Mashable

Dating app Hinge is releasing its first-ever audiobook, The Bookseller reported. It features writing and narration from Rufi Thorpe, author of Margo's Got Money Troubles, Curtis Garner, Tembe Denton-Hurst, Nicola Dinan, and Raven Smith. Each author wrote about a real-life couple that met on Hinge, and the couples contribute epilogues with their own reflections.

The audiobook expands the app's "No Ordinary Love" ad campaign of as-told-to love stories. It first launched in 2024 with six stories by writers such as Roxane Gay. No Ordinary Love continued last year with five additional stories published weekly on Substack. They were penned by five new writers, including Hunter Harris, who wrote the audiobook's foreword.

SEE ALSO: Hinge founder's AI matchmaker coming later this year

The audios are available now on Substack, Spotify, Libro.fm, Apple Audiobooks, Barnes & Noble Audiobooks, and the library app Libby. You can also read the written companions on Substack.

"Hinge continues to find inspiration in the rise of book-focused conversations on social media and how it deeply resonates with Gen Z," the company told The Bookseller. "Romance is the most popular genre read by 18 to 29-year-olds, and audiobooks are growing in popularity with readers, who listen as they go about their daily lives."

Mashable attended this year's BookCon, and it was such a success that next year's conference is set to be even bigger.

Want our dating and relationships stories and more in your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Hinge's chief marketing and communications officer, Tamika Young, told The Bookseller that the campaign has always celebrated the real stories behind relationships, and that this year, the team focused on the conversations that moved those relationships forward, "the moments where someone asks the question, sends the text, or finally says the hard thing out loud."

SEE ALSO: The best dating apps for serious relationships

"These stories were meant to be heard, and an audiobook gave us the opportunity to bring listeners into those moments — to hear the pauses, the hesitation, and everything that happens just before someone finally says it," Young said.

In Hinge's latest report, it found that the majority of LGBTQ daters said that consistent communication from someone they're starting to date makes them feel less anxious. Its latest feature, Friend's Take, lets a user's loved ones contribute something in writing (or audio, or an image) to their profile.

TL;DR: The LG 32-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor (32GX850A-B) is on sale for $754.47 at Amazon, down from its $1,299.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 32-inch UltraGear 4K OLED Gaming Monitor $754.47 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $545.52 Get Deal

Pairing a big 32-inch OLED panel with 4K resolution usually means paying well into four figures when upgrading your gaming display, but Amazon has just knocked $500+ off one of LG’s high-spec UltraGear displays. 

As of Aug. 11, the LG 32-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor has been slashed to $754.47 on Amazon — a 42% discount off its base $1,299.99 price. 

Along with getting that hefty $545.52 discount, this monitor — sold and shipped directly from Amazon, rather than a third-party seller — will make it to your door as soon as Aug. 16 at the time of writing (or Aug. 12 if you’re a Prime member). Amazon is also offering free 30-day returns or replacements if you happen to have any issues. 

What makes the price especially tempting now is how much flexibility LG has packed into the panel. At its native 3840x2160 resolution, the glossy 32-inch OLED display runs at up to 165Hz, giving you the sharpness of 4K with enough speed for everything from upcoming single-player adventures like Fable or Gears of War: E-Day — alongside the usual fun multiplayer hits like Fortnite and Rocket League. 

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Alongside its cinematic look, this UltraGear unit’s 0.03ms GtG response time is built to keep fast movement crisp. That’s alongside our usual favorite features: NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, designed to help reduce tearing and stutter when your frame rate fluctuates.

Plus, the OLED panel itself is backed by Micro Lens Array+ technology, alongside VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio, and typical 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage. 

No matter what you watch, play, or work on, you’ll be treated to deeper blacks, punchier highlights, and more convincing color all around. 

I ran the New York City Marathon wearing seven fitness trackers to see how they compare, and I left with a few favorites. I received a lot of strange looks, but if shame is the price to pay for finding the best fitness tracker for running a marathon, so be it.

While training for the race, I used 10 different trackers in total — deep breath — the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 (which replaced my Apple Watch Ultra 2, which replaced my Apple Watch SE), the Garmin Forerunner 570, the Whoop MG, the Pixel Watch 4 (as well as the older Pixel Watch 3), the Suunto Run, the Oura Ring 4, and the Fitbit Charge 6.

In the end, I ran the marathon using the seven most updated models of our top contenders. I was most impressed by the Whoop MG, Garmin Forerunner 570, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The more affordable Suunto Run also has a lot to offer runners.

Fitness trackers tested for this guide BEST SPLURGE Apple Watch Ultra 3 $699.99 at Amazon (Save up to $99 at Amazon) Get Deal BEST RUNNING WATCH Garmin Forerunner 570 $549.99 at Garmin Shop Now BEST FOR HEALTH TRACKING Whoop MG $359 at Amazon Shop Now BEST GARMIN ALTERNATIVE Suunto Run Sports Watch $148.99 at Amazon Shop Now ALSO CONSIDER Pixel Watch 4 $349.99 at Amazon Shop Now SMART RING PICK Oura Ring 4 $349.00 at Amazon Shop Now BUDGET OPTION Fitbit Charge 6 $134.80 at Amazon Get Deal

I also wanted to find the most reliable fitness trackers for marathon training, so during each week of my training, I focused specifically on one tracker or smartwatch. To ensure the best data collection possible, I also wore it during the day and night outside of my workouts to test its battery life and recovery data collection.

While I focused on a different tracker each week, I wore all seven models during all of my workouts during the entire 18-week training season. In total, I ran 508 miles, had 30 weightlifting sessions, rode a bike for 110 miles, and practiced yoga or Pilates about once a week. And I did all of that looking like Bucky Barnes.

Meet my marathon training partners for the past four months... Credit: Joe Maldonado

Reader: It was humiliating, and I did it all for you.

I wanted a wearable that had a comfortable design, easy-to-understand workout metrics, useful recovery metrics, a long battery life, and was worth the price. I wanted it to help me train, recover, and run the marathon. So, here's everything I learned during my 508-mile quest to find the best fitness trackers for running a marathon.

Best health tracker for marathon trainingMy pick: Whoop MG 4.0 I wore the Whoop MG for 18 weeks and 500 miles of training. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The new Whoop MG is an incredibly comfortable, minimalist tracker designed for health and recovery rather than in-the-moment performance, and I really liked it. 

Its soft, lightweight band feels almost invisible, and because there’s no screen, you’re blissfully free from constant notifications or distractions — something I didn’t realize I needed until I had it. 

That said, the lack of display, GPS, and heart rate feedback during workouts makes it essentially useless for live training metrics, such as pace or distance. So, like with many health trackers, you'll likely need to also use a secondary fitness tracker to get real-time data on your run, including pace, heart rate, and elevation.

Still, the post-workout insights are impressive: you can literally see spikes in strain or stress — even pinpointing moments like a fall or tough interval — making it feel personal and validating. 

The recovery metrics are where Whoop truly dominates. Its journal feature is flexible, allowing you to log habits like alcohol use, weed, or even eating beans, all of which are correlated with sleep, stress, and recovery. The sleep tracking is top-tier, breaking down stages, disturbances, and recovery readiness into clear, actionable data that helps you decide when to push or rest. The battery system is genius — a slide-on charger means you never have to take it off, not even in the shower. 

While the subscription model is financially frustrating, Whoop’s depth of recovery data makes it arguably the best tool for understanding your body.

Opens in a new window Credit: Whoop Whoop MG fitness tracker $359 at Amazon
  Shop Now Also tested: Oura Ring 4 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Oura Ring is probably the best-looking wearable I tried during training season. It's sleek, comfortable, and surprisingly unobtrusive, and it excels at recovery tracking. Obviously, much like the Whoop MG, this shouldn't be the only wearable you use for marathon training — there's no workout data, because there's no screen, and it has no ability to provide live training feedback like pace or heart rate. It provides almost no useful data during or immediately after workouts, making it more of a wellness tracker than a performance tool.

It never pinched or became uncomfortable — though I wouldn’t recommend wearing any rings at all while lifting weights. When it comes to workout metrics, the Oura Ring simply isn’t built for live training feedback. 

However, where it truly shines is in recovery tracking. It monitors key health indicators such as heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, sleep quality, and general activity, delivering consistently insightful data that helps you understand your readiness and recovery trends. 

It’s also surprisingly useful for cycle tracking (if you're into that sort of thing), offering accurate temperature-based insights. The Oura Ring 4 battery life is excellent — it can easily last several days, and I simply charge it while showering without ever running into low power issues. 

Though it’s pricey and requires a subscription, it’s HSA/FSA eligible, which helps. Overall, the Oura Ring is an exceptional sleep and recovery tracker, best paired with a dedicated fitness device for training.

Read Mashable's full review of the Oura Ring 4.

Oura Ring 4 $349 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Target Best lifestyle smartwatches for marathon trainingMy pick: Apple Watch Ultra 3 The Ultra 3 easily beat other smartwatches, but it's also pricey. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is one of the most advanced smartwatches yet — powerful, durable, and thoughtfully designed, though not without its quirks. 

Its massive screen and hefty build make it feel substantial on the wrist, but despite its size, it remains surprisingly comfortable, even for sleeping. It’s not the lightest watch out there, but it’s well-balanced enough for all-day wear. 

During workouts, the metrics are simple but reliable, giving you accurate readings of heart rate, pace, and time, with the option to plan structured workouts directly on the watch. You can pause your run by clicking any two buttons at once, and start a new segment by clicking the orange button. I appreciate how easily I can switch between media, segments, and workouts.

Post-run data is basic compared to dedicated running watches, but still plenty for casual runners. The recovery and health tracking features are robust — it tracks sleep, cycle phases, blood oxygen, respiration, and cardio fitness, and you can manually add data on nutrition, medication, or symptoms for a more holistic picture. 

Battery life is the best of any Apple Watch, lasting through a full marathon without dying and recharging quickly. For instance, I wore it all day and all night, during workouts and travel, but just charged it while I showered, and had no problem with the battery life. 

At $799, it’s by far the priciest watch I tested, but its massive screen proved unexpectedly useful during my marathon — I could easily read notes and spot friends on the course, and even reply to texts mid-race without missing a step. For runners who aren't training for a marathon, the new Apple Watch Series 11 also impressed our Apple expert.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 $779 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Also tested: Google Pixel Watch 4 If you're looking for an Android smartwatch for running, Mashable has been very impressed with the Pixel Watch 4. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I really enjoyed using the Pixel Watch 4 for my training, but it had one huge flaw that moved it below the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for marathon training: it died during the marathon. I never had an issue during marathon training, including a long run that was 22 miles long. So, it's still one of the best smartwatches for running in general. But during the race itself — which includes leaving my apartment about five hours before actually starting the race, sitting in a relatively cold start village, and running the race — my Pixel Watch 4's battery died. My Apple Watch SE also died during the 2023 New York City Marathon, so I'm not unfamiliar with the pain, but it's not what you want. 

However, during training, I was pleased with the watch. It's a solid, well-rounded smartwatch that balances comfort, performance, and smart integration. It’s lightweight and easy to wear around the clock — comfortable enough to sleep in, with no irritation or bulk. During runs, it delivers all the essential workout metrics like pace, heart rate, and time, displayed on a bright, easy-to-read screen that holds up even in direct sunlight. 

The buttons feel a bit mushy, but their presence is still appreciated for sweaty workouts when touchscreens fall short. Post-run, the Fitbit app provides deeper insights such as stride length, step cadence, ground contact time, vertical ratio, and oscillation. 

While Fitbit isn’t my favorite tracking platform, its integration here is smooth and responsive, especially with the option to create custom workouts, from interval sessions to threshold runs, and even receive AI-powered daily run recommendations. 

Recovery tracking is solid, too, with accurate sleep scoring that aligns closely with health trackers like the Oura Ring and Whoop. 

The battery life (say it with me: boooooo) is supposed to last around 48 hours for regular use, which isn’t stellar for hardcore fitness users but is fine for a lifestyle watch, and charging is faster and more reliable than previous Pixel Watches.

At $350, it’s a fair value — particularly if you already own a Pixel phone.

Read my full review of the Google Pixel Watch 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Pixel Pixel Watch 4 $349 at Amazon
  Shop Now Best fitness tracker for running and marathon trainingMy pick: Garmin Forerunner 570 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I'm not saying anything revolutionary or shocking when I say Garmin is a runner's watch.

The Garmin Forerunner 570 is one of the most advanced fitness watches on the market, and it's obvious from the second you wear it for a run. The workout metrics are nothing short of incredible. During workouts, it covers all the essentials — pace, heart rate, time — and presents them clearly on a bright, easy-to-read display. I don't love the buttons (they're a bit mushy for my taste), but they’re responsive enough.

Post-run data is where Garmin really shines: run/walk detection, training effect, power output, and running dynamics like vertical oscillation and stride length offer a level of insight few devices can match. It even provides adaptive training plans based on your data. 

On the recovery side, Garmin’s training readiness and body battery features combine sleep, stress, and HRV for actionable insights that rival Oura and Whoop.

Of course, it isn’t without its drawbacks — starting with comfort. I struggled with how it felt on my wrist; during a rainy run in the middle of my training block, the band dug into my skin and rubbed it raw, leaving it sore enough that I couldn’t wear it for the rest of the day. Other people have complained that they've gotten rashes from the Garmin, too. You can get new straps that might solve the issue, but boy was it unpleasant.

The battery life is excellent, lasting up to 11 days, and while the $550 price tag is steep, it’s easy to see why athletes swear by it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 570 $549.99 at Garmin
  Get Deal More affordable running watch: Suunto Run Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Suunto Run also has so, so, so much data. What makes it slightly lower on the list than the Garmin Forerunner 570 is that it has fewer smartwatch perks than the Garmin does — it doesn't have the third-party app support, music, and contactless payments available on the Garmin and, in general, it feels kind of cheap — especially the charger.

But I did really like the Suunto Run. It delivers an impressively balanced experience for runners who want reliable data, comfort, and battery life without overcomplication. Its Velcro strap is lightweight, breathable, and secure — it doesn’t rub, slip, or shift during workouts, and it’s comfortable enough to sleep in, which makes wearing it around the clock surprisingly easy. 

During runs, the watch focuses on the essentials: pace, heart rate, and cadence, all displayed clearly on a bright, easy-to-read screen. The physical buttons feel responsive and satisfying to press, a big plus when you’re sweaty mid-run. 

After workouts, the Suunto app unlocks a deeper layer of training metrics, including training load, stress score, and normalized graded pace. While not every stat will matter to a casual marathoner, the breadth of data is impressive and well-organized. 

On the recovery side, Suunto nails clarity: it combines heart rate variability, sleep quality, and training balance into a single, easy-to-read recovery score that aligns closely with results from Oura and Whoop, though HRV readings can vary slightly. 

The battery life is excellent, lasting up to 12 days in smartwatch mode or 20 hours in performance mode, so you’ll rarely think about charging. At $249, the Suunto Run is a smart, well-priced choice for dedicated runners who don't want all the fuss of a smart watch but do want all the data of a running watch.

Opens in a new window Credit: Suunto Suunto Run sports watch $249 at Amazon
  Shop Now Also tested: Fitbit Charge 6 Good for counting steps, but not much more. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Fitbit Charge 6 is the least expensive option I wore, and it shows. It's lightweight, but don't let that fool you — it's a relatively uncomfortable tracker in comparison to the other trackers I tested. In fact, after two nights of sleeping with it on, my wrist was bruised. 

During workouts, it struggles to keep pace with more advanced fitness watches. The GPS accuracy is inconsistent, overestimating distance on one run and underestimating on the next, which throws off pace data — a dealbreaker for serious runners. It also doesn't track elevation gain, which is an important part of training for a particularly hilly race like the New York City Marathon. 

Mid-run readability isn’t ideal, and the connection with my phone dropped more than once, but heart rate tracking shines — responsive, accurate, and enhanced by helpful haptic alerts when you shift zones. 

Recovery tracking is surprisingly strong, offering clear sleep scores and resting heart rate data that feel well-calibrated for general wellness, even if not the most detailed. The real standout, though, is battery life, which easily lasted a full week with heavy use — truly impressive for a device at this size and price point. 

At $159, the Charge 6 delivers solid value for everyday athletes who want the very least. If you're looking for the best fitness tracker for running for beginners, this is a budget pick worth considering. For marathon training, it can't keep up. It's effectively a fancy pedometer, and you might be better off buying one of those.

Fitbit Charge 6 $134.80 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $25.15   See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy After 500 miles, what would I recommend to a friend?

So, after 18 weeks of training, 500 miles, and so, so many funny looks (that's what happens when you wear seven fitness trackers at the same time), what did I decide?

Here's what I'd recommend to a friend training for a marathon: I'd wear the Whoop MG for health tracking, particularly during training and recovery. I'd wear the Suunto Run during training, unless I had a lot of money to play with, and then I'd get a Garmin Forerunner 570. If I was specifically running the NYC Marathon and was worried about finding people, I'd keep the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on my wrist for the marathon. 

For now, I think I might go without any device for a few weeks. Free me from the data.

SAVE OVER $400: As of Aug. 11, the Sony 85-Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K TV is on sale for $1,098 at Amazon. That's $401.99 off its typical price of $1,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 85 Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K HDR Smart GoogleTV $1,098 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $401.99   Get Deal

Buying a new TV can feel like a lot on your wallet, so it's always helpful when solid deals pop up. Amazon's a great place to see some of the latest and greatest offers available, and if you're looking to go big on a new screen this summer, this discount on the Sony 85-Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K TV is worth checking out.

As of Aug. 11, this Sony TV has been discounted to $1,098 at the retailer. Compared to its typical price of $1,499.99, that's just over $400 in savings, but you won't want to wait too long to take advantage of it. Amazon has put a "limited time deal" tag on this model's shopping page, so time is ticking to grab it at this price.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 11 Pro: Everything we know ahead of Aug. 12 Made By Google event

While this Sony TV's 85-inch screen size is certainly a highlight, its 4K resolution LED display will make your movies, shows, and games shine with sharp, vivid picture quality. It even supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for an added visual and audio boost to your viewing experience. On top of that, it comes with exclusive features for PlayStation 5 users: Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. These help optimize picture quality while you play, so you can enjoy every detail of your favorite games.

Not to mention, this Sony TV comes with Google TV built in, making it quick and easy to access your favorite streaming platforms. It's also integrated with Google Assistant, so you can use your voice to search for the next best thing to watch.

Set yourself up with a brand new TV with this great deal on the Sony 85-Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K TV at Amazon.

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

If you've been struggling to find the AdultFriendFinder app, there's a good reason: there isn't one. As one of the OGs of online dating, with a history that spans more than 20 years, AFF prefers to keep things decidedly old-school. But most AFF users can still access the platform and its content on mobile devices. They do this through the AFF site’s mobile version, which works with either Safari or Google Chrome, though the most committed AFF users have figured out a clever workaround that mimics the app experience.

What to know how you can do this too? Keep reading to find out more.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Why doesn’t Adult Friend Finder have an app?

Both Apple and Google strictly police the kinds of content they allow on their respective app stores. NSFW is a big no-no. And as Adult Friend Finder allows on-site nudity in profiles, chat forums, and live broadcasts (let's be honest: it's everywhere on AFF) — the site is barred from having an official app for the two most-used mobile platforms.

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt

Unfortunately, these rules apply even if you don’t have nudity on your profile or have turned on all the filters that restrict the display of adult content when using AFF, so there isn’t even a censored version of the app available and likely never will be. It's non-negotiable, unfortunately. This is why users have sought an alternative method for using AFF on mobile devices.

What’s the best alternative?

If you really want to mimic the experience of using an app on your phone, you can simply create a home screen shortcut to the Adult Friend Finder site. And if you have cookies enabled, you can also stay logged in each time, which saves you from having to re-enter your login credentials.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet and NSFW chats

To create a homescreen shortcut on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to AdultFriendFinder.com in your Safari mobile browser (no third-party browser will work)

2. Tap the ellipsis icon in the bottom right corner of your Safari app, and then tap the Share icon at the top of the pop-up menu

3. Scroll towards the bottom of the option list and select "Add to Home Screen"

4. You will be prompted to assign a name to the icon before you can hit "Add"

For Android users, the steps are slightly different:

1. Navigate to AdultFriendFinder.com in your Chrome mobile browser (no third-party browser will work)

2. Tap the menu icon in the upper right corner of your Chrome app, and then tap "Add to Home Screen"

3. You will be prompted to assign a name to the icon before you can hit "Add"

How secure is this home screen icon approach?

This method of accessing Adult Friend Finder is functionally no different than opening Chrome or Safari first, so it's no less safe than using the actual site, but there are a few things to consider:

• If you share your phone or tablet with someone else, they will be able to see the AFF icon and possibly even access your account just by clicking on the app

• If you prefer to keep your Adult Friend Finder use hidden, consider hiding the icon within a sub-folder or within a password-protected folder

• To ensure your login credentials aren't saved, create the icon itself using your mobile browser's incognito or private browsing function

Would it surprise you to learn that Pornhub pulls in enough eyeballs to rank among the most-visited websites on the entire planet?

According to SimilarWeb (an analytics platform for websites and apps), adult websites like Xvideos and Pornhub get a staggering number of monthly visitors, with Pornhub alone drawing 1.5 billion visits in January 2026. To put that number in perspective, these porn giants often outrank sites like Netflix and Amazon (though not ChatGPT).

If you're itching to take things a step further than just watching and want to live out some of those fantasies IRL (or securely online), then you may find yourself exploring Pornhub alternatives like AdultFriendFinder and other NSFW dating sites. Fortunately, we've tested and vetted these sites for you.

Pro tip: Avoid the sketchy, too-good-to-be-true "dating sites" that often appear as pop-ups and ads on adult websites like Pornhub.

What to know before diving into NSA hookup apps

But before you dive into some of the top Pornhub alternatives for real encounters, let's be clear about what you're getting into. On these apps and sites, "dating" usually means a one-night stand, a threesome, or a sex buddy — not a long-term partner. Likewise, platforms like Cams.com and SextPanther are paid platforms that connect you to online performers, which means no IRL connections. (Bringing up IRL meetings could get you permanently banned from these sites.) When navigating the best hookup apps, always be specific and honest about what you want on your profile to find someone who's on the same page. And remember the golden rule: consent, boundary-setting, and respect are non-negotiable.

Finally, one more warning: There are a lot of romance scammers and other cyber criminals looking to take advantage of people online. Please be cautious and use common sense.

While most of these sites are free to access, many offer paid memberships to unlock bonus features. So, if you're tired of your goon cave, here are our favorite X-rated dating sites for 2026 as an alternative to Pornhub. (Be warned: NSFW content awaits, obviously.)

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night Box is on sale for $72.98 at Amazon, down from its $119.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night $72.98 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $47.01 Get Deal

Magic: The Gathering’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night Box has already dropped considerably since its March launch, but Amazon has now sent the four-player set tumbling to a completely new low.

As of Aug. 11, the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night Box is now available at Amazon for an all-time low price of $72.98, taking $47.01 off its $119.99 list price for a 39% discount. Confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is a whole $14.01 cheaper than the $86.99 record low we saw ahead of release back in March. 

Amazon’s new $72.98 listing even undercuts the box’s $79.71 market price determined by TCGplayer, along with the trading card marketplace’s cheapest listing of $83.99. Walmart is sitting at $82 with free shipping through third-party seller Cataclysm Games, which still makes for a nice backup if Amazon sells out. 

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Draft Night is designed as a complete Pick-Two Draft setup for four players, where everyone selects two cards at a time to speed up the drafting process before putting their new decks to work.

Inside the box are 12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Play Boosters, with 14 cards packed into each one, alongside 90 land cards to finish building your decks. There is also a single 15-card Collector Booster intended as a prize for the winner, adding some premium pulls to the end of the night.

SAVE OVER $100: As of Aug. 11, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle is on sale for $424 at Amazon. That's $108 off its full price of $532.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle $424 at Amazon
$532 Save $108   Get Deal

If you're a content creator or want to get started as one, a good vlogging camera is a must. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle can help you get started, and this is a perfect time to grab it as Amazon has slashed over $100 off its usual list price.

As of Aug. 11, you can grab this trendy vlogging camera bundle for $424, down from its full price of $532. That's a $108 saving off the list price. It's worth mentioning that this model is sold by a third party, but they do have a very high rating, so your purchase is in good hands.

SEE ALSO: Insta360 X6 camera set to launch, FCC filing suggests

We're very big fans of this camera. In our review of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth wrote that "if you're a full- or part-time video creator, livestreamer, or influencer, then the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is definitely worth the price of admission". It features a 1-inch CMOS sensor that can record 4K resolution video at 120 fps, producing stunning shots that look sharp and clear. Plus, its portable design is a massive bonus for taking on the go.

Its touch screen can even rotate between horizontal and vertical shooting, which is great news for creators looking for a bit of filming flexibility, and it has 3-axis mechanical stabilization. This helps keep shakiness from ruining your video's quality.

Alongside the camera, this bundle includes a DJI Mic Mini transmitter. If it's caught your eye, act fast to save on it at Amazon.

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

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 11, the Acer Nitro V 16 gaming laptop (Intel Core 7 Processor 240H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB Gen 4 SSD) has dropped to its lowest-ever price of $999.99 at Amazon. That's $200 off its full price of $1,199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V 16 Gaming Laptop $999.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $200   Get Deal

Acer's sleek Nitro V 16 gaming laptop — with an Intel Core 7 Processor 240H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB Gen 4 SSD — has dropped to its lowest-ever price of $999.99 at Amazon. If you're getting some back-to-school shopping done or just need a gaming laptop upgrade, this is an excellent time to swoop in and add it to your cart.

Overall, you're saving $200 through this deal, as this gaming laptop is normally priced at $1,199.99. It's worth keeping in mind that it has a "limited time deal" sticker, so it may not be on sale for long. If that new low price has caught your eye, this is the time to make a move on it.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 11 Pro: Everything we know ahead of Aug. 12 Made By Google event

Whether you're using the Acer Nitro V 16 to game, stream, or get work done, its Intel Core 7 240H processor offers solid performance to handle it all. Games will look great thanks to the GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU and a 16-inch WUXGA 1920 x 1200 display. Plus, it boasts an 180Hz refresh rate, so your games will run smoothly, alongside a 3ms Overdrive Response Time.

It even has a dual-fan cooling system that helps maintain stable performance, so you don't have to worry about the laptop overheating. This particular model also comes with 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB Gen 4 SSD.

Don't miss out on this great deal on the Acer Nitro V 16 at Amazon.

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

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle is on sale for $48.98 at Amazon, down from its $59.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle $48.98 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $11.01   Get Deal

Perfect Order has been a consistently affordable Pokémon TCG expansion since launch earlier this year, and fans of the Legends: Z-A-inspired collection can score just over $11 off right now on Amazon. 

As of Aug. 11, the Pokémon TCG’s Perfect Order Booster Bundle is available for $48.98 at Amazon — taking a whole $11.01 off its current $59.99 list price. For added context, that 18% discount means each booster pack is worth around $8.16. 

The cheapest Amazon listing is sold by Collectors Expedition but shipped by Amazon itself, with free delivery currently estimated for Aug. 25 to Sept. 1. If you would rather buy directly from Amazon, there’s a slightly more expensive option for $49.99 — and it will get to you as soon as Aug. 12 if you have a Prime membership. 

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Inside each of the Perfect Order Booster Bundle’s half-dozen titular packs is 10 cards in the 124-card expansion, one Basic Energy, and one Pokémon TCG Live code card, giving you 60 random cards before the extras are counted. 

Among Perfect Order’s most valuable pulls you can get from these packs are MHR Mega Zygarde ex, SIR Mega Meowth ex, SIR Mega Zygarde ex, and SIR Mega Clefable ex — though you can also buy any of these cards individually from TCGplayer. 

Other rare Pokémon discounts currently available include the First Partner Illustration Collection dropping to under $50 on Amazon. For more Perfect Order packs, you can still buy the 36-pack Booster Display Box for around $200. 

TL;DR: Purple's Labor Day sale runs Aug. 11 through Sept. 15, offering a king mattress for the price of a queen, up to $400 off adjustable bases, and and 15% off pillows, bedding, and accessories.

As Labor Day approaches, so does the itch to upgrade your bedroom before fall settles in. Purple's Labor Day sale is live now through Sept. 15, and it's a solid excuse to finally swap out the mattress you've been complaining about for years.

Buy a king mattress and pay queen-size pricing, which is a meaningful upgrade for anyone who's been cramped on a smaller bed. Pair it with an adjustable base, and you'll save up to $400, letting you customize your sleep position without paying full price for the tech that makes it possible.

Pillows, bedding, and accessories are also 15% off, so it's a good time to refresh the rest of your setup too — sheets, shams, and whatever else needs a switch. The one exclusion is the Grid Cloud Pillow, which stays at full price.

Purple mattresses are known for their gel-grid design, which aims to balance support and pressure relief better than standard foam. If you've been sleeping hot or waking up sore, this sale could be the fix.

Purple's Labor Day sale is the start of mattress-shopping season, and this one's easy to justify — snag it before Sept. 15.

Wondering how the Battle of Tumbleton in the House of the Dragon Season 3 finale all came together? Judging by the behind-the-scenes video above, it took a lot of planning.

The 20-minute mini doc features interviews with all the key players involved in the sequence, including showrunner Ryan Condal and director of photography Vanja Černjul, the latter of whom describes how he and episode director Andrij Parekh used tiny figures and a scale model of Tumbleton to plan the battle.

The highlight? Tommy Flanagan, aka Roddy the Ruin, sat wearing sunglasses while casually describing the colourful way in which he kills Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton).

House of the Dragon Season 3 is streaming now on HBO Max.

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

People are using ChatGPT to sell their homes, message Tinder matches, book flights, browse their medical records, write essays, fabricate receipts, argue with their partners, shop online, talk to their cars, and order their coffee, and now they can make restaurant reservations within the app.

Announced on Monday, OpenAI's chatbot now does Yelp reservations and waitlists, meaning users in the U.S. and Canada can directly book a table while chatting with ChatGPT.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

According to Yelp's blog post, the integration will cover restaurants using Yelp Guest Manager, the app's front-of-house reservation and waitlist system. Once guests have booked a spot through ChatGPT, any changes to the reservation must be made through the Yelp app (not the chat).

It's an extension of Yelp's partnership with ChatGPT, launched in July, which lets the chatbot legally use Yelp reviews, ratings, photos, and local business details to make recommendations.

Featured Video For You Is ChatGPT Changing the Way We Write?

ChatGPT's competitors have similar restaurant booking integrations. Google's Gemini is able to find, book, and manage reservations for restaurants on OpenTable using Reserve with Google. Microsoft Copilot can also book tables in the app using OpenTable, but, like ChatGPT's Yelp plug-in, you can't manage or cancel the reservation through the chatbot (this must be done in the OpenTable app).

Red flags and vulnerabilities can apparently take a walk when you can book a table mid-chat.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Kuromi x Katseye collection: Katseye — 'Wild' (Yoonchae Ver.) (Target Exclusive, CD) $13.99 Pre-Order Here Katseye — 'Wild' (Megan Ver.) (Target Exclusive, CD) $13.99 Pre-Order Here Katseye Tiny Vinyl Edition — Gnarly/Gabriela (Vinyl 4-Inch) $14.99 Shop Now Katseye — Beautiful Chaos (Target Exclusive, Vinyl) $27.99 Shop Now Katseye — SIS (Soft Is Strong) (Vintage Bottle 12-Inch EP) (Vinyl) $28.99 Shop Now Katseye — 'Wild' (Wild Heart Ver.) (Target Exclusive, CD) $29.99 Pre-Order Here

Kuromi is getting a chaotic new best friend. Sanrio's mischievous icon is teaming up with global pop group Katseye for a Target-exclusive capsule collection, and the collab is bringing main-character energy to everything from apparel to snacks.

The full collection officially launches Aug. 14, timed to drop with Katseye's new EP, Wild. But you don't have to wait: vinyl copies of Wild are available to order right now, and CD preorders are also live at Target, so early fans can get a head start before the rest of the collab drops.

Katseye — Beautiful Chaos (Target Exclusive, Vinyl) Opens in a new window Credit: Universal Music Group Katseye — Beautiful Chaos (Target Exclusive, Vinyl) $27.99 at Target
If sold out at your local Target, sign up to get notified for restocks. Shop Now

Heads up: Katseye's Beautiful Chaos vinyl (pomegranate-colored, with a group photo postcard) is already sold out in a bunch of stores nationwide. If your local Target is out, you can sign up to get notified when it's back in stock — but given the demand, don't sleep on it.

The EP itself is all about "celebrating confusion," blending genres to capture the chaos of pushing creative boundaries and growing as an artist. It also marks a milestone for the six-member group — Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae — who hail from the U.S., Switzerland, the Philippines, and South Korea, repping a global fanbase.

The rest of the collection turns Kuromi's rebellious streak into something you can wear, sip from, and snack on. Apparel leads the charge with graphic tees featuring Kuromi alongside the Katseye members, plus a matching gray crewneck sweatsuit for anyone looking to coordinate. There's also a Kuromi ears beanie and a purple clear bag, perfect for concert nights.

Credit: Hybe UMB LLC / Sanrio co. Ltd Credit: Hybe UMB LLC / Sanrio co. Ltd

The lineup includes:

• Apparel (tees, sweatsuit, beanie, clear bag): $10-$30

• Collectibles (plush charm, keychain, figurines, trading cards): starting at $6.99

• Drinkware (insulated tumblers in Kuromi purple or black): $22.99

• Snacks (cookie rolls, mochi bites, freeze-dried, and popping candy): $2.99-$4.99

• A-Sha ramen and boba beverages in collab packaging: $1.99-$9.99

The food tie-in is the biggest curveball of the collab — ramen and boba weren't on anyone's Sanrio bingo card, but it fits right in with the "collect everything" spirit of the drop.

Fans headed to KCON LA (Aug. 14-16) get first dibs on select pieces at Sanrio's Kuromi's Mischief Mansion activation before the full collection hits Target and stores nationwide on Aug. 14, while supplies last.

Tesla's Cybercabs now come with built-in Starlink connectivity.

On Monday, the company's Robotaxi account on X shared photos of the first Cybercab with an integrated Starlink antenna. Check it out up close in the photo below.

It fits nicely. But is it needed? Credit: Tesla

Given that Starlink is best suited for remote areas where there's no 5G connectivity, and Cybercabs will almost certainly first start operating in dense urban areas, why do Tesla's autonomous taxis even need Starlink? Cybercabs have 5G chips built-in, and the Starlink antenna adds additional cost, weight, and complexity which doesn't appear necessary right now.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has the answer, and it's definitely, absolutely, certainly not so that Tesla can foot another bill to Musk-owned SpaceX. In a tweet, he referenced Cloudflare's assessment that "bot traffic will exceed human (internet) traffic by a factor of 1,000 within five years."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

"And the only system that can support the insanely fast bandwidth growth needed by AI is Starlink," wrote Musk in a reply.

Ever since SpaceX's monster IPO in June, there's been talk about SpaceX and Tesla merging into one giant corporation that covers transportation, energy, AI, chipmaking, and AI compute, both on Earth and in space. Musk himself said there's "more and more overlap" between the two companies, but there's also the question of control. A potential megamerger could end up with Musk having (even) more control over Tesla, and fewer board meetings to attend when he wants something done in either company.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

TL;DR: Pay $54.99 once for lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access on one Windows PC.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows: Lifetime License $54.99
$249.99 Save $195   Get Deal

Microsoft Office is one of those software packages many people need but do not necessarily want to rent forever. For a limited time, Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows is available as a lifetime license for $54.99 (reg. $249.99).

It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access, covering everything from routine documents and spreadsheets to presentations, email, notes, and database management. It is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, and the license key and download link are delivered digitally.

Office 2024 brings a refreshed interface, dark mode support, improved security tools, and advanced features for working with data and business documents. Unlike Microsoft 365, it focuses on stable desktop software rather than continuously adding new cloud-based features.

That can be an advantage for businesses, regulated workplaces, and home users who prefer a predictable setup that does not change every few weeks.

Credit: Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows

There is one important distinction to understand before buying. This Professional Plus license uses a device-linked key, not a license connected to your Microsoft account. It activates on one Windows PC and generally cannot be moved to a replacement computer later. That limitation is also a major reason the price is considerably lower than Microsoft’s transferable or subscription-based options.

You also will not receive Microsoft 365 extras such as bundled cloud storage or ongoing feature releases. But for anyone who primarily wants the core desktop applications, those extras may not justify another monthly charge.

At $54.99, this lifetime Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2024 license is a straightforward choice for someone who keeps the same Windows PC and prefers a one-time payment to recurring fees.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Tackle work, play, and everything in between with the dependable HP EliteBook 830 G8, on sale now for $389.99 (reg. $549.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Elitebook 830 G8 2020 (Refurbished) $389.99
$549.99 Save $160   Get Deal

If you’re looking for a laptop you can always count on, sometimes it’s better to go with a less flashy, dependable brand like HP. The HP EliteBook 830 G8 serves up power and proven reliability, and right now you can bring one home for just $389.99.

If you’re looking for a laptop that is in demand by IT departments, look no further than the HP EliteBook 830 G8. This 13.3-inch convertible business laptop was designed to deliver great performance, security, and flexibility you can take anywhere.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Despite weighing in at just 2.8 pounds, this HP EliteBook is still packed with plenty of power thanks to an 11th Gen Intel Core processor. It can handle all your multitasking needs and heavy workloads, while the Intel Iris Xe Graphics offer smooth visuals and enhanced graphics performance no matter what you’re doing.

This laptop sets itself apart with a full HD touchscreen display and a 360-degree convertible design for maximum flexibility. An impressive 16.5-hour battery life gives you enough time to tackle a full workday and still have time to binge-watch your comfort show. Speaking of taking a break for some entertainment, you’ll be able to enjoy it all with rich Bang & Olufsen premium audio.

Stay connected anywhere with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth, and connect via dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.0, and USB-A.

You’re saving big on this device thanks to its Grade A refurbished rating. That means it will arrive in near-mint condition with minimal to no scuffing on the case, while you score a deep discount.

Score your own HP EliteBook 830 G8 for only $389.99, while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Recommendations for the best robot vacuums to buy in 2026 are at the bottom of this guide. Use the table of contents to skip down to that, or to skip to the deep dive on a specific robot vacuum feature.

Deciding between a robot vacuum and a stick vacuum ultimately comes down to one factor: which one you'll actually use on a regular basis. If you're struggling to keep a manual vacuuming routine, let this be your sign to finally switch to the automated version. A good robot vacuum can completely change the way you keep up with your home. You just have to know what to look for.

What to know before buying a robot vacuum

The holy trinity of non-negotiable robot vacuum features — automatic emptying, mopping, and smart mapping — can be found at any price point these days. Despite the less intimidating cost spectrum, it's still possible to underpay or overpay for a robot vacuum. The question isn't whether or not a robot vacuum is worth it in your home at all. It's about which robot vacuum features will give each household the best automated cleaning experience.

I have a pretty good sense of that: I've been testing robot vacuums for Mashable since 2019. More than 40 different robot vacuums have lived under my roof so far, and my running mental checklist for robot vacuum shopping gets refreshed on a monthly basis. I can barely attend a family function without being asked for robot vacuum advice, anyway, so I've organized my firsthand intel into a robot vacuum buying guide for the internet. Here's your straightforward robot vacuum buying guide for 2026:

Robot vacuum suction power explained

Technical translation: Most robot vacuum brands measure suction power in pascals (Pa). iRobot and Shark are the two outliers. They tend to advertise a certain vacuum's suction power by comparing it to another model from their own lineup.

As of 2026, the most powerful robot vacuums you can buy have between 35,000 and 36,000 Pa of suction power. You'll want to aim for the highest suction power possible in homes with plush carpet or lots of area rugs and more than two pets. Anything hitting 20,000 Pa or above would still be considered good suction power for a robot vacuum in homes with slightly less intense cleaning needs, less foot traffic, or less fur.

The path clearly shows where this Roborock's 36,000 Pa suction has been. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable This Dreame vacuum has dual brush rolls made of two different textures. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Pro tip: If you're looking for a robot vacuum that works well on carpet, the brush roll setup underneath also matters. In my experience, the best robot vacuum pet hair pickup comes from a dual brush roll system where the rollers sit parallel to each other. They spin independently of each other to pinch hair in the middle (and give clumps an exit to prevent tangling or spooling at the end of the roll).

The most effective rollers use alternating materials like hairbrush-like bristles, nylon bristles, and rubber fins for digging deep in carpet fibers, creating friction and agitation on stubborn shedding, and latching onto thick and fine hair.

SEE ALSO: Which robot vacuum works the best on pet hair? After testing, my cats and I chose our top picks for 2026.

Some robot vacuums also have a dedicated extendable edge sweeping brush, which has more purpose in life than the aimless side brushes affixed to most cheap robot vacuums. The retractable arm reaches an inch or two past the robot's body to push debris out from tight spots into the vacuum's cleaning path — picture crumbs under the counter or dust bunnies blown near walls.

What to avoid: I would generally advise against settling for suction power below 10,000 Pa; though 8,000 Pa or below is where I draw a hard line for any household. The weaker the suction power, the higher the chances of debris being scattered instead of sucked or pet hair being left behind — two experiences that'll quickly make you regret spending money on this robot vacuum.

Self-emptying docks explained

Technical translation: A self-emptying robot vacuum automatically empties its debris into the same dock it charges on. The dust bin in the dock has a much larger capacity than the dust bin on the vacuum itself. Instead of dumping that tiny dustbin by hand multiple times per week, automatic emptying gets you off the hook from dustbin maintenance for at least a month, if not much longer.

Just about every robot vacuum is a self-emptying robot vacuum these days, even at the ultra-budget-friendly level. Unless you need the vacuum to live under a TV stand or a couch, there's no need to spend time pondering whether automatic emptying is worth it. There's no shortage of compact self-emptying robot vacuums that would be great for a small space like an apartment.

The Dreame D20 Pro Plus self-empty dock is on the small side. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete dock is more advanced, but takes up more space. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Robot vacuum mopping explained

Pretty much all robot vacuums are mopping robot vacuums at this point in the game. That's the case even at the $200 to $300 end of the spectrum. However, the best robot vacuum and mop combos have a much more advanced strategy and scrubbing intensity than entry-level mopping robot vacuums. There are three main mopping pad designs to choose from:

Regular flat mopping pad: Most cheap robot vacuum mop combos use a basic D-shaped pad. This design typically doesn't vibrate, press down onto the floor, or reach along edges, so this type of wet cleaning maxes out at wiping up small droplets, fine dust, or pet hair on hard floors. Don't expect a stationary flat mopping pad to soak up larger spills or anything with a chunky or sticky consistency — that's when smearing happens.

The budget-friendly Dreame D20 Pro Plus. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Shark UV Reveal's flat pad pops in and out during spot cleaning. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 and the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic are two exceptions. Both are equipped with a D-shaped mopping pad that scrubs with pressurized sonic vibrations and scoots out when corners or walls are sensed.

Dual spinning mopping pads: This common design divvies the job up to two circular pads that spin to create more physical agitation on dried stains, offering more elbow grease than a singular stationary pad. Dual spinning mopping pads are the optimal design for edge mopping because their scrubbing isn't limited to the vacuum's round shape. One circular pad operates on a hinge that swings out when a wall or corner is sensed.

This Roborock was able to mop under the fridge and reach the crumbs lodged at the edge. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Dreame's spinning pads were highly effective on dried winter slush and salty shoe prints near the door. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Roller mop: Roller mop robot vacuums use a paint roller-style pad that spans the diameter of the vacuum. The rollers are typically thick and fluffy with an absorbent bath towel-like material, making this design elite for soaking up liquids. Roller mop robot vacuums have the unique ability to rinse their pad with fresh water during mopping, so they're the least likely type to streak your clean floors with dirty water.

The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Previously, only spinning mopping pads had cleaned this closely in my bathroom doorway. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Self-cleaning mopping pads

You're buying a robot vacuum because you don't feel like doing your own vacuuming and mopping, right? If a shorter to-do list is the goal, I doubt you'll feel like refilling a tiny water tank or touching soggy mopping pads every day. You can get out of this by choosing a robot vacuum and mop that can wash and dry its own mopping pads. This is an option for a ton of models with spinning pads or a roller mop.

Their self-empty dock also houses two water tanks — one for rinsing and refilling clean water, and one to hold the dirty water — plus fans beneath the vacuum for drying. Almost all of them dry with hot air to kill bacteria and mitigate that mildewy smell. The clean water tank in the dock can last for a week or so before needing a refill, which is around the same time that the dirty water tank will need to be emptied.

The water tanks can be filled and emptied in the sink. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Self-refilling docks have a special detergent dispensing compartment. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

For enhanced sanitation, many high-end robot vacuums can mop with a cleaning solution rather than just plain water. Brands often throw a bottle of their official cleaning solution in the box, but the fine print should let you know if it's safe to branch out to other detergents with your preferred ingredients or scent.

Pro tip: Some models also use heated water while they're actually mopping. Heated mopping loosens the bonds that make grease slimy and hard to wipe up. These are the only robot vacuum mop combos I've tested that can successfully clean up oily dressings or syrup without leaving a trail of sticky residue.

SEE ALSO: 'Why does my robot vacuum suck now?' Well, when's the last time you cleaned it?

What to avoid: Robot vacuums that don't mop aren't worth it, even if you don't think you'll use the mopping part. Most non-mopping robot vacuums are basic on all fronts: They have weak suction, aren't great at navigating, and require you to empty the dustbin by hand.

iRobot has a pretty powerful Roomba that doesn't mop, but at $699.99, you're not exactly saving money by forgoing mopping. There are far better robot vacuum mop combos out there that cost the same or less. If you don't feel like dealing with mopping-related maintenance, just ignore the mopping part altogether and take advantage of that vacuum's other solid features.

Robot vacuum smart mapping explained

Technical translation: Smart mapping refers to a robot vacuum's ability to scope out and remember a copy of your home's floor plan. The map drawn during the vacuum's initial mapping run pops up in the app, where you tweak it by merging or splitting rooms and adding room labels. Then, the robot vacuum can clean specific rooms on command, or complete a whole-home clean.

A map of my apartment in the Roborock app. Credit: Screenshot / Roborock A close-up of my living room's furniture arrangement in the Eufy app. Credit: Screenshot / Eufy

LiDAR measures the distance between boundaries and large objects in the room by bouncing lasers off of walls and furniture to see how fast the light comes back. (This is what the circular tower atop many robot vacuums is for.) LiDAR works instantaneously, so map-making is quick and highly accurate even in large homes. LiDAR robot vacuums don't require light to see, so they work just as well at night or in dark rooms.

VSLAM uses cameras that continuously capture images of the space and identify room-specific landmarks like the layout of a wall, a doorway, or a large piece of furniture. VSLAM is meticulous when assessing objects up close, but it's not as equipped for open floor plans as LiDAR is. VSLAM cameras can't see as well in low lighting, either.

In 2026, many flagship robot vacuums mesh the two approaches to achieve seamless navigation in any situation it stumbles across. The combination of the two is ideal for floor type detection. Premium robot vacuums can sense hard floors, rugs, and fully carpeted rooms, labeling them that way in the app. Most have an automatic suction boost feature that kicks in on soft floors.

Zone cleaning and keep-out zones

Room-by-room smart mapping also allows robot vacuums to clean specific areas in those rooms. In the app, you can drag and drop a zone to clean up a spill or deal with crumbs near the table without cleaning the entire room. These can be a one-time thing or saved as a recurring command in the future. Similarly, zones can also be used to keep the vacuum out of certain spots, like around a pile of Legos or a frilly bath mat.

What to avoid: I'll die on the hill that smart mapping is the baseline brain power that any robot vacuum worth your money should have. The bump-and-go approach provides too many opportunities for a robot vacuum to get stuck, potentially making your life harder instead of easier. If you think about it, actual cleaning skills don't even come into play if a robot vacuum can't successfully get itself to the spots that need to be cleaned.

Luckily, smart mapping isn't a tall order nowadays — brands rarely release a new robot vacuum without it. A budget cap of $200 is more than enough to secure room-to-room mapping from reliable brands like Shark or Roborock. To be sure, scan the product listing to make sure that "LiDAR" or "map" is specifically mentioned. Older Roombas used sneaky language like "smart navigation methodically cleans in neat rows," which is not smart mapping.

Small obstacle avoidance explained

Technical translation: Small obstacle avoidance technology helps a robot vacuum dodge low-profile objects in real time. This special camera system can detect obstacles like shoes, laundry, chargers and extension cords, pet toys, or other items that commonly pop up on the floor. With obstacle avoidance, you won't have to worry about pre-tidying the floor before sending the vacuum out.

Many obstacle avoidance cameras can even decipher between several different types of objects. You'll see a bubble on the map marking where the item was found. It's always nice to have proof that your vacuum is, in fact, avoiding problem areas (even if you didn't set a keep-out zone).

Livestream pet cameras

The cameras used for small obstacle avoidance aren't necessarily the kind that take pictures. But some fancier robot vacuums actually can snap photos and capture a livestream video. These give you a floor-level view of whatever the vacuum sees as it's roving your home, making it a pretty comforting tool for pet parents when they're away. Most livestream pet cameras are even accompanied by two-way microphones to talk to your pets or call another person who's at home.

Pro tip: If this sketches you out, you don't have to enable usage of the camera at all. If livestream remote viewing is activated by someone in the app, the robot makes an announcement to make sure anyone at home is aware.

AI mess detection

It's becoming the norm for small obstacle avoidance cameras to use AI to become better drivers and better cleaners over time. Several flagship robot vacuums from 2026 can assess different types of messes on the floor to adjust cleaning intensity accordingly. The smartest ones can tell the difference between a few everyday crumbs and a big pile of dry debris, or mop the site of a big liquid spill twice.

What I see when the Narwal Flow 2 is cleaning near the litter box... Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable ... vs. what the Narwal Flow 2 sees: scattered debris and my cat, Sansa. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Pro tip: If you're not big on AI, you can turn off AI features without completely disabling small obstacle avoidance.

What is good battery life for a robot vacuum?

It depends on how big your space is. A 90- to 100-minute battery life is sufficient for a robot vacuum to cover an apartment or single story of a small home on one charge. Many newer robot vacuums can last up to 250 minutes on one charge, which would be ideal for a full clean of a house that's several thousand square feet. But battery life shouldn't be a huge deciding factor if most of your cleaning will be done on a room-by-room basis, anyway.

Pro tip: Every robot vacuum you'll find at a retailer like Amazon or Target is a self-charging robot vacuum. Unless you're investing in a 15-year-old vacuum you found on eBay, even the cheapest robot vacuums know to return to the dock when their battery is low. The cleaning session should resume once they're juiced up.

The best robot vacuums to buy this year, tested My top robot vacuum recommendations for 2026 Best robot vacuum in 2026 so far Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,344.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best roller mop robot vacuum Narwal Flow 2 $1,499.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best budget roller mop robot vacuum Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best budget robot vacuum and mop under $400 Dreame D20 Pro Plus $319.97 at Amazon Shop Now

UPDATE: Aug. 12, 2026, 3:48 a.m. EDT For those seeking glasses to watch the August 2026 solar eclipse, check shipping information closely ahead of any purchases as it may now be too late to receive the glasses in time.

Another solar eclipse is coming. If you're ready to look up to the sky for the special event, don't forget to protect your eyes. As Europe gears up to witness a total eclipse, parts of North America will enjoy a partial eclipse.

The solar eclipse is taking place on Wednesday, Aug. 12. According to NASA, a total solar eclipse will be seen in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. However, partial eclipses can be seen in the northern U.S. (from Alaska to North Carolina), most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwestern Africa.

Don't expect a dramatic show if you're watching from the US, though. The farther south you are, the less you'll see, and if you're not in the eclipse's path, or the weather doesn't cooperate, NASA will stream the eclipse live starting at 1:15 p.m. ET at nasa.gov/live.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to qualify

If you're planning on watching the eclipse, you'll need a pair of solar eclipse glasses. Be wary, there are plenty of solar eclipse glasses available, especially on Amazon, but you must make sure they're ISO 12312-2 Certified for the safest eye protection. The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved manufacturers you can verify too.

Since the glasses are delicate, check them before use to ensure there are no punctures or tears. To test them, wear them inside your home, and you shouldn't be able to see any light fixtures besides a small filament.

To prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse, here's a list of all the options available at Amazon. All the options on this list are CE-, ISO-, or AAS-certified to protect your eyes during the eclipse. Plus, they all arrive before Wednesday, Aug. 12.

A quick note before you buy: since the eclipse is just days away, delivery timing matters here. Amazon Prime members will generally get the fastest and most reliable delivery windows, so it's worth checking the estimated arrival date on each listing before you order — some of these options are cutting it close, arriving on Aug. 12.

Solar Eclipse Glasses in the UK

• Absolute Eclipse Solar Eclipse Glasses — £4.79

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses — £5.99

• Solar Optics Solar Eclipse Glasses 5-pack with Phone Filters — £14.99

• Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses 5-pack — £15.99

• Kesseph Solar Eclipse Glasses — £17.99

Solar Eclipse Glasses in the U.S. and North America

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses (2 pack) — $7.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Medical king Solar Eclipse Glasses (10 pack) — $8.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses (5 pack) — $9.95

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses (5 pack) — $9.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Bookishbunny Solar Eclipse Paper Glasses (10 pack) — $10.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Keyaluo Solar Eclipse Glasses (12 pack) — $13.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Galaxium Solar Eclipse Glasses for kids — $14.95

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses (10 pack) — $14.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• AAA Eclipse Solar Glasses (6 pack) — $17.95

• Galaxium Solar Eclipse Glasses (6 pack) — $17.95 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Helioclipse Solar Eclipse Glasses (12 pack) — $19.95

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026:

Across"Magic" items for Jack, in a classic fairy tale

• The answer is Beans.

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

What the "A" stands for in A/V

• The answer is Audio.

Political ally who receives corrupt benefits

• The answer is Crony.

"Uh-uh"

• The answer is Nope.

Cutesy suffix with "best"

• The answer is Est.

DownPortmanteau for a skin problem under a T-shirt or bra strap

• The answer is Bacne.

Continental currency units

• The answer is Euros.

"___, don't shop" (pet shelter slogan)

• The answer is Adopt.

Highest number in sudoku

• The answer is Nine.

Veggie burger ingredient

• The answer is Soy.

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

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

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