Mashable

Keeley Hawes plays an assassin out of retirement and on the run in Europe in Prime Video's new thriller series, with a trailer out today.

Created by The Tourist's Harry and Jack Williams, The Assassin sees the Miss Austen star as Julie, a woman whose hit days come back to haunt her all the way to a stunning Greek island — along with her estranged son Edward (Freddie Highmore). But they won't stop there, with mother and son fleeing a conspiracy across beautiful European cities and addressing their relationship along the way — and who, exactly, Edward's father is.

Gina Gershon, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Jack Davenport, Alan Dale, Gerald Kyd, Devon Terrell, Richard Dormer, and David Dencik also star. 

The Assassin is streaming on Prime Video on July 25 in the UK and Ireland, U.S. dates TBC.

SAVE $50: As of July 3, the 11-inch Apple iPad is on sale for $299 at Amazon. This is $50 off its list price of $349.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (11-inch) $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50 Get Deal

Some really impressive early Prime Day deals have been dropping over the last couple of weeks, but we think the latest deal on the 11-inch Apple iPad is going to be tough to beat. We would love to be wrong, but we really can't see anything coming along and making a bigger impression.

All colors of the 11-inch Apple iPad are on sale for $299, saving you $50 on list price. Our Apple expert hand-picked this deal as one of the best to drop ahead of Prime Day. And Mashable's Samantha Mangino argues that it's "a great entry-level tablet" for anyone working on a budget.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Day

Thanks to the A16 chip, the new Apple iPad offers a nice performance boost, and support for WiFi 6 helps keep your connection smooth and speedy. This model also comes with 128GB of storage so you don't need to worry about loading up on apps, photos, and whatever else. And the 11-inch Liquid Retina display makes whatever you're seeing on the screen really shine.

Pick up the 11-inch Apple iPad for under $300 ahead of Prime Day. Or if you're willing to spend a little extra, the new Apple iPad mini has hit its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 1070Wh Portable Power Station — $448.98 (List Price $799.00)

• Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen 1080p Camera With Cover (White, 2-Pack) — $59.98 (List Price $99.99)

• Blink Outdoor 4 XR 2 Camera Kit With Mini 2 Camera — $129.98 (List Price $219.98)

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $269.00 (List Price $348.00)

• Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $297.99 (List Price $599.00)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB Tablet (2023 Release, Black) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99)

• Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2023 Model) — $139.99 (List Price $229.99)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) — $34.99 (List Price $59.99)

• Ring Battery Doorbell Pro With Ring Battery Outdoor Cam Plus — $329.98

• 55" Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series 4K QLED Smart TV (2024 Model) — $699.99 (List Price $819.99)

Years ago, Samsung put a secret WiFi menu in the settings of its phones, and accessing it can put a wide variety of features right at your fingertips. We'll show you how.

Accessing the feature is pretty simple and should be available on all modern Samsung devices, including Samsung tablets. Here’s the process:

• Open your settings menu and navigate to Connections.

• Tap on the WiFi setting. 

• In the top right corner, hit the 3-dot menu button and select Intelligent WiFi.

• Repeatedly tap on the Intelligently WiFi section toward the bottom until the Connectivity labs option appears. 

That’s all there is to it. The menu will stay there for good until you factory reset the phone, similar to enabling developer options. 

What does Samsung’s secret WiFi menu do?

There are quite a few functions to play around with. When you first open the menu, you’ll be greeted by your connection and usage data, showing you how often you’re connected to your home WiFi and how much data you use. There is also a section showing off your saved networks, where you can see everything from your home WiFi to the airport WiFi you connected to on that trip you took. 

Below that is where things get interesting. There is a section of extra settings that you can tick and untick, along with some other functions to test your home connection. We’ll briefly go through what each one does. 

• Home WiFi Inspection - This is a network test where you walk around your house to find the weak spots in your WiFi signal. It doesn’t give you a ton of data, but it can help you figure out where to put a WiFi extender if you need one. 

• Auto reconnect to carrier WiFi - This setting will allow your phone to connect to public carrier WiFi networks when they’re available. This is common with carriers like Spectrum, where you may connect with access points instead of relying on a cell tower if you’re close enough. 

• LS4 - This option allows your device to connect to Low Latency, Low Loss, and Scalable Throughput-compatible networks, which can optimize some connections. 

• WiFi 7 mode - Enables or disables the ability to connect to WiFi 7 networks. 

• Switching to mobile data faster - Samsung devices auto switch from WiFi to mobile data if it recognizes an excessively weak or unstable connection. This option increases the threshold so that your phone switches sooner. 

• Intelligent WiFi Handover - Enables or disables the Intelligent WiFi setting. You can read more about what Intelligent WiFi is from Samsung’s internal documentation.

• Switching to mobile data with AI - The phone will use AI to determine when to switch to mobile data when it detects an unstable WiFi connection. 

• Connect to 2.4GHz for IOT setup - Documentation for this is a bit sketchy, but it seems this is for WiFi connections that combine the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies, as many modern routers do. This connection forces you onto the 2.4 GHz band so you can set up smart devices on your home network without hiccups. 

• Show network quality info - This will show network quality information in the list of available WiFi networks, helping you choose the strongest possible one. 

There are three additional offerings, including Enhanced WiFi compatibility, Customize WiFi compatibility, and WiFi developer options. Each one has its own branch of settings. These settings are likely best to be left alone since they can mess up how your WiFi works. However, under the WiFi developer options, there are a couple more network diagnosis tests that you can run along with more usage and connectivity data should you want to see it. 

Getting to know your WiFi

Most of the time, you’ll likely never need any of the above settings. However, if you run into a network issue, it may be worth looking through the options and running the diagnostics to help figure out a problem. That, combined with the diagnostic test in the Samsung Members app and the additional data available in Samsung’s Good Guardians app, you have plenty of angles from which to explore a problem should one arise.

It might never have occurred to you to go bladeless when looking for a new fan, but there are plenty of reasons to do so. Not only are they more aesthetically pleasing than traditional fans, but they’re also much safer for kids and pets, easier to clean, and more energy efficient.

Most of the country (most of the world, in fact) has been coping with relentless summer heat this year, with record-breaking temperatures and one heat wave after another. A bladeless fan promises to give you some relief without running up an electric bill like air conditioning does.

And to help Mashable readers find the best bladeless fans and escape the summer heat, we tried the top bladeless fans from popular brands so you can stay cool.

Plus, with Amazon Prime Day running July 8 through 11, it's a great time to buy a bladeless fan. Some of our favorites, like the Dyson TP07 is $200 off already.

SEE ALSO: Personal fans are the product of summer What to consider before buying a bladeless fan

Most bladeless fans are more energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing than their traditional counterparts, but you’ll still want to take the time to read the specs and decide what features you’re willing to splurge on. Do you want a bladeless fan that will also purify your air and act as a cooling system? If so, then it might be worth investing in the famous Dyson bladeless fan, the Pure Cool. If you’re looking for something to simply circulate the air in your living room, the Lasko WindCurve will do.

What features should I consider in a bladeless fan?

When choosing the best fans to beat the summer heat, you should consider both the size of the space you're trying to cool (in square feet) and whether your new fan will live on the floor or a table. You’ll also want to consider oscillation, which is how far the fan swings to the left and right. Greater oscillation will provide you with more coverage. Fan speeds, timers, and energy efficiency are other important factors to consider. If you have allergies you’ll want to opt for Dyson bladeless fans that also include a HEPA filter, as these products can do double duty as air purifiers. Lastly, most bladeless fans include a remote control and automatic shutoff for safety.

The Nintendo Switch has dominated the conversation around handheld gaming consoles for several years now thanks to its innovative hybrid design, relatively accessible price point, and monumental, still-growing lineup of games. It's now one of the bestselling consoles of all time, and a new iteration just launched in June 2025 — but it's not the only handheld worth buying these days.

After dozens of hours of hands-on testing, our favorite handheld consoles include the glitzy Nintendo Switch OLED, the AI-enhanced MSI Claw 8 AI+, the slick Valve Steam Deck, and the delightfully nostalgic Analogue Pocket, among a few other options. These are unmistakably different systems in terms of their overall designs, features, and/or use cases, but they all excel at making great games playable on a portable level and offer solid specs for the money.

Here's a more intensive breakdown of each console to help you figure out which one's best for you — whether you're hunting for a portable PC setup, sitting on a pile of old Game Boy cartridges, or just desperate to play the latest and greatest games on the best system available.

And don't worry, we've included the Nintendo Switch 2 as well.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo raises Switch 2 sales forecast to 20 million units

SAVE $400: As of July 3, the iRobot Roomba Plus 405 is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Plus 405 $399.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $400 Get Deal

If a robot vacuum has been on your wishlist for a while, chances are you've come across the name Roomba. And with Prime Day around the corner, we're already seeing discounts on almost every single new Roomba.

As of July 3, the iRobot Roomba Plus 405 is on sale for $399.99. This deal saves you $400 on list price, and is the lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel. Our robot vacuum expert has hand-picked this deal as one of the best ahead of Prime Day.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 25+ robot vacuums. These are the only ones I'd tell you to buy in 2025.

And for under $400, you're getting a lot. It has seriously powerful suction, as well as intense cleaning with its dual mop pads and SmartScrub tech. It even has a rubber brush that works across surfaces alongside an edge-sweeping brush to get right into corners. The dual mop pads also spin and create a downward pressure scrub, so even the hardest of messes are no problem.

And it can map out your home quickly and efficiently with ClearView LiDAR, avoiding stairs and navigating around any obstacles.

You can control everything in the Roomba app; just open it up to schedule routines, check filter health, or tell it to focus on certain rooms. You can choose between vacuuming, mopping, combo cleaning, or vacuuming before mopping, and the mop pads lift automatically when your carpet is detected. All from the push of a (smartphone) button.

You can find this incredible deal at Amazon now.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 1070Wh Portable Power Station — $448.98 (List Price $799.00)

• Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen 1080p Camera With Cover (White, 2-Pack) — $59.98 (List Price $99.99)

• Blink Outdoor 4 XR 2 Camera Kit With Mini 2 Camera — $129.98 (List Price $219.98)

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $269.00 (List Price $348.00)

• Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $297.99 (List Price $599.00)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB Tablet (2023 Release, Black) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99)

• Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2023 Model) — $139.99 (List Price $229.99)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) — $34.99 (List Price $59.99)

• Ring Battery Doorbell Pro With Ring Battery Outdoor Cam Plus — $329.98

• 55" Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series 4K QLED Smart TV (2024 Model) — $699.99 (List Price $819.99)

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for July 3, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Pigskin displays

• Green: Torch destinations

• Blue: Colorful clubs

• Purple: Homophones

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: NFL broadcasters

• Green: U.S. Olympic host cities

• Blue: Teams with the color blue in their nicknames

• Purple: Homphones of baseball hall of famers

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 #283 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• NFL broadcasters - CBS, ESPN, FOX, PRIME

• U.S. Olympic host cities - ATLANTA, LAKE PLACID, LOS ANGELES, ST. LOIS

• Teams with the color blue in their nicknames - CHELSEA, COLUMBUS, CREIGHTON, TORONTO

• Homophones of baseball hall of famers - BOS, MAIZE, MANTEL, RAINS

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

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

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

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

SAVE $70: As of July 3, Apple AirPods Max are on sale for $479.99 at Amazon. That's a 13% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $479.99 at Amazon
$549 Save $69.01 Get Deal

You don't need to wait until Prime Day kicks off to get a great deal on AirPods; check out this Apple AirPods Max deal that's live right now at Amazon.

As of July 3, Apple AirPods Max are discounted by 13% to $479.99. But why Apple AirPods Max over other headphones? Well, designed with Apple-specific drivers and powered by the all-encompassing H1 chip, you can expect a completely unmatched listening experience.

SEE ALSO: The new Apple iPad mini has hit its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day

Impressive noise-blocking technology helps you choose your level of immersion. The Active Noise Cancellation mode will block outside noise so you can focus on your music, and Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings, keeping you safe and alert while out and about. The Personalized Spatial Audio function adapts to your ear shape to help give you a much more immersive and personalized sound, and it includes dynamic head tracking, which uses a built-in sensor to adjust audio based on your head movements, creating a 3D sound experience.

And who could forget the comfort? The knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions provide a snug fit that seals in sound and keeps your ears happy and comfortable for hours of listening.

This model also boasts up to 20 hours of battery life and comes with a slim Smart Case for storage.

Grab this great deal at Amazon ahead of Prime Day.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 1070Wh Portable Power Station — $448.98 (List Price $799.00)

• Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen 1080p Camera With Cover (White, 2-Pack) — $59.98 (List Price $99.99)

• Blink Outdoor 4 XR 2 Camera Kit With Mini 2 Camera — $129.98 (List Price $219.98)

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $269.00 (List Price $348.00)

• Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $297.99 (List Price $599.00)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB Tablet (2023 Release, Black) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99)

• Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2023 Model) — $139.99 (List Price $229.99)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) — $34.99 (List Price $59.99)

• Ring Battery Doorbell Pro With Ring Battery Outdoor Cam Plus — $329.98

• 55" Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series 4K QLED Smart TV (2024 Model) — $699.99 (List Price $819.99)

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, July 3, 2025:

AcrossGlaswegian or Edinburgher

• The answer is Scot.

2025 Pixar film about a boy who gets abducted by aliens

• The answer is Elio.

Strong string

• The answer is Twine.

Religious devotee with a shaved head, maybe

• The answer is Monk.

Calligrapher's assortment

• The answer is Inks.

DownAttach, as a button

• The answer is Sew On.

Sound of two glasses being "cheers-ed"

• The answer is Clink.

Noises from a pig

• The answer is Oinks.

"Little piggy"

• The answer is Toe.

"Did I overshare?"

• The answer is TMI.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

SAVE $60: As of July 3, Prime members can get the Fire TV Stick 4K and Luna Controller bundle for $59.98 at Amazon — 50% off its usual $119.98 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Luna Controller $59.98 at Amazon
$119.98 Save $60.00 Get Deal

For those hoping to upgrade their streaming setup with the option to dip their toes into gaming, Amazon’s rolling out the red carpet for Prime members with a killer early Prime Day deal: the Fire TV Stick 4K and Luna Controller bundle is down to just $59.98. That’s 50% off its regular price of $119.98.

This two-in-one bundle gives you everything you need to get started with Amazon Luna, the company’s game streaming service, which also comes with Amazon Prime. Letting you dive into a rotating library of titles — like Fortnite, Fallout New Vegas, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, or Resident Evil 2 — there's no need for a console if it isn’t in your budget or you aren’t prioritising the latest and greatest gaming tech. 

Just plug in the Fire TV Stick 4K, launch the Luna app, and start gaming right from the cloud.

SEE ALSO: These Prime Day deals landed early — save on Apple, Ninja, and Samsung gadgets

The included Luna Controller offers low-latency gameplay thanks to Cloud Direct technology, which connects the controller directly to Amazon’s servers via WiFi. If you prefer to go old-school, it also works via Bluetooth, making it a solid option for other devices like PCs, tablets, and smartphones.

Of course, you’re not just getting a gamepad — the Fire TV Stick 4K brings a world of entertainment to your screen, with support for 4K streaming, Dolby Vision, and hands-free Alexa voice control. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn any standard into a smart TV with top-tier streaming chops.

At half off, this is one of the best Prime-member exclusives we’ve seen ahead of the sale. Whether you're in it for the binge-watching or the button-mashing, this bundle delivers serious bang for your buck.

If you’re hoping to upgrade your TV while you’re at it, Amazon has dropped a massive range of solid early Prime Day TV deals. To ditch the chores to you can fully enjoying your gaming, check out the selection of budget-friendly robot vacuum deals ahead of Prime Day.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 1070Wh Portable Power Station — $448.98 (List Price $799.00)

• Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen 1080p Camera With Cover (White, 2-Pack) — $59.98 (List Price $99.99)

• Blink Outdoor 4 XR 2 Camera Kit With Mini 2 Camera — $129.98 (List Price $219.98)

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $269.00 (List Price $348.00)

• Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $297.99 (List Price $599.00)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB Tablet (2023 Release, Black) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99)

• Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2023 Model) — $139.99 (List Price $229.99)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) — $34.99 (List Price $59.99)

• Ring Battery Doorbell Pro With Ring Battery Outdoor Cam Plus — $329.98

• 55" Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series 4K QLED Smart TV (2024 Model) — $699.99 (List Price $819.99)

Remember the "Storm Area 51" event in 2019 that started off as an internet meme, then took on a life of its own?

Well, Netflix has a documentary about it coming out. The footage above teases interviews with Matty Roberts, who created the meme that sparked the IRL event, as well as other attendees and people involved in a joke that quickly spiralled into something more.

Trainwreck: Storm Area 51 is streaming on Netflix from July 29.

LLMs — the data models powering your favorite AI chatbots — don't just have social and racial biases, a new report finds, but inherent biases against democratic institutions.

A recent study, published by researchers at the MIT Sloan School of Management, analyzed how six popular LLMs (including ChatGPT, Gemini, and DeepSeek) portray the state of press freedom — and, indirectly, trust in the media — in responses to user prompts. The results showed that LLMs consistently suggested that countries have less press freedom than official reports, like the non-governmental ranking like the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI), published by Reporters Without Borders. ChatGPT, for example, ranked 97 percent of the 180 countries used in the test negatively.

SEE ALSO: X is about to let AI fact-check your posts

Chatbots have become an essential piece of infrastructure in the information environment — reaching levels of influence on par with that of social media — and they may also carry the weight of influencing how their users understand freedom worldwide. The MIT study found the LLMs distorting and under-counting the press freedom in nations that actually place relatively few restrictions on journalists.

"LLMs have millions of users around the world," Isabella Loaiza, postdoctoral researcher at MIT Sloan and one of the report's authors, told Mashable. "So their misrepresentations of the press, its integrity, and independence can distort the public's perception of civic rights and the freedoms enjoyed by reporters within and across countries."

LLMs may skew perceptions of their home country

In addition to generally skewed rankings of press freedom globally, the study found that LLMs have a natural "in-group bias" that swayed which countries received a more critical evaluation, with all six chat agents ranking countries with historically high ratings of press freedom, or "freer" countries, disproportionately lower than other countries. At the same time, the LLMs displayed natural in-group biases that resulted in more positive assessment of their home, or developer, countries.

Overall, the tests showed systematic, not random, biases in how LLMs assess press freedom. The reasons for this lie, as with all model bias, in their training data. "We refer to what some authors have called the democratic dilemma, whereby in societies with greater press freedom, journalists, and citizens can freely critique government policies and document press freedom violations, generating substantial negative coverage that becomes overrepresented in the training data," the report explains. As more "negative" news is disseminated in "freer" countries, countries with authoritarian or restricted media systems suppress critical reporting, misaligning data and the chatbot's response.

"While we find that the LLMs misrepresent press freedom similarly in two ways — both by underrating press freedom and by being more critical of freer nations — our third finding show that different models are misaligned in different directions," Loaiza explained. "This result is interesting because having these differences in the way that LLMs are misaligned makes it more difficult to spot these biases, and we also haven't seen other research that shows such diverging patterns. Additionally, this finding (the home bias) suggests that a particularly popular or widely used model could influence global narratives about its home country or countries similar to it, by being less critical about the state of its press freedom."

Studies have shown that users who interact with daily news mainly through social media have less confidence in the press, the report explains, but LLMs pose an additional set of problems. They are, on one hand, more similar to traditional print and broadcast news sources with centralized information streams. But AI chatbots are also influenced by algorithmic content mediation, just like social media feeds, creating similar echo chambers in addition to problems unique to chatbots, such as sycophantic behavior.

According to researchers, these biases pose the risk of downplaying press restrictions in more authoritarian countries in responses, while providing wealthier nations and developers with a means to "project soft power" in the global "AI race."

Chatbots could be problematic tools for human rights

Even chatbot enthusiasts have noted the unreliability of the most popular models and the ease with which they can fall into nationalist responses. Early DeepSeek users, for example, found that the chat agent censored prompts about Chinese politics and history, a limitation built into the model at the behest of Chinese state officials, which deter generative AI that violates the country’s "core socialist values" or “incites to subvert state power and overthrow the socialist system.”

The report's authors connect these findings to the increasing use of AI in official evaluations, including its integration within high-level international bodies like the United Nations, calling into question their reliability as tools for global human and civic rights assessments.

"As these systems become key cultural and geopolitical tools, they must ensure accurate representations of democratic institutions, like the press and human and civic rights," the report authors write. "Their alignment with democratic principles becomes not just a technical challenge but a fundamental requirement for preserving democratic societies in the digital age."

"Access to reliable information on the state and health of the institutions that uphold democracy is critical for civic participation," said report co-author Roberto Rigobon.

Whenever you think of gay dating apps, Grindr, Scruff, and Sniffies likely come to mind. These platforms thrive off of thirsty dudes looking to get laid. But a new report (aptly titled "The Naked Truth") from Archer, a relatively new dating app (owned by the Match Group, which also owns Tinder, Hinge, and other apps), suggests a shift in how gay men are using apps, and ultimately, how they're viewing dating itself. It turns out gay men on Archer are actually nearly six times more likely to be looking for a husband than a hookup!

SEE ALSO: From Grindr to Scruff: The best dating apps for gay, bi, and queer men

Launched in June 2023, Archer is what the company describes as a "social-first" alternative to some of those more hookup-focused, location-based apps out there, like Grindr and Sniffies. The app's main push is really about offering gay, bisexual, and queer men a more intentional dating experience, with a solid focus on building community and helping everyone stay safe with its in-app Health Hub.

Since its App Store debut, Archer has managed to get quite a bit of attention as a new player in the gay dating app scene. (Which it totally should — I've attended some great events that Archer has sponsored in NYC, and the team seems genuinely interested in helping people find their forever person!) With over 685,000 downloads by May 2024 (a feat considering the financial news in the dating app world has been generally bleak as of late), Archer is definitely backing up its claims with solid data.

What gay men really want, according to Archer’s survey of 550 of its users

Archer's first annual trends report, "The Naked Truth," shows that users aren't just looking for an afternoon delight. Here's what they found:

• Five and a half times more users are interested in finding a husband than a hookup.

• Users are three times more likely to say they're looking for a "love story" than "random sex."

• Fifty-seven percent of gay singles say that they're open to trying new things sexually, whereas 20 percent say that they've got their kinks and are happy sticking to them.

• Green flags like good communication and emotional intelligence are way more important than a steamy romp.

• Salt Lake City, Tampa, and Denver topped the list for the highest percentage of tops. Cincinnati, Columbus, and Minneapolis were the most bottom-heavy.

"Dating within the gay community is all about choice, fluidity, and the freedom to define what connection means in the moment," Michael Kaye, head of brand at Archer, said in a press release. "'The Naked Truth' shows us that our users value authenticity and intention. They're not just seeking endless matches — they're choosing their own journey on their own terms."

How Archer is meeting users where they are

Since its launch, Archer has been committed to creating a safer space for gay men to connect. Its newest feature, "Looking For Modes," is just one example of how it's doing that.

With "Looking For Modes," users can make their intentions known right away. As soon as daters open the app, they'll be able to choose between "Hookup," "Date," and "Friends Mode." They'll also be able to add temporary status updates, like "Looking for now," "Open to chat," or "Down to meet," in real-time.

With "Looking For Modes," users can make their intentions known right away. Credit: Archer

Archer has also taken a page out of Hinge's playbook with what it's calling "Ice Breakers." These are prompts that you can add to your profile for others to respond to. This way, you don't have to send an awkward "hey" just to be left on read. (Another cool thing about Archer's "Ice Breakers" is that any user who has them on their profile will get a visibility boost on the app.)

Some of the most popular "Ice Breaker" prompts include:

• Describe your favorite sex position using only emojis.

• If you had to lip-sync for your life, which song would you choose?

• Be famous for being messy on reality TV or famous for a one-hit wonder pop song?

• If we had to coordinate Halloween costumes, what duo are we going as?

• What's the most unhinged reason you've ever stopped talking to someone?

And, while Archer was free at launch, it unveiled a premium subscription service, Archer Gold, in May. It costs $29.99 for one month or $59.99 for three months. With Archer Gold, users can go incognito, change their location, access advanced filters, see who's viewed their profile, and receive read receipts.

WWDC has come and gone with plenty of iOS 26 announcements, including Liquid Glass and plenty of other stuff enthusiasts are exploring in the beta release. It turns out that more may be in store for iOS 26 before its official release later this year, including two new features that Apple hasn’t announced yet. 

The news comes via Mark Gurman’s “Power On” newsletter. Bloomberg’s Apple guru told a reader that there were still two features that he expects to be included with iOS 26 that have yet to be announced. The first is the long-awaited live translation feature coming to AirPods and the other is a method to sync public Wi-Fi login information across the device. 

Of the two, the AirPods' upcoming translation feature is by far the more interesting. Based on reports, it’ll work by using an iPhone app. The phone will listen for the other speaker and then route the translation directly through the AirPods. When the user responds, the phone will listen, translate it back into the other language, and then play the translation out loud for the other person. 

Apple’s Translate app can already do this without the AirPods, allowing two people to talk into the iPhone and have the conversation translated for one another with everything played through the phone speaker. With the AirPods support, it’ll be similar to how Google’s Pixel Buds and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 do it, which will put Apple on par with its biggest competitors. 

The other feature is a little less exciting but equally useful, especially for people who travel often. By syncing things like airport, hotel, or gym Wi-Fi login credentials across devices, you can log in with a MacBook, iPhone, or whatever else without needing to hunt down and input the login credentials for each device separately. 

Gurman didn’t mention when the new features would be announced. However, he did note that Apple had a focus on translation at WWDC and the existence of code bits that hint at the Wi-Fi sync feature. Gurman posits that Apple didn’t announce these new features in case they got delayed, like several features were after WWDC 2024, including Apple’s still-upcoming AI-powered Siri. 

TL;DR: Preserve your memories with the Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner, on sale now for $169.97 (reg. $189.99) through July 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner $169.97
$189.99 Save $20.02 Get Deal

You never really know what gems are trapped in your dusty old film negatives. Whether it’s a fun childhood vacation, a smile from a loved one no longer with us, or a snap of a beloved family pet, the Kodak Slide N Scan makes it easy to bring lost memories to life.

This handy device brings your film into the 21st century, helping you make digital copies, and it’s available for just $169.97 through July 15.

Turn dusty negatives into heartwarming digital keepsakes

Let the Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner take you on a lovely walk down memory lane as you scan your old color and black-and-white negatives and see them on the large 5-inch LCD screen. You can also make a night of it by connecting the scanner to your television, PC, or Mac and enjoying a slideshow experience as you scan.

Aside from giving you peace of mind by digitizing these precious memories, the Kodak Slide N Scan also allows you to enhance your film images with color adjustments, rotation, and resolution boosting from 14 to 22 megapixels, so your digital version is even clearer and more detailed than the original.

The Slide N Scan is easy to use, featuring quick-feeding tray technology that makes loading slides and film negatives effortless. It’s compatible with 35mm, 110, 126, and monochrome film and slide types — and there’s no darkroom required.

Clear out some space in your garage or attic and make sure your memories are never forgotten with the Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner, now $169.97 (reg. $189.99) through July 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a Grade A refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (i5 2GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for just $439.97 (reg. $1,799).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (i5 2GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $439.97
$1,799 Save $1,359.03 Get Deal

At nearly 75% off the original price tag, this Grade A refurbished 2020, 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro 13 is a serious steal. Whether you’re upgrading your older laptop, building a dedicated home office setup, or finally getting a travel-friendly machine that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this is your moment. And yes — it’s loaded.

You’re getting a modern MacBook with a 10th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a roomy 512GB SSD for just $439.97. In typical Apple fashion, the 13.3-inch Retina display is gorgeous, the battery life is long enough to carry you through the day, and the Magic Keyboard with Touch Bar and Touch ID makes it feel and perform as sleek as it looks.

It’s also a multitasking powerhouse. The quad-core chip can turbo boost up to 3.8GHz, so whether you’re editing video, running a ton of Chrome tabs (we see you), or just juggling Zoom, Slack, and Spotify, it can keep up.

And with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can charge it, connect displays, transfer data, and more — faster than ever. It’s future-ready without needing a monthly payment plan.

Grade A refurbished means this MacBook is in near-mint condition — think minimal to no cosmetic wear, tested for full functionality, and ready to go right out of the box. Basically, it’s everything you want in a MacBook Pro without the steep price.

Get this grade-A refurb MacBook Pro for just $439.97 (reg. $1,799) through July 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Don’t miss a moment of a meeting, lecture, or conversation with this AI-powered recording tool, the Focais: Meet One, now just $59.97 (reg. $149) through July 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Focais Focais: Meet One – Your AI-Powered Assistant to Capture & Summarize Notes $59.97
$149 Save $89.03 Get Deal

Ever wish you had a personal assistant just to keep track of everything you hear during the day? Then it’s time to meet Focais: Meet One, an AI-powered device ready to record, transcribe, translate, and summarize for you 24/7.

Right now, you can grab the Focais: Meet One for just $59.97 (reg. $149) through July 15.

Meet your new favorite tool for meetings, lectures, and brainstorms

Focais: Meet One is an AI-powered, lightweight device ready to change the way you record the world around you, making it a great option for meetings, lectures, and personal notes. This device automatically starts recording when it detects sound, saving you battery and memory. Plus, it captures crisp, high-def audio, so you won’t miss a word, even if it’s quiet.

You can attach it to any metal surface thanks to its magnetic attachment, making it easy to set up on the go. After recording, it transcribes your content in real time, powered by OpenAI’s Whisper transcription engine. Then, it uses GPT-4 to generate a clear, concise summary of your audio.

The Focais: Meet One packs a powerful battery that can handle up to 20 hours of nonstop recording. And if you need to translate on the fly, no problem — it can transcribe and translate over 120 languages with ease.

Use the integrated mobile app to easily organize, edit, and share your files. You’ll also get lifetime access, which includes all the recording and saving features, and 600 minutes of AI processing a month for life.

Record, transcribe, summarize, and translate with the Focais: Meet One, on sale now for $59.97 (reg. $149) through July 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver lets you enjoy wireless listening without upgrading old devices, and it’s currently on sale for just $39.97 (reg. $59) through July 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Adam Elements Adam Elements EVE ll Bluetooth Transmitter & Receiver $39.97
$59 Save $19.03 Get Deal

Want the freedom of wireless gadgets without having to upgrade to the latest, greatest models? The Adam Elements EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver can turn your favorite old devices wireless, with no Bluetooth required. And right now, you can make this major change for just $39.97 (reg. $59) through July 15.

Stream audio wirelessly on flights, in your car, or at home

Think of the EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver as a Bluetooth translator — it’s equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 technology and uses bidirectional TX (send) and RX (receive) modes, so you can add Bluetooth to older devices that aren’t equipped with it. Just plug it into any 3.5mm jack, such as those on airplane seats, TVs, or car stereos.

Imagine listening to your TV wirelessly or enjoying entertainment on an airplane through your AirPods. It supports both single and dual AUX inputs, making it perfect for in-flight entertainment systems. And you won’t mind bringing it along on the plane, because this device is small and portable.

This convenient device has a 10-meter wireless range and an impressive 20-hour battery life, so it can get you through even a lengthy flight. Want to share the wireless love? You can simultaneously pair two sets of earbuds, allowing you to share music, movies, and more.

Upgrade older devices easily with the EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver, on sale now for just $39.97 (reg. $59) through July 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The heat is on! And if you're looking to enjoy the summer while staying cozy in an air-conditioned home, we've got you covered.

Each week, our New to Streaming guide offers the best (and worst) titles new to streaming platforms like Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and more. Beyond that, we offer watch guides for all of the above streamers, broken down by genres like comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're looking for something that just says "SUMMER" — we're here to help.

Looking across platforms, here are 10 movies that revel in vacation vibes, getaway thrills, and even some steamy romance. All you've got to do is click through and hit play.

Read on for the best summer movies now streaming, plus a wild card that's been heating up on social media.

10. The Sandlot (1993)

Want something family-friendly for a summer movie night in? The Sandlot is a home run.

Set in the summer of 1962, this beloved kids' movie is a look back at a formative summer in which a new kid on the block found his crew in a scrappy team of backyard baseball lovers. In the San Fernando Valley, Scotty Smalls is awkward and far from athletic. But to make friends, he'll do just about anything — even venture into the backyard of local legend The Beast (meaning a big, mean dog that's definitely eaten people before).

Yet this Beast plotline is far from the only summer adventure The Sandlot offers. With a collection of quirky characters like Benny the Jet, Ham Porter, Yeah-Yeah, and Squints, this nostalgic romp is full of fun and funny moments. It's also a charming coming-of-age story that happened to give us a catchphrase that's proved only more useful as we grow up: "You're killing me, Smalls!"

How to watch: The Sandlot is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

9. In the Heights (2021)

Cruelly, summer isn't all about vacations. But even if you're working hard, that doesn't mean love, friendship, and dreamy days of music and summer fun are off the playlist.

Adapted from Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda's other Tony Award–winning musical, In the Heights stars Anthony Ramos as Usnavi de la Vega, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who's living and loving in the Washington Heights. Directed by Wicked helmer Jon M. Chu, the stage show becomes a cinematic tour across the lively New York City neighborhood, where an ensemble of colorful locals break into song and dance with captivating verve.

Whether in a busy bodega, a popping beauty salon, on the bustling streets, or in a crowded public pool, In the Heights is a celebration of community and the immigrants who built it but are being forced out through gentrification. A story that's moving, timely, and crowd-pleasing, In the Heights will have you jumping out of your seat and singing along.

Starring: Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, and Jimmy Smits

How to watch: In the Heights is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

8. Dirty Dancing (1987)

"Iconic" is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days. But this summer romance starring Jennifer Grey and a rugged Patrick Swayze is truly iconic. Written by Eleanor Bergstein and directed by Emile Ardolino, Dirty Dancing was dripping with nostalgia for the 1960s with its torrid tale of a teen girl's first love.

Grey stars as Frances "Baby" Houseman, who is less-than-thrilled on vacation at a boring Catskills resort with her preppy family. Then she meets dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze), who inspires a fire inside her that makes her not just want to dance — but to dirty dance.

A sizzling soundtrack and steamy scenes of seduction to a still sexy score make for a movie that's almost too hot to handle. But heads up, the movie's themes of class conflict and a woman's right to her own body are going to feel less dated, and more horridly timely.

Starring: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, and Cynthia Rhodes

How to watch: Dirty Dancing is now streaming on MovieSphere+.

7. Girls Trip (2017)

There are several great comedies about girls' trips, from Bridesmaids to Rough Night, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. But Malcolm D. Lee's Girls Trip is undoubtedly the best when it comes to capturing the unique fun, thrills, and mayhem of summer good times.

Written by Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver, Girls Trip follows a group of Black friends (Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Queen Latifah) who head to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival. Praying and partying together since college, their lives have pulled them down different paths, both personal and professional. But on this trip, they'll see a whole new side to one another, and discover things about themselves, be it on a zipline or an absinthe trip!

A wild and warm film that powerfully celebrates Black joy, Girls Trip is side-splittingly funny, with sequences that'll have you cackling — and maybe inspire you to plan a girls' trip of your own.

Starring: Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Larenz Tate, Mike Colter, Kate Walsh, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Queen Latifah

How to watch: Girls Trip is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

6. A Perfect Getaway (2009)

This is one of those movies that just deserved better. Written and directed by David Twohy, A Perfect Getaway is the kind of summer thriller that's so twisted and sexy you're going to want to watch it again immediately. And yet when it came out, it fizzled at the box office and got mixed reviews from critics. But hear me out.

Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich star as newlyweds, flush with cash from their "wedding haul" and giddy to explore the natural wonders of Hawaii on a long hike into its tropical hiking trails. There's just one problem. News reports say there are a couple of killers on the loose on the island, and they seem to be targeting honeymooners. Several suspects pop up along the trail, like a hippie couple with a hostile edge (played by Chris Hemsworth and Marley Shelton), or the braggadocio veteran full of tall tales and his hillbilly girlfriend (Timothy Olyphant and Kiele Sanchez). Who's a threat and who's going to make it out alive?

There's only one way to find out. Watch and see.

Starring: Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich, Chris Hemsworth, Marley Shelton, Timothy Olyphant and Kiele Sanchez

How to watch: A Perfect Getaway is now streaming on HBO Max.

5. Dìdi (2024)

Want to feel like a kid again? Are you sure? One of our favorite films of 2024, Dìdi captures what it felt like to be coming of age in the 2000s, capturing the good, the bad, and the AIM messaging.

Set in the summer of 2008, the directorial debut of writer/helmer Sean Wang follows a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy (Izaac Wang) who goes by several names (Chris/Dìdi/Wang Wang), all the better to code-switch for his family, skater friends, school crush, and beyond. As he looks to make the most of his summer, this eager-to-impress hero lays down little white lies, flirts poorly, alienates friends with off-putting anecdotes, and screams at his devoted mom (Joan Chen). And those of us who've lived through such hot, hormonal, and socially awkward days may cringe in recognition every step of the way.

Then, on top of all this, the emotionally intelligent filmmaker also captures the heartache and earnestness a generation first poured into MySpace and AIM Instant Messenger. Watching Dìdi is less like taking a vacation and more like time-traveling, because the director and his young cast so superbly recreate this era and its anxieties. It's not just a good summer movie, or a great coming-of-age movie, it's an excellent movie that's an absolute must-see.

Starring: Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua, Mahaela Park, and Raul Dial

How to watch: Dìdi is now streaming on Prime Video.

4. Independence Day (1996)

'Tis the season to revisit co-writer/director Roland Emmerich's national treasure, Independence Day. This Hollywood blockbuster was not only a hit in its own time, but also stood out as the best of a flood of '90s disaster movies. And it didn't hurt that this one was flooded with famous faces.

Jeff Goldblum (making his first appearance on this list, but not the last!) stars as a scientist who realizes there's something sinister in the arrival of a fleet of UFOs around the world. Naturally, he reaches out to his ex-wife, who is White House communications director (Margaret Colin) to the president (Bill Pullman). After some heart-racing destruction, he and a hot-shot Marine pilot (Will Smith) are pulled into a Hail Mary mission to save all mankind from a ruthless alien invasion.

It's a true ensemble piece that transports audience from the Oval Office to the bustling streets of New York City to humble trailer parks and the mysterious Area 51, along the way introducing a varied array of characters and making the action come to life with a backdrop of ardent humanity. It's a movie about overcoming our differences to fight a greater threat that would rather see us die than coexist. Between Bill Pullman's rousing speech to the explosive finale, Independence Day is a ray of hope, there whenever you need it.

Starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Margaret Colin, Randy Quaid, Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, Harry Connick, Jr., Robert Loggia, James Rebhorn, and Harvey Fierstein

How to watch: Independence Day is now streaming on Hulu.

3. Jurassic Park (1993)

Steven Spielberg would come to define summer movies with a series of epic offerings, two of which made this list. Based on the Michael Crichton novel, Jurassic Park dreamed up an absolutely epic amusement park, where families could come and ride rides, buy overpriced merch, and see actual living, breathing dinosaurs. But despite the "spared no expense" enthusiasm of Jurassic Park founder John Hammond (Richard Attenborough), life — uh — found a way. Basically, yeah, the ancient beasts broke loose of our puny modern containment units and turned would-be tourists into prey.

Among those on the run are a trio of experts that Hammond had hoped would endorse his venture. But grumbly paleontologist Alan Grant (Sam Neill), plucky paleobotanist Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and ruthlessly sexy mathematician Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) soon go from awed by these resurrected dinosaurs to running away from them. ("Must go faster!")

Spielberg not only managed to make a movie that was so wildly entertaining that other filmmakers are still plagiarizing his sequences 30 years later — looking at you Colin Trevorrow! — but also brought together a cast that was as utterly captivating as his jaw-dropping dinosaurs. Neill, Dern, and Goldblum have a hot and chaotic tension that's launched countless crushes and ships. And while you can also stream this movie's many sequels, none will hit quite as hard as the first.

Starring: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, B.D. Wong, Ariana Richards, and Joseph Mazzello

How to watch: Jurassic Park is now streaming on Peacock.

2. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)

You might have missed this comedy gem, as the COVID-19 pandemic led to a serious Hollywood shake-up that pushed Barb and Star to a VOD release rather abruptly in Feb. 2021. But it was the summery friendship cocktail we craved in a dark time, and still do, over and over.

Written by and starring Bridesmaids' scribes Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is a madcap buddy comedy that balances a tale of middle-age besties looking to get their groove back on a joint vacation to a bubbly beach town with an Austin Powers-worthy supervillain who's looking to annihilate the titular destination. Mumolo and Wiig headline as Barb and Star, roomies who are seeking tit-flapping fun in the sun — and maybe romance! And they find both when they meet a handsome hunk (Fifty Shades of Grey's Jamie Dornan), who is secretly doing the bidding of the wicked, villainous Sharon Fisherman (also Wiig).

If that plot sounds bonkers, oh baby, you don't even know. From Josh Greenbaum, the director of the funny friendship doc Will and Harper, Barb and Star offers the kind of deeply dumb humor that's weirdly brilliant. There's physical comedy, celebrity cameos, quotable lines, and a musical number that's as inexplicable as it is awesome.

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo, Jamie Dornan, Damon Wayans Jr., Andy Garcia, and Reba McEntire

How to watch: Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is now streaming on Hulu.

1. Jaws (1975)

The historical blockbuster is a summer tradition for good reason. When it came out 50 years ago, it scared a generation into being afraid of sharks and the ocean. Since then, it's spawned three sequels (also all streaming) and an array of imitators. Some were good (Deep Blue Sea, 47 Meters Down, The Shallows, Dangerous Animals) and some were very, very bad (Under Paris, Sharknado, Shark Night).

The original was helmed by Steven Spielberg, who feared his unreliable robot shark Bruce would be the end of his burgeoning career. Spoiler: It was not. Instead, Jaws launched Spielberg and became one of the most iconic movies of all time. Roy Scheider stars as Sheriff Martin Brody of Amity Island, a place that absolutely depends on tourists' dollars come summer. When a swimmer turns up chewed to bits on their picturesque beach, the money-hungry mayor (Murray Hamilton) demands the beach stay open on the 4th of July. More deaths will follow, pushing the thalassophobic Brody into the sea aboard the Orca, captained by the surly Quint (Robert Shaw) and aided by the smug shark expert Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss).

Sure, on the surface, this is a creature feature, rich with blood, scary attack sequences, and an epic final showdown. But beneath this splashy spectacle, Jaws is also a tale of greed, masculinity, and family. Fifty years later, it's still making a big splash.

Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss

How to watch: Jaws 1-4 are now streaming on Peacock.

Wild Card: Copycat (1995)

A solid box office success in 1995, this serial-killer thriller somehow flew under the radar pop culture-wise until recently. I say this as someone who's been low-key obsessed with Copycat since I first saw it back in 1995, when I was definitely too young to be watching this R-rated movie, which features graphic scenes of sexualized violence against women. But hey, parenting was a lot different before everyone had the internet on their phones.

Anyhow, Copycat has hit Netflix, sparking new interest and audiences. And it's about time. Sure, some things about this '90s thriller feel a bit dated. But the core story is about true crime obsession and being maybe too online. So, it fits pretty well into our modern moment.

Sigourney Weaver stars as a criminal psychologist who has developed agoraphobia after being violently attacked by a stalker. Though he's been imprisoned, she's under threat once again when a new serial killer begins teasing cops by meticulously re-enacting the crimes of notorious serial killers like the Boston Strangler, the Hillside Strangler, and Jeffrey Dahmer. On the case is the unassuming inspector M.J. Monahan (Holly Hunter) and her flirtatious partner Reuben Goetz (Dermot Mulroney), who chase down every lead — including the captured stalker played by a Southern-fried, dirty-talking Harry Connick Jr.

Deranged, sexy, and surprising, Copycat is a juicy watch, whether you've seen it before or not. Weaver is riveting as a devastatingly intelligent woman whose fear of the outside world has chased her to live chiefly online through chat rooms. (Oh, the '90s!) Hunter and Mulroney have a crackling will-they-won't-they chemistry, while Connick (and his secret cohort) offer a chilling portrayal of villainy. It's not strictly a summer movie, but it is hot, sticky, and exciting — kind of like a rollercoaster!

Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter, Dermot Mulroney. William McNamara, Will Patton, John Rothman, J. E. Freeman, and Harry Connick Jr.

How to watch: Copycat is now streaming on Netflix.

In 2025, a pair of headphones or earbuds is pretty much non-optional. That's why there are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and, of course, prices. And these days, you can grab a random pair off the digital shelf without too much research and find that they do the job just fine.

However, if you're tired of settling for "just fine", then it's worth investing in the best headphones available. Through hours and hours of listening, we sorted through dozens of headphones to find the very best models, from the just-released Sony XM6 headphones to old favorites from Bose, Beats, and Apple.

The result? Our top 10 picks for the best headphones — many (if not all) of which we expect to see sale prices on during Prime Day.

How to choose the best headphones

We won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.

SEE ALSO: These Prime Day deals landed early — save on Apple, Ninja, and Samsung gadgets

All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.

Of course, the best time to squeeze some serious value on any pair of headphones is grabbing them on sale. With Amazon Prime Day running from July 8 to 11, it's a good time to be aware of the deals available. In years' past, we've typically seen headphones and earbuds that have been on the market for at least a few months get markdowns anywhere from $50 to $100. Newer models like the Sony WH-1000XM6 are a toss up, but Sony headphones do reliably get discounted on Prime Day, so we're keeping our fingers crossed.

To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2025 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections.

What about wired headphones?

We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us. If we had to pick, we'd recommend the Marshall Mode earbuds as our top wired pick.

Other headphones we've tested

Most recently, we tested the JBL Tour One M3 headphones and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and we may add them to this guide in a future update. We also tested the Marshall Major V headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones, both of which had excellent sound profiles and easy-to-navigate custom equalizers on their companion apps. Ultimately, they didn't make the cut on our final list for a couple of reasons. With the Major V headphones, we love that their claim of 100+ hours of battery life held up under our testing, but we found them to get uncomfortable after a couple of hours. We also would have appreciated ANC at their $149 price point.

For the B&W headphones, we loved their design and premium feel in addition to their truly impressive sound, but we found that their ANC was only so-so. If you're willing to spend $399, you can find a better balance of sound and ANC in the Sony XM5 headphones.

We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.

In the testing pipeline

For our future updates, we're testing out more budget noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones.