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SAVE $30: As of July 18, the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is on sale for $99 at Amazon. This deal saves you 23% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30 Get Deal

The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is back on sale at Amazon, this time for $30 off. As of July 18, it's now priced at $99 — an absolute steal. So why this version over other Apple Pencil models?

This Apple stylus is noticeably better in design than the previous iteration, especially for those who love to sketch, take notes, or use their iPad for lots of heavy editing. The stylus has a magnetic attachment, so it's nice and easy to both store and charge. Double-tap gestures let you switch tools effortlessly, and performance-wise, it’s incredibly responsive with near-zero lag.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals this week: Shop MacBook Air, AirPods, iPads, and more

Whether you’re drawing fine lines, shading, or jotting down fast notes, it feels almost the same as writing with a real pen or pencil. And unlike the 1st Gen, these smart features make the 2nd Gen much more seamless to use day to day.

The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is compatible with the following iPad models: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation); iPad Air (4th and 5th generation); and iPad mini (6th generation).

Get this deal from Amazon now.

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

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

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

Late Show host Stephen Colbert made a shocking announcement on Thursday, revealing that the long-running talk show had been axed after more than 30 years on air. The news comes mere days after Colbert accused CBS' parent company Paramount of paying a "big fat bribe" to President Donald Trump.

"Next year will be our last season," said Colbert to his audience's dismay. "The network will be ending The Late Show in May."

SEE ALSO: Stephen Colbert takes aim at Trump/Paramount settlement as a 'big fat bribe'

The Late Show's first iteration premiered in 1993, with renowned host David Letterman behind the desk for 22 years. Colbert took the reins following Letterman's 2015 retirement and quickly made it his own, scoring multiple Emmy nominations in the decade since. The Late Show regularly tops the Nielsen ratings, outstripping competing talk shows, and it attracted over 2.4 million viewers across 41 episodes in Q2 alone this year. As such, few in his audience likely expected the popular show's untimely demise.

"It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of 'The Late Show' on CBS. I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away." - Stephen Colbert

Colbert's announcement of The Late Show's cancellation on Thursday sparked a loud round of booing, to which the host responded that he shares such sentiments. The unhappy news is apparently still fresh to him, with Colbert stating that he'd just found out the previous night.

"It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS," Colbert continued. "I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away."

Despite the sudden cancellation, Colbert still thanked CBS as well as his audience and the 200 people who work on the show.

"We get to do this show for each other every day all day, and I've had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years," said Colbert. "And let me tell you, it is a fantastic job. I wish somebody else was getting it. And it's a job that I'm looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months."

CBS claims 'Late Show' cancellation unrelated to Colbert's criticism

CBS issued a statement on Thursday night following Colbert's announcement, in which it confirmed its decision to end The Late Show.

"This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night," wrote CBS executives. "It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount."

Said "other matters" appears to reference the recent lawsuit Trump filed against Paramount in October. In it, Trump alleged that Paramount had deceptively edited a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris to be favourable to her ahead of the November presidential election. Paramount agreed to pay Trump $16 million to settle the suit earlier this month, a decision that has been lambasted by First Amendment and press freedom advocates.

Colbert has also been vocally critical of this settlement, labelling it a "big fat bribe" on Monday and stating that Paramount itself called the lawsuit "completely without merit." He further noted that Paramount has been trying to secure the Trump administration's approval of its proposed merger with Skydance Media — an effort that likely wouldn't be helped by an ongoing lawsuit with the president.

The Skydance-Paramount merger is yet to be approved by the FCC. However, on Wednesday, Trump appeared to support the merger and praised Skydance CEO David Ellison when speaking to reporters, the same day Colbert was informed of The Late Show's cancellation. The president then immediately began speaking about his lawsuit with Paramount.

Colbert has been a prominent critic of Trump for years, and on Monday acknowledged speculation that he may be pressured to lay off the president should Paramount's merger with Skydance go through. It now looks as though this won't be a concern any longer.

Of course, not everyone is buying CBS' explanation, particularly in light of Colbert's recent comments and The Late Show's steady success with viewers.

"CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump – a deal that looks like bribery," Senator Elizabeth Warren posted to X. "America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons."

"Just finished taping with Stephen Colbert who announced his show was cancelled," wrote Senator Adam Schiff. "If Paramount and CBS ended the Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better."

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on July 14-18. Something Strange, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering science fiction and dystopia books for Kindle e-readers for free or $0.99.

Stuff Your Kindle Day is back with a bang for fans of science fiction and dystopia books. Something Strange, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering books from these popular genres for free. And the books that you download are yours to keep forever.

This is your chance to give your library a serious boost without spending anything.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Something Strange takes place from July 14-18. Unlike a lot of Stuff Your Kindle Days that take place over 24 hours, this event runs for five days. That gives you time to properly peruse the options and find exactly what you love to read.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Anyone can participate in Stuff Your Kindle Day. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone.

Which e-books are free?

Finding all of these free science fiction and dystopia books is straightforward thanks to the helpful hub page on Indie Author Central. Everything is nicely presented with filters so you can head directly to the books you actually want to download.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time, so don't hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited $109.99 at Amazon
$145.96 Save $35.97 Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Prices start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited absolutely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months at a time. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.

TL;DR: Skoove Premium Piano Lessons uses advanced AI to give you curated virtual piano lessons, and right now a lifetime subscription can be yours for just $149.99 (reg. $299). 

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $149.99
$299.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Whether you've dabbled in lessons as a kid or never sat on a piano bench, Skoove Premium Piano Lessons can help you master the keys from the comfort of home. All you'll need is a tablet, a keyboard, and this AI-powered app. 

Right now, you can save 50% on a lifetime subscription and keep honing your craft for life for just $149.99 (reg. $299). 

Learn piano on your lunch break

Skoove offers AI-powered piano lessons that let you tickle the ivories in your spare time. That means even people with the busiest schedules can pencil in time to pound the keys and elevate their skills, with Skoove providing curated feedback and useful resources as you learn. 

These virtual piano lessons only require a piano or keyboard and your tablet, so you don't need to buy anything else to get started. And this lifetime subscription lets you work at your own pace.

You'll get access to 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos, but don't think you'll just be sitting back and repeating after the video. Thanks to AI, you play and Skoove listens, recognizing your notes and offering real-time feedback so you can continuously improve. 

Learn what you love, thanks to Skoove's wide range of genres. Practice playing with tunes from Adele or John Legend, or go old school and work on some Bach or Beethoven. Monthly updates bring new song choices, so you never have to worry about running out of material. 

While learning from the AI is interactive, there's also backup if needed. If you ever get stumped, Skoove's music instructors are available for one-on-one support. 

Ready to join over one million people already mastering piano with Skoove?

Get a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for just $149.99 (reg. $299) right here. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Samoa vs. Scotland for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We know that everyone is counting down the days until the first Lions vs. Australia game, but there are some really interesting international fixtures taking place elsewhere. And for the players who didn't make the Lions tour, this is a chance for retribution.

Samoa vs. Scotland is the first game taking place this weekend, and it looks set to be explosive.

If you want to watch Samoa vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Samoa vs. Scotland?

Samoa vs. Scotland starts at 8:35 a.m. BST on July 18. This fixture takes place at Eden Park.

How to watch Samoa vs. Scotland for free

Samoa vs. Scotland is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream Samoa vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Samoa vs. Scotland before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch Samoa vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Spain are the favorites to win the Women's Euro 2025, but next they face a tricky matchup with the hosts. On paper, Spain should win this one comfortably and book a spot in the semi finals. But you can never count out the host nation.

If you want to watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Spain vs. Switzerland?

Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on July 18. This fixture takes place at the Wankdorf Stadium.

How to watch Spain vs. Switzerland for free

Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Spain vs. Switzerland (plus the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

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

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

To encourage.

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

CHEER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Showy.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 18, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

GAUDY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Assertive.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 18, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

PUSHY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A human.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 18 Hurdle Word 4 answer

WIGHT

Final Hurdle hint

Cruel.

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

HARSH

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

As Mashable's Tech Editor, I have way too many charging cables, power blocks, and USB-C blocks in my apartment. But there aren't many that I actually like to use. While most chargers are simply necessary evils, only one of these products has earned permanent status in my bedside AC outlet.

The Charger, from under-the-radar brand Counterpart, solves the biggest problem with most USB-C wall chargers — it features a retractable cable that snakes up inside the device when it's not in use. That means no annoying cable cluttering up your desk, countertops, or bedroom. It's one of those ingenious product innovations that makes you wonder, "Why aren't all chargers like this?"

Opens in a new window Credit: Counterpart The Charger, 35W USB-C Wall Charger $44 at Counterpart
Shop Now

You have to be pretty confident in your charger to name it The Charger. And I think it's worthy of the name. Because on top of its innovative design, this puck-shaped charger also looks attractive, which isn't something I can say about any other charging product I own. (And, again, there are so many).

This 35W USB-C charger features a retractable four-foot ribbon cable. When not in use, simply press a button on the front of the device, and the cable retracts like a tape measure. As you can see in my video review, it's immensely satisfying. And as a GaN charger, it offers more efficient charging than the average device. While you can find some chargers with retractable cables for cars, this is one of the only options for the home.

Yes, the $44 price tag may give you pause, but it's well worth it for a product that's attractive, functional, and comes with a two-year warranty. These chargers also make great gifts, especially if you're looking for stocking stuffers or under-$50 gift ideas.

The Charger comes in five different color options and can be purchased at the Counterpart online store.

Pornhub stopped operating in France last month in anticipation of the country's age-verification law going into effect. When the law was suspended weeks later, Pornhub restored itself in France. Now, Pornhub has blocked itself once again.

France's age-verification law requires porn sites to install a third-party system to check visitors' ages. This system must also be "double-blind," meaning the porn site doesn't know the visitor's age, and the verification system doesn't know which site they are accessing.

SEE ALSO: Do age-verification laws work? Not according to this study.

On June 16, the Administrative Court of Paris suspended the law, citing EU regulations. On July 15, the Council of State, the top French court, annulled the suspension. That same day, Aylo (which owns Pornhub and other adult sites like YouPorn and Redtube) released a statement that it will again stop operating in France.

"While important questions about the implementation of the law in France are still being considered, we maintain that French citizens deserve regulation that will prevent children from accessing adult content and that can be effectively enforced," Aylo states. "They also deserve that their privacy and sensitive data be protected. Again, we believe the current approach faces significant challenges in achieving these important goals."

The company goes on to state that verifying one's age every time one visits a site doesn't protect minors but instead endangers privacy through potential data breaches. It also said these laws put children at risk by driving them to websites that don't comply with the laws.

"To the French government and [France's communication regulator] Arcom we ask, how many minors have been protected in the six weeks since this law came into effect?" the statement says. "Provide the data on how this reduced access to age-inappropriate content."

These are the same concerns free speech advocates have expressed to Mashable: that age-verification sites won't work, are easily circumvented with VPNs, and have internet privacy and security concerns. In terms of the former, Proton VPN saw a 1,000 percent increase in sign-ups in France in the 30 minutes following the initial block.

Aylo advocates for device-level filters to prevent minors from accessing these websites.

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court deemed Texas's age-verification law constitutional, setting a precedent for similar laws. Pornhub has blocked itself in most states with such a law. The UK's own age-verification law goes into effect on July 25, and Pornhub will comply and operate within the region.

Did you know Apple's CarPlay will let you make anything — and I mean truly anything — the sound that plays when you start up your car? Well, TikTok found out, and now it's a quickly spreading trend.

It has almost become competitive at this point: How weird, funny, or esoteric can you make your start-up sound?

It's become a trend to start your car and begin filming as it slowly loads, then plays the sound. (The custom sound is played only when your phone connects to CarPlay, so that builds a natural bit of tension as the audience waits for the reveal.) Here are just a few we've spotted on TikTok.

This person used the race sound from Nintendo's Mario Kart.

This person gets greeted by Taylor Swift.

This driver gets a little motivation from the internet's new favorite character, Chit.

This person has a sound from the classic film Billy Madison.

This driver recycles an old meme sound.

It's a funny, silly trend that brings a little bit of whimsy each time you start up your car. I live in New York City and don't have a car, but if I did, I'd probably choose something from the Tim Robinson/I Think You Should Leave/Conner O'Malley extended universe.

Still, if you want to set up your own sound via CarPlay, we can show you how.

How to change your CarPlay start-up sound like the TikTok trend

Per usual, TikTok itself is very helpful for this trend. This post from @cronloya does a really good job of breaking it down step-by-step.

Here's another quick tutorial from @JimKirkVO on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

I was able to recreate the process, though I could not test it out in my non-existent car. But here's how you do it, in seven steps.

Total Time

• 5 min

What You Need

• iPhone

Step 1: Go to the Shortcuts app.

It should already be installed on your iPhone.

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone

Step 2: Create a CarPlay automation.

Navigate to the "automation" tab at the bottom of the screen, click "new automation," then scroll down and select CarPlay.

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone / Mashable

Step 3: Select "run immediately."

Then hit "next."

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone

Step 4: Create a "new blank automation" and navigate to "files."

You may need to hit the button for "add action" to find the files tab, depending on your iOS.

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone

Step 5: Select "file," then click the blue "file" to pick your sound.

You need to select "file" within the "files" tab... then click the blue word "file" to actually pick the sound. A bit confusing, but you've got this.

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone / Mashable

Step 6: Select your sound from within your files.

Once you see the file is uploaded, hit the "done" button. (For some reason, the only sound I could find on my phone was The Rock telling someone it doesn't matter what their name is.)

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone

Step 7: Click into the automation, search for "play sound," and select that automation.

You'll have to search for "play sound" to find it. Once you click that option, hit done and your custom sound is complete.

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone

Now, you'll need to download a sound file — an MP3, most likely — to do this trick. Luckily, Mashable has some tutorials on how to do just that. Typically speaking, you can also Google a popular sound and find a downloadable version.

So, with just a little bit of effort, you can add a pinch of whimsy to your daily commute.

The Trump administration has struck an agreement to hand over the personal data of 79 million Medicaid users, part of the President's effort to "crack down" on undocumented communities across the country.

In documents obtained exclusively by the Associated Press, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) agreed to provide demographic and location data to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, including names, addresses, and ethnicities, in order to more efficiently track down undocumented individuals living in the U.S.

SEE ALSO: 988's crisis services for LGBTQ youth are now silent

"ICE will use the CMS data to allow ICE to receive identity and location information on aliens identified by ICE," the agreement reads. In response to the Associated Press, Health and Human Services assistant secretary, Tricia McLaughlin, said the two agencies "are exploring an initiative to ensure that illegal aliens are not receiving Medicaid benefits that are meant for law-abiding Americans."

Officials have contended that the Medicaid data will be used as a cost-cutting measure to reduce health care costs. But, according to data from the U.S. Commission on Sentencing, more than 90 percent of individuals who commit entitlement fraud are U.S. citizens, and undocumented individuals are only able to enroll in emergency health insurance coverage, not standard policies.

The move to collect information on undocumented individuals through government agencies, anticipated by activists and experts, is fast becoming the largest effort to consolidate Americans' personal data. According to the agreement, officials cannot download any personal data from CMS's databases indefinitely. Instead, officials will be able to access information from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, until September 9.

In June, the administration attempted a mass data seizure of personal health information from citizens in states that allow undocumented residents to enroll in state-funded health care. State officials have since sued the administration for illegally exposing the personal information of residents, arguing that the move would have a "chilling" effect on those seeking medical attention and creating a culture of fear.

"By turning over some of our most sensitive healthcare data to ICE, Health and Human Services has fundamentally betrayed the trust of almost 80 million people. This jaw-dropping development proves that the Administration’s claim of using this information to prevent fraud is a Trojan horse that instead will primarily advance their goal of deporting millions of people," said Elizabeth Laird, director of equity in civic technology for the Center for Democracy and Technology.

"Over 90 percent of entitlement fraud is committed by U.S. citizens, underscoring the false pretense of sharing this information with ICE. The results of this decision will be devastating. It will sink trust in government even lower, force individuals to choose between life-saving care and turning over data to immigration authorities, and erode the quality and effectiveness of government services,” Laird said.

The Trump administration's One Big, Beautiful Bill, which Trump signed into law on July 4, includes a $1 trillion cut to Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding over the next 10 years — a move that will affect an estimated 11 million Americans and hundreds of rural hospitals. It strikes $186 billion from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, which benefits 5 million adults and children. And it allocates another $108 billion to immigration enforcement initiatives, including continued construction of a southern border wall, new immigrant detention centers, and logistic operations in the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice.

Sadly, you can't buy the motivation to get your butt in the gym. And fitness wearables alone won't make you healthier. But a great fitness tracker can help light a fire under your behind and motivate you to take more than 500 steps in a day. And hey, that's not nothing!

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

Whether you splurge on an Equinox membership or rely on home fitness and smart home gyms, the best fitness trackers do so much more than count steps and monitor your heart rate. The Apple Watch Series 10 lets you connect to a whole host of fitness apps, while also queuing up your Spotify workout playlist. Then there's the classic Fitbit, which keeps you focused on the most important metrics. And more recently, smart rings like the Samsung Galaxy Ring and Oura Ring give you round-the-clock health monitoring.

What do we love about fitness trackers? Comparing the Oura Ring 4 and Whoop fitness trackers. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

We tested a lot of different wearables for this guide, and a lot of Mashable team members use these devices on a daily basis.

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

Some of the metrics available in the Oura app. Credit: Oura app We found the Whoop home page was a touch cluttered compared to Oura. Credit: Whoop app

In our testing, we found that the best fitness trackers don't just track your workout, but also help you optimize the rest of your day. Trackers that monitor your sleep (sometimes going as deep as times spent in each stage of sleep), body temperature, and blood-oxygen levels offer deep insights into your health. They'll even give you a heads up if you've been exercising too hard.

So, which fitness trackers do we rely on in our daily lives? You'll find our favorites below, but you can also see how popular products like the Apple Watch Series 10, Oura Ring 4, and Fitbit Charge 6 compare to each other.

In addition to the authors listed above, Mashable contributors such as Sam Stone, Kimberly Gedeon, and Samantha Mangino tested fitness trackers for this guide.

TL;DR: Create anything, even NSFW art, with a lifetime subscription to Imagiyo for only A$45 through July 20.

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

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

What art can you make with Imagiyo

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

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

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

You have two days to get an Imagiyo AI Image Generator lifetime subscription for A$45 (reg. A$756). This sale lasts through July 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Imagiyo Imagiyo AI Image Generator: Lifetime Subscription (Standard Plan) AU$45
AU$756 Save AU$711 Get Deal

The best Ninja Swirl alternatives Best overall deal Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (1.5 quart) $69.95 (save $20) Get Deal Best upgraded ice cream maker Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (2 quart) $129.95 Shop Now Best stand-mixer ice cream attachment KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment $79.95 (save $40.04 + get a $4 Amazon credit) Get Deal Best from Ninja Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker $166 (save $33) Shop Now Best budget ice cream maker Dash Deluxe Gelato & Ice Cream Maker $59.99 Get Deal

If we're all being honest with ourselves, ice cream is an essential part of life. Imagine a warm summer night without savoring a bowl for dessert? It just doesn't add up. Enjoying a banana split after a major accomplishment, adding a scoop to warm pie, or taking a spoon to a pint while standing in the chill of the freezer: they're all magical moments. But if you don't feel like dishing out top dollar at the local artisan ice cream shop or watching your ice cream melt on the drive home from the store, why not make it at home?

Adding an ice cream maker to your collection of kitchen appliances will never, ever disappoint. Making ice cream at home gives you unlimited flavor possibilities while also nailing any dietary restrictions. Go dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free while making your own personal flavor creations to the exact level of sweetness you prefer.

We absolutely love the Ninja Swirl (and the Ninja Creami, too). Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino's review of the Ninja Swirl awarded it a prestigious Mashable Choice honor. "There's nothing I love more than leaving the house on a late summer evening to indulge in a cone of soft serve. It's something you can't get at home, unlike a pint of ice cream you buy at the grocery store. But now, with the Ninja Swirl, I don't have to leave the house for soft serve," said Mangino in her review.

That said, we don't love the price, and the best Ninja Swirl alternatives offer a more affordable way to get your homemade ice cream fix.

Ninja Swirl ice cream and soft-serve maker $348 at Amazon
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While the Ninja Swirl serves up both soft serve and hard, scoopable ice cream, it's hard to get past the $348 price tag. The machine also tends to sell out and is super rare to find on sale. Mangino also notes the machine takes up some serious real estate on your kitchen counter.

SEE ALSO: My new favourite air fryer upgrade — grab the Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer for only $159.99

Since National Ice Cream Day is just around the corner on Sunday, July 20, why not treat yourself to an ice cream maker that will supply endless joy and a refreshing dessert? Here are some of our favorite Ninja Swirl alternatives that might work better for your kitchen and your budget.

Best overall ice cream maker Opens in a new window Credit: Cusinart Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (1.5 quart) $69.95 at Amazon
$89.95 Save $20 Get Deal Why we like it

Consistently making excellent ice cream, the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine produces 1.5 quarts of perfection with each use. It's a versatile machine that can make ice cream, sorbet, gelato, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and even frozen drinks. All of that for under $90 feels like this is the ultimate summer treat-maker that sticks to a budget-friendly price. This model is currently on sale for under $70 at Amazon.

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth says, "This is the ice cream maker my mom has been using for years, and it's awesome. I highly recommend finding a good chocolate malt recipe and making a pint with your mom." You can make ice cream in 20 minutes or less with this ice cream maker. Just pour ingredients into the feeding spout, press the "on" button, and the powerful motor and mixing paddle will take care of the churning. Cuisinart also includes a recipe book to help you get started, but a major benefit of making ice cream at home is coming up with your own creations.

Best upgraded ice cream maker Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (2 quart) $129.95 at Williams & Sonoma
Shop Now Why we like it

Making four pints with each batch, the 2-quart Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine is perfect for feeding a crowd or a family who likes to have Friday night ice cream parties. It uses a simple on-off dial and a double-insulated freezer bowl to churn out perfect ice cream in under 30 minutes. If ice cream is not your thing, this machine can also whip up frozen drinks, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or gelato. All you'll need to do is all your favorite ingredients (or follow a recipe from the included book of inspiration) and turn the machine on. When it comes time for cleaning, you'll be in good hands — the freezer bowl easily lifts out. Plus, the brushed stainless steel design looks pretty great on a countertop.

Best stand-mixer ice cream attachment Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment $79.95 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $40.04 Get Deal Why we like it

If you already have a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, you can actually just grab some add-ons to transform your mixer into an ice-cream production factory. The KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment churns up to two quarts of your favorite frozen dessert, and is compatible with most KitchenAid mixers except Mini models. This set includes all three accessories to make ice cream, including the ice cream bowl, the dasher, and the hub assembly piece.

To make awesome ice cream with your KitchenAid, you'll need to stick the ice cream bowl in the freezer for at least 24 hours before use. After that, you'll be able to add in your desired ingredients, churn for under 30 minutes, and then enjoy. KitchenAid redesigned the dasher with this model to ensure your ingredients and add-ins are fully incorporated. After enjoying the best ice cream you've ever had, the KitchenAid bowl is easy to hand-wash once it's up to room temp.

Best Swirl alternative from Ninja Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker $165.97 at Walmart
$199 Save $33.03 Get Deal Why we like it

The original Ninja ice cream maker is still a popular gift, though it's getting harder to find. While it's low in stock at both Amazon and Walmart, it's currently on sale at the latter, where you can pick it up for $169. Our reporter Samantha Mangino also enjoyed the Creami in her review for Mashable. "The Ninja Creami has taken over our social media feeds, and maybe for good reason. Besides the 24-hour freezing time, it creates creamy, smooth ice cream in just minutes with the press of a button (or two). But beware: it's loud as hell."

Best ice cream maker for small kitchens Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart FastFreeze Ice Cream Maker $119.95 at Cuisinart
Get Deal Why we like it

What happens if you want homemade ice cream but are short on kitchen space or really don't want another kitchen appliance? No need to cry over a lack of ice cream since you can go with the Cuisinart FastFreeze Ice Cream Maker. Its compact design is perfect for kitchens that don't have extra counter space for another appliance, and it can easily be stored in a drawer, cupboard, or the pantry. It whips up half a pint of ice cream in just three minutes. Although it's worth mentioning that you'll need to use pre-frozen ingredients, so some prep is necessary for the FastFreeze.

If you're craving a different type of chilled treat, the Cuisinart FastFreeze can also make milkshakes, slushies, and sorbets. You'll be able to select one of these options on the handle and then all you need to go is press "go" to be on your way to frozen delight. Did we mention the FastFreeze clocks in at under six pounds? Cuisinart includes three half-pint containers and lids with this model.

Best budget ice cream maker Opens in a new window Credit: Dash Dash Deluxe Gelato & Ice Cream Maker $46.02 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $13.97 Get Deal Why we like it

Dash makes some incredibly fun and functional kitchen appliances, and they're all offered at an affordable price. That's all true of the Dash Deluxe Gelato & Ice Cream Maker, which makes two quarts of your favorite flavors — that's the equivalent of four pints. Dash lists this model's MSRP at $59.99. Say a pint of Ben & Jerry's comes in at $6.99, you'll only need to make 8.5 pints in the Dash to break even, which is about two batches.

To use the Dash, you'll want to freeze the included bowl for at least 24 hours and get your desired ingredients into the freezer, too. Once you add those frozen ingredients into the bowl, switch the machine on, and watch it churn until it reaches your desired consistency.

Meet OpenAI's new web browsing agent.

On Thursday, OpenAI announced ChatGPT agent, a tool that's capable of navigating the web and performing tasks on your behalf. As teased in an X post before the livestream, ChatGPT agent combines the autonomous capabilities of its Operator agent and the reasoning intelligence of its Deep Research tool.

OpenAI's Operator, which launched in January as preview mode to ChatGPT Pro users, could scroll, click, and type on the web but had limitations and never saw a widespread release. Deep research is another type of agent that can search the web and compile information on the user's behalf, but it couldn't take actions beyond that. The launch of OpenAI's new web browsing agent effectively combines both tools.

Credit: OpenAI SEE ALSO: I’m testing Perplexity’s new AI browser Comet. Here are 3 features I tried right away.

"Operator couldn’t dive deep into analysis or write detailed reports, and deep research couldn’t interact with websites to refine results or access content requiring user authentication," said the OpenAI announcement. "We saw that many queries users attempted with Operator were actually better suited for deep research, so we brought the best of both together."

OpenAI's new tool is part of the fast-growing agentic AI world

OpenAI's ChatGPT agent joins other agentic tools recently released that can perform tasks on the user's behalf. While not a full web browser, it acts similarly to Perplexity Comet's browser assistant. Anthropic also has a tool called "computer use" that can take over your cursor and write code. As models become more advanced, they are more capable of performing autonomous tasks. Web browsing is considered one of the next arenas for AI labs to compete in, with OpenAI, Anthropic, Perplexity already shipping features, and Google's Project Mariner research prototype.

When in agent mode, you can ask ChatGPT to perform tasks like "look at my calendar and brief me on upcoming client meetings based on recent news" or "plan and buy ingredients to make Japanese breakfast for four," according to an OpenAI spokesperson.

OpenAI said that users are always in control and ChatGPT requests permission before taking actions, such as submitting forms, making purchases, or handling personal info. OpenAI said users can easily interrupt or take over when needed. Certain tasks, like sending emails, require oversight called Watch Mode.

On the safety front, ChatGPT agent is not allowed to perform "high-risk" tasks like financial transactions or legal advice, and it is trained to recognize malicious or adversarial attacks from prompt injections or other manipulative tactics.

In terms of data gathering, OpenAI said ChatGPT can delete their browsing data and log out of websites with one click and does not collect data while the user is actively involved in tasks like entering passwords.

Given the advancements, there's also a considerably higher risk for things to go wrong. OpenAI has classified ChatGPT agent as high risk in its preparedness framework for biological and chemical capabilities.

There's good news for users who don't have the $200 a month ChatGPT Pro plan. It's available to Pro, Plus, and Team users. Pro users get access today, and Plus and Team users get access over the next few days. Pro users get 400 messages a month, while Plus, Team, and other paid users get 40 messages a month.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

SAVE $20: As of July 17, get the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds for $89 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $109. That's a discount of 18%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds $89 at Amazon
$109 Save $20 Get Deal

If you want a good pair of earbuds, there are tons you could choose from. Apple, Samsung, and Bose are some great options to name a few. But if you want something more innovative that has multiple uses while still delivering great sound, it might be time to try the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds, especially since you can get them for a discounted price right now.

As of July 17, get the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds for $89 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $109. That's $20 off and a discount of 18%.

SEE ALSO: Don't break the bank: The best budget earbuds, tested by our audio experts

These unique buds have one leg up on the competition already at first glance: they're transparent, which is a fun throwback to the days of clear tech many of us grew up with. Plus, they have special ChatGPT integration that lets you ask the AI platform questions while you're out and about. That alone makes them worth picking up for the price.

But of course they're worth it as earbuds as well, with solid audio and compact 11mm drivers for better base. And they handle noise cancellation fantastically as well, given that they can detect additional noise leakage between your ear and earbud, making it simpler to block out the noise you don't want to hear to help you focus.

These earbuds are unlike any you've tried before in a few unique ways, and the fact that you can get them for under $100 means you should go ahead and invest before they go back up in price. You'll never realize how useful on-the-go ChatGPT is when you're out in the world otherwise.

Best tech deals

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Mortal Kombat fans, it's finally Round 2. (Well, it's technically the fourth Mortal Kombat film but get over here anyway.)

Warner Bros. dropped an action-packed trailer for the sequel to 2021's adaptation of the iconic Midway Games. This time, three iconic fighters will join the already star-studded returning ranks, with Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Tati Gabrielle as Jade, and Adeline Rudolp as Kitana.

Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid and producer James Wan both return with a script by Moon Knight's Jeremy Slater.

Mortal Kombat II hits cinemas Oct. 24, 2025.

SAVE $498.01: As of July 17, get the Hisense 100" Class U7 Series ULED 4K TV for $1,399.99, down from its usual price of $1,898 at Amazon. That's a discount of 26%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Hisense 100" Class U7 Series ULED 4K TV $1,399.99 at Amazon
$1,898 Save $498.01 Get Deal

If you're looking to turn watching TV or catching a movie into a more theater-like experience, you have options. Sure, you don't need a huge screen to enhance a great flick or an engrossing series, but it certainly does help. And if you're ready to take the plunge, Amazon has you covered with a fantastic deal on a Hisense TV that'll turn any room into a theater.

As of July 17, get the Hisense 100" Class U7 Series ULED 4K TV for $1,399.99, down from its usual price of $1,898 at Amazon. That's $498.01 off and a discount of 26%.

SEE ALSO: Score $200 off this 75-inch Hisense smart TV at Amazon

This room-dominating screen is a 4K ULED display with full array local dimming for better, more realistic lighting all over the screen. It serves over a billion individual shades of color as well with a 144Hz native refresh rate and smooth motion for less blurring. Plus, it has a gaming mode with low-latency to make your favorite games pop and perform even better than usual. You also get Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound to complete the package.

Google Assistant is built into the TV as well, so much like a Fire TV, you have voice control options to connect to a smart hub at home, turn on your lights, adjust your thermostat, or just change the channel or surf new content via Google TV. And of course, it huge screen size makes it the perfect candidate for pairing with a soundbar or other entertainment-related accessories to make it feel like you've headed to the theater without leaving your seat.

If you've been dreaming of a good way to make everything you watch or play feel more cinematic, snag this TV now while you can still save nearly $500 on it. You'll feel good about treating yourself.

Best tech deals

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

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

Taimi is an LGBTQ dating app, and though it's had its share of controversies on Reddit (mainly unicorn hunters, dead profiles, and cishet dudes posing as queer women), it's become popular in the last few years, with 28 million downloads according to its press release. On market intelligence service AppMagic, Taimi is a top 5 dating app to boot.

SEE ALSO: Grindr is testing AI chat summaries for paid users

Still, in 2025, daters are wary of dating apps more than ever. Now, Taimi is encouraging users to get off the app and into real-world queer spaces. The company released two brand-new features to help facilitate meetups in real life.

The 'First Move' feature lets you send pre-written conversation starters

The "First Move" feature allows users to set up pre-scheduled messages that will automatically send when a new connection is made. This is kind of similar to Hinge's "Match Note," except it's a little less personal and more of a conversation starter, like Bumble's current "Opening Moves."

The idea is that you can be away from your phone without having to worry about missing the window to connect with a new match, because you've already taken care of the first message. While some of the pre-written options like "How can I make you smile?" and the ever-simple "Hi, how are you doing?" might feel a bit lackluster, you do have the option to write your own custom message. (You can also opt out of using this feature entirely.)

That said, it seems to be working, at least a little. During a test run, Taimi found that this smart automation led to a 4.8 percent increase in matches moving into a "deep dialogue" and a 4.5 percent rise in the average time users spent online.

The 'Taimi In-Person' feature lets you promote local events

"Taimi In-Person" is exactly what it sounds like: a free promotional platform for real-life LGBTQ events. During its pilot phase, the feature has already been used to support 77 events.

This could be good news for queer people who might not know where to find a community in their area or for travelers looking for queer-friendly places to visit while on vacation.

If you're interested in hosting an event on Taimi, you can submit a request form on the company's website or email events@taimi.com.

In an email to Mashable, Taimi told us that these features were created in response to the shrinking number of safe and welcoming spaces for queer people across the United States. The company believes the LGBTQ community needs both digital tools and physical spaces to thrive, and it's betting on a hybrid approach where technology can enhance IRL connections.

The company's goal is to "[bridge] digital connections with real-life communities and [strengthen] the queer ecosystem,” says Taimi's CEO, Oleksiy Shevchenko.

Uber has announced a multi-million dollar partnership with U.S. electric vehicle maker Lucid and robotics company Nuro. The three companies plan to deploy at least 20,000 robotaxis "in dozens of markets around the world" over the next six years, starting in a major U.S. city in 2026.

The ride-share app announced the news on Thursday, saying that the Lucid vehicles will be owned and operated by Uber or its third-party fleet partners. The vehicles, which will be equipped with technology developed by Nuro, will be available to riders "exclusively" via the Uber platform, as per the company's press release.

SEE ALSO: Smooth, silent, strange: What it's really like to hail a robotaxi

As a part of the deal, Uber is investing $300 million in Lucid and an undisclosed — but "significant" — amount in Nuro, according to the Financial Times.

Uber said the collaboration between the three companies will "[deliver] a fully integrated robotaxi experience developed for comfort, safety, and scale."

"Autonomous vehicles have enormous potential to transform our cities for the better," said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. Khosrowshahi said the partnership will "safely bring the magic of autonomous driving to more people across the world."

Nuro will lead the safety efforts behind building the vehicle, using simulations, supervised on-road testing, and closed-course testing.

The move crystallizes Uber's intention to make its mark in the world of autonomous vehicles, which could have big implications for the thousands of gig workers who book rides through Uber. Just yesterday, the company announced a deal with Baidu, a company that runs one of the largest robotaxi fleets in China. The two are partnering up to deploy robotaxis across Asia and the Middle East, with a potential expansion to Europe.

Tesla has also been testing its own robotaxi service, most recently in Austin, Texas.

SEE ALSO: FTC sues Uber over 'deceptive' Uber One subscriptions