Blogroll
Replit launches the newest version of its popular vibe coding app
Good news for vibe coders everywhere: Apple has lifted its temporary ban on Replit updates, enacted earlier this year, and the company has officially released Agent 4, first teased in March.
CEO Amjad Massad took to X to celebrate the good news: "We worked things out with Apple, and just published our app for the first time in 4 months. Thanks to all our customers and creators who helped out. It’s been a journey, but we never give up and stay winning! Enjoy the updates! Lots of new things coming."
SEE ALSO: Apple boots vibe coding app Anything from App StoreThe Agent 4 update brings powerful new upgrades to the platform, including the introduction of parallel agents to allow you to work on multiple ideas simultaneously, the ability to collaborate on projects by merging flows, and the ability to view your projects across multiple workspaces.
Though it isn't exactly clear what compromise or agreement Apple managed to reach with Replit and other AI-based software creators, the original dispute involved a long-standing clause in Apple's App Review Guidelines, specifically 2.5.2: "Apps should be self-contained in their bundles, and may not read or write data outside the designated container area, nor may they download, install, or execute code which introduces or changes features or functionality of the app, including other apps."
Because Replit's Agent app is capable of programming apps, Apple argued that it violated the "self-containment" clause, thereby bypassing the App Store.
Whether Apple ultimately changed its mind about its interpretation of Agent 4, or whether Replit compromised in some respect, remains unclear, but you can now download and run the latest version of Agent 4 on the iPhone or iPad to try it out for yourself.
Named ranges in Excel are fine—but tables are what you should be using instead
For years, named ranges were the "pro" way to structure Excel data. But modern spreadsheets have moved on. Tables now handle what named ranges only simulate—without the manual upkeep or hidden breakpoints waiting to surface.
5 ways your phone's Excel app is secretly better than the desktop version
Microsoft Excel still rules on the desktop, but the mobile app (iOS and Android) has quietly developed a few advantages of its own. From scanning tables with your camera to touch-friendly data entry, some Excel tasks are genuinely faster and easier on your phone. Here are five workflows to start using today.
A $200 mini PC is your ultimate self-hosting cheat code
Self-hosting had always sounded appealing; the idea of running my own services and keeping control of my data was music to my ears. Despite running a Home Assistant server for several years, however, I'd never gotten beyond that point until I bought a relatively cheap mini PC.
The 9 best waterproof Bluetooth speakers, tested poolside
Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, hitting the beach, or hosting a backyard gathering, the best waterproof speakers are ready for any occasion. They’re built for adventure and outdoor fun, and they let you take your music anywhere without worrying about the elements. And unlike our favorite party speakers, all of these gadgets can handle a little H20.
Before purchasing a model, you’ll want a better understanding of what “waterproof” means, at least when it comes to wireless speakers. Waterproofing is the ability to resist water intrusion. This is measured by an ingress protection (IP) rating. The higher the rating, the stronger the protection (see more info in our FAQ section).
Many waterproof speakers also feature rubberized bumpers for shock absorption and sealed ports that keep out dirt, dust, and sand. Some models include detachable straps that latch onto everyday carry items like backpacks, gym bags, purses, or satchels. Some of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers are even designed to float while playing music in the water.
For this guide, Mashable tech and audio experts ranked the best waterproof speakers based on factors such as overall performance, real-world usability, and value. Our picks are guided by hands-on experience with the latest releases, as well as insights from past reviews and years of category testing to spotlight top-tier entries.
So, if you want the best waterproof speaker to keep your playlist bumping — rain, splash, or shine — we've got you.
Know before you buy: What does "waterproof" really mean?Water-resistant, splashproof, waterproof — these terms all have different meanings. All of the speakers in this guide have an IP waterproof rating, but let's break down what that means.
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable Understanding IP ratingsThe IP rating system classifies how resistant electrical enclosures are to intrusion from foreign matter, moisture, and environmental exposure. Here’s a breakdown of what each IP rating means.
IPX0 – No water resistance
IPX1 – Survives vertical drop of 1 millimeter of water
IPX2 – Survives drop of 3 millimeters of water
IPX3 – Survives light water spraying
IPX4 – Survives omnidirectional water splashing (water resistant)
IPX5 – Survives water jet splashing up to 12.5 liters for 1 min
IPX6 – Survives water jet splashing up to 100 liters for 3 mins
IPX7 – Complete submersion up to 1 meter for 30 mins
IPX8 – Complete submersion up to 3 meters for 30 mins
The first digit (0–6) rates protection against solids, and the second digit (0–9) rates protection against liquids.
I measured my homelab's power draw with a smart plug and discovered the real cost
Have you ever wondered just how much it costs to run your homelab? The answer might shock you—it did for me. Here's how I started measuring the power draw of my homelab, and why it's important to do so.
Stop using your phone as a flashlight—get this tiny USB-C keychain light instead
I never leave the house without a few essentials. Those include my phone, wallet, keys, and my daily carry pocket knife and flashlight. And if you're still using your phone as a flashlight, I have the perfect upgrade for you.
I finally deep cleaned my earbuds and I can’t believe how much better they sound
For months, I thought my favorite pair of earbuds, which I used a lot for podcasts and long workdays, was just wearing out as electronics do. The sound had become dull, the vocals seemed distant, the bass muddy, and the cymbals sounded indistinct. I blamed software updates, battery degradation, or just normal wear from daily use. I was already browsing for replacement models when I thought about cleaning them. This led to a serious look at how I take care of my earbuds. Basically, the jump in sound quality was immediate and embarrassing because it's so simple. If you, like me, believe your earbuds are worn out and ready to throw away, you might be surprised to learn that their best days are still ahead.
I'm getting way more out of Gemini by asking it to talk like a 1920s radio announcer
Google Gemini can be a genuinely useful assistant in your day-to-day life. It can also be a completely pointless, nonsense machine for your own enjoyment. I decided to combine those two very different approaches—practical and silly—and I wish I’d done it sooner.
These 6 Linux pipelines are unnecessary, complex, and inefficient; here's how to fix them
Pipes are a very powerful core feature of Linux. By chaining programs together, you can carry out complex tasks with a small set of tools. But piping isn’t always the best solution; when it’s not needed, it can increase complexity and lead to less efficient options.
5 Home Assistant features you’re not using (but should be)
Home Assistant has so many features that you’re bound to have missed a few. Though you can get by with the basics, some of the things you never touch can make your server more efficient and your smart home even smarter.
Durobos Krono e-reader is the perfect palm-sized e-reader — and a great Kindle and Kobo alternative
In my hunt for the best e-readers, I've been determined to find a great alternative to a Kindle or a Kobo. Don't get me wrong, I love both of these e-readers and generally think they are the best e-readers you can buy, but I know there's a hunger for variety in the e-reader community beyond the big two. I've tried Barnes & Noble's Nook, Remarkable e-ink tablets, and Boox e-readers, but none of them have impressed me. But the Durobo Krono caught my eye at CES 2026.
I've often called an e-reader a library in your pocket, and the Durobo Krono is more than that. It's a library, bookstore, notebook, and MP3 player all in one. But that's a lot of promise in a palm-sized device. Luckily, it totally nails it. Here's what you need to know about the Durobo Krono and why I named it the best open-source Android e-reader.
Durobo Krono e-reader: Our quick verdict Have lots of different books on different apps? The Durobo Krono might just be for you. Credit: Samantha Mangino / MashableBest for: The person with books in multiple apps — Kindle, Kobo, Audible, Libro.fm, and Libby. Plus, great for the person who likes to listen to audiobooks and read at the same time, and people seeking an on-the-go voice notetaker.
Key tech: 6.13-inch Carta 1200 e-ink display, 128GB of storage, 6GB RAM, 300 ppi resolution, adjustable warmth and brightness, octa-core processor, and Android 15 OS.
MSRP: $279.99
I find myself in a unique conundrum as an e-reader tester: I have collections of books across many different e-reader platforms. While I could just get used to cycling through different e-readers regularly, that's a lot to keep track of. The dream is to have them all on one device, and the Durobo Krono is that dream realized.
Running Android 15, the Google Play Store comes preinstalled on the Krono, so any app available in the store is available on the e-ink tablet. Suddenly, all the apps I use regularly from Audible, Kindle, Kobo Books, Libby, and Libro.fm are now on my Durobo Krono.
The apps appear on a separate page from Krono's built-in library, so you will need to navigate between them. A small price to pay for the convenience of accessing them from one device.
Technically, you could get this convenience from a tablet, too. Except an iPad doesn't have the matte, easy-on-the-eyes e-ink display that the Krono does.
Since it's an Android device, Apple apps (like Apple Music and Apple Books) aren't available, so as an Apple Music listener, I couldn't use the device as a music player.
It's fast — until it's notIn my testing, I find open Android e-readers to be too slow, especially compared to Kindles and Kobos, which are zippy e-readers. The Boox Go and Boox Palma 2, similar devices to the Durobo Krono, have both had disappointing performance, even right out of the box. Yet, the Durobo Krono is brilliantly speedy. Even when moving between different books on different apps, I was impressed by how quickly it sped through them.
Its speed is conditional. Too many apps, or more demanding apps, will slow down the device. After a week of use, I added the Substack app to the Krono, which was too demanding for it. Even when I wasn't using the app, it slowed down the whole device. Once I deleted the app, it sped back up.
Other demanding apps I found were audiobook players like Audible. I especially noticed this when listening to an audiobook while reading an e-book on a separate app. It's disappointing that two apps geared toward readers slowed down an e-reader device. For the best performance on the Krono, use one app at a time and avoid high-demanding apps.
A perfect palm-sized e-reader The Durobo Krono is perfectly palm-sized. Credit: Samantha Mangino / MashableThe Durobo Krono has a 6.13-inch screen, slightly bigger than the basic Kindle's, but the entire device is narrower than the Kindle. It's about the same size as my hand and weighs 6.1 ounces. The small size makes it comfortable to hold for hours at a time — especially if you add a PopSockets grip on the back as I did. But that doesn't make the screen size feel cramped either.
It needs better battery lifeWhen you're used to the months-long battery life of a Kindle, it's a hard adjustment to go to an e-reader with significantly less. With a couple of hours of use per day, the Durobo Krono e-readers have about one week of battery life. Compared to a smartphone or tablet, that's pretty good, but when you're coming from a Kindle or even a Kobo, the Krono e-reader's battery life feels too short.
More features to enjoy Access Durobo AI on the Krono e-reader. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Easily scroll through articles and apps with the Krono's smart dial. Credit: Samantha Mangino / MashableThe features on the Krono Durobo are extensive. It has a smart dial on the side that refreshes the screen, starts recording, and scrolls on the device. It has a built-in AI called Spark, which captures voice recordings and produces transcripts and summaries. It's a lot more than just a standard e-reader, but in the months of use, I never used the Spark AI. The Smart Dial is a fantastic addition for smooth scrolling.
Is the Durobo Krono worth it? Looking for an alternative to a Kindle or Kobo? Try the Durobo Krono e-reader. Credit: Samantha Mangino / MashableThe Durobo Krono is the best open Android e-reader. If you're exploring the world of the Boox Palma or the Remarkable Move, the Krono is my preferred pick for its fast processing and support for third-party apps. In a perfect, palm-sized package, it provides access to all your digital libraries. It's more expensive than other e-readers, but for its extra benefits, it's worth the extra price.
Durobo Krono $279.99 at AmazonShop Now at Amazon Shop Now at DuRoBo
Dreames X60 Max Ultra Complete is the best robot vacuum for pet hair Ive tested. Sucks that its so expensive.
UPDATE: May. 16, 2026, 5:00 a.m. EDT I first wrote about my initial impressions of the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete in February 2026 after a week of using it daily at home. This review was updated after three more months of testing.
In my mind, Roborock had the best robot vacuum of the year for most of 2025 — and it was pretty uncontested. Dreame isn't letting that happen this year. The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is clearly out to prove that it's the apex robot vacuum, and it's certainly priced like it at $1,699.99. I tested it at home for several months to see whether it's that worthwhile of an investment.
I apologize in advance for the number of times you'll have to read "Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete" in the next few minutes. There has to be a better naming strategy.
I think the Aqua10's dock is slightly prettier, but the X60 Max Ultra is still chic. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable What's special about the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete?The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is nearly the most powerful robot vacuum on the market, only to be topped on paper by the Roborock Saros 20's 36,000 Pa. But I've tested both at home and find the Dreame to be much more of a beast.
I appreciate the dual brush rolls made of two different textures. That's the most effective design for hair pickup. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The X60 Max Ultra comes with regular detergent and detergent for pet odors. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableCompared to the roller mop Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller released in August 2025, the X60 Max Ultra Complete reverts to dual spinning mopping pads for precise edge mopping. That's nothing we haven't seen before. The X60 Max Ultra Complete's actual unique addition is heated mopping — most robot vacuum mop combos that can heat water only use it for washing the pads, not during floor cleaning.
Is the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete good on carpet?The Dreame X60 Max Ultra has done a pretty outstanding job at vacuuming various carpet piles in my apartment. It took a lot of mental fortitude to forgo vacuuming my living room rug for a few days at a time to test the X60 Max Ultra Complete's performance on built-up pet hair. But time after time, the X60 Max Ultra Complete proved to be wicked on shedding and other fluff that sticks to carpet fibers.
SEE ALSO: The Dreame FP10 air purifier cleans fur off its own filter. Just as crucially, it matches my living room aesthetic.You know how you can kind of see "invisible" pet hair on the floor if you bend down to put on a shoe? It was a different story after the X60 Max Ultra Complete came through, at least if I set it to the max suction setting. Multiple lint roller tests afterward revealed but a few fuzzies and some fur that was left over, but the kind that's so thin that it's nearly invisible.
One test in the living room also involved a field of crushed Goldfish crackers. The X60 Max Ultra Complete didn't leave a single piece behind. You can literally hear the deep carpet cleaning that's going on.
There were even more Goldfish pieces outside of the frame. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The X60 Max Ultra Complete also grabbed several large tufts of cat fur in this trip. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableMy tufted, medium pile living room rug is very similar to the feel and height of a traditional carpet, so I'm confident in recommending the X60 Max Ultra Complete for multi-pet homes with fully carpeted rooms.
As a professional robot vacuum reviewer, I'm also not afraid to fabricate a completely ridiculous mess just to make a vacuum's life difficult. This one involved spilled sprinkles and tufts of cat hair pulled from the ChomChom strewn across a furry white rug. Its pile and uneven zebra-ish texture make it easy for debris to skim under a vacuum's radar, and it's so light that missed debris really stands out.
Before... Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable ...after Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableI was impressed by the success rate here. I had to get eye level with the floor to find any missed specks. On max power (the strongest of four settings), the X60 picked up every single ball of cat hair, even the ones that I pressed into the rug fibers. It cleared about 97 percent of the sprinkles, leaving behind a single green star and a few tiny balls.
I must call out that the X60 Max Ultra Complete feels extremely quiet for how powerful it is. Its strongest setting averaged between 67 and 69 decibels, and that was with my phone an inch away from the machine itself. (For reference, weaker vacuums I've tested range from 64 to 74 decibels). I was pleasantly surprised by how subdued (and short) the self-emptying noise is. At 71 decibels, you definitely don't have to plug your ears and brace yourself if you're anywhere near the dock. After being traumatized by several Roombas, Dreame's clear focus on noise level is appreciated.
Is the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete good on hard floors?January in Pennsylvania always comes with a certain amount of white salt residue being trudged inside on shoes. But in the aftermath of one massive winter storm, there was an unprecedented level of slush coming in and drying near my front door. We happened to have guests on the first day that I had the X60, so there were even more shoes adding to the puddle — the floor was literally tinted gray.
Before the X60 Max Ultra came through, my floors were caked with snow and salt residue. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The mop scrubbed away most of the debris in the first pass. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableThe X60 Max Ultra Complete's mopping came in so clutch. It was able to scrub away a vast majority of the massive powdery puddle in the first pass, leaving the floor comfortingly shiny behind it. I've tested so many robot vacuum and mop combos that struggle more with dried water stains than they do with wet spills, but the X60 Max Ultra Complete aced it. Surely, that's the difference between mopping with room-temperature water and mopping with 104-degree Fahrenheit water, as the X60 does.
The spinning mopping pads were also pressurized enough to wipe up super fine dust that suction power alone just can't lift. I made a huge mess while changing the waste drawer liner in my Litter-Robot and sent the X60 to deal with it. The line between where the vacuum had and hadn't cleaned yet was as stark and satisfying as one could ask for.
SEE ALSO: The PetSafe ScoopFree is a budget Litter-Robot alternative if your cat hates enclosed litter boxesI could always trust the X60 Max Ultra Complete's nimble body to scoot right up against the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator overhang, flicking hidden crumbs out from the cracks and mopping up random sprinkles of salt. Similarly, the X60 Max Ultra Complete kept the cat bowl area quite tidy, swiping scattered pieces of dry food near the wall and scrubbing dried splatters of wet food. It did all of this without touching the elevated bowl stand — many other premium robot vacuums are surprisingly rough around it.
The X60 noticed "large particles" of cat food, a power cord, and my feet. Credit: Screenshot / DreameIf the X60 Max Ultra Complete notices a spill bigger than a few small pieces of debris, it automatically creates a side quest for itself within the larger cleaning mission that you've sent it on. Multiple passes are immediately taken over the extra-dirty area until the AI cameras consider the job done. Then, the vacuum goes back to cleaning the rest of the selected area.
Factors to considerThe Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is the most expensive robot vacuum released so far this year. As well-rounded as I think it is, $1,699.99 is a steep asking price for a robot vacuum that's not 100 percent perfect. For example, the X60 Max Ultra Complete ran over a cord once or twice and occasionally stumbled into the wrong bedroom on the way back to the dock. It did leave behind a tiny bit of debris around rug edges on more than one occasion, and at this price, shouldn't its pickup rate basically be 100? I could see why you'd argue that.
Am I the only one who's not super excited about the 3.5-inch "climbing" capabilities? It's just not all that helpful unless your home features shallow drops or sliding door tracks between rooms, like into a sunroom. The full-length mirrors in my apartment are all sliding doors, and the X60 Max Ultra Complete was able to safely cross those to sweep the dust and hairs off my closet floor. It was also able to drive over the metal legs of my kitchen island instead of having to drive around. Those are convenient touches, but I feel like robot vacuum threshold scaling isn't going to hit very hard until legitimate staircases are a possibility.
All in all, the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is worth it in homes with heavy-duty vacuuming needs. But as well-rounded as it is, I'd still tell you not to buy it unless it's on sale.
Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,699.99 at AmazonShop Now at Amazon
What is Aluminum OS? What we know about Googles Android desktop operating system.
Despite Android's presence in nearly every corner of the tech industry, it has yet to truly establish a foothold on PC platforms. Google has had ChromeOS powering Chromebooks for years, but the ubiquity of Android — paired with its lack of a meaningful foothold in traditional computing — made it clear something had to give.
Now, Google is moving to unify ChromeOS and Android into a single desktop platform, currently operating under the codename "Aluminum OS." (Or, depending on who you ask, Aluminium OS.)
SEE ALSO: What to expect from Google I/O 2026: Gemini news, Android XR glasses What is Aluminum OS?As far as we know — thanks to reporting from Android Authority — Aluminum OS is the internal codename for Google’s unified Android/ChromeOS desktop platform. The merger was officially announced this past September at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit, although rumors about a ChromeOS–Android convergence had been circulating for at least a year.
In that September announcement, Google stated that it would be partnering with Qualcomm to develop a new platform that integrates mobile and desktop computing, powered by the latest advancements in AI.
The name "Aluminum OS" comes from a tip shared with Android Authority, which led the outlet to a now-deleted Google job listing for a Senior Product Manager in Taipei City, Taiwan. Luckily, Archive.today captured the posting before it disappeared. In it, Google states it is "working on a new Aluminium, Android-based, operating system” and that “Aluminium is a new operating system built with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the core."
The role also mentions "driving the roadmap and curating a portfolio of ChromeOS and Aluminium Operating System (ALOS) commercial devices across all form factors (e.g. laptops, detachables, tablets, and boxes)." In other words, Aluminum OS won’t be limited to laptops. Tablets and so-called "boxes" — which Android Authority interprets as budget-style machines, such as Chromebooks or even Mac Mini–style devices — are also part of the plan.
A number of leaks after September have given us an even greater idea of what to expect from Aluminum OS.
In May, MysticLeaks posted a 16-minute video allegedly showing off the setup process of the new OS (running in a virtual machine inside a MacBook). In the video, you can see that the interface looks fairly similar to what's already available in ChromeOS, though there are some differences. Apps can be placed on the desktop, and you can right-click to create new folders, a la Windows, for instance.
It's also got an Android-like Quick Settings menu and a task manager, but there isn't much else to glean from the video.
Apart from unofficial leaks, we think Google also made an indirect reference to Aluminum OS during The Android Show livestream event on May 12.
SEE ALSO: The biggest announcements from The Android Show: I/O Edition What devices will run Aluminium OS? Here's a Googlebook. Credit: GoogleWhile previous reporting has indicated that Aluminum OS can run on a variety of device categories, it seems like it might debut with Googlebooks, a new class of laptop Google announced a week prior to Google I/O 2026. Google has only briefly teased Googlebooks so far, but if Aluminum were to run on anything, it would most likely run on one of these laptops.
In fact, Google's messaging around Googlebooks all but confirms that. In the initial reveal, Google talked about Googlebooks as though they will be a successor to Chromebooks in some way, leveraging Android apps as well as Gemini. Users will be able to do things like use AI to generate widgets.
Here's how Google described the Googlebook experience:
With the shift from operating system to intelligence system, we thought it was time for another fundamental reinvention. This year, we are taking the best of Android, a modern OS with powerful apps on Google Play, and the best of Chrome OS, which comes with the world's most popular browser and the biggest library of extensions. And they're now bringing them together, creating a new category of laptops that are built with Gemini at the core, work seamlessly with the devices in your life, and are powered by premium hardware. Meet Googlebook.
This could very well be our first official glimpse at the capabilities of Aluminum OS.
Google showed off several unique capabilities of Googlebooks, such as the ability to open Android apps from your phone right on your laptop without downloading the app.
Is this our first official glimpse of Aluminum OS? Credit: GoogleThey also revealed the “Magic Pointer,” an AI-powered update to the pointer. You’ll be able to hover over any element on the screen and get AI suggestions for next steps, more information, and other options.
The Magic Pointer feature in action. Credit: GoogleWe think Google will tell us more about Googlebooks, and Aluminum OS by extension, in the very near future.
Could Aluminum OS make its debut at Google I/O 2026? Check back on May 19 for the Mashable Google I/O live blog and get the latest updates on all things Google, Android, and Gemini.
How to watch Italy vs. Canada online for free
TL;DR: Watch Italy vs. Canada in the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free on IIHF.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships are underway. We've already been treated to a number of exciting contests from Zurich and Fribourg, and we're expecting more of the same as the busy schedule moves into the weekend. Italy face Canada in one of the most interesting matchups, with all eyes on Canada as they look to bounce back from Winter Olympics disappointment.
If you're interested in watching the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
When is Italy vs. Canada?Italy vs. Canada in the 2026 IIHF World Championships starts at 10:20 a.m. ET on May 16. This fixture takes place at the BCF Arena in Fribourg.
How to watch Italy vs. Canada for freeItaly vs. Canada in the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships is available to live stream for free on IIHF.TV.
IIHF.TV is not available in some locations due to regional broadcasting restrictions (blocked locations listed here), but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with access, meaning you can stream the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access
Connect to IIHF.TV
Watch the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream Italy vs. Canada plus every other fixture before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for the Ice Hockey World Championships?ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms, 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 secure
Fast connection speeds
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).
Live stream Italy vs. Canada in the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free with ExpressVPN.
Best TV deals to shop this weekend: Hisense is leading the way with steep discounts on new TVs
So, your current TV blows. Lucky for you, it happens to be an excellent time to upgrade, as new models have just hit the shelves and older models are getting the deal treatment.
Whether you're upgrading to improve your Stanley Cup playoff-viewing experience or you want to watch Project Hail Mary at home in the best possible quality, we've rounded up some of the best TV deals we could find to help you on your buyer's journey.
If you want an upgrade that actually makes a noticeable difference, here are our top picks on sale this weekend. Hisense, one of our favorite budget brands, is showing off with its ultra-steep discounts.
Best Hisense TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV $898.99 at Amazon$1,399.99 Save $501 Get Deal Why we like it
Brand new 2026 TV models are officially on shelves and some are even on sale already, including Hisense's U6 Pro. One of the brand's newest mid-range models, the U6 Pro falls in the sweet spot of performance and value. It features Mini-LED backlighting and quantum-dot color, AI-driven processing, 2.1-channel Dolby Atmos audio, and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. It's also a solid choice for gamers, sporting a 144Hz native refresh rate and Freesync Premium Pro. Despite launching earlier this month, the 75-inch U6 Pro is already on sale for nearly 40% off.
Best LG TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-inch B5 OLED 4K TV $799.99 at Amazon$1,499.99 Save $700 Get Deal Why we like it
The B5 is LG's cheapest OLED from last year's lineup, offering the best picture quality at the best price. And now that the brand's 2026 lineup has arrived, this entry-level model has dropped to nearly half its original price. More vibrant and detailed than a QLED TV, the B5 OLED particularly stands out while watching dim scenes or in dark rooms. It features Dolby Vision, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Atmos, HDR10 Pro, a 120Hz refresh rate, and lots of AI features to customize and enhance your viewing experience. If you're upgrading from a QLED or LED TV, you'll be hella impressed by the difference an OLED TV makes.
Best art TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K TV $599.99 at Amazon$999.99 Save $400 Get Deal Why we like it
If you're seeking a TV with Art Mode, the Hisense 55-inch Canvas TV is the cheapest it's ever been at only $599.99. While it's often referred to as a dupe for Samsung's The Frame TV, Mashable TV expert Leah Stodart says it's "actually a better value than The Frame in a lot of ways." Particularly, the Canvas has a higher refresh rate (144Hz versus 120Hz) and two HDMI 2.1 ports, making it a potential option for gamers. It also uses Google TV's interface, which is more intuitive and responsive than Samsung's and features a free digital art library — no subscription needed.
More of the best TV deals this weekendSamsung 65-inch Q7F QLED 4K TV — $427.99 $629.99 (save $202)
Roku 65-inch Plus Series Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $478 $649.99 (save $171.99)
Amazon Ember 55-inch Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $559.99 $819.99 (save $260)
TCL 75-inch T7 QLED 4K TV — $629.99 $899.99 (save $270)
Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $696.97 $1,499.99 (save $803.02)
Hisense 50-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $798.99 $1,299.99 (save $501)
LG 48-inch C5 OLED 4K TV — $896.99 $1,396.99 (save $500)
Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $999.99 $2,199.99 (save $1,200)
Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,198.99 $1,999.99 (save $801)
TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED — $1,999.99 $2,999.99 (save 1,000)
The new Apple MacBook Air is still under $1,000 at Amazon — but only in select colors
TL;DR: As of May 16, the 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's a $100 discount on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Air M5 (13-Inch $999 at Amazon$1,099 Save $100 Get Deal
We've been tracking the price of the new MacBook Air M5 since it was released earlier this year. $949 is the lowest price we've seen, so the latest $999 deal is not a record low. But we still think you should carefully consider this deal, because prices are seemingly on the rise.
As of May 16, the 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's a $100 discount on the list price.
This $999 deal is now only available for the midnight and sky blue models. How long will these colorways stay at this discounted price? We can't say for sure, but we wouldn't be surprised to see prices climb ahead of Prime Day. We're not accusing Amazon of sneakily raising prices so that Prime Day deals look better. We would never do that.
SEE ALSO: T-Mobile just dropped the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to claimThe MacBook Air M5 is a portable laptop that delivers heaps of power. In Mashable's review of this popular machine, Timothy Werth said: "The new MacBook Air takes everything good about the MacBook Air and adds the faster M5 chip." You get a little bit of everything with the MacBook Air — Werth named it a "near-perfect machine."
Score the MacBook Air M5 for under $1,000 at Amazon, whilst you still can.
The DJI Mini 5 Pro drone is heavily discounted at Amazon — save $500 this weekend
SAVE $500: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off the list price of $1,599.
Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,099 at Amazon$1,599 Save $500 Get Deal
Legislative pressure on DJI imports means we're likely to see stock issues at some point. We've been saying that for some time, but there doesn't seem to be any issues just yet. In fact, we're still seeing really strong deals on top models from DJI.
As of May 16, the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off the list price and close to the record low at Amazon.
Content creators will love the DJI Mini 5 Pro. It offers a high-end 1-inch sensor with the ability to shoot 4K at 120fps for stunning visuals in any conditions. It also makes use of LiDAR-powered sensing to detect obstacles when you're flying blind, so you can rest assured that your investment isn't going to go hurtling into the nearest brick wall as soon as you lose sight.
There are so many flashy features with this drone, but the 42GB of internal memory is arguably the biggest sell. It's the sort of upgrade that you wouldn't necessarily brag about, but it's going to make your life so much easier when you're out filming content. That's enough memory to house your entire 4K shoot locally, which is one less thing to worry about.
Save $500 on the DJI Mini 5 Pro this weekend at Amazon.
T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to claim this weekend
TL;DR: T-Mobile has dropped new deals on the latest iPhones. Score the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and more for free right now at T-Mobile.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. Shop NowThere's a silent battle going on right now to offer you the most competitive mobile deals. The likes of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are constantly dropping new deals in an effort to make you switch, and that includes offers on the latest iPhones.
T-Mobile has just dropped a new batch of iPhone deals that are particularly tempting:
Apple iPhone 17e — free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on most plans.
Apple iPhone 17 — free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro — free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.
The value of these iPhones is applied as 24 monthly credits to your bill, so you're still paying for the phone but you're getting paid back in full over time. We should also note that you do need to pay taxes and a $35 device connection fee with these offers, but that's always the case with this type of limited-time mobile deal.
The latest iPhone lineup is seriously impressive, with something for everyone. In Mashable's review of the iPhone 17, Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter." When Schroeder took a close look at the iPhone 17e, he said: "The iPhone 17e is a decent upgrade over its predecessor, and a good choice if you want the cheapest new iPhone you can get."
Upgrade to the iPhone 17 lineup for free this weekend with T-Mobile.
This NASA gear may be the first to survive the brutal lunar night
On the moon, not much can survive the arctic plunge of nightfall, where temperatures can dip to -330 degrees Fahrenheit for the two-week stretch of darkness each month.
As more nations and private space companies attempt uncrewed moon landings, the dangers of lunar exploration have come into sharp focus. Even robotic missions that survive touchdown face another major threat: the brutal cold of the lunar night. Few landers and rovers ever wake after enduring the deep freeze. At cryogenic temperatures, soldered metal joints begin to fail and batteries die.
That harsh environment presents a real challenge for NASA as it pursues a return of astronauts to the moon — especially to the south pole, which has some of the coldest temperatures in the solar system — but not an insurmountable one.
Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creator today!
At Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, a team of engineers is testing a piece of equipment in a thermal vacuum chamber, putting the hardware through its paces. The chamber shifts from the extremes of 300 degrees Fahrenheit to -330 degrees Fahrenheit. Through repeated hot and cold cycles, the testing mimics real temperature swings that could happen between deep shadow and full sun at the lunar south pole, where Artemis IV may land with a crew as early as 2028.
Based on test results, the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station, or LEMS, is expected to become the first U.S. instrument to survive a full polar night, a milestone for NASA's plan to build a long-term moon base in the treacherous region.
"No one, no American payload, as far as we know, has ever been able to say that they have survived the lunar south pole during its lunar night and been functional," said Samantha Hicks, the lead systems engineer for LEMS. "We are on track to become the first U.S. payload to do that."
SEE ALSO: Scientists propose a new approach for the detection of alien lifeThe LEMS device is a key piece of hardware for NASA's lunar ambitions, tracking how the ground shakes on the moon for up to two years. The suitcase-size box will keep a constant ear to the ground for moonquakes and asteroid strikes — not just at the lunar south pole, but around the entire moon.
Perhaps surprisingly, the moon remains seismically active, despite its lack of plate tectonics like we have on Earth, said Naoma McCall, LEMS co-investigator and deployment lead. The Apollo missions more than 50 years ago placed similar seismometers on the moon and recorded deep and shallow tremors, thermal events, and meteoroid impacts. But those midcentury instruments shut down in 1977 and provided an incomplete picture of what's going on in the moon's crust and mantle, she said.
Samantha Hicks, left, and Naoma McCall, representatives from the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station team, flank a model of the future Artemis instrument at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center on April 21, 2026. Credit: Saul Loeb / AFP / Getty ImagesMore data is crucial for NASA to safely establish a lunar outpost for humans to live and work, especially if the polar region turns out to shake more often — or more strongly — than predicted.
"There's a lot we don't know about the lunar interior because we only had the observations from the near side," McCall said, referring to the lunar hemisphere facing Earth, where all Apollo missions landed.
For decades, many far‑flung space missions have stayed warm with small nuclear heat sources that slowly release energy as they decay. Those systems are powerful but rely on scarce fuel. Furthermore, they add cost, complexity, and safety reviews. If this small piece of equipment can ride out the lunar night using only sunlight, batteries, and insulation, NASA could replicate the model for faster and simpler surface gear in the future.
To install LEMS, an astronaut will nestle the box in a trench and drill cylindrical holes nearby to bury two sensors under ground. Engineers designed the 66-pound box so one person could carry it. If that load still sounds too heavy, remember that everything on the moon feels about one-sixth lighter than it does on Earth.
After making sure the system is pointed in the right direction, the astronauts can set it and forget it, McCall said. A team practiced deploying the equipment at the University of Central Florida, in a room full of artificial moon soil, to ensure it could be executed in simple steps.
A team integrates the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station, or LEMS, instrument, which will track moonquakes and shakes, at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center"We'll flip three switches and then walk away," McCall said.
While the outside of the box bakes and freezes, the most important internal components — the battery, autonomous computer, and other electronics — stay between about -22 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Engineers say that tighter internal range is what allows the equipment to continually operate, even as its shell faces the brunt of the lunar conditions.
The key to maintaining that consistent internal temperature is an advanced thermal blanket. The proprietary material, developed by Colorado-based Quest Thermal Group for NASA, is called Integrated MultiLayer Insulation, or IMLI. NASA also worked with partners to adjust how it will charge the lithium-ion battery to survive the extreme cold.
"Lithium ion absolutely hates going below -30 degrees [Celsius]. That's when you start getting lithium ion plating," said Hicks, referring to a problem that happens when the batteries can no longer absorb the chemical that carries the energy. "It's all about surviving that lunar night and worst-case scenario."
After recent changes to the Artemis launch campaign, NASA has begun reworking the high-level plan for the upcoming moon-landing mission. The agency will decide whether the LEMS cargo will fly on Artemis IV after it has finalized the official list of everything onboard. In the meantime, the team will complete the rest of the testing schedule over the next few months.


