Mashable

Christian Brantley is better known online as CircleToonsHD. With a distinctive animation style that focuses on strategically simple character designs, he's created a workflow that allows him not only to create cartoons regularly but also to comment on emerging news and trends in gaming, tech, and other areas of pop culture.

With an irreverent sensibility and energetic attitude, the graphic designer turned indie animator earned over a million views on videos like "How AI Killed the Internet" and "How One Item Fractured Elden Ring's Fanbase." Posting videos regularly, he's earned over 500,000 followers on TikTok and 4 million subscribers on YouTube. Plus, he's launched his own video game, a virtual card game called Fool's Blade.

But how did Circle grow from a side project to an indie animation success story? While Brantley was at VidCon 2026, he sat down with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko to dig into the secrets of success, including how he discovered his "superpower" and when he knew it was time to bet on himself.

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Adobe Stock What is it you love about content creation?

CircleToonsHD: I think what really brings me to content creation is when it finally becomes like a physical manifestation — where you can see the fans, like VidCon. Because it's really easy to fall into the numbers, likes, and subscriptions. And that's kind of nebulous. But when you can finally make actual tangible impacts, either with my game [Fool's Blade] or my content? People go, "You inspired my work," or "I'm going to college because of the stuff that you put out," you know?

I had someone in my meet-and-greet say that they are going to college for animation, partially because of stuff they watch from me. That's the same feeling I [had] watching animators back in the day, in early YouTube, that inspired me to make my stuff. So, if you can kind of make those impacts and those connections, that's like everything for me.

It makes it tangible, you know? We had a huge meet-and-greet yesterday. We met so many amazing people, and they showed me on their iPads the art they're making. They showed me their channels and stuff, telling me, "I have 300 subscribers — it's so small." And I'm like, "Have you ever seen a room with 300 people? Like, that's huge. That's super cool."

What were some of the animators that inspired you?

Ooh, the early Newgrounds days, early YouTube days, the Egoraptors of the world — he's still around making some amazing stuff with Glitch Productions. Really, those precursor early YouTube days were, like, so pivotal and formative for everything that I make.

Was there a moment when you were like, "I've made it!"?

There's kind of like two modes of "made it."

I had a few videos kind of explode in, like, 2016 or 2017, and they were getting millions of views. And I was like, "Oh my gosh." That was the first time I made it. But I didn't have enough subs or consistency to make it my full-time job. The money wasn't coming in. So it was really mind-blowing that millions of people were watching the content. But I was like, "This can't kind of be a full-time job. It could just like a quick flash in the pan thing." Because it's really easy to have, like, one thing explode and then never again.

So I was really excited about that. I worked a full-time job, where I was a graphic designer and large-format pressman. I was doing YouTube at the same time for about three years. Then one day, the money just ticked slightly above. And I was like, "I'm gonna bet on myself, I'm gonna do this." And I left to do YouTube full time, and it's the best bet I ever made.

I made that bet on myself. It was nerve-racking at first, but when it came through, and now I could pour those kinds of hours into it full time, it really started flowing in. So I hunkered down and built out the style. I built out the production so I could make animations every week, because that wasn't common in the YouTube space, and it still isn't.

I honed in on a different style that was efficient and fun, and that allowed me to get in front of jokes and current pop culture. So I really had this leg up when something crazy happened in the gaming space, or the movie space, or the internet space. I could have something out in three minutes, and all my other animator buddies are like, "Oh my gosh, like, that's a superpower." And so that really is when I knew that could do it full time and bet on it. I had that timing.

What is it you love about working on the internet?

Oh man, the connections you can make over long distances. I have a lot of buddies that — tangible, in-person [relationships] now — but that initially would come from just shooting over a message on Twitter, on Instagram, on Discord, being like, "Hey, I love your stuff, like, do you want to like make something?" And that just can't happen anywhere else.

A lot of times, when I was growing initially, I would be super nervous reaching out to these bigger creators. And now it's the other way around, and so I have, like, a window into how it felt to help out, I guess.

So a buddy of mine that came here, YouTube's GarrettTheCarrot, I've been around him to see him grow from like 70,000 to now something like 6 million subs. He was talking about he was so nervous to reach out to me and I was like, "Dude, your work is awesome; I don't care if you have one follower if you're creative." Meeting other creatives is infectious, and it makes your creative work better, and it makes it easy to work online.

When was the moment where you knew you wanted to be an animator?

I've always had an interest in art. I paint. I do graphic design. I was always sketching in a book. But I think when I realized that indie animation and people putting themselves out there was getting just as successful and fun, and later on lucrative as TV and movie, and it was real, you know? I was like, "I want to give it a whirl," because it became a real thing.

How long did it take before you saw significant growth in followers, and what do you think instigated that?

I tell people that I made over 2000 things before I made a penny. A lot of people post a 10th video, and [if it doesn't go viral are] like, "It's not for me." And I'm like, "You're not even in the flames! You've got to get in there."

My YouTube channel was created in 2012, and there's some fun animations there. But about 2016 or 2017 [I developed the style I use now], so [there were about] five, six years until it started doing something recognizable under the brand. But I was constantly posting stuff on YouTube, and Instagram, and Twitter, and grinding it out.

So I always tell people that don't blow up in their first six months, "You're not even 10% into it yet. You gotta bet on yourself over and over again." And it's important that you enjoy what you're doing. If you're doing it for the only explicit purpose of blowing up or making it big, you're not doing it for the right reasons.

Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.

The interview above was edited for length and clarity.

Several single women recently told Mashable the truth about dating in 2026: it's bleak. But that doesn't mean there's no hope. While singles are increasingly frustrated with dating apps, one coach said the apps aren't keeping people single; it's how they're using them. If you're swiping into the void and avoiding talking to people, yes, it may be hard to find a date! But it is absolutely possible to find your person online. In fact, Mashable recently interviewed several married couples who met on dating apps.

According to 2023 findings from the Pew Research Center, one in ten partnered adults (married, living with a partner, or in a committed relationship) met their partner on a dating app or site. If you're a younger adult and/or LGBTQ, you're more likely to have met your significant other online: one in five adults under 30 and nearly one in four for LGBTQ adults.

SEE ALSO: My favorite dating app just got even cooler with a new feed redesign

The same study found that almost half (44 percent) of dating app users said a major reason for using them was to meet a long-term partner. So, if that's you, you're certainly not alone, despite what you might see people lament on TikTok. 

But with so many apps, from Bumble to eharmony, it can be challenging to determine which ones to invest in. And the discourse on dating app culture can be unrelenting. In 2025, singles told Mashable they'd rather meet a potential partner in person, but they're begrudgingly on the apps. Some, like Tinder, have seen their revenue decrease in recent years, while Hinge is growing. Even then, though, daters bemoan even the most popular of apps. A Kinsey scientist recently told Mashable where daters are going wrong: use dating apps as a tool, not to let them run the show — and stop self-optimizing, already.

Despite the frustration over The Apps™, it's undeniable that if you want to date from the comfort and safety of your home, they're the way to do it. If you're, say, introverted or have difficulty approaching someone in person, an app can still be useful.

What is the #1 best dating app?

Considering the variation in experiences on all the dating apps, it's difficult to quantify which ones are the "best." Some people find their spouses on Tinder, while others are disappointed that their matches are only looking for hookups. 

That being said, if you're looking for something serious, your best bet is likely an app with a large user base, options for you to indicate what you're looking for in your bio, and filters to weed out who you really want to partner with. There are also apps whose branding is geared towards finding one's ultimate match — like eharmony and Match, both decades-old sites with reputations for helping users find their spouse. Hinge, Bumble, and Coffee Meets Bagel also have a reputation for more "serious" connections.

Depending on the type of relationship you're seeking, you may also benefit from a more niche app. Take one app on our list, SilverSingles, for people over 50. Sure, there are older adults on apps like Tinder and Bumble as well, but you may have more luck finding someone age-appropriate if you're in a space meant just for you.

Which dating site is best for serious relationships?

Mashable has researched to pick out a few from the plethora of dating sites (and apps) out there. These options are available for both Android and Apple users, so the type of phone you have won't determine your options. In terms of monetary investment, you can use some of these for free (like Tinder and Bumble), while others are more pay-to-play. We've also included some "niche" options, like the aforementioned SilverSingles and Elite Singles, so you have more than the standard buffet of dating apps.

Here are the best dating apps for serious relationships:

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Tour de France for free on SBS on Demand. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We know there's a lot of sport taking place right now and your schedule is probably stacked with live action from the World Cup and Wimbledon, but can we suggest making a little time for the Tour de France? It is the world's most prestigious cycling race, after all.

This edition of the Tour de France is shaping up to be pretty special. Tadej Pogacar will be tough to beat. He's seeking a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title, but he's going to face stiff competition from his rival Jonas Vingegaard and new star Paul Seixas. It's going to be a fascinating ride over the next few weeks, and it's already started with a number of days of intense racing.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 Tour de France for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the Tour de France?

The Tour de France is an annual men's multi-stage bicycle race held in France (and often passing through nearby countries). This famous race forms part of the Grand Tours (alongside the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España).

The defending champion is Tadej Pogacar.

When is the 2026 Tour de France?

The 2026 Tour de France is the 113th edition of the event. This year's event takes place from July 4-26.

How to watch the 2026 Tour de France for free

The 2026 Tour de France is available to live stream for free on SBS on Demand.

SBS on Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the 2026 Tour de France from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 Tour de France for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Connect to SBS on Demand

5. Stream the 2026 Tour de France from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 Tour de France without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to follow the 2026 Tour de France before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free live streams from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Tour de France?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams from around the world, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 Tour de France for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Every Grand Slam could make a claim for being the biggest tennis event on the schedule, but Wimbledon has something special.

Maybe it's the fast-paced tennis on lush green surfaces? Maybe it's the crisp white outfits? Or maybe it's the copious amounts of champagne and strawberries consumed by fans? Whatever the reason, Wimbledon is hard to beat. And now that we're into the latter stages of the tournament, the action really is heating up.

If you're interested in watching Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is Wimbledon?

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It is the third of four Grand Slam tennis events each year.

The defending singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek.

When is Wimbledon in 2026?

The 2026 Wimbledon Championships is the 139th edition of the tournament. This year's event takes place from June 29 to July 12.

How to watch Wimbledon 2026 for free

Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to live stream Wimbledon 2026 before recovering your investment. It's a sneaky trick, but it works.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for Wimbledon, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of Wimbledon.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

Summer slumber isn't a thing at Mountain View: Google's new Pixel smartphones will be unveiled on August 12.

The company recently sent out invites for the event, which will be held in New York City, at 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 12. The invite shows a detail of (presumably) the upcoming phone (in a dazzling gold/copper color) and its camera.

"Come celebrate with us in NYC on August 12. It's the night the next generation of Pixel arrives," the invite says.

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The company is expected to launch a massive addition to its phone lineup, with rumors pointing to four new devices: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

At the event, Google is also expected to launch a new wearable, the Pixel Watch 5.

SEE ALSO: Google launches Nano Banana 2 Lite and Gemini Omni Flash. How to try them now

The event timing is notable as it's about a month ahead of Apple's September event, where the company is likely to unveil new iPhones, including its first-ever foldable phone, the iPhone Ultra.

To make this summer even more interesting, Samsung is also about to launch new foldable phones, including a super-wide version of the Galaxy Z Fold, at an Unpacked event on July 22.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you watch baseball.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Baserunner

• Green: Trench work

• Blue: Florida postseason games

• Purple: Rangers in baseball

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Baserunning Outcomes

• Green: Can Precede "Block" In Football

• Blue: CFB Bowl Games in Florida

• Purple: Members of the Texas Rangers

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 #653 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Baserunning Outcomes: PICKLE, PICKOFF, STEAL, TAG

• Can Precede "Block" In Football: CHOP, CRACKBACK, PANCAKE, PASS

• CFB Bowl Games in Florida: CITRUS, GASPARILLA, ORANGE, POP-TARTS

• Members of the Texas Rangers: BURGER, DEGROM, GORE, ROCKER

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.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 8, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 8, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 8 Pips

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 8 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

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

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

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

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 3-3, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 8 Pips

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

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 2-1, placed vertically.

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

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally.

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

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 2-4, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally.

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: Unblock Pornhub from West Virginia with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

More than a third of U.S. states have introduced age verification laws for online adult content, including West Virginia. Pornhub has responded to these new laws by restricting access to potential users from those locations. It's a complicated situation with a quick and easy workaround.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from West Virginia, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in West Virginia

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free in West Virginia with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

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

Greenery.

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

PLANT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Bright.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 8, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

LIGHT

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Small change.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 8 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 8, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

TWEAK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Grim.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

BLEAK

Final Hurdle hint

Just a bit.

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

OUNCE

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

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

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for July 8, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Shreds

• Green: Idea

• Blue: Rock on!

• Purple: Dwelling

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

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Cut into thin pieces

• Green: Motif

• Blue: Guitar-playing techniques

• Purple: House ___

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 #1123 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Cut into thin pieces: GRATE, PLANE, SHAVE, SLIVER

• Motif: DRIFT, PLOT, THEME, THREAD

• Guitar-playing techniques: PICK, PLUCK, STRUM, TAP

• House ___: CARDS, LORDS, WAX, WORSHIP

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 8, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a troublemaker.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 8, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Here comes trouble

The words are related to being mischievous.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe troublemaking.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Little Devil.

NYT Strands word list for July 8

• Whippersnapper

• Hellion

• Little Devil

• Rapscallion

• Scamp

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you believe in evil.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 8, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for July 8, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Devil.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

DEMON

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

One of the worst-kept secrets in tech isn't a secret anymore.

After months of rumors and leaks, Samsung on Tuesday finally confirmed what we already knew: There will be a Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22 in London, starting at 9am ET. You'll be able to watch the event live on Samsung's website or its YouTube channel.

In the brief announcement sent to media outlets, Samsung said it will "introduce its latest Galaxy innovations that build on its leadership in foldables."

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked preview: Everything we expect from the July event

That's right in line with what we expect to see at this Galaxy Unpacked event. Reporting suggests Samsung will launch three foldables instead of just two this year: A Z Flip 8, a Z Fold 8, and a Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The Z Fold 8 will be a new model with a shorter, wider form factor, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra will be a successor to the excellent Z Fold 7.

We're also expecting to see at least two new Galaxy Watch models, as well as Samsung's first foray into smart glasses, which may be called Galaxy Glasses.

And if there are any surprises beyond those announcements? We'll know in a couple of weeks.

On tenterhooks waiting for Insta360's new 360-degree camera to come out? You won't have to wait much longer.

Insta360's latest filing with FCC reveals the company's X6 360-degree camera, model code CINSABXA, received FCC certification on July 3.

What does this mean? It means that nothing stands in the way of the X6's launch, likely early in the fall.

Insta360 has not yet confirmed a launch date, but the usual timeframe for product launches following FCC certification suggests the X6 will be announced in August or September.

SEE ALSO: DJI and Insta360 go to war in the U.S. over action gimbal cameras

Detailed specs are not confirmed in the filing, but other reports suggest the Insta360 X6 adds intriguing new features to the popular 360 degree camera. The X6 will reportedly be able to shoot video in 8K at 60fps, which is an upgrade from the maximum 30fps in 8K from its predecessor, the X5.

The X6 is also reportedly able to shoot in 10-bit color, with larger sensors meaning better recordings in low-light conditions.

Pricing has also not been confirmed, but reports suggest that the X6 will launch somewhere between $549 and $599.

Insta360 is quickly becoming a powerhouse in the camera market. The company most recently released the Insta360 Luna Ultra, a gimbal camera that rivals DJI's Osmo Pocket line.

Still, Insta360 is still best known for its flagship line of 360 degree cameras — most frequently launched in April. The Insta360 X5 was launched in April 2025, and the X4 came out in the April before that.

But April 2026 came and went without the release of its next generation 360 degree camera, leaving eager customers concerned.

So thanks to the the FCC filing, Insta360 fans can look forward to the release of the company's newest 360 degree camera in a matter of weeks.

TL;DR: Learn all 14 Babbel languages for life for just $159 with code LEARN and build real conversation skills through expert-created lessons.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $159
$299 Save $140   Get Deal

AI can translate a sentence in seconds, but actually holding a conversation with another person is a different skill. That’s where Babbel takes a different approach. Instead of relying primarily on AI-generated lessons, Babbel’s courses are created by 100+ linguists and language educators who focus on helping people communicate naturally in real-life situations.

For a limited time, you can get lifetime access to all 14 Babbel languages for a one-time $159 (reg. $299) when you use the StackSocial code LEARN.

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Rather than asking you to memorize endless vocabulary lists, Babbel builds lessons around conversations you’ll actually have — ordering food, asking for directions, introducing yourself, navigating travel, or chatting with coworkers. The goal isn’t simply knowing another language; it’s feeling comfortable using it.

Lessons take about 10 to 15 minutes, making it easy to fit practice into a lunch break or commute. Your progress syncs across desktop, tablet, and phone, and you can even download lessons for offline learning when you’re traveling.

Babbel also incorporates speech recognition to help refine pronunciation and offers personalized review sessions that reinforce what you’ve already learned. There’s even an AI conversation partner for additional speaking practice, but it’s designed to complement — not replace — the expert-developed curriculum at the heart of the platform.

Lifetime access includes 14 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Polish, Danish, Norwegian, Turkish, Indonesian, Russian, and English.

If you’re looking for a language-learning platform built around authentic conversations instead of automated content, this offers a refreshingly human approach.

Get lifetime access to Babbel Language Learning for a one-time $159 (reg. $299) with the StackSocial code LEARN through July 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Pride Month might be over, but there's still reason to celebrate. It's summer, after all, a time for patio hangs and barbeques and all-night dancing. And if you want a fellow sapphic by your side, why not try a dating app?

As a lesbian, you probably know all about them. Lesbian Americans (along with bisexual and gay Americans) are far more likely to have ever used dating apps than straight Americans: 51 percent to 28 percent, according to the Pew Research Center.

There are a few reasons why LGBTQ people might turn to online dating more quickly than straight folks. For one, you might live in an area without a thriving LGBTQ community, and in-person dating may be hard. If you don't know other lesbians to begin with, how can you meet more IRL to date? (Sometimes, lesbian spaces can also be co-opted by The Straights.) Unfortunately, in-person dating may also be less safe, depending on where you live. 

Thankfully, we live in a time where we can find people like us with a few swipes. Lesbians are welcome on major dating apps, and there are also niche ones specifically for lesbians and other queer women and people. But which one to choose?

How to find the best dating apps for lesbians Niche lesbian dating apps aren't your only option for finding love. Credit: Stacey Zhu / Mashable

In Mashable's recommendations below, you'll find both general dating apps and apps specifically for queer people. As the former appeals to the general population, you'll find more users in these spaces. The caveat, however, is that when you swipe on other women, you might find those coupled with men who are looking for another woman to have a threesome with (aka unicorn hunters). No judgment here, but that's probably not what you're looking for. Then again, people of all types are on dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. You never know who you may come across.

Then there are apps specifically for the community, like HER and Lex. If you yearn for a smaller dating scene, head for these apps. While there's no "Grindr for lesbians" — we go into why in the FAQ section — these apps are more so like stepping into your neighborhood lesbian bar than an app like Bumble. 

You can also try multiple dating apps, as each one below has a free version. You can filter by the gender you identify with and are looking for, and sometimes, as with OkCupid, there are many options to choose from.

Diving into the dating pool isn't easy, but the water's fine. Check out our guide below for the full rundown of our recommendations and dating app reviews.

TL;DR: Live stream Switzerland vs. Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching the quarter-final stage. Switzerland and Colombia are set to battle it out for a place in that round. Colombia are probably favorites to advance, but they'll need the likes of Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez to be at their best to overcome a stubborn Switzerland side.

If you want to watch Switzerland vs. Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Switzerland vs. Colombia?

Switzerland vs. Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on July 7. This fixture takes place at BC Place Vancouver.

How to watch Switzerland vs. Colombia for free

Switzerland vs. Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Switzerland vs. Colombia for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Switzerland vs. Colombia for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Switzerland vs. Colombia (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Switzerland vs. Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland are about to play a World Cup quarterfinal. Naturally, the internet has decided this is also an HBO sports drama.

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On Saturday, July 11, England will face Norway at Miami Stadium for a spot in the World Cup semifinals, setting up one of the tournament’s most internet-friendly player matchups: Bellingham, England’s midfield star, against Haaland, Norway’s goal-scoring machine and his former Borussia Dortmund teammate. FIFA's match center lists Norway vs. England as a quarterfinal in Miami, while England confirmed the matchup after its 3-2 Round of 16 win over Mexico.

SEE ALSO: Mexico vs. South Korea: The World Cup's friendliest rivalry

The football stakes are obvious. England got here after Bellingham scored twice in quick succession against Mexico, with Harry Kane adding a second-half penalty. Norway arrived after stunning Brazil 2-1, with Haaland scoring both goals to send his country into the final eight.

But online, the matchup has become about more than tactics, form, or who survives the Miami heat in July. Some fans have latched onto the long-running friendship between Bellingham and Haaland, resurfacing old clips, affectionate moments, and edits of the two from their Dortmund days.

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Some have even started comparing the setup to Heated Rivalry, the late-2025 breakout sports romance series about two rival hockey players whose on-ice competition hides a heated bond (for lack of a better word).

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Before Bellingham became one of Real Madrid's defining players and Haaland became Manchester City's long-term superstar, they were two of the most exciting young players at Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 as a teenager and quickly became the club's youngest goalscorer in a competitive match. Haaland had arrived earlier that same year and was already one of Europe's most-feared young forwards.

On the pitch, the pairing had tons of chemistry. Bellingham brought the energy, timing, and midfield drive. Haaland brought the terrifying inevitability of a striker who always seemed one run away from scoring. Off the pitch, they seemed to grow a genuine friendship.

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And the friendship did survive their inevitable transfers. Haaland left Dortmund for Manchester City in 2022, while Bellingham joined Real Madrid in 2023. Haaland has since signed a long-term contract keeping him at City until 2034, while Bellingham's move to Madrid made him one of the most high-profile English players ever to join the club.

Even after they separated, Bellingham made it clear that Haaland was still checking in. During the 2022 World Cup, Bellingham said Haaland messaged him before and after England's opening game, sending "good luck" and then "well done." He described Haaland as encouraging and said the two still sent each other "silly stuff" when something reminded them of an old joke. Oh, to be on the receiving end of one of Halaand's snaps...

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It also helps that both players have become perfect internet characters in different ways. "Hey Jude" Bellingham has the polished superstar aura and the ability to turn a high-pressure match into his own stage. Haaland has spent this World Cup becoming something like Norway's final boss and social media content creator, with Norway's run producing some of the tournament's most joyful moments, both online and offline.

Sports fans already love a former-teammates-turned-rivals storyline. The internet loves lore. Fortunately for fans, Saturday's matchup has both.

Where to buy the new 2026 Roombas iRobot Roomba Electro Plus 5-in-1 Hard Floor Cleaner $399.99 (available now) Shop Now iRobot Roomba Max 775 Combo + AutoWash Dock $999.99 (available now) Shop Now iRobot Roomba Plus 575 Combo + AutoWash Dock $799.99 (ships in 2-3 weeks) Pre-Order Here Roomba Max 715 Vacuum + AutoEmpty Dock $699.99 (ships in 1-2 weeks) Pre-Order Here iRobot Roomba Plus 515 Combo + AutoWash Dock $699.99 (available now) Shop Now Roomba Plus 415 Combo + AutoWash Dock $599.99 (available now) Shop Now

When iRobot filed for bankruptcy in December of last year, no one knew for sure if we'd ever see the launch of a new Roomba again. iRobot confirmed plans for a comeback with a big announcement on July 7: New Roombas have been released for the first time since iRobot handed ownership to its manufacturer, Picea.

Of the five new Roomba robot vacuums and the new cordless upright wet dry Roomba vacuum, most are available for purchase now. Others will be ready to ship over the next few weeks. Here's a quick rundown of the 2026 lineup:

• Roomba Electro Plus 5-in-1 Disinfecting Hard Floor Cleaner — $399.99 (available now)

• Roomba Max 775 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $999.99 (available now)

• Roomba Plus 575 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $799.99 (available to preorder now)

• Roomba Max 715 Vacuum + AutoEmpty Dock — $699.99 (available to preorder now)

• Roomba Plus 515 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $699.99 (available now)

• Roomba Plus 415 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $599.99 (available now)

It pains me to say that the pink Mini Roomba still hasn't made its way to the U.S. But let's go over the other big developments.

The Roomba Electro Plus is probably the most fun addition to the family. This actually isn't iRobot's first foray into non-robotic vacuums — the retired iRobot H1 handheld vacuum is buried deep in niche iRobot lore. The Roomba Electro Plus has too many cool features to be forgotten that easily. If it can resonate with consumers better than Dyson's latest attempt to branch into the robot vacuum space, it's already a W in my book.

The Electro Plus mops and vacuums at the same time. Credit: iRobot The Electro Plus uses electrolyzed water to sanitize without cleaning solutions. Credit: iRobot

The brand's first upright cordless wet dry vacuum electrolyzes regular tap water to kill 99.99 percent of surface germs and bacteria without the use of chemicals. The roller mop can clean up wet and dry messes in the same pass, then washes itself while it charges on the ThermaClean Dock. Priced at just $399.99, the Roomba Electro Plus feels pretty affordable compared to similar wet dry vacuums from Roborock, Mova, Tineco, and Dreame.

But as someone who tests new robot vacuums every single month, I had another question brewing: Will any of these Roombas be good enough to make my list of the best robot vacuums of 2026?

A few main points stuck out during my initial skim of the press release. Good news first: These Roomba prices aren't as delusional as they've been in the past.

Pre-bankruptcy, most Roombas were simply too expensive for the basic stuff that they could do — competing brands were offering the same baseline cleaning and maintenance features for much less money. iRobot and new owner Picea have gotten a little more practical.

The Roomba Max 775 Combo. Credit: iRobot The Roomba Plus 415 Combo. Credit: iRobot

The Roomba Max 775 and its heated spot mopping really stood out to me. At $999.99, the Roomba Max 775 might be the most affordable roller mop robot vacuum that actively uses hot water while scrubbing. That was one of my favorite things about the Narwal 2 Flow, which costs $1,499.99.

In terms of suction power, these new Roombas are a much better bang for your buck than past Roombas. iRobot typically doesn't outwardly list suction power measurements in Pascals (Pa) for easy comparison to other robovacs. I was able to confirm the numbers with iRobot via email: The Roomba Plus 415 has 20,000 Pa, the Roomba Plus 515 has 25,000 Pa, the Roomba Plus 515 has 22,000 Pa, and the Roomba Max 775 and Max 715 come in hot at 30,000 Pa. For reference, the most powerful robot vacuums on the market right now have 35,000 to 36,000 Pa suction power, so 30,000 Pa is still pretty ferocious.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums of 2026 so far: I've tested 10+ new models since January, but these 4 stood out

With stats like that, the two most premium Roombas could easily earn a spot as one of the best robot vacuum and mop combos this year.

The big red flag is that only two of the new Roombas have PrecisionVision AI (iRobot's version of small obstacle avoidance technology), and of course, they're the two most expensive models. Both Roborock and Dreame have more than one robot vacuum in the $500 to $800 price range that can avoid obstacles like cords, socks, and pet waste. If iRobot really wants to change consumer minds about its value as a brand, it can't be reserving such a core feature for only its premium models.

Kai Cenat is once again taking the internet back to school, and this year's class is stacked.

On Monday, July 6, Cenat returned to livestreaming to reveal the 2026 roster for Streamer University, his creator-focused bootcamp that brings aspiring streamers, rising online personalities, and some of the biggest names on the internet together in one space for workshops, collaborations, and live content.

The reveal streamed on Twitch and YouTube on Monday night, where Cenat announced this year's professors, club directors, and students. That list starts with some of the most recognizable names in streaming and creator culture. Agent00, Cinna, The Sushi Dragon, Ludwig, Kaiya Cenat, Poudii, Pokimane, Faze Adapt, Lizzo, YourRAGE, and Mashable 101 honorees Maya Higa and Duke Dennis are all set to serve as professors for the 2026 class.

SEE ALSO: The Mashable 101: The creators defining the internet in 2026 This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Cenat also revealed this year’s club directors. Nick Nayersina will lead the fraternity; Lethal Shooter will run basketball; Markell Washington will lead cheerleading; Oliver Cannon and Gibson Hazard will head the film club; Proto will oversee science and engineering; T-Pain will lead musical arts; Markus King will run debate; and Yonna Jay will lead drama.

Yes, Streamer University has a drama club.

The student roster includes Queen Naija, Skai Jackson, Stable Ronaldo, Sketch, DreamDoll, Sara Saffari, PlaqueBoyMax, Jasontheween, Kanel Joseph, Bonnie, Tatum Bittick, Marlon, Braeden, OnlyLarryKing, and dozens of other creators.

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Streamer University first launched in May 2025, when Cenat hosted the inaugural four-day event at the University of Akron. The program gives growing creators access to major names in the streaming world while helping them build audiences across platforms. Selected students take part in a multi-day experience focused on networking, content creation, mentorship, and collaboration. Everything from attendance to meals and accommodations is covered for accepted participants.

This year's return began in June, when Cenat announced Streamer University 2026 with a cinematic trailer posted to his social media accounts. The video leaned into the school theme, showing Cenat approaching an abandoned, Hogwarts-like version of Streamer University that had been overtaken by owls carrying dusty applications.

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Applications opened online for three tracks: students, professors, and club directors. Prospective students had to be at least 18 years old, able to travel within the United States, and submit at least one social media account for review. Applicants were also asked to send in a short video showing their personality, content style, and why they wanted to attend.

The 2026 rollout had already shown how big Streamer University had become before Cenat even revealed the final roster. In June, he also held in-person audition events in cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, drawing crowds of hopeful creators who wanted a shot at joining the class.

On Wednesday, June 17, thousands of people gathered outside State Farm Arena in Atlanta, and the auditions were eventually shut down due to safety concerns related to the turnout.

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That demand did not come out of nowhere. A 2023 Morning Consult survey found that 57 percent of Gen Zers said they would become an influencer if given the opportunity, with money, flexibility, and fun among the biggest reasons the career path appealed to them. The problem is that as creator careers become more appealing, it becomes harder to stand out. Streamer University gives selected creators what is difficult to build alone: access to major names, built-in collaboration, and the chance to be seen by an audience much larger than their own.

With more than 20 million followers on Twitch, Cenat is currently the platform's most-followed streamer, but his influence now reaches well beyond his own channel. Streamer University has become one of the clearest examples of that reach — a creator-led event big enough to draw massive crowds, major names, and a student class hoping the right collaboration can change everything.