Mashable

Let's be real — so much of the internet is porn. Past estimates suggest some 30 percent of the internet's bandwidth is devoted to explicit content. With so much to chose from, where do you go for the very best porn? We have gathered a mix of different places that offer many different kinds of porn — because variety is the spice of life.

This isn't an exhaustive list by any means, but it's one that includes visual, audio, and written explicit content. Some of these sites can be viewed for free, while others are paid only. If you're financially able, we highly recommend you pay for your porn. The people who make porn need to make a living — and clearly you're benefiting from their labor! Sex work is work, but unfortunately, sex workers are more likely than others to face financial discrimination. As Mashable previously reported, banks and financial apps have shut down accounts held by adult content creators. But they provide a service, and should be able to make ends meet.

SEE ALSO: Get laid, not played: These are the best hookup apps of 2025

We're also living in a moment where adult content is in danger. Project 2025, the conservative policy wishlist for Trump's second term, calls for banning porn and imprisoning people who create it. Already, there's a bill introduced by Republicans that would basically ban online porn, experts told Mashable. Age-verification laws, which are requirements to prove your age with something like a government ID or facial recognition scan, are enacted by around a third of states. They don't really work (according to an early study and free speech experts), but they still restrict access to this content.

Okay, we'll get off our soap box and onto what you're really here for: the list. These links are all (obviously) NSFW and this is only content you should enjoy if you're over 18. Alright, well then, here we go. Here are 10 porn resources for all the horny folks out there.

SEE ALSO: This OnlyFans model found her photos on Reddit — with someone else's face 1. Pornhub

Considering Pornhub is literally one of the most visited websites in the world, this is pretty obvious. The biggest tube site there is, Pornhub is pretty much YouTube for porn videos. Whether it's your favorite pornstar or amateur videos, hardcore or soft, chances are Pornhub has what you're looking for — just endless amounts of sex videos.

Note that Pornhub may be blocked depending on which state you're in. This is due to the above-mentioned age-verification laws. Mashable has guides on unblocking porn sites.

2. Dipsea

Tired of watching videos and looking for something new? It might be a time to give audio erotica a try. Dipsea is a good place to hit up if you're just dipping a toe into audio porn. It's an app that features a diverse and carefully curated selection of erotic stories. While you can do a free trial, it is a subscription service, which means you're actually supporting the people behind the stories.

3. xHamster

OK, xHamster is pretty similar to Pornhub if we're being honest here. xHamster is, as the name suggests, another XXX site that's chock full of free porn.

4. FrolicMe

As Mashable's Anna Iovine has covered in great detail, the website FrolicMe is aimed at providing porn actually aimed at women. That means the women featured in the porn are enthusiastically enjoying the sex in various idyllic settings.

"I want real chemistry, I want real connection, I want real intimacy," Anna Richards, founder of the erotic site, told Mashable. "I want to show real sex as opposed to a performance."

5. Bellesa

Bellesa is a self-described feminist porn site. It offers free, long clips from the creators themselves. While it may offer porn made by women, that doesn't mean its offerings are only for women. These are scenes meant to get all kinds of people off.

6. OnlyFans

You might have noticed that OnlyFans was suddenly everywhere during and after lockdown. Lots of famous, infamous, and everything-in-between people joined the cam site. Basically, it's a website where you can directly support performers creating adult material.

7. ManyVids

ManyVids is a community-focused online platform that gives creators control of their content and actually pays them when their work gets viewed. Users can purchase videos, custom videos, livestreams and more. There is also a free selection of videos from creators as well.

SEE ALSO: This OnlyFans model found her photos on Reddit — with someone else's face 8. Quinn

Another repository of erotic stories, Mashable's Iovine wrote that Quinn is effectively "the YouTube of audio porn." On Quinn, you'll find user-uploaded amateur audio erotica of all different varieties. In recent years, Quinn has also released original erotic stories featuring celebrity voices, like that of Andrew Scott.

9. Fansly

Like OnlyFans, Fansly is a subscription-based platform for adult content creators to host their material. On this platform, creators can interact directly with fans. Fansly offers creators both free and paid subscription services.

10. Literotica

If you love books and romance novels and also you're kind of horny, then Literotica is the place for you. It's written erotic materials that'll help you get off.

This post was originally published in August 2020 and updated in May 2025.

What will be the song of the summer for 2025? Who else got 'em obsessed "like JENNIE?" Spotify has some ideas.

The audio streamer has made some big calls annually about which songs will rule the hot season, and on Tuesday, Spotify announced its predictions for the 30 songs of the summer.

SEE ALSO: Spotify’s AI DJ now takes requests

Listed not by ranking but alphabetically by artist first name, the 2025 "global songs of summer predictions" include WizTheMc, bees & honey, and Tyla's summery smash "Show Me Love," Charli xcx's TikTok favourite "party 4 u," Bad Bunny's superb "NUEVAYoL," Lady Gaga's Swift-like "How Bad Do U Want Me," and Ravyn Lenae's situationship ode “Love Me Not," among many more.

Here's the list:

Spotify's 2025 songs of the summer predictions

• “Ordinary” – Alex Warren

• “NUEVAYoL” – Bad Bunny

• “Super” by Bb trickz 

• “Mystical Magical” – Benson Boone

• “All The Way” – BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman

• “party 4 u” – Charli xcx 

• “My Darling” – Chella

• “With You” – Davido and Omah Lay

• “NOKIA” – Drake

• “YA BABA” – DYSTINCT and French Montana

• “Running Around” – Ely Oaks

• “Summer Sweat” – Hannah Cohen

• “like JENNIE” – JENNIE

• “Blue Strips” – Jessie Murph

• “Gnarly” – KATSEYE

• “How Bad Do U Want Me” – Lady Gaga

• “MUTT” – Leon Thomas

• “Dark Thoughts” – Lil Tecca

• “What Was That” – Lorde

• “Shake It To The Max (FLY) – Remix” – MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea 

• “Say My Name – Remix” – Morgan Seatree and Florence + The Machine

• “What I Want” – Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae 

• “You’ll Be in My Heart – Spotify Singles” – NIKI 

• “Love Me Not” – Ravyn Lenae

• “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” – ROLE MODEL

• “back to friends” – sombr

• “No One Noticed” – The Marías

• “Brunette” – Tucker Wetmore

• “La Plena – W Sound 05” – W Sound, Beéle, and Ovy On The Drums

• “Show Me Love (with Tyla)” – WizTheMc, bees & honey and Tyla 

Of course, Spotify has a playlist of all 30 summer predictions ready to go:

What do you think? Is your own personal song of the summer on Spotify's predictions list?

FWIW, my personal songs of the summer to be are Obongjayar's "Not in Surrender" and TOKiMONSTA, Anderson .Paak, Rae Khali's "On Sum," but it's not my list is it?

It's been many years since Jimmy Fallon failed to realise he was on a date with Nicole Kidman, opting instead to play video games when she visited his apartment. But the internet — and Isabela Merced — won't let him forget.

Appearing on The Tonight Show in the clip above, The Last of Us star used the host's comment about Naughty Dog's game to brutally segue back into the topic.

"That's gotta be one of the scariest computer games I've ever played in my life, The Last of Us," says Fallon.

"Was that the game you were playing when you bombed your date with Nicole Kidman?" responds Merced.

Fallon's reaction? "It's a pleasure meeting you, we're out of time."

SAVE $35: As of May 21, Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are on sale for $44.99 at Amazon. That's a 44% saving and the lowest they've ever been priced.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Space A40 $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

If you're on the hunt for great earbuds, we've tracked down another amazing offer at Amazon. We're big fans of Soundcore earbuds at Mashable, and this latest deal makes them ever more appealing. As of May 21, the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are down to their lowest-ever price, now just $44.99. Who can resist quality earbuds for under $50? Not us.

If you like quality noise cancellation, these are your new best friend. The Space A40 earbuds are basically designed for tuning out the world, no matter how intense the background noise is. And the best part is they adjust the noise cancelling automatically depending on where you are. They are able to detect external noises and automatically select a suitable level of noise cancellation for your surroundings.

SEE ALSO: Don't break the bank: The best budget earbuds, tested by our audio experts

You’ll get loads of battery life as well, vitally important for good earbuds. Enjoy up to 50 hours with the case, and a quick 10-minute charge gives you four more hours of listening time. And let's not forget about the sound quality: it is clear and punchy, despite the small size of these earbuds.

Music in, world out? Head to Amazon for this great offer.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99)

• Blink Mini 2 Indoor Wireless 1080p Camera (2-Pack) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

• Kodak Mini 2 Retro Instant Photo Printer With 68 Sheets Bundle — $89.99 (List Price $139.99)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Sports Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00)

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Phone With $50 Amazon Gift Card (Pre-Order) — $1,099.99

• Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (2021 Release) — $119.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 8-in-1 Wi-Fi Smart Lock With Fingerprint ID — $139.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Aiper Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner (2024 Model) — $499.99 (List Price $699.95)

• Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $349.99 (List Price $599.00)

SAVE $40: As of May 21, the DOSS SoundBox Pro+ is on sale for $49.99 at Amazon. That's a 44% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DOSS DOSS SoundBox Pro+ $49.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

For an affordable Bluetooth speaker that doesn't sacrifice on sound, you can't go wrong with the DOSS SoundBox Pro+. A clever portable device, this model is ideal for music on the go, whether at a party or by the pool, the IPX6 waterproof rating will keep you on the go. And as of May 21, it is currently on sale at Amazon for almost half off. Reduced by 44%, it is now priced at just $49.99. A speaker this good for under $50? Yes please.

If volume is what you're after, look no further. The DOSS SoundBox Pro+ may be small, but it is seriously loud and bassy. It boasts two full-range drivers and dual passive radiators, so it produces 24W of clear, booming sound. Not quite enough for you? Press the bass boost button for some extra punch.

SEE ALSO: The best speakers in 2025

This model also has wireless stereo pairing. If you have more than one, you can pair two speakers for a full stereo setup. Think double the volume, perfect for your next outdoor party. It also has up to 15 hours of battery life, so it can keep going all day. But when it does run out, don't worry, the fast charging 80W SuperVOOC will get you back up and running in no time.

And of course, let's not forget the beat-synced lights that flash and pulse to your music, pretty cool.

Get this speaker in time for your next party. Head to Amazon to secure this low price.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99)

• Blink Mini 2 Indoor Wireless 1080p Camera (2-Pack) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

• Kodak Mini 2 Retro Instant Photo Printer With 68 Sheets Bundle — $89.99 (List Price $139.99)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Sports Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00)

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Phone With $50 Amazon Gift Card (Pre-Order) — $1,099.99

• Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (2021 Release) — $119.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 8-in-1 Wi-Fi Smart Lock With Fingerprint ID — $139.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Aiper Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner (2024 Model) — $499.99 (List Price $699.95)

• Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $349.99 (List Price $599.00)

We spend a lot of time fawning over the latest tech here at Mashable, and as much as we love nerding out over the latest Sony headphones drop, we know that's not always relatable. New tech is often expensive tech, and a nearly $500 pair of headphones is certainly not always in the budget. That's why we're here to talk about the best budget earbuds.

A pair of cheap earbuds is a compact alternative to over-the-ear headphones, but let's be clear, just because these earbuds are affordable, doesn't mean they skimp on features. Two of the best earbuds we've tested are nearly $300 — Apple AirPods Pro costs $249.95, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds come in at $299 — but we've found models for even less. You don't need to spend $300 on a pair of great earbuds; in fact, you don't even need to spend $100.

Among all the earbuds we've tested, which is an extensive list, these are the best budget earbuds.

What's considered budget?

Budget is a relative term, so for this list, we're looking at earbuds under $200 but mostly under $100. Our top pick here is the Bose QuietComfort which technically have an MSRP of $179, but they're frequently on sale for $149, and we've even seen them go as low as $129. While those top our list, most of the cheap earbuds in this guide cost under $100. Going the budget route might mean making compromises but not sacrifices. For under $100, you can still get active noise cancellation and self-charging cases.

Other models we've tested

The models on this list are pulled from our extensive testing here at Mashable. Our previous top pick on this list was the Apple AirPods 3; however, the AirPods 4 have replaced them, making them more expensive, plus they don't have great Android compatibility.

Another pair of headphones we considered for this list were the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds with sound by Bose. My colleague Bethany Allard tested these buds, and while they're pretty good for $100, they have a bad case design and just aren't that comfortable compared to other models on this list — plus, the $100 introductory price is expected to go up to $129.99.

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Design and comfort

Comparing the designs of the Oura Ring vs. Whoop is like comparing apples to oranges. Yes, they're both fitness trackers, but they wear in entirely different ways.

The Oura Ring looks like a classic gold band, far more inconspicuous than a smart watch. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Oura Ring takes the more innovative approach to fitness tracking as a smart ring. It looks like a simple gold band, but it is slightly thicker than most rings. Meanwhile, the Whoop is a screenless device that sits on your wrist with interchangeable bands. Both are distraction-free in design, with no screen on either, meaning you must use a smartphone to access your data, unlike Apple Watches or Fitbits.

The Whoop band design is not subtle. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I measure comfort based on whether I even notice the device is there. While both are comfortable, the Whoop is more so. It's thin and out of the way, and I had no discomfort around it, especially overnight. The Oura Ring was mostly comfortable, but I noticed it more than the Whoop. Sometimes it would feel too tight and uncomfortable in the middle of the night. If you're worried about the comfort of the Oura Ring, buy a sizing kit and wear a sample size for 24 hours and see how it blends into your everyday wear.

But in terms of style, the Oura Ring is the cooler, more inconspicuous device. It can blend with the rest of your jewelry while the Whoop looks like a watch band minus the watch face.

Winner: Tie. While the Oura Ring is better for those concerned about style, the Whoop is more comfortable.

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Mobile app The Whoop home page feels cluttered compared to the Oura app. Credit: Screenshot: Whoop Oura's app delivers your health scores and daily summary as soon as you open the app. Credit: Screenshot: Oura

To sum up the differences between Oura and Whoop, just look at their app designs. Oura's app is thoughtfully laid out, with all of the important data front and center, paired with calming imagery. Whoop's app is less driven by aesthetics and shifts focus to health metrics and looking ahead to your next activity.

Oura's app has a row of calculated scores on the front page, followed by more detailed sleep data, heart rate, and cycle information. The Vitals and My Health tabs are succinct, delivering quick snapshots of information that can go more in-depth. What I don't love about the Oura app is that every time you open it, there's a slight delay while the data loads. Much of the calculations occur within the smart ring, so they require a moment to load, and it's preferable to Whoop's alternative.

Whoop requires that its app stays open in the background all the time, and in my weeks of testing, my phone battery took a hit from having the Whoop app always running. While you can close it completely, it will just take a moment for the data to load (like Oura's does), and you'll be berated with notifications to reopen the app.

My No. 1 enemy is this Whoop notification. Credit: Screenshot: Samantha Mangino

Otherwise, the app is solid, just occasionally glitchy. Whoop's graphics are less focused on aesthetics and put data front and center, focusing immediately on the improvements you need to make throughout the day. That being said, I do find Whoop's data challenging to parse through.

Winner: Oura Ring

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Sleep tracking The Whoop sleep graph is a little too technical to decipher. Credit: Screenshot: Whoop Oura's sleep graph clearly breaks down your sleep cycles. Credit: Screenshot: Oura

Whoop and Oura both provide excellent sleep tracking. Their accuracy is nearly identical. I compared one night's sleep, and they were about ten minutes off with similar calculations around my sleep cycles. Unsurprisingly, Oura has a better layout with its sleep data. Oura's graph is easier to read and extract data from, while Whoop's is just too technical. However, I generally prefer Whoop's sleep tracking.

Whoop gave me a much better score for my sleep than Oura did. Credit: Screenshot: Whoop Despite a pretty good night's sleep, Oura dinged my sleep score for my timing. Credit: Screenshot: Oura

Maybe it's because Whoop gave me a better sleep score, but I found Whoop's data to respond better to my habits. I'm a night owl, and as much as I've tried to adapt to an earlier bedtime, my body gets tired when it gets tired. Oura frequently reminded me to watch my timing and get to bed earlier, which didn't happen. On the other hand, Whoop learned my habits and suggested bedtimes that were feasible for my circadian rhythm. Meanwhile, Oura dinged my sleep score for not having an earlier bedtime.

Winner: Whoop

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Activity tracking Whoop's activity tracker has quite literally every activity you can imagine when it comes to both performance and recovery. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Oura's activity list is slim compared to Whoop's but still extensive for a fitness tracker. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

As an Apple Watch user, I feel spoiled by my fitness tracker. I can start and stop workouts from my wrist without needing to pull out my smartphone. Unfortunately, both the Oura Ring and Whoop require you to pull out your phone to start workouts. Once you get past that, the activity tracking is pretty extensive, especially with Whoop.

Oura has a vast list of workouts, similar to Apple Fitness's. Plus, if you forget to start a workout, you can always add it later. Not to mention, Oura is pretty good at suggesting activities that you may have forgotten to track.

Whoop activity tracking is next-level. Not only do you have a list of workouts that include specific programs like "Barry's Bootcamp," but they also have subtle activities like baby wearing. In addition to strain-based activities, Whoop lists recovery activities you can log since the tracker is about your performance and recovery working together. However, some of Whoop's activities can feel a little invasive — who really needs to log "Cuddling with Child?"

Winner: Whoop

Oura Ring vs Whoop: Cycle Tracking

Both Oura Ring and Whoop feature cycle tracking, designed to provide hormonal insights to those who are menstruating, pregnant, or going through menopause. Whoop's hormonal insights are new to the device, coming to the brand's 5.0 and MG devices, which we've yet to test.

Oura has more experience with cycle tracking. It was fascinating to watch my skin temperature flux throughout my cycle, just as it reportedly would. I use a separate cycle tracking app, Clue, but I could have also logged symptoms through the Oura app. However, if you pay for Clue Premium, your data can be linked to the Oura app. Oura also works with the app Natural Cycles, which, for better or worse, has become the face of the non-hormonal birth control movement.

With the political climate, some users might have concerns about cycle tracking and data privacy, but Oura's website states: "Oura will oppose requests from legal authorities to access your data for surveillance or prosecution purposes, and we will fight to keep your health data out of the wrong hands."

Winner: Oura Ring

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Battery life and charging

Both Whoop and Oura have days-long battery life. The Oura Ring lasts about six to seven days, while the Whoop lasts about four days. Oura is quick to charge; I usually give it a quick charge while I shower, and don't need to charge it beyond that.

Whoop has a shorter battery life but a genius design. Its wireless battery pack slides onto the device and charges it while you wear it, allowing you to truly wear it 24/7. The new Whoop devices supposedly have 14-day battery lives. Since we've yet to test the Whoop 5.0 or MG trackers, we're sticking with Oura's battery life for now.

Winner: Oura Ring — for right now

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Cost

Let's get into some math. Whoop and Oura are expensive and both require a membership to access health data. At face value, Oura Ring is more costly, but it's a better value in the long run.

An Oura Ring starts at $349 and ranges up to $499. It requires a membership to access its full features, which costs $5.99 a month or $69.99 annually.

Whoop, on the other hand, operates its devices solely based on membership. You pick your membership tier, and a device is included in it. The base membership — Whoop One — costs $199 for a one-year membership or $299 for a two-year membership.

If you choose the affordable models of each device, the Whoop is cheaper at first, costing just $299 for a two-year membership, while the Oura Ring costs $349 for the device and $69.99 for a year-long membership. The Whoop continues to be the more cost-effective device for six years. After six years with the device and yearly membership, the Oura Ring eventually becomes the better value.

Winner: Short term, Whoop. Long term, Oura Ring.

Our winner: One is for the super athlete, the other is for the everyman Are you looking to increase your athletic performance or just trying to develop some healthier habits? Your answer will help you decide if the Oura Ring or Whoop is right for you. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

When you compare the Oura Ring and Whoop, there's no clear overall winner. After wearing them for several weeks, it's obvious that each is designed for a specific type of person.

Whoop is for athletes looking to maximize their performance through activity and recovery tracking. The device is comfortable to wear and, in the short term, more cost-effective.

Oura Ring is designed with the everyday person in mind, best for those trying to better understand their body and habits. It's also a less conspicuous tracker, blending into your everyday style. It has a superior app design that feels more holistic and less clinical compared to Whoop's. Plus, it's more expensive up front, but it's a better value in the long term.

So, which fitness tracker is right for you depends on which camp you fall into.

Shop Oura Ring and Whoop Oura Ring 4 Starting at $349 at Amazon Shop Now Oura Ring 4 Starting at $349 at Oura Shop Now Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG Starting at $199/year at Amazon Shop Now Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG Starting at $199/year at Whoop Shop Now

SAVE $150: As of May 21, the OnePlus 13 is on sale for $849.99 at Best Buy. That's a 17% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: OnePlus OnePlus 13 $849.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Looking for a new smartphone? This latest Best Buy deal on the OnePlus 13 has catch our eye, and we think it'll catch yours too. We even gave it over four stars in our review earlier this year.

As of May 21, this popular smartphone is reduced by 17% at Best Buy, now down to just $849.99. This deal is for the 512GB model and is available in two colors, midnight ocean and black eclipse.

SEE ALSO: Google debuts AI-powered Android XR smart glasses at Google I/O

So why this phone? Well, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, you won't have to deal with lag or slow processing. Whether you’re gaming, using multiple apps at once, or just scrolling, it will handle it all. The battery life will also keep you going all day, boasting a 6000mAh battery. And when it does run out, the 80W fast charging will get you on the go again in no time.

The display is seriously impressive, a super sharp QHD+ ProXDR screen with a 120Hz refresh rate that makes everything look clear and bright. And if camera quality is important to you, that's something that isn't lacking on the OnePlus 13. The 5th-generation Hasselblad camera has a triple-camera setup with 50MP lens, meaning photos come out great no matter the lighting.

Grab this OnePlus 13 deal from Best Buy before it runs out.

The RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon, which takes place in May every year, is a fun 13.1-mile course. You spend the first half battling hills in the shade and beauty of Prospect Park, only to swap that for a new challenge during the second half of the race — the ease of a relatively low-grade downhill trek on the shadeless, hot Ocean Parkway. The race's relaxed hill promises a PR for many runners, while the daunting heat dusts other runners into a PW. Last year, I hit the former; this year, the latter.

For many runners, myself included, tech is particularly important for a race like this. You depend on your headphones to keep music alive and you motivated during the last few miles; you depend on your watch to tell you exactly how many miles you have left; you depend on your massage gun to save your muscles once you finally get home.

Mashable caught up with a few folks running the race — or in charge of the race's success — to see what tech they use to train and run the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. Personally, I used my Apple Watch (which died on me as soon as the race ended), Strava, Spotify, and a pair of Plantronics wireless running headphones I purchased in 2019 that are still, somehow, my go-to running headphones.

Alan Bersten Alan Bersten at the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. Credit: Courtesy / New York Road Runners

Bersten, the professional dancer you might recognize from Dancing with the Stars, used this race to raise money for the New York Road Runners (NYRR)Team for Kids, a charity that supports NYRR's free youth and community programs. It was his first-ever race, but he came prepared with a Garmin "mainly because I saw a bunch of videos on TikTok saying that Apple Watch wasn't accurate."

For what it's worth, when Mashable compared the Garmin Fenix 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Fenix came out on top with battery life, an important quality for long races.

SEE ALSO: Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Fenix wins big on battery life

He also uses the Runna app, which was just acquired by Strava, to track his runs. He listens to tunes while running using Apple Music and SHOKZ, although he admits you can "barely hear the music," a common complaint from SHOKZ users because it uses bone conduction instead of typical in-ear speakers.

To recover, he uses a Theragun and Normatec boots, compression boots intended to enhance blood circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and speed up recovery time, "which are amazing."

Matt James Matt James at the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. Credit: Courtesy / New York Road Runners

James, the titular bachelor from Season 25 of The Bachelor, has finished the TCS New York City Marathon four times, but this was his first-ever RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon.

He uses the Coros global watch "at all times," but especially while running. On his phone, you'll find the Strava app, Endorphins app, the Coros Global app for his watch, and Spotify "for the vibes." He rolls out with a lacrosse ball (pretty low-tech) and loves a "good session in the sauna and cold plunge," but he also uses the Hyperice Normatec recovery boots. His latest obsession? JLab headphones.

Meris Pena

Meris Pena works with NYRR Striders, a free walking and fitness program for older adults. For this race, though, she wasn't walking — although she doesn't need much tech, even when she's running.

Pena doesn't use headphones when she runs because she's "having fun on [her] own." She wants to "feel the love of the [running] community." She has a Garmin but doesn't use it much. What she absolutely does love — and needs — is a low-tech app called Stepz, which she likes as a pedometer.

NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer Matt James, center, with NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer, left, at the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. Credit: Courtesy / New York Road Runners

Simmelkjaer, the CEO of NYRR, didn't run the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon this year, but he did ensure everyone else could, and he spends a lot of time running. His daughter gifted him a Garmin for his birthday last year, and he "absolutely loves it." Before that, he was using an Apple Watch, and while he says they "both have benefits for sure," he appreciates Garmin's superior battery life.

He uses Bose headphones to listen to Pandora while he runs because he "likes to be surprised sometimes" by the music Pandora puts on. He syncs his Garmin to his Strava account and always uses it to track his runs. He also uses the Runna app, which he says helped get him through training for a successful Berlin Marathon last fall.

Rob Dalto View this post on Instagram

Dalto, a running content creator @pursuitofperformance__, successfully (!) attempted a personal record when he ran the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. To get there, he used his Garmin watch and tracked his runs on Strava.

If he listens to music or podcasts on runs, he uses SHOKZ, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, but you can often find him running without anything plugged into his ears. He also uses Lingo for continuous glucose monitoring. The two pieces of tech he absolutely had to have to run the half marathon? His Garmin watch and iPhone.

Patina Miller Patina Miller at the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. Credit: Courtesy / New York Road Runners

Miller, a Tony-award winning actor and singer who runs with Define New York Run Club, is "obsessed" with her Coros products: the Global Watch, Coros Pod 2, Coros heart rate monitor, and the Coros App, V.O2, which her coach uses to track her data for better performance. Of course, she also uses Strava. To recover, she uses a low-tech roller, along with the Normatec compression gear and a Theragun massage gun.

She says she predominantly uses Beats for running but occasionally switches to SHOKZ OpenRun headphones.

Chinese EV manufacturer XPENG will introduce its X9 electric car to numerous countries all over the world this year, however the U.S. remains a notable exception. Mashable recently got to check out XPENG's souped-up 2025 flagship car at their global launch event in Hong Kong, and it's a real shame that American drivers won't get to experience it.

Slipping into the supple leather driver's seat of the X9, I can't deny that it felt luxurious. Measuring over 17 feet long, the seven-seater seems almost excessive in the amount of room it affords its passengers, yet still has a spacious trunk.

The XPENG X9 has a large screen for navigation. Credit: XPENG Left: The X9's third row of seats can fold completely down to create significant storage space, Credit: XPENG Right: Credit: XPENG Left: It'd probably be pretty easy to go knee deep in this passenger seat. Credit: XPENG Right: Credit: XPENG So much room for activities. Credit: XPENG

The X9 seems opulent in features as well, including a 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen to entertain rear passengers, a storage box that can either refrigerate your food or keep it warm, an air conditioning system that wraps around the entire vehicle, a 23-speaker audio system, and ambient lighting. 

The X9's 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen should keep kids entertained. Credit: XPENG An easily accessible compartment can keep food cool or warm. Credit: XPENG The car has air conditioning vents throughout. Credit: XPENG The ambient lighting is a vibe. Credit: XPENG

My phone automatically began to wirelessly charge when I dropped it into the cradle designated to my seat, though I quickly picked it back up again to operate the Chinese-language touch screen by looking at it through my Google Translate app. The seats' massage function was an unexpected novelty as well, though even the hardest setting felt too soft for my preference.

I loved these phone charging cradles — no messing with wires or MagSafe holders. Credit: XPENG The X9 has a large navigation screen right up front. Credit: XPENG The XPENG X9's two middle seats reclined for a relaxing ride. Credit: XPENG The X9's seat controls are extensive. Credit: XPENG

Unfortunately I didn't get to drive the X9 myself, so can't speak as to how it handles. However, I can say that it appears to offer a comfortable throne for a passenger princess. Even stationary, XPENG's flagship certainly has enough bells and whistles to pique potential customers' interest and compete with other EVs.

That is, if it's given the chance. U.S. tariffs have kept Chinese EVs out of the country for years, a situation that appears unlikely to change any time soon.

"We [see the U.S. tariff situation] as an opportunity for us to differentiate from the rest of [the] EV players, because we feel like we're bringing something different," said XPENG vice-chairman and president Dr. Brian Gu. "We're not just another affordable China brand in a foreign market. 

"We want to be viewed as bringing the best in technology, the highest quality, and the coolest brand to these local customers. And that's something I think will position us well when there's actually these difficulties and tensions around the world." 

Disclosure: Mashable traveled to Hong Kong as a guest of XPENG.

TL;DR: Give your photos the professional touch with The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle, now $89.99 (reg. $682).

Want your photos to look professional? You don’t have to spend a fortune on a fancy photographer or an expensive camera. Luminar Neo, an award-winning AI photo editor, is an easy-to-use way to create stunning images. And right now, a lifetime license to Luminar Neo, a video training course, and six packs of preset photo filters can all be yours for just $89.99 (reg. $682), the best price online, with this Stack-exclusive bundle.

Create stunning photos with this easy-to-use photo editor

Give your photos an upgrade with Luminar Neo. It’s a photo editor that’s actually easy to use, unlike most competitors, with a straightforward interface and basic editing tools including masking, layers, and local adjustments.

Aside from the basic tools, there are also AI-powered ones that can transform your images — from replacing the skies to controlling every aspect of the light in a photo to retouching a person’s skin.

Once you’ve figured out the magic equation resulting in your ideal image, you can use multiform presets that make it easy to achieve a consistent look across all of your photos with just a few taps.

Luminar Neo works with Windows and Mac, and as a plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom. If you need extra help navigating the tools, this bundle includes video training, the Creative Photo Editing Techniques in Luminar Neo Video Course. Taught by photographer and editor Albert Dros, this class shows you how to use Luminar Neo instruments to edit landscapes beautifully.

Six preset photo filter packs complete this bundle, allowing you to transform photos without any manual editing. Emphasize the look of winter with the Frosty Winter LUTs Add-On or add some edge with the Light Reflections Overlay Add-On.

Take advantage of this unique-to-Stack bundle and score the best price on the web right here, just $89.99 (reg. $682) for The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Luminar Neo The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle $89.99
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TL;DR: Bring home an Apple MacBook Pro 13″ at a deep discount, just $449.99 (reg. $1,799), just in time for summer.

Need a new computer for the summer? You’ll need an escape on those scorching hot days, and this MacBook Pro offers all-day battery life to keep you entertained in the AC. And right now, it’s even on sale for just $449.99 (reg. $1,799).

Plenty of power in a sleek, lightweight design

If you’re looking for a dependable, 3.1-pound laptop that can get you through the dog days of summer and beyond, the MacBook Pro fits the bill. This particular model is powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2GHz base speed and 16GB of RAM, letting you multitask the day away. A 512 GB SSD allows you to save your files right on your device for easy access.

The 13.3-inch Retina display includes Apple’s signature True Tone Technology, which automatically adjusts your screen for improved visibility and reduced eye strain. Enjoy responsive typing with the Magic Keyboard, and get access to shortcuts with the Touch Bar. Four Thunderbolt 3 ports are available to handle charging and connectivity needs.

This MacBook Pro has an impressive 10 hours of battery life, so you won’t have to stop and plug in. And it’s optimized for macOS to take advantage of the latest macOS features.

If you’re curious why you’re scoring this model for 74% off, it’s because of its grade A refurbished rating. That means it will arrive in near-mint condition, with virtually no signs of prior use, and you get it for a major discount.

Entertain yourself all summer long and beyond with this Apple MacBook Pro 13″, now only $449.99 (reg. $1,799)

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13" i5 2GHz (2020) 4 Thunderbolt 3 Ports 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) $449.99
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Google just rolled out a product that might make coding a lot easier.

Google introduced Jules, its AI coding tool, in December in Google Labs. Today, Jules is available to everyone and everywhere the Gemini model is available, without a waitlist.

SEE ALSO: Here's everything AI coming to Google Gmail

"Just submit a task, and Jules takes care of the rest — fixing bugs, making updates. It integrates with GitHub and works on its own," Tulsee Doshi, the senior director and product lead for Gemini Models, said at Google I/O 2025. "Jules can tackle complex tasks in large codebases that used to take hours, like updating an older version of Node.js. It can plan the steps, modify files, and more in minutes."

According to a Google blog post, Jules is an "asynchronous, agentic coding assistant that integrates directly with your existing repositories. It clones your codebase into a secure Google Cloud virtual machine (VM), understands the full context of your project, and performs tasks."

How to sign up for Jules right now

To try Jules out for yourself, you can sign up at jules.google. Click "Try Jules" in the top right corner to create your own account.

Google isn't the first tech giant to use AI to create a coding tool. Coding is one of the more impressive capabilities of AI tools so far, as seen from coding tools from the likes of Anthropic.

At Google I/O, the company unveiled a major push to infuse AI deeper into Gmail. The tech giant is promising users that the change will translate to less time spent writing emails and more time doing literally anything else. With the help of Gemini, Google’s flagship AI model, Gmail is moving from a helpful assistant to a full-on writing partner, scheduler, and inbox manager.

Here are all the new Gemini-powered features coming this summer to Gmail.

Smart replies Credit: Google

Google’s first big update is personalized smart replies. Unlike the canned one-liners we’re used to (“Sounds good,” “Thanks!”), this new system draws context from your inbox and Google Drive. It adapts to your tone — whether you’re casual or formal — and pulls in relevant details, so replies feel more natural.

In a demo, a dog groomer named Stephanie replies to customers without typing a word. Gemini generates answers in her voice, grabs appointment details from past messages, and inserts pricing from her Drive files. It’s fast, frictionless, and a little uncanny.

Decluttering Credit: Google

Next comes inbox cleanup, the kind of task we all put off. Gemini can now archive and delete emails on command. Ask it to clear out last month’s confirmations, and your inbox refreshes itself — no clicks required.

It’s undeniably useful, especially for anyone buried in years of digital clutter.

Meeting scheduling

Depending on who you ask, native appointment booking in Gmail might be the most practical new feature announced. No more bouncing between email threads and Calendar tabs — now, when Gemini detects you're trying to set up a meeting, it’ll prompt you to insert availability directly into your reply.

This feature could be handy when coordinating with people outside your organization. Recipients can book directly via your shared booking page.

AI and creators mix much like oil and vinegar — not at all unless you use a very specific technique (whisking) for a very specific purpose (making salad dressing). For Darren Aronofsky, the director behind Requiem for a Dream, The Whale, and Black Swan, that technique involves using Google DeepMind's research team and three filmmakers to produce short films that embrace new technology and storytelling.

The partnership between Aronofsky's venture Primordial Soup and Google DeepMind will create frameworks for AI's role in filmmaking in an effort to prioritize artists in the conversation. It was announced during Tuesday's Google I/O, the company's annual developer conference.

SEE ALSO: Google Deepmind is rolling out AI video generator Veo 2. How it works and how to try it.

"Filmmaking has always been driven by technology," Aronofsky said in a press release. "After the Lumiere Brothers and Edison's ground-breaking invention, filmmakers unleashed the hidden storytelling power of cameras. Later technological breakthroughs — sound, color, VFX — allowed us to tell stories in ways that couldn’t be told before. Today is no different. Now is the moment to explore these new tools and shape them for the future of storytelling."

Google DeepMind is giving the filmmakers in the partnership early access to generative AI video tools. The first of three upcoming films, ANCESTRA, will debut at the Tribeca Festival on June 13, 2025. It was directed by Eliza McNitt, a writer and director who specializes in virtual reality.

"With ANCESTRA, I was able to visualize the unseen, transforming family archives, emotions, and science into a cinematic experience that feels both intimate and expansive," McNitt said in a press release.

The director's approach shouldn't come as a huge surprise, as Aronofsky has a history of embracing new tech. For instance, he designed the film Postcard From Earth specifically for the Sphere in Las Vegas. It remains to be seen how Aronofsky's well-known dedication to environmental activism will work in tandem with his newfound experimentation with AI, the use of which could have disastrous environmental consequences.

This comes shortly after The Sphere in Las Vegas announced a new experience, with the help of Google and AI, that will bring The Wizard of Oz to the massive theater.

"The power of generative AI, combined with Google’s infrastructure and expertise, is helping us to achieve something extraordinary," Sphere Entertainment Executive Chairman and CEO Jim Dolan said in a press release. "We needed a partner who could push boundaries alongside our teams at Sphere Studios and Magnopus, and Google was the only company equipped to meet the challenge on the world’s highest resolution LED screen."

If you like Google's AI services (and I mean really like them), there's a new subscription for you.

At its Google I/O keynote event (and in a company blog post), Google revealed that a new AI subscription plan for professionals is ready to roll out in the United States. The new Google AI Ultra subscription is intended for the hardest of hardcore AI users, and it costs a whopping $250 a month. Yes, you read that right: Two hundred and fifty U.S. dollars per month. (That's $50 more than ChatGPT Pro, in case you were wondering.)

While business owners and professionals may be used to paying for Google Workspace access, the average user is probably not accustomed to paying for Google services. If you're not quite ready to fork over that much cash to Google, you can also opt for the company's base AI subscription tier, Google AI Pro, for just $19.99/month.

SEE ALSO: The battle of the mid-range phones: Google Pixel 9a vs. iPhone 16e

Of course, that money gets you a bunch of perks. Google AI Ultra subscribers will get the highest usage limits, access to state-of-the-art models, and 30TB of storage. You also get access to all of the bells and whistles associated with Gemini, including early access to the Veo 3 video generation model. AI Ultra also includes access to Flow, the new AI filmmaking tool from Google, as well as Whisk, a tool that lets you generate AI images using other images as prompts.

There are also some other bonuses, such as early access to the version of Gemini that's built directly into the Chrome browser and access to Project Mariner, Google's new agentic AI tool. One of the best parts of the whole deal? Google AI Ultra subscriptions include a bonus subscription to YouTube Premium, which is great if you hate watching ads.

Google AI Ultra is only available in the U.S. right now, but it will come to other countries in the near future, per Google.

From real-time translation in Google Meet to AI-video creation tools, we're recapping all the biggest Google Workspace updates revealed during the Google I/O 2025 keynote address.

This year's Google I/O 2025 was packed with big announcements, and the event signalled the start of a new era of AI search. So, it should come as no surprise that the event focused primarily on AI and Google Gemini. 

Google has already integrated AI into Google Workspace, the subscription-based suite of productivity apps and business tools from the company, which includes popular tools like Gmail, Drive, Sheets, and Meet. But Google is just getting started with AI in Workspace, and today the company announced a ton of new AI-related features coming to the subscription service.

According to Google, the introduction of AI into Workspace has been a big success (though, it's hardly a surprise to hear that from Google). During the Google I/O keynote event, the company stated that Workspace delivers 2 billion AI assists to its users every month.

Gemini in Gmail

The "G" in Gmail might as well stand for "Gemini" now, as Google has announced a number of new Gemini-powered features for its email service.

Personalized smart replies in Gmail. Credit: Google

Personalized smart replies are coming to Gmail, and this tool will help users draft personalized reply emails that match their context and tone. The feature trains on a user's past emails and documents in their Google Drive in order to sound like a natural response from that particular user.

Inbox cleanup is another new Gemini feature coming to Gmail, which basically acts like a personal AI secretary. Users will be able to ask Gemini to complete email inbox-related tasks, such as delete all emails on a certain topic or from a certain timeframe, in a conversational tone. If you've never achieved Inbox Zero, this could be your big chance.

Inbox Zero just became a lot more possible. Credit: Google

Fast appointment scheduling integrated into Gmail is also coming to Google Workspace. Google describes the feature as an easy way to schedule meetings with customers and clients right within your Gmail inbox, with coordinating help from Gemini.

Google says all three features will roll out sometime next quarter.

Real-time speech translation in Google Meet

Google's next AI-powered announcement for Workspaces is speech translation in Google Meet. This sounds like a feature that will eventually roll out to Google's broader user base, but will launch first to Workspace users.

According to Google, the new Google Meet translation feature will translate speech to the listener's language in real-time. It will match the speaker's voice, tone, and expression while doing so, per Google.

Google says the beta version of the feature will start rolling out to consumer AI subscribers today. English and Spanish languages will be available at first, with the feature expanding out to more languages in the coming weeks.

Google Vids updates

Google Workspace's AI-powered video creation service, Google Vids, is receiving some big updates.

Google Vids is getting a new automatic transcript trim feature that will enable users to easily remove filler words and awkward pauses that are identified in the transcript of a video. In addition, the new balance sound feature will help users adjust sound levels across in an entire video with just a single click. Google says transcript trim will come to Google Labs next quarter and balance sound will be available next month.

Speaking of Labs, another new feature will be available there next month: AI avatars. According to Google, users will be able to create a whole presentation or onboarding video with an AI avatar delivering their script.

One fo the AI Avatars that will be available in Google Slides. Credit: Google

A Google Blog post states, "With AI avatars in Vids, you can skip the hassle of coordinating talent and video production. Just write a script and choose an avatar to deliver your message for you. It's a fast, consistent way to create polished video content." Google says this experimental feature, which even lets you tweak the pitch and tone of the avatar's voice, will be coming to Google Labs in June.

Users can now turn Google Slides into videos. Credit: Google

Finally, Google Vids will be able to turn a user's existing Google Slides into full video productions with Gemini helping to generate scripts, voiceovers, animations, and more.

Imagen 4

Google announced that starting today, users will have access to its latest AI image generation model Imagen 4.

A preview of Imagen 4 from the Google I/O 2025 event. Credit: Google

Users can utilize Imagen 4 for generative AI images across all of Google's AI services like Google Vids, Slides, Docs, and more.

Source-grounded AI writing

Google Docs users will soon be able to get some AI writing help based on links, documents, and other resources included in a Google Doc. 

Source-grounded writing will pull data directly from these linked documents and reports in order to provide AI writing suggestions based on trusted resources relevant to the topic of the document.

Google just cracked open the future of search, and it talks back.

During today's Google I/O 2025 keynote event, Google announced that it is now rolling out the AI Mode search tool to everyone in the United States. Powered by Gemini, AI Mode will now include new "Deep Search" features and some agentic capabilities.

AI Mode represents the biggest shift in Google Search since its inception. It’s no longer just a place to find links. It’s an AI system that interprets your query, breaks it into sub-questions, issues dozens or hundreds of background searches, and returns a single, synthesized answer. Sometimes with citations. Sometimes with follow-up actions.

If this sounds like the future of search, it is. However, it also represents a fundamental change in how we interact with information online. It's also bad news for publishers and bloggers who rely on Google for traffic.

AI Mode is here. Credit: Google Google officially kicks off the AI Search Era

Google’s AI Overviews — introduced last year — offered summarized answers (right, wrong, or imagined) to countless user searches. According to Google, these overviews drove a "10% increase in usage of Google for the types of queries that show AI Overviews." Now, AI Mode (previously available in beta via Google Labs) builds on that foundation with deeper research capabilities, delivering context-aware responses and handling follow-up questions more naturally.

Users will soon see a new “AI Mode” tab in Google Search, both in the browser and mobile apps. No sign-up is required. More advanced features for AI Mode are set to arrive in Google Labs later this summer.

These features include Deep Search, a feature that promises fully cited, expert-level summaries in minutes. It’s a tempting promise: let the machine read the internet for you. Google also announced features like Search Live, which lets you point your camera at an object and ask questions in real time, and new agent-like capabilities that can buy tickets, book restaurants, and fill out forms on your behalf.

Credit: Google Credit: Google

Google says AI Mode will also bring in "personal context," drawing from your past searches, Gmail (if you opt in), and even location history, to tailor personal search results. Other agentic AI capabilities include a new AI shopping experience with virtual try-ons and the ability to check out purchases for you when the price is right.

AI skeptics may not be looking forward to even more AI features in Google, but the bottom line is this: The era of Google Search, as we know it, is officially over. The era of AI search is here. Google has hit the reset button; whether that's a leap forward or a tipping point depends on how much you trust AI to understand your questions and answer them for you.

Google rival OpenAI rolled out its own ChatGPT search tool earlier this year.

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

You already know Google Translate, but what about live voice translation in Google Meet?

This feature is one of the major Workspace announcements Google shared at its annual I/O event on Tuesday. Starting today, Google is rolling out real-time speech translation in Google Meet for subscribers of its AI Premium plan. When a user on a Google Meet video call turns on this feature, an AI audio model uses their speech to live translate what they're saying into another language. Google is starting with English and Spanish, with more languages coming in the next few weeks.

SEE ALSO: Everything we hope to learn at Google I/O 2025: Gemini, Gmail, and Project Astra updates

The experience results in the person's actual voice being heard at a low volume, with the translated voice heard at a regular volume. Demos of speech translation show a brief moment of latency before the live translation begins. "Think simultaneous interpreter, or someone who listens to a speaker while concurrently saying the words in another language," said Yulie Kwon Kim, VP of Product for Google Workspace in a pre-event briefing, "and then take it to the next level, where the interpreter is not another person's voice, but the speaker's own voice."

Kwon Kim highlighted how the underlying technology is trained to capture "the speaker's tone, intonation and emotion in the translated language," resulting in a free-flowing conversation with someone in a different language.

If you've ever relied on Google Translate or another translating app to communicate with a cab driver in a foreign country or to order off a menu in a different language, you probably understand the game-changing usefulness of live translation. Google used the example of talking to an Airbnb host about an upcoming trip, but one could also imagine talking to relatives or conducting research with people who speak a different language.

Of course, there's a little bit of sadness associated with the premise that we might never need to learn new languages if technology like this becomes more widespread. But it has undeniable potential for communicating important information in a pinch.

Speech translation in Google Meet launches today in beta for subscribers of the Google One AI Premium plan, which costs $20 a month. Google says it's testing the feature for Workspace customers later this year.

Google's AI Era is officially officially here, and at the center of it is a new generative video model called Flow.

At the Google I/O 2025 keynote event on May 20, Google unveiled a new suite of AI video tools, powered by state-of-the-art models.

The offspring of media models Veo 3 and Imagen 4, Flow is Google's answer to OpenAI's Sora — AI tools for a new era in video generation for filmmakers and creatives. However, unlike Sora, Flow comes with native audio generation baked right in.

Pitched as an “AI filmmaking tool built for creatives, by creatives,” Flow is the tech giant's latest attempt to demo the power of AI as a use case in reshaping the creative process. As shown on stage at Google I/O, if you feed it a text prompt like "an older man driving a convertible through the desert," you get full cinematic scenes: coherent characters, consistent locations, editable camera angles, and seamless scene extensions.

Credit: Google

According to Google, the goal here isn’t to replace human creativity — it’s to amplify it. Flow, named after that elusive zone where ideas just click, aims to offload the technical grunt work so "you can stay in the zone."

To show what Flow can really do, Google tapped filmmakers from around the world, including Darren Aronofsky, who debuted their short films made with Flow.

But Flow doesn’t stop at generation — it wants to own the full creative pipeline. There’s integrated support for editing, organizing, and tweaking your projects. With Gemini in the loop, you can refine narrative beats on the fly. Want to send the car flying off a cliff mid-scene, with a chicken flapping its wings in slow-mo descent? No problem.

Again, this is powered by the fusion of Veo 3 and Imagen 4, with Gemini also powering things from under the hood. For those unfamiliar, Veo handles high-fidelity video while Imagen tackles one of AI’s classic stumbling blocks: text rendering. Imagen 4 is the latest update from Google with smarter typography, layout handling, and visual design, making it viable for anything from film titles to slick slide decks.

Both models are rolling out today via the Gemini app.

Of course, all this next-gen creativity comes with a price tag. Flow is part of Google AI Ultra, the company’s new $249/month pro subscription tier. That gets you access to Flow — and everything else AI that Google has announced at I/O.

However, if you don't want to shell out all that money, Google AI Pro users (formerly AI Premium) can use a slightly downgraded version of Flow that runs on Veo 2.

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