Technology

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 are faster and longer-lasting

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 15:00

Samsung is pairing the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 with major upgrades to its smartwatches. The company has introduced the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, both of which are more powerful and sport new AI capabilities.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung reveals undeniably hip Galaxy Z Flip 8 foldable at Galaxy Unpacked in London

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 15:00

All eyes were on Samsung's two bigger foldable devices at Unpacked on Wednesday, but the newest in the Galaxy Z Flip line got its moment in the spotlight, too.

Samsung confirmed the long-known existence of the Galaxy Z Flip 8 at an Unpacked event in London, following up on last year's well-liked Z Flip 7 with a device that offers a smaller form factor, but at a higher price. The new Z Flip 8 is just 6.1 mm when unfolded, making it 13 percent thinner than the Z Flip 7. That's all well and good, but unfortunately, like almost everything else in the tech world, it's more expensive than last year's model, too.

The new Galaxy Z Flip 8 is available for preorder today starting at $1,199.99. That's a $100 price bump year-over-year. The new foldable phone will be available on Aug. 7, but we got the chance to try the device ahead of its launch, and we've got all the details you need to know.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 $1,199.99 at Samsung
  Pre-order Here at Samsung Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 specs Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The Z Flip 8 is noticeably lighter and slimmer in your hand this year, and Samsung says it's the lightest and thinnest flip-style foldable phone ever. Having seen the device up close, we believe it. This year's device weighs a mere 180 grams, or 8 grams lighter than the Z Flip 7.

Here are the basic specs of the new Galaxy Z Flip 8 from Samsung:

  • Inner display: 6.9-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Outer display: 4.1-inch HD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset

  • Colors: Pink, cream, graphite, mint

  • Unfolded dimensions: 166.9 x 75.4 x 6.1 mm

  • Folded dimensions: 85.7 x 75.4 x 13.1 mm

  • Weight: 180 grams

  • RAM: 12GB

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB

  • Battery: 4,300mAh battery

  • Cameras: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie camera

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 upgrades: Some things change, some things stay the same Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

The story of the Z Flip 8 is that while there are some important improvements over the Z Flip 7, the overall hardware of the new device is very similar to that of the old one.

The display sizes, RAM, storage options, and even the battery are all the same, year-over-year. Samsung also didn't do anything to upgrade the cameras, at least not at a megapixel level. As the cheapest of the three foldables, perhaps it's to be expected that Samsung wouldn't go out of its way to provide premium specs in the Z Flip 8, but that also means the phone doesn't seem like a massive improvement over last year's model. It will also be competing with the excellent Motorola Razr Ultra, which does have premium specs.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 vs. Motorola Razr Ultra: See how the flip phones compare

That's not to say Samsung did nothing, though. It's about 12 percent smaller than the Z Flip 7 and a little lighter, making it even more comfortable in the hands. Perhaps the biggest improvement over the Z Flip 7 is the presence of a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, the same one that powers Samsung's other new foldables. That should offer a performance boost (and maybe a boost to battery life, too) over the Exynos chip that powered the Z Flip 7.

Finally, the new Flex Titanium hardware should provide more durability, as well as a truly invisible crease in the middle of the flexible display.

Our first impressions: A lighter, thinner flip phone Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

Correction, this isn't just a lighter, thinner flip phone. According to Samsung, it's the lightest and thinnest foldable flip ever. And based on our hands-on demo, we believe it.

The new Galaxy Z Flip 8 feels great in your hand, and it disappears into your pocket like an iPhone never could. Samsung also told us the cover screen user experience has been redesigned from the ground up. In the past, the cover display UX felt like a bit of an afterthought, with limited functionality, but Samsung says that won't be the case this year. In our limited time with the phone, that seems true.

Still, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is competing against the Motorola Razr Ultra, which has received rave reviews so far this year, including from our own tech editor. Without powerful cameras, it's at a bit of a disadvantage if you're a creator who needs to take photos and videos for work.

That being said, this phone is definitely cool in a way that very few phones are these days. It has a cute design and color options, making it hipper than your average iPhone.

Where to buy the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

The new smartphone is available for pre-order today, starting at $1,199.99 for 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone will be available starting Aug. 7.

You can purchase the phone from Samsung or Amazon, but you can also check out the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra launch offers from mobile carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon. T-Mobile is even offering the device for $900 off for customers who meet certain conditions.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 $199.99 at T-Mobile
$1,199.99 Save $1,000 Save $999.99 with eligible trade-in on Experience More or Experience Beyond plans at T-Mobile Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the new king of the foldables, but it will cost you

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 15:00

After months of rumors and leaks, Samsung finally told us everything we wanted to know about its new marquee foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra was officially announced during a Galaxy Unpacked showcase in London, where the company also debuted two more foldable phones and two new Galaxy smartwatches. In a twist to its usual naming convention, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is the successor to last year's excellent Z Fold 7. That means it's a new book-style foldable with some hardware and software improvements over the Z Fold 7. (The newly announced Z Fold 8 is an entirely new model with a wider body.)

In keeping with the Ultra name, and the general state of the tech industry, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is also the most expensive of the new foldables announced on Wednesday. It starts at a staggering $2,099.99, a $100 price increase over the Z Fold 7. Mashable got the chance to demo the new foldable smartphones ahead of their release, and we can finally share all the details and our first impressions.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: By the numbers An Ultra display. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

This year, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 rumors and leaks were pretty spot on. As expected, the new device features a new Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset (the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy), an improved battery, and some new AI features. Remarkable, it's even thinner than last year's model.

The specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold 8:

  • Inner display: 8-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Outer display: 6.5-inches AMOLED display 120Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset

  • Unfolded dimensions: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm

  • Folded dimensions: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm

  • RAM: 12GB to 16GB RAM

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage

  • Battery: 5,000mAh battery

  • Charging: 45W wired, 20W wireless

  • Cameras: 200MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie camera

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra key upgrades Yep, still thin. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

The Z Fold 8 Ultra is not a huge upgrade over the Z Fold 7 in terms of hardware, but there are some enhancements worth covering. First, Samsung managed to shave an additional millimeter off the thickness of the device, and it's a mere 4.1mm when unfolded, though it weighs the same as last year's Z Fold 7.

Probably the most noteworthy upgrade here is the updated battery. Last year, the Z Fold 7 had a measly 4,400mAh cell, and the phone's mediocre battery life was really the one and only big knock we had against it. A new 5,000mAh battery is instantly on the higher side of any available smartphone right now, so hopefully the Z Fold 8 Ultra can hold a charge for longer than its predecessor.

Another big upgrade worth mentioning: the new 50MP ultrawide camera lens, up from just 12MP a year ago. We haven't had enough time to properly test this out yet, so we can't say if it's really a noticeable improvement or not. But it's basically the only other number on the spec sheet that's substantially bigger than it was a year ago. This brings the phone a lot closer to matching the Galaxy S26 Ultra's pro-level camera array. The Z Fold 8 Ultra can also shoot 8K video, so it's capable of supporting most creators' and professionals' workflow.

Finally, Samsung did make one big display change: the introduction of Flex Titanium, a new technology that allows for nearly invisible creases on foldable displays and a more durable hinge. Mashable got to get hands-on with the new Samsung devices, and we can confirm the crease is basically nonexistent now. That would've been unthinkable five years ago.

Our first impressions: An impressive — and expensive — new king of the hill Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

As of July 22, this is the most advanced foldable phone in the world. Not only that, but it probably still will be when Apple eventually announces its highly anticipated iPhone Fold Ultra in September. The foldable iPhone will be smaller and have fewer cameras (we think), which means the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will comfortably outrun it in key areas.

Samsung has also added some new AI and software features into the mix. Two that we're particularly excited about: My Fan Cam and Cine LUTs. My Fan Cam is an AI editing tool that uses Galaxy AI to automatically make vertical video edits from horizontal videos. In the example Samsung showed, it could even isolate the performance of a single dancer in a group performance. Cine LUTs give video makers four preset LUTs that give videos a more professional, cinematic appearance. We're excited to test them both out, and we'll have a full review of the new Galaxy foldables in the weeks ahead.

There's really just one problem with this phone that's immediately apparent to us: the price tag. The $2,099.99 price is going to be a tough sell for a lot of shoppers, and there's no way around it. The fact that Samsung launched a new Galaxy credit card to help people finance the phone doesn't bode well.

Where to buy the new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The new smartphone is available for pre-order today, starting at $2,099.99 for 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone will be available starting Aug. 7.

You can purchase the phone from Samsung or Amazon, but you can also check out the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra launch offers from mobile carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon, where you can save up to $1,100 if you meet certain terms and conditions.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra $2,099.99 at Samsung
  Pre-order Here at Samsung Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at T-Mobile Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra $2,099.99 at T-Mobile
Save up to $1,100 with eligible trade-in on Experience More or Experience Beyond plans at T-Mobile. Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

I waited years for Google's answer to Alexa—here's why it still falls short

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 14:45

Smart home assistants were supposed to get better over time. More natural, more reliable, better integrated with everything else you already use. Google had every reason to lead that charge.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Lego Icons Kingfisher Bird is retiring soon — act fast to buy for the new low price of $33.99 at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 14:41

SAVE OVER $10: As of July 22, the Lego Icons Kingfisher Bird has hit a new low on Amazon at $33.99. That's $16 off its full price of $49.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Kingfisher Bird Model (10331) $33.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $16   Get Deal

The Lego Icons Kingfisher Bird's retirement may be on the horizon, but Amazon's offering shoppers a chance to grab this awesome Lego build at a discount before that happens. It's not just any regular discount, either. As of July 22, the retailer has dropped this set to a new low price of $33.99.

Usually, this Lego Kingfisher costs $49.99, so this is a great opportunity to save $16.

SEE ALSO: Lego is releasing the biggest Art Masterpiece ever: Everything you need to know about Gustav Klimt – The Kiss

As someone who's built this Lego Kingfisher set myself, I can confirm that it's definitely worth picking up at this price. With 834 pieces, it sees you creating a beautiful blue Kingfisher model, complete with a fish caught in its mouth and a water base for the display stand. Its head and claws are posable as well, so you can show it off at fun angles.

It's a truly amazing build to have up on display, and it's also worth mentioning that it's recommended for adults. This is because it has more of a complex assembly and is meant to be put on display once you're finished, though builders of any age can tackle it with a helping hand.

The Lego Icons Kingfisher Bird set's retirement is coming up soon, so now is a great opportunity to save on this amazing bird build at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I replaced my default Linux terminal with this cross-platform one—and I'm not going back

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 14:30

Did you know there are different Linux terminals, some with unique and special features that can genuinely improve your day-to-day experience? For the average user, the choice doesn't matter much, but if you're planning to get serious about the terminal—using terminal apps, Vim, or Emacs—the terminal you choose becomes almost as important as the Linux distribution you run. With that in mind, here's why I settled on my current terminal, along with how the other popular options compare to my daily driver.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I stopped using HDMI-CEC, and my TV finally works right

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 14:00

HDMI-CEC was supposed to make home theater setups a lot easier to work with. At first, it seems like the kind of feature that would just work, but then the problems arise. The annoying part is that the protocol isn't broken exactly. It just has issues when it comes to handling the way most people actually build their setups. So it's better to turn it off.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen & Aaron Chen guess absurd movie mashups

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 14:00

In this episode of Mashable's Say More, the cast of Apple TV's The Dink — Mary Steenburgen, Jake Johnson, and Aaron Chen — sit down to play our movie title guessing game, Pop Mash!

Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko offers descriptions that combine two different movie or TV plots into one. To win, the cast must figure out the titles and mash them together using a shared common word.

Watch as they team up to decode hilarious hybrid titles like Fantastic Four Christmases, Jungle Book Club, and Jurassic World War Z.

The Dink debuts on Apple TV on July 24.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This little-known Excel feature fixed one of my biggest spreadsheet problems

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 13:30

After years of using Excel, it's easy to fall into muscle memory. You click the same ribbon tabs, rely on the same shortcuts, and barely notice when Microsoft adds new tools. That's how I initially overlooked Focus Cell, a simple feature that solved one of my biggest frustrations when working in Excel.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 important reminders every Home Assistant user should set up today

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 13:00

Your smart home sometimes requires your attention in the same way that your brick-and-mortar home does. Remembering these tasks can help you avoid problems later on.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Raycons Everyday earbuds are one of our favorite budget pairs, and theyre $16 off right now at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 12:33

SAVE OVER $10: As of July 22, Raycon Everyday earbuds are on sale for $63.99 at Amazon. That's $16 off their list price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Raycon Raycon Everyday Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds $63.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal

When it comes to budget earbuds, Raycon's Everyday earbuds are among our favorites. If they've caught your eye as a solid pair that won't break the bank, now is an excellent time to grab them as Amazon has discounted them to an even lower price than usual.

As of July 22, every available color of the Raycon Everyday earbuds has been marked down to $63.99 at the retailer. That's a $16 discount from their full price of $79.99, but they're only on sale at this price for a limited time.

SEE ALSO: 16 summer hosting essentials that cost under $25 at Amazon

The Raycon Everyday earbuds have plenty to offer to keep you fully absorbed in what you're listening to, including noise-canceling and up to 32 hours of battery life with the charging case. We think very highly of them, as they're among our favorite budget earbuds, and our review from Mashable's Bethany Allard said they "prove that basic earbuds can be better".

Allard's review continues on to say, "Raycon Everyday Earbuds succeed because they know exactly what they are: relatively affordable earbuds, meant not to wow, but to be reliable and convenient to use." She also adds that, "They have decent ANC, preset equalizer options, and the ability to activate a phone's voice assistant."

If you want new earbuds at a more affordable price, don't miss out on this deal on the Raycon Everyday earbuds at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Obsidian plugins that feel so fundamental they should have been built-in

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 12:30

Obsidian has hundreds of community plugins—so many that simply browsing the list can feel overwhelming. Most plugins are built for specific workflows, and not every plugin will be useful to everyone.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 22, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 12:05

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love to hit the course.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. 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 today's 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?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. 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 Pips hints, answers for July 22, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Breakout

  • Green: On the course

  • Blue: Social media terms

  • Purple: An exotic animal

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Symptoms of an allergic reaction

  • Green: On a golf scorecard

  • Blue: Platform-specific posts

  • Purple: Features of a zebra

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 #1137 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Symptoms of an allergic reaction: HIVES, ITCHING, RASH, REDNESS

  • On a golf scorecard: HOLE, PAR, SCORE, STROKES

  • Platform-specific posts: PINS, SNAPS, TWEETS, VINES

  • Features of a zebra: HOOVES, MANE, TAIL, WHITE STRIPES

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 22, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for July 22, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 12:04

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a trivia lover.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 22, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: "What is..."

The words are related to games.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a famous game show.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is In Jeopardy.

NYT Strands word list for July 22
  • Board

  • Category

  • Wager

  • In Jeopardy

  • Question

  • Buzzer

  • Answer

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 22, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 12:04

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a truck driver.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. 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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 22, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for July 22, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A truck.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter R appears twice.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

LORRY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle 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.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Googling Jimothy brings up an unexpected surprise

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 12:03

In case you've been away from the internet for a few days, a new celebrity animal has been propelled into the spotlight.

We're talking of course about Jimothy, the viral Seattle raccoon whose unusual shape — which professors have speculated may be a result of congenital spine deformity — has caused footage and photos of him to be shared far and wide.

SEE ALSO: Jimothy the raccoon is taking over the internet

On Tuesday, Threads users noticed that Jimothy's fame has now been acknowledged by the search engine gods — namely, he has his own Google animation.

Behold, this is what happens if you type "Jimothy" into Google on smartphone or desktop:

Once he's scampered across the screen, a button pops up allowing you to replay the animation or share it.

What would Jimothy think if he knew that the human race is now paying homage to him with fan art?

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for July 22, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 11:43

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, July 22, 2026:

AcrossMother chicken
  • The answer is Hen.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Word after "leading" and "first"
  • The answer is Lady.

Just peachy ... or a hint to the two letters that appear most often in this grid
  • The answer is Dandy.

Bryant of "S.N.L." fame
  • The answer is Aidy.

Like overcooked chicken
  • The answer is Dry.

DownHelpful
  • The answer is Handy.

Swirl of water
  • The answer is Eddy.

The Yankees, on scoreboards
  • The answer is NYY.

Supervillain's hideout
  • The answer is Lair.

___ joke
  • The answer is Dad.

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Buy $15 of Takis and score $8 towards a Spider-Man: Brand New Day ticket — everything you need to know

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 11:33

TL;DR: Ahead of Spider-Man: Brand New Day's July 31 theatrical debut, Takis has launched limited-edition collectible bags inspired by the film. From July 1 through Aug. 31, shoppers who spend $15 on qualifying Takis products can earn $8 in Fandango Rewards for a movie ticket.

Fans counting down to Spider-Man: Brand New Day can earn a discount on their movie ticket with their next snack run.

Takis has launched limited-edition bags inspired by the upcoming Marvel film, and shoppers who spend $15 on participating products through Aug. 31 will receive $8 in Fandango Rewards that can be used towards a ticket to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Takis has rolled out limited-edition Spider-Man: Brand New Day-themed packaging across four of its rolled tortilla chip flavors: Fuego, Blue Heat, Intense Nacho, and Nitro. Each flavor sports a different collectible design, and fans can find the bags at participating retailers nationwide.

The limited-edition packaging and ticket offer are just part of the collaboration. Takis says it will also bring the partnership to life with fan experiences, influencer content, and in-store promotions throughout the summer.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings exclusively into theaters on July 31, starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando, and Mark Ruffalo.

It’s not quite web-slinging, but saving $8 on a movie ticket is a pretty good superpower for a bag of chips.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The $139 Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe coffee and espresso machine is the upgrade your kitchen needs

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 11:27

SAVE $60: As of July 22, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe coffee and espresso machine is on sale for $139 at Amazon. That's $60 off its full price of $199.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 37 Oz, Black $139 at Amazon
$199 Save $60   Get Deal

If you're looking to cut down on trips to the coffee shop this year, a coffee machine is worth buying. Thankfully, Amazon's been offering some great deals lately on select models, making now an excellent time to shop around. Among these offers is the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe coffee and espresso machine, which is on sale for $139.

The Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe is usually priced at $199, so this offer saves you $60 overall, but not for long. It currently has a "limited time deal" tag on it, so you'll want to be quick to add it to your cart before the discount is all gone.

SEE ALSO: 16 summer hosting essentials that cost under $25 at Amazon

Not only can the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe brew you a cup of coffee from a capsule, but it can also make espresso drinks from capsules if you want to shake things up in your mornings. It can also brew four different cup sizes — single and double espresso alongside 5oz and 8oz coffee — and has an easy one-touch brewing system to get you started.

If the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe sounds like the kind of machine you're hoping to have in your kitchen, now is the time to jump on this deal before it's gone.

This certainly isn't the only coffee machine deal worth checking out right now. If you're looking for an option for iced coffee this summer, have a look at this offer on the Keurig K-Iced Coffee Maker at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This LG OLED UltraGear gaming monitor has dropped to a record-low price at Amazon — save over $70

Mashable - Wed, 07/22/2026 - 11:18

TL;DR: The LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor is on sale for $379 at Amazon, down from its $449.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG OLED 27-inch OLED QHD UltraGear Gaming Monitor $379 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $70.99 Get Deal

Getting an OLED panel to upgrade your gaming setup is expensive, but Amazon’s latest LG UltraGear discount brings a glossy 240Hz QHD screen at a lower price than we’ve ever seen before. 

As of July 22, the LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor (27GX704A-B) is available on Amazon for $379 — slashing $70.99 off its standard $449.99 price. That makes this the best-ever deal on Amazon (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel).

Delivered as soon as July 23 if you’re a Prime member (at the time of writing), what you’re buying at this record-low price is a 27-inch glossy OLED panel with a QHD 2560x1440 resolution. You’ll get extra visual perks like VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio, and 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage — giving darker scenes richer black levels and more convincing color.

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This pairs brilliantly with the 240Hz refresh rate to grant you jaw-dropping fluid movement no matter what kind of game you’re playing: be it hectic multiplayer shooters like Overwatch and League of Legends, or the latest single-player adventures like Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced or the upcoming Marvel's Wolverine

As we usually see with UltraGear monitors like these, the 27GX704A-B also comes with NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and VESA AdaptiveSync to keep frames looking cleaner when performance fluctuates.

To make sure this fits in perfectly with the rest of your setup, you also get two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, USB connectivity, OLED Care tools, and a stand that supports height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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