amazon
$1,700 Save $200 Get Deal Oppo N5

The Oppo N5 made waves when it launched as the world’s thinnest foldable (at the time). Thin phones have been met with mixed reactions over the years, but this is the year of ultra-thin phones. They are easier to hold but often come with compromises like less battery life. Samsung’s S25 Edge is a prime example of this. In any case, the N5 is a vertical folding phone like the Galaxy Fold 7, and still comes with some decent specs. 

It comes with a 6.62-inch outer screen and an 8.12-inch inner screen, matching Samsung’s Fold 7 in those areas. It also comes with a massive 5,600 mAh battery, which is also larger than the Fold 7, despite being a similar size. Overall, it’s a monster of a phone. Unfortunately, it’s a little tricky to get. The Oppo N5 is only available from specialty shops and places like eBay. It’s sold brand new in Asia, but that’s about it. It’s too bad, because the price in Singapore puts this phone at around $1,800.

Opens in a new window Credit: Oppo Oppo Find N5 foldable phone Search eBay listings Learn More Huawei Mate X6

Huawei started making the Mate foldables around the same time as Samsung, making it one of the phone makers with the most experience in this area. The Chinese brand’s latest foldable model is the Huawei Mate X6, which includes some pretty snazzy stuff, like a leather back that gives it a very premium look. It’s a book-style foldable with competitively sized screens and specs. It’s a perfectly competitive smartphone. 

The only two knocks against it: Huawei’s modern phones don’t run Android (and thus lack the Google Play Store), and it's not widely available in the U.S. market. There are ways around both of these downsides, although Google has warned against using its apps on Huawei phones in the past. In any case, it’s a stylish smartphone. Here in the States, you can only get it from resellers, and you’ll definitely pay a huge premium. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Huawei Huawei Mate X6 $3,099 at eBay
Shop Now Vivo X Fold 5

The Vivo Fold 5 is the latest in Vivo’s lineup. It launched in 2025 in many parts of the world. In some ways, this is the most impressive foldable on the list. Its 6,000mAh battery is top of the class while keeping the weight at 217 grams, which is very impressive. It’s a bit thicker than other 2025 foldables at 9.2mm compared to some others that are around 8mm. It also has the highest IP dust rating of any foldable at IP5X. 

Like many of the foldables here, it’s available in China only, but you can buy them from specialty shops and eBay if you really want one. At ¥7,999 (that translates to about $1,100), it's one of the cheapest foldables on the market in 2025, which is especially impressive given its spec sheet. The book-style foldable isn’t our first choice, but it’s definitely not a bad choice. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Vivo Vivo X Fold 5 $1,060 at Aliexpress
$1,325 Save $265 Get Deal The foldable market keeps growing

More phone makers are coming out with new foldable phones with increasingly good specs. Just a few years ago, dust and water resistance were considered a fantasy for foldables, and now there are models with both. Screen durability has also improved considerably in a short period of time. In a few years, we may see even less expensive foldables that continue to push the envelope.  

Of course, there's one massive mobile brand that's missing from this list — Apple. And rumor has it everyone's favorite fruit company is hard at work at the yet-unnamed iPhone Fold, which we're hoping to see in 2026, if not sooner.

Just days after thousands of user images and locations were leaked in an apparent hack of archived app data, women-only safety app Tea is weathering data exposure at an even larger scale than first reported.

In addition to exposing thousands of user verification images and personal IDs, which were later abused by users on platforms like 4Chan, the app's recently discovered security flaws make it possible for hackers to access private messages between users. An independent security researcher, verified by 404Media, was able to pull conversations from a second database that were sent as recently as last week, which included sensitive information like shared phone numbers, conversations about intimate relationships, and discussions of abortion.

SEE ALSO: Grindr bans 'no zionists' in bios, but still allows racist and fatphobic language

The researcher, Kasra Rahjerdi, also obtained access to back-end app features like the ability to send mass push notifications to users' devices. They told 404Media that the second vulnerability existed until late last week, around the time the initial hack was reported.

In a statement given on Friday, Tea said it was addressing the first database breach and that no current user data had been exposed. In a follow-up statement to 404Media, Tea wrote: "We are continuing to work expeditiously to contain the incident and have launched a full investigation with assistance from external cybersecurity firms. We have also reached out to law enforcement and are assisting in their investigation. Since our investigation is in its early stages, we do not have more information we can share at this time."

The Tea app recently shot up in popularity, following viral controversy over its existence as an alleged "man-shaming" app. Prior to the breach, some users were concerned with the app's storing of personal information (including that of both users themselves and the men they discuss), while others supported the need for women-only spaces online to share stories and protect each other's safety.

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But while debate about the app's efficacy flared, online users took advantage of the app's vulnerable security system to target its female user base: Shortly after reporting on the first breach, hackers seized geolocation information stored in the legacy database to explicitly doxx users — who are promised anonymity upon making an account in order to more comfortably share warnings about encounters with men — and have since created a nationwide map with the locations of Tea users. Others pulled personal images from the database in order to ridicule their appearance in public forums, while a few created copycat apps designed for men to discuss intimate details of women's bodies.

PayPal is expanding its crypto ambitions, and it will soon allow merchants in the United States to accept more than 100 different cryptocurrencies as payment. The new Pay with Crypto feature moves beyond staples like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and sellers will soon be able to accept payments in meme-tier tokens, including the controversial Trump memecoin and DOGE.

PayPal announced the new Pay with Crypto feature on Monday, and it will be rolling out to U.S. merchants as a pilot in the coming weeks; it will be widely available later this year. When a merchant accepts a payment with one of the accepted cryptocurrencies, PayPal will convert the funds into either fiat currency or the company's PYUSD stablecoin. Pay with Crypto's 0.99 percent transaction fee is considerably less than typical credit card processing fees.

The company says it's all part of its mission to "drive crypto payments into the mainstream." And in interviews with Fortune and Bloomberg, PayPal leaders said the Pay with Crypto feature is designed to help small merchants, in particular.

PayPal provided Mashable this preview of the new Pay with Crypto feature. Credit: PayPal SEE ALSO: Stablecoin bill advances in U.S. Senate as Trump critics call to end his crypto dealings

“Imagine a shopper in Guatemala buying a special gift from a merchant in Oklahoma City,” said PayPal CEO Alex Chriss in a press release. “Using PayPal’s open platform, the business can accept crypto payments, increase profit margins, lower transaction fees, access funds instantly, and even earn up to 4% APY when storing funds as PYUSD on PayPal.”

With the crypto-enthusiastic Trump administration back in The White House, PayPal is moving fast to address one of digital currency’s core dilemmas: you still can’t buy much with it. Spendability has long been crypto’s Achilles’ heel, which is partly why NFTs briefly took off as a form of "ownership" in the first place.

But with this latest move, PayPal is giving crypto holders a clearer path to using their digital assets for actual purchases, not just speculation. It also coincides with the recent successes of Bitcoin, the world's most popular cryptocurrency. In fact, in 2024, the token reached $100,000 per 1 BTC for the first time. As of this writing, a single Bitcoin is valued at approximately $118,000, per Coinbase.

According to PayPal, merchants will be charged a transaction fee of 0.99 percent for the first year, rising to 1.5 percent after that, according to Fortune.

UPDATE: Jul. 28, 2025, 5:20 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with an image and additional information from PayPal.

If you've ever found yourself in a situation where you didn’t have internet access, a new messaging app might be of interest. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey just dropped Bitchat, a new peer-to-peer messaging app that works over Bluetooth. And it’s available now on your iPhone, Mac, iPad, and even your Apple Vision Pro.

Streaming is undoubtedly the most convenient way to watch TV shows and movies, but sadly its greatest flaw remains image quality. While steaming content can look pretty decent under ideal circumstances, the nature of streaming technology itself means that ideal circumstances are rarely what you get.

Mozilla Firefox is one of the few browsers that does not use Chromium as its browser engine, but that doesn't mean it doesn't occasionally take a page from Chrome, especially when it's a useful feature. Now, it's getting easier to link to things from Firefox, just like it currently is from Chrome.