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For a short amount of time, a power outage feels nice. It’s an excuse to cancel plans and settle on the couch with a good book (or an e-reader) instead. That calm feeling fades once a low-battery alert shows up on your phone, and it’s never convenient to not have WiFi at home. But maybe even more inconvenient is the threat of the refrigerator heating up during a power outage.

Food spoilage is one of the biggest bummers of a power outage. It’s never fun to start calculating how many hours you’ve been without power and how many times someone has opened the fridge, releasing precious cooling. Jackery, one of the leaders in portable power stations, has a new solution. I’ve tested dozens of portable power stations, and I’ll admit I find this model to be both functional and one of the best-looking models out there.

Jackery FridgeGuard $549.99 at Costco
$799 Save $249.01   Shop Now at Costco Shop Now at Jackery What’s special about the Jackery FridgeGuard?

Immediately, you’ll notice the Jackery FridgeGuard does not look like most other portable power stations. Instead of the standard box shape with a handle, the FridgeGuard is a slim rectangle, measuring just a bit over 2.5 inches tall. The unique shape makes it ideal for sitting on top of the refrigerator. Jackery also includes two metal feet that attach to the bottom of the power station if you’d rather have it stand up vertically next to the fridge.

She's just 2.63 inches thick. Credit: Lauren Allain

But looks aside, the primary goal of the Jackery FridgeGuard is to keep your refrigerator cooling during a power outage. It has 1,024Wh of battery capacity, which Jackery says should keep a standard refrigerator cooling for about 15 hours.

When testing the Jackery, I plugged it into my bedside Blueair Blue Signature Air Purifier, and set it on a high fan speed, which pulled 17W. That power use means the Jackery would keep my bedroom air purifier powered up for about 27 hours. It also looked pretty slick when I used it at my home workstation.

Testing out the FridgeGuard as a laptop backup system. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

I was pleasantly surprised by the weight of the Jackery FridgeGuard while testing. At a bit over 23 pounds, I was able to get it on top of my fridge without asking for help. That was pleasing to my independent nature that much prefers to not ask for help. 

Spec highlights of the Jackery FridgeGuard

• Capacity: 1,024Wh

• Battery type: LiFePO₄

• Surge: 1,600W

• Weight: Approx. 23.2 pounds

• Dimensions: 23.6 in × 12.8 in × 2.6 in

• Ports: AC (1)

• Expected battery lifespan: 6.000 cycles to 70%+ capacity

• Charge temperature: -4 to 113 degrees F

• Discharge temperature: -4 to 113 degrees F

• Expandability: One Jackery FridgeGuard Battery (1,024Wh)

Easy plug-and-play solution

On top of the physical design, the very nature of how the FridgeGuard functions is unique. Jackery used a plug-and-play function for this power station. Stick it on top of the fridge, plug it into the wall, and then plug your refrigerator into the Jackery, and you’ll have consistent power to the fridge when grid power fails.

The Jackery has a 10-millisecond uninterrupted power supply (UPS), which means it’ll take over powering the fridge within 10 milliseconds of a grid outage. Since we’re often not home or are asleep when the power goes out, using the Jackery FridgeGuard means there’s no concern about a gap in power to the refrigerator.

Once grid power comes back online, the Jackery will recharge itself to 100 percent and be ready for the next outage. From the Jackery app, you can monitor battery level, power output, and power input. 

The sleek design makes it versatile at home

In all honesty, portable power stations are for function, not looks. For the most part, we don’t need a power station to look nice. We’re hauling them to the campground, the job site, or using them in the yard to power up tools. But if you’re placing a portable power station on top of your refrigerator to live there permanently, the slim Jackery FridgeGuard looks a lot nicer than a standard brick of a portable power station.

The gray colorway blends in well with my stainless steel fridge. That wouldn’t be the case if I placed the black Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 up there with its orange accents.

While the name suggests using it in the kitchen, I found it great to use around the rest of the house while testing. It makes for a great power backup solution if you sleep on an adjustable base or have a bed cooling system like the Eight Sleep Pod.

I tested out the Jackery FridgeGuard with an air purifier beside my bed. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

It’s also great for keeping the WiFi router online during a power outage or using it as backup for your home computer. If you sleep with a CPAP, it offers reassurance that you’ll have support all night in case the power cuts out. When testing, I found the Jackery FridgeGuard to be either silent or have a barely detectable fan hum. I never found the noise to be bothersome, even when I had it next to my bed at night.

SEE ALSO: Can a $250 alarm clock break my doomscrolling habit? I slept next to the Dreamie for a month to find out. What I don’t love about the Jackery FridgeGuard

The most glaring downside to the FridgeGuard is the port selection. It’s not even fair to say selection because the FridgeGuard has a single AC port. That’s sufficient if you’re using the Jackery for refrigerator backup power since it only requires a single port. Otherwise, you’re going to have to prioritize what gets to utilize the power of the FridgeGuard. 

The on-unit display includes information like remaining battery, total output, and total input. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable The back of the FridgeGuard has the single AC port, the charging port, and a vent. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

It’s also not the best deal when it comes to portable power stations. At full price, Jackery lists the FridgePower at $799. That’s the same list price as the Jackery Explorer 1000 V2, which has a smidge more power at 1,070Wh but a lot more functionality. The Explorer 1000 V2 has three AC ports, two USB-C, one USB-A, and an onboard light.

Should you get the Jackery FridgeGuard?

If your main concern during a power outage is food spoiling, the Jackery FridgeGuard could be a great solution. Its unique design can easily tuck on top of your fridge, and the plug-and-play nature means you’ll have immediate power backup when grid power fails. That’s the ultimate convenience for powering your fridge, an aquarium, or a CPAP machine should the power go out in the middle of the night.

If you’re looking for a portable power station to take camping or use on the jobsite, you’re probably better off with a different model.

Other models worth considering

Both Bluetti and Anker Solix introduced fridge-specific models in the same quarter that Jackery launched the FridgeGuard. The world of portable power stations is getting crowded with models that only have the minorest of minor differences. So I’m surprised to say, all three fridge-backup models are glaringly different. 

The Jackery FridgeGuard is the thinnest, so if that’s your main priority, go with the FridgeGuard. Otherwise, here’s a brief rundown of the other two models I’d consider for fridge backup.

Anker Solix S2000

Coming with double the power of the Jackery FridgeGuard, the Anker designed the Solix S2000 as a model that’ll sit nicely atop or beside a refrigerator. Anker says this 2,010Wh is capable of keeping a standard refrigerator running for up to 35 hours. If your home tends to experience longer outages, this capacity might be a better fit compared to the Jackery.

The Solix S2000 also has more ports. You get three AC on the front and dual AC on the back. When placed on your countertop, you can use a rear AC for powering the refrigerator while keeping the front AC ports open for the coffee maker or a lamp. It also has dual USB-C and a USB-A for recharging phones, earbuds, and other small devices. But keep in mind the Solix S2000 has a more traditional portable power station shape. You can set it on top of your fridge, but it might block cupboards.

Anker Solix S2000 $599.99 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $599.01   Shop Now at Amazon Bluetti FridgePower

The Bluetti FridgePower has a nearly identical physical layout to the Jackery FridgeGuard. The main difference is the battery capacity. The Jackery comes with 1,024Wh while the Bluetti has almost double at 2,016Wh. In short, that’s going to keep the refrigerator cooling for twice as long. It has two AC ports compared to the single AC port on the Jackery.

The slim design is similar to the Jackery, but the Bluetti is a bit larger and much heavier at 41 pounds compared to the FridgeGuard’s 23ish pounds. The Bluetti FridgePower also tends to be the most expensive model compared to the Jackery and Anker Solix.

Bluetti FridgePower $898.99 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $600.01   Shop Now at Amazon How to buy the Jackery FridgeGuard

At the time of launch and writing, the Jackery FridgeGuard is exclusive to Costco and Jackery. Costco members get a better deal, however, where the fridge backup is available for $549.99. If you’re lucky enough to find it in stock at Jackery, the station sells for $799. Jackery also sells a mounting bracket for $49 if you’d rather attach it to a nearby wall instead of setting it on top of the fridge or on the floor.

Jackery FridgeGuard $549.99 at Costco
$799 Save $249.01   Shop Now at Costco Shop Now at Jackery

It must feel good to be a fan of the cyberpunk genre.

Apple TV has released the first trailer for its adaptation of William Gibson's 1984 sci-fi classic Neuromancer — one of the foundational texts of the cyberpunk genre. The novel follows Case, a washed-up cyberspace hacker recruited by a mysterious ex-soldier to pull off a high-stakes heist alongside a razor-fingered assassin.

Set against a neon-drenched, futuristic Japan, the trailer leans noticeably brighter than fans of the novel's noir-soaked prose might expect. Callum Turner (Eternity, One Night Only) headlines as Case, joined by Briana Middleton (The History of Sound) as the "razorgirl" Molly Millions and Mark Strong (The Penguin, Dune: Prophecy) as the enigmatic Armitage. The ensemble also includes Clémence Poésy, Peter Sarsgaard, Emma Laird, Max Irons, André De Shields, Isabella Pappas, and Dane DeHaan.

The ten-episode series is set to premiere on Apple TV on Jan. 22, 2027.

Horror's favorite It girl is getting her television series debut, with the first trailer now out for Mike Flanagan's (The Haunting of Hill House) adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie.

SEE ALSO: Apple TV gives cyberpunk fans their first look at 'Neuromancer'

The eight-episode miniseries follows Carrie White as she endures bullying at school and abuse at home from her fanatically religious mother, Margaret — all while discovering she has telekinetic powers. As the trailer shows, Flanagan's version drags King's 1974 novel into the present day, trading its original setting for a story steeped in social media and viral humiliation. The 2013 film adaptation made a similar leap into modern times, so here's hoping this take sticks the landing.

It's worth noting that technically, this isn't Carrie's first trip to TV. A 2002 television movie, directed by David Carson and written by Hannibal's Bryan Fuller, starred Angela Bettis (Girl, Interrupted) in the title role — though Flanagan's series marks the story's first full episodic adaptation.

Summer H. Howell leads the new cast as Carrie White, alongside Samantha Sloyan as Margaret, Siena Agudong as Sue Snell, and Matthew Lillard as Principal Grayle, with Alison Thornton, Thalia Dudek, Amber Midthunder, Josie Totah, Arthur Conti, and Joel Oulette rounding out the ensemble. Flanagan serves as writer, showrunner, and director on four of the eight episodes.

Carrie premieres on Prime Video October 7.

After years of rumors and on-again, off-again flirtation between Ryan Gosling (Project Hail Mary, Barbie) and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's now confirmed: the actor will play Johnny Blaze, aka Ghost Rider, in an upcoming film.

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For those unfamiliar with the character, Ghost Rider is the demonic alter ego of stuntman Johnny Blaze, who strikes a deal to sell his soul to the demon Mephisto in order to save his father's life. Blaze's soul is then bonded to Zarathos, the Spirit of Vengeance, transforming him into a leather-jacketed, motorcycle-riding, flame-skulled avenger. Thus, Blaze is forced to punish the wicked and evil whenever Mephisto needs him to.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige introduced Gosling to a packed Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con to roaring applause. The titular film will be directed by Shawn Levy, who previously helmed Deadpool & Wolverine, and is slated for release in 2028. It marks the first film adaptation of the supernatural antihero since 2007's Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage, and its 2012 sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.

On the television side, Gabriel Luna played the Robbie Reyes variant of Ghost Rider in the fourth season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. That appearance was meant to lead into a solo spin-off slated for 2020, but a "creative impasse" in late 2019 led to the project's cancellation.

Gosling and Levy are already collaborators. The two are currently working together on Star Wars: Starfighter, due out in May 2027, and reportedly spent downtime on that set trading ideas for a Ghost Rider film.

Alongside the reveal of Gosling at Hall H, Feige also announced Black Panther III as a part of the MCU's 2028 slate. The film will star David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus, Industry) as the titular Black Panther, aka T'Challa II. The last we saw of T'Challa II was his introduction as a small boy in Wakanda Forever, revealed to be the son of Chadwick Bosman's T'Challa with Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o).

Not much is known about the plot for Ghost Rider, but given the character's ties to Mephisto, it won't be a surprise to see Sacha Baron Cohen reprise the role from Ironheart.

TL;DR: Protect up to nine devices with the AdGuard Family Plan Lifetime Subscription for $11 (reg. $169.99) through July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $11
$169.99 Save $158.99   Get Deal

It doesn’t matter if your household has two devices or 20, keeping everyone’s online activity protected can quickly become complicated. The AdGuard Family Plan simplifies things by covering up to nine devices with a single lifetime subscription. Through July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT, new users can get it for $11 (reg. $169.99).

The Family Plan is designed specifically for households rather than individual users. In addition to blocking intrusive ads across supported devices, it helps reduce online tracking, warns about phishing sites, and adds another layer of protection against malware. That means fewer distractions while browsing and more peace of mind when the whole family is online.

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One great feature is the parental controls. Parents can restrict access to inappropriate or adult content while still giving kids access to the sites and apps they know and love. Combined with privacy protection that helps hide browsing activity from trackers, the plan focuses on creating a safer online experience for everyone using the family’s devices.

The Family Plan works across desktop and mobile platforms, making it easy to protect laptops, phones, and tablets under a single subscription. Since it’s a lifetime plan, you won’t have to worry about monthly renewals or annual subscription costs after the initial purchase.

This offer is available to new users only, it covers up to nine devices, and you have to redeem your code within 30 days of purchase.

If you’re looking for an easy way to protect multiple devices without juggling separate subscriptions, the AdGuard Family Plan Lifetime Subscription is price-dropped to $11 (reg. $169.99) through July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office Professional 2021 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, and Teams (free version). Get a lifetime Windows license for $27.97 (reg. $219.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $27.97
$219.99 Save $192.02   Get Deal

Microsoft keeps releasing new versions of Office, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs the latest one. For plenty of entrepreneurs, freelancers, students, and everyday office workers, Office Professional 2021 still checks every important box. For a limited time, a lifetime license is just $27.97 (reg. $219.99).

Office Professional 2021 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, and the free version of Teams, giving you a complete productivity suite that works offline after installation. It’s compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11, so you can keep working with the familiar desktop apps you already rely on.

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Microsoft 365 includes extras like cloud storage, AI-powered tools, and continuous feature updates, but not everyone needs them. If you’re perfectly happy with the familiar Office apps you’ve been using for years, Office 2021 delivers the essentials without an ongoing subscription.

Better yet, it’s a one-and-done purchase. Buy it once, install it on one Windows PC, and keep using the software without worrying about another subscription renewal or future price increase. The license is tied directly to your device rather than your Microsoft account, which some users may prefer for its straightforward licensing model.

It’s also surprisingly well-rounded for the price. Compared with Office Home & Business 2024, which includes five core desktop apps, Office Professional 2021 comes with eight: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, and Teams (free version). That includes Access for database management and Publisher for desktop publishing, although Microsoft plans to end Publisher support in Oct. 2026.

Normally $219.99, you can grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for just $27.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

There's a commonly asked question about AdultFriendFinder, everyone's favorite spicy dating platform: Is AFF safe to use? We get it. Unlike other big-name dating sites, its interface is packed with adult content. It's extremely NSFW and appears to be a potential breeding ground for scams. Wannabe daters are right to question its legitimacy — they understandably want to know whether AFF is the real deal.

To better understand the risks of using AdultFriendFinder, we consulted Anna Larkina, a Web Data and Privacy Analysis Expert at Kaspersky, one of the world's leading cybersecurity services, about the kinds of threats users might face on AFF and how they can mitigate those risks.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Understanding the risks of online dating

To begin, it's worth remembering that there's a risk inherent to using any online service, whether it's an adult dating site or otherwise. Even the most reputable websites have been exploited and experienced major hacks over the years. “Users should remember that any service can potentially encounter various cybersecurity issues,” Larkina told us. That includes “data leaks, attacks on third-party contractors, or issues related to the human factor.” 

But the risks are, of course, higher on certain websites. With a regular merchant website, for instance, you’re only handing over your credit card information (which is very valuable, admittedly), but with a dating site, you’re potentially providing your credit card details plus crucial personal information, from your date of birth and nationality to your address and phone number. That's information that can prove very appealing to scammers and bad-faith actors.

SEE ALSO: Is Hinge really 'designed to be deleted'? I tested it to find out.

While this is a risk you take with any dating service, AdultFriendFinder is perhaps more vulnerable than most dating sites because of the nature of its content and user base, so it’s important to understand the potential issues.

What risks are specific to AdultFriendFinder?The “adult content” angle

While NSFW is permitted — encouraged, even — on AFF, users are under no obligation to post nude photos of themselves, or get down and dirty on a webcam feed. Many, many people opt to do so, of course, and while there's no judgment here — no siree, let that freak flag fly high and proud — you are risking potentially awkward conversations with family, friends, or co-workers if they happen to stumble across your account. (That would mean they'd have to fess up to being AFF users too, but even so...)

Unfortunately, bad actors can exploit and use your own personal information against you.

“Data from services with adult content or dating services can be especially sensitive for users, because it’s more personal,” warns Larkina. “If fraudsters somehow obtain such private data, they can use it for more ‘efficient’ blackmailing or targeted phishing.” Needless to say, you should be wary of how you use the site and what information you share, especially if you have a public-facing job.

AFF security breaches

While dating sites invest heavily in cybersecurity protections, online threats are constant and keep evolving all the time. Hackers eager to discover treasure troves of personal and financial information often target online dating platforms, which can make users feel super vulnerable.

AdultFriendFinder has suffered two major security breaches, which is actually a pretty stellar record of security over its entire 30-year history. In 2016, hackers gained access to the personal information of four million AFF users before the breach was found and stopped. And a larger breach occurred in 2016, affecting some 300 million AFF accounts, including 15 million that had been officially deleted by users but whose data had not been properly expunged from the AFF servers.

Phishing scams

Another common hacking technique — and one particularly effective on dating websites — is phishing, in which a bad actor assumes a false identity to gain your trust and deceive you into revealing sensitive or compromising information. It's easy to do on dating sites because, by their very nature, people sign up specifically to search people out and make connections. Scammers can pose as attractive people, telling users exactly what they want to hear and luring them into the scam.

SEE ALSO: All your Tinder questions, answered

To combat phishing, AFF offers the ability to verify identities with government-issued identification. This verification process is still an optional extra — it's not mandatory when setting up an account. We recommended doing it though, and setting a search filter to verified accounts only. It's a surefire way to protect yourself against bad actors.

Can your AFF account be found?

While the private information you give AFF (your real name and email address, for example) isn't public-facing, AFF’s dating profiles are public by default, so if you include a picture of your face (as many accounts do), you can be recognized by friends, co-workers, and family members. 

And since AFF has suffered two major hacks before, there’s always a chance it could happen again, which could result in your email address and information ending up in a dodgy database.

How to protect your online identity when using AdultFriendFinder

Does this all mean you should never use AdultFriendFinder, or any dating site? Absolutely not. We're here to help you protect yourself and stay vigilant, not to discourage you from signing up. 

Larkina has shared an additional list of best practices to help you mitigate risks while having fun on AFF or any other dating site:

1. Don’t use a professional email address to sign up for a dating site. If you’re especially nervous, consider creating a new email address just for the purposes of signing up.

2. To protect your accounts, use strong and unique passwords, change them regularly, and if possible, enable two-factor authentication

3. Be extremely cautious with what you share with strangers, especially when it comes to sensitive information or intimate photos. “Always assess reputational and other risks before posting or sending anything,” cautions Larkina.

4. When using AFF in particular, limit your interactions to users who have verified their identity

Summing up her advice, Larkina urges online dating service users to treat these “platforms as public spaces, not as private ones” as far as possible, and be ever mindful that “every piece of data you provide — email, phone number, username, etc. — becomes part of your digital footprint.” If you’re careful about what you share and who you share it with, you can safely enjoy AdultFriendFinder and any other dating site.

SAVE $1,100: At T-Mobile, get $1,100 off a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra when you activate a line on an Experience More or Beyond Plan. Pre-order now before it arrives on Aug. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Fold8 Ultra $999.99 at T-Mobile
$2,099.99 Save $1,100.00   Pre-order Here

This week, Samsung dropped a whole new line-up of redesigned foldables. The new collection includes the Galaxy Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra. The Fold8 Ultra is the most expensive of the bunch but also the most advanced. However, T-Mobile is providing a rare savings opportunity.

As of July 26, all the new Samsung Galaxy foldable phones are available for preorder before they arrive on Aug. 7. At T-Mobile, they're offering $1,100 off the Samsung Galaxy Fold 8 Ultra when you activate a line on an Experience More or Beyond Plan. That's over half the price of the phone, bringing it down to $999.99.

T-Mobile's Experience More plan is the carrier's most popular, at $140 per month with unlimited premium data. For an upgraded experience, go with the Beyond plan, which includes everything in the More Plan plus T-Satellite service.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold8 is a premium smartphone. It has a 6.5-inch AMOLED cover display, which opens into an 8-inch screen. The hinge is undetectable for a flat, high-definition experience right in your pocket. It takes content creation to a new level with the new My FanCam feature which reframes video to follow the action.

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Fold8 Ultra at T-Mobile and save $1,100 when you activate an Experience More or Beyond plan.

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.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

Water-based.

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

HYDRO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Comical.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 26, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

FUNNY

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To spin.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 26, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

TWIRL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Barbecue.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

GRILL

Final Hurdle hint

3D shape.

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

PRISM

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

The Moon will look nearly full tonight as it continues through the waxing gibbous phase. Although the Full Moon is still a few days away, where we are in the lunar cycle means that most of its visible surface is already illuminated.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, July 26, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in Waxing Gibbous phase, with 90% of its surface visible.

Without the assistance of any visual aids, tonight you should be to see the Mares Fecunditatis, Serenitatis, and Tranquillitatis. Binoculars will also help you to see the Alps Mountains, Archimedes Crater, and the Gassendi Crater. Finally, with a telescope you'll see all this plus the Apollo 12 landing spot, the Schiller Crater, and the Caucasus Mountains.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on July 29.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to complete its journey around Earth, passing through eight distinct phases during each lunar cycle, according to NASA. While the Moon’s same side is always visible from our planet, the portion of its surface lit by the Sun changes as it moves along its orbit. These shifting levels of illumination are what create the different appearances we see throughout the month, from a slender crescent shape to a half-lit Moon and finally a bright Full Moon, before the cycle begins once again.

The eight phases are:

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

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

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

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

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

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

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

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you've ever gone fishing.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports 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 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 before 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Ohio

• Green: Gone fishing

• Blue: Seen in a logo

• Purple: Sounds like an NHL team

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Ohio Teams

• Green: Fishing Gear

• Blue: Found in MLB Team Logos

• Purple: Ends in an NHL Team

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #671 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Ohio Teams: BROWNS, BUCKEYES, CAVALIERS, CREW

• Fishing Gear: HOOK, SINKER, SPOON, TACKLE BOX

• Found in MLB Team Logos: BASEBALL GLOVE, BRIDGE, CROWN, SOCKS

• Ends in an NHL Team: BLUE DEVILS, BOILERS, PF FLYERS, STOCKINGS

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

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

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

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

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 26, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 26, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 26 Pips

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 26 Pips

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 2-1, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 26 Pips

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 1-2, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically.

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a parent.

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 26, 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: Kid celebrations

• Green: Old gadgets

• Blue: Precipitation

• Purple: Outer layer

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: Baby milestones

• Green: Outmoded consumer tech

• Blue: Expressions for rain

• Purple: What "Shell" might refer to

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 #1141 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Baby milestones: CRAWLING, FIRST WORDS, ROLLING OVER, SOLID FOOD

• Outmoded consumer tech: BLACKBERRY, DISCMAN, DVD PLAYER, PLASMA TV

• Expressions for rain: APRIL SHOWERS, LIQUID SUNSHINE, SCOTCH MIST, WET WEATHER

• What "Shell" might refer to: CARAPACE, GAS STATION, PASTRY CRUST, ROWING BOAT

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 26, 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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're well-versed in a specific subject.

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 26, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: All-knowing

The words are related to professionals.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe masters.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Big Brain.

NYT Strands word list for July 26

• Pundit

• Expert

• Big Brain

• Specialist

• Authority

• Maven

• Guru

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a healthy eater.

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 26, 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 26, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A tiny fruit.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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 G.

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...

GRAPE

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.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 for $42.97 (reg. $219) until July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $42.97
$219 Save $176.03   Get Deal

Whether you’re balancing household finances, finishing a presentation, or updating your resume, some word processing tools become second nature over time. Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 combines the familiar Office apps into a single purchase that’s currently price-dropped to $42.97 (reg. $219) through July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

This version of Microsoft Office is designed specifically for Mac users who want the classic desktop experience without ongoing monthly or annually costs. The lifetime license includes Word for documents, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations, Outlook for email, Teams (Basic), and OneNote (Free version). Once it’s installed on one Mac, the software is yours to keep.

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Sticking with familiar software also means less time adjusting to new menus, shortcuts, and workflows. Whether you’re writing a resume, organizing household finances, creating a presentation, or managing email for a small business, you’ll already know where most of the tools are.

After purchase, your license key and download instructions are delivered instantly, so you can install the software without waiting for physical media. Microsoft also includes customer support if you need help getting everything up and running.

This license is valid for one Mac only, and you’ll need to redeem your code within seven days of purchase. It’s also a standalone 2021 release rather than a Microsoft 365 subscription, so it doesn’t include the ongoing feature updates that come with Microsoft’s subscription service.

If you’re looking for the Microsoft Office apps you already know in a one-time purchase instead of another recurring bill, Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 is available for $42.97 (reg. $219) through July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

How to choose a red light face mask: Look at wavelength first

There are some ways to tell that a red light face mask won't be effective before you buy it and use it for a few months.

Wavelength is the first factor anyone will tell you to consider. You want to find products that emit light within the therapeutic window, or the range of wavelengths that can be effective when treating common skin conditions. There is now an abundance of evidence that specific wavelengths of red light can be effective for:

• Reduction of fine lines, dark circles, and crow's feet

• Improving skin texture

• Fighting wrinkles

• Boosting collagen production

• Reducing inflammation and redness

To be effective, the light coming from the mask must penetrate different layers of your skin. There are optimal wavelengths for each type of light a face mask emits, and any reputable brand will put their mask's wavelengths front and center in the listing. These carefully chosen ranges are strong enough to penetrate your skin, but gentle enough to avoid over-activating delicate face skin.

Red light does its work in the middle layer (dermis) of your skin, requiring wavelengths between 630 and 633 nm to reach past the top layer. There, red light stimulates cells to produce rejuvenating proteins like collagen and elastin, evening out surface redness, and preventing scarring or post-pimple red spots.

The Shark CryoGlow's Better Aging routine combines red and near-infrared light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Shark CryoGlow's Skin Clearing routine uses a special sequence of red, near-infrared, and blue light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Most red light masks also use near-infrared red light therapy, which requires longer wavelengths to travel further than regular red light. Near-infrared light between 830 and 850 nm reaches into tissue under the dermis to further stimulate cell turnover, firm skin, and heal deep-seated spots or stubborn dark circles.

What about blue light therapy?

Blue light is often used to target acne, and some of the best red light masks use a combination of blue and red light therapy.

Blue light operates on the top layer (epidermis) of your skin, so its ideal wavelength is shorter than either red light standard. Blue light at 415nm has an antimicrobial effect, ideally killing the bacteria that cause acne before a breakout starts. If hellbent bacterial acne makes it past the blue light phase — or if you're also dealing with hormonal or cystic acne not caused by bacteria — red light swoops in to neutralize inflammation and speed up the healing process.

The thing is, most mainstream LED face masks hit those wavelength marks. So, how do you choose between masks if their wavelength numbers are all the same?

The importance of irradiance

Irradiance is another major element that determines whether or not a red light mask actually works. While wavelength refers to the length the light can travel, irradiance refers to the amount of light energy that's actually reaching your skin per session (not just the intensity of light being generated at the bulb). If wavelength numbers are correct but irradiance is low, the mask will still be kind of a dud.

Bulb placement is one of the key factors we considered in our test. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Comfort is another key factor, as consistent use is key to results. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Irradiance is officially expressed as milliwatts per square centimeter. The optimal irradiance range for a red light face mask is pretty wide (anywhere between 30 and 100 mW/cm²), though many brands don't directly provide that number.

Most brands do note the length of each session, which is one way to quickly gauge irradiance without getting into calculations. Dr. Mamina Turegano sums it up best on her YouTube account: "Higher irradiance means more effective energy delivery per minute of use." Longer sessions don't automatically mean that results will be more powerful — a mask with sessions that last for less than 10 minutes has higher irradiance than a mask with sessions that last for 20 to 30 minutes. Since a mask with lower irradiance needs to sit on your face for longer, you might be less likely to keep up with wearing it.

Are bulb count and bulb placement a big deal?

The number of bulbs and the placement of bulbs inside the mask can also impact efficacy, especially if you're expecting results on a specific area of your face. Masks with more bulbs packed evenly across the face will provide more even coverage across every inch of your face than masks with more sporadically-placed bulbs.

Some masks also provide more light sources overall by emitting both red and blue light simultaneously from every single bulb, like the Shark CryoGlow. This would be a better option for full-face acne prevention than masks with blue and red LEDs only concentrated in certain spots, like the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite.

What red light masks worked for us?

Of course, you probably didn't come here for a science lesson. You want to find the best red light masks Mashable's testers used and loved.

After trying out 11 different products, we ultimately found six that we can recommend. These masks delivered visible results for our product testers.

Remember: Consistency is essential for the best results (or any results)with LED face masks. You'll need to wear your mask consistently for at least 1-2 months.

The prospective merger between entertainment giants Paramount and Warner Bros. has been officially delayed, prolonging the drama over what is proving to be an extremely controversial business decision.

Twelve states, led by California, and the Writers' Guild of America have filed a lawsuit to block the $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. by Paramount Skydance, citing antitrust concerns, and a recent court order, voluntarily agreed to by Paramount, will see the merger delayed until either June 2027 or five days after the judge's ruling, whichever comes first. 

SEE ALSO: Paramount's Warner Bros. acquisition to face lawsuit from U.S. states

Amusingly, though, both sides of the case are claiming the delay as a victory. New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement on Friday describing the delay as a "critical victory in our efforts to uphold the law and protect the film and television industry." At the same time, California Attorney General Rob Bonta characterized the delay as a "tremendous win" and "great news for audiences, movie theaters, and the many people who write, build, and create the art, news, and entertainment so many of us enjoy." 

But a Paramount spokesperson told Variety that the company was also viewing the agreement as a victory: "Today’s agreement is a significant win because the result is exactly what we have sought from the outset: a direct path to a trial based on the evidence. This is the fastest and clearest way to prove that this transaction is good for competition, good for consumers, and good for creators, a conclusion dozens of competition authorities around the world have already reached."

Any time two massive corporate entities merge, antitrust concerns arise. After all, LAMagazine has estimated that the two companies combine for roughly 34 percent of combined streaming viewership, which would give them significant control over industry practices. Concerned critics, who have mobilized behind the hashtag #BlockTheMerger, allege that this acquisition jeopardizes everything from fair hiring and wage standards to the artistic freedoms of creators, and it will be the job of the courts to assess these claims. But there's another angle adding fuel to the fire: politics.

Paramount CEO David Ellison, son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is perceived to be sympathetic to President Donald Trump, whose own Justice Department approved the merger back in June. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery owns CNN, the media network most critical of the President, whom Trump has singled out for criticism and name-calling on numerous occasions.  

Since David Ellison took over Paramount, the company has been accused of purging unfriendly CBS staffers and skewing coverage of the President in a favorable direction, as well as "spineless capitulation" in agreeing to a $16-million settlement with the President in his lawsuit against 60 Minutes. 

In addition to the typical antitrust concerns, this merger also raises serious issues about freedom of the press, as more and more newsrooms end up in the hands of an ever-smaller number of media conglomerates. In other words, expect to hear a lot more about this deal in the near future.

One of the world's leading generative AI companies, with products licensed by tech powerhouses like Meta, has just announced its acquisition of one of the most popular astrology apps — and we didn't have that on our Bingo cards in 2026.

Banu Guler, founder and CEO of Co-Star Astrology, took to X recently to announce her company's acquisition by AI lab Midjourney, best known for making the generative AI tools used by popular services like Discord and Facebook. And because, on its surface, this is an odd acquisition to say the least, Guler went into some detail about the shared origins of these two companies:

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In a nod to the general public's fear of artificial intelligence (a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 71% of Americans worry that their job will be replaced by AI), Guler took pains to distinguish the Co-Star/Midjourney partnership by pointing to the shared interests she has with Midjourney founder David Holz as well as his lab's commitment to "beauty, imagination, and supporting human thriving with technology." 

And to further reassure Guler's users, most of whom are young and therefore no strangers to tech-induced anxiety, Midjourney used its announcement to reiterate that Guler would retain "complete control" of Co-Star. 

But what does a generative AI company want with an astrology app? 

Because of the company's forays into health, including the development of a full-body ultrasonic scanner, as well as Midjourney Medical, a novel concept that would see the AI company create a series of spas focused around combining older technology (saunas, hot tubs and cold plunges) with the aforementioned ultrasonic scanning technology, it's possible that this is just another step towards a more holistic approach to healthcare, a kind of mind-body-spirit gambit that would cover all our bases. 

As a result of the partnership, Banu Guler will also become Midjourney's new Chief Design Officer, so we should expect to see some of the seamless design touches that made Co-Star such a standout success incorporated into the Midjourney ecosystem.

Is iRobot out of the bankruptcy hole?

When iRobot filed for bankruptcy in December 2025, the company insisted that a glow-up was in the works — but we didn't know when or if we'd actually see a new Roomba again. Well, it finally happened: In July 2026, iRobot released new Roombas in the U.S. for the first time under its new ownership. But are they smart enough cleaners at practical enough prices to outpace Shark, or serve as real competition with the rest of the best robot vacuum brands?

Let's break down why Roombas were considered the best for so long, where iRobot went wrong, and what the 2026 Roombas are doing to change the "overpriced and underwhelming" narrative.

SEE ALSO: Robot vacuums vs. stick vacuums: Shopping advice from someone who has both Where Roomba wins: Small obstacle avoidance and more variety

Shark's family of robot vacuums is definitely growing. But the variety in the Roomba lineup offers slightly more flexibility for mixing and matching staple features like smart mapping, self-empty docks that also wash and dry the mopping pads, automatic cleaning boosts when a mess is detected, and most importantly, small obstacle avoidance technology.

Plus, there are just more Roombas to choose from than there are Shark robovacs. The last two Roomba drops haven't just introduced one or two new Roombas, as is the case with Shark announcements — we're used to getting at least five new Roombas at a time.

The 2025 Roombas all have LiDAR towers — a first for iRobot. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

You can still buy a few of the 2025 Roombas that were released pre-bankruptcy, and they often go on sale. The best Roombas that I've tested recently include the Roomba 105 (a standalone model with smart mapping) that has permanently dropped to $159 and the Roomba Plus 505 Combo (self-washing and -drying mopping pads, small obstacle avoidance) for as low as $499 on sale.

SEE ALSO: If your apartment's trash always stinks, consider Dreame's food waste disposer — it's been great for my small space

iRobot thankfully diverted from the traditional flat mopping pad with its 2025 overhaul. Now, several mopping Roombas use dual spinning mopping pads — a design that the majority of iRobot customers prefer, iRobot told me in a press briefing. The Roomba Max 705 Combo was actually one of the first mainstream roller mop robot vacuums, which debuted months before that became a major trend at CES 2026. Still, the Max 705 Combo wouldn't be a worthwhile purchase over better roller mop robot vacuums like the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow or the Eufy C28.

Not for nothing, iRobot heard the cries of the anti-mop crowd on Reddit and answered with a vacuum-only version of one of its more powerful models, the Roomba Max 715 Vac. A lot of people simply don't want to deal with water tanks or anything soggy at all, but finding a vacuum-only robot vacuum typically means settling for a super basic model — all of the most advanced robot vacuums are automatically hybrids nowadays. But since it's completely skipping such a main feature, I think the Roomba Max 715 should be a little cheaper than $699.99.

The Roomba Max 705 Combo has a paint roller-esque mop and a wooden dock. Credit: iRobot The new Roomba Plus 405 Combo has two spinning mopping pads — a first for iRobot. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

iRobot's widespread application of small obstacle avoidance does provide some leverage over Shark. This staple feature is what keeps the vacuum from eating common floor items like cords, shoes, and toys — and that means less pre-tidying and less babysitting on the human's end.

The cheapest Roomba with front-facing obstacle avoidance cameras, the Roomba Plus 415 Combo, is now just $599.99. Only Shark's top three premium robot vacuums feature small obstacle avoidance cameras, and they're much more expensive than this.

Where iRobot loses: Forgettable vacuums, iffy finances

iRobot isn't exactly the pioneer it once was.

The self-emptying, smart mapping Roomba S9+ of 2019 and the 2021 Roomba j7+ that could avoid cords and pet waste were huge deals when they first hit the scene — they truly set the standard for the rest of the vacuum market. iRobot's star power was so influential that "Roomba" became the colloquial generic term for any robot vacuum.

But somewhere down the line, iRobot stopped innovating in the ways that once justified its steep price points. Roombas started costing way too much for the brainpower or cleaning performance they offered. The Roomba flop era was kind of inevitable.

The Roomba Plus 505 Combo isn't anything special, but it's fine if you find it on sale. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

iRobot has released new Roombas for the first time since filing for bankruptcy and handing ownership to its manufacturer, Picea. I'll give credit to iRobot for getting more practical with its prices, specifically in terms of expanding staple smart features like LiDAR, the self-washing mopping pad system, or small obstacle avoidance to more affordable models. But none of it is anything we haven't seen before.

At this point, iRobot is merely playing catch-up to budget-friendly behemoths like Dreame and Roborock. None of the 2026 Roombas have any overly exciting features that make them stand out in any given price range. Plus, we can't pretend like iRobot's recent financial blunder hasn't soured the trust of customers who heard about the bankruptcy news. Even though things are stable enough to continue manufacturing new products, that doesn't promise that iRobot's finances are in order. After all, iRobot filed for bankruptcy less than a year after releasing eight new Roombas in March of 2025.

SEE ALSO: 'Why does my robot vacuum suck now?' Well, when's the last time you cleaned it? Where Shark wins: Spot cleaning and the UV light

Shark robot vacuums haven't exactly been known for their innovation. Historically, it felt like the Sharks were several months to a year late on premium features that all of the other brands had. So the genius packed into the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 that dropped in March 2026 was a pleasant surprise. The UV Reveal uses a real UV light to detect invisible stains on the floor that a robot vacuum using AI cameras or plain LEDs may not see.

The Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

One memorable moment from my testing is the UV Reveal finding and mopping up dried cat puke that another premium robot vacuum mop combo didn't thoroughly scrub the week before. It's a game-changing feature for mopping hardwood floors.

In June 2026, Shark had the genius idea to release its two best vacuums in more colors than plain ol' black and white. The Shark UV Reveal is available in four chic earth tones that should better blend in with the room's decor: espresso, evergreen, deep harbor, and ivory. It wouldn't surprise me to hear that the aesthetic color options alone were enough to convince someone to buy a Shark over a Roomba.

The colors of the Shark Luxe collection. Credit: Shark

So yes, the Shark UV Reveal breathed life into an otherwise just OK lineup of Shark robovacs. But for everyone trying to spend less than $1,299.99 on a robot vacuum (or even $949.99, if it's on sale), are the other Shark robot vacuums worth it?

I've always found Shark to be in tune with what the average person is willing to spend on a robot vacuum. The brand consistently offers core capabilities like smart mapping and mopping at affordable price points, topped with a straightforward user experience that doesn't involve a million high-level app functions. It's a particularly enticing brand for first-time robot vacuum owners.

The Shark Matrix RV2310 is a reliable little vacuum. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Shark's approachable price points don't necessarily mean it skimps on cleaning performance, though. Shark Matrix vacuums clean in a grid pattern, approaching the area several times from multiple angles to grab anything it may have missed in the first pass or two. According to Shark, Matrix mode dishes out 30 percent better carpet cleaning than the older RV Shark models. For Shark 2-in-1 robot vacuums, a mop in Matrix mode vibrates 100 times per minute to scrub at stains that likely wouldn't budge from a single pass of a cheaper robot mop or a paper towel. Matrix mopping always comes in clutch for keeping up with the constant layer of shoe prints by my front door.

SEE ALSO: Shark CryoGlow mask review after 10 months: The only way I'll ever stop using this is if Shark releases a new one

Shark even extends the Matrix cleaning mechanism to most of its super-affordable models, making any of the RV2310 or RV2300 models a solid choice for a budget robot vacuum. Shark's spot cleaning has been such a streamlined, reliable feature in every Shark robot vacuum I tried. My ultimate spot cleaning test is the area outside either of my cats' litter boxes — even the cheap Shark robot vacuums always got to the right spot and cleared the kitty litter before I walked in there with bare feet.

Every other big brand had at least one model with self-washing and -drying mopping pads far before the Shark PowerDetect Pro series hit the scene in September 2024. They originally cost between $999.99 and $1,199.99, which seemed reasonable (at the time) compared to the models that cost $1,599.99. Both Pro models can now be found on sale for around $699.99.

The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

For good measure, the PowerDetect models are also equipped with large wheels that hoist the vac over carpet to keep it dry during mopping mode. Those hydraulics put the PowerDetect robot vacuums in the small group of robot vacuums that have never gotten stuck on one of my rug corners or scrambled up my bath mats.

Where Shark loses: Small obstacle avoidance and slow releases

Shark's biggest shortcoming might just be that it takes forever to release new robot vacuums. Brands like Roborock and Dreame seem to drop new crops of robot vacuums twice in the time period that Shark introduces a single new model, making its lineup feel outdated quickly. The typical iRobot release introduces at least three new vacuums at once.

But there are smarter robot vacuums out there for that same $699.99 or less.

Overall, Shark's lineup outside of the UV Reveal feels a little basic compared to its competitors. For instance, the original PowerDetect line was in desperate need of a successor for a while. When Shark did finally "revamp" the series in fall 2025, the upgrades were criminally underwhelming. The major difference is heated mop washing and drying for improved sanitation between mopping sessions, hence "ThermaCharged" in the title. That's not exactly a front-page headline when the vacuum is still so far behind other brands' models in the same price range.

The purple lights indicate "Dirt Detect" mode. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Another lesser-known late 2025 model, the Shark Stratos NeverTouch robot vacuum, is similarly bland. Its description mentions "ultra-powerful suction" and states that the Stratos delivers twice the suction power of the Roomba i5 Combo. A $799.99 robot vacuum is more powerful than an entry-level Roomba that came out in 2023? Yeah, I would hope so.

Shark is the lone major robot vacuum brand that hasn't really invested in small obstacle avoidance past its fanciest model. Multiple models feature Shark's NeverStuck technology to some degree, but the UV Reveal is the only one I've tested that actually felt like it was really perceiving items lying in front of it. Meanwhile, brands like Eufy, Roborock, Dreame, and now even iRobot have prioritized small obstacle avoidance in robot vacuums at the $500 to $700 range.

The lack of agility around common items like cords, laundry, or pet toys seriously cramps the "premium" feel. This is such a staple feature in my life, as I'm sure it is for anyone whose floor might be cluttered lived in from time to time. In my testing, the Shark ThermaCharged was so inept at diverting obstacles (even large ones) that it gave up on cleaning missions instead of simply driving around a tote bag of groceries or a cordless Dyson vacuum attachment lying on the ground.

SEE ALSO: Robot vacuums vs. stick vacuums: Shopping advice from someone who has both

In the same vein of too-basic navigation, only the most premium Shark robot vacuums automatically stop mopping when carpet is sensed. This means vacuum and mop mode aren't possible at the same time with any of the 2-in-1 Shark Matrix models, and a person needs to manually attach the water tank to switch to mopping mode. That's enough of a pain to make someone want to skip mopping altogether. Even the cheap Roomba 105 Combo can detect carpet — the first time in recent memory where a base-tier Roomba outshines a base-tier Shark.

For the first time in forever, I think iRobot has stronger cheap robot vacuum options than Shark does. You'd be able to squeeze stronger suction power, better edge mopping, and smarter navigation out of $300 or $400 with a budget Roomba or Roborock vacuum than you would with the $449.99 Shark Navigator or $299.99 Shark IQ, which doesn't even self-empty.

It's the same story on the premium end of the spectrum: UV Reveal aside, the fanciest Sharks cost too much given their skills. They don't necessarily have any glaring flaws, but they're certainly not the most competent or most autonomous robot vacuums you could find for between $500 and $900.

Shark is still locked into a single style of mopping pad

Shark also has yet to grow out of the D-shaped mopping pad, while every other major brand has graduated to dual rotating mops or roller mops. The sonic vibrations of the PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro and PowerDetect ThermaCharged did a solid job of wiping up small spills and shoe stains on my apartment's hardwood, but they weren't able to scrub in corners and along edges as the Roomba 405 or 505 Combo's flexible spinning mops can.

Shark thankfully gave the PowerDetect UV Reveal's mopping pad some mobility. It can slide past the circular body of the vacuum to scrub against flat edges, much like the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic's design. I've personally witnessed the UV Reveal's extending mop pad scrub much closer to walls than other Sharks.

Unfortunately, the UV Reveal's mopping is only geared toward scrubbing dry stains or sticky droplets, not liquid spills. I'm still not 100 percent sold on the D-shaped pad design for that reason, and it's disappointing that Shark locks shoppers into that style of scrubbing. iRobot has branched out to spinning pads and even a roller mop, so people with different mopping needs have more options going with iRobot.

SEE ALSO: How do some robot vacuums clean and navigate better than others? They're probably using AI.

Shark doesn't do itself any favors by refusing to list its vacuums' suction power in Pascals (Pa). Almost every other major robot vacuum brand measures suction power in Pa (even iRobot now), which makes comparing options easy. Shark still insists on keeping an air of mystery by solely comparing suction power to other vacuums in its own family tree, or by making vague claims like "50% better suction than the best-selling iRobot."

Where iRobot and Shark both lose: Their apps suck

Ironically, two of the most longstanding names in the robot vacuum game have the two most outdated-feeling apps. The bare bones home maps in both the Roomba Home and Shark Clean apps are far less intricate than the color-coded maps that Roborock or Eufy offer. Pausing a clean or adding an extra room to the queue is similarly clunky on both.

Our winner: Shark

Neither Shark nor iRobot is in the running to be the best robot vacuum brand overall in 2026. But if you want to pit them against each other for old time's sake, Shark is the more reliable robot vacuum brand.

Revisiting the Shark vs. Roomba debate, my answer is pretty much, "Uh, is there a third option?" It's hard to get enthusiastic when one brand has a singular memorable robot vacuum and the other brand has... none. The Shark UV Reveal 2-in-1 is far more innovative than the latest Roomba 400, 500, and 700 Series Combo models that we have to choose from. Since the rest of the Shark and iRobot lineups are a wash, I think it's safe to give Shark the top spot based on the UV Reveal 2-in-1 alone.

The fact that Shark hasn't gone bankrupt is another bonus point by default, presumably putting it in a more cushioned financial position to keep putting out new products.

However, my mind could change once I'm able to test a majority of the newest Roombas at home.

There are other brands that deserve your attention

Overall, I still think that Dreame vs. Roborock is the new Shark vs. Roomba, and I highly recommend taking a look at all of the Dreame robot vacuums and Roborock robot vacuums within your budget. You're probably going to find an option that's smarter and more powerful than the Roomba and Shark vacuum cleaners in your cart.

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