Blogroll

Astronomers suspect the giant black hole at the heart of the Milky Way may have collided with another black hole in just the past 10 million years.

At the core of the galaxy, about 26,000 light-years away in space, is Sagittarius A*, a supermassive black hole about 4 million times more massive than the sun. The idea is that Sgr A* scarfed down another smaller black hole, potentially solving a longheld mystery about a strange group of stars near the galaxy's center.

These so-called S-stars orbit in wild, tilted, and stretched-out paths, in stark contrast with other nearby stars that move in a neat, orderly rotation. No one knows how the S-stars got where they are or why their orbits are so chaotic, especially given they're young and whatever caused their motion had to have happened fast.

A team of researchers used computer simulations to try to retrace the steps of previous cosmic events. The scientists found if a smaller black hole merged with Sgr A*, the event could have triggered a kickback similar to that of a firing gun. The recoil could have then scrambled the orbits of nearby stars without flinging the black hole far from the center. The researchers' results appear in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

SEE ALSO: Two black holes merged in outer space and created something colossal An image of Sagittarius A*, a supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's galactic center. Credit: Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration

Black holes are some of the most inscrutable phenomena in outer space. About 50 years ago, they were little more than a theory — a kooky mathematical answer to a physics problem. Even astronomers at the top of their field weren't entirely convinced they existed. 

Today, not only are black holes accepted science, they're getting their pictures taken by a collection of enormous, synced-up radio dishes on Earth. Humanity saw a clear view of Sgr A* for the first time in 2022. 

Unlike a planet or star, black holes don't have surfaces. Instead, they have a boundary called an "event horizon," or a point of no return. If anything swoops too close, it will fall in, never to escape the hole's gravitational clutch.

The most common kind, called a stellar black hole, is thought to be the result of an enormous star dying in a supernova explosion. The star's material then collapses onto itself, condensing into a relatively tiny area. How supermassive black holes form is even more elusive. Astrophysicists believe these invisible giants lurk at the center of virtually all galaxies. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope observations have bolstered the theory that they begin in the dusty cores of starburst galaxies, where new stars are rapidly assembled, but scientists are still teasing that out.

Scientists propose that a massive black hole fell toward Sgr A*, taking with it gas and stars, causing the black holes to eventually merge. The merger remnant would get a recoil kick, which over a few million years could cause the strange tilted orbits of the S-star cluster. Credit: Tatsuya Akiba et al. / doi:10.3847/2041-8213/addc5d diagram

The Milky Way is ancient — over 13 billion years old — and over that time, it has likely absorbed many smaller galaxies. Some of those galaxies may have contained their own black holes. If one of these smaller black holes spiraled into Sgr A*, it would have released a blast of gravitational waves, pushing Sgr A* slightly off-center. Over time, the gravity of this lopsided disk could have pulled some stars closer and tilted their orbits, turning them into the S-star cluster seen today.

To test this hypothesis, researchers used computer simulations that mimic how stars and black holes interact. In their model, a smaller black hole — about 200,000 times the mass of the sun — falls into Sgr A*. Fast-forward 2 million years, and the simulation produces a group of stars whose orbits look a lot like the S-stars. 

Though the model isn't perfect — the stars' orbits were a bit less extreme than the real ones — future studies could tweak it. Researchers say the model not only offers a new way to study the history of the Milky Way's central black hole but sheds light on how galaxies evolve.

With The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel's First Family finally arrives in the MCU. But does their MCU debut follow in the franchise's tradition of including mid-credits and end-credits scenes?

SEE ALSO: ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ review: One of the best MCU films in years

The MCU's other 2025 film offerings have been somewhat inconsistent with their post-credits scenes. Captain America: Brave New World skipped a mid-credits scene entirely, instead offering up a vague end-credits scene that felt like the product of a rushed rewrite and reshoot. Elsewhere, Thunderbolts* delivered a more satisfying look at what's to come from Marvel, teasing the New Avengers and the arrival of the Fantastic Four in their dimension.

Is there more Pedro Pascal in the post-credits of The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Luckily for MCU fans, The Fantastic Four: First Steps follows in Thunderbolts* footsteps as opposed to Captain America: Brave New World. The film features both a mid-credits scene and an end-credits scene, so get ready to stay in the theater even after Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) wrap up their adventures.

No spoilers, but the mid-credits scene offers a major tease of the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, while the end-credits scene pays off a fun gag from the rest of the film, with a bit of nostalgia thrown in for good measure. Only one member of the film's Fantastic Four actually shows up in these scenes, but no spoilers yet on who it is. For that, you'll have to watch through the credits, which also offer the opportunity to appreciate the gargantuan crew that brought The Fantastic Four: First Steps to life.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters July 24.

SAVE $10.95: As of July 23, get the LifeStraw Go for $49 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $59.95. That's a discount of 18%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon LifeStraw Go $49 at Amazon
$59.95 Save $10.95 Get Deal

If you're someone who travels often, a LifeStraw should be a necessity. It's a personal water filter that comes in the form of a straw, so you can drink from virtually any water source. It filters out bacteria, microplastics, and just about everything you can think of so you can drink without worrying about the consequences. LifeStraw has added this technology to water bottles as part of its LifeStraw Go water bottle line. And if you want one to take around with you, you can score a discount on one of the water bottles right now at Amazon.

As of July 23, get the LifeStraw Go for $49 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $59.95. That's $10.95 off for a discount of 18%.

SEE ALSO: One-and-done deal: Get MS Office 2021 for life

This stainless steel bottle can filter out all the grossness you might get from water sourced from less-than-savory areas. It claims to protect against E. coli, salmonella, parasites, microplastics, sand, cloudiness, and more with its Membrane microfilter. The filter lasts up to 1,000 gallons, or about five years of daily use.

It comes in multiple hues, though not all of them are currently on sale. However, the Cactus Green is discounted, and it's a sprightly color that you'll love toting around with you. This can be a necessary and worthwhile sidekick, whether you're staying in the States or traveling abroad.

Best tech deals

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

SAVE $15.01: As of July 23, get the Renpho Smart Scale for $19.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $34.99. That's a discount of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Renpho Smart Scale $19.98 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $15.01 Get Deal

Whether you're just setting out on your fitness journey or you're well into an established routine, keeping track of your biometrics can be a helpful part of working your way to a fitter, healthier you. A smart scale is an excellent way to track all of this data, and super easy at that. And there's an extremely affordable one on offer right now at Amazon.

As of July 23, get the Renpho Smart Scale for $19.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $34.99. That's $15.01 off and a discount of 43%.

SEE ALSO: We tested the top fitness trackers of 2025: See our favorite wearables and smart rings

This is a digital scale with Bluetooth connectivity that has 13 body metrics to help you track: BMI, muscle mass, body fat percentage, metabolic age, and more. It can sync your data with Apple Health, Samsung Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit and offers a hub that you can refer to if you're looking to keep track of your progress.

You can set it up by way of the companion Renpho app and log your data across multiple devices. Plus, you can swap out users via app, so anyone in your household can have their own account without having to worry about muddling up someone else's health data.

There's a lot to love about this scale, but mostly the fact that it's about $20. For the amount you might spend on a few coffees, you're getting a fully functional smart scale that can help you track important data points.

Best tech deals

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

I'm a firm believer that a solid pair of earbuds is always worth the investment. No matter if you're staying at home and simply want to tune out the world or you've got big travel plans, they're great to have on-hand to keep you entertained at all times. As someone who spends a lot of time listening to music or podcasts on my own, my AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are something I always keep close at hand. They're an especially good pick for their noise-canceling features.

I recently raved about the AirPods Pro 2's noise-canceling features and how they made a long flight a lot more comfortable. Being able to tune out the sounds of the engines or a baby crying makes a huge difference to your overall comfort.

Quality noise-canceling features often come with a higher price tag, but thankfully Apple has another, cheaper option for shoppers to check out. The newer AirPods 4 model with ANC offers noise-canceling features at a lower price point. So I was curious to know which AirPods model is worth picking up for regular travelers.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best earbuds to buy in 2025, selected by Mashable audio experts

Here at Mashable, we think very highly of both models. Our glowing review of the AirPods 4 with ANC gave them a solid 4.6/5, with Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon saying, "they have replaced my AirPods Pro as my new daily driver earbuds." And the AirPods Pro 2 have secured a spot on our overall list of the best earbuds.

If you're on the fence, we're here to help you find the best AirPods to use on your next trip.

The battle of noise-cancelation: AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2

When it comes to noise-cancelation features, both the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 share Conversation Awareness, Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, and Active Noise Cancelation. Our review of the AirPods 4 said that the "active noise cancellation is elite" and similarly our review of the AirPods Pro 2 had high praise for their noise-cancelation, with Mashable's Stan Schroeder saying, "They sound wonderful and have almost uncanny active noise cancelation." It's worth noting that Apple says AirPods Pro 2 remove up to 2x more background noise than the AirPods 4.

The AirPods 4 feature a one-size-fits-most design that, according to our AirPods 4 review, is "surprisingly snug." The AirPods Pro 2 offer just a little bit extra in the design department, though. The Pros are fitted with silicone tips that create an extra seal to help block out external sounds. This is a helpful addition as a tight seal ensures the active noise-cancellation works to the best of its ability. Without such a seal, external noise can still sneak into your ears, no matter how good the ANC is. In our comparison of AirPods 4 vs. Airpods Pro 2, Mashable's Bethany Allard said of the silicone tips that they offer "a more secure fit," which is also helpful if you're worried about your earbuds falling out.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals this week: MacBooks, AirPods, and more

Battery life is another key difference between the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2. With noise-canceling features enabled, the AirPods 4 can get up to four hours of listening on a single charge. When combined with the case, you can stretch the battery life up to 20 hours. This can even stretch up to 30 hours if you don't enable ANC. The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, get just a little bit extra listening time — up to six hours with ANC enabled, or up to 30 hours when you're using the case. In the case of a longer trip, the AirPods Pro 2 nudge out the AirPods 4.

Which AirPods are worth buying?

The AirPods Pro 2 are usually listed for $249 while the AirPods 4 with ANC come in at $179. And while these models can often be found discounted during sale events, it's still a lot of money to drop on earbuds.

Both models offer great noise-cancelation, but if you're looking for a more secure fit and a longer battery life, the AirPods Pro 2 are worth the investment. The AirPods 4 still get you the noise-canceling features you're looking for and offer solid sound quality for less cash, but if you want to most comfortable travel experience, the AirPods Pro 2 will get you there in first class.

Where to buy the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

If you're looking to pick up the AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4, we've included links on where to buy below. The good news is both of these models are discounted at the moment after Prime Day. There are more major sale events still to come this year — another Prime Day usually pops up in October and Black Friday takes place in November — so there will be more chances to secure record-low prices.

Where to buy the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 Best AirPods Pro 2 Deal AirPods Pro 2 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best AirPods 4 deal AirPods 4 $168.99 (save $10.01) Get Deal

TL;DR: Save big on a OneAir Elite lifetime subscription with code TRAVEL at checkout, now $49.97 (reg. $790).

Opens in a new window Credit: OneAir OneAir Elite: Lifetime Subscription (Save Money On Your Existing Hotel and Flight Bookings) $49.97
$790 Save $740.03 with code TRAVEL Get Deal

You finally pull the trigger on booking that flight or hotel…and then the price drops the next day. Classic. For most travelers, that’s where the regret sets in. But for OneAir members, that’s just the beginning of a sweet little refund.

When their existing reservations or flight tickets drop, OneAir calculates savings after cancellation fees, and automatically rebooks, or guides you through reticketing on the same flight. This is all after helping you find the best flight and hotel discounts in the first place. If you want to join, now is the best time when it’s an extra 50% off — normally $99.99, get OneAir for life now for just $49.97 with code TRAVEL at checkout.

Travel savings for a lifetime

Once you join OneAir Elite, you can input your preferred departure airports and favorite destinations, and the AI-powered engine starts scanning millions of fares and hotel rates. When it finds something especially cheap — even if it’s a mistake fare or a limited-time deal — you get instant email or mobile alerts to book fast.

Even better, members can unlock up to 60% off hotels and flights not available to the public, thanks to OneAir’s wholesale partnerships with top airlines and hotel suppliers. And for almost every flight, hotel, or travel insurance purchase you book through the platform, you’ll earn up to 10% back in OneAir Cash Rewards to use on future trips.

At just $49.97 for lifetime access when you enter coupon code TRAVEL at checkout, your membership could pay for itself in one trip — and keep saving you money every time after that.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Give an old PC a revamp with this Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle for $54.97 (reg. $418.99) through November 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $54.97
$418.99 Save $364.02 Get Deal

Need a mid-summer productivity boost? It may be time to call in some old classics from Microsoft Office. Give your PC an update with eight new apps and a whole new operating system with the Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle, on sale now for just $54.97 (reg. $418.99) through November 1.

Give your PC a major upgrade for just $55

You can give your PC a whole new vibe for just $55, thanks to the Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro Bundle. It kicks off with a Microsoft Office Professional 2021 license, packed with eight apps ready to help you personally and professionally — from making budgets in Excel to answering emails in Outlook.

This Office license also includes Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. And unlike newer editions, you only have to pay once to enjoy them forever. It also offers more apps than the 2024 version, and uses familiar interfaces, avoiding the learning curve of newer AI-powered tools.

Aside from this suite of helpful apps, this bundle also equips your PC with Windows 11 Pro. This operating system was made with the modern professional in mind, so it’s ready to help you tackle even the lengthiest to-do list with a seamless interface, snap layouts, and improved voice typing.

This operating system also prioritizes cybersecurity. It includes features like biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and advanced antivirus defenses.

Give your PC a new lease on life with this Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle for $54.97 (reg. $418.99) through November 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025 (so far), and where to stream them

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand-new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're in the mood for Wes Anderson, creature features, or soapy fun, we've got something just for you.

Honorable mention: The Fantastic Four movies

With The Fantastic Four: First Steps starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn hitting cinemas July 26, you might remember it's not the first time the First Family of the MCU have hit the big screen. But where can you stream the previous Fantastic Four movies?

SEE ALSO: ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ review: One of the best MCU films in years

Before we get into the frankly not-so-fantastic movies, just know you can stream the 1994 Fantastic Four animated series on Disney+. In the mid-2000s, Hornblower fans were treated to Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards alongside Jessica Alba as Sue Storm, Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm, and a pre-Captain America Chris Evans as Johnny Storm in 2005's Fantastic Four and 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. In 2015, a reboot of Fantastic Four featured future Black Panther supervillain Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Miles Teller, and Jamie Bell. And never forget, you can catch John Krasinski as Mr. Fantastic in a cameo from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: The Fantastic Four series (1994), Fantastic Four (2005), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), and Fantastic Four (2015) are all streaming on Disney+.

10. The Sandman, Season 2: Vol. 2

With allegations of sexual assault against Neil Gaiman looming large, Netflix's adaptation of Gaiman's The Sandman closes out its second and final season.

The last volume of The Sandman Season 2 sees the consequences of Dream (Tom Sturridge) spilling family blood at the end of Volume 1. Now hounded by the Furies, Dream will have to muster all his strength and allies — or even former enemies, like the Corinthian (Boyd Holbrook) — if he is to save the Dreaming. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Tom Sturridge, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Mason Alexander Park, Donna Preston, Esmé Creed-Miles, Adrian Lester, Barry Sloane, Patton Oswalt, Vivienne Acheampong, Gwendoline Christie, Jenna Coleman, Stephen Fry, Asim Chaudhry, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Razane Jammal, Ruairi O’Connor, Freddie Fox, Clive Russell, Laurence O’Fuarain, Ann Skelly, Douglas Booth, Jack Gleeson, Indya Moore, Steve Coogan, and Boyd Holbrook

How to watch: The Sandman, Season 2: Vol. 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Shark Week 2025

You can't have summer TV programming without Shark Week, and luckily for all you shark lovers out there, you can stream the Discovery Channel's programming on HBO Max. Offerings this year include How to Survive a Shark Attack, Jaws vs. Mega Croc, and Frankenshark. But the award for most outlandish Shark Week 2025 show goes to Dancing with the Sharks, an underwater dance competition hosted by former Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron. — B.E.

How to watch: Shark Week 2025 is now streaming on HBO Max.

8. The Hunting Wives

Looking for a trashy, soapy summer watch? Then feast your eyes on The Hunting Wives, a series bursting with sex, murder, and the most exaggerated Southern accents since Parker Posey yelled, "Piper, no!" in The White Lotus Season 3.

The Hunting Wives introduces Bostonian Sophie (Brittany Snow), who's relocated to East Texas to support her husband Graham's (Evan Jonigkeit) new job. There, she gets entangled with Margo (Malin Akerman), the queen bee of a group of women who love to hunt together. Sparks fly between Sophie and Margo, but a brutal murder throws their steamy relationship — and their whole friend group! — into chaos. Pure, dumb fun, The Hunting Wives commits wholly to its lusty brand of camp and never looks back. — B.E.

Starring: Brittany Snow, Malin Akerman, Jaime Ray Newman, Evan Jonigkeit, George Ferrier, Katie Lowes, Chrissy Metz, Dermot Mulroney, Chosen Jacobs, and Branton Box

How to watch: The Hunting Wives is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Acapulco, Season 4

Get ready for one last trip to the Las Colinas resort, because this week marks the premiere of the fourth and final season of Apple TV+'s comedy Acapulco. The stakes are high for Las Colinas employee Máximo in both the present (Eugenio Derbez) and the past (Enrique Arrizon). In the present, he must make sure the resort is in tip-top shape for its grand reopening. And in the past, he'll have to scope out a rival hotel that stole Las Colinas' usual number-one spot in Acapulco's "Best Hotels" ranking. — B.E.

Starring: Eugenio Derbez, Enrique Arrizon, Fernando Carsa, Rafael Cebrián, Vanessa Bauche, Camila Perez, Carlos Corona, Chord Overstreet, Regina Reynoso, Jessica Collins, Regina Orozco, Damián Alcázar, Jaime Camil, Cristo Fernández, Carolina Moreno, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, and Omar Chaparro

How to watch: Acapulco Season 4 is now streaming on Apple TV+.

6. Death of a Unicorn

Want something wacky, weird, and splashed with mythical violence? Then you'll treasure A24's Death of a Unicorn.

SEE ALSO: The unicorns in 'Death of a Unicorn' are total 'movie magic'

The directorial debut of writer/helmer Alex Scharfman, this fantasy-action-comedy stars Paul Rudd as a meek dad trying to balance the whims of his demanding clients — a family of Big Pharma billionaires — while also rebuilding the strained relationship with his college-focused daughter (Jenna Ortega). But when this fractured family accidentally kills a baby unicorn, what should have been a weekend getaway with a side of business becomes a life-or-death struggle against homicidal, horn-headed horses. A bit wonky, but overall, Death of a Unicorn is a wild time.* — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Carrigan, Sunita Mani, Stephen Park, and Jessica Hynes

How to watch: Death of a Unicorn hits HBO Max July 25.

5. Washington Black

Sterling K. Brown stars in and executive produces Washington Black, a mini-series adaptation of the novel by Esi Edugyan. Like the novel, the series follows brilliant inventor George Washington "Wash" Black (played at different life stages by Ernest Kingsley Jr. and Eddie Karanja) from his childhood as a slave in Barbados to his voyages to the Arctic, Morocco, and more.

SEE ALSO: 'Washington Black' review: Take to the skies with Hulu's thoughtful historical adventure

Although the show's flashback-heavy structure and many side characters threaten to weigh it down, Washington Black is a worthy summer adventure overall, one that balances heavy themes with thrilling escapades. As I wrote in my review, "[Wash's] voyage, with its fanciful steampunk aircraft and emphasis on the natural world, carries touches of Jules Verne. Yet it's also deeply entangled in Wash's search for freedom, making it not just a globe-trotting romp, but a rousing quest of self-discovery." — B.E.

Starring: Ernest Kingsley Jr., Sterling K. Brown, Eddie Karanja, Iola Evans, Eddie Karanja, Edward Bluemel, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Rupert Graves, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Tom Ellis, and Charles Dance

How to watch: Washington Black is now streaming on Hulu.

4. Happy Gilmore 2

We're ready to go eat some hay, lay by the bay, and make things out of clay, with the sequel to Happy Gilmore landing almost 30 years after the original. Adam Sandler is back in his iconic role, the golfer with a penchant for losing his shit and bringing a little rock and/or roll to the sport of golf. But Sandler isn't the only star returning for Happy Gilmore 2, with Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, and Ben Stiller reprising their roles; they'll be sure to harness the good energy, block out the bad. — S.C.

Starring: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, Eminem, John Daly, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau

How to watch: Happy Gilmore 2 hits Netflix July 25.

3. Sunday Best

Late documentarian Sacha Jenkins (Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men, Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues) turned his lens on legendary TV host Ed Sullivan in his final film, Sunday Best. Not just a straightforward documentary, Jenkins focuses on how Sullivan championed Black musical artists like Harry Belafonte, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder.

In his review for Mashable, Robert Daniels touched on how Jenkins' focus is intriguing, if oversimplified, writing, "Where Sunday Best struggles as a sociopolitical documentary, it remains memorable due the fascinating way it places Sullivan on the timeline of Black progress — even if that placement is almost too simplistically conceived." — B.E.

How to watch: Sunday Best is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Materialists

Past Lives writer-director Celine Song delivered one of the year's buzziest (and most divisive) films with her sophomore feature, Materialists. Led by the trio of Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, Materialists presents another Song love triangle, this time between matchmaker Lucy (Johnson); wealthy, handsome hedge fund manager Harry (Pascal); and Lucy's struggling actor ex John (Evans), who's still pining for her.

SEE ALSO: Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson weigh in on 'Materialists' big street fight and their cocktails of choice

Don't be fooled by Materialists' rom-com premise (and marketing). The film presents a far more cynical view of modern dating — at least, until an ending that left many viewers scratching their heads. Flawed but fascinating, it's still worth a watch, even if it left some critics, like Mashable's Kristy Puchko, cold. In her review, she called out Johnson, Evans, and Pascal's miscasting, writing, "[Materialists is] a big swing, with big stars, who might be, despite their incredible charm and sincere performances, its biggest flaw. For as grounded and real as Materialists aims to be, it's hard to overlook its big, shining stars to see that gritty authenticity." — B.E.

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Zoë Winters, and Marin Ireland

How to watch: Materialists is now available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and other digital platforms.

1. The Phoenician Scheme

Wes Anderson returns with a new adventure, stocked with visual splendor and a star-studded cast.

Co-written by Anderson and Roman Coppola, The Phoenician Scheme stars Benicio del Toro as a scheming businessman who is bringing his novitiate daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton) into the family business. As he exposes her to his complicated Phoenician Scheme, this confounding father-daughter duo will cross paths with eccentric titans of industry, sloppy assassins, a mild-mannered tutor, and a lot of hand grenades. Basically, if you ever wondered what a Wes Anderson espionage movie looks like, you're closer than you've ever been before! And in my review for Mashable, I cheered, "The Phoenician Scheme becomes a charmingly hopeful tale about how even with our flaws we might find love, family, and salvation."* — K.P.

Starring: Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amalric, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Imad Mardnli, and Benedict Cumberbatch

How to watch: The Phoenician Scheme hits Peacock July 25.

(*) denotes a blurb comes from a previous list.

TL;DR: Save big on flights with this 1-year subscription to Dollar Flight Club’s Premium Plan, on sale now for just $9.99 (reg. $69).

Opens in a new window Credit: Dollar Flight Club Dollar Flight Club Premium Plan: 1-Year Subscription $9.99
$69 Save $59.01 Get Deal

Want to save up to $2,000 per trip you take? Dollar Flight Club can make that a reality by helping you find deals on both domestic and international airfare.

Right now, you can make your travel budget go a lot farther with a one-year subscription to Dollar Flight Club's premium plan for just $9.99 (reg. $69).

Fly more and pay less with this $10 flight deal finder

If hefty plane ticket fees are preventing you from exploring the world, let Dollar Flight Club help you find amazing deals and cure your wanderlust. Over two million people are already taking advantage of this handy service, which helps you score deals like $161 roundtrip tickets to Hawaii or $298 roundtrip fare to Spain.

Curious how it works? Your Premium plan lets you choose up to four departure airports, and then delivers deals and mistake fares for those airports right to your inbox. When you see something you like, just book it and start packing your bags.

You can rest easy knowing you are going easy on your wallet and scoring up to 90% off on your airfare. And aside from saving you money, Dollar Flight Club saves you hours of work searching the internet yourself.

This deal is only available to new Dollar Flight Club members. Note: the membership automatically renews when your year is over.

Save big on travel all year long with this 1-year subscription to Dollar Flight Club’s Premium Plan, now for just $9.99 (reg. $69).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Check out a high-quality refurbished Apple MacBook Pro M1 (16-Core GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) for just $999.99 (reg. $2,499) with free shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro M1 (16-Core GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $999.99
$2,499 Save $1,499.01 Get Deal

Are you in the market for a powerful, daily laptop?

At 60% off the original price tag of $2,499, this refurbished Apple MacBook Pro M1 (16-Core GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) features impressive performance at an impressive price. Right now, you can grab one on sale for $999.99 (reg. $2,499) while supplies last.

Whether you’re running a photo-editing software or secretly answering emails during a Zoom call, this modern MacBook is powered by Apple’s M1 chip with a 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and Neural Engine, which can handle multiple demanding tasks without disrupting your workflow. 

Smoothly navigate from task to task with the support of high-quality video rendering, vivid visuals with higher contrast, 16GB of unified memory, and 1TB of SSD space for all your photos, videos, files, and more.

The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers a screen so bright, you can try to squeeze in a couple of tasks on the beach — we’re looking at you, workaholics. 

Whether you’re on the go or working from home, this MacBook is built to last for up to 17 hours on a single charge. And with three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a MagSafe 3 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an array of additional ports, you can charge it, your phone, your Bluetooth headphones, and so much more, without stressing over a free outlet.

An “A” refurbished grade means this MacBook Pro is in near-mint condition, with either minimal or next to no cosmetic wear. Refurbished products are tested for full functionality and cleaned before they ever reach your door.

Upgrade your laptop for less. Grab a near-mint 2021 refurbished MacBook Pro on sale for $999.99 (reg. $2,499) with free shipping. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

FREE KRISPY KREME: National Drive-Thru Day takes place on July 24. Celebrate with a free glazed doughnut from Krispy Kreme.

Opens in a new window Credit: Krispy Kreme National Drive-Thru Day: Free Glazed Doughnut from Krispy Kreme Learn More

There's nothing like a free giveaway. We spend all day scanning the online world for the best deals and promotions to save you money, but a discount is not the same as something for nothing. Getting something for free is undefeated.

National Drive-Thru Day takes place on July 24. Of course you already knew that, didn't you. You've probably has this date circled on your calendar for weeks. Well the wait is over, and Krispy Kreme is in the mood to celebrate.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away a free Boombox model. Here’s how to get yours.

On July 24, anyone who goes through the drive-thru at participating Krispy Kreme stories can get an Original Glazed doughnut for free. We know you're looking for the catch, but there isn't one. There's no purchase required and you don't need one of those ridiculously long promo codes either.

There is a limit of one doughnut per person, and we recommend calling ahead to make sure that your local Krispy Kreme is participating before you set off in search of a freebie. Good luck out there.

TL;DR: Sellful is your all-in-one business toolkit — build websites, run marketing, and handle HR forever for just £257.92 with a lifetime subscription to its ERP Agency Plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sellful Sellful - White Label Website Builder & Software: ERP Agency Plan (Lifetime) £257.92
£1,497 Save £1,239.08 Get Deal

Make 2025 the year you finally start that side hustle. Though it sounds daunting, if you have Sellful in your corner, you already have a star employee on your team.

Sellful is an AI-powered white-label website builder and software that serves as a one-stop shop for getting a business going. You can now score a lifetime subscription to its ERP Agency Plan for just £257.92.

Design, promote, and grow with Sellful’s lifetime plan

You supply the idea, and Sellful can help make it happen. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving an existing business, Sellful acts like an all-in-one digital employee. It can be your web developer, helping make your site, landing pages, funnels, and more.

What good is a website without a product to sell? Sellful also supports e-commerce, helping you sell physical or digital products directly from your site. And if you need to find customers, let it handle the marketing by creating an AI-generated newsletter, social media posts, and even an interactive chatbot.

Once your site is up and running, you might need to expand your team. Sellful can even help you recruit new employees, and even manage payroll and time-off requests. It also includes a built-in scheduler to manage appointments and bookings directly from your site.

An ERP Agency Plan gives you access to 100GB of file storage and 50,000 free email sends. If you need to add more, packs of 10,000 are available for a small monthly fee.

It’s time to take your business to the next level with a lifetime subscription to Sellful, now £257.92.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Upgrade your PC for just A$23 with a Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license, on sale for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro AU$23
AU$307 Save AU$284 Get Deal

Do you have an old computer that could use a refresh? Upgrade its operating system and give it new life with Windows 11 Pro, now just A$23 (reg. A$307) for a limited time.

If you’ve got an older device lying around, you don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars for a brand-new laptop. Just give it a new lease on life with this Windows 11 Pro upgrade. This new operating system is filled with features that can help you tackle both work and play.

What’s new in Windows 11 Pro?

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro was created with modern professionals in mind, but you don’t have to be tackling work to appreciate the new features. It offers a seamless interface that’s easy to navigate, snap layouts, improved voice typing, and a more powerful search experience everyone can benefit from.

We should all be taking our cybersecurity more seriously, and Windows 11 Pro offers advanced security measures like a biometric login, encrypted authentication, and advanced antivirus defenses to beef up your protection.

Need to get work done? Windows 11 Pro includes Microsoft Teams, and it also offers some unique professional features. Azure AD lets you manage logins and permissions for employees, while Hyper-V makes it possible to create and run virtual machines to test things. You’ll also get Windows Sandbox, a way to test files safely without risking your computer.

If you’d like to ditch the mouse and keyboard, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro gives you the option to go touchscreen. And it also puts Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, right on your desktop.

Once you tackle all your responsibilities, it’s time to start gaming. Windows 11 Pro includes DirectX 12 Ultimate, with graphics that make you feel like you’re right there in the game.

Note: You’ll need 4GB RAM and 40GB of hard drive space to run Windows 11 Pro, and if you’re running Windows 11 but can’t install upgrades via Windows Update, you won’t be able to install this version either.

Elevate your PC experience with this lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, now just A$23 (reg. A$307). Limited time only.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Leadership is emotionally taxing. Whether you’re delivering tough news, navigating team changes, or absorbing others’ stress, the emotional labor quietly adds up. Over time, ignoring your own emotions can erode your health, performance, and relationships. To stay resilient, adopt these three recovery practices.  Reflect to build emotional awareness. After a hard moment, pause and ask […]

257257

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

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

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

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

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

A leaflet.

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

FLIER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To moan.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 24, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

GROAN

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Excited.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 24 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 24, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

GIDDY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Filthy.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 24 Hurdle Word 4 answer

DIRTY

Final Hurdle hint

Central.

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

FOCAL

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

The moon is hidden from sight tonight as we enter a new phase of the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. 

So, what's happening tonight, July 24, and where are we in the lunar cycle? Keep reading to find out.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Thursday, July 24, the moon phase is New Moon. This means the moon is not visible at all to us tonight, 0% to be exact (according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation).

It's day 29 of the lunar cycle, and with 0% visibility, there are no mares or craters on the moon's surface within sight.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on August 9. The last full moon was on July 10.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

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

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

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

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

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

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

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

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

AI has made remarkable progress in recent years, but turning experimental models into tools that work in the real world is still a major challenge. Bridging this gap between innovation and application has shaped the career of Xinxing Xu, principal researcher at Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore (opens in new tab), and underpins the mission of the lab’s newly established presence in the region.

Xinxing Xu, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore

“Innovative algorithms can only demonstrate their true value when tested with real-world data and in actual scenarios, where they can be continuously optimized through iteration,” he says.

Xu’s commitment to balancing algorithmic innovation with practical application has shaped his entire career. During his PhD studies at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Xu focused on emerging technologies like multiple kernel learning methods and multimodal machine learning. Today he’s applying these techniques to real-world use cases like image recognition and video classification.

After completing his doctorate, he joined the Institute of High Performance Computing at Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), where he worked on interdisciplinary projects ranging from medical image recognition to AI systems for detecting defects on facade of buildings. These experiences broadened his perspective and deepened his passion for translating AI into real-world impact.

In 2024, Xu joined Microsoft Research Asia where he began a new chapter focused on bridging between academic research and real-world AI applications.

“Microsoft Research Asia is committed to integrating scientific exploration with real-world applications, which creates a unique research environment,” Xu says. “It brings together top talent and resources, and Microsoft’s engineering and product ecosystem strongly supports turning research into impactful technology. The lab’s open and inclusive culture encourages innovation with broader societal impact. It reflects the approach to research I’ve always hoped to contribute to.”

Spotlight: Microsoft research newsletter

Microsoft Research Newsletter

Stay connected to the research community at Microsoft.

Subscribe today Opens in a new tab Bringing cross-domain expertise to AI’s real-world frontiers

As a key hub in Microsoft Research’s network across Asia, the Singapore lab is guided by a three-part mission: to drive industry-transforming AI deployment, pursue fundamental breakthroughs in the field, and promote responsible, socially beneficial applications of the technology.

To reach these goals, Xu and his colleagues are working closely with local collaborators, combining cross-disciplinary expertise to tackle complex, real-world challenges.

To deliver on that mission, Xinxing Xu and his colleagues are working closely with local collaborators, drawing on cross-disciplinary expertise to solve real-world problems. One key focus is healthcare, where Xu leads a collaboration with Singapore’s SingHealth to explore how AI can support precision medicine. By combining SingHealth’s clinical data with advanced AI models, the team aims to deliver more personalized analyses and sharper diagnostic tools—laying the groundwork for improved patient outcomes. 

Beyond healthcare, the team is also targeting key sectors like finance and logistics. By developing domain-specific foundation models and AI agents, they aim to support smarter decision-making and accelerate digital transformation across industries. “Singapore has a strong foundation in these sectors,” Xu notes, “making it an ideal environment for technology validation and iteration.”

The team is also partnering with leading academic institutions, including the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), to advance the field of spatial intelligence. Their goal is to develop embodied intelligence systems capable of carrying out complex tasks in smart environments.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in everyday life, researchers at the Singapore lab are also increasingly focused on what they call “societal AI”—building AI systems that are culturally relevant and trustworthy within Southeast Asia’s unique cultural and social contexts. In collaboration with global colleagues, they’re helping to advance a more culturally grounded and responsible approach to AI research in the region.

Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore: Expanding global reach, connecting regional innovation 

Realizing AI’s full potential requires more than technical breakthroughs. It also depends on collaboration—across industries, academia, and policy. Only through this intersection of forces can AI move beyond the lab to deliver meaningful societal value. 

Singapore’s strengths in science, engineering, and digital governance make it an ideal setting for this kind of work. Its collaborative culture, robust infrastructure, international talent pool, and strong policy support for science and technology make it fertile ground for interdisciplinary research. 

This is why Microsoft Research Asia continues to collaborate closely with Singapore’s top universities, research institutions, and industry partners. These partnerships support joint research, talent development, and technical exchange. Building on this foundation, Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore will further deepen its collaboration with NUS, NTU Singapore, and Singapore Management University (SMU) to advance both fundamental and applied research, while equipping the next generation of researchers with real-world experience. In addition, Microsoft Research Asia is fostering academic exchange and strengthening the research ecosystem through summer schools and joint workshops with NUS, NTU Singapore, and SMU. 

The launch of the Singapore lab further marks an important step in expanding the company’s global research footprint, serving as a bridge between regional innovation and Microsoft’s global ecosystem. Through its integrated lab network, Microsoft Research fosters the sharing of technologies, methods, and real-world insights, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation.

“We aim to build a research hub in Singapore that is globally connected and deeply rooted in the local ecosystem,” Xu says. “Many breakthroughs come from interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaboration. By breaking boundaries—across disciplines, industries, and geographies—we can drive research that has lasting impact.”

As AI becomes more deeply woven into industry and everyday life, Xu believes that meaningful research must be closely connected to regional development and social well-being. “Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore is a future-facing lab,” he says. “While we push technological frontiers, we’re equally committed to the responsibility of technology—ensuring AI can help address society’s most pressing challenges.”

In a world shaped by global challenges, Xu sees collaboration and innovation as essential to real progress. With Singapore as a launchpad, he and his team are working to extend AI’s impact and value across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Xingxing Xu (center) with colleagues at Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore  Three essential strengths for the next generation of AI researchers

AI’s progress depends not only on technical breakthroughs but also on the growth and dedication of talent. At Microsoft Research Asia, there is a strong belief that bringing research into the real world requires more than technical coordination—it depends on unlocking the full creativity and potential of researchers.

In Singapore—a regional innovation hub that connects Southeast Asia—Xu and his colleagues are working to push AI beyond the lab and into fields like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. For young researchers hoping to shape the future of AI, this is a uniquely powerful stage.

To help guide the next generation, Xu shares three pieces of advice:

• Build a strong foundation – “Core knowledge in machine learning, linear algebra, and probability and statistics is the bedrock of AI research,” Xu says. “A solid theoretical base is essential to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving field. Even today’s hottest trends in generative AI rely on longstanding principles of optimization and model architecture design.” While code generation tools are on the rise, Xu emphasizes that mathematical fundamentals remain essential for understanding and innovating in AI.
• Understand real-world applications – Technical skills alone aren’t enough. Xu encourages young researchers to deeply engage with the problems they’re trying to solve. Only by tightly integrating technology with its context can researchers create truly valuable solutions.
  
  “In healthcare, for example, researchers may need to follow doctors in clinics to gain a true understanding of clinical workflows. That context helps identify the best entry points for AI deployment. Framing research problems around real-world needs is often more impactful than just tuning model parameters,” Xu says.
• Develop interdisciplinary thinking – Cross-disciplinary collaboration is becoming essential to AI innovation. Xu advises young researchers to learn how to work with experts from other fields to explore new directions together. “These kinds of interactions often spark fresh, creative ideas,” he says.
  
  Maintaining curiosity is just as important. “Being open to new technologies and fields is what enables researchers to continually break new ground and produce original results.”

Xu extends an open invitation to aspiring researchers from all backgrounds to join Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore. “We offer a unique platform that blends cutting-edge research with real-world impact,” he says. “It’s a place where you can work on the frontiers of AI—and see how your work can help transform industries and improve lives.”

To learn more about current openings at the Singapore lab, please visit our careers page (opens in new tab). 

Opens in a new tab

The post Xinxing Xu bridges AI research and real-world impact at Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore appeared first on Microsoft Research.

If you haven’t heard of AdultFriendFinder, honestly, consider yourself lucky. This online platform has seriously earned its reputation for being one of the raunchiest and spammiest "dating" sites cluttering the internet.

Sure, the name sounds wholesome and innocent enough, right? But peel back those endless paywalls, and what you find is a digital den packed with X-rated content, questionable profiles, problematic language, and aggressive marketing tactics that seem way more interested in your wallet than your actual experience. They constantly push you to spend more money for basic functions. (Oh, and did I mention it’s also visually offensive? Seriously ugly, aesthetically speaking.)

The best way to describe the AdultFriendFinder website (no app) is through its overall layout, which feels like a relic from the early 2000s. It's a mess of flashing banners, intrusive ads, and a user interface so poorly designed it feels intentionally built to overwhelm and confuse anyone brave enough to sign up. You know that scene in Because I Said So where Diane Keaton’s character awkwardly stumbles upon AdultFriendFinder while trying to vet dates for her daughter? Yeah, that's the energy.

But is there anything redeemable behind the chaos? In this review, we do a deep dive into the AdultFriendFinder experience to figure out exactly how it works (or doesn't), what features it offers, and whether it actually connects people looking for hookups.

This site is for making adult "friends," not friends who are adults. Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder What is AdultFriendFinder?

AdultFriendFinder is one of the most well-known sites for finding quick sexual encounters, regular hookups, and literally anything else even remotely related to sex. The rowdy feed of matches, jumble of explicit photos, and stimulating calls-to-action offering all types of sex make it heaven for anyone looking for a good time with no filter — and hell for someone who wouldn't be caught dead clicking on a "There are hot singles in your area" ad.

SEE ALSO: Tired of Pornhub? These raunchy dating sites are worthy alternatives.

On AFF, you can find someone to sext via messaging or video chat (and plan to get it on IRL, if that's what you're looking for), watch live streams, or join niche group chat rooms to connect with other members. You can easily view photos and videos from other members, though interacting is often locked behind a paywall. Is it worth $20-something per month? Depends on how much fishy content you're willing to overlook for a juicy sexting session and the ability to actually send messages.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder Learn More

So, who's actually on this platform? According to SimilarWeb's data for July 2025, AdultFriendFinder pulls in around 11.3 million visits around the world per month. While they might flash huge, questionable stats like "98,897,765 hot photos" and "3,495,277 connections" on their signup page (seriously, what do those even mean?), the actual traffic numbers paint a picture of a site that's seen better days. AdultFriendFinder's ranking has slipped significantly; as of July 2025, it was ranked around 66th in the Adult category in the U.S., a notable drop from previous years. This suggests people might be finding better alternatives elsewhere.

SEE ALSO: Is Tinder Platinum worth it? I tried it for 3 months to find out.

Specifics on the demographic that most people care about — the gender ratio — can be hard to track down. According to SimilarWeb, the audience is roughly 78 percent male and 22 percent female. This kind of imbalance is pretty common on hookup-focused sites. It means it's likely a paradise if you're a straight man, maybe hit-or-miss if you're a straight woman or LGBTQ man, and probably an actual hellscape if you're an LGBTQ woman trying to navigate it.

On the flip side, AFF does let you identify as and search for a man, woman, a couple, or trans. They've made some attempts to be a "sex-positive" site with blogs, groups, and even a "sex academy." However, their language around the LGBTQ community has historically been anything but inclusive or positive. Previously, the AFF sign-up page listed "TG/TV/TS" as the "trans" gender selection — we'll let you infer what those stand for. After reaching out to AdultFriendFinder about it, this language has improved somewhat with more gender options that are appropriately labeled, though "trans" is still a separate selection from "man" or "woman," which feels more like fetishization than inclusivity.

To their credit, they do offer a handful of sexual orientation options beyond just straight or gay, which is a small positive. But honestly, for a site trying so hard to be sex-positive, having a variety of sexual orientations represented shouldn't exactly be a groundbreaking surprise.

The sexual oreintation selection is a bit more inclusive than the "searching for" section. Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder Is AdultFriendFinder legit?

As far as legitimacy goes, AdultFriendFinder is a real site with real users. However, the question is whether you can really find what you're looking for there, or if you'll mostly find a bunch of bots and scammers. Many users report that it feels like a scam site due to the number of fake profiles and the pressure to spend more money. Compared to other legit sites, its reputation is definitely questionable.

Because AFF is pretty spammy, it's hard to tell how many active members are actually using the site. The Trustpilot score isn't reassuring either.

SEE ALSO: 10 fastest-growing fetishes of 2025 so far

From the start, AdultFriendFinder makes it clear that it's not really aiming to build long-term relationships. The site emphasizes casual hookups and even allows for explicit content, so users know what they're getting into. But if you're looking for something more than just a one-night stand, you might want to consider other platforms.

One of the biggest turnoffs for potential users is that so many features are locked behind a paywall. While you can technically sign up for free, you can't do much beyond browse profiles or view photos from other members. Free members have very limited interaction options; you typically need to upgrade to send messages or see anything substantial. There’s also a brand-new age verification feature that won’t let you past the home page unless you verify you’re actually of age. You can either take a photo of your face to confirm your age or upload a valid photo ID that confirms your birth date. (Honestly, we’re glad they’re at least trying to protect minors from seeing anything they shouldn’t be seeing or connecting with pervy older people.)

There's brand-new age verification feature that won’t let you past the home page unless you verify you’re actually of age. Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder How does AdultFriendFinder work?

Signing up takes like 30 seconds. Seriously, just an email, username, password, and a quick intro will do. Of course, you'll have to go through the age verification process too, but it's pretty quick.

Once you're in, brace yourself for the instant notification spam; apparently, a gray silhouette is enough to attract attention here. To even think about connecting with someone real, you absolutely have to add photos and details to your profile — essentially, prove you're not just another bot contributing to the noise.

AdultFriendFinder features a personality questionnaire to personalize your profile and up your chances of finding a compatible match. Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder

After registering, there are a ton of ways to personalize your account (way more than you'd expect for a hookup site, honestly). The more you fill out, the better your chances of meeting someone (and improving your sex life). There are the basic physical appearance questions about eye and hair color, and since I identified as a woman, cup size was an option. (If you identify as a man, I'm sure you can guess what question they ask.)

SEE ALSO: How to unblock Xnxx porn for free

The site also features a Personality Type test and a "My Kinks" form where you can select whether or not you're "curious about, into, or can't live without" a certain kink (e.g., anal, bondage, role play, etc.). It also lets you choose whether you're a voyeur, the giver, or the receiver.

One weird thing about the Personality Type test is that it asks several questions about whether or not you enjoy shopping at discount stores — not really sure what that's about. It also asks whether or not "a quiet time for prayer should be allowed in school." You can choose "strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, somewhat agree, or strongly agree."

Once you finish the personality test (20 questions), you can opt to have your Personality Type show up on your profile or have it hidden. It will also show you which personality types complement yours.

Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder Matching on AdultFriendFinder: What to expect

Here’s what you can expect when you're looking for a connection:

• Like a traditional dating site, AFF throws a collage of potential matches at you, showing who's online or nearby. But any resemblance to a "traditional" site stops there.

• You barely have to scroll before noticing that there's no shortage of nudity. Depending on whether you set your preferences to men, women, or both, you'll see all of that stuff up close, personal, swinging around, in action. You name it, it'll pop up.

• You can try to refine your results by gender, age, location, race, sexual orientation, body type, etc., but good luck making a dent in the sheer volume of profiles (real or otherwise).

• The message section looks weirdly like old Gmail. You'll get a mix of messages; some might be genuinely friendly, but expect a fair share of instant, crude ones too. It's the online dating equivalent of creeps on Tinder, but amplified.

SEE ALSO: Tinder releases yet another feature to stop inappropriate messages How much does AdultFriendFinder cost?

You can do a decent amount of looking without paying (this includes browsing profiles, getting limited messages, and hitting up some chat rooms). But hit any of that "juicier hidden content" or try to actually talk to someone, and you'll smack into a paywall or the site's non-monetary currency, "points." You earn points through activity on the free version, which is kind of like playing a mini-game just to unlock basic functionality.

To really get anywhere, especially if you're a guy looking for women (as some on Reddit noted, women prefer paid members for perceived credibility), you'll need a Gold membership. The prices bounce around a bit, but generally, the longer you commit, the cheaper the monthly rate. Expect to pay around $27.95 for one month, about $20.95 per month for three months, or roughly $14.95 per month if you go for a full year.

Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder

The site shoves other add-ons at you, too, including features like "Voyeur" for enhanced viewing, "Interaction" for better messaging (yes, paying extra to message better), "Chat Plus," and "Advanced Search." These layer on costs, meaning the price you see for Gold might not be the actual price of a usable experience.

AdultFriendFinder also gives members the option to confirm their identity with ConfirmID. If you do this, the site promises to give you two weeks of Gold for free. The ConfirmID works by entering your legal first and last name, home address, gender, and date of birth, and uploading a copy of your driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID.

If you spend more quality time on the site than expected, springing for a paid membership is definitely something to consider. Once you're paying, you basically become royalty on the site: Your profile will appear way higher in searches, you can use the most advanced searches, unlock profiles with private photo albums, check out video profiles, and message to your heart's content. A general rule is that increased involvement and payment on your end generally equals more success on the website, as your constant activity and heightened searchability make it easier for others to find you.

So, does AdultFriendFinder work?

Once you get past the in-your-face sexplosion of naked profile pictures, horny AIM-era profile names, and explicit videos, the big question is: Does AdultFriendFinder actually work? Like, can you realistically log on and find what you're looking for? The short answer is... maybe, but probably not as well as you'd hope.

Let's put it this way: AFF might work if you are very open-minded, specifically looking to blow off steam with casual sex or explore niche kinks, and you're completely over the slow pace of traditional dating sites. It has a ton of activities, ranging from direct messaging, sending virtual gifts and tips, watching live videos of people in your feed, joining adult chat rooms that can get very niche, or entering photo contests.

Aside from the NSFW content, the website is relatively straightforward (albeit ugly). Every feature is advertised in big letters, notifications are displayed clearly with labels, and you don't really have to click around to find anything. This makes it super accessible for users of all ages, even those who aren't tech-savvy and can't even figure out Facebook. Buttons are all over the place, but you figure it out after messing around for a few minutes.

AdultFriendFinder is like a PornHub that you can interact with.

Think of AdultFriendFinder as the dating site version of New York City — it never sleeps. It's like that booty call who's always awake when you text them. Or at least that used to be the case... 10 years ago. What was once a hot site that a few Reddit users were quick to hype up is now one of the dating sites that Reddit users can't help but diss — in the few instances that AFF is even being discussed at all. It's notable that, on a site where online dating is such a mammoth topic of discussion, AdultFriendFinder has rarely been mentioned in a positive light since the early 2010s. The Reddit community is diverse and open-minded; if a dating site exists, someone on Reddit has used it and has an opinion. When an innocent soul does ask if it's legit, AFF usually gets dragged for sketchy pricing and being riddled with fake profiles.

However, some Reddit members have praised AFF as a site for men meeting men. Even so, the site's still buggy and isn't exactly great for meeting real people who aren't, as one Reddit user so eloquently put it, "busted and unstable."

SEE ALSO: Is Bumble Premium worth it? I tried it for 2 months to find out. Good for: Very open-minded people looking to blow off steam

Stating the obvious, AdultFriendFinder is a space for people who want to bang with no strings attached, people who are in a sexual rut, people who are tired of porn, and people who find sites like eharmony boring. Getting to know someone for weeks before meeting up can be exhausting, and sometimes, you want to skip the small talk and do the dirty with a random. It's gonna get kinky out there, and that's great for those who are dying to blow off steam and want someone who will respond well to a brusque, sexy message.

As with all dating sites, catfishing is a big buzzkill. Your chances of being pursued are way higher if you have a lot of pictures of the same person (AKA you), videos, and a genuine profile that lets people know they're not dealing with something sketchy. Even if you've had bad luck with online dating in the past, AdultFriendFinder is the place to be honest.

SEE ALSO: What is consensual non-monogamy? Bad for: People looking for a real relationship and the entire socially conscious community

If you're a cynic, conservative by any means, get sketched out easily, or aren't a fan of dick pics, you'll probably hate it. Similarly, if you appreciate a well-crafted, aesthetically pleasing website that feels safe, no matter how badly you want to have sex, one glance at the landing page likely signals that it's not for you.

AdultFriendFinder is not the place to be if you're trying to make friends unless "with benefits" is tacked onto the end. Every inch of the site screams: "This website is used to have sex," and you should really listen to that.

As illustrated by the flood of artsy activism guides on Instagram in recent years, it's clear what content appeals to young people on the internet: Something aesthetically pleasing, shareable, and digestible. The "shareable" part doesn't totally apply to online dating, but apps like Hinge and OkCupid closely follow this design trend by limiting the number of words (and ads) in each tab, steering clear of endless scrolling, and ensuring that important info isn't cluttered with flashing clickbait.

AFF could do so much more to make people take it seriously

We're not knocking a quick hookup or no-strings-attached relations. This isn't about morals. Genitals are quite literally in your face from the moment you make an account, and that's just not cute. There are chiller ways to go about insinuating that this is a hookup website without feeling like you're trapped in a sex dungeon with strangers.

I could not get past the fact that the entire site looks like it's about to invite five viruses to your computer. We're talking terrible graphics that look like they were made on Microsoft Paint and pictures of women who look like they're from Pornhub in 2007. (That's when AdultFriendFinder was officially sold and rebranded from its original parent company.) Reddit user Snoo53279 summed it up in a comment from July 2020: "The people on AFF are definitely real, but there is a huge smattering of bots that also get in the way, so it can be a bit of a PITA to use." If they're not bots, they could be men posing as a couple to seem less threatening.

The parade of women on the landing page is questionable for two reasons. This shouldn't even need to be clarified, but not everyone is looking for a woman. At the least, the advertising isn't inclusive — but this crosses into fetishization territory. The cherry on top is that the women in the photos (unsurprisingly) probably aren't even members of the site, according to a disclaimer at the bottom of the landing page.

SEE ALSO: What is cockfishing? Why some men lie about their size on dating apps.

AdultFriendFinder's overall outdated vibe goes past an aesthetic annoyance — it's downright problematic at times. The lack of inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community is nearly unforgivable, and we'd be scared to see some of the related rhetoric that AFF users feel comfortable spewing. Without even a dash of social awareness, it's hard to see how anyone who's not an out-of-touch straight cis man would feel comfortable on this site.

Attempting to navigate the shoddy design might be enough to smother your horniness. Three main issues can make the site borderline unusable: It looks shady as hell, an alarming portion of the user base is made up of bots and spam accounts, and the user interface itself is outdated and rife with bugs.

Adding to the sketchiness, a network hack in 2016 exposed around 412 million accounts, including "deleted" accounts that weren't actually deleted from the database. If this is enough reason for you to fall back on Tinder for finding a friend with benefits, we don't blame you. Signing up with a burner email and avoiding using your real name as a username are wise moves (pick a naughty word and add 69 to the end, IDK), though keeping your personal information private is hard when credit cards are involved.

In 2007, AFF was involved in a lawsuit with the FTC over allegations that the site used malware to send explicit pop-up ads to computers owned by people who hadn't signed up for the service. Though we haven't seen reports like this recently, so we're hoping those ridiculous ads you see are at least confined to people who actually use the site.

AdultFriendFinder alternatives

Given AdultFriendFinder's... challenges... you're probably wondering where else you can look for casual connections or kink exploration online. While AFF might feel slightly more "legit" than sites with names that scream spam (you know the ones), there are definitely much better places to spend your time and money.

Here are a few alternatives that offer a significantly better experience:

• Pure: Think of Pure as a more modern, less eyeball-assaulting option for no-strings-attached hookups. It has a sleek, "hella-millennial" design (way better than AFF's retro mess) and features like self-destructing messages and profiles that disappear after an hour, giving it a casual, in-the-moment feel. It's basically a sexier, more private Snapchat for hookups.

• Feeld: If you're a single or couple looking for group sex, polyamory, or exploring LGBTQ+ friendly dynamics, Feeld is a much better bet than navigating AFF's often problematic space. It's designed for open-minded individuals and couples and is generally praised for being more inclusive (though it had some bugs after a recent update, which seem to be getting addressed). It skips the unicorn hunting and rampant fetishization found elsewhere.

• Mainstream Apps (like Hinge or OkCupid): While not strictly hookup-focused, even mainstream apps offer a more palatable and less spammy user experience. Their design is cleaner, there's less ad overload, and they prioritize clear information over flashing explicit content, which some users might find a relief compared to AFF's chaos.

Ultimately, you have options that are more modern, more inclusive, and simply less likely to make you feel like you need a virus scan after logging on.

SEE ALSO: Best hookup apps and dating sites to find casual sex with no strings attached The final verdict: Is AdultFriendFinder worth it?

AdultFriendFinder is a low-pressure way to find a friends-with-benefits situation without insulting anyone. Everyone is pretty much there for the same reason, and though it'll feel pretty unorthodox if you've only ever used Tinder to scope this type of thing out, AFF's blunt advertising at least means you won't have to explain that you're not looking for a relationship. It's niche-friendly and has a ton of interactive outlets to indulge your primal urges.

But that freedom comes with a price — the price is feeling like one of those people who fall for the ads that pop up before a free Pornhub video. It's not that a site dedicated to sex and sexting is inherently scammy — it's that AdultFriendFinder drowns you with explicit photos on profiles that might not even be real people while asking you to pay for a subscription with every click.

Unfortunately, no matter how in the mood you are, some people aren't cut out for the nothing-left-to-the-imagination approach with grammar mistakes all over the place. It wants to be sex-positive so badly, but the language the site has used in reference to the trans community is the furthest thing from that.

The site's functionality and safety aren't where they need to be in 2025. If security measures were tightened, graphics and photos were cleaned up to feel more relevant, and decision-makers behind the scenes were given a lesson in inclusivity and pronouns/identities, AdultFriendFinder could be a handy tool to find attachment-free hookups and connect with a community that's down for anything.

This isn't a dating or hookup site we would personally use, but if you're feeling brave, you can register for AdultFriendFinder here. Just don't try this at work.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder Learn More

A number of Reddit users say that Google’s smart home ecosystem is falling apart — another casualty of what’s been dubbed "enshittification." A July 21 Reddit thread has drawn hundreds of comments from users venting about how unreliable Google Home smart speakers and hubs have become in recent years.

"We had a good run with Google Home, but it’s been on its way out for almost two years," one user wrote. "I only try to do the very basics with mine now, and I’m happy to have lighting, outlets, and inaccurate weather."

Other Redditors echoed these frustrations: voice commands being misheard, delayed responses, multi-room speaker setups breaking, and basic functionality deteriorating. Features that once "just worked" now frequently don’t.

So what’s going wrong?

SEE ALSO: Google is reportedly pursuing AI licensing deals with news publishers

Aging hardware could be to blame for some user complaints. In April, Google officially dropped update support for its first- and second-generation Nest thermostats to focus on newer models. Around the same time, it also cut off support for third-party smart displays. Another theory points to Google’s increasing reliance on AI in the smart home experience — particularly how large language models like Gemini are less adept at understanding context.

In response to Mashable's questions, a Google representative pointed us to an X post by Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer of Google Home and Nest, who responded directly to the complaints:

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

Kattukaran added, "We hear you loud and clear and are committed to getting this right -- and making sure we have a long term solution that provides better reliability and capability. We have been actively working on major improvements for sometime and will have more to share in the fall."

For users watching their devices quietly degrade over time, their concern is clear: what was once a reliable smart home platform now feels like a slow, silent phase-out.

"The best example of this, for me, is asking ‘what’s this song?’ while I have music playing," one user explained. "Originally, the assistant understood I was listening to music and would tell me what was playing. After some backend change years ago, it just started telling me that ‘This Song’ is a track by George Harrison."

That shift reflects a known weakness in modern large language models like Gemini: limited context windows, which restrict their ability to handle ongoing, situational interactions.

"I guarantee they’ll shove Gemini into all the existing Google Home things," another user complained. "And then instead of 25% of the time getting an error, you’ll get ‘I’m sorry but I’m just a large language model and cannot support that feature yet’ 60% of the time."

Researchers at Meta have developed a wristwatch-style tool that can interact with devices using hand gestures — or even a thought.

As the company detailed in a blog post, the Bluetooth device lets users control a computer with their "hand resting comfortably at [their] side." It allows the user to do obvious things like move a cursor around, but users can also type out messages by writing out the letters in the air.

The device operates using "surface electromyography," a non-invasive way to track the electrical activity of muscles.

"Based on our findings, we believe that surface electromyography (sEMG) at the wrist is the key to unlocking the next paradigm shift in human-computer interaction (HCI)," the company said in the blog post.

Meta researchers also published a research paper about the device in the Nature science journal, which explained the new technology in slightly more complex terms — "Here, we describe the development of a generic non-invasive neuromotor interface that enables computer input decoded from surface electromyography (sEMG)."

View this post on Instagram SEE ALSO: The EU just issued guidelines for AI safety, and Meta is already opting out

According to Meta researchers, this breakthrough is possible in large part because of machine learning and AI.

"Our neural networks are trained on data from thousands of consenting research participants, which makes them highly accurate at decoding subtle gestures across a wide range of people," the Meta blog post stated.

In fact, Meta said this process was so effective that the device can even recognize your intent to perform a gesture, which could let you control a device simply by thinking. As Thomas Reardon, one of the authors of the Meta research paper, told the New York Times, “You don’t have to actually move...You just have to intend the move.”

The wrist device could make computers more accessible to people with mobility challenges. That's because the device seems much less invasive than something like Neuralink, given that Meta's device doesn't require something to be implanted directly in your brain.

Of course, Meta's blog post didn't give the device a name, price, or release date. It seems much more experimental in nature than something that's intended for mass market adoption in the near future. We'll keep you posted if that changes.