Mashable

TL;DR: Get a three-pack of Tangem Stealth Wallets for $55.92 and store crypto offline with a credit-card-sized hardware wallet that works with a simple NFC tap.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tangem TANGEM Stealth Wallet 3-Pack Secure Offline Crypto Hardware Wallet $55.92
$69.90 Save $13.98   Get Deal

Most hardware crypto wallets seem designed by people who assume you’ll happily carry around another gadget.

Tangem goes in the opposite direction. Instead of a bulky device, cable, or keychain-sized accessory, the Tangem Stealth Wallet looks and feels like a standard credit card. It slides into your wallet, sits next to your driver’s license, and stays out of the way until you need it.

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A 3-pack of Tangem Stealth Wallets is available for $55.92 (reg. $69.90). That’s a savings of $13.98, plus a primary wallet and two backup cards for additional peace of mind.

The appeal isn’t just portability. Tangem stores private keys offline using a Samsung EAL6+ certified secure element, helping protect digital assets without requiring batteries, Bluetooth, USB cables, or charging. In other words, there’s nothing to plug in, nothing to pair, and nothing to keep powered.

Using NFC, you simply tap the card against a compatible smartphone to connect with the Tangem app. From there, you can manage crypto holdings, transfer assets, interact with decentralized applications, and access NFT collections.

The wallet supports more than 13,000 tokens across 70+ blockchains, making it flexible enough for most crypto portfolios. The three-card system also provides built-in redundancy, helping users maintain access even if one card is lost or damaged.

For many crypto owners, security and convenience usually feel like a tradeoff. Tangem’s biggest strength is that it doesn’t force you to choose. It delivers offline protection in a form factor you’ll actually want to carry every day.

Get a 3-pack of Tangem Stealth Wallets for just $55.92 (reg. $69.90) while stock is still available.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited Plan is on sale for $54.97 (reg. $619) and lets you compare responses from over 20 AI models in one interface.

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $54.97
$619 Save $564.03   Get Deal

With AI tools, one challenge remains surprisingly common: different models often give different answers to the same prompt. Instead of opening up multiple tabs and paying for multiple subscriptions, ChatPlayground AI brings many of today’s most popular AI models into one place. You can get ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited Plan while it’s on sale for $54.97 (reg. $619).

The platform’s biggest attraction is its side-by-side comparison feature. You can enter a prompt once and instantly see how models like GPT-4o, Claude Sonnet 4, Gemini 1.5 Flash, DeepSeek V3, Llama, Perplexity, and others respond. For those who utilize AI regularly, whether for writing, research, coding, brainstorming, or business tasks, comparing outputs can help identify the strongest answer.

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ChatPlayground AI isn’t limited to text prompts, either. Users can upload images and PDFs for context-aware conversations, generate AI-created images, and save chat histories for future reference. The platform also includes prompt engineering tools designed to help users refine requests and improve response quality.

For startups, prompt engineers, content creators, developers, and teams experimenting with AI, the Unlimited Plan offers unlimited messages, which means users can run as many tests, comparisons, and iterations as they need without worrying about monthly message limits.

One reason platforms like ChatPlayground are gaining attention is that AI capabilities continue to evolve rapidly. Rather than committing to a single model, users gain access to a broad selection of tools through one interface, making it easier to adapt as new models emerge and existing ones improve.

If you regularly rely on AI for work, creative projects, or research, ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited Plan offers a convenient way to compare leading models side by side for $54.97 (reg. $619).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is down to just $12.97 (reg. $199).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $12.97
$199 Save $186.03   Get Deal

At some point, every Windows PC reaches the phase where it starts feeling less like a reliable workstation and more like a mildly stressed appliance. Windows 11 Pro is designed to help modernize that experience — and right now, the upgrade price makes it a no-brainer.

Through today only, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for $12.97 instead of the regular $199 price. That’s a $186 difference for a lifetime operating system license that adds updated productivity tools, improved multitasking, enhanced security features, and a cleaner overall interface.

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The appeal here isn’t just cosmetic. Windows 11 Pro includes professional-grade tools like BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, Windows Sandbox, TPM 2.0 support, and advanced authentication protections designed to improve both security and workflow flexibility.

It also introduces practical productivity upgrades like Snap Layouts, improved desktop organization, voice typing enhancements, better search functionality, and more seamless multi-monitor support. For users balancing work, side projects, gaming, content creation, or remote collaboration, those small workflow improvements can be a huge win.

And yes, Copilot is included, too. Microsoft’s AI assistant integrates directly into Windows to help summarize content, answer questions, generate writing prompts, assist with code suggestions, and streamline tasks across the operating system.

For people already spending large parts of their day on a Windows PC, this feels less like a flashy impulse buy and more like practical long-term maintenance.

Get Windows 11 Pro for just $12.97 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Upgrade your PDF workflow with this lifetime license to AcePDF Converter and Editor for just $29.99 (reg. $99.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker AcePDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $24
$99.99 Save $75.99   Get Deal

PDFs have a bad reputation for a reason — they’re hard to edit and they usually need to be converted into another file format entirely. Let AcePDF Converter and Editor change all that by providing an easy spot to tackle all your PDF needs.

You have three more days to change your relationship with PDFs and lock in a lifetime license to AcePDF Converter and Editor for just $29.99.

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It’s time to make AcePDF Converter and Editor your default program for opening, editing, and reading PDF files. This one-stop shop handles all your file processing flawlessly, and you only have to pay once to enjoy it forever.

Let AcePDF convert your PDF files to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Text, HTML, PNG, and JPG files for easy editing and viewing. It’s also just as easy to convert Word, Excel, PPT, and images to PDFs if needed.

You don’t have to worry about sacrificing quality, as AcePDF’s conversion process retains the original layouts, images, and hyperlinks. It’s also easy to batch-convert, split, compress, or merge files in AcePDF.

This tool has built-in OCR technology that can extract text from image-based PDF documents while preserving the original format and graphics. You can also edit PDFs with OCR support, allowing you to add, edit, and enhance content easily.

You don’t have to tab-hop or switch to another app to fill out or build forms. AcePDF can handle it all, helping you fill in existing PDFs with text, checkboxes, shapes, and customizations, or design interactive forms from scratch.

Snag a lifetime license to AcePDF Converter and Editor for just $29.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Project Hail Mary is the first movie to bring me to the theaters in an embarrassing amount of time. So long I'm not willing to disclose it on the internet. But I am so glad it's the film that brought be back to the theater because it was So. Dang. Good.

How to watch 'Project Hail Mary' at a glance: Watch now Rent or buy 'Project Hail Mary' on Prime Video $19.99 Get Deal Watch now Rent or buy 'Project Hail Mary' on Apple TV $19.99 Get Deal Watch now Rent or buy 'Project Hail Mary' on Fandango at Home $19.99 Get Deal Watch for free MGM+ trial Free for 7 days, then $7.99/month Get Deal Watch at a later date Amazon Prime trial free for 30 days (save $14.99) Get Deal

The book was a masterpiece and I'm happy to report that Drew Goddard's adaptation of Andy Weir's novel (of the same name) does it justice. Sure, it took some liberties with the story, but it makes for a faster-paced, more emotional journey. Plus, I'm not mad about a lot of the science babble getting cut.

It stars a witty, impeccably dressed Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace and an adorable rock spider alien named Rocky (voiced by James Oritz).

Project Hail Mary made its theatrical debut on March 20, 2026 and enjoyed an extended stay in theaters across the country, but now the film is expanding its horizons and giving you other ways to tune in. Here's everything you need to know in order to watch Grace and Rocky at home.

What is Project Hail Mary about?

Middle school science teacher Ryland Grace (Gosling) wakes up from a coma on a spacecraft (the Hail Mary) with no memory of who he is or why he's there. As his memory slowly returns, he realizes he's the sole survivor of a crew on a suicide mission to save Earth from alien microorganisms (astrophage) that are eating the sun's energy. Can his science skills and perseverance help him to save humanity?

Check out the official trailer below:

When will Project Hail Mary be streaming?

Amazon MGM Studios announced in mid-April that it was delaying the streaming release for Project Hail Mary and extending its theatrical run. The film even returned to IMAX theaters for a week to give audiences a chance to see the film in the way it was originally intended.

"We announced yesterday that MGM is extending the exclusive theatrical window for Project Hail Mary, so it won’t be on streaming anytime soon," Co-director Christopher Miller said in a post on X. "This is a movie that needs to be seen on a big screen...make plans to see it in a theater now! Bring friends and loved ones. It’s an experience to share with others."

As the highest-grossing film for Amazon MGM ever and the second highest earner for 2026 as a whole, the studio waited as long as possible before debuting it on streaming. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Project Hail Mary is officially hitting streaming as of June 18.

How to watch Project Hail Mary at home Credit: Amazon MGM Studios Buy or rent it on digital

Project Hail Mary officially made its at-home debut on digital retail sites like Prime Video and Fandango at Home on May 12, 2026. You can buy it forever at any of the retailers below. There was also an option to rent the film for 30 days, but that option has since disappeared. Keep an eye out, however, as it may return.

• Prime Video — buy for $19.99

• Apple TV — buy for $19.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $19.99

• Google Play — buy for $19.99

• YouTube — buy for $19.99

Stream it on MGM+

I previously estimated a mid-June streaming date for Project Hail Mary on either MGM+ or Prime Video and that prediction is pretty spot on. You can finally stream the Amazon MGM film on June 18, but only on MGM+.

Previous Amazon MGM Studios films like Challengers and Blink Twice graced MGM+ first before finally expanding to Prime Video. So, while it seems bizarre that Amazon would choose to debut its biggest movie ever on its smaller, niche streaming service, it's not out of the ordinary. We will likely see Grace and Rocky's adventure hit Prime Video at a later date.

The good news is that MGM+ offers free trials to new subscribers. You can sign up via MGM+ directly or as a Prime Video add-on subscription and get a free week to watch Project Hail Mary. If you choose to keep your subscription rolling, it'll cost you either $7.99 per month or $5.17 per month if you sign up for a full year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Amazon Prime monthly subscription free 30-day trial, then $14.99 per month Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ Free 7-day trial, then $7.99 per month Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ add-on via Prime Video Free 7-day trial, then $7.99 per month Get Deal

Best early Prime Day beauty deals at a glance: Best hair tool deal Drybar Double Shot Oval Blow Dryer Brush $108.50 (save $46.50) Get Deal Best skincare deal Philosophy Hope in a Jar Glow Water Cream Face Moisturizer $44.20 (save $7.80) Get Deal

Prime Day is next week, and since my beauty routine is about as simple as it gets, my favorites are already on sale. I'm definitely not a 10-step skincare person, which means I don't care about waiting around for high-end luxury brands to drop in price.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is next week: Here are 50+ early deals to start shopping now

The hardcore beauty crowd will have to wait for the actual event to get those discounts, but if you just want an affordable blowout brush or a reliable daily moisturizer, Amazon's already marked them down. Here's what's worth grabbing early.

Best hair tool deal Drybar Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush $103.07 at Amazon
$155 Save $51.93   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

Everyone is so obsessed with Dyson's beauty collection, but our lead shopping reporter, Bethany Allard, has confirmed that it's not your only option when it comes to styling your hair at home — especially if you're just looking for something that's simple, efficient, and affordable.

I use the Drybar Blow-Dryer Brush every single day, and it's never let me down. The ionic technology helps smooth out frizz, and the oval-shaped barrel gives you that bouncy salon volume at the roots in one easy step (no multi-styler needed!). It's lightweight, super quick to use, and gets me out the door in minutes.

More hair tool deals

• Conair Double Ceramic 1-inch Curling Iron — $19.79 $21.99 (save $2.20)

• Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus Hair Dryer and Styler — $45.66 $65.99 (save $20.33)

• Drybar The Baby Brush Crush Mini Heated Straightening Brush — $50.15 $59 (save $8.85)

• Mythsight StyleVibe 6-in-1 Air Styler, Hair Dryer & Blow Dryer Brush — $98.63 $135.99 (save $37.36)

• Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer — $118.15 $139 (save $20.85)

• Drybar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron — $139.30 $199 (save $59.70)

• Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer — $139.30 $199 (save $59.70)

• Shark FlexStyle — $259.99 $399 (save $139.01)

Best skincare deal Opens in a new window Credit: Philosophy Philosophy Hope in a Jar Glow Water Cream Face Moisturizer $44.20
$52 Save $7.80   Get Deal Why we like it

Staying hydrated and moisturized is a blessing, but it can be expensive to get that dewy look every day. I love, love, love Philosophy's Hope in a Jar Glow Water Cream Face Moisturizer, but I almost never buy it unless it's on sale — which is why I highly recommend grabbing it right now while it's 15% off.

The lightweight water cream formula is packed with hyaluronic acid and pineapple extract to deliver serious, long-lasting hydration without leaving your face feeling greasy. I apply this every single day right when I get out of the shower, and it gives me such a gorgeous, natural glow that my mom always compliments my skin when she sees me. (Pro tip: I also really love the Philosophy extractor clay face mask, so you might want to add that to your cart while you're at it.)

More skincare deals

• Starface Hydro-Star Pimple Patches + Big Yellow Compact — $13.27 $14.99 (save $1.72)

• Philosophy 3-Piece Purity Mini Set — $17 $20 (save $3)

• Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 toner pads — $18.90 $31 (save $12.10)

• Anua PDRN Collagen Glow Facial Serum Spray — $18.80 $25 (save $6.20)

• Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream — $24.99 $28.99 (save $4)

• Philosophy 4-Piece Icons Minis — $25.50 $30 (save $4.50)

• Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream — $25.65 $27 (save $1.35)

• Philosophy Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Clay Face Mask — $35.70 $42 (save $6.30)

More early Prime Day beauty deals

• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Micellar Wipes — $9.97 $13.69 (save $3.72)

• Nature Republic Honey Melting Lip — $9.99 $12.90 (save $2.91)

• Wonderskin Cream Blush — $20.80 $26 (save $5.20)

• MALIN+GOETZ Sage Styling Cream — $26 $28 (save $2)

Beauty deals you can't find on Amazon

• Bur Bur: Get 20% off shop-wide

• JVN Hair: Get 20% off select products

• KORRES: Get up to 50% off select products

• Naked Sundays: Get up to 60% off select products

• SACHEU: Get up to 30% off site-wide

• Saltair: Get 15% off body oil, body butter, and treatment bundles

• Solawave: All devices are 35% off, with Renew Complex Serums at 30% off, Skin Therapy Serums at 40% off, and LightBoost Serums at 25% to 30% off

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 Thursday, June 18, 2026:

AcrossPop music's ___ Bunny

• The answer is Bad.

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

Unaccompanied

• The answer is Alone.

Date circled in blue on a Google Calendar

• The answer is Today.

Kitchen appliance with burners

• The answer is Stove.

The "S" of GPS: Abbr.

• The answer is Sys

DownTakes a turn at the plate

• The answer is Bats.

Tons and tons

• The answer is A lot.

Extinct flightless pigeons (don't worry, you've heard of this answer!)

• The answer is Dodos.

Dark shade of blue

• The answer is Navy.

Googly ___

• The answer is Eyes.

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 yesterday's Mini Crossword.

The 2026 World Cup group stage is entering the second round of fixtures. Every team has now played, but nothing is decided. It's all very much still to play for in the quest to make the knockout rounds.

Today, June 18, is yet another big day for the tournament with multiple hosts in action. The action starts at 1 p.m. ET. We've broken down the details for you below. Here's what you need to know to tune in live today.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 18

• Group A: Czechia vs. South Africa (Atlanta Stadium) — kickoff at 12 p.m. ET

• Group B: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Los Angeles Stadium) — kickoff at 3 p.m. ET

• Group B: Canada vs. Qatar (BC Place Vancouver) — kickoff at 6 p.m. ET

• Group A: Mexico vs. South Korea (Estadio Guadalajara) — kickoff at 9 p.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup games todayWatch Czechia vs. South Africa

Both of these sides are looking for their first points of the tournament. That makes this clash absolutely vital Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Switzerland drew their first game 1-1 with Qatar. On paper, this matchup with Bosnia and Herzegovina is even tougher. Every side in Group B is tied on a single point after the first round, so everything is up for grabs. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Canada vs. Qatar

Canada and Qatar are tied on one point after the first round of games. Hosts Canada could take a giant leap towards qualification to the knockout rounds with a win at BC Place Vancouver. Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Mexico vs. South Korea

Mexico and South Korea both secured impressive wins in the first round of games. The winner is this clash will likely top the group. That's something to excite fans. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (Spanish Language) Starting at $10.99/month Get Deal More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement

Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:

• YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months

• Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month

• Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.

You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup on these free streaming services. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpresVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier is you have knowledge of catching waves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Options

• Green: Gridiron elements

• Blue: In addition to waves

• Purple: Same first word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Choose

• Green: Areas on a football field

• Blue: A surfer's needs

• Purple: Starting _____

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 #633 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Choose: DRAFT, PICK, SELECT, TAKE

• Areas on a football field: END ZONE, FLAT, POCKET, SIDELINE

• A surfer's needs: BOARD, OCEAN, WAX, WETSUIT

• Starting ____: GRID, LINEUP, PITCHER, XI

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

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

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

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

SAVE $1,500: As of June 18, the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is on sale for $2,148.99 at Amazon. That's a 42% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus $2,148.99 at Amazon
$3,699 Save $1,550.01   Get Deal

Prime Day officially kicks off next week, running from June 23-26. But you don’t need to wait until then if you’re looking for some serious discounts.

There are already plenty of deals live now, including this latest price drop on the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus. This deal doesn’t just include the portable power station unit, it also comes with two 200W solar panels. Altogether, this bundle is normally priced at $3,699, but right now it's down to $2,148.99. That’s a saving of $1,550.01 on list price.

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The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is a high-capacity home backup power station designed to deliver 3,600W output (7,200W in parallel) with a 3,584Wh capacity. It’s also expandable up to 21kWh per unit or 43kWh with multiple units, so it’s capable of powering essential household appliances for long periods. 

It’s built for both safety and durability, using high-temperature resistant ceramic membrane battery cells tested at 302°F, offering protection against thermal runaway and giving you up to 6,000 cycles with a 10-year lifespan, even in extreme conditions. You’re getting your money's worth.

It comes with four charging options: hybrid AC+DC fast charging in just two hours, AC in 2.5 hours, solar in four hours, and gas generator support. It's flexible and reliable.

Get this portable power station deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $36.99: As of June 18, the Echo Show 5 with Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port is on sale for $79.99 at Amazon. That's a 32% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 5 with Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port $79.99 at Amazon
$116.98 Save $36.99   Get Deal

The Echo Show 5 with Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port has dropped in price at Amazon five whole days before Prime Day gets underway, so if you want to treat yourself a little early, this smart home hub is a great choice.

This bundle includes the Echo Show 5 with an adjustable stand and USB-C charging port, and right now it's on sale for $79.99. That's a 32% discount, saving you $36.99.

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If you're not familiar with the Echo Show, it's a compact smart display that uses Alexa to help you manage your day with voice control for things like alarms, timers, weather updates, and calendars. And it does all this from its compact 5.5-inch screen. But despite its small size, it still delivers strong sound making it a great choice for streaming music, podcasts, or shows from Spotify and Prime Video.

You can also use it to control compatible smart home devices such as lights and thermostats, or check in on your home and loved ones using the built-in 2 MP camera. It also doubles as a digital photo frame with a rotating slideshow and can even be used for video calling.

Head to Amazon now to grab this Echo Show 5 bundle deal.

SAVE ALMOST $200: As of June 18, the Breville Barista Express is on sale for $499.95 at Amazon. That's a 28% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville Barista Express $499.95 at Amazon
$692.99 Save $193.04   Get Deal

Prime Day officially gets underway on June 23, but Amazon is treating us to some early deals.

Popular items like TVs and gaming laptops have already started to drop in price, as well as some practical essentials. And if you've been hoping to add a coffee machine to your morning routine, there's a great deal on the Breville Barista Express live right now. As of June 18, it's currently down to $499.95 from $629.99. That's almost $200 off the list price ($193.04, to be exact).

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The Breville Barista Express is ideal if you're a true coffee lover. It has a dose control grinding system that uses a precision conical burr grinder to deliver perfectly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for the perfect espresso.

It also comes with a powerful steam wand that lets you manually steam milk to different textures for milk-based drinks and latte art. You'll also get all the accessories you need with the machine, including dosing, tamping, cleaning, and maintenance tools.

Get this espresso machine deal at Amazon now.

SAVE OVER $300: As of June 18, you can get a free 55-inch QLED TV when you buy a TCL 2026 SQD Mini LED TV at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch QLED TV Free when you buy a TCL 2026 SQD Mini LED TV Get Deal

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to upgrade your TV, Amazon has just dropped a deal on TCL TVs that's seriously tempting.

Select 2026 SQD Mini LED TVs are currently on sale, and buyers can also claim a free 55-inch QLED TV worth $318 with purchase. So not only are you getting a new TV at a reduced price, but you're getting another totally free.

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The promotion applies to several TCL models, including the 98-inch QM8L, 85-inch QM7L, and 85-inch X11L. These 2026 TVs feature 144Hz refresh rates, Google TV smart features, and Bang & Olufsen-tuned audio. These TVs only came out in April, so scoring any sort of deal right now is a treat.

The free TV has a QLED PRO display that uses Quantum Dot technology to create vibrant colors across everything you watch. It's powered by TCL's AIPQ processor and uses AI to optimize color, contrast, and clarity. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats, alongside Motion Rate 240 technology for smoother action scenes and sports. This TV is normally priced at $318, but with this deal, you wouldn't pay anything at all.

Head to Amazon to grab this free TCL TV deal ahead of Prime Day.

Automatic parking is one of those features that sound great in theory, but in practice you often just take over and park the car yourself, be it because the car is too slow or it chooses the wrong parking spot.

According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk ,destination parking on Full Self-Driving is "by far the biggest reason people now intervene with FSD."

But the company is working to fix this, and Autopark should be getting a big upgrade soon.

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

"Upcoming releases of FSD will remember your parking preferences, so that the car goes to the right location at your home, office, school drop off, etc," he wrote on X.

Musk did not share any details about timing and availability.

In a different tweet, he replied to someone asking when Tesla drivers will be able to use Tesla's built in AI chatbot Grok to issue driving commands. "Need to be able to converse w/ Grok like we can with an Uber driver: “Hey Grok, turn right here.” “Drop us off right here, we'll walk due to traffic.” “Drop at entrance first, then park far away," said the tweet.

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

"This functionality will be there in about 3 months or so," wrote Musk.

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

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

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

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

Losing life.

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

DYING

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Right.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 18, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

MORAL

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Japanese cartoons.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 18, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

ANIME

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Computer storage.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

CACHE

Final Hurdle hint

Weasel.

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

STOAT

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

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium is on sale for $99.97 (reg. $299.99).

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

Learning the piano isn’t easy, but it might not be as hard as video lessons and free piano tutoring apps would have you believe. If you’ve had a keyboard gathering dust in the corner for longer than you’d like to admit, Skoove might give you the final push to actually use it. Right now, you can get lifetime access for $99.97 (reg. $299.99).

Skoove uses AI to listen to what you’re playing and deliver real-time feedback, adapting lessons to your pace and skill level rather than pushing you through a fixed curriculum at a predetermined speed. With over 400 lessons available and weekly updates, your lessons are entirely unique to your learning needs. The AI listens as you play, recognizes individual notes, and flags mistakes in the moment rather than after the fact, which makes a huge difference if you’re used to following along with a video or trying to decipher a piano book.

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Skoove’s lessons cover all skill levels, from absolute beginners working through their first scales to returning players picking up where they left off. One-on-one support from Skoove’s music instructors is also included, so if you hit a wall and need even more individualized help, it’s available. For anyone hesitant to start learning, it’s an easy, low-pressure way to begin.

Rather than paying monthly or annually, this is a one-time purchase with no recurring fees, and monthly lesson and song updates are included, so the library keeps growing after your purchase. If you’ve been putting off learning because private lessons are expensive or subscription costs add up over time, $99.97 for lifetime access makes a big difference in that barrier to entry.

Get a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for $99.97 (reg. $299.99)

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 18, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 18, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for June 18 Pips

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for June 18 Pips

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 4-4, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 2-6, placed vertically; 3-3, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for June 18 Pips

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 1-4, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed vertically; 2-1, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 2-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.

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

The Moon is slowly making its way back into view after this month's New Moon. It's still faint, but a slim crescent is starting to take shape and will become easier to spot over the next several evenings.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, June 18, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 23% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

With just your naked eye, tonight you'll be able to see the Mares Fecunditatis and Crisium. And with binoculars or a telescope, you'll also catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on June 29.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth in about 29.5 days, moving through eight recognised phases along the way. While the same side of the Moon always faces our planet, the amount of its surface lit by the Sun changes as it travels around Earth. As a result, we see the Moon appear in different shapes over the course of a month, from slender crescents and half moons to a bright Full Moon. This repeating sequence of phases is known as the lunar cycle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Widow's Bay ends not with a bang, but with a clang. Eight clangs, actually: those of the island's pesky church bell.

The bell rings out in the episode's final moments, in the sudden aftermath of the storm that ravaged Widow's Bay. But what do they mean, and what do they signal for the island's future?

The bells in Widow's Bay are a call for sacrifice.

While the town and its tourists weather out the storm in the shelter below City Hall, Dale (Jeff Hiller) stumbles upon a film reel labeled "For you." In the video, a man urges viewers, "Be strong, honor the pact, and remember, their sacrifice is our survival."

The pact refers to Richard Warren's (Hamish Linklater) deal with the island's threatening entity. He wanted to ensure he and his fellow settlers survived their harsh first winter, and in exchange, the the island demanded (and still demands!) sacrifice. As long as Widow's Bay's residents keep feeding the island, they will keep surviving. Fail to honor the pact, though, and they can expect stormy skies aheads.

SEE ALSO: 'Widow's Bay' review: Your new favorite TV town awaits in this tremendous horror comedy

"The bad times will not end until the covenant is honored, and honored fully," the video continues. "Life for life, the island will make its needs known. One soul for each bell toll."

That's right: The island calls for sacrifice using the church bell. Think of it as the dinner bell from hell, with each ring acting as an order for a tasty treat — sorry, soul — for consumption.

How many souls does Widow's Bay's island want?

The first time we heard the church bell in Widow's Bay, it rang nine times. That means the island hungered for nine souls.

In the season finale, poor custodian Kenny (Michael Malvesti) winds up being the first of those nine souls to be sacrificed. He stumbles into the sacrifice chamber beneath City Hall, kicking out Evan (Kingston Rumi Southwick) and his friends and unwittingly giving up his life in the process. The door slams and locks him in, then the entity — whatever it may be — scarfs him up. That sacrifice is enough to banish the storm battering the island, but it's not a long-term solution.

In Widow's Bay Season 1's last scene, the bell rings out again, eight times. That's the island's way of saying, "Yummy appetizer, but chop-chop on those next eight courses!"

It's a foreboding way to cap off an already devastating episode. On top of revealing Widow's Bay's history of ritualistic sacrifice, the finale also reveals that Ruth (K Callan) isn't the last living descendant of Richard Warren. Evan is her grandson, meaning that in order to break the island's curse, both he and Ruth would have to die. It's the ultimate trolley problem: two lives weighed against those of the entire island. But there's no way Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) will make the choice to kill these two. The trolley is staying on its tracks.

However, the island's need for sacrifice presents a second trolley problem: eight lives or the misery of the entire island. Will Tom pull the proverbial lever and find eight islanders to sacrifice? Or will the residents commit to riding out the curse together? These are questions for Season 2, which I hunger for more than the island hungers for souls.

Widow's Bay Season 1 is now streaming on Apple TV.

We're still three months or more away from the unveiling of the iPhone 18, and outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook likely won't be the one to introduce it (given that John Ternus takes over in September).

But Cook has taken an extraordinary step — and arguably, taken one for Ternus — by warning consumers that this iPhone will be more expensive than its predecessors, thanks to an ongoing memory chip price crunch that won't end anytime soon.

SEE ALSO: Samsung warns memory shortage will be worse next year

"We're doing our best to mitigate the huge increases that are being passed to us, and we've been trying to shield our customers," Cook told the Wall Street Journal in a phone interview.

"But the situation has become unsustainable ... the main point is, unfortunately, price increases are unavoidable."

Cook, who added that Apple had already been absorbing the cost of higher component prices in 2026, didn't specify which products would be more expensive, or by how much.

But with all eyes on the iPhone 18 launch this fall, it's likely Cook is preparing the ground for Apple's flagship product to pass on some of the extra component costs to customers — with increases as high as $200 above iPhone 17 prices.

SEE ALSO: The latest iPhone 18 news, leaks, and rumors

Apple is still one of the largest customers in the world for memory storage, but AI companies have muscled into the game. A company called Techinsights, cited by the Journal, notes that the memory and storage components inside the iPhone 18 Pro are likely to cost Apple an extra $150 for parts alone, compared to the iPhone 17.

A recent report claimed that the iPhone Pro 18 would keep its $1,099 price from the iPhone 17 Pro and that Apple would continue to absorb the difference.

Cook, always savvy about Apple's image in the media, appears to want to squash that rumor as soon as possible.